tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-814716665554343782024-03-19T18:46:13.032+10:00Hot FudgeDesigner of designer fabric garlands.Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-24615537082959504512017-09-08T17:25:00.002+10:002017-09-08T17:25:18.811+10:00Mr & Mrs Fudge Go To TownI had every intention of changing my banner to Winter 2017 when suddenly it is Spring. It's been a long stretch between my last post and today, but it's been one of those years when life got in the way. We have lost far too many friends in the past few months which has taken its toll, but we are determined to hang around for many more years.<br />
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This morning we hopped on the train for our annual trip to sigh over the <a href="https://www.davidjones.com.au/Whats-On-and-Events/2017/08/Spring-Flower-Show">David Jones Spring Flower Show</a>. Warning: there will be a few pictures.<br />
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When we first started coming to the flower show, I seemed to be the only one sheepishly taking out my camera and snapping away. See what I've started? I love the gentleman in the centre of the image bending over to avoid ruining someone's photo. <br />
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There were avenues of exotic orchids which were swoon-worthy.</div>
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Sprays of blossoms and roses caught everyone's attention.</div>
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And what would it be without David Jones' Piano Man? </div>
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While we were in the city we took advantage of the leisurely stroll through Hyde Park to the Art Gallery to take in the <a href="https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2017/">Archibald Prize</a>. </div>
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This year's entries came in all sizes, from miniature to that-couldn't-possibly-fit-on-my-wall size. However the portrait which stole my heart (and obviously that of this other art lover) was <i>The Inner Stillness of Eileen Kramer</i> by Andrew Lloyd Greensmith. The subject is 102 years old, born in the same year as my much missed mother. She still dances professionally, which rather puts me to shame, having retired this year from my children's clothing business and desktop publishing! It wasn't until I came home that I read something of the artist. He is a plastic surgeon who co-headed the team which successfully separated the conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna in 2009. </div>
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Not to be missed is the <a href="https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/young-archie/2017/">Young Archies</a>, works by school students from ages 5 to 18. Here are my two favourites.</div>
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What's not to love about spring?</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-6706201690650976692016-12-04T15:46:00.000+10:002016-12-04T16:05:28.147+10:00TraditionsAh ... we are into our fourth day of summer, and loving it. I know this month will pass in a blur, but it's a month which holds certain traditions, and not the least of those is the Christmas season. However, the first December tradition occurred today, the local village street fair. <br />
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As usual, we were early arrivals and after walking a brief distance it was unanimously voted that the first stop would be the coffee shop. I love the smell of coffee in the morning.<br />
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The reason we like to arrive early is another tradition, the day starts with the Knox School Pipes and Drums Band and we were fortunate enough to have a front row view. It's amazing how easy it is to achieve that position if you are prepared to kick old ladies, children and dogs out of the way. Of course we didn't. but at our age we're entitled to our evil fantasies.</div>
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The young boy in the centre took his twirling so seriously - it was endearing to watch.<br />
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Some folk like men in tights. Give me men in kilts any day.</div>
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Look at the swoosh of the pleats as they march in unison. Perfect.</div>
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We were delighted with the quality and variety of goodies offered by the stall holders.</div>
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The crowds quickly built up and the stall holders were kept on their toes. We even bumped into our three grandchildren and their parents who were on their way to fly down a giant slide set up for the day. The grandchildren. Not the parents.</div>
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I loved some of the quirky fashion worn by the young, although I must admit I was somewhat relieved to discover that this young lass was actually wearing leggings and her legs weren't tattooed!</div>
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There were beautiful linens with wonderful designs.</div>
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Hats and bags ...</div>
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And food ...</div>
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But at the end of the day it wasn't about us humans - it was the dogs' day out.<br />
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Whether they wanted to be there or not.<br />
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It's so good to take a small break from the sewing machine, although I am frantically putting the finishing touches to a couple of quilt tops.</div>
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Next Friday our second December tradition will take place. Can't wait. </div>
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Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-51073253257609622792016-09-07T17:09:00.001+10:002016-09-07T17:13:39.023+10:00Spring - at lastIf you are averse to all things floral, kindly avert your gaze, because Spring is here and today we have been on our annual pilgrimage to <a href="https://www.davidjones.com.au/Whats-On-and-Events/2016/08/Flower-Show">David Jones</a>.<br />
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This is our sixth Spring Flower visit since our return to Sydney and it never fails to lift the spirits after a long and relatively cold winter.<br />
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The David Jones' Piano Man is still there to welcome customers - he is an institution in Sydney and I think it will be the end of civilization when he finally retires.<br />
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There were guided tours for the garden enthusiasts...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtdkHamrAF8/V8-xXb0tauI/AAAAAAAAJe0/v_E1M1fEZXEHf-MEZRT8Sh6wQndF0DdNACLcB/s1600/070916%2BDJs%2Bae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtdkHamrAF8/V8-xXb0tauI/AAAAAAAAJe0/v_E1M1fEZXEHf-MEZRT8Sh6wQndF0DdNACLcB/s640/070916%2BDJs%2Bae.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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... but we decided to take it all in at our own pace.<br />
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We were not the only happy snappers; it was at times like a hazard course trying to keep out of keen photographers' line of vision.<br />
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That gentleman looks familiar ...<br />
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Ah, it was absolutely wonderful. Mind you, I'm not sure how many sales are made during the week of the flower display. Probably it would be a good time for sales staff to take a timely break.<br />
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We took a stroll over to the <a href="http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/archibald-wynne-sulman-prizes-2016/">Art Gallery of New South Wales</a> to catch the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. <br />
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While I really liked the Archibald winning entry, a portrait of Barry Humphries by Louise Hearman, it was the realist portrait, Deng, painted by Nick Stathopoulos which I found to be quite compelling.<br />
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I also loved this tiny self-portrait by young artist Natasha Walsh.<br />
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The Wynne Prize winner, Seven Sisters, is a collaborative by five sisters who live in the remote Aboriginal community of Amata in the far north west of South Australia. Loved it.<br />
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All in all it was quite an eventful day. Time to sip on a glass or two of wine.Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-42913284343143582362016-05-04T15:18:00.000+10:002016-05-04T15:20:35.222+10:00Special Announcement - Sale AlertSome may call it May madness, but I call it clearing space in my studio to make room for the many quilts in my future, not to mention the ones already lying around begging to be hung.<br />
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For several years I have had great joy in creating clothing for children, selling at markets as well as through my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hotfudge">Etsy</a> and <span id="goog_1031161805"></span><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/hotfudge">MadeIt</a> stores<span id="goog_1031161806"></span>. Throughout that time I have made some lovely friends, have had loyal customers from around the world and watched babies turn into beautiful children, all through my sewing machine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodness, how my little models have grown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy snaps sent by customers - they always give me such a buzz.</td></tr>
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This has to be my all-time favourite, sent to me by a delightful customer. Her pet bunny has his own bedroom which is now decorated with a Hot Fudge bunny garland. True story.<br />
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All this is leading up to the fact that I have reduced my children's clothing to <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">HALF PRICE</span></b>. I have included everything I have currently in stock, even Christmas clothing (am I too early?). They are only available in the sizes quoted and I'm afraid I will not be making custom orders. <br />
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So if you see something you like, even if it's out of season, I'd advise you to snap it up, because there will not be any more after they are sold.<br />
