Able Mae

Sewing again

2011-09-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

At 10pm last night I felt inspired to sew. I had in the back of my mind a project I wanted to gift someone for Christmas and last night it started to take form. Earlier in the week I got out my fabric stash, which was culled down to the contents of a single suite case earlier in the year (not an entire floor to ceiling book shelf) and pulled out a panel I'd been keeping in the 'special' pile. Since my rumpas room is now finished there is tonnes of room to get creative and lay all my stuff out easily. The reciever of this quilt loves birds and she's a girly girl so I think she'll love what I've put together for her. I plan to bind it in a black and white stripe fabric. Its starting to look amazing I just hope I can part with it when the time comes.

Guest Bedrooms

2011-07-11T17:25:00.001-07:00

The new series of The Block has started. Is anyone watching? I tend to skip the drama of all the work that goes into each room and tune in at the end when the room is revealed. Last year one of my favourite rooms was the bedroom above. I loved the warm colors of the bedhead and matching curtain and modest artwork on a neautral backdrop. It sort of inspired the look for my guestroom. I tried desperately not to go out and buy anything new and use what I had at home already. And here is the final product. I'm in love with the framed print in the top pic, I think its Freedom, but if anyone knows where I can track it down please email me. This small ikea one will have to do for now.

Rumpas Room makeover

2011-07-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Does anyone have a multi-functional room? Down the back of our house we have a massive room that we've labeled the Rumas Room. Until recently we used it as a dumping ground to house furniture and house hold things while we've renovated. We also slept down there when we had our house painted and needed to wait while the fumes dissappeared. As the rest of our house was slowly sorting itself out, it finally became time to give this room a bit of attention. I decided to set aside one half of the room as a guest retreat and leave the otherside empty to allow for space when I needed it. I'm thinking the times I want to sew, or complete a project. At Christmas time I find it very handy to be able to wrap presents and spread out shopping in a private area away from the main traffic coming through our house.
Above is the before and after.
I bought a second hand sofa bed from gumtree and recovered it with a new slip cover. And recovered the windows with white holland blinds and drapes from Ikea that work in well with the wall paint.
I'm still wondering about wall art. I dont have very high ceilings and I wonder if I put something up it might look cluttered? Also I painted this room myself and I feel a bit precious about banging picture hooks into the walls.

Outstanding projects

2011-07-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have many many many outstanding projects. In the last few months I've been occupying my time with mini tasks around the home. Nothing better than ticking off something on the ToDo list.
These babies need frames.

House Update - Laundry Makeover.

2011-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:00

I forgot to take a before pic, but here are some pics of my laundry makeover. I'm slowly converting my very green house to nongreen. There were no major changes, just budget friendly cosmetic updates, which I think will lead to one big splurge. I need a new washing machine! Apart from the fact our current one is old and beats our clothes to death, with the fresh atmostphere its now really obvious that it is discolored and just down right ugly.
Changes included:
1. New wall paint & White trims.
2. Some wall art.
3. A new blind.

My wall art are black and white prints of clothes hanging on the line in different parts of the world. I have one from Europe, one from Venice (you can see the canal and boats at the bottom of the print) and one from the Middle East (Arabic writing on the building).

While I like how the laundry turned out it definately needs some color so I ordered this ironing board cover and chose fabric No.1 to make a skirt to hide the bottom of the laundry sink. I may also mount this poster on the back of the door leading outside too.

Meet Dex

2011-01-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

He's the newest addition to our family. Baby Dex the black Cocker Spaniel on the right.
I took the 'kids' mug shots last night....dont they look daper?

Pay it forward

2011-01-12T03:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!
I've had a holiday and time off work over Christmas and New Year and I'm rejuvenated and ready to rock again. I'm looking forward to 2011!
In my daily internet surf checking up on my fav blogs I found the Pay it Forward project on Melissas blog Undomestic/mamma. What a lovely way to get back into blogging!
Here is the deal!

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here.
However, to be eligible, you must repost this message, offering something handmade to 5 other people.
The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011.
Ready, set, GO!

I've been a participant in Happy Mails before so this is really up my alley. Cant wait to see who the lucky people are. Please also email me your postal address.
The pic above is a handmade Christmas present I gifted last month. A small taste of what my 5 giftees "might" receive.

Crochet Corner

2010-08-01T02:31:00.001-07:00

Tyrahs Blanket

Up close of Tyrahs Blanket

My version

At the start of winter I took a class to learn how to crochet. I was inspired by the prettiest pink blanket I saw in Tyrahs Shop on etsy and decided I wanted to make my own version. I found a free pattern on line and had a go. Here is what I've made so far. If anyone wants to give it a go here is a great tutorial.
Hope you had a great weekend!

