tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32934936467474405102024-03-17T03:25:05.441+11:00Hoppo BumpoSewing and other adventuresLieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.comBlogger736125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-44339040101864336412014-12-31T22:55:00.001+11:002014-12-31T22:55:07.602+11:00Happy new year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHoUpMr63KuZjRNNdb5F22vwWcBeNbv5uwaRqWX6H58M0h2kR8EMFKfA2LQVdChCiaN_XitTfMkDGnGB8DKJXFempVLfPb-dkthItDuPCVjqVQcuQdXb3dBQMotUuORlKFmSKx-sgq54q/s1600/HNY2015+copy.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHoUpMr63KuZjRNNdb5F22vwWcBeNbv5uwaRqWX6H58M0h2kR8EMFKfA2LQVdChCiaN_XitTfMkDGnGB8DKJXFempVLfPb-dkthItDuPCVjqVQcuQdXb3dBQMotUuORlKFmSKx-sgq54q/s320/HNY2015+copy.png" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="320" /></a>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com87tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-48777605994909465682013-12-31T23:48:00.001+11:002013-12-31T23:48:37.179+11:00Happy New Year<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6765559879_67a3fa5014_z.jpg" target="blank" title="Hoppo Bumpo"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6765559879_67a3fa5014_z.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-27627300132295500112012-03-13T19:35:00.003+11:002012-03-13T19:56:16.836+11:00As seen on this label<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6978670779/" target="blank"><img style="width: 320px; height: 238px; border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C6wpBQtJQKPLkXUQm6LHRcWYL53pJaAQVCqwTND2_8IOlbql0qpmOjzxv4xaBGtnwcEbcPQ8XQGc9EOwtrnj7vZDi46BIWsDud_bhjSsyE2FmPJyFiMdHohNXBxIZ6gGrtGb_jozP84C/s320/AsSeen.jp" /></a><br /><br />If there's one thing I love, its slightly silly labeling.<br /><br />You know the sort don't you? The knife with the packaging that states : "Warning: Keep out of children" or the children's cough medicine that says "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication".<br /><br />Yep, that makes me laugh.<br /><br />And so did this.<br /><br />I wonder what other gems their marketing department have come up with?Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-78860869927364992392012-02-12T19:52:00.001+11:002012-02-12T19:55:40.813+11:00Croquis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKcnRlCyeMVx__xhjlx4aRYQ5PdWRO-vrr_uvfXNHoMpdESrSBV323ErN6Hvv6sEkUSYTxW5MzlOKrLfnsuT3DjxqOEnoLY-DyZZNWhMagUU-EzUEmuOGwc_m68JuHecBCeccXgTYzzS3/s1600/CroquisinBurda7531.jpg"></a><div><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6860420701/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 149px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW89C_AMmf66PkzoNJKhyphenhyphenQ_798ybdS1oCF_eGiRDboaLA9xV18I9siUjDq-wUc7_ADWcCKWjbeH6MgiMfdQP5mwFsIpDuNS8VOaPGbHOq0pIYzb6f6WkrX-dR4aUSVw5_vaUNDrFIOI5Rj/s320/CroquisinUndies.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here's a little project completed this weekend. Inspired by the new <em><a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/colette-sewing-handbook" target="blank">Colette Sewing Handbook</a></em> and some favourite <a href="http://verypurpleperson.com/2012/01/m-mini-me.html" target="blank">dressmaking</a> <a href="http://www.polkadotoverload.com/2012/01/video-tutorial-try-on-patterns-before.html" target="blank">blogs</a>, I thought it might be fun to draw a personalised "croquis". A sort of virtual "paper doll" I can dress-up in my sewing projects.<br /><br />Now, by definition a croquis is a <em>quick and sketchy drawing of a live model</em>. If truth be told though, there was nothing even remotely <em>quick</em> about creating my croquis. And there was a distinct lack of a <em>model</em>. I mean, have you ever seen Kate Moss looking like this in her undies? Didn't think so.<br /><br />Anyway, following the Colette instructions, I created the croquis from a photo. <em>Mr HB</em> was appointed photographer. He took a one photo. Then another photo. And another one. And another. Apparently if you are lardy and have a double-chin, no matter how many photos are snapped, you will still look lardy with a double-chin. Darn.<br /><br />Following the ill-fated photography session, I did some tracing and then scanned the outline from my photo. Then due to complete ineptitude, I ended up finalising the basic croquis using three different graphics editing applications. The result, as you can see, looks much like I used three completely different graphics editing applications.<br /><br />Finally, I thought it might be amusing to "try on" some of the 78 garments that I have cut out and then not finished sewing. This one is from the top of the pile - <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-6857-burda-style-skirt.aspx#t-0">Burda skirt 7531 View A</a> in sand-coloured bengaline.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6860421493/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 149px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDV-SiiMz1nf3twBSVbjR9apudXNTBelGem5ORHnWBJHnUNorKfP_goTvgUVmI4KCtBoCo2Hq6tuwTgDZylNtV5z3GlcoCW7aK1ck7cA25w1YpvREp00EsGrogysHfAPbYNYOGD-cN_5A/s320/CroquisinBurda7531.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Please don't ask what happened to my hands. They've been left behind somewhere in one of three graphics editing applications. It appears one of my toes has also vanished.<br /><br />If only it was that easy to lose the double-chin.</div>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-18024639946991480292012-02-11T14:39:00.007+11:002012-02-11T15:16:06.919+11:00On a roll<div><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6854633437/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY1tWU9Tta19RFttaDp96BSXClPnxnSeCdzRR1P_KvsD6Oz7Gw6nDF_42OkgXdmZG1iQcz71MlgENft1-7QUppSIP3pmhi04tp4nXNy2cNLcy6lwQhuqHr3Y-dYm3Cz4Y1YPTiQRs5e5L/s1600/HPTP.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Following this spot of Harry Potter toilet-paper roll craft, 5-year-old Bargy had a stroke of genuis: a bathroom emergency requiring 100 sheets of 2-ply.<br /><br />Apparently we needed a Hagrid.<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Activity from the delightful </span></em><a href="http://www.lottamagazine.com/Lotta/Photos.html"><em><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Lotta Magazine for Children</span></em></a><br /><span style="color:#999999;"><em>Contains art, craft, cooking, storytelling, creative writing, drawing, gardening, games,play & colouring. Ages 5 - 10.</em></span></div>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-12040694895934768812011-10-11T13:29:00.007+11:002011-12-30T21:12:43.737+11:00The visitor<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6232346917/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1aSBMt6Esx4c8iSvTR3Wa7UA-Pnfe9fQQGsWPXhyK9XNX2qaXAHqTqeydBg3bvHW2KzcTvOp94aZhM7TbEFLHVGnUofAx1h4r0pdQeY5nNXdAD05l5MQLUcck22dJFxPo5MOfn4gpWxZ/s320/6232346917_1f884c491a_b.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Don't mind me.<br />No please, I insist.<br />I know I look quite big*.