Midwinter Madness

Good evening gentle readers, 
There is not much to report. Things have been rather dreary here where I live. We had a couple of rainy, bitterly cold days with snow on the Tinderry Ranges. It's nearly the end of the first semester at school. This means teachers are frantically writing reports and students are letting loose, wishing their holidays were here sooner.

I have been invited to a Canberra Etsy team get-together this weekend. I am looking forward to meeting some of the crafty ladies I chat with occasionally on Etsy. One of the things I love about Etsy is the way fellow sellers go out of their way to promote each other. Doing something kind for a competitor, even if it is just pinning an item or making it a "favourite", is a reminder that humans still put others first on many occasions. We hear so many doom and gloom stories on the telly that it is nice to be reminded of these good hearted souls amongst us.

Anyway, I would like to feature some local items from Canberra region crafters in my blog this week, to showcase some of the talent in this lovely area. You might even come to the conclusion that the not-so-pleasant winters that others disparage have given us a brilliant opportunity to practise our crafts. Sure, they can wander around up there in BrisVegas in their shorts and t-shirts year round - but with all that outdoor activity when do they find time to sew?
If you click on the picture, you'll go through to the shops.

First of all, a lovely artwork from our team leader, Kylie Fogarty.

I love the red background, and this little tot reminds me of my own daughter as a child. She had a navy duffle coat and was very fond of babychinos! Now she's into hot chocolate and caramel slice, as often as possible. I'll put a photo of her at the bottom if my hubby gets off the computer....

Here's a cute critter from Oopah

All sorts of bright coloured soft toys, with smiley happy faces. 

A Little Bird Made Me is new on the scene this year, and makes lovely bags from colourful fabrics. 

I am in the process of making my own new handbag, but if it all goes horribly wrong I know where to go buy one!

Here's a cute hat from Wombat and Poss. 

Lots of cute handmade goodies for little kids here.

And if you need to embrace your inner hippy, look no further than I would dye for you 

I love tie dye - but I am normally too straight laced to wear it. I think a singlet would be do-able though...

If you'd like to find items from your local area, the Etsy search has a handy location feature where you can limit the results to shops nearby. 

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In shop news, I whipped up this little number (size 2) last night, and posted it to Adelaide today. I really love the spotty lining! It is the last of my navy elephant fabric for now, but I am hoping it will get some wear "inside out" so the little poppet looks like a ladybug. What do you think?

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As promised, here's The Pickle, aged four, in her little navy duffle coat. What a cutie!