CurlyPops: July 2008

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Just a minute......in July

I'm playing along with 'Just a Minute' over at Jen's August Street Blog....... join in, it's a bit of monthly fun!

Reading
Sadly, not much....I still haven't finished Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. I've been a little slack.

Eating
Multigrain Vegemite toast every day for breakfast....if I miss it for breakfast then I sometimes have it for lunch instead. I always cook a healthy dinner to make up for it!
I must have some type of chocolate every day (I count hot milo before bed as a chocolate fix too).

Listening
To the new Ministry of Sound compilation album Anthems 1991-2008. It's taking me back to my uni days when I worked in a nightclub. It's great driving music in the car.

Drinking
Still too much caffeine every day but I have a cut off time of 3.30 now.

Making
Too many things at once......scarves, granny squares, journals, bags. I need to go back to one project at a time.

Watching
I am loving Project Runway Australia. I was really nervous about the Aussie edition just in case it was a horribly pathetic copy of the original......of course it's a copy of the original, but it's fantastic. All the guys are hilariously melodramatic, and I love it that all the contestants hate Helen and she doesn't care! The only thing I miss is that Kristy Hinze doesn't say 'auf wiedersein' like Heidi!

I'm also loving the show Flipping Out which is on Arena straight after PRA.....that Lewis guy is nutty and funny!

I can't help but watch Dexter Sunday nights even though it freaks me out.....and can't miss Flight of the Conchords straight after. I really need to go and buy it on DVD because I've missed too many episodes (it's on way toooooo late)! I love their NZ accents and I love Jemaine's lamb chops.

I can't miss the Amazing Race finale tonight too. I am not googling that to add a link because I don't want to find out who wins!

I woke up thismorning to find that those pesky owls have been flying around the kitchen again overnight!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

On My Desk .........on a Wednesday

On my desk today is my new owl house ($5 from the Reject Shop)....thanks for the hot tip Steph!

I woke up thismorning to find that Mr CurlyPops had put one of my owls in the house.....he must have been testing it out while he was having brekky. I'm going to paint it before I put it on the wall in my craft / spare room.

The fabric and bias tape is the beginning of my Mixtogether gift, and there's the usual sewing paraphernalia as well.....

For more On My Desk loveliness, go and check out Kirsty's blog!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Tagged

I've been tagged for the six random things by the lovely Jen from Happy Stash (love that bloggy name....reminds me of hacky sack)!

So the very important rules are:

1. Link to the person who “tagged” you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Let the randomness begin.

I live in Victoria but by the end of the AFL season, I am really really really sick and tired of hearing about football, watching football on the telly, seeing football in the newspaper....sorry I know I'm offending 95% of the Victorian population.
I wash my hands with soap at least twenty times per day (I really don't like having dirty hands).
I could happily eat vegemite toast for breakfast every day.
When bananas were $2 each because of the cyclone in Queensland, I had banana cravings and had to eat one every day. Now that they're cheap again, I couldn't care less about eating banana.
I don't like big dogs, I only like little ones (below knee height).
If it wasn't a fashion crime, I would quite happily wear moccassins all day every day.

So now onto the tagging......hmmmmm I'm going to try to choose some lovely gals that haven't been tagged lately:

Go forth and randomly spill and tag (but only if you want to of course)!

Shattered

Little Curlypops Owl
Originally uploaded by meetmeatmikes

I've had a bit of a lurgy for the last week and yesterday I was feeling particularly crappy so I missed out on going to Brown Owls lastnight...........

It was CurlyPops owl night and Steph made choc-mint cookies and I missed it!

Thank goodness, the lovely Brown Owl has saved me a CurlyPops owl to add to my collection....

Check out the Brown Owls blog for some more photos.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Have you heard the news.......

Thanks to all the hard work and organisation from Pip over at Meet Me at Mikes, the Softies for Mirabel auction has begun.

Click on the picture to go directly to Ebay and make a bid!

Look Cathy....I did it!

I missed the inaugural Thornbury Sewing Bonanza a couple of weeks ago.....

To make up for it, I had an absolutely lovely Sunday afternoon of fabric swooning, crafty show and tell, crafty gadget demonstrations, crochet lessons, crafty book browsing, latte's and choccy biscuits all courtesy of the fabulously generous Cathy aka Big Cat!

Lookie here! After an afternoon granny square lesson from Cathy, I managed to come home and actually make my own granny square all by myself (ok, it's taken a loooooong time and multiple lessons but I finally did it)! I grabbed my crochet book and looked at the instructions and it sort of started to make sense...... Now I want to make lots more granny squares!

.....and look at this gorgeous piece of vintage fabric that Cathy gave me....OMG I cannot wait to make myself a fabulous handbag (I'm not sharing this fabric...I'm keeping it all for me, me, me).

Sunday, July 27, 2008

This is........a boozebus!

This weeks 'This is' theme is free form so I'm choosing lastnight's adventures......

