Today I finished sewing this tee for Maya. I brought this knit fabric home with me from cleaning out Mum’s house. I recall this fabric being in our green sewing supplies chest of drawers when we lived at Darcy Drive, which makes it maybe 20 -25 years old. I am not exactly sure if this was fabric picked out by me, or whether Mum bought it to make something, but either way, it never got used…until now. I recall pondering over it many times as the colours and pattern of the fabric appealed to me (seriously love the 80′s hot pink!) and obviously I still liked it enough to bring it half way across the world. This really says something as it made it through the over-packed suitcase cull. It was a very small piece of fabric, maybe 1/2 a meter, and so it could be nothing more than a tube skirt or tee for the Girls. I generally sew for Maya, as there is a second chance if I make it too small, that it will fit Elle. Then of course Elle gets it as a hand-me-down anyway. I was feeling tired of making skirts…and then felt a burst of bravery and went for a tee. As usual, this project was commercial pattern free. It was created by my pattern drafting and design. Another sew-as-you-go project, which means I really have not idea what I am making exactly until it is finished. Along the way I kept Maya’s style in mind, which is why there was the addition of the belt. Maya likes to tuck her tops into her skirts as she likes to have a waist. I get tired of her doing this ALL THE TIME  (even though I also like it too!) and so made this shirt with a belt so that maybe she will wear it un-tucked??? If she wears it at all that is!!! Either way, this project feels like an accomplishment as I generally stay away from sewing knits and tops. I am completely satisfied for using knit fabric, using old fabric, and making a top instead of a skirt. Looking forward to seeing it worn…when the days get warm.

Every now and than I become completely obsessed with an item of clothing – usually (always) it will be something for the Girls. I will keep it in my virtual shopping bag for weeks, while I think about about buying it. In the evenings when I am mindlessly browsing the Internet I will pop in to look at it, and re-evaluate its’ appeal. Often these obsessions will fall away and  my shopping bag is once again empty…that is unless I am hooked by a sale. Which brings me to an irresistible purchase and a sale to tell you about. Garnet Hill are having a 20% off + free shipping on Children’s Clothing, which you can access here by telling a friend about Garnet Hill. I have had this pretty cover-up in my shopping bag since I spotted it at the Spring preview and after receiving the discount e-mail today I went ahead and ordered the pink for Maya (it was a hard choice to decide which one!). Virtual shopping is a lot of fun, and I know I am not the only one out there who does it! So dear friends, if you happen to have something for your little one in your Garnet Hill shopping bag that you can’t resist…go ahead and shop!

With a cozy snowed in weekend, we enjoyed being tucked away indoors occupied with wintry activities. Maya started early with a snow inspired puppet show. I love to see her setting up a puppet show, and always offer my help so her ideas flourish. The main character of this puppet show was a fox that lived in a den, in the winter woods. The whole scene was just delightful – a white muslin blanket for snow, a hand printed fir tree backdrop and wooden Waldorf toys.

While rummaging for drawing paper I had found a piece of paper that we had done practice prints on when we made our Christmas cards the year before last. I had brought it downstairs because it had seemed seasonally relevant. Maya then went to work on it further with coloured pencils, making it look more like a landscape, and it made for a really lovely backdrop. It was then decided that the Fox needed a baby in her den, and so I went to work needle felting a fox kit. It is so much fun needle felting, such a satisfying hobby, I think we might actually need two.

I needed a few melamine cups to take with us on Winter hikes and I found some cute options at Love Mae, which I just adore. These tumblers are perfect as they feel solid like a ceramic mug, but are not breakable, and are without handles so stack well. I bought two each of the flower bed, and crosses tumblers. You will likely see us using them many times during the colder months. If you need some outdoor stackable tumblers, then I highly recommend this artistic version. Also check out the beautiful Love Mae fabric wall decals – the cutest decals around!

