Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Wishing everyone a lovely day with your family and friends whatever your plans.

Cherish every moment with your loved ones whether you be in their company or just calling them by phone to wish them well.

Time to head to bed to make sure I am asleep before Santa gets here cause apparently while I post he is crossing Anadyr, Russia.

Christmas Dinner Tag

The lovely Ellie has tagged me for a run-down on our Christmas dinner/day. Thanks Ellie, once I'm done here posting I'll be off to read what other people get up to on their day.

Christmas morning is always here at home, opening presents with the kids and eating a little breakfast cause we know we will be eating alll day long. Then we load up into the car and head to my parents for MORE present opening while the food is cooking.

Then each year we alternate where we eat, either my parents or my Aunt & Uncle's. It's a small group, normally just us, my parents, Aunt & Uncle & Unkie Russ. Sometimes Dean's parents also come up from interstate or we have relatives from overseas pop over too.

This year was supposed to be at my Aunt & Uncle's but sadly a couple of days ago her gorgeous father passed away and they are flying out tonight to the UK, so it will be a quiet and sad one this year without them. It will be only the third Christmas I remember since I was about 7 that we haven't all been together. We also lost another close family friend to my parents and Aunt & Uncle a couple of weeks ago after a short battle with cancer so I'm hoping next year will bring everyone a more enjoyable Christmas. 

We spend all day at the dinner table, chatting, eating, drinking, starting by opening up table presents. Each year the boys get the same thing, a Terry's Chocolate Orange, and the girls get something different and everyone gets a lottery scratchy with it. This year I did the presents so the guys got their chocolate orange and us girls are getting an Itti Pouch and a soap. Oh and Liam is getting a Thomas train cause he's not quite eating chocolate yet!

For lunch we have a full hot English Christmas lunch. The turkey gets cooked overnight, the pork goes on very early in the morning, and later the vegies and yorkshire pudding get added and a leg of ham carved. 

Traditional Christmas pudding is always for dessert with Brandy Custard, Port Wine Sauce, Custard, Cream and Ice Cream. I know hot food crazy right in the hot Australian summer? Every year we joke how ridiculous the amount of food we have is but it all gets eaten over a couple of days and we say never again but do it all again the next year.  This year hubby splurged and bought me a nice bottle of Moet to drink through the day, well ok not just ME, apparently I have to share at least 1 glass but I'm looking forward to it.

After all that eating, we cannot MOVE so we spend the night at my parents and then have a relaxing day the next morning with bacon & eggs for breakfast and let the kids enjoy some of their presants.

Thanks Ellie for tagging me. Might be a bit late for me to tag others, I don't know? So how about anyone who wants to share their "normal" Christmas Day do and let me know if you do so I can come and visit.

Christmas Eve Traditions

As the kids get older we are getting more and more traditions for on Christmas Eve, some we used to do ourseleves as kids and others I have come across while blogging lately. I love seeing how other people prepare for Christmas Day and all the surrounding festivities.

This morning we had a play with our buddies, because of course it IS Wednesday and that's what we do on a Wednesday whether it's Christmas Eve or not. Isabella wouldn't last a whole week without catching up for a playdate (well Mummy would go stark raving mad listening to her ask me over and over again when we would see everyone).

Then our "traditions" began after naptime. Baking some cookies for Santa.

Hanging up our empty stockings while rattling off all the wishes for what they will contain in the morning. What she wants will NOT fit in that teeny stocking. Lucky Santa knows to bring Santa sacks too.

Putting on our new PJs made today by Mummy.

And setting up the shortbread we made with milk for the jolly man and carrots and a bowl of water for the thirsty reindeer by the tree.

And finally before bed reading our new Christmas book under the new quilt made by Mummy. (Which she straight away asked if she could take to bed with her)

And now the Princess and the Monkey are tucked in bed. We were questioned why she was allowed to see Santa at the shops but not in HER house, which was a bit baffling to answer but we got through it. So for the rest of the night daddy & I will be packing the car for tomorrow and cleaning up to make room for when Santa drops by with all those gifts. Lots of lovely Christmas Eve traditions I hope we can keep building on every year.

Two Hour Tunic

Made this afternoon during naptime using the "Two Hour Dress/Tunic" tutorial from Lula Louise.

