Weekends away and hot hot hot....... summer sunshine

Last weekend we drove down the coast and stayed with friends in Mt Martha such a lovely spot to relax and take in the picturesque surrounds including the amazing ocean view. As soon as we got there Riley wanted to go to the beach so I took him to Safety Beach where we collected jellyfish and seaweed and swam in the very cold water, I only wish we were down there now! Instead of us both winging that's it's to cold we would be saying this is just so refreshing and thank goodness the water is cold. We are never satisfied with what we have..... although in saying that I'm not sure any of us would ever be happy with 3 days of 40 plus degree heat, I mean come on, it's just so blooming silly and we need a break from this stifling sweltering heat. Next week looks like another hot one, lets hope there is a decent cool change forecast, if not for all the complainers out there but for all the wild animals that will be struggling to find a cool place to rest and some water to drink. Last but not least keep in mind all those that have lost property due to bush fires this season and thank the work of the CFA in protecting us all.

Speaking of colour

Yesterday evening I was playing monsters with my little boy, a game he loves, as long as he controls the rules and I can become a nice monster when needed. He enjoys being scared and giggles with delight when I catch him and tickle him all over. Anyhoo while we were playing he decided to arm himself with a long stick that he uses to thread beads onto, (when not being used as an evil souse of pain) unaware of this I continued to play "scary monster" I was on the ground and went to get up, as I did he came forward with the stick to protect himself from the "scary monster" and the stick, yes you guessed it, went straight into my left eye! OMG cupping my left eye in pain, my little boy saying sorry a million times, as I took my hand away I saw blood, however could still see blood, so that was a good sign. My husband (night in shining amour) came to my rescue and off to the doctors we all went. No damage to the iris thank my lucky stars and only a small cut on the inside of the eyelid. Now I have some nice bruising to the upper lid in shades of blues purples and reds. I will continue to play the monster game, but make sure my son has nothing in his hands that could be dangerous to my health.

Colour Inspiration

I love colour and find it really important in life and love, I have up loaded a few of Edgar Degar painting because to me he chooses the most amazing pallet and his works are truly inspirational. The way he has captured the fabrics is just perfect. Hope you enjoy them too.

Some of my creations

I thought it was time to upload some of my creations.

LiliPili Reversible Toes - Created using recycled hand embroidered linen.

LiliPili Grubs - Baby bibs that are super absorbent with chenille backing and funky fabric fronts, ideal for the hip baby on their way out for the day/night.

LiliPili Glitz - Vintage button hair clips made with my Nana's old buttons.

LiliPili Wild Ones - Pure Wool felt embroidered people badges.

LiliPili Nene - Japanese fabric quilts for baby's Nene means "sleepytime" or "beddie-bye" in Japanese.

LiliPili Kitchen Kids - Retro fabric kids approns

A VERY busy weekend!

Villa Parma

On Friday we were lucky enough to be invited as guests of Sherry's to Peppers Springs retreat in Hepburn where we were treated to a night at Villa Parma. In 1864 Fabrizzio Crippa built his gracious residence on the coach road to Castlemaine. The Lucini Brothers, Pietro and Giacomo, who built the distinctive Macaroni Factory on the same road in 1859, aided Crippa with the construction of the two-storey rendered brick building with dark stone trim. The rooms are just exquisite and very extravagant.... we loved every moment. That night we were devoured an amazing dinner in the Deco Restaurant highly recommend the hot and sour coconut broth with blue swimmer crab dumplings.....yum yum. We drank lots of beautiful wine and were full to pussy's bow with great food. When Saturday arrived we received a fabulous massage and retreat access pass where we enjoyed the hot mineral springs and steam room. Very relaxing, however the relaxation didn't last long, we rushed back to our house packed up the kids and drove to Melbourne for Nikala's 30Th Birthday BBQ. On the way stopping at The Enchanted Closet to drop off some clips and booties. When we finally arrived at Nic's we celebrated by eating and drinking with good friends. With the kids back in the car again it was time to drive to Dani's to stay the night and get ready for Flemingtom Market on Sunday. From a disorganised day came a disorganised market set up, I forgot to take my girly wire mannequin, pegs and paper bags, mental note, need a check list! the sun was shining I was drinking a coffee and people started to arrive...... walking past...... walking past and walking past, whats going on here no one was buying anything. By the end of the day I sold some stuff but was not happy with the results, apparently people in the market know said generally January is not a good month and not to be concerned. Should I give it another go??

Harvest Festival

Drummers at the harvest festival
LiliPili booties worn by my little girl

Lavender

My stall

My creations

The second market I have ever done was set in the grounds of a Swiss Italian farm in Hepburn Springs called Lavendula. The scene was set for a perfect Festival with drums beating, dances dancing and geese gagling. People were everywhere enjoying all that Lavendula has to offer including the wonderful market stalls with local produce and crafts. My stall didn't do to badly, although I had hoped for a better result. The first Makers Market was much more of a success for me and I can't wait for the next on on the 8Th March. I have been sewing madly once again trying to get stocks up for Flmington market on 18th January, I am hopeful this market will be a good one. Fingers crossed!

Dear Diary

Today I created this space after speaking with Allison of Lark who recommend I start. So I have taken her very good advice and created a space of my own, this way I can keep abreast of what's going on in the community and also keep a record of me and my new venture LiliPili.

So please feel free to come along for a journey into my world, that can be interesting, happy, hopeful, creative, unusual and most of all fun.