costumes

I fashioned this dog costume (head, paws and tail) out of an  all-in-1 hat with scarf and hand warmers that cost $6, a cheap necklace $2, waistband elastic and black felt tip. It turned out really well and Miss 6 was more than happy to wear this to her school assembly performance.

Late last week Miss 6s teacher put out the call to talented sewing parents to help create bonnets and matching aprons for the class upcoming visit to Howick Historical Village. I was given the set in the photo above as a pattern reference and I'm going to try and make 4-6 similar sets. 

sleepout progress

View from front

View from rear

As you can see the sleepout floor is going down and the underfloor insulation is being put in. It's a simple rectangular shape with bathroom to the rear and will be extra accommodation for when family and friends come to visit. Most likely our teenagers will take it over as their retreat. Soon I'll be on the hunt for retro furniture. That's my favourite part...

winter coat

I have to show you my bargain coat by Jigsaw which I bought at an outlet store for $20. It fitted really well (like it was made just for me) - and when I put my hands in the pockets, I had that 'aha' moment. It was discounted because the machinist had sewn the left hand pocket on back to front. Unaltered I'd need to be a contortionist to make use of that pocket.  I came home and got to work straight away. About 30 minutes later, the pocket was facing the right way, lining all resewn and topstitching done, the coat is ready to be worn.

retrovision

Logo designed by Miss 16

We have been in the scrap metal & demolition haulage business for over 25 years. During that time we've seen so many things come and go that have been worth rescuing. In December 2010, Mr B and I were inspired to start Retrovision so that we could onsell our many finds as well as items from our personal collection. After a bit of a hiatus, we've relaunched our online sales on Trade Me again.

seriously secondhand

Mr B and I took a special trip across town to Junk & Disorderly yesterday. Mr B was picking up some war badges (he's a collector) and I was more than happy to tag along. What a worthwhile trip! There was lots and lots of retro and vintage loveliness to be viewed. It's a huge shop, so be prepared to be there a while as it does take a bit of time to see everything. I'll certainly be visiting the shop again when we're ready to furnish our bach sleepout.

vintage husqvarna 21e

I've always had an interest in vintage sewing machines and the Husqvarna 21e is the latest addition to my small collection. It's a beautifully crafted machine in an amazing retro mint green colour. Even if I never sew a stitch on it, I'm pleased to finally own one!

homemade bread

Nothing beats the yummy smell of freshly baked homemade bread, even if it is made via a breadmaker. I know exactly what the ingredients are. Best of all, my family enjoy every slice!

the early birds...

Early morning view from the deck of our bach

Meet Shaggy (a pied shag)

The local chooks meet Miss 6

Another wonderfully long weekend at the bach. This time we were visited by the early birds of the area. Firstly we had a young pied shag come walking up the steps and tapping on the glass sliding door with its beak. It appeared friendly and Miss 6 & I were able to walk it back to the beach about 120 metres from our deck. The shag happily walked along and dived in to the surf with great vigour then swam away.

Then the next day we were visited by the local chickens who have a lovely, cosy coop about 75 metres away and a very dutiful owner, yet they insist on coming down to see us for special tidbits and dusty sand baths under our deck.

tv nostalgia

I'm excited with the prospect of catching up with some good old tv nostalgia when the Jones channel launches on May 13th at 1pm here in NZ. It will be good to catch up with some my favourite  tv shows from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s - from Bonanza, Kojak, Wonder Woman, Happy Days... the list goes on! 

the bach sleepout

Before alterations start

Demolition begins

Just back from a long weekend at our bach. Mr B, Sydney and B jnr spent the best part of Friday getting stuck into our new project - renovating part of the garage into a sleepout (which is basically a room conversion into sleeping quarters). We're expecting the builders to start in a fortnights time. I'll keep you all up to date as work progresses.

lest we forget

 

 

 

Photos removed by request

THE ODE

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end, against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

"We will remember them"

k9 camouflage coat

Even though this is a quick and easy coat to sew. I somehow managed to stitch the collar to the tail end of the coat. It wasn't until I'd finished all the top stitching that I realised my mistake. What to do? at 1am in the morning, the last thing I wanted to do was start unpicking. Reasoning with myself that the dog would not care about a less than perfect garment, I cut the collar off and hey presto, a collarless camouflage coat for Fergus.

I know it's a crazy colour combination - somehow camouflage and bright orange go together well. The camo polar fleece is a seconds fabric with an irregular print. I'm sure Fergus will be too busy thinking how smart he looks to notice that the pattern isn't quite right! next up, I'll make another polar fleece coat with the collar in the right place this time and then a waterproof coat after that.

sewing for the dog

5 month old Fergus had his first visit to the groomers about a fortnight ago. He tolerated getting clipped very well. The photo shows him after his visit - looking very tidy and presentable. He looked like a walking woolly rug before. It's getting cooler and a lot wetter now in Auckland, so I think it's time I made him at least a couple of polar fleece coats. I'm using dog coat tutorial by Compulsive Craftiness. I'll post some pics of the little guy in his new coats when I'm done.

auckland fabric-a-brac 2013

back in July 2012 I wrote about my brilliant plan to do a major de-stash. Well I did achieve it - now I'm moving on to the "harder-to-part-with" fabrics that I just couldn't part with last time. So I'll be at the Auckland Fabric-a-brac event in Freemans Bay on March 9, again shamelessly selling off this part of my stash of fabrics and other sewing & craft related goodies. Come by, say hi, I'd love to meet you...

good morning 2013

Happy New Year!

taking a break

I'm taking a break from blogging ...

Happy Holidays to you all, stay safe this festive season. I'll be back in 2013.

renovations

Yesterday our home renovations began. Mr B started the demolition on the weekend to get things ready for the builders - so we've had to contend with daily doses of dust and grit. The builders then came through and stripped the rest of the upstairs area for the new staircase. Tomorrow they'll be here bright and early to put the top part of the staircase in. It's all very exciting as our new internal rejig means that we'll have a lot more space for family living.

In the meantime, my sewing time has ground to a halt. I have no sewing to show you. Miss 16 is using the sewing room to study for her final exams while we're renovating. Luckily it's away from the house, so she gets plenty of peace and quiet.

bloomin' lovely

It's time again to post about my favourite heritage roses in our back garden. I posted about them last year. They have really made a fine show this year and best of all they bathe the sewing room in a heady floral fragrance. It's just bloomin' lovely! Enjoy your day wherever you are...

auckland retro fair

I just read that the Auckland Retro fair is on this coming Sunday November 11th. It looks like there is a lot on offer - something to appeal to all retro fans. I'm looking forward to seeing loads of mid-century items all in one place and best of all, the whole lot is for sale too! I really shouldn't be thinking of buying anything... but there's no harm in a little looksie.

guy fawkes night

Like most Kiwi families, we celebrated Guy Fawkes night with an "at home" fireworks display. Most of our neighbourhood was lit up with noisy, colourful fireworks tonight. It was a great time and Miss 5 went to bed feeling terribly excited and exhausted.