tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89344791487922892762012-01-30T22:00:31.848+13:00normatika designsRetro Nostalgia, Modern Vintage, Ethno Curios and other fanciful notions...Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.comBlogger4471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-72290428311047770612012-01-30T21:57:00.001+13:002012-01-30T22:00:31.870+13:00new traditions
Our family have enjoyed some new holiday traditions in the bach. To name a few: fry ups of the leftover Christmas ham, digging for cockles on the low tide, lighting a bonfire on the beach at night, stargazing, beachcombing, using a kayak and swimming at the beach almost everyday...
The beach at low tide is littered with tiny jellyfish whose sting causes a very itchy rash. We encountered the Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-9202761472675017892012-01-15T17:31:00.001+13:002012-01-15T17:32:53.248+13:00change in conversation
The last months of 2011 were filled with an urgency to get the bach ready for use at Christmas. We achieved this and it was a very special time for our family - lots of precious memories. When I returned home, I felt different. I have no motivation to blog and no crafting or sewing plans for 2012. So for the next wee while dear readers, I'll be a little sporadic in my blog posts while I work outNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-59271382961755721662012-01-02T07:11:00.003+13:002012-01-15T18:01:05.424+13:00go with the flow
In the early afternoon after a brief rain shower, a beautifully irridescent rainbow spanned the bay. 2012 is looking to be a year of change for us! I'll have all 3 children at school... so that means I'll supposedly have more time during the day to get things done. No crafting or sewing plans so far so for now I'm going with the flow. Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-13553137629370168392012-01-01T06:38:00.001+13:002012-01-01T06:40:25.847+13:00new year120 steps from the bach deck to the beach. The first day of 2012 looks promising.
It's rained steadily here for days and parts of the Coromandel are now closed off due to flooding.
The beach is empty and only the very hardy holidaymakers go for a swim. Hope the sun comes back soon.
Wishing you a happy new year for 2012!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-40438020016396503932011-12-25T20:07:00.000+13:002011-12-25T20:07:58.473+13:00christmas 2011
take care and happy holidays to you all!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-12746539818722968352011-12-21T14:33:00.000+13:002011-12-21T14:33:18.908+13:00the bach
the builders, plumber & electrician have finished and the bach is eagerly awaiting our family. Mr B did a fantastic job as project manager and kept the momentum of work going despite the inevitable hiccups along the way. As this will be our first summer spent there, I'm looking forward to loads of fun times and lots of special memories for our family. Happy holidays!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-18406674856470354732011-12-17T14:27:00.004+13:002011-12-18T10:23:25.234+13:00counting down
with Christmas just only a week away, we're wanting to get the bach ready for the holidays. The builders have finished (hooray!) although they're back briefly on Tuesday to complete the shower installation as we've had problems getting the right rails from the supplier for the shower doors.
the digger arrived yesterday hauled by a R Model mack truck. A trench was dug between our bach and the Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-14016890763356461062011-12-11T07:33:00.001+13:002011-12-11T07:38:08.850+13:00ice cream
my parents had a similar ice cream maker back in the 1970s. In the summertime my sister and I would sit on the back step and take turns cranking the handle and topping up the ice and salt. It was a tiring job and the only thing that motivated us to keep going (30-40 minutes of hard out churning) was the promise of yummy pineapple ice cream at the end of it all. The ice cream was delicious so itNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-88876730681260273962011-12-09T15:33:00.003+13:002011-12-10T19:21:32.516+13:00decorating
the builders have 99% completed the interior building work in the bach. Mr B and Sydney have started painting inside the bathroom and toilet areas as well as some exterior painting too. No fancy colours here. Just a simple off-white shade in the utility areas, warm vintage yellow for the rooms and a sandy colour on the exterior cladding. The electrician is yet to come and there's still the deckNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-53839243920884664892011-12-08T17:23:00.001+13:002011-12-09T05:53:52.974+13:003D paper orbs
my 2011 kiwi xmas ornaments for the swap are these wildly fab 3D paper orbs (now posted). I used a double sided printed card stock to create the orbs and the finished product measures approx 2.5inches. The instructions for making these paper orbs can be found on this site.
up close, the orb looks like a hydrangea flower, bursting with lots of petal colour. These were really fun to make!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-70266123409728451332011-12-04T17:00:00.000+13:002011-12-04T17:00:33.078+13:00santa parade
Mr13 and his school pipe and drums band were part of the Ellerslie Santa Parade. They did a really great job of marching and playing despite the sometimes heavy rain showers. Like everyone else there, Miss4 and I huddled under our umbrella and enjoyed the parade. We didn't hang around for the street party though. Instead we made a quick exit home to dry off.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-77257517269562893062011-11-29T15:52:00.003+13:002011-11-29T17:55:15.744+13:00what's next?