<br />And close.<br />But just carry on.<br />As if I weren't here.<br />I'll ... uh ... be sitting quietly.<br />Minding my own business.<br />Yup, yup, yup.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hey ... is that a <span style="font-weight: bold;">sandwich </span>you're eating?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">* 52 centimetres<br /></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">This post brought to you as part of <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest</a> - October's blogging festival.</span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-7214965574122121502011-10-09T23:31:00.003+11:002011-12-30T21:13:44.542+11:00Shiny<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5893592740/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy0T1Y8BicJp0HuNZIFtq4qo93mUUhPLS1mg7oLskuvGHpMTSRCSKZPnXQqfQ3ZgDaT0GrLWTOU2C0c0elrzLQpDF-tq12WH6CN6UFAn4MLy0TtDs-8sYNQPQsr3Vrv6Ek1Z-PFSFqx1F/s320/5893592740_d203c22d19_b%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When I spied this thread at <a href="http://opendrawer.com.au/"> Open Drawer</a>, I knew resistance was useless.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6224925162/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdgpT04g9whynAoVmNpaxn-SmenBXDEmeaue2EpJKu4VJA88utZW2tPGQeDOsili108QyD4BV2S5-uSDWYpsFHiqJU2r1YqjUnLKY-bBe9aw0eDw5JexJ3cp3Al-V-enpTuch0YRKvRYl/s320/6224925162_05ef739f94_b.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span>I quote from the packaging ...</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />This thread appears matt grey in ordinary diffuse light but flashes a luminous silver when viewed from the same direction as a light source. It is spectacular in low light or at night.<br /></span><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5893687094/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhol3xs6uQSxwy0d9_jLD1OCX2p3GVK7r1WDPz7IT3qWk27fw6wg8LVMa_KPghzoAZLbxAsfy-WrgzghG_Oru6J4nvZaNXQ7mDUpmHjtkxiIUWlIwt3HCRBSvrxKiJ51bKemgg3_QJ-AI7a/s320/5893687094_969a6a6f86_b%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I wasn't sure why I needed it. Or what I would use it for.<br /><br />All I knew was: Must. Have. Shiny. Object.<br /><br />Sometime after the purchase of aforementioned thread, I remembered: I was about to make a coat (<a href="http://www.jalie.com/city-coat-pattern.html">Jalie 2680 - Women's City Coat</a>). And as you can see, this baby has a shedload of top-stitching.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.jalie.com/product_sizes/2680.pdf" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil303IdA2_3hpxUu3EQ9QzPIikY9bxvBsczmN5ujo7QNn_u_zOEv7F1ZoJPlv-dv0IzJ0yqiXobzsoAbX5RP2iA11YagKNqSdGV0LtYgYDDAOk-_-1_Z_NKGsbY4qUV2zYb_X_O3keCAyv/s320/6224803157_5a2c17d0d0_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Although the pattern instructions don't specifically recommend that said top-stitching should look <span style="font-style: italic;">spectacular in low light or at night</span><span> ...</span>.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6224924772/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7blpPkqZhI3qN7EJeEZMtdS0ibyE_RXfiUi1cMMQ6zpJXPWk13vtxqJIWi9PYrjZVzaliDJKkPhQg3CepOgXqGT0UIb6ru1hzLTQVJoTUxLsV9bSmXy3URymOif4DVW2DVJt2o4hCZaw/s320/6224924772_3925f65b12_b.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... I am sure that top-stitched seams <span style="font-style: italic;">flashing a luminous silver when viewed from the same direction as a light source </span><span>will be a great asset. </span><br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6224404179/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfk-_rHT0BAIYyJQ8_f38ab4NpVZCFxWGtkgJ7S03GY1dWGLb5IATcbN16i1_YF4IPXDWHM_8sQUkX7k-85CSfqdHiU3dJLLFIi0mgA08EPX_4OTYNAc1iNNwhcz-m-VLwn41dM_QXBsd/s320/6224404179_3036efc321_b.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span>Once I have finished the coat I will be able to go walking at night, secure in the knowledge that I will be visible from miles away.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Look out dear ... what's that in the headlights?<br />Why I do believe its a princess-seamed coat with wobbly top stitching.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">This post brought to you as part of <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest</a> - October's blogging festival.</span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-71966371984868943152011-10-08T20:20:00.006+11:002011-12-30T21:14:10.344+11:00Here's one I prepared earlier<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnl3E3PD0UhOnjwDROVLrivLmvCepZbuN4SgClYz38GZbvnpVZpftdSzRcBpe_lvBjq0Lwis5pbJF6O0gft-uVuPyiAE6mKjOm9scyfdSBwMwoTBXoxgrURcpJZ2dnJUsF8tgynr7w5e2/s320/5310525925_bcd6ba7f67.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here is a little girl's skirt that I sewed a while ago*<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5310554039/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhln3WJmCLKMLXJ5RTS9toz2O_Y53liR5lQtPvT4E_uHrJOYBSfVvYnwuXV1GyBuLPiZFFFPBm9McaqMsAQLc7uEI4j9zS3UaqnyhV1FzAJI1tnNaJiUSBKsabSo1bFBi8yO9P6LKyZ6M35/s400/InsaHem.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I love this cute pattern - the "Insa skirt" - by Farbenmix. The design, with layering and ruching, reminds me of a princess skirt. It makes an excellent twirly party skirt.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5294531037/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWFIcgTbEOyPqZpE_8hh1gLamnm5CIJkkc3LKlgkH_1AYHi3z0_Oa_1FiSXzx0Lh4i6nSZ9aWz6nquYjJVNy789M7wEEmWMzEU36EkW8FIY2bLrsHXvNFmw4SYheo9bj15CNST6EofdXO/s320/InsaLineDrawing.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The pattern is available individually or as part of the book "Sewing Clothes Kids Love" [Langdon & Pollehn, 2010 Creative Publishing International].<br /><br /><a title="Sewing Clothes Kids Love" href="http://sewingclotheskidslove.com/About_Our_Book.html" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClZX-LbVziItAJUf2uewnS6qaEQ5To8t6BanW_cRG8UDVktnk60B4kDpZwydDwnmUQsUkvVALAZVJyKqMIC1JMW25jnm38t3KvS_jyr0C4AVBePp2oV_f9gHPWJPpPxnDL3ltF2mtBOy3/s320/SewingClothesKidsLove.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I've made this skirt once before using a dreamy pink fairy print, called the <em>Sprites of Tillbrook</em>. Regretably due to a lack of forethought about print placement, I decapitated some of said sprites.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6222089629/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQYhWKqheiDy7z7FsbY1qqGqaAvGW1Tzk9WuViDnGaKf42pXcNXOjlfRVqNetC023aUxHlKSURZn1EtjXV3mqlclXDQ3ztXSns2NeoNcVgiuz-rWI2nmrXUEP4tiVBM1EjiYpn-fJI5zc/s1600/HeadlessSprites.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure about the wearer, but personally I still haven't recovered.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5310530147/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1DhzHDfcrU5EhdbYyrPo3s2-ckPT82aSt1X88q5EYbkk47um9T7dJ1l0pnxXMk1kUC2LsNt17GEDSzf9RrA99sAue3-rzZpgOI4RdJUiIOgxOyIQICledSGmGmI-HTQiNyMOObebsnkw/s400/InsaYoke.