Sew Simple

With school holidays upon us there's more time for a little creativity. I love fabric and enjoy making things from my stash - all the better when the children can join in too.

A couple of years ago I made three of these little birds in red/green/white colours, attached ribbon for hanging and gave them away as gifts. This year I decided to make some more. Miss O (11) and Miss E (4) also chose some fabric and helped make their own birds (purple and bright pink floral). Once again I used this free pattern for the birds

I chose a favourite Patricia Bravo fabric to fussy cut, giving an appearance of bird wings.

I modified the original pattern to create some smaller "baby" birds as well.

The bellies are also fussy cut from another Patricia Bravo fabric - I love the colours.

When Miss E isn't playing with these birds, they perch on our Christmas tree. They would also look great nestled on twigs, as a mobile or in a small bird cage. A great project for small pieces of fabric, they could easily be hand sewn too. You can add beads for eyes, or embroider them and add a small ribbon tied in a bow around the neck.

Do you have any favourite patterns you return to for decorations or gifts?


Sharing at Sneak Peek Friday.

Perseverance and Commitment

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not.

Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Education alone will not.

The world is full of educated derelicts.

Perseverance and commitment alone are omnipotent.

Calvin Coolidge                                

The envelope above contained a card with these insightful words as part of the Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment. Master J's school had their presentation evening earlier this week and to his surprise and ours, he came home with multiple awards, including the one above, several academic awards and also a leadership role for next year. 

To keep this in perspective, Master J (17) attends a very small K-12 (children aged 5 to 18 years) caring Christian school - there are only nine students in his Year 11 class. He has been encouraged and inspired during this his first year at school (we are a homeschooling family). We are very grateful to have access to this school and also very proud that Master J is making the most of this opportunity.

"Almost Amish" by Nancy Sleeth

It's time to simplify our lives - to slow down, make faith and family the focal point, and recapture the lost art of simple living. And what group has kept simplicity, family, and faith at the centre of all they say and do better than the Amish? 

Quoted from the back cover of the Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth

The very first thing which caught my attention about this book was the fabric of the apron - "Amy Butler, I have some of that exact same fabric by Amy Butler in my cupboard!" were my thoughts. The Amish lifestyle holds many attractions for me with many similarities to my simple farming background. I quickly decided to purchase Almost Amish which was published this year.

Having now finished reading this book I'm pleased I found it and plan to reread it. Nancy not only gently explains and relates thoughts and details but she and her now grown family live according to these principles. I have included a few quotes below amongst photos of our yard from the last few days.

Our homes reflect our values. They reflect who we are inside and what we hold most precious. If our homes are cluttered, our hearts are too. Possessions should work for us; we should not work for them.         (page 19)

Self seeded Tom Thumb Tomatoes                                       Passionfruit                                                                baby Lychees

Amish proverbs.....
* He who has no money is poor; he who has nothing but money is poorer.
*A man is rich in proportion to the things he can afford to leave alone.    (page 54)

Most Australians line/air dry all their laundry - we have so much beautiful sunshine too

Lemon                                                 Blueberries                                                                     Apple

Contentment and simplicity are two sides of the same coin. The Amish do not complicate their lives unnecessarily in the insatiable quest for more....         (page 95)

How can we hear the voice of God if we are multitasking nonstop? How can we see the face of God in still waters and green pastures when we are chronically refreshing the screen? The digital generation is a distracted generation.              (page 29)

You may enjoy reading this book also, it's quite thought provoking, especially as one year draws to a close and a fresh one lies ahead. You'll find more details and reviews at Amazon. It's also available for purchase online at Fishpond and Book Depository.  For my local friends, you are most welcome to borrow my copy.

Has anyone else read a thought provoking book recently which you could recommend?


Sharing at Kritsit's  Wordful Wednesday.

Preparing and Receiving

As we began preparing our home for Christmas this week I have been pondering the heart preparations also.

"Be careful HOW you hear," our pastor shared today.

"What did Jesus marvel at? He marvelled both at people's faith and also their unbelief. Which do you want him to marvel at in your life?" our pastor challenged us.

"What are you saying in your life? Don't block God's blessings by your words or thoughts. Read and hear what God is saying to you, it's about connecting with the presence of Jesus." Amen.

"It's by grace, receive because of His grace (for none of us deserve it). Think in faith." I am both challenged and encouraged to walk my days this way, preparing AND receiving.

Glad's Return

Some of you will remember meeting Glad last year. I'm so pleased to report she has returned.

Just as beautiful this year as last, maybe even more so.....

Have a wonderful weekend!


NB Taken with my 50mm lens + snap-on Raynox macro conversion lens - I don't own a macro lens.


Sharing at Weekend Flowers, Weekly Top Shot, Macro Monday.