well I've had a few fizzers and flops happening in my world since I last blogged. First up, my birthday plans turned into a complete waste of time (nothing worked out!). Then my insurance company tells me that the person who drove into my parked car at the mall is denying liability even though there were witnesses. Now I've heard that the builder in charge of our bach work is in hospital with Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-45368623271041195252011-11-25T23:25:00.001+13:002011-11-25T23:29:32.104+13:00field centre
over the past couple of months Miss 15 and I have been getting together her gear for the school field centre trip to Mt Ruapehu and Tongariro Crossing. We had a lengthy list to contend with. As we're not a tramping/hiking family, we needed a lot of help and advice along the way. She left yesterday for a week.Today her group made it to the Summit of Ruapehu. The 2nd photo shows how tiny they Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-45506462306980355092011-11-23T15:55:00.002+13:002011-11-25T07:26:18.455+13:00steady progress
Unbeknownst to us, the builders were able to put in about 3 days work last week. In that time they completed the exterior re-clad and have started to finish up inside.
It will probably be at least another 2 weeks before I can realistically get to the bach (it's hard to be paitent!) as there's so much going on with end of year activities for the children... school trips, a birthday, a ballet Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-11985352617407876432011-11-22T11:27:00.002+13:002011-11-22T11:32:53.766+13:00licorice allsorts
this handmade 100% wool blanket is destined for our room at the bach. It measures 223cm by 182cm and weighs around 2-3 kgs. I love crocheted granny squares especially when they're bright and colourful. Reminds me a lot of licorice allsorts, yummy!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-25589764946316235572011-11-20T21:03:00.001+13:002011-11-20T21:19:19.756+13:00on the inside
Hallway view of kitchen/lounge
Hallway view to new bedrooms
the bach interior is undergoing a major rework (check out the photos above). We still have two bedrooms although now they're both located off a common hallway and the new bathroom/laundry has been relocated. Fingers crossed that the builders finish this week!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-15568888967383192692011-11-17T09:45:00.001+13:002011-11-17T12:12:22.681+13:00retro bach update
last Friday the builders attended a fishing competition and this week they've been working elsewhere. They'll be back on Monday and I'm hopeful that the building work will be finished by Friday next week. The front window has been replaced with a sliding door and that removed window has now been installed around the side as a bedroom window. That's great recycling! The exterior asbestos Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-49565257774935775832011-11-15T10:47:00.004+13:002011-11-30T07:02:36.974+13:00Soifua John
sometimes life speeds by so quickly that I can hardly catch my breath or even think. Today my thoughts are with a volleyball friend who passed away this morning. Tofa Soifua and safe journey John!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-37787015153749129662011-11-11T14:02:00.002+13:002011-11-11T20:22:55.723+13:00yesteryear roses
the heritage roses that we bought online a couple of years ago are now making a spectacular show with the most fragrantly scented blooms. The two roses pictured above are both climbers with deep, glossy green leaves. (Sorry, I've completely forgotten their proper names). These roses would love to climb and ramble in every direction. For now they have to be content with climbing on the fence.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-33131413056215756242011-11-09T08:32:00.002+13:002011-11-11T07:05:45.699+13:00retro bach progress
there's been plenty of progress on our retro bach since I last posted. The new addition is a welcome replacement to that awful eye sore that we had. The new walls are true and straight plus the floor is level. We've had a major rethink of the interior so there's been a lot happening inside as well (I'll post about that soon). The bach has a new roof on. The front window is to be replaced byNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-23609974389821584992011-11-01T08:20:00.000+13:002011-11-01T08:20:20.489+13:00start building
the builders started work last Friday and already the foundations are in, the floor is down and the framing is starting to go up. There's no work today as the weather forecasts predict stormy conditions. However we've been told that they'll be finished by Friday next week. Then it's up to us to do the painting etc. I just can't wait until it's all done!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-10521918036580534582011-10-31T14:20:00.001+13:002011-10-31T14:23:36.750+13:00at 92
Happy Birthday to my Grandma Asia who turned 92 today. She asked for a band to play at her birthday party yesterday and here she is doing a Samoan dance surrounded by family members. She's still got the moves!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-26116414531617196742011-10-29T08:58:00.002+13:002011-10-29T09:20:30.385+13:00vintage flexiforms
AVIS - Size A (bust 32"- 39" & hips 34"- 40")
MAVIS - Size B (bust 36" - 50" & hips 38" - 52")
Flexiform manual
please welcome Avis and Mavis. These vintage dress forms were manufactured in NZ especially for the home sewer . As a mail order product, it was delivered as a boxed kitset of 14 pieces. The manual recommends that a friend is needed to help mould the Flexiform to Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-72591230879492494302011-10-26T08:27:00.001+13:002011-10-26T11:27:58.134+13:00kiwi christmas swap 2011
Yes it's that time of the year again to start thinking about christmas and the annual kiwi christmas ornament swap. There's still time to join up, just check out sew funky's blog for details.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-80456592572910628712011-10-22T12:14:00.004+13:002011-10-23T13:31:10.039+13:00doc martens diva
Marlena
Darcie
Darla
When I was 15, I wanted a pair of docs but they were way too expensive so I saved up and bought a pair of tan Nomads instead. At the time Treks and Nomads leather shoes were the popular alternative. One time I wore my Nomads to school and they were stolen from the changing rooms while my class was at PE. I remember being upset that day and then ecstatic the Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-58885170288215222462011-10-20T21:31:00.002+13:002011-10-20T21:34:30.347+13:00demolition stage 2
ALL GONE
today Mr B, Sydney (the off sider) and Master12 made a day trip to the bach to complete stage 2 of the demolition. The rest of the lean-to was taken down. It was a tough job but they got it done in the end. Well done guys!