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For this version I stuck with less risky Japanese sashiko stars in indigo and taupe. There's only just so much of a mess you can make with a bunch of stars.<br /><br />* "A little while ago" may mean "10 months ago"<br /><br /><em>This post brought to you as part of </em><a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank"><em>Blogtoberfest</em></a><em> - October's blogging festival. </em>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-60915504020506141572011-10-06T18:28:00.006+11:002011-12-30T21:33:50.013+11:00If you do wot I say ...<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6216779050/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PM68bO7RopzMtccb2U850IqLq_yPnlSgm1gRBiJPCfD5DRyP9j4jDPiwY68x-4FFQHx1LxrReLEJ6aTX-dFpwX_G7QhDGEpM0vvuntOaN0P1E55unawSJBrWloNVyW3g19PDOaGkTtS6/s320/6216779050_6c85873801_b.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I just found this partly-penned gem. Clearly <span style="font-style: italic;">Argy</span> has been putting his new-found writing skills into practice.<br /><br />As Einstein so famously said, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot."<br /><br />I can only guess <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> this would have ended if <span style="font-style: italic;">Argy</span> knew more words.Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-14867469720600529792011-10-05T23:33:00.006+11:002011-12-30T21:34:12.879+11:00The one in which I mentioned the thread once, but I think I got away with it<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6209693951/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB4CZ_pD_o2kJXZFH_mkv8WZaPEk4Wtm4rVFkiU8ab2S_Kt6JtErw86WKijQ31BMjVRUyrsxLUAOuO9RbDux9uiG3y_d7ifHYFQ-WHjxyhH1O6qdvKlf0l5-jOo9j_QCddrls2lNQHWTi/s320/6209693951_fafdba8d66_b.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Oooh ... lookee over here at all the pretty threads.<br /><br />No, on second thought - if you don't live in Melbourne <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't look at the overlocker threads</span>. Quick ... avert your eyes. Pretend you never saw them.<br /><br />And I'll be sure not to tell you that this little shop also has a wall ... yes <span style="font-style: italic;">a whole wall</span> ... of zippers of every description. And beautiful interfacing for just $6 a metre.<br /><br />Yep, I'm awfully glad you didn't see all that.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Anh Accessories Supply</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />407 Victoria Street</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Richmond, Victoria</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Open Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">This post brought to you as part of <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest</a> - October's blogging festival.</span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-89668589662589551912011-10-04T08:45:00.001+11:002011-12-30T21:34:50.593+11:00A bolt of fabric<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5709452172/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5MgYavLxSc-uJulyCC-EL6tteNurmPt01v-IfBfh1-E9BnRToxzmGVG4OxSfVrpifF3gf_yjubmzNqZMWxWkBc0LX4z4ceZEKOu8l4YW6WoltwPsbum8knq3SzTWwMW1Ig1VnwlAyXIp/s320/Bedspread_m.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Earlier this year, when I made this bed cover as a gift, I learned a number of important things about <span style="font-weight: bold;">fabric</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">bolts</span>.<br /><br />For example: I learned that you can't waltz into your local purveyor of fine fabrics and request 11 metres of their best. No siree.<br /><br />Apparently your standard bolt in a patchwork store is liable to hold far less. And you will need to buy shorter pieces of different prints and do something called <span style="font-style: italic;">sewing </span>to join them into a bed cover.<br /><br />Just between you and I, I've heard that some people do this kind of thing just for <span style="font-style: italic;">fun</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sheesh, it takes all kinds, huh?</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnl1IqRBtf07kJpfh0jX3urKHsWpTP0jFAK1JRuVgGlN9PQTxmNoETsWrtceG2VtE8yZ7uFkCmHKjzDYtzPd0KwiLIaj9ewJgkiBxawQHkF5Q0QGt2R4uZCaKpSVBRVUAJarjV4c-M5uS/s1600/Delilah.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnl1IqRBtf07kJpfh0jX3urKHsWpTP0jFAK1JRuVgGlN9PQTxmNoETsWrtceG2VtE8yZ7uFkCmHKjzDYtzPd0KwiLIaj9ewJgkiBxawQHkF5Q0QGt2R4uZCaKpSVBRVUAJarjV4c-M5uS/s320/Delilah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605380242745117698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Prints by <a href="http://freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/gallery.php?gal_id=337" target="blank">Tanya Whelan for Free Spirit</a> - Delilah collection</span><br /><br />But more importantly, I learned that a <span style="font-weight: bold;">bolt </span>is actually something your 4-year-old is liable to do whilst you are puzzling (in the aforementioned fabric store) over which prints go together and in what combination and quantity.<br /><br />Yes, this sort of bolt compels you to run up and down the aisles, with eyes wide and bellowing your child's name like a fishwife.<br /><br />The sort where other customers are liable to look and think ... <span style="font-style: italic;">Sheesh, it takes all kinds, huh?<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">This post brought to you as part of <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest</a> - October's blogging festival.</span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-13265376211274549852011-10-03T11:59:00.002+11:002011-12-30T21:35:15.655+11:00From the more-is-more school of thought<div><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://flic.kr/p/arNopz" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6y4-txG-gPE8MIzpRxPKFgiFpBnRjAmG6fEZ0vnU4G0fM-szPAovKlwKw2dCWI9Ny5Dj2sJJ960fojKdYf00-hjd12EHyUimu-OljUBYj26SrLHXINDZfKYJE049624gIW0G7wcwg0oBe/s1600/OneStepTooFar.jpg" /></a><br /><span><br />A book of temporary tattoos.<br />A stealthy 4-year-old.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span><br />Four matching limbs.<br /><br />Tatts a lot of body art.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">This post brought to you as part of <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest</a> - October's blogging festival.</span><br /></div>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-78549595759052287972011-10-02T13:10:00.003+11:002011-12-30T21:35:39.174+11:00Simplicity 2506 mouse ears<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6201653993/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTds1IAW2hs1Y6tWDE5NZgpP2Ocf8QrTpPqYWjyMn1uzqk2sYyiRSu92EaCo5OmD2T4_lpDpzLsGmMCF_6MYeGcEJIGhZiQiTpcHrqWc2xAMbxUggkHBJBRRJb46W1IdouGMXN97WDpqVU/s320/Simplicity+2506+View+D+mouse+ears.