It honestly takes 2 hours (or just under) from the time I grabbed out the fabric to trying it on at the end and was so easy and actually really really flattering on. I'd show a picture of how it looks on but well neither a 3 year old nor a 1 year old are very good at taking photos let alone decent ones.

I made mine more a tunic length than dress to wear over 3/4 pants or jeans etc but I may just make a dress version too and have some lovely fabrics that this will be great in.

Toot Toot Chugga Chugga

Another "annual Christmas tradition" since having kids, a trek into the City to see The Wiggles in concert

They were fantastic as always and next year Liam will be coming along which will be exciting. Isabella shimmied her booty and sang every song even though we haven't really been into them much since buying the tickets back at the begining of the year.

Meeting the "bubble man". Check out Bella's big bubble!

And a trip to Daddy's office, check out the multi-tasking! Talking on the phone, using the computer all while NOT putting down the flashing thingy from the concert.

Things I've Done

I've seen this around the web a few times and thought it was pretty cool. If anyone gives it a go, let me know.

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language (does an attempt count?)
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies.
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person.
96. swum in the great salt lake.

97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

You know what I got out of doing this? I need to go on a holiday around the world and "bold" a few things!

Cuppa Coasters

Cup of tea for Mummy, cup of coffee for Daddy, cup and straw for the big-sister to be and a class of wine of Mummy after the new baby arrives.

Linen coasters with embroidery and backed with some blue Michael Miller fabric. Merry Christmas to our good friends. Merry Christmas to our good friends.

Isabella's Ginger Blossom Quilt

Finished just in time for Christmas, Isabella's quilt using Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom fabric that I bought from here.

I didn't use a pattern just poked around Flickr for inspiration (for a very very long time) and ended up doing alternating squares and then stitched around each square just outside the ditch.

The back is just one long strip of all the different fabrics from the front stitched together

My first attempt at hand stitching binding and I was surprised it didn't take as long as I thought it would.

Mama's Got a New Bag

We take this bag or this bag almost everywhere we go, sometimes both. Another one made up today using the (shock horror) last of my denim for a slightly "fancier" bag than our cupcakes or apples. I added a key holder and magnetic closure too.

Garden Coasters

I've been wanting to make myself some coasters for a while but couldn't find the "right" fabric at the shops. D'uh I already had it in my stash.. this yummy fabric from Kristen Doran matched with a plain red for the backing.

I really wanted them just plain so all I did was quilt around a flower on each one.

Custom Cape

Custom cape ordered by a friend lined

Felt star applique with the lucky receivers initial and lined with Michael Miller's blue dots. I was thinking of trying snaps instead of velcro, but since this little one is about the same age as Isabella (3) velcro will make it easier for them to put on and off themselves. Which we ALL know is what it's all about at this age.

Eye Spy a Burst of Colour

A painting that came home with us from our interstate trip to the In-laws in September. Oh yes you can imagine the excitment hubby had when my Mum & I came home from a "quick trip to the shops" with FOUR paintings that had to fit into our car along with the gazillion suitcases for the drive home. Oh yes there was much muttering under his breath for a couple of days.

And a scrumptious fat quarter I got just for signing up for Saffron Craig's newsletter. How good is that! Can't wait to see what comes in her newsletters cause her fabric is just gorgeous. I'm especially loving this.

Eye spy is Bug & Pop's creation and this week is thanks to Flossy-P.

Madeit Opening Giveaway Winner/s

A super-big thank you to everyone who commented on my Madeit Opening Giveaway.

The suggestions from everyone on what I should include in my new shop were;

The pouch/pencil case
The journal covers
More itti pouches
Taxi tote bags
The nappy pouch with clasp for a dummy

The journals and the zippered pouches were the most popular.

Now for the giveaway winner. Drum roll please....

Anja said...
The journal covers are so sweet. You should list them for sure.
December 14, 2008 6:47 AM

Thanks Anja for your suggestion! I know I said the winner would win an Itti Pouch, but since you like the journal covers, if you would like one of these I'd be happy to make it up for you. Just email me which prize you would like and your postal address at lcbella at hotmail dot com.

With Christmas only a 1.5 weeks away (how did that happen!!) I wouldn't be able to get anything to the other 8 lovely ladies who commented but if you are happy to wait until after Christmas I would love to send you an Itti Pouch to.

