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

Peeping Owls!

I just couldn't wait any longer! These Owls were calling to me to do something with. As my winning comment was about when the owls come out, boys should be asleep. It seemed only natural to have them outside the window! The panel's not quite finished and I need to go to Ikea to get some sheets. I thought I'd make it into a bed set. Put the panel on a pillowcase, repeat the triangles and diamonds along the top of a flat sheet but keep the fitted sheet plain. Sounds like a groovy Christmas present for a little girl I know. But, have to get to Ikea first.

Anywoohoo, cheerio for now
X Mandy

Sunday Stash #15

Sunday Stash #15
Originally uploaded by mandalin18

I feel like I'm on a Blue Binge! I just love the blue on blue, with a little dull sunshine to contrast. And the one in the front, um well yes, I splurged. It's Amy Butler, but not just any Amy Butler.




Amy Butler...Love...Laminate!!
oooo so soft, and for the first time ever, I wanted to grab my scissors and cut into it instantly. But I resisted, it really is a good idea to have a plan first.
Follow this link for the inspiration behind my choices.

Show & Tell blocks finished

Donna wanted scrappy

Tacha wanted dots

Sara wanted black & white

and Sudi-Laura also wanted scrappy

Hopefully these will fit the bill.

This really is a super block. So simple to make, yet a myriad of effects can be achieved. I expect there are lots of blocks like that, I just really love pinwheels.

And what about these fabrics, aren't they just the cutest!I know at least one of you out there will agree.

They came from Cherri, of Cherry House Quilts, whose daughter is Lizzie of 'Lizzy's Red Letter Day' fabric. Such a generous giveaway, and I'm proud as punch that my comment was one of three that Cherri chose. She wanted to know what we would make from the fabric. I said I would make pillow cases for my boys, to remind them that when the owls are awake, they should be asleep. I've not made a pillowcase in my life! How hard can it be though. I, as did every commenter, promised to show our creation. And so I will. I'm slowly whittling down my WIP's.

Show & Tell Oct blocks - Done
Show & Tell Nov blocks - Done
6" mini quilt - Posted
Place mat Swap - Posted
STUD (swap til you drop) - Posted
Bee Crazy Oct block -
Bee Crazy Nov block -

So, only the Bee Crazy blocks to do and I will make some pillow slips. I've other things on the horizon, an order for x4 pencil cases, and some stock samples to make for applying to the 'Nook' in Leura. If it doesn't happen, I'll just add them in my 'madeit' shop listings. Yes! I finally did that too. I've only 3 things in there at present, but I do plan on adding some more to Mandalin soon.

Well, cheerio for now
X Mandy