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Recently it was <span>"dress as your favourite book character</span>" day at school. For the uninitiated this occassion is also known as <span style="font-style: italic;">send-your-mother-to-the-edge-of-madness-with-some-completely-outlandish-costume-request</span>.<br /><br />So when <span style="font-style: italic;">Argy</span> announced he wanted to go as "<a href="http://www.gruffalo.com/" target="blank">The Gruffalo</a>" with <span style="font-style: italic;">his terrible tusks and terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws</span>, I had to do some quick thinking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWChKODj_MFLzJ4-hPu4aX4p4qRfwoGuvoBb7JnGd_MqcNNljkHC8XsuortmD0-LG64rsvAs3ozZ877qb7o5ULKlVNQXW4tanmenhYPLNdTwaRqNyv3es9Aj7u4K0Ie0GbjlzMZk4uP7S/s1600/Gruffalo.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWChKODj_MFLzJ4-hPu4aX4p4qRfwoGuvoBb7JnGd_MqcNNljkHC8XsuortmD0-LG64rsvAs3ozZ877qb7o5ULKlVNQXW4tanmenhYPLNdTwaRqNyv3es9Aj7u4K0Ie0GbjlzMZk4uP7S/s320/Gruffalo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658695655002638930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"Er yes, wow, that's a great choice" I said, all the while trying to fathom how to construct <span style="font-style: italic;">terrible tusks and teeth</span>. But then a brainwave: "How about the Mouse?" I suggested, hopefully. "Isn't the Mouse the hero of the story?" <span style="font-style: italic;">Argy</span> looked a little uncertain, but agreed.<br /><br />I swung into action (before he could change his mind) and started rifling through my pattern collection. <span style="font-style: italic;">Mouse, mouse, mouse ... surely there must be something</span> here. Sure enough, I found a pristine <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-3028-toddler-costumes.aspx" target="blank">Simplicity 2506</a> - view D included a sort of hood with mouse ears. Excellent.<br /><br />But my moment of triumph dissipated when I saw the words "Costumes for Toddlers".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kZU4MfpYQglW3351i13LwKYIQCBbuydJr9_JW9Zd02eomfpn2xcQgzsPisjeA5wpHP0HRhPx2CbTpKB8Zxdqc1G-Yr4dbB7qmBd_JtRPxe0ziinXJpwBdj2OtB6R7kf-yAwU0zUeUTFg/s1600/Simplicity+2506.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kZU4MfpYQglW3351i13LwKYIQCBbuydJr9_JW9Zd02eomfpn2xcQgzsPisjeA5wpHP0HRhPx2CbTpKB8Zxdqc1G-Yr4dbB7qmBd_JtRPxe0ziinXJpwBdj2OtB6R7kf-yAwU0zUeUTFg/s320/Simplicity+2506.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658690856611615714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, there was no denying it: the pattern envelope clearly showed a bunch of smiling babies modelling the costumes. Bother. I looked back and forth between the pattern and 6-year-old <span style="font-style: italic;">Argy's</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">well-above-average</span> crown circumference. This was going to call for a little ingenuity.<br /><br />I traced off the hood pattern pieces and then after taking a few flat pattern measurements, decided to employ an alteration technique called the LNA ("Large Noggin Adjustment"). The LNA (which is sometimes also referred in the trade as the "Big Head Spread"), involved slashing and adding extra real estate to all the pattern pieces making up the hood.<br /><br />With the addition of a couple of darts, the fit was good and I was able to make up a snug mousy hood in brown fleece and beige tricot. I was quite pleased with the result. That is, except for a lingering doubt: when I changed the size of the hood, should I have graded up the mouse ears?<br /><br />I soon knew the answer. On the morning of <span>"dress as your favourite book character</span>" Argy proudly wore his costume to school. "Hey ... look its a <span style="font-weight: bold;">koala</span>" yelled someone.<br /><br />With my costume-making pride just a little dented, I tried to see the bight side. At least that's next year's costume sorted: <span style="font-style: italic;">Argy</span> can go as Blinky Bill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhmGTq6kxlHT00xsJqqR2-HLw73JXZP0Vh6BMBO1JpjXG2Suqd-Nv1k0MCLM8fihhvWT9SSxDvdDFeGd0yUF7yoOwDYTKu6UhhCWjOqo3UdRGtEXO8p88TBD8_xi8__h_-8MBMfCJZjCB/s1600/Image2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhmGTq6kxlHT00xsJqqR2-HLw73JXZP0Vh6BMBO1JpjXG2Suqd-Nv1k0MCLM8fihhvWT9SSxDvdDFeGd0yUF7yoOwDYTKu6UhhCWjOqo3UdRGtEXO8p88TBD8_xi8__h_-8MBMfCJZjCB/s320/Image2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658707489725001618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">This post brought to you as part of <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest</a> - October's blogging festival.</span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-60457253418829836262011-10-01T21:30:00.000+10:002011-10-01T23:31:05.046+10:00/blôgˈtoʊbərˈfest/ (noun)<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/6200377074/" target="blank"><img style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXneIdnHPzJWT9cZmB2ND3erKBX5cfDl1JKYgJMYtswrgmfXRr9TrWOOzxOE739RJF-5_A-3dxhfYlsziVQ7OZkhy_vO5mlYYdrzBWGvSnCiiSHnca1JEI6lXUzJFMb_O2ZDiE6TEuIaVi/s320/cardimg.png" /></a><br /><br />This poor craft blog. Its suffered months of neglect: no words, no pictures. Some 722 blog posts have been sitting about, gathering dust. The only visitors have been ones with unusual names like <span style="font-style: italic;">Viagra</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Toilet Paper</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Learn Spanish and Protein Powder</span> (.. granted they <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> always stop and take the time to leave such thoughtful shopping recommendations).<br /><br />Anyway, its time to pull up my socks and get writing again (although I am at a loss to explain how socks will help ... unless they are toe socks, because they like, <span style="font-style: italic;">totally</span> help with typing).<br /><br />To get back into the habit, I'm joining in with the an annual blogging event, <a href="http://tinniegirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/its-time-to-play-music-its-time-to.html" target="blank">Blogtoberfest.</a> So I'll see you again soon .... I'll be the one in the stripey socks.Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-18469242876603944532011-07-01T20:45:00.002+10:002011-07-01T20:50:21.635+10:00Nanna<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRZQblHenJWOFb8noGJQesVFs_XT_8PaU_2i7kHqTDsPB_nq_TkkQy0ZVn9u68C7n7BefmTrEPuwIWoc75Zveax6YelLnem5gK_VjtnhOyiSDsuWp_dw5Ukx1Ir5K-XAI-jj8EQMBjUXb/s320/NannaCloseup.jpg" /></a><br /><br />There's been a bit of a craft and writing hiatus in these here parts. Whoops. Something tells me its time to reorganise my priorities. Can you help? Let's close our eyes and repeat together: <em>a tidy house is a sign of a wasted life</em>; <em>a tidy house is a sign of a wasted life</em>.<br /><br />Eyes open again? Good.