The plumber and the builder start work next week. Hooray!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-90709839336994395002011-10-19T17:28:00.001+13:002011-10-19T17:31:05.106+13:00modern vintage frocks
I'd been thinking about making myself a couple of modern vintage styled frocks. Then I came across these 2 patterns at the Spotlight sale. Finally I'm on my way to doing some happy personal sewing!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-39582322398474738842011-10-17T10:56:00.000+13:002011-10-17T10:56:52.451+13:00cherry blossoms
In 1998 we planted this cherry blossom tree in our front garden to celebrate the arrival of our second child. His placenta is buried beneath it. This year is the first time that it has had abundant blossoms. Welcome Spring!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-38174760620184488562011-10-16T07:55:00.002+13:002011-10-16T09:00:18.494+13:00demolition stage 1
BEFORE
AFTER
after much anticipation, work will be starting very, very soon on our new bach bathroom. Yesterday Mr B and Sydney, his off-sider, knocked down the awful back porch covered in artificial grass and a makeshift outside shower. That's stage 1 complete! Well done guys.
For Stage 2 they'll demolish and remove what's left of the addition so that a new lean-to can be built in it's Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-24333759498204759082011-10-14T06:46:00.001+13:002011-10-14T06:51:36.251+13:00lavender scent
my most economical project this year has been the making of these lavendar sachets using Whitebay lavender that I bought on Trademe and remnants of cotton fabric and ribbons. So far I've made 24 of these little beauties for the bach with about another 12 to go. They aren't much to look at however they'll do a great job of keeping all the winter woolies and blankets smelling fresh and pest free.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-69732761844151996782011-10-01T13:44:00.002+13:002011-10-05T08:32:19.472+13:00the winner is...
yes, our lovely daughter won the Designers Choice for Emerging Designers (selected by FourFontaine based on technical excellence). She is over the moon with her prizes which include a shopping spree at Sylvia Park, Specsavers prize pack and a FourFontaine prize pack and loads of extra goodies. Congratulations Txxxxx from your very proud mum!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-87355452676710622172011-09-21T18:39:00.001+12:002011-09-21T18:44:28.349+12:00so far, so good......
today I had my first annual mammograms and ultrasounds and got the results back as well. I'm happy to tell you that I got the all clear! So far, so good...
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-87205533075799366192011-09-13T18:54:00.002+12:002011-09-14T05:58:28.806+12:00off the rack - young designers competition
this is our Miss 14's entry in the Sylvia Park Shopping Centre - young designers competition. It's a full length dress made from stretch cotton poplin with lots and lots of tulle. Her inspiration was the idea of being sybaritic. There's 77 entrants in the competition and the winners are selected by popular vote, via Facebook and onsite voting at the shopping centre.
The more 'likes' her dress Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-69297223097764511262011-09-12T08:04:00.001+12:002011-09-13T13:14:18.598+12:00retro magnolia print
From our kitchen window, I can see our magnificient magnolia tree in full bloom. As I work in the kitchen, I watch the petals fall in the ever changing breeze to form a lush pale pink and purple carpet on the concrete. With this as my inspiration, I was determined to find a retro floral picture to hang in the bach.
