tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47726499279723252912024-03-18T19:57:11.806-07:00Merzel HouseFollow the journeyToffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-74182138750282455292011-03-09T02:25:00.000-08:002011-03-09T02:25:51.488-08:00Building has begunI know it has been some time since my last blog well lets face it I've been a little slack. <br />
Over the past few months we have moved house, demolished our old house and finalised plans for the new house, which I am excited to say started being built on Monday (three days ago). As this is such a big part of my life at the moment I will add snippets to my blog to not only record my own 'journey'(sorry didn't want to sound too Masterchef) but share this with you. It has been 4 years in the planning and months of paperwork but there was much excitement as I drove up to the block to see three large trucks out the front. Yes things were moving, I didn't expect such a large display. Not sure what I expected - a man and a shovel (probably not) but I definately not three big trucks! I did feel a little overwhelmed as I think it had finally hit me - things were REALLY happening. Hang on people its going to be a great ride!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day One - Fences were completed and dirt had moved</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteNhLivLXhEpRl6dO6Y912RwnABvyFE2IS4M3Wlcc5c0MYpXXS0O4lVnodDUs1BRoyZuXYev2ZLTvWtNI8umLWprHg-jIThsCLw2xRQ8Ds4kMFo8iGlLClSJZS-ShEidLOEZfJGOpgB4/s1600/IMG_1727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteNhLivLXhEpRl6dO6Y912RwnABvyFE2IS4M3Wlcc5c0MYpXXS0O4lVnodDUs1BRoyZuXYev2ZLTvWtNI8umLWprHg-jIThsCLw2xRQ8Ds4kMFo8iGlLClSJZS-ShEidLOEZfJGOpgB4/s200/IMG_1727.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excitedly the kids and I watched Kenny deliver the Portable Loo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-86789321525451750432010-09-13T05:18:00.000-07:002010-09-13T05:40:10.855-07:00Mt Martha Inspiration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDdTD2NbuFCjba7kHDKlfwTvVRlhYr6AwIS5BUO3EbByJVWUxAXP7MhnCOfeQhMTlyB9D6QzSBBEpRpvnJqYLOox1XZO5OYa7mb9c24JlmV_IGmUXV-Ac8DMMYPi0JxvzKEQuFTHxuNQ/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDdTD2NbuFCjba7kHDKlfwTvVRlhYr6AwIS5BUO3EbByJVWUxAXP7MhnCOfeQhMTlyB9D6QzSBBEpRpvnJqYLOox1XZO5OYa7mb9c24JlmV_IGmUXV-Ac8DMMYPi0JxvzKEQuFTHxuNQ/s320/DSC_0219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516376766849048562" /></a><br />With the end of the boys footy season I am delighted to say my focus is back where it is happiest, with my fabrics and quilt design. A trip with the girls for a long weekend energised my direction for the rest of the year. A location of great inspiration was Mt Martha on the Peninsula. An incredible cafe called Lilo was the perfect transition to green. I spoke with the delightful owner who has transformed to this eatery to eclectic combination of all the has been reinvented and so incredibly cool. The highlight is a mural on the back wall that was photograph taken by her friend of a friend. Simply Gorgeous! Where else would a Podpal be?Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-1998505461745377582010-08-15T05:18:00.000-07:002010-08-16T05:34:10.170-07:00You are never too young....Christmas in August (deferred from July) we relaxed with Bing Crosby's White Christmas gently playing in the background and with the excitement of an innocent toddler on Christmas Day our anticipation grew....at last it was here time to<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYIi8YPx5vkvG142IHYV20QAZwNb5nbfvlKhloA98ih8LgPvZkvBu90sYK6lNiX16D75JsabyORgfrzLSL2TmhVL_h6FUlo90mUdhnd4VwvuuwuB0oSiWVe1jvCaD-39LhzpfBkWiuA0/s200/DSC_0330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505619839912163730" /> 'Pass the Parcel'. <div> Nine of us gorgeous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Patchie</span> Girls had dined earlier in a private room at the Boathouse and then retired to the gorgeous Flora's for dessert. On reflection we could have