April 2017

• We went to Auckland Zoo for the day with Aunty Emma and Uncle Roman.

• Fox really 'woke up' up from those drowsy newborn days. Alert, smiley and happy.

• We got stuck into the backyard. Creating a bark chip area under the clothesline to rectify the mud problem. We got a bit more painting done on the fence too. 

• There was of course some sewing and knitting on the go.

• We spent a most wonderful and magical Easter weekend away at Mathesons Bay, Leigh. A relaxed time in the teeny Plum Tree Cottage. Lots of ocean swims, an Easter Egg Hunt and precious time spent with Mary.

• Mae got a 'big kid' mattress.

A Handmade Christmas

This year I have been rather organised for Christmas. With baby due on the first of January the last thing I wanted to be doing was rushing around shopping/making things in the final weeks of pregnancy. So in early November I spent an evening writing out a list of who I wanted to give gifts and then perused Pinterest for ideas on what I could possibly craft.

A few hours later I had a few pages outlining all that needed to be done in time for December the 25th.

After completing the list of people and crafts it was just a matter of hunting down supplies; both in the cupboards and with a trip to the craft store. Online shopping has meant minimal time at the actual shops...a true win when you have an active toddler as a constant companion.

It felt rather over the top having lists and wrapping presents in November however it has made for a relaxed December. It is wonderful to have all presents sent to my international family and friends. Most of the parcels and cards have been sent out those who don't live in Auckland too.

Mr. Fox has been rather amused by the early Christmas elf activity. My sewing machine and knitting needles have been busy every nap
time and evening. Items are being ticked off the lists and it looks like perhaps I can wrap the last presents this weekend. A little Christmas baking to be done closer to Christmas and this elf can put her feet up.

I have of course squeezed in some crafting for baby too. A few wraps whipped up with the over locker; extra big and stretchy. Made from cotton jersey in the cutest prints. Perfect for a summer babe. A stack of bibs for both my big girl and baby are complete too.

Light Summer wraps for baby and gifting. Soft cotton dishcloths.

Dribble bibs and regular bibs. A few with Christmas prints too!

 A tiny little jacket of soft wool has been sewn for baby in fabrics carefully stashed by my Mum. These fabrics must have been particularly special to Mum as they were on the very top of her fabric cupboard. No doubt tucked away with a project in mind for her future grand babies.

There is something so difficult but comforting crafting for my little ones using fabrics and wool that she had set aside to use. I tend to always create multiples so as to tuck away gifts for when my sister has her children. Such a tender thought to be wrapping up littlies in my Mum's intended crafting goodness. Oh how much she is missed.

The pattern is free to print; Molly's sketchbook felted wool baby jacket. It only takes a few hours from start to finish and would be a delightful gift to receive. I have another three cut out waiting to be sewn up after the festive season. This combination of fabrics is scrumptious and pretty gender neutral.

Baby jacket for under the tree.

My favourite project ticked off the sewing checklist has been a child size dressing gown. Mae has been asking for her own but I had been unable to find one I liked. Goodness knows why it has taken me so long to realise it would be better just to make one myself.

 I had enough toweling fabric and a beautiful navy owl cotton print to create a toddler size gown. I used the Purl Soho Kids Robe pattern. A surprisingly easy and fast project. Hopefully Mae will be a cosy wee girl next winter.

Finished dressing gown for chilly mornings.

 Many a few hours were spent stitching an embroidered hoop for my dear friend Larissa. Someone who appreciates a tartan and floral combo.  I loved every minute of my time spent on this project. Crafting without a pattern is my preferred crafting style. I let the fabrics inspire the thread colours and let the work evolve. It has been well received by my friend who is a clever crafter herself. There is just enough fabric scraps to make a smaller version for myself.

Floral and tartan hoop.

With lists shrinking and Christmas rolling round fast I am looking forward to finishing up some projects from the year. That green sweet pea cardigan just needs sleeves and the ends woven in. Depending on when the baby arrives it may just be completed in time to be under the tree for Miss Mae.

There is the hexagon crochet blanket that has been in the works for years now calling out to be done in 2017. And with friends expecting babies next year I'm sure a few new projects will be dreamt up too.

