Learning something new

A while back, I took our children to our local Naidoc Celebrations. I think it's important to learn about our Indigenous Australians, their culture and to celebrate their achievements. I came across a stall of beautifully woven products, both tradional and modern. After speaking with one of the stall holders about their craft, I knew I wanted to have a go.

Yesterday afternoon I had my first weaving lesson with a beautiful and talented group of Indigenous women. It was very informal, sitting around, weaving and 'having a yarn' over a cuppa and a bite to eat. I came away so inspired and so thrilled to have made a start on my weaving. Their work is amazing-you can see it here. Hours of weaving goes into making each piece. I have a long way to go with my piece. The skill and speed of the women is AMAZING!

What am I making? Well I am not quite sure yet. The piece just kind of evolves and shapes depending on how our hands connect with the materials. So we shall just have to wait and see I guess.

It was so lovely to be mindful of my hands and their work, connecting with the women and learning something new and wonderful.

As you can see, I have a long way to go but watch this space!

Have you ever tried your hand at weaving?
Have you been learning anything new lately?

Snapshots of August in September!!!

When I sat down to write August Snapshots I just felt a whole lot of busy. The diary is scribbled with school activities, soccer training, dance and music lessons, birthday parties. There has been a lot of driving around from a to b to c and then back again.

So I closed my diary and went to see what snapshots I caught during August. The things that really matter are usually caught on camera.

In no particular order...

Harmony's first painting
Sick kids
Visiting the baby lambs at Grammy and Grandy's place
Book week parade
A new dress and a new do..well a new colour.
Signs of Spring
The Mr started his new job.
I began working 3 days a week, which accounts for the feeling of a whole of busy I suppose. I am hoping the warmer weather and longer days ahead will give me a bit more time in the day.
A spot of stitching-a new dress for loobylu. She of course LOVES it!
Bella made the most delicious crepes with orange sauce from the Masterchef Junior Cookbook.
Quiltmaking

Cross August snapshots off the list!

Thrifting lately...

A quick visit to the oppy recently did not disappoint. It's right near our school so if time permits, it's perfect for a quick browse. I'm a pretty ruthless thrifter these days. I know what I like and what I want so a quick browse through means I don't hoard too much stuff.

This pyrex bowl for use not display, though it looks happy on that shelf doesn't it?!
Great condition, great price. $4.00

Pretty doilies for bunting, clothing, pincushions. 50c a piece.

And  this lovely cloche-that makes three now and a bargain at just $1.00

How have you scored lately? Any luck at the oppy?
Linking in with lovely Max and crew.

Helllloooo

Despite my sporadic blogging I am not ready to throw it in yet. Do I miss it? Not really. Do I enjoy it? I do! While there's lots of lovely to look at on instagram, I kind of miss the story telling that you get with blogs. Blogging is kind of like a modern day penpal, I think. Except there are lots of penpals showing and telling and sharing with each other. So in an effort to find my blogging groove I thought I'd do one of those list type posts that record some of the stuff that I've been up to lately.

Drinking: camomile tea
Sewing: a quilt
Enjoying: the most wonderful day shopping and eating with my bff
Making: rocky road
Eating: beetroot relish
Listening: to Microwave Jenny
Wishing: for more hours in the day
Wondering: if I will find the balance
Loving: happy mail from here and here and being so utterly happy with both garments.
Reading: anything I can find by Bill Rogers
Flicking: through Real Living Magazine
Wearing: cardigans instead of coats
Counting down: the days until school hols
Feeling: tired
Hoping: I can pull off photographer at my brother's wedding-eeek!
Waiting: for my orchids to bloom-they are on their way.
Thrifting: doilies, among other things
Opening: a beautifully wrapped gift from a lovely lady. She used to write this cool blog I loved reading.

Depression Glass (found inside beautifully wrapped gift)

Inspired by Pip