in search of the sun.....

By the time you read this, I will (hopefully) be sitting on a sunny beach somewhere up past Byron Bay. The Horton clan have headed off in search of the sun and to explore a part of the beautiful North Coast that we haven't yet seen. I can't wait - I have a lovely trashy novel, my drawing things and my unfinished toys for Morphe II. Luckily there is no room to take my sewing machine or I most likely would have tried to pack that too. Not that it really matters, as after my slight panic and meltdown earlier in the week, I seem to have found a new source of creative energy. Or my old one has come back! Either way, I have progressed in leaps and bounds and am on the home stretch. Just some hand finishing and embroidery  to do and they'll be bound for Adelaide.
In the meantime I have a few more Japanese craft books to show........

ISBN 4-529-04229-4 This book is full of patchworked and appliqued goodies - bags, potholders, pouches and a knacky sewing kit, just to mention a few!
The way in which colour and pattern are combined are quite inspiring - much bolder and riotous than I tend towards but I think it's good to take a look at things from a different viewpoint once in a while.

Some cute pouches ( or "porches" as they have been called in the book)!

ISBN 4-277-43066-X  hemp no kagibari ami KOMONO
I only had to look at the cover to know that I would enjoy this one.
Lots of crochet inspiration- hats, jewelery, bags and even a drink bottle cover ( could you really be bothered?) There are some really odd little cacti in pots that would make a fun present....

and some beautifully simple hemp baskets...

I would like to make one of these with a pincushion insert.
When I get back from the beach , that is!

Talk to you all in 10 days.....sun & surf here I come! ( hmmm, not too keen on getting into the bikini though!)

Comments

[gkgirl]

wowzers!
awesome books!

i love the colors
and those hemp baskets,
so simple and natual looking
and sooo pretty!
:)

have a great weekend!

[justine]

have a fabulous holiday in Byron :)
I love the first Jap book

[Kate]

I love your books - the cacti are gorgeous, and they would make cool pincushions too!

Enjoy Byron - what a great time of year to go.

[Alex]

Hope you have a wonderful time with your family, Marianne!

[christina]

have a wonderful holiday! i am a bit envious of your adventure. the books are amazing i think i may have to go to the store and look for them.

enjoy!

[bethany]

the cacti are fantastic.. I hope you have a lovely vacation!!

[Hanna]

Thanks for sharing the pictures, the photos in these books are just amazing. The light and fuzzy background makes everything look special and beautiful. I want to learn to take photos like this!

[Sandrine (alias Didine ♥ )]

OOOh I wish soooooooo much I could crochet... I'm desperate and deeply deeply deeply sad because one : I'd like to have the perfect book to learn how to crochet. Two : because I'd like to have this book soooooo soooo soooooo much ! Look at these so lovely cutest Cacti, purses, pincushions,... Three : because I'd like to be able to say "I always have my crochets with me. Maybe I should use them..." Four : Because here in Belgium crochet is still something "fuddy-duddy", no crochets, no crochet books, no yarns,.... In fact no crafters at all... After the movie "desperate housewives" they should start "desperate crafter in Belgium" :) You're so lucky ! If you had some Samantha's fairies power you could have send me some ? As I'd become a "happy crocheter" !!! I wish you a nice thursday and send you tons of smooches from the tiniest country ever ! PS: BTW I'm happy that I "found" your blog :)