Sunday, April 5, 2009

Perfect week!

This has been a great week. There were so many exciting things that just lifted my spirit. Some were planned; but others came a bit of a pleasant surprise.

My husband & I had put away some time after work and took a long walk. We felt blessed to live on a hill top condo , even though we are just renting ..we could enjoy scenic view of the hill dwellers and could see as far as Jerjak island, Penang bridge & beyond. This was one of the reasons why we chose to stay here. But still, we do hope we could afford a landed property some day. Walking along the lush trees, listening to the chirping birds, watching the sun setting down, getting inspired mixed with little envy on those riches' mansions and shed some healthy sweats. I felt rejuvenated. We ascended the hill and walked along the roadside until we reached the town at the bottom, then make our way back up taking a different route.

As much as I tried to get a project done within few days, I have to say sometimes there is just so little time. Nevertheless, I'm happy that my pink posh project is beginning to take shape. I'm sure you can guess the end result.

On one of my busiest & longest day, I came home to find my husband smiling & excited over what he had found in the mail box. He knew it would wash away my tiredness and my eyes would glitter with excitement. I've been waiting for this one..


Meet my fav magazine - Better Homes & Garden (Budget under $100)

I don't mean to talk about work here. But, I just have to say this. The assignment that I have been banging my head over for the past month is now successfully completed. My boss was happy & give me one of his rare compliment. I'm glad.

My current Epal project is looking good too.


Another major thing that I'm excited about is about my new hobby - gardening! I really don't have much space for real landed gardening. So, for high-rise dwellers like me, we have to settle for potted plants. Hubby & I did splurge a bit because we just loved all those pretty budding flowers.

Flowers make me smile every time..

Monday, March 30, 2009

Hot Pink project underway

Lately I'm suddenly seeing pinks everywhere..pink roses, pinkish nose, pink table runner..they're becoming more noticeable and livelier. Well, I generally like pink before but now I'm looking at them with fresh eyes. I even put a bouquet of pink roses as my laptop wallpaper. May be, I should be getting some fresh ones, but I'd rather decorate them at my home than my office. I'm in the mood for a strawberry milkshake too. I think..I'm falling in love with pink! So, I decided to take out my hot pink & pink floral print fabrics and make something nice out of them..

Here is my hot pink project underway..yes, I make a whole lot of mess when working with a project. It's a good thing I got it all contained in a specific area of my house - my crafting room @ computer room @ art room...


The picture didn't do justice, the color is much more vibrant and the floral prints are lovely. Guess it's an excuse to get a new camera..my birthday is coming soon *wink *wink ;p

I leave you with these breathtaking pink roses..I wish I live where I'm surrounded by a rose garden ;)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Seashell Wreath

She sells seashell by the sea shore..repeat this five times as fast as you can! See whether you bite your tongue to get it right..I know I would stutter after the third time..well, I do love tongue twister games..


Recently, I started a small project of assembling my seashells collection and turn them into a seashell wreath. I have been keeping these seashells since last year when I bought them on my vacation at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Initially I just thought I would buy or collect some sands from the beach nearby & just put them together in a large glass bowl. But, it wouldn't be too much fun now, would it? So, I decided to try make a seashell wreath, inspired from Romantic Home's Seashell Wreath. But please be gentle to my seashell wreath, they might not look as gorgeous as the one made by Cindy ;)


I have not yet decided whether I should hang it, frame it or put it on an easel. I just need to find a place for it first.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Back with more handy delights!

I have been taking time off from crafting & sewing for quite some time since my last post. I was actually spending quiet time caring more for my family & myself -or should I say cooling off period ever since my husband was admitted to the hospital last month. He is now well & healthy - I'm so relieved.

So, now I'm back & more determined to proceed with exciting new project. If you remember, I still haven't finish my January project; so I'm on it now. I really must finish it by end of the week, so that I can start on my March project. I have missed my February project - I would so loved to make those adorable patchwork long skirt. Anywho..I think I'll catch up with it next year.

