The Cats Pyjama's

This is the Cat, 

And these are the Cat's pyjamas. 

On Tuesday the Cat wears ocean pyjamas and dreams a dream of humpback wales, swishy tails, sea turtles, eels and flippery seals.  What a dream of ocean delight for the Cat in the night....

....On Thursday the Cat wears road pyjamas...and dreams a dream of a big red rig, diggers that dig, a tractor, a trike and a fast motorbike.  What a dream of road delight for the cat in the night. 

On Sunday the cat wears Monster pyjamas and...stay awake all through the night! 

__

After many a trip to the local library to borrow this book and read it umpteen times a day and each night before bed, I finally purchased a copy for my daughter.  Before giving it to her, I crafted the idea of bringing the book to life...the story of Cat and his pyjamas.  So I set to work with a little Cat toy that was in our collection and with a snippet of fabric here and there, seven matching pyjama's in the same theme of the book were made.  Cat can now wear Space, Ocean, Garden, Jungle, Road, Sky and Monster pyjamas whilst enjoying the book.  A little carry bag made from the scraps to transport his night time wardrobe around.

Have you ever brought a book to life?  Created something to help tell the story?  Now that I have, I'm looking at my children's books in a way I never have before...

And if you have children and haven't read this book, please do.  It's one of our favourites.  The Cat's Pyjmamas by Catherine Foreman 

Joining in with this creative community. 

xx

The Pillowcase {a tutorial}

Pillowcases are something we all have.  Some have heaps, some have a few, and somepeople scour op-shops to turn pillowcases into glorious little dresses for equally glorious little girls. 

Until the day I revamped my bed linen, I'd never made a pillowcase.  And never knew how easy it was.  Well actually I'm pretty sure I knew it would be easy, but I just can't quite comprehend why it took me so long to get making them. 

And now I'll show you.  It's super easy and if you have a sewing machine, and can sew straight lines then this tutorial is a winner for you.  If you are an advanced sewer then just be reminded that the simpliest of things can also make your day happy....sometimes we all need a quick ten minute project!

Here is what you need:

Fabric of your choice preferably 160cm wide or in length as then you can just cut one piece.
Thread
a few pins
Scissors
Iron and board all set up ready to go

• Cut your fabric 160cm by 48cm (this will allow for about 2 cm seam allowances on the short end and 6mm seam allowance on the length).  

• Iron each short end 5mm and then again to create neat seam.  Stitch using a straight stitch across these two ironed edges.

• Now, fold your fabric right sides facing to 70 cm which will make 15 cm of fabric over hanging from the length underneath.  Fold this flap back down over so that the fold line meets the short end and secure with a few pins.  It will seem like you are closing up your pillow,but you are making the envelope casing.

• All you have to do is serge, zig zag or single stitch (if you don't mind a raw edge!) down both sides, sewing through all layers.

The envelope opening that you created folding down the excess fabric will allow you to turn your pillowcase the right side out.

Fill with a pillowcase, stand back and admire your work!   Now, go make more in all the colours and patterns your hearts desire! Makes a great gift too!

Simple hey!

Joining in with these creative folk

my creative space {market prep}

With a market on next week I've been spending quite a bit of time adding to my pile of stock....just a few bits and bobs here and there.  It's nice to add new things, but it's also nice to keep the regular stuff up to date and fresh.  These little booties are the result of too many off cuts of fabric and the need to provide for those with feet small enough to fit into them.  I just need to finish off the boys booties but these girls ones are looking rather colourful for the start of Spring!

Then there will be usual preparation that goes with all markets...the table, props, a float and this time some assistance in organising as it's to raise money for our local kindergarten.  I'll be joined by some friends that craft as well, so if your free on Wednesday night the 12th of September come and visit from 6.30 - 9.30 at The Neighbourhood Facility in Prospect Street, Pascoe Vale South.

How do you prepare for an upcoming market?  Slow and steady or full steam ahead on those last few days before hand?

Join in a whole online market full of creative types at Village Voices

I'm grateful for {a splash of colour}

Source: newyorksweethearts.tumblr.com via Brenda on Pinterest

It's official!  I'm over winter.  Over. It!  There I said it!  I know there are not many days to go....(14 more sleeps) till Spring is here....but I would just like a little bit of sunshine and less freezing icy chill!

I'm noticing all the blossoms getting in early and giving me a lovely colour of pink and white as I walk to school....The magnolia's in their gorgeous hues of pinks and purples are ever so delightful, my snazzy purple nail polish my daughter insisted I needed or my bright coral lipstick....man I'll do anything for colour these days! Even the amount of full bright yellow lemons on so many front yard trees is enough to make this yellow crazy mumma jump the fence and bag me a bundle (but I don't of course).

So this week, I'm grateful for colour....because in amoungst the rain, wind and washing all the black clothes that is the Melbourne uniform I am appreciating colour even more.  The flowers, the gold cushions I made, my girl dressing in her brightest outfit or the stack of stunning colourful fabrics waiting for some much needed attention.  I love colour.  I tend to embrace it more...add more colour to my home, my wardrobe, my life.

Colour is good, colour is happy and life would be so dull without it!

What are you grateful for?

Join at Kidspot and now the fun continues on Instagram!  Add #52weeksofgrateful to your snaps and join in twice as much fun!

my creative space {midas touch}

It was love at first sight!  Me and this gorgeous gold faux leather fabric!  Oh my....I think I may have squealed in the isle at Spotlight when I came upon her!  It was not really what I was looking for....you see I was on a search for some bright jazzy fabric for some much needed new cushions for the new couch.....but this.....it was literally GOLD!   Perhaps it was the olympics that were having some subliminal powers over my subconscious, but I ended up buying enough to make two extra-ordinary large cushions for the couch.....but it didn't stop there.....

I speedily raced back to Spotty, a la Bolt style worthy of a gold medal myself, and purchased some more....

And I've whipped up some stool covers adding a bit of bling to the boring brown stools that really were in need of a quick cover -up.  You see, we only purchased them a while back, but little did we know that those little monsters, a.k.a children would be swivelling on them with such gusto that each bang and collision with the stone bench would render them dented and scratched!

 
I could take it no longer looking at those lovely once new stools looking so unkept, that the gold slip is just what they needed.....

The chairs and the cushions.....It's all gold here!  I have more leather left... I'm planning a summer tote bag....or perhaps a clutch....decision decisions....be careful....if you visit I might just adorn you in gold too!

For more gold medal worthy accomplishments, play along at Kidspot Village Voices! 

My creative space {fairies}

A little party planning has begun in our house.  My daughter will soon be four...and all things fairy are what it's about when you are nearly four (apparently!). So with that theme in mind, we are preparing for a little gathering of a few of her friends for a fairy party.

 Some fabric was selected (on sale mind you! double win for this mumma!)  and a dress made whilst little eager watched chanting "is it ready yet?" "can i wear it now" - "no dear...I've just cut out the pattern was my reply!" 

But my little apprentice waited and watched and marvelled at her dress taking shape.  It was too long in the skirt, but instead of hemming it, I sewed in some elastic loops and buttons under the skirt so they can be hooped up creating a lovely little bubble skirt...perfect for fairy business. 

Some fairy ribbon wands were made with Japanese washi tape  and random lengths of ribbon - although I'm considering re-doing these just with ribbon on elastic just to be safe as the thought of little ones wielding sticks all over the place may get a little dangerous and my daughter has already sustained an injury whilst practicing her fairy magic the other day....

We are still to make some fabric party hats, some more decorations and then plan the cake.  

What creativity are you up to?  Does Birthday preparations inspire your creativity?  

Join in the fun over at Kidspot

xx