Bookcase Tour Tuesday (meets My Place and Yours - What are you Reading)

I love books. I love to read books. I love to collect books. I love to touch and smell books. But mostly I love how books can transport you to another place and inspire.

And so, inspired, I am going to go through my ever-growing collection of books, to revisit them and on Tuesdays to share some of them with you.

Today's book is one of my recent additions, a very special and totally unexpected surprise that landed in my post box one day. It was all wrapped with a touching letter, some beautiful fabric and a gorgeous kanzashi flower. Thank you so much Marla!

Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter is gorgeously photographed and packed with great projects for a sewer with even the most basic of skills or one pressed for time. The lines of the designs are timeless, often allowing the choice of fabric to determine the look. It's broken into four chapters; Fashion, Play, Home and Going Out.

The book is spiral bound so it's easy to keep open at your chosen page (I do love a spiral bound craft book!) and the patterns, printed on nice crisp paper and stencils for printing project on card, are all conveniently encased in an envelope pouch inside the front cover.

I haven't had a chance to make anything from it yet, but below are some of the first I want to get stuck into; Bloomers, Stencils (how cute is that bird on the bum!), Rattle, Soft Letters and a Tag Blanket.

As well as collecting my own books, when I visit someone's home, I love to sneak a peek at their bookshelves, delve if allowed, into their collection. So I'm wondering, will you join me in a Bookcase Tour? Maybe show and old favourite, a long forgotten or a well used volume. Give us a review, quote a page or even just give us a tease peek, anything you like. If anyone is interested let me know and I'll set up a button and a Linky to start next week.

Until then, happy reading.

Funnily enough, I just went to check out joining the My Place and Yours meme, now with a new home, and this week is about what you're reading! Right now, all my reading is craft books, something that I can flick through in the moments that the little one will allow me. And this is the latest one on my reading list.

The Shave, the Full Shave and Nothing but the Shave

It's done. It's decided. It's locked in. On March 12th I'm shaving off all my hair to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, a rather rare form of lymphoma, in November last year, it was a shock to say the very least. I had no idea what to expect, what my role of carer was to be and how on earth I was going to manage it all with a new baby. Right from the start the Leukaemia Foundation stepped in. They offered caring advice and support, explained the treatment in much more detail that his doctor had time to do and were instantly like a new friend at our sides, one that I knew I could turn to at anytime. They continue to be there for us and have brightened up some very dark days. Through his treatment we continue to meet more people that have been helped by the Foundation in many ways including access to financial support and with accommodation for the families patients and their families.

So this year, I'm showing my passion for this cause and helping raise money by shaving off all my hair (down to a number two blade).

If you'd like to help and sponsor me, please click here to go to my sponsorship page. There is also a link to my sponsorship page on the side bar.

For more information about the World's Greatest Shave and the Leukaemia Foundation, click here.

And lastly, thank you to everyone for all their kind words and support when I was trying to decide if I was brave enough to do this. And remember, if you see a scary bald woman who looks like she just escaped from prison around Brisbane in a couple of months, don't worry, it might just be me.

Shadow Shot Sunday

My first entry into Shadow Shot Sunday. It's an old one from my files but I hope I'll be forgiven for that.

Taken in Matsumoto, Japan.

Flickr Faves on a Friday

Recently I've been really inspired by the beautiful photographic work by 74 Lime Lane. I love the simplicity of her images, the calmness, the soft light. So today's Flickr Faves include a couple of her works (number 1 and number 8) and some other lovely companions.

1. cotton, 2. Spools, 3. Cotton Reel, 4. notions IV, 5. YIP Day 251 - Cotton Reels, 6. I really should wash the windows...., 7. notions I, 8. reel possibilities, 9. .

These images really have me keeping my eye out for some gorgeous vintage cotton reels.

Happy Half Birthday

hello, cupcake., originally uploaded by brantastic.

Dear Little One,

Today you are six months old, happy half birthday!

You really are the sweetest creature we've ever met and the light of our lives.

All the love in the world

Your mum and dad

Trying to Get the Courage

I'm trying to get the courage up to sign up to the World's Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation this year. The Foundation have been such a great source of support for my husband and I as well as more and more people that we're meeting through my husband's treatment. I'd love to give something back, something to help them continue their fantastic work.