To my delight, I have finally purchased the Olfa Rotary Cutter set from Epal. It includes a 45mm rotary cutter, 45x60" self-healing Olfa Rotary Mat & 6x24" acrylic ruler. You have no idea how long I spent researching about them - in hope to find more local/cheaper brand. There aren't that many supplier for Olfa products around here. Most probably the market demand is too low. I don't think there are that many quilters in Malaysia.

Life is so much easier with these handy tools. I get to make really precise squares and cut fabrics to angles of my liking. No more twitching my hand & body trying to mark every corners and everything in between to make a perfect square; a long manual process before cutting the fabric. They're a life saver & I fell in love with them the moment the Epal instructor taught me how to use them..


And to add to more delights, look at what recently arrived in my pigeon hole..it's my first copy of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine!

Friday, February 6, 2009

My first lady tote bag

My first lady tote bag :)


I realized that haven't really posted any of my finished handwork so far..partly because I am still in trial and error mode where I mostly practiced on cheap scrap cloths & they aren't really nice to look at :P

Here's the mock one..it's unfinished and crooked but necessary if you want to just give it a try & don't want to ruin your nice fabrics.

It's a out of proportion because I was trying something..and the only measurement instrument I currently have is an 18" ruler. I wanted to get that rotary cutter set, but I want to shop around first since it costs RM248 - too costly for me.

Measuring to get the perfect square/rectangle was a hard work..


So, I'm quite pleased that I have completed this lady tote bag. It was really fun to learn the little do & don'ts that were discovered when I made several mock ones.

It can fit my craft supplies of my upcoming Valentine's project. I'm going back to Kelantan this weekend, so I hope to learn to make beautiful flower embroidery from Di's grandma. She has a deep love for embroidery & sewing too. Lucky me!

Okay, gotta go now..we are leaving in 5 minutes!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Fab Fabrics in Paris van Java!

As the Chinese New Year holiday concluded, I decided that I shouldn't delay any much longer to share with you my recent exciting trip to Bandung, the so-called Paris van Java. As have been experienced by many before me, I got my mind and heart racing with excitement as we walked into the many factory outlets and shops. Bandung is a textile heaven, especially for those who are on budget watch. Of course you could also find high-end merchandises, but it has so much to offer for anyone with any kind of budget.


A lot of factory outlets, shops and eateries sprawl along Jalan Dago, which was jam packed with out-of-towners and tourists like us. Among the factory outlets that I can remember was Rumah Mode, Episodes and many others that I can't seem to recall. The interior of the outlets are modern and exquisitely decorated to lure the eager and inquisitive shoppers. Some has its own cafe and eateries for the convenience of the customers and offered brand items like Hugo Boss, Guess, Esprit etc. Other than this street, Jalan Riau and Jeans Street are among the streets that you can explore.

But I think roaming around Pasar Baru is much more fun because you can put your bargaining skills to the test! If you are lucky and skill enough in bargaining, you could get a really nice and quality stuffs for a cheaper price.


Some of the things I brought home..


Some batik clothes..


My personal favorite..a nice kebaya for my sis :)


Other stuffs that caught my attention..



I hope to go there again someday..now, back to my sewing!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Thank you Sew Cute!

It was an exceptionally nerve-racking day at work today. Not one that you would like to encounter often. But, as I step towards the front door of my home, my eyes glitter to look at what was lying on the floor. Immediately, the tiredness subside & my heart was filled with excitement.

It's a parcel for me! :)


I wasn't the only one who was excited to see what's inside ;p




Tadaaa...!! It was a package of sewing materials(i.e fabrics, handles, buttons etc) together with sewing instruction on how to make Sew Simple tote bag, make-up pouch & ladies pouch. Such a generous gift from Sew Cute. Check out her blog, you'd be amazed at the cute things that she has made. I'm soOo happy! Thanks a bunch, Zura! I will start working on them immediately after I come back from Bandung this weekend ;D

Monday, January 19, 2009

Edging Finish : Mata Lalat, Tulang Belut, Karipap & Pucuk Rebung

Last weekend I went to Epal center & spent a good 2 hours to learn some new techniques using different pattern dials & stitch widths. I don't know if they have a name in English but they are Mata Lalat, Tulang Belut, Karipap & Pucuk Rebung. These techniques are normally used in traditional Malay attire like Baju Kurung & Baju Melayu. Tulang Belut is especially challenging because you just need to ensure the machine pinch just a little bit on the edge of the cloth. I have a new found respect for those tailors who can make really good Tulang Belut on Baju Melayu.