One of the best days out we had while in Australia was to visit Crystal Castle. To me Crystal Castle is the epitome of the North Coast of NSW. When I think about all of the wonderful things the region offers, and why people flock to the area for holiday, Crystal Castle rolls it all into one. It is mythical and enchanting, and time spent there will have you feeling relaxed and refreshed with an awakened spirit.

“Nestled in Byron’s beautiful hinterland, the Crystal Castle offers an enchanting getaway reflective of the spirituality and element of escapism that the area is famous for. A lifetime of passion has seen the magical grounds transformed into an inspirational, tranquil and breathtakingly beautiful landscape like no other. Mystical statues, amazing crystals, exquisite jewellery and delicious delights await visitors, etching fond memories in the minds of all who pass through it’s gates.”

Grandma came along with us for this adventure and I am so glad she did. Grandma had never before been to Crystal Castle and really enjoyed her day there, despite her broken foot. The gardens were thoughtfully designed for all ages and capabilities with benches placed where one can sit in the shade and appreciate the breathtaking grounds. Grandma was able to rest while the Girls and I further explored the magnificent property including, the Buddha Walk, the Labyrinth and the Rain-forest Walk, all done with a complimentary Sun-brella (or umbrella, depending on the day!).

It has been five years since I was there last and I was delighted to see that the tropical gardens were lush and abundant, more than ever. One of the wonderful things about a place like this is that you can guarantee it will get better over time. Having grown up in this area, with knowing that the land was once a cleared paddock, I was awestruck by the amount of work, and the dedication involved to manifested this vision. What makes it more special though, is that the owners, Naren and Sona enjoy it so very much.

We were blessed on this visit to encounter the Gyuto Monks of Tibet, with Maya actually being called over for a blessing. They were at Crystal Castle specifically for the preparation of the Stupa core – that we watched being planted. Naren and Sona considered it a “Historical moment” and I was completely caught up in the enthusiasm, it was such a pleasure to witness the fruition of their dreams.

After several hours in the gardens, building fairy houses and watching the Stupa Project, we took time to wander the gift shop and sit in the Lotus Cafe. The Children enjoyed choosing crystals to fill a little pouch each and I enjoyed being in the midst of the magical beauty. I find it very powerful being surround by the crystals energy. The cafe, overlooking the hinterland, offers delicious healthy food – breakfast, lunch or a gourmet coffee break. The food on offer reflects the quality taste evident throughout Crystal Castle. Organic, fair trade, local, fresh, pure and wholesome.

We look forward to visiting Crystal Castel again one day, and seeing the positive growth and change that will happen between now and then. I am grateful to be able to visit a place like this, and thankful for the feelings of fundamental goodness one gets from the experience.

When you hear good news, you just have to share it. A talented Graphic Designer and Chalk Artist friend of ours, Dana Tamanchi recently chalked the cover of O Magazine for the February 2012 issue. This is the first hand drawn issue of O Magazine, and we are very excited that it was done by Dana – what an accomplishment. This past year, Dana collaborated with Ralph Lauren and West Elm, all so very impressive….and now O Magazine…I can only guess what will be next! Take a moment to look at what Dana can do with chalk …

Dana, whom Cam worked with at Spotco visited our house a couple of years ago for a sewing lesson. Afterwards she offered to do a chalk drawing for me. I appreciated her kind offer, and said that when I bought a chalk board, I would love her to. I have been visualising a large chalkboard in our renovated kitchen, and could imagine Dana’s talents on display…Goodness, I had better put my order in quick with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Lauren and West Elm using her talents, I may be waiting in line!

With some zippy sewing – and the added ease of repeat production, I finished Maya’s Matryoshka hot water bottle cover yesterday. As you can see it is identical to Elle’s hot water bottle cover in design, but with different fabrics. This one is as trifty as the last, using another old change pad cover (that had also lost the elastic) and a variety of recycled scrap fabric – including a pair of Cam’s old boxer shorts that I have been saving over the years to make a cushion out of one day. I am equally as happy with this as I was with the first hot water bottle cover and the Girls as as pleased as can be. We are enjoying this addition to bedtime, and they look so sweet laying on their beds during the day.

