Category Archives: review

Review: The Sunburst Clutch pattern

Last month I decided it was about time I made me a bag and I’d been eyeing off the new Sunburst Clutch pattern by Mrs H and Pennydog Patchwork which had just been released.  Now this clutch is a collaboration of paper piecing and bag making and is a perfect introduction to both.

The paper piecing is fairly straight forward with easy to follow instructions and photos.  If you’ve been wanting to try it this is a great place to start unlike me who went head first into the koala.  I really liked that there was a list of instructions at the end to print so you don’t need to waste paper.  I often like the photos to be in colour but only print in black and white so I’ll have the ipad or phone next to me to see the picture if I get stuck.  All the instructions are very detailed with great photos to match.

I decided to add some Soft & Stable foam to my bag body.  This was the first time using it and I have to say I absolutely love it.  It’s still flexible in the bag but just adds that bit more structure than the fleece.  I also left off the interfacing as I didn’t know how structured it would be however next time I will probably use it with the foam.

Now back to the flap.  Scallops, these are the fiddly part of the whole pattern so I think that’s a win.   I don’t sew a lot of little curves so I took this step extra slowly.  I wanted to get them as round as possible.  I followed the lines on the pattern to help this.  I then carefully cut my fleece to match the scallops before attaching and I think they turned out alright.  But you know what they say – practice makes perfect so I may just need to make a few more right.

I really enjoyed making this pattern.  How pretty does my new Sunburst Clutch look!  It is the perfect size to take out to dinner and still carry everything you need while out.  You can buy the pattern here.

Review: Strictly Ballroom The Musical

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be given tickets to see Strictly Ballroom The Musical and I was over the moon.  I’d already seen it earlier in the year, but couldn’t wait to see it again!

We arrived half an hour before the show started so we got a quick bite to eat.  I’d dragged a friend along who hadn’t seen the movie and dancing wasn’t really her thing.  I was pretty sure she’d like it though.

Walking into the theatre was like walking into the dance comp.  The whole room was sparkling! The brightly covered seats, the postered walls and of course the mirror ball.

The show starts with introductions to all the dancers whilst they waltz around the stage singing Strictly Ballroom.  They then have a quick costume change (on stage) into something a little more…sparkly for the Latin championships.  If you haven’t guessed by now there was a lot of glitter in this show.

There was so much energy on stage.  It looked like the cast were having so much fun and it felt like you’re up there with them.

Some of my favourite moments:
Whenever Phoebe Panaretos (Fran) sang, her voice is ah-mazing and I loved the duet Beautiful Surprise with Thomas Lacey (Scott)
The flamenco scene before intermission.  The dancing, the vibe and oh my the voices of Natalie Gamsu and Fernando Mira.
Getting up on stage at the end with all the cast having a dance to love is in the air.  What a great way to finish off the night!
I even managed to get a couple of photos with cast members, Lachlan Martin & Jarryd Byrne (from Dancing with the Stars) thanks to my friend for snapping them.  She even had a great night.
All I can see is if you haven’t seen it, go get your tickets now.  It’s a fantastic night out with lots of sparkle, dancing & laughs.  You can find out more about Strictly Ballroom the Musical here.
And to finish on a quote from the show:
“A life lived in fear is a life half lived”

A Sew Together Bag Workshop

Last month I went to my first bag sewing class which I was pretty excited about.  I’ve seen so many sew together bags on social media and really wanted to try one.  After a few weeks of checking out this workshop I quickly snapped up the last spot.  A month after booking I headed down to the Mornington Peninsula to a cute little fabric shop, Treehouse Textiles run by Emma.  If you are ever down there, this is a must on the list and if you’re looking for fab workshops I highly recommend!

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Photo Shoot with Kipindi

Last year I had the opportunity to meet up with Dannii from Kipindi for a family photo shoot* which I’ve been meaning to share sooner.  We met at Schwerkolt Cottage in Mitcham which was a lovely backdrop for the photos.  Sammy had just started to sit up and Oscar was (and still is) full of energy.  I thought it was a good time to get some family photos (and they make great presents too).

It was a lovely day, overcast, no rain and not too hot.  Oscar had so much fun running around while Dannii took photos of him, I don’t think Sammy really knew what was going on.  She was amazing with both the boys and captured some great photos.  I honestly didn’t think we’d get too many as Oscar was constantly running away but there were so many to love.  I highly recommend Dannii not only for the amazing photography but also the way she was able to interact with the kids, she really has a way of working with them.  Here’s some of my favourites.

 

 

 

Kipindi is currently having a birthday sale (33% off the session fee and any products ordered) over at facebook and the offer ends tomorrow (Friday March 27th) at 3pm. Now this is a fantastic offer but I’m not really giving you much time to decide and lock in a date with Dannii. So I have asked and Dannii is happy to extend the offer until next Tuesday March 31st for all Ladybugs & Daisychains readers (Note: Dannii is based in Melbourne). Simply email hello@kipindi.com.au and let her know that you heard about the sale here and Dannii will be happy to extend the offer for you!
*I received this session at no cost to review, all opinions are my own.