Might have found a new career.

As a cat burglar, no with the way I lumber around a bear burglar. A few minutes ago my daughter came out to tell me she was locked out of her room, her room doesn't have a lock, the inside handle had come off. Couldn't get the outer handle off and was considering whether I should kick the door in. Then she said that she thought the window was open, so outside I venture with a torch. It takes seconds to get the flyscreen off and before I know it I am perched on the window sill, torch in hand trying to spot a good place to step. Hoping I wasn't spotted by the neigbours.

Reminds of my younger days, we would arrive home from school to a locked house, we had instructions to wait for Mum to get home from work but that half hour wait was sooo long. Mum would often find us inside and ask how we got in. We climbed in the bathroom window, that she would leave open thinking that it was so high off the ground and so small that no one would try to get in. Usually I would give my sister a leg up and she would wriggle through, sometimes it was me, how we didn't break our necks on the inside after coming through head first through a window 6 foot up the wall I don't know. Mum would go mad at us but refuse to give us a key - because it was dangerous "what if someone followed us home or stole the key?" But it didn't stop her from keeping that window open. Sometimes if we weren't in the house she'd find us on the roof. My sister used to scale a brick wall to get up there if the ladder wasn't handy. My kids aren't so adventurous. Though lately my son has been going to a local creek area with his friends, they build bridges and rafts, coming home wet and muddy and you know I couldn't be happier. I love that he is getting out there and having adventures - the creek isn't deep, it's getting them out of the house and off the video games.

Working on a bag

I enjoyed my sewing yesterday, I stayed up way too late with it and then couldn't sleep because I kept going over in my mind what I needed to do.

I worked on a bag last night, of course another freebie - this time it was the Phoebe Bag by Rebeka Lambert. The bag has gone together without a hitch, apart from me forgetting to add the pocket. I even made another flower to go on it. This time I only used 7 petals, the fabric is the reverse colourway to the bag, I've used it as the lining as well.




Still need to finish it but was too tired to concentrate on it today, I did however go out and buy more fabric. As well as giving my resume to my favourite sewing store. Years ago when my husband wanted me to go back to work, I told him I was only going to apply to 2 places locally, this was one of them. I got a job at the other place and after my first shift went over to tell them about it, as luck would have it the owner was just about to offer me a job with her. I still kick myself for not taking it, the main problem was that the job was in another of her stores half hour train ride away, I had wanted to stay local to be on hand for my kids if needed. I've got everything crossed.

Right now it takes me up to 2 hours travelling - each way on bad days - to get to work. Not only that I don't have the option of being able to leave if there was any sort of family emergency, I don't think that's right. I need to leave for work at 11.30 tomorrow to make sure I am there to start at 2 and then I will be lucky to be home by 10.30, then have to leave by 6.30 for an 8.30 start in the morning. I've been promised transfers but they've been pulled out from under me right at the last moment.

While I was out I stopped at St Vinnies and found some side plates that I hoped would go with my new dinner plates, the colour is a tad off. But they look better than what we are using so are a bargain at $10 for 11 - make that 10, I just noticed one is cracked. I also bought a picnic basket, it's a suitcase shape. It fits perfectly under the coffee table to store magazines in. I just need to spruce it up with new lining fabric.

Time at the sewing machine

This is my darling Janome, have had her for about 10 years now and have worked her hard in that time. She's been feeling a bit neglected lately, not had much time for sewing, but no longer, I am going to make time. She is a little under the weather though, her screen is fading, I can still read it if I stand up and lean back a little, she will be heading for a service pretty soon.

After so long at procrastinating I decided that today was the day that I got back to my sewing so went in search of something to make, was looking for bag patterns on the net when I came across this little beauty, a tut for a fabric flower - it was perfect and best of all FREE - gotta love Freebies!

Chose a brown and pink print I had in my stash and set to work. The cutting out was the hardest part. I didn't have any self covered buttons so was going to use a cream button, it didn't look right. But it looked great when I placed a shell button upside down on top of it. I saw button stacking on the net recently. I love shell buttons, I try to collect as many as I find - most of which have been reclaimed from old clothing.

I am really pleased with the final product, now I have to make something to put it onto - yep another excuse to buy more fabric.


To Aimee at Homespun Threads, thank you very much for the tutorial, I'm so glad that you chose to share it.

Saturday Spotlight

Have decided to start a new tradition here on Gingerbread Crafts, spotlighting other bloggers and the crafts or ideas they are inspiring me with.

Firstly I'd like to start with Deb over at Homespun Living, one of the first blogs I ever visited, the start of a new addiction and I was inspired that I started my own. I love everything about her wonderful blog and home, I might never get to her standard but I'm going to have fun trying. Enjoy.


Deb's Waffle knit dishcloth is so easy to knit

I'd like to now go onto a blog that I discovered only a few days ago, Lucky and Blissful



I found her after viewing her wonderful Dollar Store Kitchen Makeover. Of course I had to learn more about this crafty lady, she is very talented at clothing reconstruction and I absolutely am going to make this Wonderful Castle Awesome for my great nieces and nephew for Christmas this year, pink and purple for the girls, gray for the boy.