During Maya’s last week of school before we left for Australia her teacher gave her an artist quality drawing book with instructions to draw and write in it while she was away. Maya obviously listened seriously to him as she filled every single page before returning back to school! I have to admit, this was not without some Mummy guidance, as I encouraged her to sit and draw daily while we were away. Partly to do as she was asked, partly to record our journey, and partly because drawing calms Maya, it keeps her quiet (mostly) and still (mostly) with wonderful rewards. Our encouragement and nurturing of her drawing has gone a long way, and when I stopped to count the pile that has formed over the past two months – beyond the full book, there was well over 130 drawings. I photographed 100 of them and then whittled it down to my favourite 52 to share. These drawings Maya has done on her own – and they are an obvious development from this series of Maya’s drawings, she and I were doing together when she was four. It was then that I would draw a fancy dress (with puffy longy sleeves!) under her instruction and she would draw the face and hair and colour it it in. Now, after years of watching me draw she is familiar with forming the lines all on her own. This along with consciously studying illustrations of others’ that she admires. You will also see the skeleton that she copied out of a book – that she then went on to number reference the bones.

With each drawing there is a story, and it is delightful to hear Maya talk about her picture. You will notice that in some she is really mastering the hands, or the eyes, or the lips and then in others the focus has gone into the style of the clothing. You will also notice she tries profiles, and increasing depth into the images by adding a background or foreground of tress and flowers, rather than a figure floating in white space.

Maya seems to be doing three to four (or more!) drawings a day. Usually one is done by 8am when we leave for school and a few after school. Maya can be heard saying some mornings “I don’t want to go to school, I want to stay at home and draw all day!”. I am so pleased this has become our family routine. During the time it takes me to cook dinner and wash the dishes she will have drawn three pictures. I should add that Elle too has been drawing, and I intend to do a post dedicated to my other little Artist also.

Doing a post about the Girls artwork is one of my favorites. There have been quite a few posts dedicated to Maya’s drawings, such as Maya and her babies, Spring blossom drawing, Mummy and Daddy drawing. No one can love a drawing done by a child more than a mother, and I have so many to love. I am very pleased to share the latest series, and Maya will be thrilled to hear what you think.

You may have noticed last week was quiet on my blog – it was because I was busy fulfilling my New Year’s resolution to sew more for the Girls. You might recall the folk skirt I completed, as well as two other skirts I have not yet shown, and now this – Matryoshka hot water bottle cover. I am so very pleased with how it turned out and had a sewing buzz when it was done!

I showed my project to my friend last week, explaining, “I am making a hot water bottle cover out of my old change pad covers”. Anneliese, who then replied, “I would love to know how your mind works, how did you arrive at doing that?”, which was a good question and so I will explain the process.

With Winter cold setting in Maya commented at bedtime that her sheets were cold. I thought that it would be nice to get her a hot water bottle to make bed time cozier. I then looked on etsy to find a hot water bottle cover, and really did not see any I loved, and I did not want to pay $30 + for something I was not excited about. On second thought I decided to make one myself – which I should have been my first thought! The next step was to rummage through my fabric and see what I could use. During a clean out of my fabric cupboard I came across two very nice change pad covers that I had bought from Land of Nod. Both of which had lost the elastic in them, but they were too nice to throw out – and I could not give them away without elastic, so I had put them in my sewing cupboard to repair. They struck me as the perfect thing to make a hot water bottle cover out of…and so it began.

The fun part of making something like this is working out the decoration and adornment. I decided to applique the front of the cover and returned once again to etsy to look at applique images. I wanted something playful and fun and was thinking about all the trendy symbols and motifs people are using. A bird in a tree, a little house, an owl…and then it was not long until the image of a Matryousha came. A Little Russian doll looks swaddled and I liked the idea of making her eyes shut so she was asleep – the perfect  motif for a hot water bottle cover.