Update on me

2010-07-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Its been a long time between posts! I've been so busy, especially in the last month. A little update on me is, I've lost 10kgs in weight (thanks to Jenny Craig), I learnt how to crochet, learnt how to make jewelry, started taking piano lessons, I've had my family visit from the Cook Islands, my aunty died, then my grandfather died (sad face), we started renovating our kitchen and now I'm working on getting our rumpus room in order.
Here are a few pics of my weekend organising.

Bundle fabric with rubber bands
Ordered cotton reels
Arranged fat quarters in baskets

Money rolls of fabric strips in jars

Hope your having a great weekend!

We have a winner!

2010-04-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of my rug giveaway is apathetichousewife! Congratulations! Please email me your details so I can forward them on to Buysterrugs.

PS. I'm loving the new isse of Real Living magazine. I have posted the cover because it shows the new dining chairs I have just order for our kitchen.

Rugs - Giveaway

2010-04-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

{Image: BestLivingRoomFurniture}

Hi Everyone,
Are you enjoying the cooler weather? The last few nights we have had our heater on at home, its been quite chilly in Melbourne.
Well since I havnt posted in a while, I thought I would like to treat my readers with a giveway. My first ever actually!

This offer has been quite timely. Maree from buysterrugs is offering my readers a $65 dollar voucher for a rug of their choice, (or to put towards a rug of a higher value) from buysterrugs. They are currently doing a promotion on their kids rugs, but the giveaway is applicable to any rug in their store.
Shipping will be free in Australia (I'm sorry this giveaway is not available to overseas readers).

You may enter more then once by doing the following:
1. Leave a comment on my blog which rug you like on the website and why? (1 entry)
2. Becoming a follower of my blog (1 entry)
3. Tweet about this giveaway and notify me about it.
4. Tell me (comment or email) what flooring problem you might have at home that might be fixable with a certain rug and why? (1 entry)
5. Tell me (comment or email) your favourite kind of rug! (1 entry)

I will announce the winner in a weeks time. Good luck!

New Fav Blog - The Painted Hive

2010-04-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I hope you all had a lovely Easter. Thank you for all the lovely comments on my bedroom art.
Today I'd like to make a huge shout out to this new blog I have found - The Painted Hive. I read the authors profile and thought she sounds like my kind of person - "I'm a new blogger who's happy to admit I'm a fully-fledged designaholic! Addicted DIYer, incurable decorator and part-time perfectionist out to prove that in this world you don't need royal jelly to have a happy hive."
I absolutely love a guest bedroom she made over for her mum, its so elegant and stylish. Here is a pic and you can read all about the details here.

My wall art

2010-03-29T02:55:00.000-07:00

My wall art is up in my master bedroom. It looks fantastic. Here is a sneak peak. I'II post another when my bedroom is tidy and I can draw the curtains and let in the natural light.

Making...

2010-03-28T01:17:00.001-07:00

I've been making jewelry! If anyone is after some instant gratification with some creativity this is the hobby for you. I've lost, broken, misplaced so many accessories over the years, my supply was getting low. The budget conscious in me thought I'd have a go at making my own...its so much fun. I need an outfit to wear with these now.

Shannon Fricke - Workshops

2010-03-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

Interior decorating extraordinaire Shannon Fricke is holding 'How to Decorate' workshops at her private Bangalow studio this year. I am seriously considering doing one with a bunch a of like minded friends and combining it with an extended weekend away on the Gold Coast.
I was wondering if anyone else would like to join a workshop with me? Details can be found here, and pictures from the latest workshop here.

Happy Friday - Artist Jacqueline Berg

2010-03-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

Artist Details: Jacqueline Berg

Phone: 0431168352

Email: jacquelineberg252@hotmail.com

I am so looking forward to a long weekend. I have four days off and plan to dump myself in our rumpas room to sort out some on-going house and craft projects.
Before I go I want to do a shamless plug for a very talented lady Jackie Berg who has been doing some commission work for me lately. She's painted some wall art for my kitchen based on my blue and white jar collection. I have posted a pic of one of the canvases she has painted for me (also featured in my blog header). Later on in the year when I'm close to finishing the kitchen I will reveal the larger canvase she painted for me, so stay tuned. Have a great weekend!

Edited to add two more of my fav paintings Jackie has completed this year. The little dog is a commission from another client.

The knitting has begun

2010-03-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Did you have a nice weekend? Mine was busy. I had the best'est time entertaining some visitors, so much so I had a nap on Sunday to recover for the week ahead.

