The Collinsvale Market

I'm very excited to be part of the first Collinsvale Market on tomorrow at the Collinsvale Hall in Hall Rd from 10am to 2pm.

Collinsvale is a beautiful historic village nestled within the mountains north of Hobart. Only a short scenic drive away and you can enjoy the warm hospitality of this friendly rural community. A good friend of mine lives in Collinsvale, her daughter goes to the local school and she was the one who contacted me about being involved. She will also be there operating the sausage sizzle and devonshire tea stall.

The Collinsvale Market is a new "country" market specialising in local produce and handmade and I have a feeling we are in for a real treat. There are lots of stalls (I think 34 at last count), including:

Fruit & Vegetables
Plants
Arts & Crafts
Jams, Honey, Condiments
Flowers, Cakes & Beverages

Pilates Demonstration & Collinsvale Historical Display
Refreshments, Music and Fun for the Whole Family

All profits from stall fees are donated directly to the Collinsvale Primary School.

I have been busy this week making some new products, which have been on my list for over 12 months now. I have already had several custom orders via Facebook and will also put these new items in the online store tomorrow evening.

For now, take a look at what I've been up to and if you fancy a drive and some good old fashioned country hospitality, then head to Collinsvale tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing some new and old faces.

Shop/Market Supplies

I'm always happy to tell people where I purchase my various supplies, paper bags etc for Sunday's Child and a great site I have used before is "Shop For Shops".

They are running a huge sale at the moment with 95% of all prices reduced and up to 65% off hundreds of items. The sale ends today, so if you're in the market for bags, clothes hangers or any type of display items for your shop, market stall etc. then check them out quick!

The Valley Market No. 3

It's on again, the first Valley Market for the year - tomorrow at the Lenah Valley Community Hall on Creek Rd from 10am to 2pm.

I've been up to Launceston and back today visiting my aunt & uncle and their son (my cousin), who has moved from NSW to attend the Australian Maritime College. I've nearly finished packing the car but I'm pretty tired, so here's hoping I get a good nights sleep (no little girls in the bed) and I'm bright and chirpy in the morning.

Looking forward to seeing old & new faces tomorrow :)

It's on again ... The Barn Market

It's on again folks and I'm really excited to be heading out tomorrow for my first market of the year. This is the one that started it all for me, so it's kind of like a birthday of sorts - one year has past since I started selling Sunday's Child to the public - yeh!

I'd love to see you all if you get the chance to pop in, the weather is meant to be sunny and fine so it should be a great day out.

There's quite a lot on this weekend actually. Up North in Launceston is Festivale which is kind of like a mini Taste Festival running from today thru until Sunday. There is also the Maker's Market being held tomorrow at the Design Centre right next door to Festivale in the City Park. The Wooden Boat Festival is also on at the Hobart waterfront and this year entry is free! On Sunday The Market is kicking off again this year at the Masonic Temple on Sandy Bay Rd and of course the AAMI Hobart Cup. And on Monday is the Royal Hobart Regatta - which is a public holiday here in the south.

So whatever you get up to this weekend, I hope you have a great time!

My Creative Space .... Hearts & Birds

Well I've finally found my sewing "mojo" today. I've been feeling quite guilty that I haven't done more up until now, especially seeing as it's now February! The last 2 weeks though I've found very hard to do much at all as I've been suffering from a tension-type headache. It seems to be lifting now and I actually felt the urge to do something today.

As I have 2 markets coming up very soon - 12th & 20th February, I thought I had better get busy on some things to add to my stock.

The focus today has been on reversible crossover pinafore tops with bird appliques and some heart fabric cards for Valentines Day.

For more creative spaces pop on over to Kootoyoo.

Oobi Love

Just over 2 years ago when Andrew was working in country NSW, we were visiting him just prior to xmas and were lucky enough to be able to attend the Wagga Wagga Christmas Craft Fair held at the turf club. What an amazing array of talented artists, crafts people and business owners. They were very inspiring and this was probably one of the first times I thought about starting to sew again and perhaps sell my wares.

At the time I was looking for a new sunhat for Emma particularly as the weather was very hot in Wagga and she was fast growing out of her current one. This is were I purchased her an Oobi sunhat with a lovely wide brim and cute polkadot fabric. I can't remember the name of the stall I bought it from but I do remember they actually had a shop front in Wagga. Believe it or not the hat still fits even though she is now 7yrs old.

As Sophie is growing up fast she has also now grown out of the hat she has been wearing for the last year or so. So I really wanted to get another Oobi sunhat as I just love the fabrics, style and the fact that they seem to last for so long.

The lovely Nikki from Lily & Cooper Children's Clothing who stocks Oobi, recently had a sale on Facebook and I was lucky enough to grab the last "Bridgette Floppy Sunhat". How cute is this?!

