New season sewing

For me it's not officially Spring until I see the first jacaranda in bloom.  But while I wait in anticipation I have not been idle.

I have had my eye on a pattern by Violette Field Threads for a little while and when my latest shipment arrived, I knew I had found the perfect fabric.

 It's such a soft, floaty cotton in a summery woodland design. 

I love the back with its scooped neckline and and sewn-in bow.  Available soon in my shops.

Our grandchildren have been forbidden by their parents to use the word Christmas for at least another two months.  It is referred to as The Season That Cannot Be Named.  Knowing how frantic it was for me last year, I decided to get an early start on The Season That Cannot Be Named clothing, beginning with my favourite skirt pattern by Tie Dye Diva.

This little top is so versatile. 

 It goes beautifully with the Christmas (oops!) skirts,under sleeveless dresses or jumper dresses, or simply worn with a pair of shorts or pants.

This is a classic styled dress with a very full skirt and pretty flutter sleeves.

And a big bow at the back.

I am also bringing back a favourite from last season, as it sold out very quickly.

If you are considering starting your Christmas shopping now, you can find these items and many more in my Etsy and MadeIt shops.  And keep the Hot Fudge motto in mind: shop early and shop often.

Looking for Spring

It's difficult to believe that winter has finally departed, in theory at least.  In fact it's still hanging around and bringing along its friends, rain and wind.  However, if you look hard enough there are delightful pockets of the new season to be found and yesterday we set out to discover a couple of them.

After a soggy walk through the city we arrived at the pop-up gallery where our daughter Maz's paintings are on exhibit, along with some other talented artists.  We were greeted by lovely the gallery director Emilya Colliver who delighted in advising that all Maz's painting were sold and indeed there was a waiting list for new paintings.  Emilya champions emerging artists and her vitality and enthusiasm shine through.  If you are in Sydney you can catch the exhibition which runs until 14 September.  Details can be found here.

 Why not make a day of it and take in the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW?  

Earlier in the day we took our annual pilgrimage to David Jones in the city to take in their annual Spring Flower Show which is always the best way to get the spirits soaring.

This year the theme is The Enchanted Florence, celebrating the renowned artist Florence Broadhurst.

The display did wonders for us.

The iconic pianist was there to greet the visitors with his cheerful smile and amazing reservoir of tunes which he can choose from at the drop of a hat.  

Of course, the merchandise blended beautifully with the surrounding floral displays and I was hoping to return today to relieve them of a handbag or two.  But we didn't win Lotto.

Thank you David Jones for making us all feel a little younger.

And thank you to our daughter for making us feel so proud.