Coming up for air....

I've been whizzing around between multiple tasks with one eye on the clock and my mind on several simultaneous deadlines. In the middle of it my home computer decided to throw a spanner in the works. There have been too many late nights and I feel the need to come up to the surface. Breathe.

The purse pattern has been finished, patterns and stock for the show have been printed and packed, freight sent to Sydney for the Stitches and Craft Show next week and my Thursday night students got the notes on zippers that I promised. Phew!

And so... it seems the people's choice for the new purse wins! Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce you to the Poppet purse... including the pattern, instruction booklet, frame and all the interfacings you'll need to make your first purse. Available NOW for $45.95 - Code: PFKPOP150.

I'm sorry it won't be on the website until I can sort out a new computer for myself.... but you can email, fax or phone through an order directly to us.

Kathryn, we'll send your kit to you as a thank-you for choosing the name. Lara - thanks for being super-final-tester again.

I'm also thrilled at the arrival of my copy of Homemade - the recipe book put together by the crafting community in aid of the people affected by the Black Saturday bushfires. It's full of inspiring recipes to get even cooking-mojo-less folk like me excited about the kitchen. You can order your own copy too. All proceeds go to help fund bushfire relief efforts by the Salvation Army.


For updates on what happened to all your generous donations of handmade and restash goodies head on over to the Handmade Help blog. For Rainbow Comfort Pack updates you can visit the wonderful Monica's blog.

If you're in or around Sydney, DO COME to the show and say hello. There are lots of other fab things to do there, too.

Picking up the threads...

..of half-started projects from long ago. It's been a strange week - feeling like I should be rushing about madly and then realising that the pressure of deadlines is off for now. It's time to relax, recouperate, and regain inspiration for new patterns and new ideas. In a strange way I feel like I'm learning to walk again.....


I made this hat today. It's in gorgeous heavy linen sent from Méri in Portugal. This fabric is interfaced with medium-heavy woven cotton interfacing. It holds its shape beautifully (there's nothing quite like a natural fibre gently persuaded by a shot or two of high-pressure steam!).


Speaking of this beautiful linen.... and Méri... She recently sent a parcel to HandMade Help via my studio. I couldn't resist a chance to get up close and personal with her exquisite embroidery and lace work. What an amazing talent and a wonderfully generous soul... Méri is one of the shining stars of the blogosphere.

Isn't it stunning? I'm sure that the love that has been poured into every expert stitch will warm the heart of the recipient - who will have lost all their handmade treasures and heirlooms in the recent bushfires.

If you like to help out Handmade Help, please do. Visit the website and see how you can contribute.