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Of course if you are in desperate need of garlands and bunting, I will be around for some time yet!<br />
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-78334836230119926462016-04-07T15:41:00.000+10:002016-04-07T15:58:39.336+10:00DetourSeasons change and so do life's circumstances. It's advisable from time to time to sit back and consider what is really important - sometimes the answer comes as quite a surprise.<br />
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I created Hot Fudge back in 2008 and opened my Etsy shop shortly after. At the time we were living in Brisbane and a group of local Etsy sellers, about 16 in all, got together over coffee and cake. It was such a success that it was unanimously decided that we should form a local group of Etsy sellers and thus <a href="http://www.brisstyle.com.au/">BrisStyle</a> was born.<br />
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We took a few baby steps towards organising a market to test the waters, and the rest is history. <a href="http://www.brisstyle.com.au/">BrisStyle</a> is now a household name in Brisbane and the Twilight Market at King George Square is the place to be. I am so proud to have been there at that first gathering and to see how far it has advanced.<br />
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Meanwhile, my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hotfudge">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/hotfudge">Madeit</a> stores expanded and along with my stall at the BrisStyle markets, I was quite contented with the way my little business was growing. I never wanted the it to become so big that I would have had to employ outside help, so I deliberately kept it manageable.<br />
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In 2011, after nearly 21 years in Brisbane (plus a four year period in the early 1980s), we decided to return to our hometown, Sydney. The time was right, as the bulk of our family and our old friends were there and we were not getting any younger. It meant leaving behind our son and his family which was a terrible wrench and it did take some soul-searching. We were also leaving behind those loyal Brisbane friends who had stood by us through particularly difficult times.<br />
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It's now going on five years since that move and we are happy and contented with our decision. Our lives are full of family and old friends and we are constantly grateful to have reached this stage of our lives.<br />
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And now to that detour. Over the past few months a little voice has been whispering to me, advising me to slow down and make some changes in my life. I had just turned some ridiculous age and I made a mental list of what was important to me and what I wanted to achieve in 2016. It was a no-brainer - family always comes first, closely followed by friends. One branch of the family is going through a stressful time, while a dear friend in Tasmania is seriously ill, and this has led us to do some travelling over the past month. <br />
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There will be more trips ahead which means I cannot devote as much time as I would need to keep my children's clothing business up to speed. That little voice was also telling me how much I missed the time I used to have quilting, so I have undertaken two quilting projects which should (ha ha!) be complete by the end of the year.<br />
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As a result, I have decided to cease the clothing side of my business and concentrate on the things that need to be done on a personal level. However, I am continuing Hot Fudge, making designer garlands and bunting. They are popular seasonal items, particularly around Christmas and Easter, and with a nod to Matisse with his cutouts, I have to continue doing something creative.<br />
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I have removed all made-to-order items from my Etsy store and am in the process of adjusting my Madeit site. All that I have left in the way of children's clothing is what I have in stock. Here's an opportunity to take a look and if you see something that you like and it is in the right size, please grab it, even if it is for next Christmas (eek!), because once they are gone, they are gone, I'm afraid.<br />
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Are you still there? So sorry for the lengthy post, but it's not the sort of decision I make every day.<br />
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Thank you so much for your support over the years and don't forget, if you need garlands in your life, you know where I am.<br />
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Oh, and a big thank you to those wonderful photographers and their models, particularly Sara of Boutique Baby Photography and her two gorgeous little girls, Lyric and Kay. You are so talented and you brought my clothes to life. <br />
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Hugs. </div>
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-38348280238444151172016-01-17T13:25:00.000+10:002016-01-17T13:25:30.602+10:00Sew Your StashHappy New Year, albeit a little late.<br />
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One of the websites I follow is Pattern Revolution which is devoted to all things sewing. They commenced 2016 with a challenge to Sew Your Stash which involved sewing a garment using fabric from your stash and a pattern you had purchased but never used. It was as if Lord Kitchener was pointing his finger right at me and I had to enlist.<br />
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I rummaged through my fabric stash and came across these two fabrics which I had been keeping aside for goodness knows what. I bought them from a lovely fabric store owner who visited our quilting group some time last year. There were two half metre pieces of the floral fabric and one half metre of the spots. They were all she had brought with her in these designs, so I grabbed them quickly. The overalls jumper pattern had been on my list of must-make items for a little while and somehow the two seemed to be made for each other. It's fairly sturdy fabric, despite the delicateness of the design, so it was ideal for the project in hand.<br />
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This is my version of the overalls - I must admit I was pretty happy with the result. The pattern is packed full of detailed sewing, so it was not something that I could whip up in half an hour. Let's begin with the pockets.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JZRBi9Ncts/Vpr_XF28XYI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/_Egrdf1kpCQ/s1600/160116%2BOveralls%2Bbib%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JZRBi9Ncts/Vpr_XF28XYI/AAAAAAAAJYQ/_Egrdf1kpCQ/s640/160116%2BOveralls%2Bbib%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's hard to miss the one at the front.</div>
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There are also two handy ones at the back.</div>
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Not to mention the side pockets.</div>
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I love the back view.</div>
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All the seams are top stitched.</div>
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And it looks great with a blouse, tee or knit.</div>
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All in all I feel happy with the result and it was the perfect start to the new sewing year. I made a size 4 and sadly my youngest grandchild is 6, but even if he was 4, I doubt he would be too keen to wear it. So I'll put it up for sale and if it generates enough interest, I can source some more of the two fabrics and will make it to order.</div>
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Next on the list is a sweet dress for Valentine's Day, or any day really. It's good to be sewing again.</div>
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Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-66151437232755617812015-12-17T16:11:00.001+10:002015-12-17T16:11:28.859+10:00Closed for Christmas and the New Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfne2KKJFQc/VnJPIpi7M-I/AAAAAAAAJWY/qU3JB0xEt64/s1600/IMG_9825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfne2KKJFQc/VnJPIpi7M-I/AAAAAAAAJWY/qU3JB0xEt64/s640/IMG_9825.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">Images: Boutique Baby Photography</td></tr>
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Oh no - you're a little late.</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hotfudge">Hot Fudge</a> has closed for the Christmas/New Year break.</div>
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Oh my, I can see something I REALLY want!</div>
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I could just cry.</div>
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But all is not lost.</div>
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<a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/hotfudge">Hot Fudge</a> will re-open mid-January 2016 and you can buy my dress for your own little princess.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHEhfeq2EM/VnJRV2DW08I/AAAAAAAAJXI/1Ii_euNDAoY/s1600/IMG_9846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDHEhfeq2EM/VnJRV2DW08I/AAAAAAAAJXI/1Ii_euNDAoY/s640/IMG_9846.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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So have a very happy Christmas and I'll see you in the New Year.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-47209112041680423932015-12-06T14:59:00.000+10:002015-12-06T15:04:08.042+10:00Ah, Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe I've spoken too soon, but I think we can safely say that summer has finally arrived.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzhnp62wbj0/VmOrxwj2npI/AAAAAAAAJTY/QeaRx8LCd5Y/s1600/051215%2BQVB%2Bbalcony%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzhnp62wbj0/VmOrxwj2npI/AAAAAAAAJTY/QeaRx8LCd5Y/s640/051215%2BQVB%2Bbalcony%2Bb.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Which means it was time for our annual pilgrimage to the city to do a little shopping. First stop was the <a href="https://www.qvb.com.au/about-qvb">Queen Victoria Building</a>, full of such tempting goodies. <br />
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The Christmas tree never fails to amaze us, Take a look <a href="https://www.qvb.com.au/competition">here</a> to watch the tree come to life.<br />
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So much bling - so many Swarovski crystals - surely they wouldn't miss a strand or two ...</div>