Tiny Happy Modern Bonnets

When I need to soothe my heart and quiet my thoughts I turn to the garden or crafting. While experiencing my pregnancy loss I was told to take it easy but to be honest all I wanted to do was throw myself into a physical job in the backyard. To order a mountain of mulch to spread about or hastily paint more of that fence. To move and sweat.

Instead I followed the doctor's orders and found relief in making. In the still moments between putting Mae to bed and chores I sought out my projects The more I created the more whole I felt. The repetition of stitching, cutting and sewing was meditative.

The Modern Bonnet pattern in Melissa Wastney's Sweet and Simple Handmade book is beautiful. Mae has several in her winter wardrobe made by my Mum and her friend on one of their crafting afternoons. The bonnet is a both a good fit for little heads and darling hat. The ribbons ensure that small hands can't tug them off. An uncomplicated project that I could finish without frustration.

Magnificent floral...a little hard to make the first snip!

In my stash I had some softer than soft flannel that I knew would be snuggly as the lining. A dusty purple and checks in white and black. For the outer, the pile of fabrics I chosen from Mum's crafting cupboard called to me. There is surely no better way to use it up than to adorn sweet babes heads. Old fashioned florals in deep colours, imbued with extra specialness knowing that my precious Mum had once selected and pondered projects for each piece. I cherish the knowledge that her hands once held them. Perhaps a little too sentimental for some but a comfort to myself.

The pattern is easy to follow and a joy to sew. It doesn't require much fabric either so it's a great way to use up smaller pieces.  After making a couple and having thoroughly enjoyed myself; I cut out more. In all I have made approximately twenty little bonnets. A few lined in soft tarten with black outers and of course more florals! Each needed ribbons too, so it was fun to select co-ordinating ones from my collections. Happily I had black velvet ribbon for the darker bonnets.

Four await cooler temperatures and will be worn by Miss Mae. One is heading off to Australia for my sweet friends handsome new nephew. The others have been squirreled away for babes yet to be born. Charming gifts to welcome little ones.

Modern bonnets from the Sweet and Simple Handmade Book.

Keeping my hands busy

Keeping my hands busy keeps my heart happy. I have been making time to create more often in past month or so. My unfinished projects are being completed. The entire house except one window has new net curtains. A few more handmade gifts have been added to the stash as I wait for their recipients to be born. The sewing machine has been serviced and waits to be plugged in for another sewing session.

Adding fabric to towels

Sewing fabric onto towels is one of my favourite simple sewing projects. If you use extra soft, high quality towels they make a luxurious gift. I spent a pleasant few hours choosing, pinning and sewing fabric strips on towels for gifts and Mae....now that she is nearly one she needed some 'big girl' towels! I like to do two rows of stitching both for strength and aesthetics.

Completed towel stash

Mae's new towel stash.

A week of stunning Spring days meant that I was able to scrub down, prime and paint the outdoor table and seat. Every nap time I raced out to the garage and got stuck into it. How wonderful it was to get craft outdoors again.

We had chosen a bright blue; Resene Eastern Blue to bring a bit of freshness and fun to our backyard. It has turned out very bright indeed! A couple more coats are needed on the chair before it is done. I am looking forward to enjoying cups of tea in the garden without the fear of splinters in my rear! I will share photos when the painting is complete.

Our backyard has a brown fence (it seems every house in the area has the same). I really detest the colour. It would seem that brown would be natural and blend in with the garden but this brown has reddish/orange tones that are quite artificial. Since we have moved in I have been itching to change this to a less jarring hue.

This Spring/Summer I have plans to paint the fence, it will be a long term project......prepping and painting when cublet sleeps. A borrowed water blaster waits in the garage for me to fire it up ( a job I am looking forward too!). At this stage we intend to re-paint/stain the fence in  charcoal. Hopefully this will provide a less offensive and more modern backdrop for the greenery of our urban jungle. If time allows I might just paint the raised garden beds too.

Chilly Spring morning in the park

Planning for the garden takes up much of my thoughts these days. Reflecting on past successes and musing on how to avoid past failures. We have two new passion fruit vines to plant. Our last one died; poor thing was attacked by vine hoppers and it's base rotted. Here's hoping with a little tender care these vines might flourish.

The recent rain rotted my last seeds before they had a chance to grow, all except the sweet peas, sugar snap peas and broad beans. I have had absolutely no luck with carrots. When the clouds depart I'll get some more seeds in the ground. A few hours weeding lately has been good for my soul. I even managed to mow the lawns for the first time in months.