almost skipped the dinner part and have gone straight to china cups of tea and indulgent dessert. The subject of the 'Pass the Parcel' was never far from conversation and the list provided has not been looked at even by those who collected the treasure - the anticipation and mystery of the parcel was brewing just like Flora's tea. <div>The fate of the cards would determine the order we would unwrap this surprise package. The lowest number would be the one to unveil the first layer. After way too much chocolate and tea we moved to the front room, suitable decorated with Floras collection of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Santas</span>. Barb was first to go and with comments as to the attention to detail that bestowed the package and the gorgeous wrapping she began - all eyes glued to ever fold and crease to get a glimpse of the first treasure. It was the most incredible contemporary bird sticky tape holder - in a word - divine. Claire was to follow and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ag</span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6wzlyI3S4FrsxMpDPysNvkAVNHs_vgsjCMBmQ1IlKOc6c3qC1KkKH7OXptNqQhzgVSN1bNnPpN6HSaL_9bYYsGR90TMJ2pBLt5d1bnCC7EDRLZK-yL2YoJGpkO0GlDIYrLcr0Lxy3c/s200/DSC_0312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505619850873827186" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ain</span> we were focused on her reading of the poem that appeared on each layer and her fingers as she unwrapped the second layer - to reveal quirky postage stamp pins- fabulous!. We were all commenting as to how gorgeous each of the items were, how the poems added to the intrigue and when it came to our turn not one member of the group was disappointed. The delight on the face of our matriarch and host encapsulated all of the emotion everyone felt on the night as she revealed her little cat ruler. <div>Other goodies included a knitting needle bracelet, I love knitting badge, makeup mirror with a funky sewing machine picture on the back, a bag, knitted cakes (a personal favourite) animal wooden paper clips and last but not least a wooden stamp the said 'Homemade'. Our Tracey was the recipient of the last gift and had only earlier that evening explained how she had seen a stamp for shortbread she was admiring that said 'Homemade' - how incredibly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">serendipidis</span>. Amongst the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Oooos</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ahhhhs</span> as we shared our gifts consensus was that this would continue as an annual event. </div><div>The anticipation and the quality of the gifts received impressed all and this innovative idea by Sonia from Bobs Boutique is to be applauded. After only a brief conversation with Sonia she had managed to choose gifts that were fun, high quality and encapsulated all we enjoy as a group. We will all dream of the time we were young girls again, revisited if only for a few hours and the childish excitement only besotted on a child by a 'Pass the Parcel' You are never to old to indulge a little childhood reflection and fantasy.</div></div></div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-1522265315612224372010-07-23T02:48:00.000-07:002010-07-23T02:59:07.396-07:00Pass the parcel - Christmas in July<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDhVISpaQ560hfO8qkAEDOmnCWNYh27FhmOh9_mqnJtEP6UDfqNfH-5sVp7athRwqg-zKCb-ZrAgHc28NgpiBD6Xxx7fwFdAMk1iLHFtmXL_Wrp2AU2epSj4SDNlKubJu0Js2AMDP2sc/s1600/pass+the+parcel+craft+may-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDhVISpaQ560hfO8qkAEDOmnCWNYh27FhmOh9_mqnJtEP6UDfqNfH-5sVp7athRwqg-zKCb-ZrAgHc28NgpiBD6Xxx7fwFdAMk1iLHFtmXL_Wrp2AU2epSj4SDNlKubJu0Js2AMDP2sc/s320/pass+the+parcel+craft+may-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497038749561303474" /></a><br />If you have been reading my blog about Bendigo you may remember the delightful 'Pass the Parcels' produced by Bob's Boutique. Well we have one for our Christmas in July. Can't wait to open it... Ho Ho Ho.....Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-51609234289271857422010-07-18T07:08:00.000-07:002010-07-18T07:16:41.139-07:00Designer Podpals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e75ZNSzuEylYlwii-78yzdNfFPFm3IB3nQxRQRBLSU4uZ548RAKj9KG5IQFxKotbKAYBLb4sjzRoMiM5AW09tBsWGxEJP3VVi4TB8q_7v7zkBZJkVQ-Ogxp1ludi9mtFYNXipYqawgU/s1600/spider+podpal+009.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_e75ZNSzuEylYlwii-78yzdNfFPFm3IB3nQxRQRBLSU4uZ548RAKj9KG5IQFxKotbKAYBLb4sjzRoMiM5AW09tBsWGxEJP3VVi4TB8q_7v7zkBZJkVQ-Ogxp1ludi9mtFYNXipYqawgU/s320/spider+podpal+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495249739224686306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB393ftv_VNrFi2YvB0n_zYMLBFM6DTGLdX-haVCJNWbfJRf9AiB2hhC47sP3rCxnaOp16D-7QEfbx0lz6tC0OMqEP_ISl9ecJMFT-LQmQ0g3x09viO55nSQ_Rk-0DXO4rLJ87Jqr1_9o/s1600/spider+podpal+003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB393ftv_VNrFi2YvB0n_zYMLBFM6DTGLdX-haVCJNWbfJRf9AiB2hhC47sP3rCxnaOp16D-7QEfbx0lz6tC0OMqEP_ISl9ecJMFT-LQmQ0g3x09viO55nSQ_Rk-0DXO4rLJ87Jqr1_9o/s320/spider+podpal+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495249728239209330" /></a><br />Here are the two new Popals in the quest for the perfect Podpal. These two I added to my store at Madeit.com.au. Follow the stores to Toffee and Wren. These were created with funky designer fabrics i picked up from Patchwork on Central Park in Malvern. One of my favourite stores and well worth a trip for a fabric fix and a good cuppa in the shop next door.Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-46842694209089794292010-06-13T03:16:00.000-07:002010-08-05T19:51:57.609-07:00Bendigo and Bob Boutique<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6soCxoC0PnPqxfdimSrL8rZEu9oKCSuUwG4ylSklGGjUobI-CYYlScNCiGOaoXPDCelr6T99jGbhV2GM3dQ22130k8xYZdJqGNqEquhrh3wjAwMwHfbevI3t-fFMAOAcOpIjlMvmWiU4/s1600/odie+021.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6soCxoC0PnPqxfdimSrL8rZEu9oKCSuUwG4ylSklGGjUobI-CYYlScNCiGOaoXPDCelr6T99jGbhV2GM3dQ22130k8xYZdJqGNqEquhrh3wjAwMwHfbevI3t-fFMAOAcOpIjlMvmWiU4/s400/odie+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482229724887092786" /></a><br />Day Trippin with the family. Yes we took a Sunday (with no football) and left at 10:00am for a Sunday drive. If I was the gorgeous 50's wife I would have got up early baked and packed the picnic! My morning was more like - up at 9:30am in the shower and pick up takeaway coffee from the local cafe - Mama Linas - still just as delightful. In the new car, turned on the heated seat(yes, this is still a novelty.) we headed up the Calder freeway to Bendigo. High tech boys in the back with hot chocolate (yes, from Mama Linas) and iPods. We drove into town with gasps from the back seat from the boys as to how big that church really is! I did not remember how big the whole town was let alone that glorious church. We drove around it, packed with cars - mass must have been on and found ourselves parked near the botanical gardens. Great car park - the old prayer 'Hail Mary full of grace, help us find a parking space' paid off - must have been that huge Church again! <br />Not sure what we were going to do really, we walked along the main street and ducked into the visitors centre. Deciding to check out the local market we began to wander past all the incredible architecture (all the time wishing I hadn't left my camera at home). To my surprise we passed a store called 'Bob Boutique' and its design was familiar to me but no recollection at the time. As we headed to the market - which was a car club - Big Yawn!! I suggested I return to 'Bobs' and they can look at the cars. Yes - Win Win!!!! As soon as I strolled through the door - flashback - I had seen the ad in Frankie magazine. This store is now in my top 5 - My head is still spinning from all of the quirky and funky stock - oh to have hundreds of dollars. All the little retro goodies, slightly odd stuffed toys, artwork and my favourite the Blythe doll postcard. A photo of some of the little goodies I bought today are hear for you to see. I met my boys just as I had completed my purchase and headed to a cafe called Bar Zurk for lunch, I would highly recommend it - order the pie! We did the tourist thing for another couple of hours then headed home. I had an "amazing adventure in the land of Bob"Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-31632070326504984692010-05-07T04:36:00.000-07:002010-05-07T04:41:13.993-07:00Ta Da - My Reindeer!