frills

I do enjoy the light cotton of summer dresses.
I don't like my knees - I prefer frills.
I wonder if this mirror will ever get hung on the wall.
Today is our eighth day of rain.
I miss the sun.

clothkits giveaway

Allison recently mentioned the 70s British invention of clothkits. The greatest sewing creation a beginner sewer could hope for. A step-by-step guide complete with fabric - and the pattern is already printed onto the fabric. All you have to do is cut and sew to your appropriate size. And voila, a new folksy dress...just in time for the Friday night disco.

It was only a few days after reading about clothkits for the first time that I came across some in an op-shop - in their original packaging with everything included. I found myself a great kimono in the most gorgeous cotton so I will attempt to make it...a nice summery dressing-gown I thought. And I do love this dress pattern, the fabric is great too. But as we move towards spring and as I try to declutter and detox I only have to take one look at my wardrobe (joyfully full of summer dresses - both vintage and new) and I realise that I don't need another dress. I want this dress but I don't need it. So, I'm going to give it away.

All you have to do is leave a comment and you'll be in the running. If you really want it, link to me on your blog and I'll place your name in the hat twice. I'll draw the lucky ducky winner in the evening on September 2.

dancing by the sea

Apparently I looked like Jemima from Play School in my dress. Che loved his vintage cord waistcoat and told me he'd like to wear it every second day until it fits him no more. I said that is fine because the best thing about it is that it's reversible. And on the other side is fabric covered in turtles. Perfect really.

In the background of this photo are just a couple of the many coal ships lining up to get into port. I've seen about 10 on the horizon at times. At night when they're lit up they look a bit magic.

pattern

The little things...like the way Che puts his feet together when lying on his belly - Little Frog is his name today. Love these gingerbreadmen-print leggings to keep his feet warm and to make me hungry. Must make Bills iced jumbles (like gingerbread) again soon, maybe his peanut butter & choc chunk cookies too.

The end of the long-weekend is near but I have enjoyed it. A new baby (photos tomorrow), warm soup on rainy days, breakfast at bellyfish with family, yoga classes with lots of students, a new Karen Walker skirt. Love Karen's designs - don't love the price. Such a talented NZ designer who is loved the world over and subsequently charges extortionate amounts for beautiful garments. But thank you Lucie for managing a boutique with a great sale...where the gorgeous high-waisted denim skirt teased me for months with its $356 price tag and then it got reduced to $70. And I was even happier today when I unzipped the side pocket to find this stunning fabric inside:


Print and pattern coloured my day.