Fabric Love

For the past 3 weekends my fabric shopping has been put on hold for various reasons but yesterday I booked time and went out. I have a place not too far that is pretty huge that I usually hit but wouldn't you know, when I street parked a block away from it I found myself in front of a place called 'the workroom'. A folding street sign is all I saw. I've never noticed the place before. Its been there 4 years! How could this be? (Because I don't go out for strolls outside my own direct hood since I had my first baby in 2008). Sad sad.

But now, I have a new fave fabric place. Its so beautifully organized and simple. AND if I should want for a workshop sewing course, voila, a great space to go.

If I'd thought to pull out my phone to take photos I could show you their wall of super colour organized cotton prints. Instead I'll insert a screen shot from their website to give you an idea.

This is how I need a fabric shop laid out.

I found all four fabric project prints here. For the record, I did pop out to the originally planned place of business but their layout and crowds and prices turned me away. After finding this quiet little place I think this is now my go-to shop.

So what did I buy?

Alexandre Henry: In The Kitchen: Red Tea ABC Cookery for a sling shelf for the kid's room. Had to be unisex and in a colourway that would somewhat match the room. And I love this.

Lily Ashbury: Tradewinds: Malabar Green Ornament. Bean Bag Chair fabric. The kids should have some fun seats in our living room. And washable.

And from the same collection this fabulous fabric to recover an old stereo console that needs a drastic pick-me up. Lily Ashbury: Tradewinds: South Pacific Jaipur

I got this old console years ago for a great deal through a friend who upcycles anything she can get her hands on. Unfortunately the stereo isn't functioning but one day I hope I can afford to have it looked at. The right hand door is the speaker and the left opens to show the radio and some shelves. I've been thinking about painting it but realized new fabric would be the better choice. I love this cabinet, the handles, the peg legs... and I can't wait to show off the upgrade as it will be my first project!

I also got a Kona Sold Cotton: Medium Grey to make myself a pleated skirt. My sister made it in the chevron and its fab. But I need a straight up none pattern in my wardrobe now that I'm back at work.

I hope to have updates soon! It IS the long weekend and all...

Why is there yet another blog on the net?

It all started with bed rest. Or maybe that was just the tipping block. It actually started with this Robin Hood Flour commercial.

I had those memories! My mom bakes. My mom sews. My mom knits for us too. And gosh darnit, I want to do those things for my kids! But I've just never tried hard enough to tackle either one of those skills well enough to do without too much effort! Like when my mom knits, her needles speedily clic clack in this ridiculously hypnotizing way. HOW does she do that? I want to do it too.

And while I am still struggling to have a bit of the life I had before babies, I want to embrace this life as a mama that I have chosen! There will still be Queen West walks and hopefully outdoor concerts on the island in my future (to which I'll drag my kids) but at home I'm going to June it up!

So here's me publicly sharing my attempts at baking, sewing and knitting. 
*I do bake... the same thing over and over since I can do it right (banana bread/muffins). So lets see if I can expand a little. That's what my lovely new KitchenAid is for.
*Sewing; I have very basic skills but a new sewing machine can't be ignored (once I'm off my bed rest arse). Okay, its not new. My mom got it for me 2 Christmas' ago. I finally pulled it out this winter. You see why this will all be challenging?
*But knitting; that is definitely going to be the biggest leap! And lets see if I don't fall flat on my face... I hope not... I'd like my kids to have a not so scary mom to look at.

This is my challenge... stop talking about DOING things and just DO them!