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NwOUoxznoWvxY5EYQjfg6HqbQCy14wxtrByoLkjazEOFGULX8pqMKJQm1E9UyOM4zaG8nKjpXdLMP2nDnjYP6S0nRt9f8InH-4B5rjrxbS261T_5lFE0ha9LFM6fyfBqNXUTxtctm-I/s1600/reindeer+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NwOUoxznoWvxY5EYQjfg6HqbQCy14wxtrByoLkjazEOFGULX8pqMKJQm1E9UyOM4zaG8nKjpXdLMP2nDnjYP6S0nRt9f8InH-4B5rjrxbS261T_5lFE0ha9LFM6fyfBqNXUTxtctm-I/s320/reindeer+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468491610390568754" /></a><br />OK - my job is done!<br />Isn't he cute - still a bit tricky to stuff and well I know the antlers are just a little floppy - but he does have personality.Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-22131340727709147592010-04-15T02:32:00.000-07:002010-04-17T03:22:38.195-07:00I'm knitting a Reindeer!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnMrJoJ1biI67MKDaaSz1lhIek8mWpnV28dWYH5jtaniDlsAPKPSz_5wqFdo7L1Kwp9vOS5_KWprNDyfy9OFfViRWTHo64PITSexVRhoWaGzeHM1esmvK0zcLxein7Uqda0Cv-1CgRNc/s1600/18march2010+004.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460299446673054978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnMrJoJ1biI67MKDaaSz1lhIek8mWpnV28dWYH5jtaniDlsAPKPSz_5wqFdo7L1Kwp9vOS5_KWprNDyfy9OFfViRWTHo64PITSexVRhoWaGzeHM1esmvK0zcLxein7Uqda0Cv-1CgRNc/s200/18march2010+004.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I'm knitting a reindeer!!! Yep I opened my big mouth at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Patchie</span>.</div><br /><div>I have mentioned the adorable P<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">atchie</span> girls before and the lovely Flora showed us a knitting pattern of the cutest little reindeer. In discussion is said" Wouldn't it be great if we all did one for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Patchie</span> Christmas - we could have all of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Santa's</span> Reindeer as well as our nativity treasures" The Nativity Set was previously knitted by Barb (B1) - who by the way will not entertain doing that one again!!) With a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unanimous</span> "Yes I'll be in it." We are collectively knitting a reindeer each. A simple statement I thought - until you look closely at the pattern.............. to say some of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pieces</span> look a little like ET or some other alien is an understatement. Still it has created a little excitement - although one night there I walked in and i think my name was a little muddy! I fixed that by putting the kettle on.</div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I've</span> actually sewn a Knitting Needle Roll to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">organise</span> my knitting needles. No.1 in avoiding the actual knitting of the reindeer.</div><br /><div>I have also sewn three Rolls for Crochet Hooks. No2. in avoiding the actual knitting of the reindeer.</div><br /><div>Thought I should avoid N0.3 and just start knitting. I now <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finished</span> all of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pieces</span>( with the expertise and direction of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Patchie</span> Knitters). Sewing them up may be a different kettle of fish...............B1 and I are going to do this together next week. Given she is the expert knitter of the group and she has reservations, I am a little worried.