So naturally I embarked on what was then a massive project to make lined patchwork curtains and two patchwork single duvet covers for the wee boys' room.
I did it, but as much as I worship at the temple of patchwork, the experience horrified me so much I never wanted to cut out another perfect square again.
Fast-forward eleven and a 1/2 years.
I have our lovely Vixcita to thank for helping me get my patch-working mojo back.The regular sight of her incredible lounge curtains in her posts taunted me for long enough and lately I've spent many hours with eyes glazed over, drooling at the thought of beautiful, colourful, crazy, swishy patchwork curtains once again.
So following Vix's simple tutorial I grabbed a shoe-box lid, which happened to be rather large and got tracing.
And cutting.
And sewing.
And pressing.
The process is so therapeutic this time around.I'm just going with the flow, getting the kids to help me pick out squares they like, sewing them into vertical strips, then sewing those together.
No more stressing over matching the fabrics or matching up all the lines perfectly.
I want to enjoy this project, not feel that old thud of dismay every time I look at those rectangular stacks of glory.
I have quite a lot of curtains to make and so far, it's been a joy.
In other news, The Stylist made coconut and chunky choc cookies last night for her teacher's birthday today.
Today I received a sweet lamb postcard from the divoooooooon Miss V of Two Squirrels Vintage.She and Warren are traveling around New Zealand in a camper and she found a stack of these postcards, harking back to the 1970s in an op shop.
I remember the picture from when I was a tiny tot.
I love snail mail.
It's joined my growing collection of cards from wonderful bloggers, displayed on our kitchen bench .
The lady-rabbit card was made by Georgie, the Dickensian Dandy, while the fortunate fellow was from Curtise and the "natural girls" from Vix.
I bought this skirt from a flea market on Sunday from a vendor who had a rack marked "dress-ups".Translation: Normal clothes.
So I wore this out this afternoon to do some after-school chores with The Stylist.
We're getting ready for a visit by my favorite sister's husband Pete, who arrives from Auckland tonight.
Yay!!
It's a bit dangerous picking out a pet sister when I have four to choose from, but that's just the way it is.
I love my Mere.
You'll see in my side bar that I'm taking part in Buy Nothing New Month.
Won't you join me?
Rose headband - made by me, other styles in my shop Sassy Vamps!
1950s cotton blouse and sugar skull earrings - Etsy
1970s pendant - Vintage Wishes
Bag and belt worn as bracelet - thrifted
Bracelets - gifts from Em, Curtise and Krista
VW Melissa Lady Dragonheart shoes - eBay
Oh and guess what?Lakota's annual Christmas swap is on again!
I knoooooooooooooooow I can't believe it either, Christmas is nearly here - make it stop!!
The annual Faith Hope and Charity Shopping Christmas Swap makes busting a gut over Christmas worth it.
Last year I swapped with Erica Louise of Recycled Fashion and what an amazing swag of secondhand and handmade treasures she sent me.
Still get the warm and fuzzies when I think of it.
If you want to take part, grab this button and stick it in your side-bar, linking it to the swap page.
Check out the swap page for the rules and be nice - don't forget about your swap partner once your partner's name is announced at the end of this month.
We don't want anyone missing out on a jolly Christmas do we?
Oh I'm linking to Lakota's Tah-Dah Tuesday this week - at last!Baci,
Desiree xo
