Sewing - Me?

Well, my nanna without knowing keeps motivating and inspiring me. What now? Well when it came to sewing she knew her stuff! I'm sure she had over 4 sewing machines and at least 1 overlocker. So I'm destined to be good at it... right?

I've inherited a sewing machine! I could have had a 'Singer' top quality one, but dad and I decided a) A beginner [although I did learn to sew I must admit my patience is at times lacking, causing me remain at one level...] doesn't really need an overly complicated machine and b) It was too heavy for a pregnant belle to carry.

Thus I now have a very cute PFAFF Sewing Machine! * claps Auslan style waving hands madly about her head in silent applause* Hooray!

 Along with the machine came a couple of goodies - a little vintage cream suitacase (interior leaves much to be desired) and a cute yellow case with many compartments for me to fill! Oh, and the little pin cushion which I always remember her having, and a few sewing odd bod things.

Yep - may need a little maintenance...

 

Just something I snapped next to where I took the other photos, what can I say I like the arrangement!

Keeping Inspired - Magazine Love

I've rediscovered a love I had in high school - collages! They actually turned out better than I thought they would in photos! Things I like:

 This ones not a collage but I liked it's simplicity.

Scary Visitor

Tom found this creepy guy hanging around out the front...

no exactly "inspiring" but interesting and Tom's macro shots were pretty good - not sure if that shows up on here.

Discoveries...

Since returning to Sydney, I've discovered some little treasures of my Nanna's...

 Inside the tin with the lovely pictures.... were letters and poems hand written by my great-grandfather, his children and grandchildren. Some dated back to 1900 -1910 period - 100 years ago!

 This is my Nanna - looks like she's up to something, which is just like her!

 The little bay is my grandfather - about to have a son of my own, this photo reminded me of what it's all about. I love the chicken in the background!

Also found in the tin ...My father and I can't figure out what game this is for. Any Ideas?

Our Anniversary day at Tanunda and other Wine Based Romps

Oh what a perfect day! We started with a sleep in followed by pancakes.

Always a good start!

Then we took the scenic route to Tanunda.

Autumn is always magnificent but Autumn in the Barossa Valley is magical.

We finally got to go to Nosh and have a Chai tea :)

Posh enough for a pinkie raise.

Zen had a gluten free pizza much to his delight and I had Nosh's famous dish

 Chicken and Leek pie... Words can't describe how yummy it was :)

This is my new vintage dress I spoke about earlier. 

Early 1950's cotton. I am so in love with it!

It is my new favorite and will be very difficult to beat I think.

The very gorgeous Umbrella Brooch is By Emgee art. You can find her work here or here.

"Zen! Stop chatting up the old lady at the antique store already!"

I love this whimsical sculpture! In case you can't see it there's a little bird inside her head.
Something I can relate to.
We ended the day with brie on toast and a very nice red we were saving for just such an occasion while watching The Time Traveller's Wife.
That movie is everything. What an emotional mess it makes me!

Our favorite winery of the Adelaide Hills is Hahndorf Hill Winery.
They were one of the first in Australia to do the European craze "Choco Vino".

They choose the best Chocolates the world has to offer and match it to their wines.
Believe it or not, when matched well chocolate can complement wine just as well as cheese and olives.

Zen got this Vintage Leather Jacket for $8 at a Salvo's in Hastings.
It seems almost impossible to get cheap leather at op shops nowadays so we were suitably impressed.

This scene made me think of a giant nurturing spider web.
While we were taking the windy roads of the hills and taking in the red, gold and purple Autumn trees, the abundant vines and watching wallabies graze in the paddocks, I was thinking how very lucky we are to be so close to such beauty. We plan to have more days like this more often.
A picnic next time I think :) Love E xo

Naughty Secretery

I bought this dress yesterday despite the 1 month Op shop ban I had placed on myself (its been 3 weeks).

But what else am I supposed to do in between jobs?!

It set me back $6.95. Not too shabby!

Please excuse the visible undies :-/ I didn't realize until I saw the photo's.

Good thing I now know and didn't go out in public like that! Eeek.

Hmmm... I just realized the irony in saying that. You can't get much more public than a blog hey?!

Silly me.

I was considering selling it on Etsy but quickly changed my mind. I just love the collar and buttons!
I think it will serve me well in the cooler months. Wish I had light grey boots to team it with though.

Well, that's all from me for now. Hugs, kisses & high fives for all -love E x

Hubba Bubba tie

Nathan bought me this very cool tie from a vintage store in Kew.

Love! We have decided its colour is Hubba Bubba Purple. As in the chewing gum of course :)

This daggy pose is via Zen's silly imagination :)

I got this cute top for 50c from a Vinnie's at Grange.

Am keeping my eyes peeled for a nice white shirt to wear with the tie though.