</div><br /><div>Confession: In between knitting I did finish the top of a quilt that is a little 'out there' and my husband actually loves it...............you just never know do you! </div><br /><div></div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-10898980739451100382010-02-27T00:29:00.000-08:002010-02-27T02:17:06.647-08:00I had a dream.....<div><div><div><div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Rj2rB_5E8S1Jm9gvSyCUI-h9VlovolwZhmz_WoOcPv2FvywfYMJKtyLI8fhzBSSBALq9b9lDNWan156L_WYEkeN1gqbCUQJXlbyrwmnfcHIteNv6XdifrS_cOfKw4lEG6T25VQm5kg/s1600-h/market+005.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 229px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442861046711934226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2Rj2rB_5E8S1Jm9gvSyCUI-h9VlovolwZhmz_WoOcPv2FvywfYMJKtyLI8fhzBSSBALq9b9lDNWan156L_WYEkeN1gqbCUQJXlbyrwmnfcHIteNv6XdifrS_cOfKw4lEG6T25VQm5kg/s320/market+005.jpg" /></a> I had a dream....(Yes it is Susan Boyle playing on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span> - I know its a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">daggy</span> but she is very good). My good friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mez</span> and I finally pulled our finger out and we headed to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Flemington</span> Market to sell some of our homemade goodies. It started with an application to the market organizers to which we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">received</span> a reply <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">three</span> days prior to market day. We were approved(as if there was any doubt!) then we had to build up a little stock (Yes, i was sewing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frantically</span> the day before - apparently this is quite normal) the a practice run at putting up the tent that I had dusted off from the back of the garage. We used to set up the tent when my two boys were toddlers - generally over the wading pool. My darling husband was sitting in the kitchen smirking at our efforts. I must say, with no instructions(we found those later) we got the tent up in approx. 25 minutes. Not bad! We were good to go. We borrowed a table from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mez</span>' sister. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mez</span> made bunting, business cards and a table cloth. I put <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">together</span> a couple of aprons and we looked fabulous.<br /><div></div><br /><div>With the thermos packed and chocolate in the bag we set off......</div><br /><div>As we drove to the market clouds in the distant were looking ominous - however with naive excitement we were looking forward to our first day out with our goodies. Unable to read the market map of where our stall was properly on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span>(<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">grrrrr</span> technology sometimes - don't get me wrong I adore my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span> - but it like a sewing machine knows when your in a hurry!) we asked a fellow stallholder for directions. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mez</span> sped to the location........</div><br /><div>We set up on time and were looking pretty good as a few people browsed passed. Little did we know that those browsing in the early hours would be a sign of how few were to attend the market on the day. We had bought some sewing to do and sat back with cups of coffee (from the trusty flask) and began to relax and just enjoy the day......</div><br /><div>A few people looked, kids thought the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Podpals</span> were cool and then it happened.....our first sale - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mez</span> sold some of her dilly bags - all was not lost!!