I was lucky to find this retro print by Wilf Walker on Trademe. It's a huge 64Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-87159254151769493752011-09-11T16:12:00.004+12:002011-10-16T09:01:24.694+13:00the big move
Before we could begin the big move to our bach, we had to do a big cleanup. The previous owners had left behind quite a bit of junk that needed to be thrown out. So that was our first job. Then Mr B had the task of transporting our furniture to the bach. He made 2 trips to the bach (2.5 hours each way) over 2 weeks, firstly with a fully loaded Chev and then secondly, in our loaded up 4WD and a Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-18601949652686439812011-09-10T20:49:00.000+12:002011-09-10T20:49:16.991+12:00flounce and frou frou
now that Spring has officially arrived, I find myself negotiating with Miss 4 about making her some dresses for the warmer weather. Sadly she's outgrown last years sewing and despite my best efforts to steer her towards 'practical', she's determined to incorporate flounce and frou frou to this years spring/summer wardrobe. So we've compromised by choosing this pattern - New Look 6309. With pinkNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-6305758277249854612011-09-06T07:02:00.000+12:002011-09-06T07:02:51.395+12:00sunrise
from the bach deck we're able to enjoy the most spectacular sunrises (and sunsets too!). As the sun rises, the water sparkles and glistens and the bird songs lift. This time we discovered the cockle beds (which are plentiful) and met some friendly neighbours who gave us a big bucket of fish and a bag of puha. We got the new curtains hung, Mr B managed to get some more maintenance and cleaning Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-56967494601346168582011-09-02T06:42:00.000+12:002011-09-02T06:42:18.125+12:003rd blog anniversary
yes it's been 3 years - thanks to everyone who've taken the time to visit here!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-30563059322060905622011-08-29T16:43:00.000+12:002011-08-29T16:43:52.128+12:00chevrolet
A month ago Mr B (my dear hubby) bought a 1991 Chevrolet Suburban (it's an 8 seater) as our bach transportation for our family of 5. It's worked out to be a good buy. We've travelled twice to the beach in the Chev so far and it's been a comfortable trip both times. The children have been able to relax plus there's plenty of room to stretch out and snooze. Best of all Mr B has been able to Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-15712427787543525182011-08-28T10:35:00.003+12:002011-08-28T18:56:30.125+12:00it's curtains for you
there's a pale pink kitchen cabinet in our bach that has some open shelving under the work bench. I've made a pair of curtains in this funky retro kitchen themed fabric ($2 a metre at Spotlight) to hide the contents of the shelves. It will be a huge improvement on the old flimsy net curtains that are hanging on the cabinet right now.
I'm working on replacing all the bach curtains with new onesNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-56531263813911433182011-08-26T17:48:00.002+12:002011-08-26T17:52:52.084+12:00floral cascade
here's a peek of the floral cascade that Miss 14 created to adorn her dress entered "In the Pink" section of the local schools wearable arts showcase and competition. This is a fashion section where designers create couture style garments using the colour pink to promote the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.
Her garment depicted "the journey that our family went through...last year" and the Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-18590585852527065252011-08-05T19:44:00.000+12:002011-08-05T19:44:22.806+12:00mid century instead
the retro dining suite that I blogged about here has been onsold and replaced with this mid century suite. The suite consists of an extendable formica table in a warm honey shade and six stylish chairs. I'm looking forward to putting the suite to good use when we head off for holidays.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-9399459566356561352011-07-24T20:05:00.001+12:002011-07-24T20:08:18.543+12:00winter beach
I love the beach, whatever the weather. Our few days at the bach were filled with rain, wind and more rain. On the only fine afternoon, we took a nice long walk along the beach. Apart from the birds and the odd fisherman, the beach was mostly deserted. Then we headed indoors for hot chocolates hmmm.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-3617582261432153162011-07-09T07:54:00.002+12:002011-10-16T07:59:17.079+13:00ticky tacky is back
after exploring various options and facing numerous difficulties, we find ourselves back at the beginning with our ticky tacky bach. It's looking to become a big renovation project. To start with the roof, spouting, deck and water tank all need upgrading. An inside bathroom is a must. Can't imagine the children putting up with the long drop and cold outside shower for too long.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-2452791914185951642011-07-06T18:26:00.001+12:002011-07-06T18:48:29.702+12:00retro red
I've always loved the retro reds of the 1950s and this melamine set by Noritake is a great example of retro colours and patterns. Another great retro find!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-65370969482671816112011-06-29T17:48:00.000+12:002011-06-29T17:48:54.461+12:00building blocks
today whilst I'm going about the usual kitchen chores of cooking, dishes and cleaning up, our youngest is intent on building the 'dream' bach for our family in the middle of the kitchen floor. As I move around her building site (trying hard not to knock anything over), I'm amazed by the depth of thought and inspiration that she's poured into her work. If only my granny squares crochet grew as Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-43637435402188937632011-06-27T17:39:00.002+12:002011-06-28T15:32:59.654+12:00kitset instead
the second hand building idea has turned into a fizzer. It was shaping up to be a logistical nightmare to move, so the idea had to be abandoned. Instead we're now contemplating a 60 square metre kitset house. There's a few minor alterations to make: add a second entry/exit door off the kitchen and put in a large sliding door to replace the front door/double windows combination. This has real Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-89228755001084414402011-06-17T08:40:00.002+12:002011-06-17T12:37:27.363+12:00retro kitchen project
the replacement house that we have in mind to be the 'new' old bach is a promising structure with great bones. Of all that needs to be done (which isn't too much), the kitchen will certainly be the most interesting challenge of all. Check out the dated orange cabinet doors, it screams retro, doesn't it? The space is small and in need of a desperate rethink.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-24336600616771021612011-06-10T06:34:00.003+12:002011-06-10T14:28:19.551+12:00bach changes
the original ticky tacky bach that I blogged about here is due for demolition. It's compliance issues are too extensive to be realistically repaired so it's got to go. In it's place possibly is this 1950s ex state house that we've had in storage for a few years. So bach changes are on the way!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-60006680910026192462011-06-05T08:07:00.000+12:002011-06-05T08:07:57.092+12:00granny squares
nothing echoes the retro kiwi bach theme more than the granny squares blanket/throw. This blanket is destined for the bach. As a child in the seventies, the first thing I learned to crochet was a basic granny square. Thinking back, it seems that granny squares were everywhere... clothes, hats, bags, cushions, throws, blankets...
