A Day in New Plymouth

The Republic of Whangamomona

We took the long-way-home from Napier, via the Forgotten World Highway.

Trip to Napier

Although we weather this Summer hasn't been the best, we managed to find two dry, hot sunny days to escape to Napier. We took the long way there -inland through to Taupo, then via Whangamomona on the Forgotten World Highway the way back!!

The Customised Scooter

Roo received a scooter from my parents for her birthday. To girly-it-up a little we bought faux flowers. They were a bit trickier to attach than anticipated, but Roo was happy with the result.

Roo Turns 4!

We decided to give Roo a little party for her birthday this year. She went to a few at the end of last year and has been planning her's ever since!

Christmas Round-Up

results from the Christmas tree decoration fabric panel

homemade jam gifts

some quick Christmas cards

New Sewing Pattern- Baby's Bib

I managed to convince Roo to model some bibs!

Once a reluctant model, she is now a keen poser with some crazy moves. She did insist, however, on her own hairstylist- herself. I knew I just had to work with her on this or she would storm out of the 'shoot.'

I have just listed the PDF Bib Pattern on Etsy & Felt (see My Shops to the right).


The Pattern & Instructions cater for Beginner sewers and there are 3three different designs to choose from. The bibs fit Newborn to 5 year olds, due to the adjustable Hook & Loop (eg. Velcro) neck closure.



Crumb-Catcher Bib

Dribble Bib

Everyday Bib

A Walk To The Letterbox

It was such a gorgeous day today. Roo & I started to walk down the hill to collect the mail and I just had to run back & grab the camera.

More Pretty Fabrics!

I just couldn't help myself! I just had to pop back into Spotlight yesterday to pick up some more pretty fabrics. I've been agonising over what to give my friend's twins for their birthday- I've already made them dino tails & tutus & they already have aprons... Mum can't bare the thought of MORE toys cluttering the house...and I just can't hand them money for their swimming lessons....The solution I figure is a cute twirly skirt each. I really love pinks & blues together, especially like this....!


pretty blues & pinks

loving this combo...

...and this combo- owl fabric I bought for Roo the other day (Hi-Fashion Fabrics) also with those spots.

Getting Christmassy

Cristmas Basis- Stars, Spots, Paisley & Santa Allover (Sugar & Spice Textiles)



Cute Decoration Panel- (Sugar & Spice Textiles)

For the first time in ages I managed to spend an hour or two wandering around Spotlight looking for fabrics and inspiration for my new Christmas colour theme. For the last two years I've gone with a pink, blue & silver/ white theme but thought it would be fun for Roo & I to choose new colours. There are heaps of new cute designs in Spotlight at the moment and we eventually chose the above for our tree bunting. We also found this panel of decorations to cut, sew & stuff. They are all so fresh, bright & fun- can't wait to make these with the kids!!

Jam Season

It's that time of year again. The strawberries are getting sweeter every week and I'm picking about one kilogram every two days- enough to make a couple of jars of jam each time. Will be gifting these this Christmas, so am feeling pretty organised!

The Reward Chart

Roo is currently experiencing a lapse in her toileting routine so I've printed out yet another 'Toilet Reward Chart' and invested in new rewards. Not much of a lolly person, I think the way to Roo's heart might be through craft. Yesterday I purchased a small canvas, and a bag of feathers, pomm-pomms and fingerpaint-stamps and devided them up into prizes- ten stickers earns a reward.  It's amazing how far a pack of feathers can go- has given me ideas for Christmas gifts....


craft incentives

The Chart

A Frolicking Dino

Dinosaur costume made from my pdf printable pattern.
See "MY SHOP" to the right.

Real Kid Fun!

MrJ & Roo have adopted a buck kid each, both now five days old. Mr J has named his Shaun, although also liked the names Billy the Kid, and Billy T James (very NZ of him). Roo has called hers Lilly, pronounced "Wiwwy" but only when she says it. Personally, I liked the names Finnius & Ferg, but it's not about me.

We have made a tempory fence but will have to resort to tethering as they've already mastered the great escape and, although Ed & I love goats, it would be devastating to see them get into Ed's vege patch.

I think I took a photo of Shaun having a toilet moment (middle photo). He looks a little embarrassed....