</div><br /><div>Fellow stallholders were saying"Don't judge sales or interest in our products by today - its the worst day of the year for market - no one has extra dollars to spend after the back to school costs and this was the odd weekend of the year". WISH SOME HAD TOLD US THAT BEFORE!!! We calmed after the initial shock ans sat back to enjoy a relaxing day out. We took turns browsing the market. The rain had stayed away and in fact it grew quite hot towards the end of the market (good thing we had that tent!). The day really was quite lovely.</div><br /><div>Just when I thought I would go home with every <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Podpal</span> I had bought with me - a dear friend arrived and without prompting she purchased a pretty purple <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Podpal</span> for her daughter.</div><br /><div>Although we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> make our millions(well lets face it - barely enough for lunch) and at times we felt a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">little</span> despondent - We had made it to Market!</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-42827659782522117652010-01-18T00:54:00.000-08:002010-01-18T02:07:23.687-08:00Patchie Christmas Challenge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlGKcyQEzQBHfptWJYiDwjq8RLb4L3HxJ-fPcOCw_tjarjskwvLs9YGA6gAo9FQN-n37fA-I80ZvEjw3ebWs-y76QHoLs8_DoSbLBDOhB162D8gQ-WSSGAi2T2P2T4QYVlJT8zBr_mpQ/s1600-h/Picture+073.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 123px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428013718942378434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlGKcyQEzQBHfptWJYiDwjq8RLb4L3HxJ-fPcOCw_tjarjskwvLs9YGA6gAo9FQN-n37fA-I80ZvEjw3ebWs-y76QHoLs8_DoSbLBDOhB162D8gQ-WSSGAi2T2P2T4QYVlJT8zBr_mpQ/s320/Picture+073.jpg" /></a>Thought it was about time to update my blog. I have a few little goodies to share with you. Patchie challenge for last year was to make a Christmas decoration you had not made before. My little treasure turned out even better than expected. Using fabulous fabrics from Patchwork on Central Park, Gj's, a few swarovski crystals and a star shaped paper clip I created this Christmas Tree. Title- Yo Yo Yo.<br /><br />We unveiled our creations at the Patchie Christmas dinner.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7waV9bMQB_scgnWSDZYnANwS0Vz5dKU4EWlvZXsqSsmUaKrrvFsm8ds2nS9okeyArB-SOdnuAXXx4AA6Ji1YFYfWghVvaFUHitPmVS3Doc5wfdC2poomwmrMaU7SJuOLfJrzPS4ACqk/s1600-h/January+2010+086.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 161px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428015144744077202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7waV9bMQB_scgnWSDZYnANwS0Vz5dKU4EWlvZXsqSsmUaKrrvFsm8ds2nS9okeyArB-SOdnuAXXx4AA6Ji1YFYfWghVvaFUHitPmVS3Doc5wfdC2poomwmrMaU7SJuOLfJrzPS4ACqk/s320/January+2010+086.jpg" /></a><br />My gorgeous friend Mez created a song! Yes a song. This was printed on a calico star we could all hang on the tree. This has now become the groups anthem. There were voices singing our new song with gusto. If truth be known it was more like bellowing than singing but we had had a few bubbles! Other examples included bunting and a YoYo garland. All fabulous.<br />Another incredibly creative gift was a piece of china holding the most perfect posie of flowers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmbyeRDw2fJBE0H_Bulv-03z_YaA0OqMZgz9rtcggVOxjxIhDLZ9cmZ2-X7jPEgqS321OEchlmLf-8_bDXy8GSi7KryBZT7aMtX6DPH_2-VXRrfCCT0PXrIlj-BadNwLRaXaqkJPKggg/s1600-h/January+2010+046.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 289px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428016875866823618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmbyeRDw2fJBE0H_Bulv-03z_YaA0OqMZgz9rtcggVOxjxIhDLZ9cmZ2-X7jPEgqS321OEchlmLf-8_bDXy8GSi7KryBZT7aMtX6DPH_2-VXRrfCCT0PXrIlj-BadNwLRaXaqkJPKggg/s320/January+2010+046.jpg" /></a>Absolutely the most beautiful bunch of flowers I had ever seen. Delightful berries, delicate old English roses and other tiny petals so beautifully tied together.