So edward and lilly, CurlyPops, Natasha, Gilly, TinnieGirl, Mistee (sorry no link to your blog or email was left), Rebecca, Marita, Just email me your addresses too if you would like one. I have a couple of new fabrics I would like to try on the Itti Pouches so let's just call it practice and so I can get some photos!

Thanks again everyone, I always feel humbled that people take the time to visit and comment on my blog. I just love doing giveaways!

Scissors Tin Can Cover

A new covered tin can just for my scissors and cutters etc, since I seam to have a half-decent collection of them. I used this tutorial but cheated and just glued down the back instead of sewing it shut. Wonder what else around here needs a "can".

It's begining to look alot like Christmas

Cliche I know, but it IS starting to look a lot like Christmas around here. Finally.

Tree is up.
Lights are on the tree.
Lights are hanging on the windows.
Wreath has been made and hung.
We are halfway through our advent calender.
Presents are all wrapped except for a couple still be finished.

We've had to "Liam-proof" the tree this year, ie. no baubles, ornaments etc. It's kind of nice plain though, just the tree and it's pretty lights and some paper garland I made.

See the garland? Double-sided scrapbook paper sewen in a long chain. The little house ornaments are from this great tutorial and are off today for some friends. I think I might make some for us though, they fall in the Liam-proof category ie. non-breakable, which it turns out NONE of our other ornaments do, they are all glass/ceramic/sound good when they smash to youngens.

And our new wreath. Made using a round foam wreath thing from the local craft shop and just wrapped in a long strip of Christmas fabric and Modge Podge-d down.

Wall Organiser

I love linen. Hubby leaving his keys, wallet, iPod, phone, chargers, sunglasses, mail he gets from the post box all over the place I love not so much.

I made this last week using an art canvas covered in linen with pouches made in my fave chocolate and red coloured fabric patchworked. Two pockets at the top for sunglasses, phones, iPod, chargers and wallet. Down the bottom is a pocket for the mail, another with a notepad in it and a pen pocket and then a clasp for keys. So far it's working.

Bean bags

Some fun for the kids whipped up while they are napping, bean bags. Off to browse the web with a cup of tea while the house is quiet and they are still snoozing peacefully for more games to make them for days like today that are just ick outside.

Another Nappy Pouch

This one is for us using Kokka's Airplane fabric and a matching ribbon with a clasp to hold Liam's dummy. Holds 3 nappies and a Huggies wipes container.

More Madeit

After this morning's surprise inclusion in the Madeit Newsletter I got my very first sale!! Two Itti Pouches are on their way to Melbourne already along with an order from one of my friends for FIVE Itti Pouches. I hope everyone likes them, cause I love making them.

More Christmas Presents

Finally finished for Mum as part of her Christmas present. A Christmas table runner, 10 napkins and coasters for Christmas Day.

Fabric for the week... yum.

My little man. Whatever he was wanting at this point he probably got looking at me with those big eyes.

Madeit Newsletter

Check it out, my Itti Pouch in Anna Marie Horner fabric is in the Madeit newsletter that was emailed out today! What a plesant surprise! I only wish you could monitor views in Madeit like you can on etsy to see how many people like them.

Madeit Opening Giveaway

Howdy folks, check over here for my brand spanking new Madeit shop. At the moment some Itti Pouches are listed but I hope to get more things in there soon. So all you Aussie buyers head over for the Itti Pouches while they are still AUD$10 and only AUD$2.50 for postage.

How about a giveaway to celebrate? All you need to do to win your choice of Itti Pouch from the shop is leave a comment with a suggestion for what else I should list (make sure you have a link to your blog or email address). I was thinking some of these and these or these but not sure. So the lines are open for everyone until Sunday 14th December (which is also when the special price finishes at the Madeit Shop and my etsy shop).

Baby Quilt & Burda Top

A present for a baby girl born early this morning and 2 weeks ahead of "schedule". I'm pretty safe in thinking her mummy won't be checking my blog between now and tomorrow when we hopefully meet her since she's in hospital and all. It started as just a quilted playmat but ended up cot size so can double up in her little cot too. I'm thinking of "tieing" it tonight if I get time. Welcome to the world little Layla.

