I'm included!

Its been a long while since I've been creative. Too much drama, too much moving house. But I'm very excited to say I've been included as a guest in this months Gossamer Dreams stocking. Here is a sneak peak of my offering ....

Washing line musings

As a single mum of 4 I do a lot of washing. A whole lot. Yet this is the one job I don't mind doing. I stand outside and get my washing line tan, a little sun on my hair for natural streaks and I enjoy the air and the breeze and ponder life while I peg tshirts socks and knickers and sheets and every other washable item that's been filthied up by 4 kids, 1 kelpie, 1 cat and 3 kittens. 

When I get completely overwhelmed by the volume of washing I remember something I once heard....another mum who'd said, as she pegged, she offered thanks that her children were alive and healthy enough to dirty their clothes. I try to live by that philosophy. I don't always succeed but I do try. I think of all the mum's who've lost their children and I thank the universe mine are still with me, even when they are driving me batshit crazy. 

I have no great words of wisdom here, only that joy can be found in the little things and that is where I find the greatest peace. 

Happy washing day....

Daisy rides again...

A new friend of mine and one who has now become both riding coach, book co author (he has asked me to illustrate a book he is writing...more on that later), fellow soul searcher and real life adventurer is responsible for all the horsey posts you will see from here on in. I have loved horses since I was old enough to know what a horse was but never believed in myself enough to really pursue my passion. Actually I never even knew it was a passion, I was told it was an obsession. Unrealistic. Too expensive. A selfish hobby. Too dangerous. A risk not worth taking. When I gave my new friend all those reasons not to ride he asked me if I was going to stop driving, because driving is more dangerous than riding. Well of course I'm not, I love driving, I need to drive and actually I'm a very good driver. I said my horses were too old. He said they were fine for what I wanted to do. I said my horses were difficult. He said difficult horses make the best riders. I ran out of excuses. I asked him to come and assess my horses and I had the pleasure of seeing a national eventing champion trail ride on an aged thoroughbred nick named Reverse (I had to giggle) while I rode behind, beside and sometimes sideways on Buck'n'bolt, my aged quarter horse. So begins my journey. I have taken the first step and I couldn't be more excited. Thank you Peter Haynes and thank you Rocky and Bullwinkle, the human and horse males who are here to teach me. 

Here's a pic of Rocky (Buck'n'bolt) ready for a ride, my son asked if we were taking him home as he was tied to the tow bar. That's 4 year old logic for you lol. 

Why Tin Can Daisy?

Once upon a time a young woman lived in a shed dwelling that was so tiny she felt like she was living in a tin can. She grew daisies for her daughters to pick, because they made her smile when she looked at them and because they thrived in difficult conditions....and they inspired her to thrive in her own difficult conditions.

Time went on, she had a little boy and he and her daughters outgrew their shed dwelling so like the daisies spreading their seeds far and wide she removed herself and began a new life in a cute little cottage......the garden doesn't have any daisies in it but she will plant them very soon.....the woman was not so young but time had given her wisdom and her difficulties had given her a passion for life that she'd never experienced before.

In short, I'm back....things have changed, I have grown and I'm excited to see where this journey of life leads me next.

A good start.

IMG_8719[1], a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

My little Etsy store seems to have started out well, I have sold 4 pairs of undies since Tuesday which I am sure is due to the exposure I got from the Gossamer Dreams stocking. I am very blessed to have the support of some really beautiful ladies, it is making all the difference :)

I think that listing the undies individually makes a difference so that is what I will do for now.

I also have plans for undies in older girls sizes. I just need to work on a pattern for that one. The of course there is the grown up girls who keep asking me for bright funky undies. Oh and I can't forget the little boys......so I have plenty to keep my mind and hands busy :)

Gossamer Dreams

IMG_8810[1], a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

My first stocking as a Gossamer Dreams guest was oh-so-successful.....I sold all my Summer Sunshine underpants!! Woo hoo :)

Gossamer Dreams

2013-01-05 15.43.55, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

I have been so lucky and was asked to join talented ladies at Gossamer Dreams as a guest.....the theme for this month is Golden Summer and here is my sneak peek photo. I'm sure you can guess what I made ;)

http://gossamerdreams.com.au/
http://gossamerdreamsstore.blogspot.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/GossamerDreams

If at first you don't succeed....

IMG_8789[1], a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

Then try and try again.

And that's what I'm doing, these little knickers have been listed on Etsy. Hopefully they sell and I can start making a little pocket money out of my sewing....enough to pay for riding lessons would be ideal.

Fingers crossed :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120247884/girls-size-2-underpants-underwear

Rainbow patch quilt - or Procrastination is stupid.