On the bach 'to do' list is cushions for the lounge. Inspired by Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-12861247439443035782011-06-01T15:21:00.002+12:002011-06-01T18:02:14.600+12:00what's up?June already? since our daughter started playing club volleyball, I haven't sewn a stitch or done any crafting. It's been a fine balancing act trying to keep our household running and taking her to 2 evening practices a week, weekend league games and extra coaching as well. Hopefully I'll get the chance to get some sewing done this long Queens birthday weekend.
Apart from that I'm still slowly Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-86624632472098996602011-04-21T06:28:00.000+12:002011-04-21T06:28:20.796+12:00easter
hope you all have a safe and happy Easter!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-38609727750547886092011-04-11T23:18:00.000+12:002011-04-11T23:18:53.817+12:00retro dining
here's another Trademe furniture find for the bach - a retro formica dining table and padded vinyl chairs. Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-80660216914712679822011-04-09T09:47:00.002+12:002011-04-09T12:51:14.767+12:00volleyball
with our daughter switching to play club volleyball, the days of attending outdoor netball games whatever the weather are well and truly over. I'm glad as it rained a heck of a lot last season leaving this hardy supporter feeling very low. Anyway the volleyball games are all indoors (hooray!) and the club supporters are a great bunch to hang out with too. Go team!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-76469160072818414082011-04-08T16:52:00.002+12:002011-04-08T17:02:57.699+12:00a gift of poetry
That beautiful life you have.
I wasn't watching when it happened,
or not so much you might have noticed that
I was mucking about, kicking my toes in dust
and staying close from far away.
I was far away when your beautiful life happened,
over there, near where I see you walk with your love intact,
no love could I steal from you with my broken and wanting ways,
no love I could steal and not giveNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-30284503689014694272011-03-27T17:44:00.001+13:002011-03-27T17:46:49.595+13:00take a seat
1970s Airest Armchair
1960s Retro 3 piece lounge suite
In keeping with the retro look for the bach, I've scored some great furniture buys on Trademe (our local NZ equivalent to ebay). The first is a very comfortable Airest armchair from the 1970s with the star design spring base. I'm planning to have this armchair recovered in some upholstery fabric that I bought from Designer Fabrics,Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-4697576189939959822011-03-16T14:46:00.001+13:002011-03-17T09:29:23.967+13:00vege greens
while autumn well and truly settles in, the vege garden is in the last stages of summer production. Bok choi and cardinal beets have been picked while young and tender (I'd given up battling the white cabbage butterfly this time round) along with peas and brilliantly red banana shaped chillies, all ideal ingredients for a stir fry.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-4967412894684933932011-03-13T21:59:00.000+13:002011-03-13T21:59:38.211+13:00for Japan
our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-19193524045700691672011-03-08T07:55:00.001+13:002011-03-08T08:06:06.472+13:00stuck
while all my favourite craft and sewing bloggers get on with all their successful projects, I'm stuck in a zero motivational funk. Apart from the grandest of intentions at the start of 2011 and a couple of mending projects I haven't kicked off my sewing and crafting for this year. So in a bid to get unstuck, I'm off to the museum today for inspiration. Hope to get back to more regular blogging Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-9778040032749993082011-02-24T08:18:00.002+13:002011-02-24T10:48:38.841+13:00at hand
as our beautiful South Island city of Christchurch struggles with the terror of a devastating earthquake, there are so many willing hands reaching out to help, rescue, care for, comfort and provide. Our thoughts and prayers for all those who are affected. Take care.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-14456446034218373902011-02-15T13:04:00.001+13:002011-02-15T22:42:26.434+13:00tomato chutney
the two tomato plants (beefsteak variety) in the vege garden have been yielding loads of tomatoes. So many that the only way to deal with the tomato overload was to make some deliciously grunty tomato chutney. Here's the recipe:
TOMATO CHUTNEY
Ingredients:
1.5kg tomatoes (chopped with skins on)
500g apples (chopped with skins on)
700g red onions (peeled and chopped)
500ml cider vinegar
6 Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-81442305177361737832011-02-09T14:17:00.000+13:002011-02-09T14:17:18.053+13:00swans
in the days before Valentines, my true love gave to me... 300 swans.