I'm not normally a fashionista but when I came across this knitted teal cowl I immediately thought it will make the perfect autumn winter accessory so I snapped it up. Everyone knows I love blue so I was a little dissappointed to find out the bag had already sold too. Boo, anyway you should check out mojospastyle this shop has so many lovely things.

A workmate said a cowel would be easy to knit so I grabbed this pattern, and with my new knitting bag from Avonlea (quick there is one left!) I started it yesterday. Super chunky 14 ply wool makes this project really quick!

Feeling Blue - While I'm away

2010-02-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

I woke up feeling terrible today so I'm taking a sick day to rest while waiting for my visitors to arrive tonight. Amanda from Swish and Swanky is bringing her exchange student daughter, Nina, to Melbourne as a birthday present. Yay someone to play with! So this will be my last post for the week. In the meantime, I'II leave you with a pic from Anthropology, everyone has heard by now they are now shipping to Australia. I was browsing their website and found this blue phone, I think I need it, but its way out of my budget so I'II just have to settle for perving on it for now.

Happy Mail Exchange

2010-02-24T00:23:00.001-08:00

When something like this turns up in the Mail....you know what follows --> Happiness!

Close up of the handmade felt heart garland.

Surprise - a fabric stash! *Squeal* Oh the selection is sweet...and matches the new mobile I'm planning for my study....how on earth? I can feel some sewing coming on.

And the card. Thank you Sarah-Jo. I am delighted to say the least!

Thank you Chantelle for hosting the Mail Exchange I participated in.

I'm a winner - Blogging Ebook

2010-02-22T12:07:00.001-08:00

Well this just makes up for the broken vase! Melissa had a giveaway on her blog and guess what? I won! The giveaway is Chantelles Ebook, "Lets Give them Somthing to Blog About." You can read more about it here. I cant wait to read it!

Master Bedroom Tablescape

2010-02-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of a boozy night last night entertaining house guests who stayed over on their way to their holiday destination. At about 1am Nigel came to bed but not quietly I can tell you. When he walked through the door, apparently he was trying to take his jumper off (no kinky story to tell unfortunately) and some how he managed to bump into our sideboard and knock my vase off where it shattered in pieces all over the floor. I sat up in bed and had the filthiest look on my face (that sounds about right) and the next thing I knew he was apologizing profusely as I started to call him names and threaten violance! My poor vase, I'm surprised my little ceramic owl was still left in one piece.

The Owls are Watching

2010-02-22T00:19:00.000-08:00

To add a little quirk and color to my study accessories I ordered a new lamp last week from one of my favourite businesses - The Owls Are Hunting. It was a toss up between the Anais and the Bibi lamp, but after seeking advice from some buddies the Anais won. And look it matches my pens from Kikki! The Owls are Hunting lamps are stocked at Georgie Love (my new place to shop online) and Madeit. You can read all about the creator in this interview.

The next make over

2010-02-21T02:16:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what the next make over project was? Yep you gals guessed it. A new bed for Jet. As you can see from our before study pic in the pink room pic, his pad looked like we had a squatter. To fit in with the new paint and office accessories his bed needed a make over too. His Op shop blankets have now been replaced with new blankets (which mum is introducing to him slowly so he doesnt drag them about and tear them up!) and a pillow or too so he doesnt rub up against the walls! Oh! And check out his cool wall decal. What a pain in the a&* that was to put up!

Chair Cover Inspiration

2010-02-18T18:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday everyone, whats planned for the weekend?

I'm starting to think about chair covers for my formal dining area. Originally, I had wanted to buy Ikeas Henriksdal Chair but when I found a set of four high backed upholstered dining chairs cheap on ebay I jumped at the chance and have since decided to make the covers myself.

Below is the Hendriksdal Chair from Ikea.

I bought a homewares pattern from Clegs to read the instructions on how to construct covers with the skirts at the bottom and have decided on a pattern style similar to the chair covers in the pic below.

The dining room pic below I've had saved in my favourites for years for inspiration. I love the formal and elegant style of this room. The seperate formal dining room is starting to become rare in todays modern open plan layouts and family living.

The pic below is of a timber chair that has a cute seat pad with a box pleat skirt I thought I might have a go at sewing one day (when I'm really bored). I think it would suite the aged bentwood chair I have in my master bedroom.

Some of my fav books

2010-02-17T03:01:00.000-08:00

I've never been one for novels (except for the Twilight Series!). Here is a small collection of what I read. As well as a truck load of magazines, over the last year I've invested in some books that are like my bibles. I pick them up from time to time and consult them to help me solve a problem or provide some new inspiration.
Recently a friend alerted me to the Book Depository in the UK. It is fabulous! The books are much cheaper then buying from say Angus and Robertson and the shipping is free! My wish list grows by the day. Do you read books?