Our fruit trees are bursting into flower and it brings me such joy. But the mud, oh the mud is everywhere. Wearing gumboots is not ideal for hanging out washing line. There are plans to install plastic paving and resowing grass when we replace the clothesline. This should keep the area pleasant to use all year round....a must with all the washing a little one creates.

Finding a great view on a recent wander round the neighbourhood!

Running has been keeping my feet busy. Getting up very early during the week means I can squeeze in a run before Mr. Fox heads to work. It has been wonderfully satisfying to feel my fitness return and get out of the house alone. Running invigorates and relaxes me at the same time.

Now that we have Mae fitness is more important. I wish to a healthy role model and know that it also decreases my chances of developing bowel cancer (Bowel Cancer New Zealand has wonderful resources). Mr. Fox training for the Auckland Marathon is certainly inspiration to lace up my running shoes too! As is the bonus of my jeans fitting better.

The last week or so I have hardly picked up my embroidery needle and I am yearning to do so. We have had friends and family visiting almost constantly. Pa. Fox and his girlfriend came to Auckland for a few days. We busied ourselves with meals out, wandering the shops and most exciting a visit to the Auckland Trade Fair.

It was incredible to see the variety of gifts and wares available to stock the shop. What a big job to keep on top of the latest trends and predict what people might like to purchase. It rained cats and dogs nearly the whole time they visited, only clearing on the last afternoon. Perfect for a wander around Ponsonby.  How special to spend time together. Mae just loved the attention!

This week we have Mr. Fox's Dad up from Fox glacier. He is spending ten days here in the big smoke and we are keeping busy with adventures despite the rain. We have explored the Museum and tried a few new places to eat. Including the Miss Saigon Restaurant in Newmarket; my first experience of Vietnamese food. It was delicious and am looking forward to returning for a special occasion. We are hoping to try out our new to us child carrier backpack we got off Trademe with some walks in the Waitakere Ranges. Maybe even a trip to Rotoroa Island if the rain clears....fingers crossed it does. I am certainly ready for a little sunshine.

New Curtains and sewing machines

There are so many things that I want to sew, knit, plant, enjoy etc but only have two hands and a sweet little baby who seems to be adverse to napping for long periods during the day. Nap times are when I cram housework and cooking in as fast as I can. Starting the mad dash with Yoga at least every other day. Making time to stretch my muscles rejigs my attitude and extends my patience. Like my other projects writing here is slower and broken into shorter sessions. I am learning to savour recording thoughts over a days rather than a quick burst. Finding that I can still pursue my passions between peek-a-boo and story times.

Making our little home warm and dry has been a priority, for own health but most especially Mae's. We have new thermal curtains in the lounge and a new heat pump. Oh how snug it is now. We really can't believe the difference it has made to our comfort. The windows have little to no condensation on them in the mornings and our beds/clothes/furniture feels warmer as they dry out. Poor wee house must have been very laden down with extra moisture. It was certainly worth the hard saving we have been doing the past month or so.

Fiery sky on a cold winters evening

As time allows I have been sewing new net curtains for the windows. Last year on a trip to Melbourne I purchased a roll of dotted net from IKEA. Slowly but surely I am whizzing up seams. Net curtains are a must as we have neighbours on three sides and a park on the fourth. The nets that came with house have done the job until now but were rather too fussy and frilly for our taste. The dampness had left them looking a bit tired and grey too. It is not creative sewing but it does feel good to make savings here and there by doing a job yourself.

The once overflowing mending basket is now empty and I am onto tackling unfinished projects. During my decluttering I have gathered all my crafty projects together. There are many almost complete crafts, started with gusto but left by the wayside after the initial momentum wore off. Some forgotten completely and others willfully ignored because I have reached a tricky bit. The temptation to launch into a new crafty endeavours is strong but I know I will feel satisfied if I just knuckle down to complete at least a few of these tasks.

Spurring me on to 'eat the frog' are my neglected knitting needles. There are some beautiful patterns that I would like to attempt to knit for my Miss Mae Molly Ann. And perhaps even create a few little newborn knits to put away for future babes. A certain fox scarf is begging to be started. Such a thoughtful and awesome gift from my Dad last time he stayed. How sweet it is to be loved by the ones who know you best.