Yes you read it right, 300 swans from a collection where the owner had passed on 4 years ago and her husband was sadly moving into a retirement home and couldn't take them with him. So dear hubby bought the entire collection as a Valentines/Wedding Anniversary gift. As we unwrapped the swans, I thought of the the regal Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-7760556035478079942011-01-30T19:48:00.004+13:002011-02-24T08:18:37.130+13:00goodbye john poynton
last year I blogged here about meeting John Poynton, a well known artist in Samoa. Today I heard the sad news that John had passed away earlier this month. Warm thoughts for a truly talented gentleman. Goodbye for now John...Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-43620132148717827792011-01-24T08:43:00.001+13:002011-01-24T08:45:55.647+13:00ticky tacky bach
Wikipedia has a humorous definition of the iconic kiwi bach as "something you built yourself, on land you don't own, out of materials you borrowed or stole." I'd like to introduce you to our newly acquired retro bach in the Coromandel complete with a longdrop. It's a very typical 1960s structure with leaks, squeaky floorboards and a mish mash of joinery. Here's a peak at the inside:
it's Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-69733685857920900762011-01-19T11:42:00.000+13:002011-01-19T11:42:23.728+13:00organic garden
dear hubby gave me Xanthe White's book for my birthday last year and it has been a real source of inspiration. I've been learning a lot and am pleased to be able to show you the broccoflower and tomatoes that my small organic garden has yielded today. I've also established a compost bin, affectionately nicknamed 'Betty' who is proving her worth.
This is the last full week of school holidays Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-85101591678465794822011-01-13T10:50:00.000+13:002011-01-13T10:50:10.054+13:00gardenia
at last Professor Pucci (gardenia) has flowered. I wish I could capture it's fragrance online. It's divine!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-11038990938513681722011-01-09T08:36:00.001+13:002011-01-09T18:23:26.761+13:00coromandel
an inspired family day trip to Coromandel ( roughly 3 hours drive from Auckland) and then a somewhat challenging 14 km drive on a windy, gravel road through the Coromandel Forest Park to find this beautiful, unspoiled beach. Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-24217718236344741162011-01-04T09:35:00.008+13:002011-07-02T18:01:25.665+12:00cyberstalkers
yes the cyberstalkers are at it. Here's a snippet of the type of stuff being posted on the internet:
Perhaps sometime while she is dressing one of her dolls or taking her daughter to netball practice, she will draw deep into her legal training and realise that what she is doing is neither helpful for her or her supposed idol...
When they started Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-67979506849616639442010-12-29T09:39:00.002+13:002010-12-29T13:21:53.616+13:00reflections
as this year comes to an end, I've been reflecting on my 2010 plans that I blogged about here. Here's a quick sum up of how I went this year:Frequent blogging - I only just managed to keep it up this year. The cyber stalkers threw me off my stride and almost killed my blogging mojo.
Improve knitting skills - no progress this year. I didn't knit a thing.
Etsy shop 100% - I sold direct to Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-51516637614187012932010-12-27T08:26:00.001+13:002010-12-27T08:28:17.366+13:00holidays
Christmas was lovely. We spent the day with family - enjoyed a fabulous lunch - then snoozed in the shade while the children played with their new toys and gadgets.
Now that the holidays are here, like most Kiwi families, we'll be making trips to the beach most days for swimming and fishing. All great summer fun! Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-19290861219735411542010-12-24T06:33:00.002+13:002010-12-24T17:22:42.461+13:00christmas
take care and happy holidays to you all!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-89118830647850796822010-12-18T00:07:00.001+13:002010-12-18T00:10:40.072+13:00retro kiwi bach
the traditional kiwi bach is a wonderful thing to behold. It's very existence is precious to so many New Zealanders who look forward to escaping the rat race and being able to relax during the holidays with family. Time & structured daily routines have no place. Mismatching seems to be the orders of the day with a hodge podge of architecture, furniture, crockery and bed linen that evokes a Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-24758604078677609252010-12-16T08:09:00.005+13:002010-12-17T10:40:23.238+13:00matakana marketthe Matakana street market can fill a person with loads of shopping madness. Here's a look at what I bought...
fab retro clock in great working order.
complete vintage sewing kit
vintage faux tortoise shell dressing table set
vintage Kader dolls x 2
and then there's the Matakana Farmers market where there's yummy things galore...Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-27240527818226625462010-12-07T17:32:00.000+13:002010-12-07T17:32:40.665+13:00designer fabrics galore
after posting my ornaments for the kiwi christmas swap last week, I couldn't resist popping into the Designer Fabrics shop next to the post office for a quick look. Much to my delight, I had timed my visit perfectly. Pete had just got in some gorgeous printed cotton voiles, which I bought to make up into summer dresses. As new stock comes in fortnightly, it looks like I'll be visiting Designer Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-49497905481962479002010-11-30T19:19:00.000+13:002010-11-30T19:19:47.802+13:00ornaments on the way
inspired by a vintage community cookbook, I made these retro styled mini aprons for my kiwi ornament swap. They were a lot of fun to make!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-3864321267450374282010-11-26T17:23:00.001+13:002010-11-26T18:39:53.272+13:00catching up
this week I celebrated a birthday, my true love gardenias are starting to flower in abundance, struggled with a awful head cold, starting work on the bach and
finished my kiwi ornament swap items. Here's a hint for those who can't wait (although I've refined the finished product since the one pictured was made). All my ornaments were made from 100% recycled & repurposed materials. I'll be Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-46832901301002832072010-11-24T17:27:00.000+13:002010-11-24T17:27:18.691+13:00building 101
this is the type of house that we're wanting to build in Samoa. It's styled along the lines of the traditional Kiwi bach. It would be constructed as much as possible from demolition and salvaged materials which would be shipped from New Zealand. I'm a beginner when it comes to the construction and building of houses. So I ask a lot of questions. In some ways the process is a lot like the Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-78408999059601646062010-11-22T18:15:00.000+13:002010-11-22T18:15:32.066+13:00ornaments on the gothe challenge of doing the kiwi ornament swap is to make sure that I produce 5 identical things. I can't tell you what I'm making yet (that would spoil the fun for those in my group who might be peeking).