<br /><br />Last week (as the ironing accumulated, floor gathered dust and children went hungry) I managed to complete a small project. This is my entry for the "Hottie Cover Challenge Exhibition", which is a charitable initiative being run by retail gallery, <a href="http://opendrawer.com.au/" target="blank">Open Drawer</a>. All money raised will be going to the <a href="http://www.mprattfoundation.com.au/" target="blank">Margaret Pratt Foundation</a>.<br /><br />Now to clarify, a <em>hottie cover</em> is something you put a hot water bottle into ... and not a handsome bloke from the front of a magazine. The latter was guessed by a hopeful family member. (Yes, I'm looking at <em>you</em> Argy and Bargy's auntie!)<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZdThN5WHZp9E2emg7UzJzTb53W6aFq-QpzyEgCnrgyFRywUAZwtXS5Z2aiS2wlk4z0EcrJKosYqgdA81qXmfa5xXK_cui1zjuNlob0dqnGAQA1x6kiZNNYFzGRZuEjzi84Rgx4Fkq4Ys/s320/Invitation.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My hot water bottle cover has been submitted as part of a large group entry, organised by the lovely Cam from <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Curlypops</a>.<br /><br />I jokingly told Cam I was going to do something <em>a bit nanna</em>. Sadly the only nanna-ish thing I could think to make was er, an <em>actual nanna</em>.<br /><br />Anyway, here is Nanna sitting in a chair with a knee rug and her own hottie.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1I9zb3aKvswgZNmh5uriycCDly_xLQW1qPCAqwrST_nHcYk3_4Mn9PieDCUK3oXHGTN1n6a09xfNOb9rVp1ItHsS5X7tijJP7Sk9GCGH1kYaI2QDnbttDSETPqgrV7HOY8mmj3tHb3qy/s320/Nanna.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The front of the cover is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osnaburg">osnaburg</a> and the back is made up mystery blue and pink florals that caught my eye in <a href="http://www.spotlight.com.au/" target="blank">Spotlight</a>.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: rgb(0,0,0) 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtFkxm5kvMvtROJveok2zTjM3HQKWgl5C4wpvHPVcnTzyzNd6SgDMF0TBzD84VdOoUgrFNK7R017MTNQm3jztxiQXPaFkqnaIEAF5toJFGt5uxUFNkW4uC0P3QfebvmtYgTvQVqIFFd7t/s320/NannaBack.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Nanna is a combination of dimensional applique, beading and free-motion machine stitching.<br /><br />It was the first time I had tried "drawing" with a machine. This will come as no surprise to those of you who had already noticed that nanna has an unusually square nose and weirdly shaped feet. (Goodness gracious, lucky I wasn't trying to stitch that handsome bloke from the front of the magazine cover. Can you imagine what I might have done to a six pack?)<br /><br /><br /><p><http: target="blank" 05="" 2011="" com="" html="">If you would like to see some absolutely beautiful examples of hottie covers - with not a square nose in sight - do try and pop into <a href="http://opendrawer.com.au/" target="blank">Open Drawer</a> between now and 24 July. If you are out-of-town you can take a virtual tour of a selection of covers right <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/thehottiechallenge/pool/with/5865074861/" target="blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)"><strong>Hottie Cover Exhibition</strong><br />1 - 24 July 2011<br /></span><a href="http://opendrawer.com.au/" target="blank"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)">Open Draw</span></a><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)">1156 Toorak Road<br />Camberwell<br /><br />Exhibition opening<br />6 - 8pm Friday 1 July<br />All hotties are for sale with proceeds to the </span><a href="http://www.mprattfoundation.com.au/" target="blank"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)">Margaret Pratt Foundation</span></a></HTTP:></p>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-69877876997845903292011-05-08T13:31:00.001+10:002011-05-08T13:35:30.430+10:00A birthday cake epilogue (or "Happy Mothers Day")<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5677608879/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaYSpbNtM-EZhT3DdwXRkLqZqcAdyA4XZoPFAvCs-dKuQpxD0aY3opCmwFUc4GDrDU9jciMueQgvFYsFvM14cJM1C4yeQXsEAZjs9QA9OfLEUvhoAZVZRxhB-WUdC6idRWJqrthOOCxYq/s320/Jigsaw.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>"I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."<br />Source: Unknown</em><br /><br />Its Mother's Day: the perfect day to write a little epilogue to the story of the <a href="http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/2011/04/octo-what.html" target=blank>Octonaut's birthday cake</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko9RntA3OC9Sca1Mil_pC9AEotDK-L_IKVl_zy-q9R3skh_srqvixAedWicyd6M0AhBJa8D2Q809PioTl0h-HKjCCubiIgzNJqXetmAWG34nzXwQnjlhyphenhyphenetx_DShsRtoQtpixELAczayg/s1600/Icing2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiko9RntA3OC9Sca1Mil_pC9AEotDK-L_IKVl_zy-q9R3skh_srqvixAedWicyd6M0AhBJa8D2Q809PioTl0h-HKjCCubiIgzNJqXetmAWG34nzXwQnjlhyphenhyphenetx_DShsRtoQtpixELAczayg/s320/Icing2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604175655443650338" /></a><br />I received such lovely, generous comments to last week's birthday cake post, that I thought I ought to set the record a little straighter. Here, friends, is the <em>reality</em> ...<ul><li>The cake was made with a commercial packet mix<br /><li>The cake fell apart when I turned it out of the tin - who the heck gets a <em>packet mix</em> wrong?<br /><li>I <strike>swore a lot</strike> made a polite exasperated sound<br /><li>I made another packet mix cake<br /><li>The bottom fell off the cake - what kind of clown gets <em>two</em> packet mixes wrong?<br /><li> I ran out of packet mixes. More swearing.<br /><li>I had to glue the cake back together with fondant icing - a shedload of icing.<br /><li>There was a disproportionate (and unfavourable) cake-to-icing ratio<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKDWM_kz-ZUPj99BeTGndPk9K1Qd1ex_lpjy4t9bmfL_q1huCcxzE1swpZRmcf5Eslz-92HZ6awaIe3qh0XohhfSPLXxi1Z4sr7gn32NkBg45WFbpKWEdjXPdK2Wkvf97YEt2ftH4AEkd/s1600/Icing.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKDWM_kz-ZUPj99BeTGndPk9K1Qd1ex_lpjy4t9bmfL_q1huCcxzE1swpZRmcf5Eslz-92HZ6awaIe3qh0XohhfSPLXxi1Z4sr7gn32NkBg45WFbpKWEdjXPdK2Wkvf97YEt2ftH4AEkd/s320/Icing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604175654841384978" /></a><br /><br /><li>The <em>Octonauts</em> decorations were really tricky to construct. I am afflicted with sausage-fingers. I spilt purple food dye down a cupboard. I glared at anyone who approached the kitchen. I spent more time on the cake, than I did holding the party. I swore a lot.<br /><li>I don't think anyone actually <em>liked</em> eating the cake. Even the small children. That's saying something .... small children will eat anything inanimate labelled <em>cake</em>.<br /><li>Not long after the party finished, I found <em>Bargy</em> breaking all the <em>Octonaut</em> decorations into small pieces (<em>Look mum, I made a jigsaw</em>). They were only icing. But I cried anyway.</ul>This has been a <em>real</em> blog post from a real mum. All the rest that you see here at <em>Hoppo Bumpo</em> is nice camera angles and the use of a thesaurus.