We went to my sisters house for afternoon tea and then decided to stay on and order some take-away pizza for dinner.

Before the pizza arrived, the twins needed to have a bath. While Noah was having a bath, I put Zane on the change mat and undressed him so he that he was ready to go. I picked him up and stood right next to the bath and was about to put him in when..........he wee'd all over me!

We were on the way home later in the night when we were pulled over by the boozebus. I explained to the nice police officer that he probably wouldn't be able to get a reading because I can't blow into the breathtester for long enough for it to register. He was very polite (usually they're snarly when I tell them) and made me try three times anyway (unsuccessfully)......then he stuck his head in the window and said he was doing the 'smell test' instead!

He obviously couldn't smell any alcohol on me.......but I just hope he didn't think that I'd wee'd myself!!!

Head on over to Three Buttons to see who else is playing along....

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Critters in suburbia

Some little critter has been digging in my garden bed......what a mess.......grrrrrrr!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Love Fridays....

Today I love Friday because I have no plans.....nothing, naada, nix.....

There's some lovely sunshine streaming into the craft / spare room so I think it's time to reclaim my sewing space and relieve the kitchen of all the sewing / crafting paraphernalia.

I just went out the back to check on my little Tawny Frogmouths and they're both sunbaking on a branch together today.....the one on the left is looking right at the camera!

Join in Love Fridays over at Cathys Big Cat blog......

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Delicious Mail

My postie has been at it again, delivering yummy little suprise packages in my mailbox.....

Have a little lookie at what arrived yesterday from Michelle.....two beautiful fabrics and lotsa buttons! All those colours remind me of summer and ice cream (yum).

Thankyou so much Michelle....I think I'll be making myself a summery twirly girly apron from these.

Don't forget to head over to Leni and Rose for all the good bloggy tips and tricks!

Birdy Loot

My Name that Birdy winners have now received their little parcels in the mail so I can show the prizes......

First up, we have Sherrins new apron, proudly modelled by the very attractive pool fence...... hmmm, that pool fence is looking a little thin..... it may need some more chocolate.

.....now here's the lining of the apron, proudly modelled by the kids outdoor table on the deck.......

.....and in a speedy backroom change, the kids table is back, quick as a flash, this time modelling Sherrins new potholder.

What have we here? An about turn in the colour range ....... I'm not sure this collection really belongs together....

Here's Jess's pleated apron, modelled by the patio table......

..... and the reverse side. That patio table is showing some talent being able to swippity swap on the catwalk like that.

..... and finally, the kitchen bench wanted to get on into the modelling action, this time with the little drawstring bag consolation prizes for Jess's littlies.

* Note....I am attempting humour...I really don't think I'm very funny!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

One Word

I saw this on Pips blog thismorning and I love joining in so here goes....

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket
2. Your significant other? couch
3. Your hair? multicoloured
4. Your daughter? Nope
5. Your son? Ditto
6. Your favorite thing? Love
7. Your dream last night? Running
8. Your favorite drink? Coffee
9. Your goal? Live
10. The room you’re in? Study
11. Your church? Christian
12. Your fear? Boredom
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you’re not? Nasty
16. Muffins? Chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? Happiness
18. Where you grew up? Everywhere
19. The last thing you did? Drank
20. What are you wearing? Moccassins
21. Your TV? Loungeroom
22. Your pets? Sleeping
23. Your computer? Lifeline
24. Your life? Seesaw
25. Your mood? Happy
26. Missing someone? Friends
27. Your car? Hyundai
28. Something you’re not wearing? Glasses
29. Favorite store? Oppy
30. Your summer? Holiday
31. Like(love) someone? MrCP
32. Your favorite color? Pink
33. Last time you laughed? Tonight
34. Last time you cried? Ages
35. Who will repost this? Steph

Just for a laugh

Has anyone else seen this fantastic artistic sculpture currently up for auction on Ebay?
It ends tonight....

On my desk..........on a Wednesday

On my desk today is yet another work in progress........ it's a gift for two little bubbas who are due to arrive very very soon (so I'd better hurry up and actually finish this one).

Check out who else is playing along over at Kirsty's blog..... you can also sign up and play along!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A hooking nice suprise

You've probably read all about my complaining that I still don't get the knack of how to crochet......

Well then...... I arrived home thisafternoon to find a huge package stuffed into my letterbox (that reminds me that I need to get Mr CurlyPops to build me a bigger letterbox)........

Inside the package was four balls of yarn and the most amazing vintage crochet book that I've ever seen from Belinda at Project Incomplete.
It was originally published in 1971 and this one is a reprint from 1972.

It's so fantastic, it explains everything in detail and has really clear diagrams of all the different stitches.....

It even has this sweet little crochet hook chart....

This is my favourite project in the book....

.....and inside the back cover are photos, patterns, and handwritten notes from the original owner. Belinda left them all inside so that the original owners crochet mojo might just rub off onto me....he he he

Thankyou so much Belinda, this was just the most lovely suprise ever!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Sunday in the City

Steph and I met up for a girls day out yesterday and our first stop was the Melbourne Design Market.......

