Let It Snow!

There was a buzz of excitement around the country yesterday as it snowed in a whole-lotta places it just doesn't normally snow! While the South Island was hammered with we-just-don't-need-any-more-of-this snow & gales, the snow landed on North Island towns & cities at sea level, even as far as Auckland! Now I know this is not a big deal to a lot of people, especially those from the Northern Hemisphere, but it was certainly a novelty waking up to snow fluttering outside- a new experience for me! At best it was just a dusting of snow which had disappeared by lunchtime, but I was happy to hear that the school kids experienced another snowfall at morning recess, and enjoyed running around catching flakes in their mouths and other craziness. We woke again to a white lawn this morning, only this time it was a heavy frost.

A Great Night Out

On Friday night I went along to a Plunket fundraiser, hosted by stylist Lisa O'Neill. Working with Farmers department store, Lisa discussed dressing the different body shapes and suggested clothing from Farmers latest range. Lisa also discussed accessories and personal "upkeeping." It was a hilarious event and my face was sore from laughing so much by the end. You can find her at www.lisaoneill.co.nz or www.facebook.com/lisaoNZ.
For an added bonas I managed to win the Plunket raffle, which was a selection of handknitted jumpers and a box of Stamin' Up loot! Very happy. Here's Roo modelling a knitted vest and my new stamps.

Happiness Filled

Yesterday was such a great day. All four of us stayed home and pottered around, doing our hobbies. Ed was trawling the auctions looking for new seeds to grow, and planning the spring garden; Mr J set up the tent in the Loungeroom and turned it into Lego central; I spent the day sewing bibs in my new designs (stay tuned); and Roo played alongside me with her doll house & little dolls. Later the kids & I made cardboard dinosaurs (Roo's idea) followed by some baking. All this and beautiful sunny weather. Bliss! Amazingly, I managed to get a photo of Roo's dino with Mr J arms- fluke!

A Mild New Zealand Winter?

Eight days ago we were reflecting on how mild the weather had been. Sure a few wet days here and there but pretty warm for Winter, really. On the Sunday we went for a stroll on the beach. We weren't exactly wearing short sleeves like the fishermen pictured, but Mr J was happy to run around in shorts!
The last five days, however, have been pretty dismal- thunder and lightening grumbling every couple of hours and hefty winds hammering the lower north island. I'm glad all these hills were made to cope wit lots of rain. We've just heard to expect five more days of the same. Come back sunshine...!


Wai-iti Beach

Mt. Taranaki/ Mt. Egmont

Colourful Dinos

The View

Here's the view from our house on Tuesday morning. We have quite a few nice sunrises which our camera, or perhaps my lack of skills, can NEVER do justice, but I managed to catch the mist okay. We live on top of a (big) hill and have great views over the valleys towards Mt Ruapehu, which you can see on a clear day. The front of the house faces the Tasman Sea and I sometimes (ok, often) give a wave to the family across the ditch (but seriously, there's a good 2000km between Australia and New Zealand...).

Dinosaur Costume PDF Sewing Pattern!

I've finally completed and listed my pdf dinosaur sewing pattern! The pattern comes with a detailed tutorial (instructions) with heaps of step-by-step colour photos to make construction easier. The tutorial is intended as an ebook which you save and use on your PC and enables you to enlarge the photos, although it may be printed out.

The Tail & Hood are the same size as the ones I make- to fit kids aged 6 months to 6 years of age. The pattern & instructions were designed for beginner sewers. No overlocker (serger) is required, and the zip is optional.