Hobbling Around

I have a heel spur that usually gets me after sitting for while, I usually hobble around for a few moments until it gets warmed up and the pain goes away. I was hoping that not being on my feet so much while off work would rest it but the other day I trod on something that made me twist my ankle slightly. It didn't hurt my ankle but my heel was really painful. This was the day before I was due to go back to work. After hobbling around at work for 2 days, yesterday I had enough of the pain - walking it out didn't always work and it pained even after I had been standing still as opposed to before when it was only after standing up.

On the way home from work I picked up anti-inflammatory gel, painkillers and calcium tablets. There was a huge difference this morning, was laying in bed dreading the pain when I did get up. But there is only a little discomfort and tightness, no major pain like yesterday.

I now have a week off, I worked Thursday, Friday and don't go back until next Friday. Things have changed at work, they finally have another supervisor which means that I no longer have to work Thursday nights or Sundays but it also means my hours have been cut. It's bittersweet, I like not having to work so much but will miss the extra money. There is one shift I will be getting each week after next week that I will have to negotiate - it's a 4 hour shift, my travel time each day can range from 2 - 4hrs, I am not travelling that far for a short shift.

Shopping

I received a cheque in the mail yesterday, it was from an old superannuation fund I was in. It was for $157, I was given the option of keeping it in an Ausfund account for a yearly fee, rolling it over to my current fund or seeing it was under a certain amount I could take the payment. It meant I had to go into the local shopping centre to deposit it at the Credit Union, I took advantage of a little retail therapy while there. Got some bargains too, one store had leggings at a $1 each, I bought 5 pair for my daughter, she loves them and they will come in handy keeping her skinny legs warmer this winter. They also had earrings at $1, I bought several pairs, want to use them in my bag making.

Bought a couple of books, one was How to Paint Just About Anything for $9.99 from Lincraft. I've found my dream kitchen and bathroom vanity so far in the book, it could be the bane of hubbies existance LOL. The other book was The $21 Challenge from Simple Savings BigW has it on special at the moment. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet, Cassie grabbed it tonight, she said to me "Dad should read this book, it says that you don't need to go shopping just because it's shopping day". He went grocery shopping yesterday, he doesn't think to check the pantry before hand. Cassie found that we have doubles and triples of some items, actually more than that - there's 14 packets of RiceaRiso in there! When I get my lovely new local job that pays well and I don't have to work weekends - (how's that for an intention, Universe?) I will be able to take over the shopping.

I also bought a couple of items I don't really need, a ceramic water jug and vinegar jug as well as a set of 6 ceramic egg cups that I did need. The water jug and egg cups cost $4.99 each and the vinegar jug a whole $2. Not only are all functional they suit the cottagey decor I am after.

We are still working on the GRS, the main pieces of furniture are in place it's just the fiddly things to go now, emptying of wardrobes and shelves. Thomas was feeling left out, he wanted to go back into his old room but seeing as he couldn't decide in the first place Cassie is now in there. Now he and his father have hatched their own plan, they are swapping rooms. The computer room will be Thomas' bedroom and the computer room will be where it was originally supposed to be, in the walled off dining room where Thomas has had his bedroom.

Twitchy

Yesterday was my official last day of holiday, I did think about ringing up to check my roster but forgot all about it until too late. Last time I checked it, my returning shift wasn't until Thursday, that's what I put in my organiser anyway. I wouldn't put it past them to add extra shifts or to change times on me without mentioning it, it's been done before. Set my alarm for 7.30 to wait for the phone call, I could just imagine it "why aren't you here, you are supposed to open the store today", not that I could they took my keys. Couldn't be bothered getting up so went back to sleep, at 9.30 the call came "umm are you still away?" from my boss. Told her my next shift is for Thursday. "Oh ok,umm can you work tomorrow?" Answered that I wasn't available". Ordinarily I would feel so guilty about saying no but I am making the most of my time off and am not going back until my next rostered day - I really don't want to go back at all.

My face just started twitching at the thought of it.

I do have plans tomorrow sort of, Cassie and I finally started on the Great Room Swap (GRS) last night. I pulled my fabric stash out of the craft room and it's now residing in the bathroom. As soon as I tip Cassie out of bed - it's almost midday I think it's about time my little night owl got up. I got up for some water somewhere around 3 last night and she was still up sorting through boxes. If we can get it mostly done this afternoon and tonight, I want to reward myself with some sewing tomorrow. I have the urge to make bags, to sell and keep. I bought magazine with bag patterns last week, as well as some great freebie ones. I have some lovely fabric that I think will suit the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag, I bought the pattern a while back and it's hidden amongst my stash somewhere. I'm sure it will be located during the GRS.

New old Juicer.

