Kokeshi Doll Love

Kokeshi dolls......what is it about them that makes me love them so? Is it because, as a child, I don't think I really played with dolls, my Mum tells me I preferred Matchbox cars! Although I do remember that I had a biggish set of tiny dolls, who all wore their national costume. So maybe it springs from there. I just know that looking at these two, makes me cock my head to one side and smile.

They are both from this place, although they weren't bought on line, but in different retail shops in the UK. The one on the left is called NINTAI (Patience) and the other is JUNSHIN (a Pure and Simple Heart).

Yesterday, I found this shop on Etsy. I've promised myself that when I have enough $'s in my PayPal account, from sales in my Mandalin shop, I'm going to get one......or two, eeek!
The three things I managed to put in the shop have sold, oh excitement, so I'll be restocking this week with some pencil cases and a couple of other items.

Hope your all having a fabulous holiday.
Cherrio for now
X Mandy

"My Hugul", for Lily

I must get some more of this Kaffe Fassett fabric, I love how the "My Hugul" softie looks in it. I tried a new face on this one, wool! The stitching is wool thread also, I like the effect, it looks softer, cuddlier.

Anyhow, back to it!
X Mandy

mostly pictures!

Teacher's present




Placemat Swap received from issacsmama. LOVE this sooooo much!


And the placemat I made for issacsmama.


This needle case was a gift from Hanies, it came with my Show & Tell block. I use it every time I sew. The triangles in the wonky star are ever so teeny tiny. Adorable!



This is the block I made for Skipper, from our Bee Crazy Flickr group.


This super divine 5" square sweetie came to me from Julie (fairbanksfancygoods), for the Teeny Tiny Mini Swap. Look closely, there are lots of sequins and seed beads as well as the outer beads. This sits on my bedside table, too precious to be mislaid in my sewing area.

And lastly this is the fabric postcard swap I made for .....opppps, can't say just yet, it's still on it's way.


I think the idea was to post it, just like a real postcard. But I chickened out, it does have rather a long way to go, and the back is also fabric and I was worried the postage label would come off.

Okay. I think we're all caught up?
I've still some sewing to finish, just don't seem to be able to fit it all in.
Mmmm, actually I think I've possibly forgotten something. Oh dear, next time.

Cheerio for now,
X Mandy

A New Bag

Finished this one today, and I'm loving it.

As well as liking the look of a bag, it also has to sit well on my shoulder, and this one does a great job of that. It really annoys me when a bag keeps slipping off my shoulder, I just simply won't use it again. I'd make a little adjustment to the width of the strap, not much, just a smidgin'. All in all, a successful flying by the seat of my pants, let's see what happens when I......


The fabrics are Wonderland by MoMo, Arcadia charm squares by Sanae (they came from Katy, thanks again Katy). And some of the Kona cotton that arrived on Monday, mid grey (lining). I bought several Kona cottons, along with the mid grey came coal, snow, cactus and everglade. I won't be able to buy homespun cotton at spotlight again, Kona really is a superior quality and fabulous to work with. And buying from the US at the moment is really quite good!

The other finish I've had this week is my first cushion cover.


This was a heap of fun! It was one of ten samples I've put forward to a community run art & craft shop here in the Blue Mountains. It only stocks art & craft made in the Blue Mountains, and has been going since 1996. The monthly meeting was tonight, hopefully they will think my work will fit in and find me a space. If so I'll have to get busy, not that you'll hear me complaining. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

And so to bed
Cheerio for now
X Mandy