What is it with me and bags?

I have been sewing a lot lately and am really enjoying making something from very little. I am using a lot of recycled fabrics too, which makes me super happy! But all I want to make is bags. So far gift bags and tote bags. I have made many of each. I'm not sure whether it is because they seem pretty useful or whether they only require straight lines, but this is all I want to sew for now!

I used these instructions for some of the totes.

I think I may attempt some clothes for my niece next, mostly because of how gorgeous some of the kiddies fabrics are!

what an exciting week

Beloved and I bought a flat! We are so excited about all the changes and improvements we plan to make.  

A new blog

My friends and I have started a new blog that focuses on fashion. Enjoy it.

Another lovely scented gift (feeling so loved)

I am reading Gary's Chapman's "The Five Love Languages" at the moment and enjoying it. I think would be no suprise to those who know me well that of the 5, my love language might well be the one about receiving gifts. It sounds materialistic, but isnt really as the gift could be a strange shape stone that the person found and thought of me. Bottom line, I just freaking love gifts. When my awesome sister returned from her Italy/ France trip she certainly bought me some beautiful gifts. This is just one of them, Roger and Gallet's Eau des Bienfaits. 

Roger and Gallet is a brand I have loved for EVER, having originally found it through winning a hamper of their Imperial Bouquet fragrance. That fragrance seems to have been discontinued (BOO!) Have yourself a sensory experience and visit their website.

spice and all things nice

Last night, beloved and I hosted our second semi-annual curry taste off. Our friends and family brought a total of 8 curries, all really different and brilliant in their own ways and everyone tasted and voted for a winner. Our vote counter noted some tomfoolery as we ended up with a few more votes than we had guests, but the IEC declared the election "free and fair" and the prize-giving took place. In tie 3rd place were Militza with her Thai green chicken curry (paste made FROM SCRATCH after running around the whole of Jozi to find strange and wonderful ingredients!) and Danelle's Chicken Tikka Masala (the newcomer to the competition's entry was delish, hearty and tomato-ey). In second place was beloved's Chicken Kinda Masala. I must say, I had a great time watching him make it, with the help of a video off food TV where the chef spoke with such a heavy Indian accent that beloved had to replay many of the instructions over and over to understand what to add next! The winner, who took home the "curry" cup was Martin's marvelous mouth-melting mass destruction missile, which was a beef curry served as a Bunny chow.

All in all, a top night of friends and family and laughs. Thanks everyone who participated.

Gift for me!

Beloved has been away for a month and returned a few days ago. He was (wisely) bearing gifts,these 4 miniature daisy fragrances. Such gorgeous packaging and I really love the clean simple notes. They are really similar but I think the blue (Up in the air) is my favourite. So pleased to have him home.

Sew I finally did...

Yes, i finally did get my sewing machine which explains in large part why I haven't posted for so long. I simply love it. I have fixed just about everything in my wardrobe and my home that needed fixing and have made some tote bags and some gift bags (those little organza numbers). Anyway, this is the type I got, it is an Elna as my Mom swears by them.

Today I bought a pattern (vintage, of course) for a very simple tank dress. One day when I am feeling brave, I will attempt it. For now, I will continue with straight seams only!