I bought this lovely amber glass citrus juicer from a second hand dealer while I was away, it's so perfect. I've been juicing lemons a lot lately, only have a hand held juicer, this is so much better than a plastic one. After a little online research I have found that this one was made by Crown Crystal Glass Co Ltd (Australia) and has the number 17 on it. There is only one tiny chip on one of the reamer ribs, barely even noticeable, I only found it after running my fingernails along the ribs.


While I was at my Aunts places over the past few days I noticed how they lived - very simply. Every thing was very basic they only had what they needed. Their houses weren't extensively renovated, the only improvements were to replace worn out things. Their kitchens were hand built when their houses were built, I love that practically nothing had changed. I think probably the only changes have been the fridge and the stove. I can remember one Aunt cooked on a wood stove until sometime in the 70's, was so disappointed when she changed that. They eat simple home cooked meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon tea all at the table. I ate a lot less there and was more satisfied, I graze all day here and rarely eat at the table - that's probably why. I am going to have to instill the practice here, I grew up eating at the table but let it lapse when I got married because my husband liked to eat in front of the tv. I'm going to encourage eating at the table as often as I can from now on.

Dad told me that my Grandfather built the house we stayed in, it's a real testament to his building skills, still standing after so many years. As is my Grandparents old house just 2 doors away, it's still standing almost the same - sometime since it was sold in the 70's they replaced the wooden windows with aluminum ones. I really hate that trend, the windows at my Aunt's house are still in perfect working order. Pop also helped Dad build his own home.

Back from my trip.

The country air was just as I imagined, really loved it. It was pretty hot when we got there, very humid which is unusual for the area. I did a little walking around the country town my Aunts live in, looking at lovely old federation style houses, the museums and a little shopping. Bought an old glass citrus juicer.

We spent last night at another Aunt's in Tumbarumba, only had one day there but we drove out to Tumut and back. I wished we could have had more time there. Didn't come home by the most direct route instead we went via Cooma, through the Kosciuszko National Park. I saw my first ever Brumbies, they stood by the side of the road as we drove past, I could have put my hand out and touched them. It rained most of the way through the mountains, beautiful even in the rain. I kept picturing the Man from Snowy River racing through the mountains, I had to come home and watch the movie tonight. I swear I must have spent a past life in the area, seeing as my father's family is from there it may not be as far fetched as it seems. I'd move there in a heartbeat given the chance, but my husband is not a country boy.

I just have to be satisfied with getting my lungs full of country air for a few days.

A few days away - WOO HOO!

I've been able to talk Dad into visiting his sisters and I am tagging along. We are leaving tomorrow (Tuesday) and will head back on Friday - am so looking forward to getting my lungs full of country air. Have to admit I've brought the subject up and worked on him until he made the decision, I have the feeling he really needs to go and see them. He is the baby of the family at 70, his oldest sister is well into her 80's and another sister keeps having falls, really think he should get to see them. It's been an insistent nagging in my head for the past few weeks.

We'll be visiting 3 sisters, 2 live in the same town and another just over an hour away from them. According to Google maps it will take us about 4 hrs 35 minutes to drive, I also had to look up how long it would take to walk - 4 days 2 hours (wonder if they've factored in breaks, probably not).

I know we'll only have a few days but there are things I am hoping to do, one of which is to visit a Pioneer Women's Museum in the town where one Aunty lives. The town is my father's home town and I'd also like to see the old family homestead. I know there are family items in the Museum, our family held a part in the history of the area.

Red and bit of purple.

I am enjoying my time off work, with the exception of thinking each day that I'm a day closer to having to go back - I really don't want to go back but to do that I have to have another job. I have been applying but have heard nothing yet, ideally I would like to get away from retail or at least work for an individual over a major retailer. I've been applying for office jobs but not having worked in an office for 20 years things have changed, we still had typewriters back then, personal computers were just coming in. The computer at work filled a room that had to be kept extremely cold.

On the weekend an old family friend visited Mum, we grew up together but drifted apart when her family moved to Queensland. The last time I saw her was when our children were 18 months old - they are now almost 18 years. We've spoken on the phone only a couple of times, really have to make an effort. She was going to the zoo on Monday so I asked her if she would like some company, we had a really good day.

I've started cleaning up my craftroom, I do it in shifts so I don't get burned out there is so much clutter in there. I've already donated a box of craft items and have another box filled. Am being very strict with myself once something goes in the box it stays there, had to forbid Cassie from going through it. I'm giving most of my scrapbooking supplies to my niece, I rarely scrapbook. Will keep my tools though. As soon as the clutter is gone, the rest will be temporarily boxed up, Cassie and I will be swapping rooms.

Even though I am decluttering I couldn't resist buying fabric today, 2 metres of scrolly red one and an amazing purple/silver/black sparkly one. Gorgeous. I want to make a couple of evening bags.



Also have been knitting, this is another from the $1 kits bought after Christmas.



And reading Shakespeare, I bought this book just before Christmas, loved the fabric cover. Had never read Shakespeare before, am up number 20 but have to admit that I don't understand most of them.