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Why didn't they have toy shops like this when I was a wee tot? Oh yes, there was a war on.</div>
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Oh to be four again!</div>
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No trip to the city at this time of the year is complete without a visit to the food hall of our favourite department store.</div>
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You can keep the Amaretti (not really) - I'll settle for the tin.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufG9B7HgxNY/VmO2cC8l-wI/AAAAAAAAJU4/bnCuorfNkBs/s1600/051215%2BDJs%2BCookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufG9B7HgxNY/VmO2cC8l-wI/AAAAAAAAJU4/bnCuorfNkBs/s640/051215%2BDJs%2BCookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Guess who thought he could smuggle these home without me seeing them? Wrong.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsmfMe8J6fQ/VmO224hIJ1I/AAAAAAAAJVA/LjNXicZhfsw/s1600/051215%2BQVB%2Btoy%2Bshop%2BSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsmfMe8J6fQ/VmO224hIJ1I/AAAAAAAAJVA/LjNXicZhfsw/s640/051215%2BQVB%2Btoy%2Bshop%2BSanta.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
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What a fun time we had. I think we'll have to do it again.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oE0MjFLz3ek/VmO4RCyjbLI/AAAAAAAAJVM/yZAfhuLJKtQ/s1600/261115%2BChristmas%2Bskirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oE0MjFLz3ek/VmO4RCyjbLI/AAAAAAAAJVM/yZAfhuLJKtQ/s640/261115%2BChristmas%2Bskirts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The last of the custom orders were mailed out on Friday and now I can finally breathe again. However, there's still a little time to order some ready-to-ship items if you hurry.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7HwQz1hlWM/VmO9zkF8uxI/AAAAAAAAJV0/PWviJk6gC-Q/s1600/091015%2Bgrey%2B%2526%2Bwhite%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7HwQz1hlWM/VmO9zkF8uxI/AAAAAAAAJV0/PWviJk6gC-Q/s640/091015%2Bgrey%2B%2526%2Bwhite%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLtrH5Qfx80/VmO-SWATp1I/AAAAAAAAJV8/zrihZfRvAec/s1600/131115%2Bdress%2Bbow%2Bc%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLtrH5Qfx80/VmO-SWATp1I/AAAAAAAAJV8/zrihZfRvAec/s640/131115%2Bdress%2Bbow%2Bc%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are just a few of my ready-to-ship items. If you take a look through my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HotFudge">Etsy</a> or <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?storeId=132&userId=386">MadeIt</a> stores, I am sure you will find something you will fall in love with. They are in specific sizes, but I will have most of them available made-to-order in the New Year.</div>
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Happy shopping and I do hope you all have the most wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-5463301683309445242015-11-26T12:39:00.004+10:002015-11-26T12:48:27.503+10:00Testing times<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're rapidly racing towards the end of another year. I know it's a <span style="background-color: white;">cliché, but what happened? Surely last week it was Christmas Day; then wasn't it just a few days ago that we farewelled our daughter and son-in-law on their great overseas adventure? Throw into the mix various meet-ups with dear friends, a meeting or two with my quilting group, a few lunches with my brother, and now you're telling me that we're less than a month away from Christmas.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know it's close to Christmas because I'm busy, and that's usually the sign. When I was the age of my grandchildren the space between one Christmas and the next was a whole lifetime, and now in my dotage it's like stepping onto a roller coaster.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpLtk0m8uSQ/VlZbQcrERRI/AAAAAAAAJRM/izC-GQFgCnM/s1600/051015%2BEmily%2Bdetail%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpLtk0m8uSQ/VlZbQcrERRI/AAAAAAAAJRM/izC-GQFgCnM/s640/051015%2BEmily%2Bdetail%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern: Tie Dye Diva</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And there have been testing times, but good testing times. <a href="http://www.tiedyedivapatterns.com/">Tie Dye Diva</a> has to be my favourite PDF pattern platform, because I know how thoroughly all Jen's patterns are tested before they are released to the public for sale. For this reason I was delighted to be included in the testing team for the latest patterns, the Ringmaster Top (above) and pants (below). </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmseWKOs-GQ/VlZeP8LfFcI/AAAAAAAAJRY/2D_C8PrCrFs/s1600/130915%2BEmily%2Bfront%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmseWKOs-GQ/VlZeP8LfFcI/AAAAAAAAJRY/2D_C8PrCrFs/s640/130915%2BEmily%2Bfront%2Bhf.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Both garments were thoroughly tested by the team for sizes ranging from 1 to 10 and after many adjustments, they were released to <a href="http://www.onethimble.com.au/product/one-thimble-issue-9/">One Thimble</a>, an e-Zine which is packed with wonderful articles and many PFF patterns. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84PS2aYTbfs/VlZfocClnaI/AAAAAAAAJRg/xtdqITgrt3c/s1600/130915%2BEmily%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84PS2aYTbfs/VlZfocClnaI/AAAAAAAAJRg/xtdqITgrt3c/s640/130915%2BEmily%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The theme for One Thimble's current issue is the circus and my house model (who happens to call me Grandma) enthusiastically entered into the spirit.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern: Tie Dye Diva</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Not to rest on her laurels, Jen then asked her team to test her latest pattern, </span><a href="http://www.tiedyedivapatterns.com/product/garnet-dress-top-and-skirt-for-knit-and-woven-fabric-12-months-10-years" style="font-family: inherit;">Garnet</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">, again in sizes 1 to 10. The pattern can be made as a dress with knit top and woven fabric skirt and collar, an all-knit dress, long or short sleeves, knit top and separate skirt. Oh, and the full circle skirt can be made with one fabric or with panels. Quite a lot packed into the one PDF pattern.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktl1-4vf3OU/VlZjOL7CJTI/AAAAAAAAJR0/WWuhwPCeaHk/s1600/061115%2Bside%2Bb%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ktl1-4vf3OU/VlZjOL7CJTI/AAAAAAAAJR0/WWuhwPCeaHk/s640/061115%2Bside%2Bb%2Bhf.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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With the warmer weather approaching, I chose the dress option with short sleeves to test. Although the skirt fabric is geometric, it worked well cut as a full circle.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyJfaPa21Hg/VlZkEtSXPxI/AAAAAAAAJR8/IgtP2gkY5lg/s1600/061115%2Bi%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XyJfaPa21Hg/VlZkEtSXPxI/AAAAAAAAJR8/IgtP2gkY5lg/s640/061115%2Bi%2Bhf.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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I rarely sew with knit fabric, but this pattern takes all the worry away and with such clear and helpful instructions, it was an easy sew.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTvbGkdZYfc/VlZlJNcjykI/AAAAAAAAJSM/QPG7vhbmStE/s1600/061115%2Bg%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTvbGkdZYfc/VlZlJNcjykI/AAAAAAAAJSM/QPG7vhbmStE/s640/061115%2Bg%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It even passed the tree climbing test. The pattern is now available at Tie Dye Diva's website and you can find it <a href="http://www.tiedyedivapatterns.com/product/garnet-dress-top-and-skirt-for-knit-and-woven-fabric-12-months-10-years">here</a>. </div>
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And now I am super busy getting out orders before Christmas. All made-to-order items will close next Friday 4 December, as I cannot guarantee that they will reach their destination in time after that date.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_gqCqTC5fw/VlZnFx_3UOI/AAAAAAAAJSc/KybU0-C5HHc/s1600/091115%2Bdress%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_gqCqTC5fw/VlZnFx_3UOI/AAAAAAAAJSc/KybU0-C5HHc/s640/091115%2Bdress%2Bhf.jpg" width="632" /></a></div>
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There is a two week turnaround on this adorable Christmas dress, sizes 1 to 8, but I do have it currently in stock in size 3. It is available on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/255282535">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1112132">MadeIt</a> shops. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzb8emzbsKs/VlZtIS8lQvI/AAAAAAAAJSs/DgK9gBvvC2w/s1600/261115%2BChristmas%2Bskirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzb8emzbsKs/VlZtIS8lQvI/AAAAAAAAJSs/DgK9gBvvC2w/s640/261115%2BChristmas%2Bskirts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Christmas skirts have been popular this year and I do have a limited number in stock ready to ship, but they are selling fast.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btWlz5ynu_A/VlZuBkBBIgI/AAAAAAAAJS0/A_SmcNXO-Uw/s1600/311014%2Bgarlands%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btWlz5ynu_A/VlZuBkBBIgI/AAAAAAAAJS0/A_SmcNXO-Uw/s640/311014%2Bgarlands%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Christmas Tree garlands are flying out the door and they make the perfect gift for those who you may find difficult to buy for. They are particularly popular as teacher gifts.</div>
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What am I doing here? It's back to the machine before I find myself heading at a dazzling pace towards Christmas 2016.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-45669810805440512742015-10-17T13:03:00.000+10:002015-10-17T13:06:47.036+10:00Saint May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_Zrf_vqzHc/ViG3HjKGGrI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/mm84A5Qtq60/s1600/171015%2Bpainting%2Bwater%2Bscene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_Zrf_vqzHc/ViG3HjKGGrI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/mm84A5Qtq60/s640/171015%2Bpainting%2Bwater%2Bscene.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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This is a story about a
boat.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Penny and I have known each
other since we were around six or seven, and that’s a long time. When we were eight, we each had a new baby
brother join our families, one month apart.
