Sunday

We have had a lovely Spring day. The sun was shining (at last!) and we went to the park. I even rode my bike, in a particularly wobbly fashion but I'm determined to do better. There's a big hill in the park and I almost made it to the top.No doubt my quads will be screaming about that in the morning.
Poppet rode her scooter, and was rewarded with some time in the playground before we came home.
I've been busy editing photos (yawn) whilst listening to the landlord installing our shiny new dishwasher, and it just sang us a ditty to announce that the dishes were clean. It's been worth living without one for a while just to hear that. The dishwasher even has an App so my phone can 'talk' to it remotely (which I won't be using, I still have a written calendar). Cuteness.
Not many photos as I didn't take the camera to the park, wanted to concentrate on riding. But here's a few from the deck and some shots of my cute new Poppets all ready for the giveaway.

Don't forget to check out this blog post for details on how to win these guys. I'm going to announce the winner this Wednesday! Can you believe I've been making these crazy things for three years?! Very cool.
I am really happy with this pattern. It's similar in size to previous Poppets but the legs and arms are danglier and there is less stuffing. This will hopefully mean I can stop losing money on postage in the future.
This week I'm going to play around with some pirates for the shop using this new pattern.
What do you think?
You likey?

Me likey muchy...

The Duchess

For some reason unbeknownst to us mere mortals (parents) our school has a thing called "Spirit Week" this week. The senior kids chose a different theme for each day and the kids were invited to dress up accordingly. We've had Pyjama Day and Twin Day and today is Someone Famous Day.
Poppet racked her brain until she came up with Kate Middleton. She's a bit of a fan (who isn't?!) and I liked the idea of grabbing a fascinator and being done with it.
Here is our Duchess...

She's been so excited about this particular day, even asking me to postpone a haircut so she looks more authentic. Getting ready this morning was fairly angst-ridden, and she was nervous walking the four blocks to school with her veil but once we arrive her classmates pounced on her with a million questions. Pity Poppet's shyness will prevent her from using the cute British accent she was using over breakfast. She won't even speak Australian anymore! Sigh.

Tomorrow is 60s Hippy Day and Friday is Fancy Formal Day. I assume the Grade 7 girls wanted to frock up for that particular occasion.

Now, if anyone could tell me what Spirit Week actually means...

Happy Birthday Pikelet Workshop!

That's right! I'm working on some new things.
One of my lovely customers requested a robot and I've been meaning to do one for AGES. Today the pattern was completed and I'll cut him out over the weekend. Will certainly keep you posted, pretty sure there'll be a martian buddy and maybe even an astronaut to follow...
My head has been FULL of a cute and geeky "tween" version of the Poppets for some time now. I decided now is as good a time as any to finally get them out of my head and onto fabric this week and I'm very excited. I think they look super cute and once they're completed I expect they'll spend their days dreaming up graphic novels, listening to alternative pop and gaming online with their pals.
What do you think so far?

Here's the thing, these kids need names. So I'm hoping you'll leave a comment below with your suggestions.

If you do you'll go into the draw to WIN THEM BOTH!

That's right. Two Poppets (valued at $65) to the lucky winner who comes up with some groovy names for the new kids on the block. I just can't possibly split them up.
But, I hear you ask, why exactly have I lost my mind and decided to give them away?!
Because it's pikelet workshop's THIRD birthday in May! Happy little dance indeed.

Simply leave a comment below with your ideas, one entry per person and I will draw the winner randomly.
The competition is open internationally and I will need your EMAIL address to let you know you've won.

Have an awesome weekend, am hoping to resume more normal blog-posting soon.


Good luck! I'll draw the winner on May 1st...

Sunday Shorts

Hmm. It seems I'm only capable of posting once a week at the moment.
There is a lot going on, and some days I have felt like I'm being assaulted on every front. But today was a nice day, if a little wet and blustery. Spring seems to have deserted us.
Last Sunday we took it slow (and we intend to do the same this Sunday!) and had some screen time, baked some muffins, Poppet did some sketching and then we headed out for an early dinner at an English pub with some Aussie friends. There's something very comforting about having friends who agree that 3.30 on a Sunday is a very good time for dinner with kids. Home and in bed by 7. I even got a bit of stitching done!
I've included a couple of shots of Poppet dressed as Mrs Wolf from The Jungle Book. Her musical theatre class did their performance on Monday and it was very cute, if barely audible. Poppet really enjoyed herself but has confirmed my suspicions that her nerves may prevent the performer in her from busting out. Much like her mother. Sigh.
We shall stick to performances at home for now. This morning, for instance, I witnessed a dance which reminded me greatly of David Brent's weird dance in The Office. She's nothing if not a total nutter, which suits us just fine...

Here's to crazy. We all need a bit of it!

Sunday Shorts

This is more of an amalgam of the whole Easter weekend rather than just Sunday. We mostly relaxed at home, but had a day out with friends to sample some fresh maple syrup (separate post on that later) and managed a Sigur Ros concert (awesomeness). I even got a few orders finished.
Poppet and I did some crafting, it's so nice that she's finally at an age to be able to thread a needle herself.
I left her to come up with the brooch design and choose fabrics, and only gave her a little help. I think she surprised herself and was very proud of her efforts. The first piece made and designed completely by herself. Of course, she wants to start selling them now... "Poppet Workshop" perhaps?
Otherwise we sat on the deck and read books (blankets required). Twas a very nice weekend.

Chocolate and stickers - thank you Easter Bunny. Muffins - thank you Stephanie Alexander.
Lots of cuddles, a few new movies (Beasts of The Southern Wild is amazing!) and even a few sleep ins.
Husbands man-flu didn't even interfere.
Hope you had a great long weekend! What did you get up to?