1. cut 3, 2. AprilLucyME0124, 3. examination, 4. Untitled, 5. Distortion to Static, 6. tools

The thing is though, and I'm being vain, I'm not sure I can pull the look off. These gorgeous women are well, gorgeous. None of them have double chins, bad skin or eyebrows in serious need of some attention. I'm just not sure if I'm brave enough.

Treasured

My Kokeshi ring was featured in a Treasury by AKJapan on Etsy today. She's put together a gorgeous collection of blue and aquas. Just check out that temari ball!

Thank you AKJapan!

The Sweetest Kisses

"squeeze me!" [EXPLORED], originally uploaded by fat owls.

Today, the little one learnt how to kiss. They are open-mouthed and slobbery kisses, but the sweetest in the world. Like any other time that she learns something new, she wants to practice, practice and practice, so all afternoon, my face was showered with wonderful, drooly kisses.

Starburst Origami

25, originally uploaded by rialynn {Molly}.

Found this image via my latest favourite blog, Kind Over Matter.

Oh Where Oh Where Did That Little File Go....

Firstly, thank you to everyone for their well wishes for last night. I had a ball! The food was delish, the conversation lively and the play amusing. All in all, a great night out. Here's to more of them!

Tonight is a different story as I sit in my pjs trying to list on Etsy. I'm still learning my way around my new iMac and having trouble working out where it's hiding files and photos of mine. I know they are there, the computer is just playing a game of hide and seek with me.

I've managed to list a few items, some a destashing of some of my fabrics in an attempt to get more order to my creative space, and some jewellery pieces. Hopefully more to go up tomorrow. And now for a bit of shameless self promotion....

Lady of the Night

I'm going out tonight.

"That's nice", I can hear many of you say. Many people go out on a Friday night. But listen more carefully...

I'm going out tonight. Me. Out. For the first time in about six months. Out. At night. After dark. To dinner. To eat Tibetan. And to go to the theatre. To see the adaptation of a book I've loved for years (He Died with a Falafel in his Hands). Out. In nice clothes. And probably some of that suck-you-in-everywhere underwear so that I can pretend I don't have such a huge baby-belly still. Out. In nice clothes. With makeup. And perfume. And with a hair style that isn't just a thoughtlessly pulled back ponytail. And high heels (THAT hasn't happened in over a year!). Out. With people. With people who are also out at night. People who probably have lives. So I can pretend that I too have a life.

I'm going out tonight.

In the meantime, I've been playing with how I photograph my rings for Etsy.

With the usual backdrop....

In the bonsai....

On a book...

Oh, and did I tell you that I'm going out tonight?

Coming of Age

Today in Japan is Seijin-no-hi or "Coming of Age Day". With 20 being the age that adulthood begins in Japan, on January 14th, everyone turning that age celebrates. It's also the best kimono spotting day of the year and all the shutterbugs come out in force. I certainly gave my camera a real workout a couple of years ago when I took these photos along with many more.

Wall Space

Usually, the one of the first things I do when I move into a new place is to hang artwork on the walls. More often than not, the boxes of saucepans and cutlery will remain unopened but the house has a lived-in look. That way I feel at home, it feels inviting.

For some reason, this time, after having lived here for more than six months, most of my walls remain bare except for empty picture hooks that taunt me every day.

It's time to remedy that.

For the living dining room I'm tossing up between three options...

A Japanese woodblock print bought on our Christmas travels one year, but needs framing...

A series of three images from Kyoto that I could get printed tomorrow and I already have the frame ready to go...
Or maybe I could get a canvas printed up of another image from Kyoto...

Any thoughts?

Where does one start?

Should one start with the ugly, messy storage shelves, the boxes full of packaging on the floor or the bags of fabric waiting to be sorted into packs?

Or maybe with the clutter on the work desk, the stock under the table, or the mess beside the table so that one cannot reach anything on the bookshelf? How about starting with the almost blank, and certainly colourless wall...

Or maybe the clutter on the computer/sewing table, or maybe the paperwork underneath...