Penny’s baby brother Peter is now a retired grandfather. He has been an avid sailor since he was a
little boy; a chip off the old block.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In his retirement he has
revived his interest in painting, enrolling in art school classes. To everyone’s delight, he has quite a talent
which is not really surprising, as he comes from a strong line of artists,
performers and singers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let’s go back to the late
1950s. We were teenagers growing up in the
beachside suburb of Bronte which in those days was a middle-class family suburb
with the beach as our playground. Today
you have to pay to even look at the place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was around 1957 when Penny’s father announced to his family that he
was going to build a sailing boat.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Where, asked his alarmed wife.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">In
the back yard was the response.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now this
was a tiny pocket-sized yard with room for a small flower garden and a clothes
line.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And build it he did, all on
his own. It took five long years of
meticulous building in his spare time, but slowly out of that back yard rose
the hull of the boat. I can’t remember
where the clothes line ended up, but Penny’s mother somehow fed and clothed the
family of five without a word of complaint. There were times you could barely
scrape down the hallway past the timber stored along one wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pencil sketches
of the plan appeared on spare walls – beautifully drawn, as he was an artist. Many a time we brushed off wood shavings as
we left the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In 1962 Penny and I were
living in </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">London</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Arial;"> when the boat was launched. How we would have loved to have been there to
watch as a crane slowly drove down the street, much to the amazement of the
neighbours, lift the boat over the roof of the house and transport it to </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-family: Arial;">Watsons</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bay</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">
which was to be its home for many years to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eghiaMHdAB0/ViG3AZR5njI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/77yML8nTa2I/s1600/171015%2BWatsons%2BBay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eghiaMHdAB0/ViG3AZR5njI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/77yML8nTa2I/s640/171015%2BWatsons%2BBay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Penny’s father christened
the boat <i>Saint May</i>, in a loving
tribute to his wife May who he acknowledged was indeed a saint for allowing him
to fulfil his dream. Inevitably the time
came when he became too old to sail his beloved <i>Saint May</i> and he sold it to a member of a local sailing family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now we are back in 2015 and
Peter recently had some of his works in an art exhibition at Balmain. He was assisting with the setting up of the
exhibition and wandered out into the courtyard where he struck up a
conversation with a woman who was also exhibiting. She lived locally and Peter mentioned that he
had been sailing along the Balmain foreshore looking for suitable subjects to
paint, when he was stunned to come across his late father’s boat. Gone was the original timber mast, replaced
with an aluminium one and of course it was painted a different colour and had a
different name, but he recognised it instantly, as his father had deviated from
the original plan in certain areas and designed them to his own specifications.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As he described the boat,
the woman’s eyes widened and she quietly said, “That’s our boat.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">She immediately rang
her husband and when he arrived, Peter told them the story of <i>Saint May</i>. They worked out that boat had changed hands about four times
since Penny’s father sold her and the name had been changed at least
twice. But Peter was overwhelmed when
the current owners revealed that the life savers and other equipment stored
below still bore the name <i>Saint May</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was told this story only
yesterday when Tony and I met up with Penny and her husband Keith for a
long-awaited coffee and cake. As Penny
came to the end of the story, we were both crying. We two were transported back to those teen
years, with memories of a remarkable man with a magnificent obsession and his understanding and supportive wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And the perfect ending?</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The current owners are seriously considering
re-naming the boat </span><i style="font-family: Arial;">Saint May</i><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">It has come the full circle.</span></div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-16753068766801708232015-10-09T16:14:00.001+10:002015-10-09T16:18:57.213+10:00From my machineSeasons change and with the change comes the realization that children have grown and are in need of new clothing. What's not to love about that?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMGdmYFcRFY/VhdLjMMrtqI/AAAAAAAAJPY/IC63rjffAlw/s1600/091015%2Bdresses%2Ba%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMGdmYFcRFY/VhdLjMMrtqI/AAAAAAAAJPY/IC63rjffAlw/s640/091015%2Bdresses%2Ba%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Among the recent orders I have received was one from a lovely returning customer who purchased these two special occasion dresses, as well as a pair of bubble shorts. They are now on their way to their new home.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-TNUSMtLV8/VhdMJut64xI/AAAAAAAAJPg/rJDJDHLzmHY/s1600/150415%2Bshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-TNUSMtLV8/VhdMJut64xI/AAAAAAAAJPg/rJDJDHLzmHY/s640/150415%2Bshorts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is inevitable that with the warmer weather arriving, the Christmas shopping season as has commenced, if the department stores and supermarkets are to be our guides. What a surprise. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxx9L3W7mKI/VhdN1f0JZyI/AAAAAAAAJPs/NcJ8-EcfIDA/s1600/311014%2Bgarlands%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxx9L3W7mKI/VhdN1f0JZyI/AAAAAAAAJPs/NcJ8-EcfIDA/s640/311014%2Bgarlands%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Along with clothing orders, I have been preparing for the Christmas rush by making <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1013367">Christmas tree garlands</a> which are always popular in the two months leading up to Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGiaZqSJb2I/VhdQ_qRPFUI/AAAAAAAAJP4/jhvpKnNQs2g/s1600/091015%2BChristmas%2Btree%2Bgarlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGiaZqSJb2I/VhdQ_qRPFUI/AAAAAAAAJP4/jhvpKnNQs2g/s640/091015%2BChristmas%2Btree%2Bgarlands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The traditional red and green ties have always been available, but in the last couple of seasons I have added <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1101428">aqua ties</a> for those who like something a little different. They are particularly popular among those who are fortunate enough to spend Christmas in the midst of summer.<br />
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I don't know if it's a sign of entering the let's say more mature phase of life, but I take particular delight in witnessing the pure joy and excitement of young children when they spy Santa for the first time, or stare in wonderment at department store Christmas window displays. Pure gold.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3oXkLYo0gI/VhdWFU3m8kI/AAAAAAAAJQI/37YQCNA0SBk/s1600/091015%2Bgrey%2B%2526%2Bwhite%2Ba%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3oXkLYo0gI/VhdWFU3m8kI/AAAAAAAAJQI/37YQCNA0SBk/s640/091015%2Bgrey%2B%2526%2Bwhite%2Ba%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/221291411">here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of such events, what is more adorable than little toddler sisters all dressed up for a special occasion, be it a wedding (perhaps as flower girls), Christmas family parties or birthday celebrations? And who doesn't love bows, lace and the odd pin-tuck? These two special occasion dresses are the last I have in stock, the smaller one in size 12 months and the larger one in size 2. <br />
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The backs are just as pretty. They are made of a lovely soft grey fabric which falls so beautifully, and the skirts are extra full. If you know of two little sisters who you are dying to outfit in co-ordinating special occasion dresses, look no further.<br />
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And now back to those trees.<br />
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-9887737266846761422015-09-06T12:28:00.000+10:002015-09-06T12:28:52.993+10:00It's Spring ... apparently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9x4KhJX__E/VeuH1PMag0I/AAAAAAAAJMQ/zfPVznzywC0/s1600/050915%2BDJs%2Bentry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9x4KhJX__E/VeuH1PMag0I/AAAAAAAAJMQ/zfPVznzywC0/s640/050915%2BDJs%2Bentry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first weekend of September brings our annual pilgrimage to the city to view the Spring flower display at <a href="http://www.davidjones.com.au/Whats-On-and-Events">David Jones</a>. <br />
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No matter how cold it is outdoors, as soon as you step inside you are instantly bombarded with the joyous sense of Spring. <br />
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The Piano Man is an institution and I suspect he knows every tune that has ever been composed. He captivates and serenades the young and the old alike.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb6xV2boEGw/VeuMOoqEBnI/AAAAAAAAJNY/hwi_hQFIzRY/s1600/050915%2BDJs%2Bpiano%2Bman%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb6xV2boEGw/VeuMOoqEBnI/AAAAAAAAJNY/hwi_hQFIzRY/s640/050915%2BDJs%2Bpiano%2Bman%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's all about flowers, perfume and handbags. What more could a girl ask for?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQKOkdSMt_k/VeuJx5s1QgI/AAAAAAAAJMk/x-vcSe3SwUo/s1600/050915%2BDJs%2BChanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TQKOkdSMt_k/VeuJx5s1QgI/AAAAAAAAJMk/x-vcSe3SwUo/s640/050915%2BDJs%2BChanel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But it's mainly about the flowers.</div>
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-31063628663759507202015-08-29T14:37:00.000+10:002015-08-29T15:20:02.295+10:00It's coming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What's coming? Spring of course. On a day like today there's no denying it.<br />
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Almost overnight buds have appeared on shrubs and trees.<br />
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Gardens are shedding the last of their camelia flowers to make way for fresh azalea blooms.<br />
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Jacarandas are turning golden yellow before dropping their foliage in readiness for Sydney to be brushed with a haze of purple. I know this glorious weather won't last and winter will return in its last desperate bid to hang around. But in three days it will be spring, wonderful spring.<br />