I took some photo's of Victoria's lovely stand.....

....and I decided that this beautiful 'I heart' necklace is what I would like for an anniversary present (hint hint Mr CurlyPops if you're reading this).

It was lovely to meet Victoria and Angela, and to see Pip......and then to also meet Bianca and Lara around the other side of the market.

I bought myself some lovely crafty things.....

Top left: Wrist strap by Lara (for my car keys)
Top Right: Sweet little notepad by Bianca
Bottom Left: Fabric covered brooch by tu wit tu woo
Bottom Right: Screenprinted linen tea towel by Quince (to make a bag...too pretty for dishes)

We did about three laps of the market in order to see everything amongst the bustling crowds.....then I had the bright idea to go and check out Kimono House and Buttonmania because I'd never been to either shop. On the way, we just happened to spot Clegs so we made a pit stop. After spending quite a bit of time looking at just about everything in the shop, and of course, making a few little purchases, we were on our way again.

We made it to the Nicholas Building to find that the lifts weren't operating so I managed to drag myself and my trolley up the first flight of stairs only to find that both shops don't open Sundays! We checked out another couple of cute little shops while we there anyway.

By that time, Mr CurlyPops had finished watching his footy team lose, so he met up with us and we made our way to Brunswick St for some yummy wood fired pizza....it was the perfect ending to a lovely day!

Then today it was back to reality and the endodontist for my root canal which is why I'm typing this and drinking my cup of tea through a bendy straw.......

Corduroy Goodness

A couple of weeks ago, I was lamenting that I didn't have enough corduroy in the stash to make a pair of pants for 'The Great Pants Challenge'.

I'd emailed Sherrin to ask for some pants making advice because I love the gorgeous kiddies pants that she makes, and she so generously offered to send me some corduroy from her stash that she wasn't going to use. Look what arrived in my mailbox.....a huge parcel of corduroy!

.......four gorgeous colours.

......and this sweet handmade card made using a gocco print and vintage wallpaper for the dress.

Thankyou so much Sherrin....I can't wait to get started!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

This is..........what makes me happy

Summer holidays at the beach.......

Watching my nephews play......

......(even though it's a Collingwood footy that they're kicking).......

......getting together to open presents Christmas morning....

.....and of course, Mr CurlyPops!

Thanks to Jacinta for this week lovely theme....head on over to Angela's blog to check out who else is playing along.

I'm off to meet up with Steph at The Melbourne Design Market.....Have a lovely happy Sunday!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

The dribbler

I whipped up a few more bibs for my nephew Nico......he's teething at the moment so he's very dribbly indeed!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Love Fridays

I love Fridays because.......

I just arrived home and it's freezing cold outside.......

.....but there's some beautiful afternoon sunshine......

.....and my Tawny Frogmouth friends have returned for a visit! They must be a little chilly thisafternoon because they've puffed out their feathers and snuggled in closer to the tree trunk......

Join in Love Fridays by signing up over on Cathy's Big Cat blog

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Rejected.....

I spent the day whipping up the prizes for my giveaway earlier this week..... and then called in quality control to the CurlyPops sewing department to inspect my shoddy work....

Note to self: it's much easier to make prizes and then have a giveaway!

This particular prize has been rejected and I'm going to keep it for myself...my sewing machine really really doesn't like sewing through the thick layers. The stitching on the binding is absolutely terrible and I managed to break two needles......

I'm down to my last sewing machine needle, so I'd better pop down to the shops tomorrow ( I wouldn't want to have a sewing emergency at 10 o'clock tomorrow night and have no needles)!

Here's a sneaky peek of the actual prizes that have been wrapped up and will be in tomorrows mail to my two lovely winners, Sherrin and Jess!

Kitchen Curtain

I finally managed to finish the curtain for the sliding door that leads from the kitchen to the deck.
I had a bit of a love / hate relationship going on while I was making it......

I made the top patterned section first from some fabric that I found in the remnant bin at Spotlight and sewed curtain tape along the top edge. Apparently it was the wrong type of curtain tape so when I pulled the curtain back, it actually fell off the curtain rod!

So back to Spotlight for a different type of curtain tape......

Then I hung the top section again and figured out how long the bottom section needed to be for the curtain to just touch the floor. I cut up the bottom section, sewed it all together, hemmed the bottom, and hung it up again to find that it was about 4 inches too long! I know I shouldn't be using inches (I live in Australia and we use metric measurements) but I was using a quilting ruler at the time! Maybe that was the cause of my problems all along.....

So I took it down again and shortened it.....and then re-hung it.....and thank goodness, the sun was shining and it fit!
It looks pretty good when it's bunched up........ just don't look too closely once it's pulled closed.....

The great thing is that it's made a noticeable difference to the warmth of the kitchen at night and we haven't had to turn the heater up as high (I really should have done this years ago)......