On the home stretch....

I'm in that in-between, more than halfway packed but HUGE mess stage of moving... I've emotionally/intellectually and almost physically left this place behind. The new home is shaping up quite nicely, now that the power is on and we've checked the heating works (Hallelujah) and the lighting is functional (Hooray) and unpacked a few boxes, added a lick of paint to all the bedrooms and re-arranged the previous owners incredible pot plant collection. I just want to be there NOW ! It's putting everything else on hold (crafting/cooking nice food/relaxing) that makes moving so disruptive and exhausting but it's exciting to have a new home to bring into being. I'll be happy next weekend when we are there for real and can commence the settling in period. And set up the craft room which is filling and filling and filling with boxes!

Yesterday I went to farewell Deb and her family who are heading off to work in Croatia for a few months, WOW! What an incredible endeavour they are embarking on, I'm sure they'll have an amazing adventure. Go Sestaks! Ok, bed now, more boxes tomorrow.... almost there.....

About to pack the car with the First (of way too many) boxes and take them to the new house! A bit excited but still daunted by the whole procedure. Yes, we'll get it done and it's going to be great, just wish i could twitch my 'samantha" nose and have it all done and dusted! So i'll be off air for a week or so, while thecomputer is being fixed! So hopefully i can post some real time pics of recent events soon, like the blogmeet at Amitie hosted by the marvellous Nic and Justine. I received a very cool handmade pouch with a moleskine journal and some extra treats from Justine. It's such a great idea, to meet other bloggers, sitting, crafting and eating together. So i'm in for the next one! And i was also given a copy of the latest issue of mixtapezine, It's a ripper! Dual covers and lots of fun stuff inside, plus a very relevant article on how to organise 'the stash'. I'll be putting that into practice as soon as i unpack the craft hoard! So off i go, packing tape: Check, New keys: Check, Muscles: Check! And heres a couple of nice shots from the archives to remind us that spring is just around the corner (though these were taken in autumn!)

Sticky tape and packing tape, sticky tape and...

...still packing but it's a big birthday bonanza week in our household. Ruby turned 16 last sunday and Joe will be 12 tomorrow....Sheesh! My babies are...larger than life BIG kids, one almost an adult! So inbetween the packing there's been a bit of wrapping and sticking and hiding of presents. And of course the birthday poem, that i always forget and have to ring my sister (who started the tradition with her girls) but i found it on the (old faithful) net, and i've just been in to wish him a final 11 year old goodnight. So for those interested in traditions here's the poem to read on the birthday eve:

When you have said your evening prayer

And your clothes are folded on the chair,

As Mama switches off the light,

You'll still be (11) years old tonight

But from the very break of day

Before the children rise and play,

Before the darkness turns to gold

Tomorrow you'll be (12) years old

(12) kisses when you wake

(12) candles on your cake

Of course you can adapt/change /improvise where necessary. I love it and i think they (secretly) do too!

pass the packing tape...

the hunt is over, we've signed the lease and aside from the dreaded fear of getting it all done in time, we are moving! And there is a designated multi-function craft/get creative/make a mess room. Hurrah! It all happens so quickly: one minute your scouring the universe for a suitable abode and the next you're signing away, convinced that this is the one! This place is great, ticks almost all the boxes (no huge /soccer field backyard, not on direct PT) and most importantly we feel like it could be home. It has a few special attributes, like the metallic wallpaper in the living rooom, the built in cabinets, a lemon tree and did i mention it has a CRAFT ROOM! With massive windows and parquetry floors! The whole house is very light, and there is mega storage. And now the fun begins, and thanks Meg, i'm taking your advice, one box at a time. Except will probably have to speed it up as the days fly past. So much to do! And I have a Blogmeet on saturday with some fun people, and then a party (!) that night. Which reminds me, must finish project for blogmeet, the first part stalled as my gluing technique failed. Hoping round two with spray adhesive will work. Better scram. Oh, my friend Deb has a new website, she's a textile artist, she makes beautiful scarves, clothing and wall art out of recycled wool, go check it out!

WARNING:MEN who QUILT!

1. They raid your fabric stash and want all your secret favourite pieces.
2. They can't thread a sewing machine/bobbin/etc without your (constant) help.
3. They get their project finished AND off to be quilted pronto!
4. Their quilts look ... Fantastic!

Yes, he's now on quilt number 3. I promise to post images as soon as the goddamn technical issues are sorted (what do you mean "no camera was found"/unknown usb port?) So while he also cooks a mean cake, spins some vinyl and watches rugby union there's a new craft-sherrif in town! Looks like we are most definately getting a new joint with a super great craft room! We did check one out yesterday that had massive storage and an extra (craft) room but it was a bit shabby minus the chic. And was massively expensive.....! I know a lick of paint can do wonders but will it be drafty/mouldy.... oh the rental dilemma, how it messes with my mind!

Meanwhile i'm making some toys for a childrens market in a couple of weeks, (that's if i can kick you know who off the sewing machine!) I'm sharing the stall with the lovely Lisa who makes gorgeous kids clothes from recycled fabrics, reworks knitwear and also has the sweetest handknitted socks. I'll post the details of the market when i retrieve them from underneath the massive fabric pile.