what we had when we had it

Tango

Reflections

Narvik

These are new additions to our Crown Lynn collection. Crown Lynn was a pottery started in New Zealand in the late 1930s. It had its heyday in the 70s and, sadly, closed in 1989. Mostly it made everyday china and, back in the day, everybody had it. One of the best things about Crown Lynn was that you could buy individual pieces. So, if you broke a plate, you could easily buy a replacement. It's been having a bit of a renaissance and is now quite sort after by collectors.

There is an exhibition on in Auckland until 14 January and these swans are just a peek of the delights in store for you if you go.

Friday favourites

Reading: Make hey! while the sun shines - a deceptively simple craft book by the lovely Pip Lincolne from Meet me at Mikes.

Watching: Tabloid - the documentary about Miss Wyoming beauty queen Joyce McKinney and her obsessional love for a Mormon missionary.

Joyce McKinney

Listening: Camera Obscura. As always. Especially this. Abba never sounded so good (imo!)

Channelling Jane

I listened to Jane Brocket who advises buying quilt fabric whenever you see any that you really love rather than waiting to buy it when you have a particular project in mind. The yellow nursery fabric with bunnies and geese and kittens is from Spotlight. Its a lovely custard yellow and I bought 2 metres I loved it so much. I might use it as a backing. I'm not thinking about the next quilt but having nice fabric on hand does make it tempting to contemplate.

I found the two grey fabrics at a market in Wellington. You can also get these fabrics here. I especially like the dog fabric - chasing a red ball with a blue mouse and trails of little paw prints everywhere. Perfect.

And speaking of dogs ... meet the "debonair dachshund". He is from an old knitting book Double knitting toys - one of the Weldons Practical Knitting series. I'd guess it's from the 1950s. The book has patterns for nine toys : lamb, teddy, doll, ball, golly, dachshund, rabbit, clown and elephant. But I thought the dog was the cutest although the more I look at him the odder he seems. But his face really is cute and I love that he's described as having "an engaging air that appeals to young and old." Very important.

wear with freedom

I'm very pleased to have my own copy of this book - Stylish dress book : wear with freedom - by Yoshiko Tsukiori. It has patterns and instructions for making 26 simple dresses and tops - perfect for summer. The photos, fabrics and styling are lovely. I'm inspired that others have successfully made patterns from this book here, here and here.

the week that was

I've had a wonderfully busy week - going to the movies (Contagion), seeing my all-time favourite comedian, Eddie Izzard, and spending all day yesterday on a garden tour of Waiheke Island. The tour was an opportunity to visit twelve private gardens and to support this charity.
How was your week?

mo love

Finally I am happy with my little raindrops. I struggled mightily with the moustache. The original had a moustache cut from felt but I think this simple crocheted version is more robust and more forgiving. Trying to cut a symmetrical moustache from felt is no easy task. The crochet ones are a bit wonky but they add character. I can now say that the design part of The Drip Project is over.

Speaking of the moustache... do you remember 'Where do you go to, my lovely?' by Peter Sarsdedt? Such a talented artist, such a wonderful song and such a tremendously splendid moustache. Yes, it is.