Here's a hint - it's red, rockabilly retro.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-82614339390269081822010-11-15T12:42:00.000+13:002010-11-15T12:42:10.177+13:00more roses
this morning I took the time to smell the roses as well as photograph them. This year we hired a rose specialist to prune and tend to our garden roses. They were a little neglected and in need of TLC. We've stuck to the schedule of feeding etc and now they're looking spectacular!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-82412537414535572992010-11-13T19:13:00.002+13:002010-11-15T08:59:57.920+13:00samoan fale
this is our Samoan fale - the first building to be built on our family property in Samoa. It's a modern version of a faleo'o (traditional house) and is found just meters from the waters edge and the swimming rock pool.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-73446193468230684882010-11-11T18:15:00.003+13:002010-11-11T19:10:09.427+13:00plastic fanstastic
Miss 3 came home from kindergarden today with the most gorgeous necklace, that she had made for me to wear. She called it the 'plastic fanstastic' necklace. So I put it on straight away and we went out grocery shopping. I received some really nice compliments that made my little Miss feel as pleased as punch. Now she thinks that I should have some earrings and a bracelet to match. Which I'll of Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-64852755726701271972010-11-10T10:45:00.000+13:002010-11-10T10:45:22.277+13:00divine dresses
I've just discovered Eley Kishimoto dresses (featured in NZ Herald Viva 10/11/2010). They're stocked here in New Zealand at the Children of Vision boutique in Karangahape Road, Auckland. I love the idea of dresses in bold prints and this London based label is well known for it's lavish use of pattern and colour. My favourite is this geometric chevron print dress (pictured) in a bold red and Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-44617518192291018532010-11-05T22:47:00.000+13:002010-11-05T22:47:22.863+13:00vintage roses
this year the vintage roses in our garden are making a brilliant debut of soft pinks. I love their large blooms and sweetly scented petals. Reminds me of everything whimsical.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-32478560748840831852010-11-04T08:46:00.001+13:002010-11-04T08:47:42.820+13:00the 'undie cover' nightieI had to take a break from my caftan sewing as the slippery, slidey chiffon was wearing my sewing nerves thin. So I thought I'd make something fun instead and digging through the fabric collection I came across this cotton voile print. I can't honestly remember buying it and I obviously didn't look too closely at the print. Let's face it, where would one wear such a fabric? In a moment of Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-84916242895913948032010-10-29T21:24:00.003+13:002010-10-30T06:30:28.564+13:00european masters(Pablo Picasso's Portrait of Fernande Olivier, 1909)
European Masters, is coming to New Zealand. It's a rare chance for us downunder to see 98 stunning works by 70 artists including Matisse, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne, Monet and Manetare. The collection comes from the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt, Germany and focuses on the 19th century and early 20th century period of European art. I'm particularly Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-42831347073135782442010-10-27T21:27:00.000+13:002010-10-27T21:27:42.068+13:00kiwi christmas swap
Yes it's that time of the year again to start thinking about christmas and the annual kiwi christmas ornament swap. There's still time to take part, just check out sew funky's blog for details. Here's the list of kiwi bloggers taking part. Now I just have to decide on what to make.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-59278185026795893902010-10-26T10:30:00.001+13:002010-10-26T10:33:42.789+13:00caftanCanvas Weekend Herald 23 October 2010
Burda 07/2010 Burda 06/2010
McCalls 6037
the first item in my 'me, me, ME!' sewing plan is a caftan. I was inspired by the fashion page in the weekend newspaper liftout and the June & July 2010 Burda magazines. My caftan must-haves are a deep v neckline (not plunging), airy sleeves and aNormatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-53933150316977679582010-10-25T12:43:00.001+13:002010-10-25T12:44:47.910+13:00christmas shoe boxes
this is our 3rd year of putting together christmas shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. This year, I wasn't nearly as organised as usual, so there was a lot of last minute shopping for bits and pieces to fill the boxes.
Each shoe box is filled with: something to love, something for school, something to wear, something for play, something for personal hygiene, something special.