I also picked up the "Celeste Ruched Dress".

The Oobi range is a collection on "beautiful, retro, charming and slightly whimsical fashion for children". And I just love the fabrics (especially all the polkadots) and how you can mix and match the pieces together.

Nikki has also set up the "Preloved Oobi for Oobi Lovers" group on Facebook where you can buy & sell Oobi at no cost. What a great idea. So if you're an Oobi Lover like me check out "Lily & Cooper Children's Clothing" and "Preloved Oobi for Oobi Lovers" on Facebook.

What an awesome tally

Well I really was gobsmacked when the final tally was announced for the combined auctions and raffles held to raise money for the Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions.

Thanks to the co-ordination by Toni & Carli, all those who ran auctions/raffles and of course those generous enough to bid/win all the fabulous handmade goodies, the final amount raised was

$99, 089 ... truly amazing!

I feel very humbled to have been involved and to be able to help out in some small way.

I hope this goes some way to helping all those affected by the floods to rebuild their homes, schools, businesses and lives.

Thank you.

Australian inspired handmade goodies

I did a search on madeit for "Australia" and here are some of the lovely handmade goodies I found.

Australian Made Swimmers

by Miss Haidee

Australian Coral ... Vintage Inspired Earrings

by Citrus pOp

Australian Sunset chunky resin bangle

by Topaz Turtle Jewellery

Australian Jarrah Key Hole Wooden Earrings

by Wood "n" Piece

Tram Roll - Australian Capital Cities

by Linnea Swedish Design

Australian Native Photo - Fluffy White Flower - A6 Greeting Card

by Erinna Imagery

Retro Vintage Souvenir Tea Towel "The Australian Swagman" Tote

by Wallpaper Gets Funky

Supermarket Plastic Bag Holder featuring Map of Australia & Flag

by Purple Monki

Australia Day Rundown

A lovely day was spent at out family shack by the beach yesterday. Friends, family & a relaxing day, with beef & lamb done on the weber, fresh salads and desserts to die for - lamingtons, chocolate cake and chocolate raspberry pavlova.

Here's some photos Andrew took during the day.

My nephew Josh mowing the lawn with the Victa, under the Hills Hoist which was displaying the Australian Flag. This was actually in no way staged and Andrew has entered it into the Mercury Newspaper's "A Day in the Life of Tasmania" photo essay.

Josh the Barman - or should that be "Bar Boy?"

Patriotic "Australian" Chocolate Cake, Lamingtons, Cream and Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova.

Me putting the finishing touches to the pavlova.

Me striking a silly pose with the pavlova. First pav I've made in years and it was soooo good!

Happy Australia Day!

(image from here)

In light of recent events particularly in Queensland and the outpouring of friendship and "mateship" which has resulted, it really does make me feel proud to be Australian! And today is the day that we get to celebrate being "Australian' and living in the most beautiful place in the world - the "lucky" country!

We headed down to our family shack last night and intend to indulge in a yummy BBQ, followed by Nigella Lawson's Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova for dessert - yum! Of course there'll be plenty of relaxing, sitting in the sun and I'm sure a trip to the beach as well.

Hoping you all have a wonderful Australia Day with your family & friends.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!

Shopping for school things

Well as the other states have headed back to school this week, here in Tas we are still on school holidays. It's still 3 weeks until my eldest starts Grade 2 and 4 weeks until my "baby" heads to school for the first time!

Today we'll be heading off to get socks & new insulated lunch bags by Penny Scallan.

Emma has chosen the "Girly Bird",

and Sophie has chosen the "Apple"

That's about it for the school list actually as I am lucky enough to have Emma's original uniform which Sophie will be able to wear and enough uniform items that Emma still fits into - at least until winter arrives anyway. As my niece & nephew used to go to the same school, my sister-in-law has also given me a spare school backpack, 2 hats, pair of new shoes and a library bag - score! I do like "new stuff" but when it comes to school uniforms and sundry, why would you buy new if you are given perfectly good 2nd hand items? I'd rather spend my money on other things.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

And the winner is.....

Sarah Bendeich! Congratulations Sarah and thank you so much for your generous bid. I know this and the other 300 or so auctions will go a long way to helping those in need in Qld.

Thank you also to all the other bidders. By helping a little, we give a lot!

Last Chance to Bid

Just a quick reminder that the auction on my "Reversible Crossover Pinafore Top" ends tonight at 9pm.

The bid is currently at $70 which is just fantastic - thanks Sarah!

I'll be in touch with the winner via email to advise how to make payment to the Premier's Flood Relief Fund and once payment is confirmed I will post the top out to you.

Goodluck!