FINALLY I have photos of this top I made from the Sophia pattern from Burda. The day after I made it Isabella wore it... and spilt tomato sauce all down it so no photos. Two washes later to get it all out she wore it again... and spilt pasta sauce all down it so no photos again. Finally it's clean and photographed. It fits so lovely and was super quick to make as it's just cut as one big piece and the two sleeves.

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by the lovely Anja for seven random things about myself.

Ok so it's late at night after another long week so these are just the first things that come to mind! Be prepared for boredom...

1. I love to cook. Everything and anything. If only I had more time in the kitchen.
2. I am a completely self-taught web designer and well everything I know on the computer. What started out as helping out a friend to "fix" something has ended up as a full-time business a few years on.
3. Our last holiday was February 2004 to Hayman Island and I'm ITCHING for another holiday. I've been leaving travel brochures in random places around the place but hubby does not seem to be getting the hint.
4. I buy far too many magazines. Decorator, clothes, craft, cooking you name it.
5. My favourite fabrics at the moment are linen and denim. They seem to go with everything and since I am hopeless at picking fabric combinations, always a fail-safe option.
6. I am a HUGE baby kisser. No need to panic, I usually only attack my little man and girl and they think it's hilarious when mummy tries to eat their toes and legs and arms and chubby cheeks. You get the idea. I don't think I'll be able to get away with it for much longer.
7. Hubby & I love nothing more than relaxing on the lounge and watching a DVD. Throw in a glass of wine, some cheese and bikkies and we can stay plonked on the lounge for a whole afternoon while the kids nap.

See told you it would be boring.

Now for those I am tagging.. I'd love to know more about the people who are getting the goodies from my give away this week. So;

Stephanie
Heather
Lina
Amanda
B
aSprinkling
Ashley

Delivery from Meika

Look what the postman delivered this morning, straight from Meika for a giveaway I won.

The giveaway promised:
something crafty
something yummy
something I made
something luxurious
something old
something red

And boy was she right! The magazine has already been read and projects picked out, the chocolates WERE yummy, the knitted phone holder is PERFECT for my coverless-phone, the Frangipani cream smells devine, the fabrics are gorgeous and the red candle fits perfect into our red theme that seems to be popping up everywhere at home.

THANK YOU sooo much Meika, I never expected such a good haul!

Sew Mama Sew Give-Away Day Results

A HUGE thank you to everyone who left a comment for my offering in the Sew Mama Sew Give-Away Day that finished at 7pm my local time this evening. I was astounded at the 196 comments left. I started off visiting everyone's blogs as they commented but after they were coming in faster than I could keep up with, I had to abandon that idea, but a huge thank you to everyone for passing by.

Now drum roll please for the winners;

Stephanie wins the large tote
Heather wins the little tote

Lina wins the Anna Marie Horner Itti Pouch at the front
Amanda wins the Blue Flower Itti Pouch - Sorry Amanda there wasn't a link to your blog or email address. Could you please email me?
B wins the Red Spotted Itti Pouch
aSprinkling (addy--agtobler at yahoo.com) wins the Cupcake Itti Pouch
Ashley wins the Amy Butler Itti Pouch

So could everyone please email me your postal addresses and I will ship your goodies off in the next few days. I'm off now to visit everyone's blogs and email you individually to let you know.

If anyone REALLY liked my new Itti Pouches and would like to buy one, until December 14th I'm going to be offering them for $10. Yes that's both USD$10 and AUD$10 cause heck who can be bothered working out the exchange rate at the moment so it's a super special for all the Australian shoppers. Shipping is AUD$4.20 anywhere in Australia and US$4.50 everywhere else per pouch.

If you would like to purchase one in any of the fabrics above just email me at lcbella @ hotmail.com and I will put up a custom listing for you in my Etsy shop or if your an Aussie I can send you Direct Deposit details.

Baby Gifts

For one of my new sewing friends having a baby, this one is a little boy due before Christmas.

And a nappy carry case, big enough to hold a Huggies wipe container and a couple of nappies. I designed it the same as my Itti Pouches just bigger and using denim instead of linen. She loves red so I hope she likes this! (That probably gave it away who it is. Hmm maybe she's too busy nesting to be reading blogs).