2012-11-27 12.17.58, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

My daughter asked me to make her a quilt like the one in her favourite book - Laura's Star. That was 3 years ago and I procrastinated for that long. First I thought I needed exactly the same colours as the book, then I couldn't decide what backing to use then I couldn't decide what size to make it and then for some reason I couldn't find any enthusiasm for the project. I guess I had just put so many obstacles in my own path that it became too hard. One day though I just decided I was being ridiculous....my daughter really wanted the quilt. If I left it any longer she wouldn't be interested in it any more and it would just become another thing I'd promised to make her and never gotten to, so I just started on it and lo and behold it really wasn't that hard. So the moral of the story is, procrastinating that much is stupid. It really is.
The quilt is single bed size, the quilting cottons came mostly from spotlight. I used a flannelette sheet to back it so it's nice and snuggly and the bamboo wadding came from my mother in laws stash, I had to piece it but that was no drama either.
I'm so glad I made this for my girl, she loves it. She feels loved and I feel like a good mama for getting it done when I said I would.

The pretty witch dress.

2012-11-25 14.38.06, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

I think it's safe to say that I'm a bad blogger but I've decided that I'm ok with that. So today I'm going to share the pretty witch dress I made for my littlest DD for Halloween.

I used a vintage basic bodice dress pattern and altered the front. If I'd had more time I would have altered the fit as it turned out very wide, but the little witch was happy and really that's all that matters.

Crafty Mamas Pixie Dress

I'm almost embarrassed to come back and make this post....but I made something and thought, well, maybe I ought to share.

I was very very lucky to be chosen to test the latest pattern from Crafty Mamas, designed by the very lovely Lisa herself. This is the Pixie Dress. It's so cute it makes me want to squeal!! I love that it's a slim fitting pattern as my kids are all on the average to slim side and so many patterns that I make up end up being loose and baggy on them.

There are a ton of options for this pattern. Hooded or not, long sleeve or flutter sleeve,  pieced hood and sleeves or plain. There are 3 length options for the skirt, tunic (which is what I made) knee length and long. I can think of so many things I can do with this pattern and I'm sure it's going to become a favourite.

My little model loves her new top. I don't know why she's sticking out her belly in this photo....she's one of those people who is very natural and happy but point a camera at her and she goes all awkward (a bit like her mama perhaps).

Lucky me.

It's been a long long time between posts and a lot has changed in my life. I used to be a shed dweller but I now live in a house. It's a rental, but it's a house none the less and it doesn't leak, there are no gaps in the walls and it has both reverse cycle ac and a lovely wood heater hence this winter we are snug as bugs in rugs. The landlord lives on the property and he mows the lawns all the time so I never have to ask (nag) to get them done. I am surrounded by beautiful gardens that I'm free to weed and plant out to my hearts content. There are fruit trees....oranges, mandarins, lemons, lemonades and in summer a plum and also a strawberry patch that the children are encouraged to plunder. Yes, this is a good place to live and I have been blessed.

In my shed shack I had a small area that I claimed as my sewing space, but it was cramped and cold/hot depending on the season and dusty and I didn't really get much done. The depression that came from living in unsuitable conditions was debilitating. I was constantly worried about the health of my children when I could see how much dirt and dust would blow in. The bathroom and 'dining room' ceiling were covered in mould. It really freaked me out and I'm so glad we aren't living in there anymore. It was really just supposed to be for 6 months while we built our home but 6 months turned into 8 years and although it's getting close the house still is not finished. At first I was able to treat the shed/shack as an adventure and pretty much played pioneer woman. I figured the settlers in this area had put up with so much that surely I could cope, and I did cope....for a while. But there came a point where the adventure wore off and it was all about surviving. I'm not a church going person but I do have believe in a power that is higher than ourselves. Call it God, Allah, Mother Nature....call it what you will....I just think there is more to this world than us. Anyway, for some time I had lost my faith. I was in a difficult situation and I was trying desperately to control it and find my own way through, but one night I lay down in my bed and I realised that I needed help. That I was ready for help. It was at that point that I gave my desire to control the situation I was in away and I asked for help, for a way out of that horrid shed/shack. The very next day my partner told me that our next door neighbours house would be vacant for 6 months. To say I was surprised was an understatement. I had prayed, I had asked for help and there it was. So now I and my family are cosily wrapped in the warm embrace of this beautiful home and I am ever so grateful.

Of course, now that I have my lovely sewing space you'd think that I was making a million and one little dresses and pants and all sorts of things but I'm still finding it hard to focus. It's a challenge for all of us, going from a one bedroom shed/shack to a 4 bedroom house with 2 living areas and 2 bathrooms!! We are all having to learn to be tidy, to put our stuff away when we are done. I think I might be one of the messiest though, but shhhh....don't tell. I tend to get all my craft crap out and then spread it all over the place. My boxes of fabric have all been rescued from storage and I'm shocked and overwhelmed by how much I have. I'm also sad when I pull out fabric that was supposed to be made into a dress for one of my little DD's who are now not little at all. Why can't they stay little??? I hate it that they grow up so fast.