One could start by tidying the fabric cupboards...

Or by sorting the bookshelf.

Just thinking about it makes me tired. I think instead, I'll go to bed.

*** And I think I should add that these photos were taken after the tidy-up began...

I've Been Coveting For a While Now...

Spool holder, originally uploaded by kootoyoo.

For the last few days I've been searching for the perfect wall-mountable spool holder. But none come even close to the fabulousness of this one.

I Covet...

Heather Bailey's studio, originally uploaded by fixerupper.

I'm hoping to get a bit of time over the next couple of days to organise my creative room. Right now, it's such a mess and very uninspiring. Hopefully I'll have some results to show soon.

Dreaming

16/365 - the secret of happiness is freedom, originally uploaded by sweetkendi.

Dreaming of a larger, more spacious, more stylish home....

Dreaming of a life with less chaos...

Dreaming of not having to pack and unpack, then pack and unpack again the car for Boutique Markets tomorrow...

Dreaming of some time for myself...

Dreaming of some sleep...

Three in One

I love pieces that are versatile and so my latest kanzashi necklace/brooch style was born.

It can be worn like this for a bit of sweet fun...

... or like this for a funkier, sexier look...

... or taken off the neck all together and worn as a brooch.

Modelled by my fabulous cousin, Dan.

Origami Crane Cot Quilt

Mum has finished the little one's cot quilt and I'm just delighted with it!

The fabrics are pieces that I collected whilst living in Japan. I just love how if you look closely, there are gorgeous little images in each block.

There are even origami cranes within the origami cranes.

There are some gorgeous little hand-stitched touches.

The quilt out the front of our place... (well the next door neighbours - that's our place on the left, my workroom window in the top corner) and DH's fingers peeking over the top of the gate.

And while it's not the season to need it yet, I just love seeing it on the cot.

I think mum did such a good job on it and I'm thrilled with how it turned out! It's something the little one will grow up with and I'm sure will treasure forever. Thank you so much mum!

The pattern is based on Margaret Rolfe's Peace Quilt which I was originally told about by a very lovely lady (a non-blogger) - thank you to you too Marla!

This Foot Was Made for Walking...

After having bought a walking foot months ago, I finally went back to the shop today to have them show me how to put it on my machine. So far, it's sewing like a dream. And you may notice, that for once, I'm sewing in a fabric that, shock, horror, doesn't have any red in it!

In the Quiet of the Night

... some flowers are being handstitched...

... pendants are drying waiting for resin in the morn...

... the little one's highchair that was assembled only hours earlier is already strewn with kimono fabric...

What's happening at your place tonight?

Love - An Image a Day, Day 4 I think...

A digital design I did a while back. I'm wanting to get back in and play with this series.

Ready For Her Closeup

Our little one is no stranger to the camera. She patiently sits and waits for her photo session to begin...

Then the poses begin... she works the eyes...

... goes for a bit of the coy look...

... gives us a smile...

... until she's had enough. "No more pictures please".

... turns the other way and crawls off.

Sunrise at Angkor - An Image a Day, Day 2-ish

For hours today I've been wrestling with the HDR function on my new CS4 version of Photoshop and just haven't got it happening yet. That may have something to do with not really having the right original files to work with mind you... Instead, I've just cleaned up an image instead. The more I learn about the possibilities of digital photography, the more I'd love to go back and retrace my travel steps.

Flickr Faves on a Friday and an Image a Day, Day 1

Today's faves are inspired by the new year and thoughts of new beginnings. It's also the first in my resolve to try to publish an image a day for a year, images that inspire me, images that reflect how I feel or images from my life past and present.

1. Untitled, 2. La Marea, uno y dos, 3. - 09 - GREEN LEAVES AND MALACHITE // GROENE BLAADJES EN MALACHIET, 4. Handmade Co. Green Swap SENT, 5. tree buttons (dark), 6. Petite Leaves Garland - Women Cotton Blend All Season, Spring, Summer Neck Garland Fiber/Necklace/Fiber Jewelry in Green Sage, 7. Spring Leaf - Stamp-, 8. Green Goddess Necklace, 9. Jewel Tone Green Leaf Necklace