Also, I got the stuffs I need for my January project. I'll be making a multi-purpose basket for my dear husband who seems to have so many small stuffs (keys, coins, pen drive, badges etc.) that he tends to put away on top of any empty surfaces around the house ;p. Thanks for supporting my course honey! eheehee...Now, I need find out where I can get a reasonably priced rotary cutter set..any suggestion?


My white cozy cottage dream

After spending 4 years studying in the US, I've developed a keen interest in cottage-like, clutter-cozy & white-english-style interior for my private den. I know I know..those things are super expensive here in Malaysia( at least for people like me)..but, no harm in dreaming about it eh? Just look at this gorgeous bedroom set. Deliciousss..oh, and you can actually get them from Gudang Perabot Seri Yamax in Cheras, KL. Full bedroom set costs over RM5000++(price not confirmed), but hey, if it's in your budget - i'd say it's a worthy buy & of course, will envy you ;p . But then of course, it's wayyy out of mine :(..just that there's the dream..



Inspired thru people

I have been blog-hopping again - on craft & art world of course. And this time, I felt something is changing within me.. I am inspired by these people. They're not big giant corporate figures, but rather normal people who struggles thru real life issues, like you and me.

I'm amazed by Amy Butler who actually went back to revisit her past - remembering her little passport-sized bags that she used to make so passionately years ago..she wanted to revive the fire in her when she made those cute lil bags & worked hard to sell it..she just went for it ,pursue her dreams & now she is an established fabric pattern designer. She also shared the love by giving back to her community & women shelter. I am awe inspired! Here is her full story.

Joel Dewberry, a fantastic designer & craftsman, building his childhood dream. He owns an online store that sells fabulous textiles & fabrics..I'm loving them! Read his story here.

Last but not least is Anna Maria Horner, a mother of five who not only set to pursue her art & craft dreams, but also to raise a big family with her loving husband. Her abilities comes in every form of craftsmanship & artwork - from sewing, design, painting, photography that helps to increase her artistic growth. Now, that's what I called a real life!

What moved me is that, to me, these are people with bravery. They are brave enough to find that little voice within them & follow their passion. To honestly look inside themselves, find their true passion & went all the way to achieve it - thru good or bad. They believe in themselves & that they CAN achieve it - that is a highly courageous act.

-Anna Maria Horner collection -

Better Homes & Garden

Did I tell you that I am in love with Better Homes & Garden ? I enjoy visiting the website & I did that every little chance that I have when I go net-surfing. There are tons of tips & projects(big or small) you can find -home deco, crafts, gardens, health & others.

I have some amount of cash-turn-to-gift-vouchers that I received from my company. Since I can choose which store I'd like to redeem the vouchers from, I chose MPH Bookstore (well, that's the only bookstore from the available store listing)..So, last weekend I set out to MPH..

And look at what I've found.. :) For just RM9.90 I can keep my own BHG magazine with loads of stuffs that I really really like..well, you will think the price is reasonable if you compare it with other magazines along that line..



I also almost bought a sewing book but canceled at the last minute..since the book looked a bit worn out & quite an old copy, they don't have a new one in store..hubby suggested for me to find a better one. So, I still got some leftovers from the cash-voucher..



I wish one day I will have my own better home WITH a garden..*sigh..for now, we are still renting..Penang property is so expensive that even KL couldn't match up.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Pumpkin Pin Cushion

I remember a little while ago, I received a small project gift from Sew Cute that I haven't really worked on. So, I thought why not start with this one - a small pumpkin pin cushion.


Stuffing into the pumpkin..

Finished product..it might look more like a CNY orange. Well, I think it doesn't look too bad for a first-timer like myself :p


I have been real busy last week, so I hope I could start my January project this weekend..yosh!