Before I go I want to share a picture of this gorgeous slouchie beanie that I was so lucky to receive. One of my online friends made it especially for me.

I find it funny that I should have online friends. I used to be so negative about computers but learning to use the internet has been a mostly positive experience for me. I say mostly because I do tend to spend too much time and money online (which has a lot to do with how much fabric I have!!) but if I hadn't learned to use the computer and the net I would never have met the many really lovely people I now know, nor would I have learned as much about sewing as I now know. Just like everything else in life it is a balancing act and sometimes we are in balance and sometimes I guess we just trip over and fall in a heap of crap...or a daisy bush. I'd really rather the daisy bush.

Thongs

Thongs, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

Somebody took my left thong and hid it. Somebody took DH's left thong and hid it too......thankfully I only had to wear this mismatched pair to the letterbox. Nobody saw me which was good. But then everyone around here knows I'm a bit quirky so they probably would have just assumed I was trying out a new look and then I would have tried to explain, which would have made it worse because I get flustered when I'm embarrassed and trying to defend myself. And then they REALLY would have thought I'd chosen to wear odd thongs.

Now that I look at my feet I can see how badly I need to let my toe nails grow. I cut them super short for some reason and I need to stop it. Painted nails would be so much cuter.

And yes, that is a tattoo on my toe. It was a failed attempt and there's a funny story about it, but you'd have to buy me a tequila to get me to tell it ;)

White Ants

White Ants, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

Apparently, if you're a white ant, after you've eaten the insides of the built in pine tv unit, the skirtings and the architraves, books made a rather tasty dessert.

If I'd taken a picture of this book yesterday I'd have been able to show you the dozens of white ants happily eating away at it's pages, but I put the book outside overnight and when I went to take the picture the next day they were all gone. Because, apparently if you're a black ant, white ants are rather tasty.

And more undies!

IMG_6906, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

It's been a really, really long time since I've had paid work so I have been having a wonderful time making undies and selling them. 6 pairs of these were for an order from a truly lovely lady who does the MOST amazing sewing, so I was incredibly nervous making them for her little girl. I cut and sewed 6 pairs, then decided my colour combos weren't good enough so cut and sewed a whole bunch more!

More undies!

IMG_6790, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

These ones are very mixy matchy and were a lot of fun to make up :)

That Darn Kat knickers

IMG_6793, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

It's been a long time since I last posted and very little sewing has been done, but I finally found some time to get back to the machines and I made some knickers.....just a little stress free sewing to help me get back in the groove and use up some smaller bits of fabric. Fun! :)

And the winner is.......

Thanks to everyone for entering and playing along with my giveaway :) I've randomly picked a winner (using the highly technical eenie meenie mighny moh method. It seemed only natural considering the prize).

And Lori, you're it :D

If you could please send me your details I'll send you some vintage magazine loveliness.

Ooshka babushka

IMG_6203, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

I couldn't help myself.....I kept seeing all these gorgeous Ooshka's being made in blogland and had to join in the fun!

The fabric choices were not my own. I would have picked a bunch of florals and personally I think it's a bit of Ooshka overkill but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder (and in this case the receiver). Besides, I am not the style police lol.

I did make a little alteration to the pattern and made this Ooshka a bit wider. I felt she needed to be a bit more cuddly and I'm happy with her width but next time I may make her longer too. I can't ever seem to make anything without altering it in some way. I've tried, but it's no good. I can't help myself.

I had to add the lace that frames her face as the face panel was fraying something terrible and I could see it would come off eventually. I also had to add the flowers as someone took to dollies face with a biro.....but all is well as the flowers add a cute touch.

A giveaway

IMG_6497, a photo by TinCanDaisy on Flickr.

Earlier this year I said I wanted my aim for the year to be more giving and I have been able to achieve that in my real life but I have neglected my bloggy life, so when my MIL arrived with a bag of books for me and I found these two in it, which I already own, I knew I wanted to have another giveaway :)

Both of these books are lovely and full or all sorts of retro cuteness, so I hope someone will love them and get some use out of them.

To enter please leave me a comment. No need to be a follower, no need to post on your own blog. No need to stand on your head an sing the national anthem either ;)

Sigh.....I do struggle with this photo uploading thing. I forgot to select the correct size for the blog and now part of the photo is cropped and I'm having a hard time working out how to go back and fix it lol, so just to let you know the Enid is for sizes 5 to 12 years.

Edited to add that I'll draw this on Sunday :)