mail loot + my brooch!

Yesterday, I picked up the large pile of mail that had been collected while we were away. There were the usual bills and such, but also this lovely loot ...

You might think that these two lovely items came from the same person, but one of them came from the USA and one from Sydney, Australia ...

I can't believe my luck ... this is my brooch from Jess at A Life so Peachy, who (unbeknown to me) was my partner in the Flowerpress Brooch Swap. I am so impressed with the design and thought behind this brooch. I'm wearing it today! Be sure to pop over to Jess's blog, especially to see the amazing layer cake she just made!

A few weeks ago I spotted this beautiful framed embroidery over at June at Noon's etsy store, and I knew it had to be mine. It is so beautiful - the design and the colours. Thanks Gretchen - I love it!

I hope the postie brings you something nice today!

winter crafting

We've had a cold snap here in Melbourne this week, so winter craft has taken hold a few weeks early.

The brooch I was making earlier in the week for the flower press brooch swap is now finished thanks to the addition of some black interfacing to keep everything firm and avoid fraying. Check out the brooch swap flickr page to see what others are making.

While I was working on the brooch, I got an idea to make a scarf from some lovely wool fabric I bought last winter ...

This scarf is made from just 25cm of wool fabric - selvedge to selvedge (literally - I left them as they were) - and then embellished with some woollen fabric offcuts; machine sewn using a blanket stitch. It took about half an hour, and I love it! The photo below shows the actual colours much better ...

Last but not least, I've been knitting a cowl ... in the round (excuse my first-time enthusiasm)! I feel very advanced (and slightly out of my depth), but it seems to be working somehow. Big needles and big wool are forgiving and lovely! I'm not following any pattern, just enough stitches to go around the needles, using the one stitch I know, and I'll stop when it's wide enough (OK, not really advanced at all, is it?!).

More creativity over here today!

P.S. Now might be the time to sign up for the Yardage Design Newsletter (on the sidebar) if you haven't already - an online shop SALE will be announced shortly.

brooch progress

I've had a bit of time this afternoon to work on my brooch for the flower press brooch swap ...

I like working with the wool felt, but I don't think the woollen tweed will hold together (for everyday use), so I may replace that with another piece of woollen felt. I love the little button I found - vintage, black and with a four leaf clover for luck! I'm also loving the autumnal colours and textures of this wool - I might have to make myself one of these brooches too! Hope your Sunday has been a fun day!

the beginning

I bought these wool offcuts last week at Peppergreen Antiques in Berrima with a view to craft them into a brooch for the flower press brooch swap. Today I'm just looking and thinking - what colours, what shapes, what embellishments ...

Have a great Saturday!