hop skip jump

Ye olde rant about balance

I've had such a blogging block this week. There have been a number of posts spinning around in my head, but then I think too much about them and decide that no one wants to read my dull rambling about my latest soft toy (that would be Winona. She's above), Audrey's slow-moving quilt, my thoughts about where to go next with my little crafty business or even the daily rollercoaster ride that is life with a toddler. There's a lot of self-editing going on around here. Possibly too much? I don't know... I'm just not sure that this has been the truest reflection of me lately.

So here's the dull rambling bit. There's been some talk on a few of my favourite blogs lately about feeling overwhelmed and short of time, and I can really, totally relate to so many of those thoughts. I know you've heard it all before and I know I'm not alone feeling stretched for time on a daily basis, always searching for that elusive 'life balance' (Does such a thing even exist? I doubt it!)

I work from home two days a week. Audrey spends a day at a great community child care centre on one of those days and the other day she spends with my Mum. My 'work' is supposed to be freelance graphic design, but more and more of that time seems to be occupied with making toys. Which is wonderful, and so much fun, but probably not exactly the most productive way, financially, I can help the family coffers. Still trying to work that one out. Even though I have this time, most days I struggle to respond to emails, keep on top of my little business (if you can even call it that), try to be a good and present parent ('try' is the operative word here), and make sure the house is in some vague semblance of order (terribly unsuccessful on that front, our living room rug seems to be perpetually under a layer of biscuit crumbs, cat-hair and sand from the sand pit!)

There are so many conversations happening all over blog-land that I'd love to be part of but there are simply not enough hours in the day. There are so many wonderful (wonderful!) people I have 'met' through having this blog, like-minded souls who I wish I could sit and have a cup of tea/beer and a good chat with. There are so many thoughtful and kind comments left here that I am so thankful for - and that I wish I had the time to respond to properly. Or at all.

I'm not complaining. I'm grateful for my life. Just feeling a little stretched right now. And like I'd like to give more to this community that has given me so much, but I'm not sure where I could possibly begin.

Anyway, that's where I'm at. If you've read to here, I salute you! Thankyou for listening. :)

Letterbox (and stationery) love

Yesterday I picked up the new swing tags for my toys from the printers. As much as I am completely burned out & over doing graphics work, whenever a bunch of newly printed stationery lands in my hands I still get a thrill. I also did cards and gift tags, so now everything matches, which makes the sad-case stationery nerd in me almost giddy with delight. Tomorrow they will be attached to numerous little animal dolls to be sent out into the world. Which is an extremely lame kind of postal segue (sorry!) into telling you about some lovely mail I've received lately...

Reason yet again to be humbled by the kindness and generosity of this online crafty community. I've been admiring Di's beautiful hand-quilted box bags for ages, so jumped at the opportunity to swap her for one of my kitten dolls. I was trying to capture the incredible detail that Di embrioders onto these (teensy french knots around the centre of the flower graphic - wow!), but I was battling with low batteries in my camera. Her far superior photos are here. Di also sells these in her etsy shop. And lucky me, she also included a matching needle book and a delicious block of G&B's. The latter was, er, empty by the time I took this photo. Good chocolate does not last long around here. ;) Thanks again Di!

More kindness. Kristine who is behind the beautiful childrens' clothes at Townmouse (who well understands my weakness for wool) sent some incredible wool fabric, and sweet striped ribbon. I've already used some of the pale blue tweed on a couple of bunnies. It's so soft and beautiful to work with. Thanks so much Kris!

Yet more kindness. Anne Marie of the Shopping Sherpa generously offered to send some of her left over wool flannel. So lovely. Her parcel was filled to the brim with these lovely bunny, kitty and monkey colours. Thanks so much again!

Breeding like rabbits

Earlier this evening I added 6 new rabbit dolls to my shop. I'm still not tired of making these girls; the process of selecting co-ordinating fabrics & seing them come to life is still really satisfying. Most of this litter (from left to right: Ivy, Jonquil, Peony, Clover, Holly and Juniper) are made from a mixure of lightweight wool fabric and vintage reproductions. Aunt Grace is getting a good run here right now!

I've got lots more to report soon... some great mail to share and a doll for Audrey in the works. Also, no doubt anyone who visits here will have already seen Kiddley, but if you have chidren and haven't seen it then click over there fast. This is going to be a fantastic and entertaining resource. My new favourite site!

Hooray for Friday

Ah, Friday. It's been a long week. We have had a lot of rainy cold weather, and earlier in the week Audrey was just about climbing up the walls, displaying some pretty, er, 'interesting' behaviour. We had a couple of friends with children over and I ended up playing referee for the duration of both visits. By Wednesday we were both very cranky, and I can't say I've been at my most patient and calm. I know rationally that it's the job description of a two year old to challenge those nearest and dearest... but after several trying days, rational occasionally goes out the window. Thankfully the sun came out yesterday and we hit the park with my mother's group (we still meet weekly. I love those women!) and came home with a bit of perspective, feeling a whole lot more sane and happy. Today Audrey is at my Mum's while I catch up on a few orders. This little monkey, Howard, is among them. I've been feeling completely monkeyed-out lately, making so many similar little chaps was taking the enjoyment out of creating them. But little Howard was a joy to make and seems to have helped me out of my slump. I so enjoyed knitting his little flower, that I'm planning to delve into my wool basket and knit something this weekend. Hope everyone has a good one, and a very happy mother's day to fellow mothers (and my Mum, too, of course!)

Oh, and one of my kitten dolls, Bess, has become available, and is now in my shop if anyone is interested. Thanks!

Chip off the old block

I promise not to give you a block-by-block account of this quilt. That might get a bit dull. And at this rate, it might take a while. But I did want to share the fact that I have actually sewn up the first block. It's not perfect, but I am really enjoying the process of log cabin piecing. Cutting and playing around with the strips was even quite relaxing! I don't have a firm grand plan for this quilt. I'm trying to use fabrics from my stash, so many of the prints I have only in small quantities. I'd love to just join one block to the other, but if it looks too busy/crazy, then I might run some white sashing bewteen each block. We'll see. In any case, according to my rough calculations, I have at least 29 more of these chaps to complete before I reach the desired size. Cripey!

Adelie and Bess

First up, thank you so much for your comments on my last post about log cabin quilting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through everyone's suggestions and experiences, and am so glad I am not alone in my fear of such a large project. Michelle had the wonderful suggestion that I finish up some of my work, then cut up some strips as a reward, which is exactly what I have done... but more on that when I actually sew them together!

Today I finished these two kitten dolls that are off to live in the US with young cousins. According to their mum/aunt both girls love their pinks and greens, so their cats - Adelie and Bess - have been made to match. I hope they like them. These photos had to be taken right by the back door which is the only spot in the whole house with any shred of natural light on this rainy, grey day. Winter has definitely arrived.