<br /><br />A very happy <em>Mothers Day </em>to all the mums out there. (Remember: smoke-and-mirrors are your friends.)<br /><br />Liesl xxLieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-11621861739582005712011-04-30T12:00:00.004+10:002011-04-30T15:33:29.213+10:00Octo-what?<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV25Au5TuOmFTE1dmBxba_SIkijgu7-Vu0tFcKJlLCq5trNQLTEU7vs_MAVIgvTr9PXRVO14dk_nX-nSIEzSFnWVhK9BqCW43se1rYQWT154LQp20se_viRnBykpbJQMnfTXUfYACRBYW8/s320/Kwasi+Peso+and+Captain+Barnacles.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>Argy</em> recently turned 6 and, as is our custom, placed a request for a special birthday cake. I held my breath. <em>The Octonauts</em>, he declared.<br /><br /><em>Whew</em>. <a href=http://www.octonauts.com/ target=blank>The Octonauts</a> - a crew of storybook (and now animated) animals who roam the ocean and have adventures - are pretty cute. They would be fun to do.<br /><br />But then Argy added the qualifier: <em>the Octopod please, mum</em>.<br /><br />If you are unfamiliar with the Octonauts, may I present the four-armed, glass-domed under-water vehicle they call the Octopod.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.octonauts.com/goodies.html" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F5pYg7UeM3qaNlCUeCEcfQP5mfMzk6EMQOM7tyLMu6d79FGJdUfIJgxVFsYdnxJxh9ahZfiab7s6ovfaTyewd42UJd1yqJWp7CvOI-Kp223cd4crjzs32IYsM-pLIwB0UVYWTZti6jJ2/s320/Octopod.jpg" /></a><br />Source: <a href=http://www.octonauts.com>The Octonauts</a><br /><br />Dear reader, is this a shape that really says <em>cake</em> to you?<br /><br />Er, non?<br /><br />After negotiations about the design (where its rumoured I resorted to half-truths about not having the right food colouring to make the Octopod) we decided upon some of the Octonaut characters and an underwater scene.<br /><br />So we fashioned Captain Barnacles, Kwasi Cat and Peso Penguin (<em>top photo</em>) along with ...<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPLmxe58ZW-ZQr-UqOqP7pTz-PC3iwZwhDKiekYdrlPGnpjac-OpJ7EjMsiKVYzUAEP5n6pvbdDAhXTD1Isnv21spECrPesHvDabOXle6aIOMOb_cb9-qEwWKtRTF-wRn5LPZzqZRHWhE/s320/Side+view+-+star+fish.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... seaweed and coral ...<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGPmBMni57Q0Pzqssk0rA4rXlrmSSeDysMM2taHyE1iJ5lIN9UWqun8sk6-cZZ3fVL2Le2a83GkFRBbZq-K6DzLdWKFOOLBYV2eeW-C9vljhMZTjvUF5SGNrSs6dadgnHjhaBogLuefN2/s320/Side+view+-+coral.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... and wee fish, stars and a 6 ...<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItrSoI2Kza37Kl4QChrKvA64RjiNLbHF3_JM1sdiVf5Yq-0a_F1C14_wwZa-zBEGL3oAYbkzmSGZyK-RJFM-DoQJI7O8rGzxFpJpXVWyti4rXw970ApumCNMqCb818EM5lDYc5ijRL1Kt/s320/Side+view+-+fish.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... and came up with this instead.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx6bq0RhWAfUQD_bJHIFsVTU0CQciQ_rK8Vjnyw5OsineGbJKh8yhmWkyzWzsrTq3FHJfficRuxMhjmqpBEbGUHKME6o1pUh6x5R5uIiinOGBLI5X_hq_R4MBdkD4dK2XXoJ3JCJBOTuh/s320/Main.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Its not quite the Octopod, but <em>Argy</em> was very happy with it.<br /><br /><em>NB. If you're the gambling type, I'm opening the books and taking bets on possible 7th birthday cake requests: a watch mechanism; the planetary system; a Harrier jump jet; and Brighton Pavilion.</em>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-75012771976564812492011-04-17T19:44:00.003+10:002011-04-17T19:57:05.855+10:00Lanes<a title="Presgrave place" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5623458685/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45el27a8UQXBJuBtg-Mo-iT5gRtLRXmuhN_jNugOqpnzTa3sTOGB6I_AN5_nrpoYq2izc3xb5f6X5jz05fRcdM249HWQ6Ps8JXeBSv73qWPqfUE7JWwk00lh1UhBxWN6ZFzk2lhbz-sAF/s320/PresgravePlace.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I had to run some errands in the city yesterday, so <em>Argy</em> came along and we made a bit of a day of it. After admiring the treasure-troves at <a href= http://www.tessuti.com.au/locations/melbourne target=blank>Tessuti</a> and <a href=http://www.cakedeco.com.au/about.asp target=blank>Cake Deco</a>, we spent some time exploring Melbourne's quirky city lanes.<br /><br />My favourite was Presgrave Place (above) where we found this ramshackle red couch and art prints hung along the brick walls.<br /><br />I would have felt quite at home in this alley, if it weren't for Argy standing holding his nose disdainfully: <em>eeewwww ... who's making that awful stink mum</em>? (Er, perhaps more like home than I thought).<br /><br /><a title="Hosier Lane" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5624426490/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7HdPENZCx-0sptpV86URjQD7k9RvvxhPKXwp89GbRR410SE3U_yPj65QOhp_W8M8mMxbvEKOozNObX1yuSb2aFDiqjyvZqSzOMU2XMyPXUEJPBZObsInvvz1RVXbFk3QuxQetNdNTfnM/s320/HosierPortrait.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In Hosier Place, <em>Argy</em> enjoyed blending into the surrounds. We spent ages admiring the amazing artwork. A lovely time had by all.<br /><br />(<u>Note to self</u>: must remember to reiterate that crayon on walls at home does not fall within the bounds of <em>street art</em>).<br /><br /><a title="Hosier Lane" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5624046610/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxOeFl93EO9kMIlqze2qH6yxiLtOoVGCdxsq_8W0Db_u6fOukQlHEoX3UcY02n2FjVtZzV7TmCa8V-2exlUw2W2v70kBMubUM3cIRM0U0Hz3-OpqkUhyphenhypheno5lEn8ZC9G_yAYcN5tf4Nvecs/s320/HosierLandscape.jpg" /></a>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-80124710002168219332011-04-16T20:04:00.005+10:002011-04-16T20:22:11.317+10:00Washi out<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5624178260/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM88_RecrEGeZFJoTmClagK89h_FRdHTAIRYOqypGtc25URW2GtXZCnqeMtUJlG7zIPrizTM-Qv8lBr43Rb_-OuC29TtiQf_vmWKrDCvTDz0XxTyCo970Wp8grymvDJENjKcwb9hG9KDTe/s320/WashiTape.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>Please choose the correct response ...</em><br /><br />This lovely new Japanese washi masking tape: <br /><ol><li>is a unique craft and design product</li><li>will have an abundance of creative and decorative uses </li><li>will most likely have its life cut short (please refer Exhibit A, <em>below</em>)</li></ol><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5563271591/in/photostream" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFauZQn0FPSvxMS9_135R8YXyKeYyVXveMwfctTgGSGfrZ8Or7lzxrkJx_bkg7JfKq66eYOi-4tG6FF2VwwrtprCRqkkj2Lal-Nc5KcaEMnVim_vucS3SXx62EIufI1D_Ocsq82FbtnVc/s320/MaskingTape.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yes: two boys and a roll of (non-washi) masking tape. The elder completely taped to the chair.<br /><br />I was forced to intervene at the end of this game, when I overheard <em>Bargy</em> saying to his older brother "Now <em>Argy</em>, you will have to be a brave boy". <br /><br />I'll leave you to imagine where the scissors were poised.