I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.....

I'm finding sewing for someone else adds a level of nervous-ness absent from my usual way of crafting. People who buy bags and purses from me at the markets or my e-shops are seeing the products for the first time - they decide there and then that this item is for them and they give it a good home.

Don't get me wrong- I love that extra element of creating a design that is going to meet some one's needs, but along with that comes expectations and a mental image of what they want.

I had a recent order from a friend to make a satchel for her partner for Father's Day. I had initially decided to whip something up - a few tweaks to previous designs, but I decided I could do with a challenge. I found a pattern that I liked (harder than I thought it'd be) and decided I'd simplify it. This thought was reinforced when I cut the pattern pieces (at least 4 of these needed at least 'cut 2').

I changed my mind a dozen times about just how simple I'd make it - helped slash hindered by a convoluted instruction list (I kept looking ahead, but was thrown when I got to the Spanish translation, so was forced to re-read the part I was trying to decipher). Finally, I decided that I needed to push ahead - the only way I'd know how to simplify was to produce the whole shebang so I'd know what was expendable in future incarnations.

This wise decision was almost my undoing a few times on Saturday, solved by spells of time on my balcony in the sun, with some books and magazines I'd been meaning to get to in a long while.

First it was the pockets and zips.... then it was the piping ... and finally it was the strap and buckles .... (the velcro was a cinch)... but I'm so pleased with the result (and myself) ... and I hope my friends are too.

Note to self...

When that to-do list seems to have a mind of its own and items seem to be breeding faster than rabbits, a simple thought...

Quiet reflection.

Not much to say today. Busy week end, followed by busy start to the week.

What better way to unwind than with some Made-it Roulette?

Penelope and Pip's Waiting for Winter...

Beetle Blue Designs' Toy Chest

Coochie Bubble Designs' Owl wheat heat pack

Alainn's large rutilated quartz ring

shelleyberelli's Craft Wrap

short and sweet

Money makes the world go 'round...

Well, actually, it's the motion of the earth vs the pull of gravity towards the sun (Fig.1 ) but, being National Science Week, I'm sure there are many more blogs suited to discussing this topic and other clever-boffin type ideas....even a winning blog here (Save your breath for running ponies).

Fig 1.

So, on to this Monday evening's Made-it Roulette. My spinning came up with ...

Found Style's "Charming Chain"

A reappearance by Found 'n' Bound - A rough night

Two Cheeky Monkey's - Pear print

And a shelleyberelli Lotus Obi-style belt

I'm feeling a gravitational pull on my eyelids, so I'm off to bed now. Hope everyone has a lovely week out there in the blogosphere.

Custom order. Tick.

A lovely lady approached me at the recent brisStyle indie twilight markets and asked if I could make a few special orders for her. She was after bags to send toys in to children overseas.

Thing is, she'd bought a whole heap of marbles and found the bags too flimsy to survive the posting. Not one to shy away from a challenge, particularly for such a worthy cause, I agreed to whip up a few bags for her. She was only after 8, but I got a bit carried away.

It turned out I had plenty of perfect sized fabric offcuts and have double the number I set out to make. Here's my progress and finished products. Which is your favourite fabric print?

Mood enhancing Made-it Roulette

Hello, and welcome to today's made-it roulette.

I'm in a more positive mood this post.Today in my lecture we were looking at physical health issues of clients/consumers with mental health issues. Now, this isn't a psychology or a medical lecture and many students often find it hard to think laterally about this topic as it's not usually seen as a 'core' area of our work. However, with the stats that one in five people in Australia may experience depression in their lifetime and one in four may experience anxiety, it's something that everyone should know about.

In today's lecture I included some short videos from the SANE video showroom and I was amazed, as the students sat, engrossed and interested in the lived experiences of people in the clips. Interesting and respectful discussion ensued and gave me hope that this next cohort of young professionals would enter the workforce with a more holistic view of the patients they will encounter and the world in which they live.

Now, on to my Roulette finds! ("How do you play?" I hear you ask ... keep hitting that ‘made-it’ banner and see what treats come up).

Japanese Creation (Purple square)

Liola (Fabric Basket Set)

Found N Bound Unique Journal Covers

CMD cards

and, my latest made-it posting (floral print headband)

Monday's made-it roulette

Sigh - it's a cold and blustery ol' afternoon in brisvegas. I've spent the day lecturing to students (in my non-crafty day job) who don't realise how small our profession is and that every encounter is an interview of sorts. Snippy arrogance and arguing with the guest lecturer who's most likely going to supervise you when you come out for your work experience isn't likely to make the top 5 'how to impress your supervisor' list. Oh, but I digress ... onto pretty and crafty things - how I love made-it roulette to lift my spirits.

Please share in today's delights...

for the name of the shop and this little man alone

atomic lawrence & me (poppy the rabbit softie)

soothing blues and greens from lee & allan design (seafoam lampshade)

marelle (love bird note cards)

and a little something from yours truly (bella laptop case)

And an afternoon always improves with a giggle. Thanks to my friend Kim for reminding me of this. Hope you enjoy it too.

Armstrong & Miller (WWII RAF sketch)