For now the garden is pretty self sufficient. The sleepy weeds lay dormant waiting for the Spring sunshine. Swirling in my head and gathering on my pinterest boards are projects for warmer weather. Sunflowers and strawberries, wildflowers and freshly grown herbs, compost and mulch...so many wonderful delights to look forward too. Until then I am content to concentrate on indoor tasks.

My sweet girl on a blanket I decorated with needle felted flora & fauna

Late 2014

The last months of 2014 went by in a blur of loved ones and sunshine. Not a bad way to end the year. This Auckland summer has idyllic.....days and days of hot, still weather. Mae and I settled into a gentle rhythm as she moved from sweet newborn to chubby infant. Everyday much the same but oh so wonderful. Many hours spent gazing and adoring her.

Broad beans, strawberries and peas

With the lack of rain the garden has needed daily attention. An hour or so of watering to prevent stress and promote growth. A wonderful meditative way to begin the day. An hour to be alone with my thoughts as the wee one sleeps. Some days a longer nap mean that a few weeds are pulled or seeds are sown. The garden is nowhere near as neat and tidy as in previous years but is still as bountiful. Enough for our small family and excess to gift to friends.

Making posies for friends is one of my favourite things to do

Side garden slowly improving

If Mae had a sleepy day I was able to craft again. Oh it felt great to get out the sewing machine and whizz through a few seams and to needle felt. Before Christmas I had a wonderful day with a dear friend and her wee man (just 8 weeks older than Mae). We wanted to create a special stocking each for our babes first Christmas. We cut up an old woollen blanket and needle felted on the decorations. A reindeer for her little boy and a penguin family for Mae. It was a long afternoon of chatter, babies and crafting...a slow moment in the business of the festive season.

A sleeping beauty

When Mae was just a new little being she made soft little noises, often sounding like an Emperor penguin. We nicknamed her penguin and so it felt right to have her stocking reflect this. Her first Christmas ornament from us is also a penguin. I remember reading a blog (I wish I could recall which one) where the Mum gave her children a special ornament each year. A tradition that I want for Mae.

Mae's first Christmas eve with a Mummy made stocking

I managed to sew a couple of scarves for gifts, this year I hope to start the Christmas crafting soon. I really enjoy giving gifts created with love. One of our favourite things we were given this year was a container of beautifully wrapped and handmade Russian fudge from our cousin. It was so yummy. Baking will be on the list of offerings for Christmas 2015.

Whipping up Christmas presents

We were blessed by family and friends visiting. It is a thing of beauty watching Mae and those special people get to know each other. Already precious relationships are forming and I can't wait to see them grow stronger. November and December were busy with social outings and we thank our lucky stars that our girl is an easy going and social creature. She loves to be around people and seems to cope well with her routine being changed (so far anyway!) She suddenly seemed to find her voice and babbled her way through the day. With a little furrowed brow and the utmost concentration she began to converse with us. The longest stories came over the week of Christmas and she kept us all in fits of giggles! I am so grateful to have captured some of these precious moments on video.

Helping hang out the washing

We had our first night away from home to celebrate a friend's birthday. Oh what a special weekend. Old friends, new babies, the beach and cake....winning combination! There was a Christmas party that I helped set up then enjoyed. The postman was busy delivering presents brought online. Lots of good times.

First Summer swim for Mae. Chooky supervising

Little Fox began rolling side to side and grasping toys. Some days she was happy to play on the floor and other days she needed to held constantly which wasn't a problem with many hands keen for cuddles. Lucky little lady that she is. Her eyes became bluer each day and her lashes have finally appeared! Her hair is now fair and little rolls formed on her thighs and arms.

December 21st was our first wedding anniversary and we celebrated with a day trip to Hamilton Gardens. It was a lovely day, just the three of us exploring the gardens on a hot Summer's day. Holding hands with Mr Fox, cuddles with Mae, and reflecting on the first year as husband and wife and thirteen years as a couple. A more wonderful and rich memory than a fancy dinner or extravagent gifts. More us and I love that.

The Indian garden

The Chinese garden

Alice in Wonderland

Christmas was fantastic family time that deserves it's own post. I'll be endeavouring to do that this week. Hope the sun is shining where you are. Happy February.