<br /><br />Patchie Christmas Dinner is always a highlight. Everyone loves to come home with a selection of creative gifts. My gift to the gorgeous Patchie girls this year was homemade gift tags with a little glitter (ofcourse!)Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-37694756329890855582009-09-11T18:20:00.000-07:002009-09-11T18:35:52.253-07:00Pod<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XtKr9anLMefKiUkaUarCyq67HFYSYm9D80rZKZfUY9VbaOX-T3cnV1f5wmzywfDjtEmGy3YH9Ush0uqjqfzyCKVvEdJF4d4ho-cOsDRpZjT8xmNZJm8zU-zxY4Ge1Guzo71qFvvxxcE/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380386844208051602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XtKr9anLMefKiUkaUarCyq67HFYSYm9D80rZKZfUY9VbaOX-T3cnV1f5wmzywfDjtEmGy3YH9Ush0uqjqfzyCKVvEdJF4d4ho-cOsDRpZjT8xmNZJm8zU-zxY4Ge1Guzo71qFvvxxcE/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Introducing the Podpal Bean Bag or as I affectionately call it - Pod</div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-15687450164127497452009-09-11T03:17:00.000-07:002010-01-18T02:03:49.912-08:00Podpal Bean Bag<div>Some would say I have too much time on my hands. I would say i don't have idle hands. I had to share this recent creation. I have made three already and I think my Podpal buddies would love one as well. Introducing the Podpal Bean Bag. Isn't it fabulous. My son thinks I'm so clever. This groovy little bundle of fun is just superb for resting my iPod when I'm watching my movies. I have experimented with different fillings and think the trusty polystyrene balls are the best and you can wash it!. I must try this out with my sons DS to check for compatibility. And just quietly how much am I loving this fabric! </div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-9054727767056167242009-09-02T02:59:00.000-07:002009-09-02T03:17:40.641-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOFc7fZwx_lys8fqofb3u0WVvB-7gvrwN-AvUuuMtztezQZS0f1AyTMm5LWQfo4XfsS-aVsQGXbnWcvj93m5okRQCWQBEp9u8i9f17ueB_McpizPHSkISe3V9SIB5U9yr33-VElVIQOs/s1600-h/IMG_0123.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376811734412992450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOFc7fZwx_lys8fqofb3u0WVvB-7gvrwN-AvUuuMtztezQZS0f1AyTMm5LWQfo4XfsS-aVsQGXbnWcvj93m5okRQCWQBEp9u8i9f17ueB_McpizPHSkISe3V9SIB5U9yr33-VElVIQOs/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I spent an evening attending training for work in the city last week on that horrendously stormy night. We were on the 30th floor watching the storm pass. It wasn't as dramatic as the news had predicted, but spectacular to watch never the less. After our training session I headed to the Hyatt for a nightcap ( a cappacino, not the other one!). I sat in a delightful bar with an open flame fireplace and dimmed lights. It was such a divine way to unwind. I sat reflecting on my day and events coming up in this gorgeous room. I couldn't help but think how beautiful some areas are in Melbourne - those little places that transport you from the everyday. A took a photo to remember the moment and the colours were so amazing I think this is now inspiration for another quilt. Yes, i am always thinking about the fabric!</div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-64137814222871150062009-08-28T21:18:00.000-07:002009-08-28T21:31:32.229-07:00<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY2__grvf3Hk7ertetFR6hrpuettICZtuOanqbvKiJAZO0SOPtrK0Qv3CWQiUbySO2EZecf0injwVtvb5ZQCZrbg2OzK_AAtSF30QDDySEzsVXmbG1twvEaumGbkSAMHEux8I1sss52U/s1600-h/niki+bag.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 246px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375236241329575202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPY2__grvf3Hk7ertetFR6hrpuettICZtuOanqbvKiJAZO0SOPtrK0Qv3CWQiUbySO2EZecf0injwVtvb5ZQCZrbg2OzK_AAtSF30QDDySEzsVXmbG1twvEaumGbkSAMHEux8I1sss52U/s320/niki+bag.JPG" /></a><br />
