Loads of Fishes Slouch

So many of us make beautiful things for others..... and it's easy to forget that we deserve beautiful things too.


This is my new bag. The pattern is the Small Slouch from Nicole Mallalieu and those gorgeous fishes are a Thea & Sami design, Loads of Fishes*.


It's the perfect size to take everything you need for a night out with good food, good conversation and an amazing person sitting opposite you.


Hey.... why don't you make something for yourself? Go on....


*I'm sorry Thea, but those fishes are way too beautiful to be drying dishes!

Homemade Backpacks

I like the idea of the kids having their own bags when we go out. I know this means another two things to count (and another two things to possibly lose!) but I think it will be worth the effort. The plan is that the kids will be empowered to pack and carry their own bags, and be responsible for looking after their own things. That's the plan anyway!

I used the Toddler Backpack pattern from Made by Rae after seeing the pattern and some very cool truck fabric over at Angie's place. I told Angie I loved the trucks and she sent me some. Sweet her... lucky me!

I used denim as the base for the backpacks and laid out a heap of fabrics for the kids to pick one for the front. My boy chose the trucks and my girl chose purple on green 'Pets and Bones', a super cute print from Thea & Sami.

The instructions were easy to follow but they are a lot of work to make. Even though I used a heavy denim and added extra structure to the base, they don't hold their shape very well. I saw that Karen has also made one and is going to add interfacing next time, which would help.

This project challenged my "when to make, when to buy" thinking in terms of time and costs.... especially when my boy let out a very loud squeal of delight at a $5 Thomas the Tank Engine backpack in Coles.... hmmmmmmm!

Edited to add: Karen has used interfacing and template plastic and purse feet to help with the structure of the backpack. Check out her hints here....

Thankyou Thea & Sami!

Because I happened to be Thea & Sami's 100th follower, I was lucky enough to be spoilt by Thea. Look what I received in the mail today...


A pink and green piece of fabric from the 'Pets and Bones' range (along with a suggestion from Thea that my bubs might enjoy this brightness!), and one of her 'Loads of Fishes' tea towels (which will never be going near my kitchen). These fabrics are just beautiful. How lucky am I!

I am making a deal with myself that I will not look at this amazing fabric and tell myself that it's "too good to use" (but maybe it is... !!!). I have to trust myself and make something to do it justice. But what? Stay tuned.....