I then went back to esty to specifically look at Matryoshka applique inspiration. I found this shop and based my drawings from the Matryoshka pillow. I have documented the process, a rough sketch and a formal pattern. I deconstructing the change pad cover by unpicking the sides off, and cutting the desired water bottle size. I hand embroidered a face for the doll and then appliqued the Matryoshka to the front of one side. I then made some bias binding from the removed change pad cover sides. This gave a nice finnish to the back opening. I sandwiched ric-rac (salvaged from cleaning out Mum’s house) between the top and bottom pieces, turned it the right way out and tada….a very cute hot water bottle cover for Maya – which has now become Elle’s (who was very helpful by playing by herself while I sewed). Maya has decided to have the other one that is on the way. This project was very satisfying, I turned something used and worn out into something new with purpose, and I think I did a really good job, even if I say so myself….happy sewing friends!

One of the best things about being back on the North Coast, was the easy access to numerous amazing beaches. I can’t talk enough about the beaches in this region – they are breathtaking. During the month we were back, I tired to visit many of the beaches that I grew up with, the first of which was Little Wategos. People travel all over the world to find a beach like this, and so it is a pleasure to share this special sopt.

Little Wategos, which is often over looked for actual Wategos is my very favorite beach (and it is really really hard to choose!). There are a few reasons why I love this perfect spot. Firstly, it is small and isolated. Isolated in a good way, meaning you have to walk to get to it, you can not park a car right at it, and once on the beach, there are no visible houses or buildings. For this fact, you can be the only person on it, and I personally love being on a desserted beach. It is not a continues stretch of beach, but a small cove, about half the size of Wategos. To get there you have to hike along a trail that involves boardwalk and stairs through native rainforest. It is really not too difficult to get to, and the Girls walked it with ease. Secondly, it has grass, trees, and rocks, all necessary to help protect the coastline from erosion.

There is a circular clump of trees that form a canopy and over the years people who like to come to this place have made a beach stone fire-pit in on the ground in the center. The trees provide shelter and they grow in such a way it seems like a dwelling. While sitting beneath the trees you can look out on the beach, then further onto the horizon to see the mythical Julian Rocks.

Little Wategos is the furthermost beach at Cape Byron, the most easterly point of Australia – which makes it the most easterly beach. To get to it you use the same trail you take to go to the Cape Byron Lighthouse from the Wategoes entrance, and then you vere off at one point down to Little Wategos. This is a really beautiful walk, that overlooks Wategos, and then rounds the corner to Little Wategos.

To start this day out we went to the Byron Farmers Market, picked up some local produce for a picnic and then went to the beach. By the time we arrived at Wategos and parked the car, cloud cover was setting in. I was not worried about the chance of rain as it was a warm day and I quite like a rainy beach day. We carried on with our picnic plan, and the weather made for a beautiful moody scene. The Girls were in good spirits after lots of fun at the Farmers market. By co-incidence we had run into two separate, previous Beachcomber Drive neighbours – Gyan and Eshana at the same time. We ended up playing with them for an hour in a fig tree while drinking sugar cane juice. This made for a very sweet start to the day.

When we arrived at Wategos it was about 10am and on a week day so it was easy to find a car park. We stood and watched the surfers for a while and then started on the track up and over the headland and then down to Little Wategos cove. On the way we spotted a pod of dolphins, which gave us a playful display. The dolphins stayed for quite a while – surfing and jumping and flipping. We set up our picnic in the grass under trees and watched them.

The Girls were then ready to play in the water themselves. Time to skip and frolic and enjoy paradise. Eventually the wind picked up too and the temperature dropped so we packed up and hiked back to the car. Taking our time along the way to look in detail at all the beauty nature put before us. It was a heartwarming day and one that certainly made me question ever leaving Byron Bay…but you know, I am Ok with this…