Sunday Baking

I don't know about you but I love bananas. They are a great healthy snack and so easy as a quick breakfast on the go, as you run out the door in the mornings (this happens to me regularly!). The problem is I find I buy a handful and they sit in the fruit bowl and then before I know it they are all turning brown and need to be eaten quick smart.

I quite often bake mini banana choc chip muffins which the girls love but I have never really been able to master banana bread. I really love banana bread and will often order a slice with a coffee if it's on the menu at a coffee shop.

So today I decided to use up some of the sad and sorry bananas in the bowl and try out Corrie's Melt-n-Mix Banana Bread for myself. It's quick and easy, only requires one bowl and no electric mixer - perfect!

And the verdict - yummo! I can now make banana bread, yeh me! Try it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks Corrie for this fail-safe recipe.

Toni Coward - "Bloggers crafts a relief bonanza"

I was just flipping thru the Mercury Newspaper on this sunny Saturday afternoon and came across an article on page 17 with the lovely Toni Coward of Make It Perfect.

The article is about the Qld Flood Appeal Auctions that Toni has co-ordinated with over 300 craft bloggers from around the world being involved - me included! So far the auctions have raised $45,000 and there is still a little over 48hrs to go.

What a fabulous acknowledgment for the time & effort that Toni has put into co-ordinating this auction drive. I hope that it helps get the word out there a little more and we can see the final tally rise even higher.

My donated item the "Red Swirl Bird" - Reversible Crossover Pinafore Top is currently at $50 and if you're interested in bidding all you need to do is visit my post here and leave your bid amount and email address.

Bidding ends at 9pm on Monday 24th January.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Rachel Tutton & Fiona Dimitriou the winners of the Sunday's Child donations in the Fairy Floss Markets Qld Flood Appeal Auctions. Thank you for bidding and supporting this worthy cause. Once I have received confirmation from Kirsty at Fairy Floss Markets that your payment has been received, the items will be sent to you.

Enjoy xo

Sonia

Auction Update

Just a very quick reminder that the first of my auctions in aid of the Qld Flood Relief Appeal will be finishing in just under half and hour - 7pm EST. Head on over to Fairy Floss Markets on Facebook and bid generously.

Both the items I have donated are still under the retail price of $25 ea. Please be generous and bid higher if you can. This is not about getting a bargain but about doing our bit for those in need whilst purchasing a unique handmade item.

Thanks so much.

xo

Qld Flood Appeal Auction Update - START BIDDING!

Ok so as promised here is the item I am auctioning off as part of the co-ordinated effort by Toni from Make It Perfect. Thanks to Toni for organising & co-ordinating such a fantastic way of showing our support for those in need in Qld.

"Red Swirl Bird" - Reversible Crossover Pinafore Top

This was the first of my reversible pinafore top designs and is still my favourite. I will make this to order in your required size. Sizes available are: 12-18mths, 18-24mths, 2, 3, 4 & 5. Also included will be a set of Fabric Covered Hair Accessories in the red swirl fabric. You can choose from 2 x hair ties/elastics (small or large), 2 x hair clips or a combo set (1 x hair tie & 1 x hair clip).

How this auction works:
1. Bidding will start at $20 (Australian).
2. You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address. Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.
3. Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.
4. This auction is open to everyone, I will pay for all postage costs.
5. The auction begins NOW and will END at 9pm on Monday 24th January 2011.
6. At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address). The winner will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email. Once proof of payment has been received, the items will be sent.
7. Thankyou for participating and supporting such a worthy cause.

Happy Bidding and Good luck!

Sonia

xx

Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions

We have all been affected in one way or another by the recent devastating floods in Queensland. I am doing my bit and donating some Sunday's Child items for 2 separate auctions.

Kirsty McEwan from Fairy Floss Markets is co-ordinating a Qld Flood Appeal Auction and there are some beautiful items up for grabs. The auction has commenced and ends tomorrow night - Wednesday 19th January at 7pm. All proceeds will go direct to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

I have donated 2 x Short Sleeve Applique Tees both valued at $25.

"Pink Daisy Flowers" Tee - Size 3

"Aqua Classic Car" Tee - Size 4

Head on over to the Fairy Floss Markets Flood Appeal Album on Facebook to start bidding.

I will also be setting up my own auction here on my blog later today to be included in the list of auctions being co-ordinated by Toni Coward of Make it Perfect. You can head over to Toni's blog now and check out the extensive list of auctions being run by many talented people. The list includes: Handmade Toys, Dolls & Softies, Handcrafted Jewellery/Accessories, Quilts, Sewing Patterns/Books, Handcrafted Clothing & Bags, Prints/Paper Goods/Art, Fabric/Craft & Sewing Supplies, Gift Vouchers, Photography & More. All proceeds will go direct to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal and all auctions will end on Monday 24th January at 12am (midnight).