Tis the season to be jolly...

Guess what, I know many of you will relate to this - I have been sewing - yes actual sewing : ) and so I have been remiss in tending my beloved computer...

I have been inspired by Christmas and fellow bloggers beautiful snaps on what chrissy is like in their homes : )

We put up our wonderful tree a couple of weeks back, after requests from the youngest in the family since October.

I love the little details in putting it up, the special PINK additions to the tree by my littly - pink bows and pink bells. I also love the little HANDMADE treasures made by family and friends over the years that add a lovely warm touch. The tree symbolises joy, hope and reflection on the importance of kindness, happiness and giving with drama's aside for a while : )

May I take this chance to wish you and your's a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks so much to all for your support, friendship thru 2009. I really look forward to a wonderful new year in 2010 for Lillipilli Lane and for you all.

Darting around

Hello everyone,

what have you been up to today? I have just sewn 72 darts! Lots of darts for our A-line skirts.

Whatever you are up to today, I hope it is a good one for you : )

Also, a really BIG thank you to everyone who has recently joined our little blog, so nice to have you join us : ) will be offering a little Chrissie giveaway next week as a thank you ...not sure what yet...stay tuned...

Review on Handmade Kids

Lucky us!
We have a lovely review of our little girl's Easy-wear skirts on the Handmade Kids website (unearthing funky handmade finds for kids). Thank you so much to Handmade Kids : )

Have a peek
Handmade Kids

And the winner is...

We are so happy to announce the winner of our handmade clothing at Lillipilli Lane website launch competition.
A big congratulations to:


Bubba Chenille
has chosen one of our Christmas skirts (Easy-wear long) as a wonderful prize for herself. Merry Christmas. Ms Bubba Chenille is already a wearer and fan of our these skirts so that's really wonderful! Enjoy!

Thank you so much everyone for entering and helping us to promote our little web and shop : )And stay tuned for future give-aways.

What's in a Name

Lilly pilly...lilli pilli...lillipilli...

Syzygium spp...

The beautiful lilly pilly in flower at the moment...so many different types of flowers and pretty new leaves : ) Inspiration from flora...

Also, our giveaway competition is now closed. Thanks for joining in the fun! Winner announced soon.

Need a flattering and comfy new handmade skirt?

Hello to you all,

For those of you who already wear our Easy-wear skirts, you will know at Lillipilli Lane we love making clothes that really work for mums and their kids. Well by popular request here's another in our range, a pretty A-line skirt well suited and flattering for the hourglass and pear-figures.

This pretty pink paisley fabric is just one in our new range. Pop over to our
Handmade clothing at Lillipilli Lane online store, and select 'Women's A-line skirt' to have a peek at the fabric range. We'd love to know what you think, do add a comment here : ) This one was made as a b'day pressie for a special Mamma - Happy Birthday Anna.

All 100% cotton.

We are also very happy to announce our new market date - pop over to the sidebar 'At the Market' to have a peek. This will be our Christmas market, so lots of wonderful chrissy pressies to be found : ) Only 45 days til Xmas. Are you ready? I'm not, but will start my handmade Christmas shopping today!

Kreativ Blogger Award

It must be my very lucky day! I have been honoured to receive two Kreativ Blogger Awards! A BIG thank you to Jessica at Imagination In Flight and to Katie at Bird and the Babies . You have Made my Day : )

So there are some things I am to do to receive this illustrious award -
7 rules to keep it growing:

1) Copy picture and post on your blog ✓
2) thank the person who gave it to you and link to their blog ✓
3) write 7 things about yourself we don't know: ✓

1. I used to work as an environmentalist : 0
2. I had a beautiful feline companion for 21 years, and was blessed with our companionship
3. I love the energy of the beach
4. I love birds - they are little glittering jewels in the garden
5. I love flowers - especially scented ones! Gardenias and roses, can smell them now.
6. I love opera - especially live
7. I would secretly love to be able to paint (no not houses)

4) choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to, and ✓
5) link to those 7 other bloggers ✓

Ok, I am going to try and choose some folks I know haven't recently received this lovely award

1. Dions Buttons
2. Eclectic Me
3. Kre8ive Life
4. Not Sew Shabby
5. My Life's Journey
6. Sissy Sparrows
and
7. Wild Things of Noosa

These are just a few of my fave kreativ bloggers!
6) notify your 7 bloggers ✓(doing that right now)

Have a happy day and thanks again for some, have fun to the new 7!

Thanks for dropping by

A big thank you to everyone who dropped by the Lillipilli Lane stall at Mathilda's on the weekend and for visiting us online. It was great to meet you and a pleasure to have such an interest in Lillipilli Lane. We also appreciated the valuable feedback on our wares and especially our new skirt 'Calico Dreams'.

A real highlight was being next to the Princess Ratbag stall - these women rock. If you haven't seen their wares - you really do have to check out their website...Princess Ratbag (the things little girls dreams are made of).