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August has been such a busy and eventful month, with three family birthdays just as a start. Our ten year-old granddaughter was selected to present the ball at the opening of the <a href="http://nwc2015.com.au/">Netball World Cup</a> game between Australia and England before a crowd of over 16,000 (images taken by an excited mother). She couldn't take the smile off her face and at the end of the game she was presented with the ball signed by the Australian captain. Australia won that game and went on to win the World Cup against New Zealand.<br />
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Ten days ago we drove our daughter and son-in-law to the airport as they set off on a four month adventure around England, Ireland and Europe. Maz's painting, <i>They Never Saw It Coming</i>, had been selected out of over 850 submissions as a finalist in the<a href="http://mosmanartgallery.org.au/exhibitions/2015-mosman-art-prize"> Mosman Art Prize 2015</a> which opened on 25 July. Somewhat belatedly Tony and I visited the gallery a couple of days ago and were delighted to see that the painting had been sold. We were able to pass on the glad tidings to Maz as they landed in Dublin. <br />
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On the sewing front, I was on a self-imposed deadline to finish a quilt for my granddaughter. She is at the horse-crazy stage and her mother bought a quilt kit from <a href="http://www.nochintz.com/pre-cut-quilt-kit-blues">No Chintz</a> which I was only too happy to put together. I sewed the label on the back on Wednesday morning and by that evening it was on her bed. She loves it, thank goodness!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9htA7l3hOFw/VeEvcvVQGZI/AAAAAAAAJLU/Kd4OLZdQyZ0/s1600/Josephine%2BDay%2B5%2Bdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9htA7l3hOFw/VeEvcvVQGZI/AAAAAAAAJLU/Kd4OLZdQyZ0/s640/Josephine%2BDay%2B5%2Bdress.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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One of the FaceBook pages I follow had a sew-along last week. It involved a pattern which I had bought a few months back and had not got around to making, so it was the perfect opportunity to join in. It was a fun project and I was very happy with the result, so much so that I will be working on a similar style for the upcoming summer range of Hot Fudge which will be available soon in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hotfudge">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/HotFudge">MadeIt</a> shops. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84inNoSecNg/VeEzEdgLSxI/AAAAAAAAJLg/d9CKV1LwbjE/s1600/240815%2BSkirt%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84inNoSecNg/VeEzEdgLSxI/AAAAAAAAJLg/d9CKV1LwbjE/s640/240815%2BSkirt%2Bhf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To round off the week I made this skirt. It's one of my favourites and is so easy to wear. I made it in size 10, but it's available in limited supplies made to order in sizes 5 to 13/14 in my shops listed above.<br />
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So much for August. Hurry up September, I am totally over winter.Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-50789413190206602522015-07-01T15:29:00.000+10:002015-07-01T15:31:13.571+10:00Tulips, chocolates and Turkish delightMidwinter is almost here and already the days are getting longer. Add to that the full second the world gained overnight and things are looking decidedly rosy. The schools are closed for the mid-year holidays which means lighter traffic on the roads. It also means that today we had the good fortune of having our three Sydney grandchildren and their mother here for lunch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7wwBsptdg4/VZNsP6S77kI/AAAAAAAAJIw/JVcaw4L_yhw/s1600/010715%2Btulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7wwBsptdg4/VZNsP6S77kI/AAAAAAAAJIw/JVcaw4L_yhw/s640/010715%2Btulips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They came bearing tulips, chocolate and Turkish delight. Wonderful children, they know our weaknesses. Our ten-year-old granddaughter has a severe dairy allergy so when I opened the July issue of delicious. Magazine, there on the cover was the perfect solution - a stunning dairy-free celebration cake.</div>
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Coconut chiffon cake with meringue icing. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Well, if you rush in without reading the complete recipe, a whole lot. Like possessing not one but two 20 cm spring form pans. However, I did have one 23 cm spring form pan plus an ordinary cake tin of the same size, so I made do with those and shortened the cooking time to compensate for the size. Good job Robyn, I thought smugly.</div>
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The cake was lovely, light and airy, which it should be with all those egg whites. I was feeling pretty chuffed, with only the meringue icing to contend with and that's where I read a little further down the recipe. The four egg whites and the rest of the ingredients were to be placed in a heat-proof basin, sat over simmering water and whipped to within an inch of its existence for seven minutes, or until thickened. Ah, an Italian meringue. After the seven minutes passed and my trusty little electric hand beater was at the point of imploding, I realised that it was not stiff like the cover of the magazine and became a little disheartened. At this point I did what I always do in desperate moments - I read the balance of the recipe. The meringue was to be transferred to the bowl of my Kenwood Chef and beaten at high speed for a further five minutes. </div>
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The resemblance to the magazine cover cake was as different as day is to night, but it was at least on the plate and received much praise when it was delivered to the table. I encouraged the kinder to take a finger lick of the icing before they felt obliged to commit to a slice. The verdict was varied, all the way from interesting (the two older ones) to weird, from the six year-old. However, they opted for a slice and then finished the meal with lashings of chocolates and Turkish delight. A generous slab of cake was send home for our son-in-law to deal with.<br />
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Would I make it again? Are you kidding?<br />
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It's the first day of the new financial year in Australia and I am holding a couple of sales to help boost the economy. The first is on my <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/HotFudge">MadeIt</a> store where for a short period I am offering 50% off selected items. Some have already sold, so if you find something you like, don't delay.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJCoR2cJ3Vs/VZN2HqUx1vI/AAAAAAAAJJc/YZkwu0M5OZ4/s1600/Madeit%2BSale%2BJune%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJCoR2cJ3Vs/VZN2HqUx1vI/AAAAAAAAJJc/YZkwu0M5OZ4/s640/Madeit%2BSale%2BJune%2B15.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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The second option is over at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hotfudge">Etsy store</a> where I am offering 20% off my entire stock to celebrate 4 July. This sale ends on 11 July. Simply use the coupon code<span style="color: red;"> hotfudge4july</span> at the checkout to activate the discount.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pXY07ZioiE/VZN3F6VZ5jI/AAAAAAAAJJk/hLqw4MTgDw0/s1600/HF%2B4%2BJuly%2BSale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pXY07ZioiE/VZN3F6VZ5jI/AAAAAAAAJJk/hLqw4MTgDw0/s640/HF%2B4%2BJuly%2BSale.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Boutique Baby Photography</td></tr>
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Now the question is, can we face up to another slice of the cake for dessert tonight? <br />
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-47352871581936538272015-05-02T16:53:00.001+10:002015-05-02T16:53:08.519+10:00Where's an ark when you need it?Nobody loves to see green gardens more than I do, but this is ridiculous. It's been a couple of weeks of disasters from Queensland right down the eastern coast of Australia. You know it's bad when they postpone a rugby league test match between Australia and New Zealand! And it's not over yet. Our first floor unit has suffered some water damage, with our bedroom and my sewing room having the carpets ripped up and the underlay removed. As a result, I am in no man's land, with my sewing machines sitting in the middle of the room awaiting repairs to the offending window flashing and wrongfully sealed up brick weep holes. Still, we know are so fortunate when we read the terrible stories that abound up and down the coast.<br />
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However, there was a bright spot in our week.<br />
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There was a time when I would buy magazines at the drop of a hat. In fact, I was known as the Magazine Queen, a title I have now bestowed on The Middle Child. Over the years my magazine enthusiasm has waned, but this particular publication caught my attention and I had to buy.<br />
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Perhaps the article on page 48 had something to do with it. </div>
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This magazine oozes class.</div>
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It sets a very high benchmark and it has impeccable taste. I'm not saying that because it features <a href="http://www.artpharmacy.com.au/maz-dixon/">my daughter</a>. Scout's honour.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YsyByt7G2I/VURzlKBYTNI/AAAAAAAAJH0/3-yYlLv-Cak/s1600/020515%2Bdress%2Btop%2Ba%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6YsyByt7G2I/VURzlKBYTNI/AAAAAAAAJH0/3-yYlLv-Cak/s1600/020515%2Bdress%2Btop%2Ba%2Bhf.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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With all the turmoil, sewing has been put on the back burner. I was a fair way along with this little dress when the cyclonic winds, rain and hail descended on Sydney (we dodged the hail thank goodness). I have terrible withdrawal symptoms but with a little luck the machines will be zipping along again next week.<br />
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In the meantime, I'll find a lovely warm corner and read my magazine.<br />
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-27034973606225031412015-04-08T16:45:00.000+10:002015-04-08T16:47:42.265+10:00Autumn I've been reluctant to admit that summer's gone, but it has to be faced. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5h3BTOsNlzE/VSIdYXHmUMI/AAAAAAAAJC8/z9l5XyxEB8M/s1600/010415%2BCamelias%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5h3BTOsNlzE/VSIdYXHmUMI/AAAAAAAAJC8/z9l5XyxEB8M/s1600/010415%2BCamelias%2Ba.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