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.masking-tape.jp/en/about/10p.php"><em>MT masking tape</a><br />10 pack - pastels<br />10m x 15mm</em>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-39389345627431950472011-02-07T18:54:00.003+11:002011-02-07T19:11:22.225+11:00Three cheers<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5424199358/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsugiz-oKXWJ4_MwSym8lzUWLdta1fInx2J4e74UmM5ANfjEj7w8KjsVJA3DAjDphCHQxtgEZ9Bkg3F_NgKOyaphgqRskyYBoZ8x7YQUot4UYxFA6GcjoLNc8gm_bSM1FzEBK2aOF0qPwE/s320/Argy.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It was five year-old <em>Argy's</em> first day at primary school today. He was very excited and it all went well. His younger brother - four year-old <em>Bargy</em> - starts kindergarten this Wednesday.<br /><br />Some days the boys will be at school and kindergarten ... <em>at the same time</em>.<br /><br />The house will be quiet won't it?<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5424199358/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluUXundAucgGvW7Eh54gUr7GFwP2990iHPM7SjyYTTxOCR5jGHz0Sh57HUTLAIruhKG4DuUacZXGcZOFEp31QfEFU7nVOTXnVxx-pBZkCVFj0IRpiOLmLQ8wCs3oTjoiLD1dKGth4UrgH/s320/Fireworks_pink.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yipppppeeeee!<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5424199358/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YvMyRgaJGEsu_xCyEjZAXihrn_eW3GVDIYtBF_Kb1l9szijO9Z7CQK3anorQtbaU8cunC_R0qxRcBseSjPJLl8z_81iVdz8UHzlGGu5RBc_DGvfdlNoIhspKh2onsxFaNlj8HzZhJcjp/s320/Fireworks_yellow.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Hip-hip-hooray!<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5424199358/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiGDUCalHEUa3biQwjofXKo2eUUzz6aCN4phkUJrNVB4OS9k8X7QKXj411iXHBHnJuWtsr-elOYm8e2ifKG9w1ZEg0zgyia5c5UkG-KszCdLiWNMsuek6WzwpBrMkYvlWuUxQZ0XlUx22/s320/Fireworks_silver.jpg" /></a><br /><br />[Insert <em>sound of clinking glasses, party tooters and marching band</em> here]<br /><br />Wooohooooooo!Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-63401680320138820192011-01-25T08:49:00.006+11:002011-01-25T10:48:26.246+11:00Today, I wish ...<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4RhaCXP96-jvsXTroYOrWrdo1MIhQZ3ElxrPSRocEoYfSCBUhRiUFF8XI7s2jGeoPxROEj4YvyMh10CGq6i0OJOI_TwDO3gTTH4XbssJBGT4MEz_Gp_hFIeLuVCb_faDacGNM4Me3FD7/s320/Monty.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... I was a cat*<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>* Except for the bit about not having opposable thumbs, because I would quite like to do some sewing too</em></span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-90106169126770849392011-01-24T18:49:00.008+11:002011-01-24T21:46:28.471+11:00Almost a Choc Ripple<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYmYVaPYsexfPc0wE_5df1rgOcsyOgUuFqpesXpwPNzK4fowW_I_uFwhXx9-eUIkXWb-m0Gbmp-O5hFq1HAGgAuiQXNCI41xYc7r0rV3d7JTK29rBEJVX-tOTv8r79ZD3HDdD-lPxoHEp/s320/ChocCookieMain.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Do you go through cooking fads and fashions?<br /><br />I have to admit that I do. For example, years ago I loved the notion of the "copy cat" recipe. In my student days I couldn't get enough of the "secrets" of making commercial foods.<em> McDonald's special sauce</em> or <em>KFC's coleslaw,</em> anyone? Not surprisingly, it was a short-lived phase. Especially when I worked out that spending lots of time trying to recreate convenience food was in fact quite inconvenient. And that on the whole, homecooking is much nicer.<br /><br />Yet recently I've started to entertain notions of copy-cat cookery again. One of the kids has quite severe allergies to egg and nuts and commercial treats have been off the agenda for a few years. But seriously, how long can one reasonably go without a packet of Arnott's <em>Choc Ripples</em> in the pantry? (I've never told anyone, but I have recurring dreams of the iconic Australian freezer dessert, the <a href="http://www.arnotts.com.au/recipes/ChocRippleCake.aspx" target=blank>Choc Ripple cake</a>).<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA0WT8QVRFLWBuAoFQObjXOn9YfTnRrQLqPBkca7LFslu5vaRt5TUXU4pdb7Cv-RzRGF7-mXHQXPowWQZ9XUpiPgGe-vdH3iaitErButXL2RHPJi-2uB_-Z_jgOhbnQ4u_smR8HLaKKKf/s320/ChocCookieMacro.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So last week when I chanced upon "Chocolate Lace Crisps" in <em>Chocolate - 70 delicious recipes</em> by <em>The Australian Woman's Weekly</em> I could barely believe my eyes. The canyony surface; the dark chocolatey colour. Mmmmm - clearly a <em>Choc Ripple</em> doppelgänger, if I ever saw one.<br /><br />I went a bit crazy and made two batches only days apart. The second time 5 year old <em>Argy</em> helped out. He loved helping roll the cookies and toss them in sugar before placing them on baking trays.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFFKqD9sFkeGzDMoE2EOg9TnzwcyBj5DhlTZj9DcsVKh_cyDHOk3-t5GJgnXLnFfWeu4ftwid67S2kmBOGrAV6Iwfk8qDSdgz1ToDt-As8POIKA_RVJJ23CwNjnJYo2TF1vUGgf6nGwkO/s320/ChocCookieConstruction.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I am not so sure about his technique of blowing excess sugar off the cookies. I don't think they would do that at <a href="http://www.arnotts.com/our-products/products/products.aspx?type=sweet" target=blank>Arnotts</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Almost Choc Ripple cookies</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>Adapted from Chocolate Lace Crisps in <em>Chocolate - 70 delicious recipes</em> by <em>The Australian Woman's Weekly</em><br /><br />100g (3½oz) chocolate<br />80g (3oz) butter<br />1 cup caster (super fine) sugar<br />1 tablespoon Orgran (or other brand) egg replacer + 2 tablespoons water (or use 1 egg)<br />1 cup plain (all purpose) flour<br />2 tablespoons cocoa powder<br />¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)<br />¼ cup icing (confectioner's) sugar<br /><ol><li>Sift the dry ingredients (except the icing/confectioner's sugar) and combine in a bowl</li><li>Melt the chocolate and butter</li><li>Stir the melted mixture into the dry ingredients</li><li>Refrigerate for about 15 minutes</li><li>Roll into about 2 dozen balls</li><li>Toss in icing sugar</li><li>Space on 2 large baking trays lined with baking paper</li><li>Bake for 12 - 15 minutes at 180ºC (350ºF)</li></ol>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-46077063321236279292011-01-23T20:25:00.002+11:002011-01-24T07:32:52.244+11:00Snowing in Paris?<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5379470181/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFppvDJRaVVZaN2Vg4MbWEQk0vT_7dWDJs8CCLzS2t4sexq2wZP0QhC8F6l8ClVOGPlvlTH9Wbn0r_DjOHTrcybuytjDzhEDWHYzgaruQGx0OQKyocCbgNtm5YxELkcqUXmxyFGztehfgz/s320/P_main.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Its a little bit old fashioned, I know. Maybe a bit nanna. Do you wear one?<br /><br />I decided I needed a new half-slip after experiencing a mishap in a public place. (By <em>mishap</em> I essentially mean <em>static build-up between my jersey skirt and undies</em>.) When faced with the choice between being a bit nanna and experiencing a wardrobe malfunction that draws attention to my ...er, drawers ... I'll choose nanna any day.