So what did we do the day after the huge weekend, took a day off to relax in our little piece of Paradise : )

Sneak preview

Hello everyone,

how's your week been? I am happily sewing for Mathilda's Market this Sunday. I have gone spotti dotti (again)- love this little twirl skirt from vintage fabric. Too Cute. Also some other lovely fabrics in the process of becoming some-one's lovely little dancing skirt: *lucky me* to create these special little gifts...Best wishes to everyone in prepping for the day and to those gearing up to visit : )

Look fwd to seeing you there for a fun and inspiring day.

To market we go, Mathilda's Brissie

We are very excited to have a stand at Mathilda's market in Brisbane. We'd love for you to come and see us at out our lillipilli lane stand on Sunday 1st Nov 2009, between 9am and 1pm. It will be held in the grand old Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Main Auditorium (ground floor).

These markets will have over 60 exclusive stallholders (many who do not have shopfronts so you will have access to lots of unique wares). There will also be lots of yummy food and it promises to a be great day out for all. Do drop in to say hi. We look forward to seeing you there!

For a sneak preview have a look at the website Mathilda's Market .

Give Away

We're so excited about our new lillipilli lane website http://www.lillipillilane.com.au/ that we are offering a chance to win one of our handmade wares - of your choice, you may select one item of from our Madeit store (listed prior to this post date):

To enter, follow our blog (if you already are - a big thank you) and visit our website to find the answer to the following question. When have found it, send your answer to info@lillipillilane.com.au

What are the 4 types of lillipilli lane Girls skirts ?

- For 2 chances to win, do the above and post about this giveaway on your blog,
- For 3 chances to win, also leave a comment here telling us what you like most about our new website !

Remember, include the item you would like to win and why in your email.
Good luck, and thanks for helping to get the word about lillipilli lane out there! Will let you know who the lucky winner is on 20th Nov 09. (closing a week early so I can do another one)

New mamma's skirts, love these

Hello everyone, hope all is well for each and everyone of you.

I came accross this fabric in a new store - I love the retro and vintage type fabrics and found these! Lucky me. The inspiration as to what to make from them came to me - yes fabrics talk to me :-) - so I put them together as a couple of very comfy long easy-wear skirts. I love these you can slip them on at home, or if you have to go out...very comfy and look ok too...

The patterns really are lovely - best to have a close up to really see their character. I am drawn to orange at present - signifies growth and creativity...and this particular shade of green I find happy and easy to be around. I am now looking forward to making myself a version...(yes I do have lots of fabric put aside to make my very own - can take a while, anybody else have that experience!)

These skirties are on their way to their happy retailer Ms Liesa at Handmade Heaven http://handmadeheaven7.blogspot.com/ and hope to find someone who loves them : ) Thanku Liesa, I also have some on my Madeit shop to see how they go. Wish me luck.

Pay it forward fun

I'm participating in some 'pay it forward' fun over at one wise owl http://funwithalittlewiseowl.blogspot.com/ and am continuing the fun here. I have three spots to fill for people who want to join too.
I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people. I have 365 days to do it in…(but will ship out before christmas). What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. (just cut and
paste this one if you like!, which I did). What fun, looking forward to you joining me!

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for...almost

Yes you guessed it 'Blog Candy', as a dear friend calls it...

I recall the days when we had two very faithful readers on our blog (thank you) ... (do you remember those early days on your blog?! - would love to hear about it). However today, this has blossomed to become a wonderful multi-skilled mulit- talented network.
I love seeing some one new has joined us and learning about what their interest and talents are. Many of you are truely gifted and creative and also have art / craft enterprises yourselves, I am so honured to have you on our page. These 'followers' blogs / webs (click on the 'followers icons') really are a great source to go to find some extra special handmade treasures and can lead you to some really wonderful places on the computer handmade journey. I encourage you to check them out.

In appreciation and recognition here's something for you - I am happy to give one lillipilli lane Mamma's Easy-wear skirt to a lucky 'Follower' of the lillipilli lane blog (yes you are welcome to still join us). These skirts really are so very comfy and being 100% cotton, great for these warm sunny days.

So how to win one? The lillipilli lane website comes live in a couple of weeks (for a sneak peek go to www.lillipillilane.com.au ) when it does I will post letting you know the comp is open and I shall then run a little treasure hunt for some fun and your chance to win a little piece of handmade lillipilli lane. So, stay tuned and get those investigative hats on.
Have a happy day : - ) here's a pretty piccie to relax by....photo of central qld rainforest by me.

New spring range of organic clothing

These lovely 'mamma's and girls easy-wear skirts' are lillipilli lane's new spring range of Eco-organics. Our 'Easy-wear' range are especially for mamma's and littlies as they are 'Easy-care - iron or don't, and Easy-wear slip on style - for busy mums and for littlies to manage.

They are made using 100% certified organic fabric and thread. The fabric is so very soft and wearable and the patterns appealing. The thread brings a very natural quality to the garments too.

To quote me - “I am really happy to offer these organic skirts as I feel they provide something a little different to what’s already out there and they also provide organic clothes for older kids. There is plenty for babies and tots but not so much for older children. An added bonus is that they are handmade adding to the sustainability factor”. You may be at ease knowing you are supporting the environment and your health through purchasing organic wares.