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As if by some secret agreement, camellias have suddenly bloomed all over Sydney. They are so clever - we are distracted by their beauty don't notice that it is getting colder. But indeed it is.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">This time last year Tony was recovering from a staph infection courtesy of his triple bypass, so the Royal Easter Show was the last thing on our minds. Thankfully this year we were there bright and early. Our first port of call was the baking section where Tony cast his expert eye over the cakes. Oh, how we love to pick them to pieces or stand in awe of the better examples.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">On 25 April we mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings and the district produce exhibits reflected the spirit of those first Anzacs.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The dog pavilion catered for every canine personality and mood. </span>We had the pampered pooch ...</div>
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the get-me-outa-here pooch ...</div>
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the aren't I adorable pooch ...</div>
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and, of course, the embarrassing pooch.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0PvHb2vh8E/VSNpGmYghcI/AAAAAAAAJEk/l4clb13CIe8/s1600/Royal%2BEaster%2BShow%2B2015%2Blunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0PvHb2vh8E/VSNpGmYghcI/AAAAAAAAJEk/l4clb13CIe8/s1600/Royal%2BEaster%2BShow%2B2015%2Blunch.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It was time to grab some lunch and head to the wood chopping pavilion. I often wonder how many toes they have left.</span></div>
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Who could resist Sideshow Alley? We could, but it was on the way to the showbag pavilion, so it couldn't be avoided. We bought some bags for the Queensland grandchildren, a licorice bag for me and some sort of chocolate bag for Mr Triple Bypass. A thoroughly enjoyable day.<br />
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This Easter we invited the family and our closest friends to have lunch with us. It was our first Easter in our new home and it thankfully proved that it is possible to feed twelve people in a modest sized apartment. The two lounges were moved from the living room to the covered balcony and the outdoor setting moved indoors. It seats ten and with a card table added to one end, all twelve were seated comfortably, despite the random mix of chairs and a couple of stools for the children.<br />
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Our five year-old grandson declared that this was his FAVOURITE cake ever. Oh dear ... I hope I haven't led him astray.<br />
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The last rush of bunnies were mailed out in time for Easter and my sewing machine is taking a well-earned rest for a week or so.<br />
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I hope you all had a wonderful Easter - I know we did.Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-86421941728196446972015-02-13T13:13:00.000+10:002015-02-13T14:43:52.606+10:00Looking backA FEW DAYS AGO I had a tiny rant on Facebook over the type of paper some magazines are using these days. I completely understand that sandpaper/used bandages paper is somehow good for the environment, but I want to see clear, glossy images and sharp text when I spend my money on a magazine. Blame it on my age.<br />
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I know where it all comes from. When I was a young and naive sixteen year-old way back in the late Fifties, fully trained in typing and shorthand, I joined the now defunct K G Murray Publishing Company in the Subscription and Promotion Department. My shorthand quickly flew out the window which I didn't mind at all, as I hated it. My main duty was to type the address stencils, which were similar to colour slides in appearance, for new subscribers to the various magazines. This entailed wetting the stencils with a sponge roller, dropping the ribbon in the typewriter, and bashing down as hard as possible so that the typewriter keys would cut through the stencil. I then was required to file them and print them onto labels when the latest issues were ready to mail. Boring. Mind-numbingly boring, particularly as our office was located at the wrong end of town. The upside was that my lovely boss would ply me with Superman and other such comic books to take home to my young brother, as well as any magazine I liked, fresh off the press. Some were a little too risqué for an innocent teenager of the Fifties.<br />
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Things brightened up considerably by the time I turned seventeen, when the whole company came together under the one roof at Clarence Street, a mere couple of blocks away from the retail heart of Sydney.<br />
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There at my fingertips were David Jones, Farmers and many fabric stores to roam through at my leisure. Every Thursday I would meet my mother for lunch and we would browse the fabric and fashion floors of the large department stores, take in a fashion parade, or wander through their china and kitchenware departments.<br />
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And this is where my dislike for the modern form of environmentally friendly paper originates. You see, back in those days the cheaper end of publications produced by K G Murray were printed on similar paper stock, obviously to keep the costs down. This was offset by their jewel in the crown, the Australian House and Garden Magazine and other more up-market publications such as Wheels Magazine and for the fashion conscious, Flair Magazine. They had glossy pages mixed in with the sandpaper variety - modern times!<br />
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Now that we were all located in the one building, I came face to face with the House and Garden editor, <a href="https://burgewords.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/beryl-guertner-decor-queen/">Beryl Guertner</a>. She was a living legend and I was terrified of her. After all, she was so old (about forty at the time) and these were the days when you deferred to legends. She was a pioneer in the industry and was around long before Vogue Australia or Vogue Living. I recall that she was always well dressed and had a strong personality which as a seventeen year-old I found to be a little intimidating. <br />
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The Subscription and Promotion Department settled happily into its new home on one of the upper floors which we shared with the Art Department. The tedium of preparing those wretched address stencils was offset by being able to mingle with the artists. Occasionally during non-rush periods I was permitted to watch them set up the production pages of the numerous magazines. I was fascinated. Obviously there were no computers, so everything was done manually. If a magazine editor or the Art Director weren't happy with what they saw, the whole page was discarded and the process began again.<br />
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They were heady days in publishing, but in the end I realised there was more to life than punching out address stencils, so at the more mature age of eighteen, I reluctantly handed in my notice and moved on.<br />
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Life took off and I had many adventures before finally settling down to married life. I am grateful to our modern environmentally friendly magazines for reminding me of the thrilling days of publishing in the late Fifties. <br />
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<br />Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-16364271489908862182015-01-16T14:01:00.000+10:002015-01-16T14:03:47.415+10:00Everything old is new againI guess it's true that every cloud has a silver lining. Our cloud came in the form of not being permitted to hang any of our pictures on the walls of the unit where we spent the last three years. The silver lining is that there are no such restrictions in our new home. All our paintings and pictures as a result were sulking in a storage cage in the basement of the building. I'll spare you the dramas of reducing the huge pile of possessions which were sharing the space with the paintings, suffice to say we somehow successfully reduced it to what would fit into our actual unit. With no storage cage in our new home, life is so much simpler. Another silver lining.<br />
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We are waiting for a professional picture hanger to take care of the larger pictures, but in the meantime we figured we could look after some of the smaller works on our own. The walls are solid brick with no gyprock to hammer picture hooks into, so we bought some of those adhesive ones which guarantee they will hold certain weights. We'll see.<br />
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First picture up was one of our daughter Maz Dixon's works, naturally. So far it hasn't fallen down and it's been up an hour already (that should get her heart racing).<br />
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These two works have always hung in our bedroom and it's like Christmas all over to see them back where they belong. Mary Cassatt has long been an artist I admire and her picture,<i> Child in a Straw Hat</i>, is my favourite. These two have also been up for an hour without falling down, but I'm not silly enough to have either one hanging over my head when I'm in bed.<br />
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Even having a calendar up on the wall is exciting, and looking at Margaret Olley works every day is not hard on the eyes.<br />
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Now for a confession. We have quite a few paintings and pictures. They have to go somewhere while we decide which ones are going up where and which ones will have to sadly part company with us. <br />
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And where else would you store them but in the guest bathroom?</div>
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It's the perfect conversation starter and as long as our guests don't take a shower, we'll be fine.</div>
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The Christmas break was a good time step back from sewing, but pretty soon I was ready for the new year. The grandchildren needed beach bags for their holiday away with their parents so after consultation with their mother, this design was chosen, as it also has lots of pockets inside to carry those seaside treasures such as shells, dead crabs or whatever it is that children fancy today. </div>
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Our quilting group met this week for the first time since the Christmas break and what a show and tell one of members had. A relative had survived World War I only to be murdered in the Middle East in 1920 while on active duty. Her cousin in England was a direct descendant and had ordered two poppies to be placed at The Tower, one for himself and the other for my quilting friend. It arrived with some of the soil still attached and it was such a thrill to see one of these famous poppies close up. </div>
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Some time back I had purchased a pattern by Amelie and Henri. I am a great admirer of the designer Kerri and this pretty dress was waiting for some spare time to be made up. It is so 1920s with its drop waistline, lace and pleats, not to mention the big bow. </div>
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I came across the perfect black and white fabrics last week and decided it would be my first <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/listing/218645360">Hot Fudge</a> item for 2015. Australian buyers can also find it <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1033011">here</a>.</div>
