Making friends

I thought Emaline (Boutique Chic pattern 104 Emaline Skirt) looked interesting from the moment I saw her  and I wanted to be friends with Emaline.

We got off to a rocky start. It's true, you have to "make friends" and it takes a bit of patience.

I confess, it was all my fault. I thought Emaline would be low maintenance and easy going but I didn't read the construction instructions through properly and made a real mess of our first meeting.

That put me off Emaline for awhile but on a friends advice I re read the instructions, and adjusted the pattern to fit. I then recycled some fabric so it was a cost effective experiment and...Sucess!

Now that we have a history Emaline and I are firm friends.

When I saw this Alexander Henry "Matisse" fabric I loved it and I knew it was a perfect match for Emaline. In retrospect though I wish I had of bought more as it would look fabulous in a dress.

Now my "Summer of Sewing is coming to an end. Summer certainly isn't over but I'm back at work, kids are back at school, routine rules and time constraints apply. Also if I am honest I really don't need any more clothes... well maybe a few tops hmmm....

Meet the girls

Finally we have 3 eggs! Not enough for an omelet and they look a little lonely in a carton but it's a start.
Spike, our dog, has come to accept the girls. he is a dominant Terrier and let's them know it but really he is a pushover.
Let me introduce you to the new members of our family.
We have Betty and Wilma because they hang out together and are obviously firm friends.
Audrey is next, she is sweet.
The most flamboyant chicken is called Lady Ga Ga as seeks attention.
Madonna is the consummate entertainer and last but not least we have Clarice Starling, because that is what Jack wanted to name her!

Bloomers, boxers and buildings.

Whilst I have been busy making bloomers and boxer shorts Bruce and the boys have been building a chicken coop.
Liz converted a shed on her farm to a self contained Villa dubbed "The West Wing" so we are calling the hens accommodation "The Chicken Wing".
Bruce made this addition to our urban farm from mostly recycled materials. We already had the chicken wire, corrugated iron, tarps, tent pegs and coffee bags. the reo struts came from a neighbour and the gate and nest boxes from Aunty Marie's. The only materials Bruce bought were the conduit and some star pickets.
There is definitely something to be said for hanging on to things. Myself, I am a thrower outer-er. Bruce keeps everything and usually finds a purpose for it.
So now we have six red hens making The Chicken Wing their home. The girls seem settled and happy and today we had our much anticipated first egg. Whilst this egg isn't big enough to boil, bigger and better are to come. Laying eggs is like childbirth I suppose, once you get the first one out, it's much easier after that!

and more...

Summer sewing....

Adelaide Hills

I have just spent 3 days visiting my friend Liz in Hahndorf, Sth Australia.
It was wonderful to see my dear friend and to step into her life for a few days.
Liz has an organic farm on River Road in Hahndorf. Chooks, cows, horses etc and bees, hence the honey.
The fresh produce, cheese and wines of the area are exceptional and those few days are now definitely sitting on my hips!
I went without my family and the two magic words defining my trip are "by myself"! Only other mothers can really relate to that. I did miss my family but, husband, children, cat and dog survived without me so you know what? - I can't wait to go again!