This range is available through Caroline Bell at Gecoz in beautiful Bellingen, the exclusive stockist of lillipilli lane's organic range. Visit their online store GECOZ: Ecologically Sustainable Living - Organic Clothing, Organic Cotton and Ecologically Sustainable Products http://www.gecoz.net.au/.

I will be sporting them this season - you have to wear them to really experience how soft they are.

Snowhite comes to visit

I have just made this cute little costume - Snowhite and am very happy with it. And best its all Up-cycled out of remnant fabrics - no new fabric needed! I made it from an adjusted pattern a lovely lady gave me of a funky 80's dress pattern - I knew that would come in handy... I had lots of fun making it, learnt a few things and most importantly it passed the test with the little princess wearing it, phew.

If you haven't already, visit Katie's post from 5 Star, Baby! http://5starbaby.blogspot.com/2009/09/toy-story-alien-costume-for-our-school.html about her funky costume hat - definately worth a look very cute and funny. Brought a smile to my face : -)

Win a little something

pssst, Liesa at Handmade Heaven http://www.handmadeheaven7.blogspot.com/ is having a give-away competition - rules apply : - ) good luck...

New mamma's easy-wear skirt

Here is my latest cute mamma's skirt. Its a full gathered skirt so is a bit twirly and fun. Lightweight, cool, pretty fabric. I have added a little gathered pocket and ric rac trim for fun and a nice big retro style button. Gathered at the waist for ease of fit. Can be worn at the waist as above, or at the hips as below. This one is happily waiting a new owner at Handmade Heaven http://www.handmadeheaven7.blogspot.com/ with the second of only three blue linen long skirts (below) all slightly different.

National Organics Week Oct

National Organics Week is coming up Friday 16 to Sunday 25 October, see the web for more information on their growing list of activities : - )
http://www.organicweek.net.au/events_List.php

Nice piece of inspiration

This beautiful natural art installation appeared on the lake foreshore as part of the Floating Land festival a litte while back. Lots more like this as one strolled around the lake. Lovely...inspiring...peaceful...have a look at more beautiful scenes at www.floatingland.com.au

Certified Organic skirts

Here we are, the completed product of two handmade 100% certified organic skirts. Matching mamma's and daughters Easy-wear skirts, I have been wanting to do a matching set for ages - they look so cute together!

Each entire piece is 100% certified organic - fabric and thread. The Fabric is 'Harmoney Art' from Organic Fabric Online http://www.organicfabriconline.com.au/ and is very soft and wearable.

The organics are a little different to sew with than conventional threads. The organic thread has a textured quality and runs through the machines differently than non-organic cotton thread. It has been great to sew these up and experience the art of sewing with these beautiful and environmentally responsible fabrics.

I have enjoyed getting to know their characteristics and doing some more wares. Any one else had experience sewing with organic fabric and thread? Love to hear about it. Drop me a post...

Where art thou

Hello everyone,
I have been neglecting you I know! I have been busy working with my web designer on getting the lillipilli lane website further along (yes its been a while) and a whole bunch of behind the scenes work- Gee isn't there a lot of background work. Its due for completion in mid Oct...

You may notice my swish new look blog thanks to the help of the same designer, Leah at www.instylewebdesign.com.au I have actually managed to upload this lovely logo and banner...(which I have had for quite a while just haven't uploaded)...my handmade calico one will still come in very handy. Watch this space for the word on the launch of my website and a fun competition with a very nice prize...I have also been busy getting the lillipilli lane online shop updated (see the Madeit button) - all this computer work and I am happy to say I am getting the hang of it! Multi-talented aren't we all! How was that dust storm!

More Vintage*Retro skirts for mums

Here are some more fun vintage and retro inspired skirts I have been whipping up. This mid length Easy-wear skirt one above is from some beautiful vintage fabric I found on my trip at a wonderful little vintage shop called Shop 55 it also has an online shop. The yellow gingham is my tribute to the ever smiling and sweet Doris Day. The long length Easy-wear skirt is made from blue linen with appliqued pocket and is my pioneering mothers tribute : -) These skirts have headed down to the lovely hand-made shop Handmade Heaven.

Retro Vintage Summer Skirts for busy Mums

Here are some fun skirts I have done for spring/summer with bright colours and big patch pockets. I call them Mamma's Easy-wear Skirts as they are designed with busy mums in mind, they easily slip on (elastic waist for ease of fit) and are ease of care - iron or don't iron! They look good worn over jeans, tights, stockings or with bare legs...matched with a singlet top, T or a retro/vintage blouse. Probably look cute with a matching hairband : - ) The first two are vintage style 1950's fabric (new ) the last one is a fabulous floral vintage fabric... they are 100% cotton I love its qualities it's so hardwearing, and has a nice crisp look.

A big thank you to the store owner Liesa at Handmade Heaven http://handmadeheaven7.blogspot.com/2009/08/loving-lillipilli-lane-right-now.html for modelling her beautiful Cho Cho San EWS. Several of these skirts have gone to good homes through Handmade Heaven at Ipswich (Qld) with some great feedback from the wearers - thank you I appreciate it...My sewing machine is purring along at present creating some more in this range...

best to you all