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So as you can see, everything old is new again.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-28290933171061143162014-12-29T13:44:00.002+10:002014-12-29T13:49:26.386+10:00Christmas Down UnderIn my life I have spent two Christmases in the Northern Hemisphere and loved them both. To shop in the freezing cold adds a certain air of excitement to the experience it has to be admitted. Having said that, I was raised to expect the season to be hot and in my heart that's what really makes it Christmas.<br />
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We attended the children's vigil Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve, so we were able to sleep in a little before the family gathering with the gift unwrapping frenzy followed by lunch.<br />
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Of course there was Christmas Bush - what respectable household wouldn't have a vase of it on full display? <br />
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On such a beautiful day, al fresco was the only way to dine.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Model planes were discussed in detail - they transcend all generations, male generations that is.</span></div>
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After lashings of turkey, ham, vegetables and salads liberally washed down with Moet and wines of the red and white variety, there was the traditional pudding which our daughter made using my mother's recipe.</div>
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Or pavlova and fresh berries for those who preferred a lighter end to the meal. All the more pudding for the rest of us!<br />
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Tony admits to having five helpings.</div>
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Miss E had been lusting after this style of hat for some time, so when she finally had one of her own, it stayed firmly on her head until she was water bombed by her brothers.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VS2nK7mNuB4/VKDC6BfiTBI/AAAAAAAAI9o/fgiJamAZhb0/s1600/251214%2BMaz%2B%26%2BNathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VS2nK7mNuB4/VKDC6BfiTBI/AAAAAAAAI9o/fgiJamAZhb0/s1600/251214%2BMaz%2B%26%2BNathan.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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And why wouldn't they be smiling. Our daughter and son-in-law are off to Rome for three months in the second half of 2015, one to paint and the other to write. <br />
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Our other son-in-law, the father of our grandchildren, enjoys the challenge of me not catching him on camera. He has it down to a fine art, ducking behind something at the last second, but I am a patient woman.<br />
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There was time for a few quick games of Angry Birds before the boys decided enough was enough.<br />
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Time for a quick change of garb and to bring out the big guns.</div>
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No one was safe - not big sister ...</div>
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... nor Aunty Maz. Grandparents were considered untouchables, as it's not much fun water bombing slow moving objects.</div>
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The local water dragon sensibly camouflaged himself until it was all over. </div>
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We really missed our Queensland family and one of these Christmases we will celebrate together, with all seven grandchildren and their parents.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-16188039460068101172014-12-18T14:01:00.000+10:002014-12-18T14:01:38.775+10:00RitualsSince we returned to Sydney a little over three years ago, we have started a tradition of visiting the city at this time of the year to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and to do some shopping. Little did we know that two days after our visit Sydney would be thrown into turmoil with the hostage situation and the terrible consequences. <br />
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All Sydneysiders are feeling pretty crushed and the events are still raw in our minds. I'm finding it difficult to come to grips with the fact that three innocent little children are today without their mother or that a young coffee shop manager just doing his job has lost his life. God bless you both.<br />
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Despite these tragic circumstances, our city is rising above it all and life is slowly returning to normal. Therefore I have decided to show what it was like here last Saturday, before we grabbed the world's attention for all the wrong reasons.<br />
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Our first port of call was the <a href="http://www.qvb.com.au/christmas">Queen Victoria Building</a>, with its stunning Christmas tree soaring through three levels and ending under the magnificent glass dome.<br />
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The upper level has the most wonderful toy shop which I suspect is designed more for doting grandparents than children.<br />
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A little further along we came across these gorgeous glass baubles waiting to be personalised.<br />
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Imagine my delight when we emerged from the Queen Victoria Building to discover that the streets were festooned with patchwork banners. <br />
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After a refreshing coffee and wholemeal scone, we did a little more window shopping.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_QpgDYGgcY/VJJLcscDZrI/AAAAAAAAI6w/L5lxiq9RoVk/s1600/131214%2BDJ's%2Bfood%2Bhall%2BTony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_QpgDYGgcY/VJJLcscDZrI/AAAAAAAAI6w/L5lxiq9RoVk/s1600/131214%2BDJ's%2Bfood%2Bhall%2BTony.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a><br />
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Part of the ritual is to visit the David Jones' Food Hall ...<br />
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... if for no other reason, just to see what ridiculous price they have put on their cherries each year. <br />
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Still, they make everything look so wonderfully tempting, we quickly get over the cherries.<br />
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We had already purchased our panettone, but were sorely tempted to buy one of these, even if we threw away the contents and kept the box. However, sanity prevailed.<br />
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The Christmas display windows had children of all ages enchanted.<br />
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This lovely young lass and her colleagues bopped along to the music and sold reindeer antlers in aid of children's cancer research.</div>
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I wish you a very happy Christmas and most importantly, hug your loved ones.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-41157290596757022872014-12-10T16:04:00.000+10:002014-12-10T16:04:09.871+10:00A moving experience I know, it's been a long time between drinks, but moving house during the busiest time of the year was... challenging; particularly without a broadband connection for twelve days. However, we came through the whole experience relatively unscathed and here we are in our sunny new apartment taking deep breaths.<br />
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My new sewing room is roomier than my previous one, with lots of light coming in through three widows. So after unpacking the essentials (sewing machine, serger, fabrics, etc) I hit the ground running in an effort to keep up with the custom orders which kept flowing through my Etsy and Madeit stores.<br />
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We decided to have a mini break on Sunday morning and took ourselves off to the local village Christmas fair.<br />
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We arrived early so that we could hear the local high school Pipes and Drums Band. Ah, what is it about men in kilts? I blame my Scottish heritage.<br />
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What a glorious morning it was, but we knew from previous years that the odds were that a storm would break some time later in the day.<br />
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So many tempting goodies ...<br />
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We certainly made the right decision to leave early, as that afternoon we were hit by a severely damaging hail, rain and wind storm which caused havoc throughout the city. I just hope those poor stallholders managed to pack up safely before it struck.<br />
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Then it was back to filling in the orders.<br />
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There were lots of Christmas dresses and skirts to make.<br />
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And so many garlands that I had to close production in order to catch up.<br />
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There were several orders for cool summer dresses as the weather warmed up. <br />
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This dress is on its way today and now that I am almost on top of the backlog of orders with only a couple of dresses, knit tops and garlands to complete, I can finally see my way to attacking the Christmas cakes, mince pies, shortbread, etc. Help!Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-79006736369531050052014-11-10T15:52:00.000+10:002014-11-10T15:52:22.868+10:00Hot off the machineMy frenzied activity at the machine today can only mean one thing; our moving day is looming large. I know I should be packing boxes and culling the mountain of magazines, but I felt the urge to sew today and now I feel so much better.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Al0ywQ5bETw/VGBL9kYMLVI/AAAAAAAAI0g/x3HiUpQBJ4g/s1600/101114%2BEmily%2Bshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Al0ywQ5bETw/VGBL9kYMLVI/AAAAAAAAI0g/x3HiUpQBJ4g/s1600/101114%2BEmily%2Bshorts.jpg" height="640" width="372" /></a></div>
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Last week our granddaughter came to visit with her two younger brothers and she took a shine to a pair of shorts I had asked her to try on. Naturally, they went home with her and they looked so lovely on her that I felt the urge to make up the design in another fabric.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX0cdCxbbD0/VGBNBhFUCtI/AAAAAAAAI0o/e1lYaexzd3M/s1600/101114%2Blobster%2Bshorts%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX0cdCxbbD0/VGBNBhFUCtI/AAAAAAAAI0o/e1lYaexzd3M/s1600/101114%2Blobster%2Bshorts%2Bhf.jpg" height="588" width="640" /></a></div>
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Summer will be here in a couple of weeks, or so they say. That means holidays, trips to the beach and lots of outdoor activities. So I selected some seaside fabric and made them up in a size 8. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1VOnFhoUGM/VGBN2ULYoCI/AAAAAAAAI0w/zjURKglJHYE/s1600/101114%2Blobster%2Bshorts%2Bbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1VOnFhoUGM/VGBN2ULYoCI/AAAAAAAAI0w/zjURKglJHYE/s1600/101114%2Blobster%2Bshorts%2Bbutton.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pattern is by Brownie Goose and I love the design details, such as the buttoned tabs at the cuff.</div>
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And the faux pockets.</div>