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5379470021/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YDNJV82UrSE_msCqyl2XTvEltuMZ2E66ynXcxuiFrvgjZl4Kpe-14Dfy8hcAEqVv2fjapUUX7jM-BSma_i70XT8auE1D_J498CcNx6P8E8Sn3KDgxMGZuEg4sQrrEJz5OeOMTgvXJrpV/s320/P_full.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So this is what I sewed this weekend.<br /><br />I used a piece of slinky tricot. I have to confess that there is nary a natural fibre to be found. The tricot has <em>nylon</em> written all over it ... and I suspect it would go <em>woof</em> if I stood too near a naked flame. But it seems to do the trick - despite high fire danger, there is no more electrical charge.<br /><br />The construction was very basic. Essentially two rectangles seamed together with a circle of elastic applied at the waist.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5380452244/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHghuqFbJGhymaqr_skpvrOTE1_pR1WHTrE4tUWFG5WWRA_tSeFkRcrUlIeOmx0QeiwBq58IC5853tlcbg5QFcJxjqaxEpZFgiSiOSpYyzg-X0qQ98L9zuNC9hyxYr65eCeHNc6VuDa-oN/s320/Construction.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />There is of course the unwritten rule when sewing Nanna Lingerie that dictates the addition of a lacy trim.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5373649585/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIUOGiq6rj7dspXGr3Z-deCqREbGLi9wJHEDB8XgFfblHhy2yV3iNzFs79XEW2JEs0P_VVYGy16JwZ6b9dcPC7Y9R-TPkmnw9GrXIbaq1L1r9nXJUqQZfEKfQgEXHyYWLEgZJdB2wbVAJ/s320/P_stitching.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So I used a tight zigzag stitch to attach lace trim (nylon of course) to the right side of the slip ...<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5374236202/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq92cfbHjNDodZsGnHvds6mEASwX-L95t_7m6KrgrwiFSdi-4omkF2nxV7U4ZWuj_OZACSuMLlbyg-hmm1g5t_WgEiV87slS3RLxdi6AoTZ4s05J8UAtFnIFy35ClNbdfy-20d9K0o0dn/s320/P_trimming.jpg" /></a><br /><br />... then trimmed close to the stitching to remove the excess fabric from the wrong side.<br /><br /><a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27356364@N02/5373594053/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0nukrRloaE_8P9G9y09eDMLDaWZUh02N7rEoGXhyphenhyphenFzZIITx9led7SahCTg3mGTTvePMt_wFvC3UYnRto6O6ZMQ2MXBGmgTq3cOD4HLbAFlQXbyAmRMjM80XCaLsYd5QL5q8l39zXBXMX/s320/P_lace.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But what of my reference to it snowing in Paris?<br /><br />Well, in my childhood I learned that this was the discreet way of pointing out another sort of wardrobe malfunction - a half-slip dropped below one's hemline.<br /><br />I love this expression. I doubt its heard much these days. Certainly not as often as "<em>Your whale tale* is showing"</em> or <em>"Is that the strap of your over-the-shoulder boulder holder?**".</em><br /><br />Or "<em>Hey lady, your skirt is stuck to your bloomers"</em>.<br /><br /><br />* back of a g-string/thong<br />** brassiere<br /><br /><br /><em>I have a custom showercap and bathing goodies </em><a href="http://hoppobumpo.blogspot.com/2011/01/shower-cap-giveaway-in-aid-of.html"><em>giveaway</em></a><em> in aid of the <a href="http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html">Premier's Flood Relief Fund</a> that is open until midday this Wednesday 24 January (one entry for every $5 donation to the fund). Do also check out an amazing array of auctions, proceed sales and raffles over at </em><a href="http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2011/01/qld-flood-auctions-master-list.html"><em>Make It Perfect</em></a><em>.</em>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-87736380991764496922011-01-18T13:04:00.000+11:002011-01-18T13:04:00.319+11:00Keeping it real<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKabQuguLunTVtP7Ekqnsx1T9mgoJh5gL15bmadlHmSEd1WIOHarZnzkTm70VLUwSiWzxlQh43MkiuZFIAsdKelpupJk8Tn8I5Yk3H6ggZV1I6h7ODWH3kz38q-da5Hp0I8MWcYa8ZiWnD/s320/RealIngredients.jpg" /></a><br /><br />What a relief. Frankly there's nothing more disappointing than finding your cookie is made of <em>imaginary</em> ingredients. (Though it does help if you are counting those calories).Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3293493646747440510.post-64335282091182830112011-01-17T23:46:00.010+11:002011-01-30T21:35:47.641+11:00Shower cap giveaway in aid of Queensland flood relief appeal<a title="Hoppo Bumpo" href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85j6XljlQQs-hvn166OtALEwlIB1KLIicr72CTY4o123vBksNwvxBSw5azZNDB66SdbsJ0tHLdykAamurFU0Ez6eo0XgWa7Sycq5JT9XosVB_fZPzm2wyhl4D5N1fW-Up818kn73F24bO/s320/Giveaway1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>Shower cap in Trefle by Kokka.</em><br /><em>Lined with black nylon.</em><br /><em>Trimmed with handmade bias binding.</em><br /><br />Do you need a new shower cap? Would you like to donate to a good cause? I am having a handmade shower cap giveaway, as part of <a href="http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Make It Perfect's</a> Queensland Flood Appeals Auctions.<br /><br />For every <strong>$5 donation</strong> made to the <a href="http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html" target="blank">Premier's Flood Relief Appeal</a> I will give you <strong>2 entries</strong> in the giveaway.<br /><br />If you are the winner, you will receive either this handmade <strong>shower cap</strong> ... or I will <strong>make</strong> <strong>a custom cap</strong> that suits your taste. I will also pop in some <strong>bathing goodies</strong>, to complement your new shower cap.<br /><br />All you need to do is make a donation to the Queensland Government's <a href="http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html" target="blank">Premier's Flood Relief Appeal</a> and then leave a comment here with your receipt number. If you would like to enter more than once, please leave a separate comment with each receipt number.<br /><br />If you could ensure that there's a way I can contact you through a blog or e-mail address, that would be great. I am happy to post worldwide. I will randomly draw the winner next <strong>Wednesday 26th January 12 midday</strong> (Australian eastern standard time).<br /><br />Any questions? E-mail me at liesl[at]hoppobumpo[dot]com.<br /><br />Please look at the huge list of auctions over at <a href="http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2011/01/qld-flood-auctions-master-list.html" target="blank">Make It Perfect</a>. If my shower cap doesn't appeal to you, then I am sure you will see something amazing over there that will!<br /><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"><strong>Update (26 January 2011)</strong> : congratulations to Cathie of Melbourne Epicure who won the draw. A big thank you to everyone who entered and for your generous donations to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.</span>Lieslhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392520536946879645noreply@blogger.com13