Expedit Love

2010-02-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

I've been fiddling about with my new office accessories, trying to find the right placement for things on my desk and in my shelf. My all time favourite shelf arrangements would have to be from Making it Lovely and Ish and Chi.

The Expedit shelf from Ikea comes in many sizes and different colors to choose from. I think mine will be loaded with lots of interior decorating magazines, books and storage boxes. I did a quick search on the net and came across some more shelf arrangements that were inspiring.

The pops of yellow make this arrangement really pretty. Image from Housetohome.

And this arrangement posted on Chez Larsson i like for its immaculate order and neatness. For more Expedit love check out Elements of Style.
I'II post back soon to show you how my study shelf is looking.

My Bunting

2010-02-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

Melissa at Undomesticmumma has posted the most beautiful boys room tour that features some of my handmade bunting. Its lovely seeing my pieces displayed and contributing to such an inspiring environment. Pop on over to her blog and check out Felix's room.

Study: My before and after

2010-02-15T02:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I hope you had a lovely V-day and Chinese New Year?
This weekend I set up my study! Last week I went back and forth from Ikea (so painful!) getting the furniture and bits and bobs right and managed to survive!
In December we had it painted from hot pink to Dulux's Hog Bristle, do you know the color? We have vivid white all through our house, but this room is actually next to our master bedroom and will one day be perfect for a nursery so we toned the wall color down a bit.
This is the before. Nice huh? My pup claimed it and sort of moved in. I told my husband it looked like we had a squatter. More on his bed later.

And the After.
I'm in major need of desk accessories and shelf organisation, but I'm so happy with the result.

And here is a close up of my art display. My vintage girl painting was a gift for my 30th birthday last year. She now has a home!

A few steps forward and some more back?

2010-02-08T00:26:00.000-08:00

Melbourne has been having some very warm weather lately. Our air con has been getting a work out. The other day Nigel was putting some final touches on our study. Putting up the curtain rod, changing the door handles..... I came in to check on him and looked up and saw a horrid sight. The ceiling had bubbled plaster in a big patch - there was a water leak!!! Noo!!!!
Apparently, an air con vent had come unstuck and was not fixed properly. Nigel scraped off all the wet plaster and found a patch job by the previous owners. I now have a lovely painted and carpeted study, with a big ugly patch on the ceiling. *Sad face*

Sandy Saturday

2010-02-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

Since December our interior has had a major over haul. I've pretty much converted everything from a shade of green to white or sand. The above is a pic of my new drapes that were installed last night. Not really exciting, for all the work put into bringing back a neutral base to this place but it makes accessorising so much more fun-er and I'm really happy with how all the colors have worked. The drapes are called Magnetic sand and you can find it in the Gummerson fabric range at Spotlight.

Welcome Windmill!

2010-02-04T14:59:00.001-08:00

I've now moved over from my old blog Pottering About!
I'm on Flickr, I'm on Twitter, gee I feel like I'm slightly in the know now!
What do you think of the new wardrobe? I'm still getting used to it...but it feels nice so far! What do you think of the pic above? I recently found out my childhood neighbor and family friend could paint. She specialises in landscapes but took special time for me to paint outside her realm and construct a still life painting for me on the fly. Isn't she talented? Hopefully tomorrow I will pick it up and will be able to show you a pic of it hanging in my kitchen.

My Shop

2010-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Last year I had an online shop at Etsy called The Purkey Turkey. It was a fun way of allowing me to explore my new creative sewing side while making some money to feed my fabric obsession!
I took some proper quilt classes, to refine my skills, and invested in some valuable sewing tools to make life easier.
Since then RL and online buddies have been commisioning me to sew for their children with custom projects which kept me busy with little time to premote or sew for The Purkey Turkey.
In 2010 I want to continue sewing and selling items (mainly for fun), but will be concentration on quilts since they are my greater love.
I hope to set up a small online shop for Able Mae, though I need to do a few things first, finish some house renovations and plan my studio, to name a few.
I will blog new developments as they happen but I will continue to update the progress I make toward my shop in this post also.......... so keep please keep checking back.

About

2010-02-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

In 2007 I found the blogging world and started Pottering About. I blogged a little but then blogged very little (as you do!). I mainly blogged about craft and interior decorating inspiration and then slowly found myself sharing more and more of my life. What started as "a journey to finding a place to call home"...soon turned into "the adventures of turning my house into a home" and here I am!