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I love them coupled with a red peasant top.</div>
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The shorts are ready to ship in size 8 <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Item?itemId=1012473">here</a>, or they can be made to order in sizes 1 to 5 in limited numbers, as it's the last of this particular fabric. The peasant top can also be ordered through <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/HotFudge">my store</a>. </div>
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But hurry - my granddaughter's on the prowl ...</div>
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Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-51696875192638537962014-10-24T12:36:00.000+10:002014-10-24T12:36:56.309+10:00You better watch out<div style="text-align: center;">
You better watch out ...</div>
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You better not cry ...</div>
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You better not pout ...</div>
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I'm telling you why ...</div>
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Santa Claus is comin' to town!</div>
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I just received these delightful images from talented Californian photographer Sara Sprague whose two little girls bring a smile to my face. </div>
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I've watched big sister Lyric grow from a toddler to the beautiful young miss she is today. This was one of the first shots her wonderful mother took for Hot Fudge back in 2011. And now she has a gorgeous little sister who at a tender age has already graced the pages of Vogue Magazine. </div>
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I was wondering why this ruffled skirt appealed to me so much, and then I remembered.</div>
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We're moving next month and I was going through old photographs in an unsuccessful attempt to cull. And there it was - taken in the late 1980s during my Big Hair period. What goes around comes around!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEjYOvA17So/VEmt5Kv3bfI/AAAAAAAAIzo/k5IOyBn_dFY/s1600/Robyn%2Bat%2BScotby%2Blate%2B1980s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zEjYOvA17So/VEmt5Kv3bfI/AAAAAAAAIzo/k5IOyBn_dFY/s1600/Robyn%2Bat%2BScotby%2Blate%2B1980s.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
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From experience I can fairly confidently predict that things will get a little frantic in the sewing studio between now and Christmas and with a house move thrown into the formula, early Christmas shopping is recommended.</div>
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If you are after Christmas listings, you can find them in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HotFudge?section_id=16029228&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1">Etsy</a> or my <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?searchString=&mainListingOrderBy=Store%20order&searchMadeitCategory=0&storeId=132&userId=386&searchStoreCategory=20148&pageSize=24">Madeit</a> stores.</div>
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If you are shopping for dresses, try <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HotFudge?section_id=5281181&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2">here</a> for Etsy or <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?searchString=&mainListingOrderBy=Store%20order&searchMadeitCategory=0&storeId=132&userId=386&searchStoreCategory=13158&pageSize=24">here</a> for Madeit.</div>
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There are several other sections to explore, so pop on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HotFudge">here</a> for Etsy or <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?storeId=132&userId=386">here</a> for Madeit.</div>
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Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-82602270200791814442014-10-03T09:08:00.000+10:002014-10-03T09:08:42.755+10:00Happy DaysYesterday afternoon we were invited to an impromptu alfresco afternoon tea. The three minute drive to our destination took us past gardens bursting with azaleas, crabapple trees and all manner of plants in full bloom.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfCDHGQd9H0/VC3Nd266byI/AAAAAAAAIww/FCFWgRDNA2k/s1600/021014%2Bwisteria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfCDHGQd9H0/VC3Nd266byI/AAAAAAAAIww/FCFWgRDNA2k/s1600/021014%2Bwisteria.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
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But the most beautiful was the wisteria which miraculously appeared overnight outside the children's cubby house.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8iMnio9AeY/VC3QG1ykV_I/AAAAAAAAIw8/InEGCTfXOFQ/s1600/021014%2Blavender%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8iMnio9AeY/VC3QG1ykV_I/AAAAAAAAIw8/InEGCTfXOFQ/s1600/021014%2Blavender%2Bd.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
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I suspect that the greater population of Sydney's bees descended on this lavender bush, and who could blame them? It's been a long winter.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6_esrSL_qY/VC3Q5AaxrPI/AAAAAAAAIxE/9G2ne8V3pIA/s1600/021014%2Bafternoon%2Btea%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6_esrSL_qY/VC3Q5AaxrPI/AAAAAAAAIxE/9G2ne8V3pIA/s1600/021014%2Bafternoon%2Btea%2Ba.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Homemade chocolate cake and pikelets, beautiful jams and mugs of coffee. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bMgmtMORvs/VC3RTjy8gHI/AAAAAAAAIxM/KyEmEOF3jpE/s1600/021014%2Bafternoon%2Btea%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bMgmtMORvs/VC3RTjy8gHI/AAAAAAAAIxM/KyEmEOF3jpE/s1600/021014%2Bafternoon%2Btea%2Bcopy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Who could resist?</div>
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Last weekend two sweet little girls who are friends of our grandchildren happily agreed to model some of my dresses.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SUOCEOqJRI/VC3Sr1xKWqI/AAAAAAAAIxc/ubAz810afrg/s1600/280914%2Bdress%2Bb%2BLiesel%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SUOCEOqJRI/VC3Sr1xKWqI/AAAAAAAAIxc/ubAz810afrg/s1600/280914%2Bdress%2Bb%2BLiesel%2Bd.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></div>
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There was a lot going on at the time, as our daughter and son-in-law's "gang" had gathered for a football final, which meant a yard full of boisterous children running around and having the time of their lives.</div>
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My daughter picked up the dresses early in the morning and my son-in-law took time out from manning the barbecue and crying over the football score to take the pictures.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgnaSlO7K_g/VC3WCqcwvVI/AAAAAAAAIx8/HcZZDgToAbY/s1600/280914%2BLiesel%2BChristmas%2BDress%2Bb%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgnaSlO7K_g/VC3WCqcwvVI/AAAAAAAAIx8/HcZZDgToAbY/s1600/280914%2BLiesel%2BChristmas%2BDress%2Bb%2Bhf.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All garments now available in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hotfudge">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/HotFudge">MadeIt</a> stores.</td></tr>
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The girls chose a dress each to keep and yesterday I was so delighted to receive these thank-you cards in the mail.</div>
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Children's art wins me over every time.</div>
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To top off the week, Sydney has a long weekend starting tonight and daylight savings kicks in on Sunday morning. Happy days.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81471666555434378.post-37879268034607853142014-09-20T15:57:00.000+10:002014-09-20T15:57:22.440+10:00New season sewingFor 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. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0jAlQB2wUY/VB0JpGhvyhI/AAAAAAAAIuc/17Jes0s25j0/s1600/200914%2Bdress%2Bbow%2Bdetail%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0jAlQB2wUY/VB0JpGhvyhI/AAAAAAAAIuc/17Jes0s25j0/s1600/200914%2Bdress%2Bbow%2Bdetail%2Bhf.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have had my eye on a pattern by Violette Field Threads for a little while and when my latest shipment arrived, <span style="text-align: center;">I knew I had found the perfect fabric.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XosKPCcRXo/VB0MBK3TUEI/AAAAAAAAIuo/P3dymUHGaG8/s1600/200914%2Bdress%2Bb%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9XosKPCcRXo/VB0MBK3TUEI/AAAAAAAAIuo/P3dymUHGaG8/s1600/200914%2Bdress%2Bb%2Bhf.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
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It's such a soft, floaty cotton in a summery woodland design. </div>
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I love the back with its scooped neckline and and sewn-in bow. Available soon in my shops.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfrWIYoicJM/VB0NlxhgYgI/AAAAAAAAIu8/9cxLiGritCY/s1600/100914%2Bskirts%2Bhf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfrWIYoicJM/VB0NlxhgYgI/AAAAAAAAIu8/9cxLiGritCY/s1600/100914%2Bskirts%2Bhf.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our grandchildren have been forbidden by their parents to use the word <i>Christmas</i> for at least another two months. It is referred to as <i>The Season That Cannot Be Named</i>. Knowing how frantic it was for me last year, I decided to get an early start on <i>The Season That Cannot Be Named </i>clothing, beginning with my favourite skirt pattern by Tie Dye Diva.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_TEtg5wvbI/VB0PX588FhI/AAAAAAAAIvI/Y1taCdh7BkU/s1600/150914%2Btop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_TEtg5wvbI/VB0PX588FhI/AAAAAAAAIvI/Y1taCdh7BkU/s1600/150914%2Btop.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little top is so versatile. </div>
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It goes beautifully with the Christmas (oops!) skirts,under sleeveless dresses or jumper dresses, or simply worn with a pair of shorts or pants.</div>
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This is a classic styled dress with a very full skirt and pretty flutter sleeves.</div>
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And a big bow at the back.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5pgKxC3yjU/VB0T3tHPNJI/AAAAAAAAIv8/Sh-PVFQRStM/s1600/Bespoke%2BMagazine%2BIssue%2B11%2Bspread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5pgKxC3yjU/VB0T3tHPNJI/AAAAAAAAIv8/Sh-PVFQRStM/s1600/Bespoke%2BMagazine%2BIssue%2B11%2Bspread.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am also bringing back a favourite from last season, as it sold out very quickly.</div>
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If you are considering starting your Christmas shopping now, you can find these items and many more in my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HotFudge"> Etsy </a>and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/Main/Store?storeId=132&userId=386">MadeIt </a>shops. And keep the Hot Fudge motto in mind: shop early and shop often.</div>
Hot Fudgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13619094221296697533noreply@blogger.com0