Le Tigre Papillon: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Butterfly wall graphics...

Don't want wall paper but want to liven up a painted wall... Why not try vinyl sticker wall art. These are by ArtDecors and can be sourced through Etsy. Cute.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

We have recently returned home from a short holiday in Queensland where we visited family and friends. Our itinerary started with a relaxing break in Cairns. Unfortunately we were not able to visit all of the natural wonders on our list as some of the roads are still closed after Cyclone Yasi. However, we were able to visit the Crystal Cascades. A walk through the rainforest and along the water's edge at the freshwater swimming hole was medicine for the soul.

We also visited one of Cairn's beaches - Holloways Beach. It was slightly overcast but this did not cloud the experience. We were particularly amused by the warning signs and stinger first aid stations - not something you see everyday.

Looking forward to returning to Cairns and exploring more of the northern parts of Queensland in the future. It is well worth a look!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

New York, New York...

Image from Essential New York City Guide

Went to the travel agent today - thinking about holidays again. Would love to go to New York! Have you ever been?

Friday, February 25, 2011

The font of life: signs

Image by Ames

Feel like a change and wondering if we should move from the land of trams...

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Quote of the day..

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. (Walt Disney)

Image via Cassie Miller via Briana B from DisneyParks Blog

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Baby blanket wraps completed and home from holidays...

Hi everyone! Sorry for not being around for awhile, but we have been on holidays. We have been in Cairns and Brisbane visiting family and friends and will post more about that later when we download the photos. For now, here are the two baby blanket wraps that I knitted and crocheted for two new nephews who we met for the first time yesterday. They are so tiny, gorgeous and amazing! These blankets were made with lots of love xo

Monday, February 14, 2011

Quote of the day...

Image by Ames

Happy Valentine's Day

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Love this: origami butterfly lapel pin

Having a browse through Etsy and found this gorgeous silk origami butterfly lapel pin by SewSmashing. There are also lots of other butterfly inspired accessories. I feel like a giddy school girl - loving the butterflies xo Ames

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Art of Sewing

I received a lovely surprise last night... A book from a friend... So unexpected, yet so perfect... Savina found this book in an op shop and thought of me.

The Art of Sewing: The Classic Techniques was published by Time-Life Books in 1974. It has comprehensive chapters on equipment for your workroom, sewing techniques and matching fabric to pattern. It also has sections on stitches, knitting and crochet.

I love that the person using this book before me was obviously trying her / his hand at embroidery as I found an old ticket marking the page.

I love that this book has pictorial instructions on how to use a sewing machine and make garments. I have recently bought a new sewing machine and this know-how will definitely come in handy. I have not used the new machine yet as I am trying to finish off some of my other works in progress but I am hoping to use it soon.

And I love the tidbits of history and storytelling throughout. Did you know that the character 'Madame Defarge' in Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities gave knitters a bad name? Apparently she knitted incessantly during the French Revolution and encoded the names of those aristocrats who had been harsh to peasants into her work*. I read this book during high school and think that I will have to pull it out again to revisit this story.

Thanks for the book Sav xo

* Time-Life. 1974, The Art of Sewing: The Classic Techniques, London: Time-Life International, p.175.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

big cat, little cat

Near Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Monday, February 7, 2011

Soft toys for Hope

Wendy and I have made softies for Hope Softies, a collection of soft toys for children affected by the floods in Queensland.

I made a sampler kitty, based on a pattern in the Simple Softies for the Whole Family book (see below). I think she is so adorable - I am even thinking of making another one to keep. Wendy, who is a talented knitter, made Tabitha the kitten. We hope that our softies give hope.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Quote of the day...

Image via SayingImages

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Crochet a rainbow

I signed up to Crochet a Rainbow following the devastating floods in Queensland. Sarah London decided it would be a great idea to collect crochet granny squares, which will be made into blankets, for donation to those that have lost everything. It is important to remember that there is always a rainbow after the storm.

It is hard to believe that since the Queensland floods, the state faced Cyclone Yasi. My current home state Victoria has also been affected by flooding.

Wendy, Liz and I have made 35 crochet granny squares which are ready to be posted. The latest count shows that there are 398 people participating in Crochet a Rainbow from all over the world. You can see some of the other squares here if you are interested.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Wendy and Liz for helping me create for such a worthy cause. I feel connected to the people of Queensland as I grew up there and I am warmed at the thought that a little of our time will bring a smile to a Queenslander's face. Thanks also to Sarah for organising this wonderful project!

Happy crocheting! Ames xo