green curvy clutch

I see myself as a patient person with impatience swings. Or perhaps it’s the other way around, if I’m realistic. I am so very patient with animals and children! I am so very impatient with everything else, with a particular low to stupidity! But anyways, that wasn’t why I started this post.

I wanted to talk about my patience attributes (or lack of), because I bought this really good curvy clutch pattern from Keyka Lou’s Etsy shop just before I went on holiday (again, a story for another post) and this posed a problem - I just had to try it out immediately! Of course this means imperfections - there is only so much multi-tasking a girl can do! - the packing for the holiday could have been better and so could the wee clutch, but I love it anyway! I used the leftovers of this bag due to a combination of factors, really - I love this green (so happy!), it was just about the right size, and I wanted to use it on a good project.

For my next clutch, I’ll definitely use the suggested invisible lining (will make it more sturdy), enlarge the pattern a bit (I travel light, but this is still a bit too small) and give myself a quiet time to enjoy the sewing (although multi-tasking is so much fun!).

yellow tulips or how life changes

I’m craving yellow tulips. I haven’t been able to get any for a while now and I really wanted some on my windowsill. The photo is from long ago, when I had yellow tulips on my windowsill and when my life was in order. And that is why I’m craving yellow tulips so badly - to pretend my life is simple again.

in the bag

Back to crafting, at last! Time is a commodity, more precious than I’ve ever realised! Between work and paper writing and a conference and the occasional attempt at a social life (ok, maybe more than occasional!), not much time is left for actually being creative.

Last weekend was my first free weekend as a result I decided to have a very much needed ME time. The initial plan was to bake a cake, finish two dolls which are looking fairly pathetic (one is naked and the other one has no face), sew a bag. Clearly, plans are made so we can deviate from them knowingly. I didn’t bake a cake, I didn’t finish the awkwardly looking dolls; I did sew a bag, I made a mini owl, and I went to a barbecue!

In retrospect, it was a great weekend

smells

Smelling of lavender… ah… peaceful!

weekend apron

The weekend was relaxed and enjoyable. I finally had time for some sewing (the apron in the photo), sightseeing and a nice Sunday roast at an old Oxfordshire pub. What more can you ask from the first weekend of free time?

moon orchid

I should be working even though it’s 11 in the evening. But I couldn’t resist sharing a bit of my day, for this Moon orchid arrived today as a special delivery from a very sweet boyfriend. How easy it is to make someone smile… and he wants to make me smile… and he has!

Elsita

*

I came across Elsita’s blog following a recommendation on the Great Craft Disaster. You follow a link and voilà, you end up on a page that grabs you! Elsita’s blog is one such page.

Much could be said about Elsa’s talent, but Carla did it all beautifully. So, what can I possibly have to say here? Well…

Elsa is doing something called the Blank Book Project. I was fascinated by the concept and by the beautyful images and texts that come with every entry on the project. It is worth a visit, a very long visit…!

It made me wanna start my own blank book project, one for every year of my life, full of beautiful images and memories. I do have a Moleskine, I write thoughts and short stories and one sentence rants and I draw penguins, but… It’s just not the same!

*I didn’t want to spoil the surprise by showing an image of a filled page!

6 useless facts about moi

My little private beach has been abandoned for the past few months due to a huge amount of work. Normal posting is expected from the end of April.

In the meantime, something that didn’t require any creative-inspiration-hand moment (if we exclude typing), but only an inner journey. Joana has challenged me to share 6 useless facts about myself. Although this requires deep self-analysis I’m now confident I’ve gathered a small list of useless information that serves no purpose other than honouring a challenge. Here goes:

- I always wake up in a good mood. I’m a firm believer that a new day is a new beginning; when I wake up nothing has yet upset me (this inludes 4am calls from private numbers).

- I have an issue with crumbs on kitchen counters, it annoys me.

- I hate leek in all shapes or forms. Do not feed me such a thing!

- I think stand-up comedians are the most intelligent people ever. I love people that make me laugh.

- I think baby elephants’ bums are soooooo adorable! (I’m allowed one very silly and cheesy fact, surely!)

- I think Mafaldinha rocks!

After reading the instructions, which was after writing the previous blurb, I’ve realised that the exact choice of words was insignificant things and not my loose variation of useless facts. I’ve re-read them and believe the chosen facts are insignificant, therefore they comply with the challenge.

I now need to challenge 6 other people to share 6 meaningless things about them on their blogs. And my vote goes to:

- Carina - The Assemblagist
- Jacky - Coisas de lã
- Psique - Cadernos com folhas 1000
- Jin Sanjo
- Catarinia - Universo Catariniano
- Joana - Substante

The rules are:

1. Place a link to the person who challenged you.
2. Place the rules in your blog.
3. Share 6 meaningless/insignificant/useless facts about yourself.
4. Challenge 6 other people.
5. Let them know you’ve challenged by placing a comment on their blogs.

vintage buttons

Saturday goes by slowly, rain and wind fustigating the windows. It’s comforting to be inside, sewing away, eating cookies and drinking tea. The vintage buttons find their place in the freshly sewn corduroy bag, as if they were just expecting this new role in life.

sock monkeys

Arnold was in need of company, now that the Winter’s here and there’s no chance of sunbathing. The wee pink monkey came to join him, with bright colours and a naughty smile. Ah… aren’t friends wonderful?