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-16174732801108910992010-10-22T15:21:00.003+13:002010-10-25T15:23:46.704+13:00building(1 acre building site is beyond the mango tree on the right of the photo) (another view of the section beyond the mango tree sloping down to the ocean)
(the section slopes down with easy access to the ocean)
we're undertaking a building project in Samoa of a holiday home by the sea. Work had commenced before we left with the site being cleared and made ready for building. We're building an open Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-42173273489420309792010-10-20T10:37:00.004+13:002010-10-22T05:33:02.001+13:00designer fabrics
a designer fabrics shop has just opened up nearby and this morning I popped in for the first time to have a look around. With bolts of fabric all over the place, it was like going on a treasure hunt to find these retro inspired prints plus the large floral chiffon print. All these fabrics are destined to be sewn up for me, me, ME!Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-49453789686116072472010-10-19T08:32:00.002+13:002010-10-21T14:14:12.337+13:00what's next hands?busy, busy hands...
I'm always asking myself this question and then making a list of things I want to achieve. Sometimes I'll even have several lists on the go. Anyway, here's whats next on my sewing & crafting list:
1) a gift for a new baby
2) at least 2 more sundresses for Miss 3
3) sarouel pants for Miss 14
4) lots of sewing for me, me, ME.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-50700790820139743952010-10-17T11:45:00.003+13:002010-10-19T20:12:14.550+13:00netball tournament
the netball players representing Samoa at the tournament had to wear a puletasi for the opening ceremony. I made my daughter's puletasi top using New Look 6808 and a white & black stencil ink print cotton from Samoa. This was a very quick pattern to make up and resulted in a nicely fitted top which was then teamed up with a plain black lavalava. What a great sight to see all the Samoa players Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-79351049348023248652010-10-14T08:57:00.002+13:002010-10-25T15:22:35.115+13:00john poynton
one of the highlights of my Samoa trip was meeting John Poynton, well known artist in Samoa. I met him completely by chance at a local cafe and I got the opportunity to view his portfolio of current work. I bought 3 works: 2 watercolours and a pen drawing and got them framed as soon as I got back home. Here they are on display. Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-36297345926538782472010-10-10T18:01:00.000+13:002010-10-10T18:01:58.704+13:00nothing new( a great place to swim on our family land in Samoa )
no completed projects to talk about. The school holidays are ending and there's been mending, laundering and ironing of uniforms. The summer uniforms come out and the winter ones get put away. Then there's the mammoth task of sorting out all the photos that I took in Samoa. Thought I'd share a photo of a great swimming spot on our family land Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-48053779356111937782010-10-06T09:32:00.001+13:002010-10-06T09:34:25.285+13:00wearable art
without giving away too much, here's a peek at what my daughter is working on for her wearable art entry in the College competitions. My job has been to cut out a gazillion pieces of fabric and other things for her to work with. It's got to be finished by the weekend, so I'd better get back to work.Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-89599770732818877682010-10-03T16:01:00.002+13:002010-10-25T15:24:17.954+13:00more from Samoadogs and pigs snooze in the quiet shade on a very hot day.
each village has at least one tremedous church structure - strong and proud
palms, breadfruit, papaya trees grow everywhere
an average Samoan village house
a view of the sea from our family land
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-58801790251583551712010-10-02T10:27:00.001+13:002010-10-25T15:24:49.638+13:00tatau and the turtle
at the Faleolo Airport is this sculpture of Samoan warriors wrestling a large sea turtle. The warriors bodies are tattooed with Samoan cultural patterns and designs known as 'Tatau'. Legend has it that the tatau came to be in Samoa when Taema and Tilafaiga, female siamese twins who were joined at the spine. When the twins were grown, they decided to travel away from Ta'u, the island of their Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-3868638518944528592010-10-01T06:05:00.000+13:002010-10-01T06:05:43.917+13:00first sights of Samoa
the warm, enveloping heat is a very fine welcome to Samoa. The sky is clear and sunny. The palms nod in the afternoon breeze. Picture perfect!
Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-9314817341941543452010-09-22T15:22:00.001+12:002010-09-22T17:39:57.644+12:00trapeze dress done twice
with warm weather in mind, I made these 2 trapeze dresses today using New Look 6700 and two very bright, colourful poly cotton prints from my fabric pile. These dresses were completed in just one afternoon of sewing (from start to finish). Luckily I read the reviews of this pattern first before sewing, as there's a ridiculous amount of ease allowance with this pattern. I cut two dress sizes Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8934479148792289276.post-91787431227938180322010-09-20T14:08:00.002+12:002010-09-20T14:44:50.011+12:00the puletasi
The puletasi or pea is a traditional outfit worn by women/girls in Samoa. It's basically a top (can be varying styles and lengths) with a full length lava lava skirt. This outfit is worn on formal or special occassions, ie. church, weddings, funerals, parties etc.
For my puletasi, I used this fabric and a vintage Knitwit pattern to make up my top. The top is a very simple, pull over the head Normatikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08877782598785969945noreply@blogger.com0