<br /><div>With light jazz in the background I completed this knitting bag for a friend. This pattern i will always refer to as Flora’s Knitting Bag. Flora, the matriarch of our patchwork group always sits in a fabulous chair at the end of the table we surround on a Monday night. Flora is a woman of class, immaculately groomed, comforting, inspirational, an excellent listener, dependable and a fantastic quilter and knitter. A group of us like minded people meet at her home, some have been meeting for over 20 years. We share lifes ups and downs, a sanctuary where there is always a solution to a problem, advice flows freely whether this is a craft problem or something life throws at you (and sometimes whether you want it or not - but this is what we love). We swap craft ideas and patterns often we sit and have a chat served with a cup of tea on her best china. She always says use the good china now and enjoy it, no need to leave it in the cupboard.</div></div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-85195392571574853692009-08-09T02:10:00.000-07:002009-08-09T02:29:24.578-07:00My quilt from a friend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9jnr1C_kDzh8N7u5Ick7w2BEf84CZfmoTfQ3xMuTeSaCpHP7qv2QzTtbJOmq-YQb-EaPEduABJEW6vHbIOZaz3JiGl1jwvy4lBdLXzXPyWopVTHWHcZWg7yst-e8fg2rJ6-SlMqLmpo/s1600-h/boys+and+bag+033.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367892884326094898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9jnr1C_kDzh8N7u5Ick7w2BEf84CZfmoTfQ3xMuTeSaCpHP7qv2QzTtbJOmq-YQb-EaPEduABJEW6vHbIOZaz3JiGl1jwvy4lBdLXzXPyWopVTHWHcZWg7yst-e8fg2rJ6-SlMqLmpo/s400/boys+and+bag+033.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I wanted to share with everyone the quilt that was made for me for a special birthday by a very special friend. My girlfriend has created a work of art that is sentimental and stunning. Each Dresden Plate has words and pictures provided by family and friends (this is a feet in itself!!!). The Kaffe Fassett fabrics(of which she knows I love - its just something in the details and freshness of design) are simply superb. She is the woman who taught me to quilt all those years ago(a blue and white sampler quilt that now lives on my sons bed), at which time I can remember throwing the Dresden Plate block at her to finish because I couldn't get it to sit right! Ironic really that the quilt she has made for me reflects that block is the same pattern ( I assure you this is not intentional.) If I haven't said it enough - Gorgeous, Thank you for one of my most treasured possessions and thank you to all who contributed.</div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-42870184601116968752009-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:002009-08-14T04:31:25.568-07:00Oh My Giddy Aunt!<div>OI just can't believe this is working. How amazing. I feel i should say something really meaningful for my first blog and all I can think of is the line in the Nickleback song that says " each days a gift and not a given right" from If Today Was Your Last Day, this is the song I am listening to at the moment.</div>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4772649927972325291.post-75970224090718814382009-08-05T04:17:00.000-07:002009-08-06T01:39:58.194-07:00Oh My Giddy Aunt!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR43thnClXb5nVkcJjh49jDHLDDpRmdQB9OzwoEsjc_xzPpw6_mUXsxgItJwNrT61sV_MYca1nnia3ARABMgt1WPToFi199sa7tvLH4oGNMVnhEj7-sCRffI1DKl5XdpCGB4kHt_Dp2hc/s1600-h/photopal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366766286385001010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR43thnClXb5nVkcJjh49jDHLDDpRmdQB9OzwoEsjc_xzPpw6_mUXsxgItJwNrT61sV_MYca1nnia3ARABMgt1WPToFi199sa7tvLH4oGNMVnhEj7-sCRffI1DKl5XdpCGB4kHt_Dp2hc/s320/photopal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffcc;">I can't beleive this is actually working. I feel I should say something really witty for my first blog, however all I can think of is the line from a Nickleback song I have been playing on my ipod which is "each days a gift and not a given right..."</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffcc;">Tonight I am off to my first Podpal get together. Mums with iPods - how 2000's are we!</span></p>Toffee and Wrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05478324242645766537noreply@blogger.com0