Paper mache pod, made from ripped up romance novel and diluted PVA glue.  Painted with gesso.

Mien from Red Red Day creates the most heart-squeezingly beautiful objects with paper mache.  I just had to give it a go. 

My 'pod' is very thin walled and suffered a little bit of collapse while drying, but the final stucture is strong and holds its (wonky) shape well. 

It was a lot of fun to photograph the pod. I set up a little 'set' on my desk next to a window and happily snaped away for ages. I have had a fair amount of difficulty photographing my work since we moved due to lack of good light in the flat, so I'm pretty chuffed that I've found an OK solution.

Today is a public holiday here, Picnic Day.  We didn't get to have a picnic though, Chris was called into work and I had a nap - two dinner parties, two nights in a row and maybe just a little too much to drink finally caught up with me.

Ok, after a little bit of angst, I present here a photo of myself wearing The Dress.

I used New Look pattern No. 6774 and modifications to acommodate my bust.  I have no experience with dressmaking (apart from 4yrs of Home Ec in high school), but it seems to be ok, though the shoulders are slightly too wide and the skirt part is a little too generous.

I'd still be stuck on the bodice without the help of Chris' mum, Bev, who patiently pinned up seams and hem for me :-)

I purchsed the fabric from the Darwin Spotlight Store (big fabric chain store in Australia)  This outlet had a huge range of 100% cotton dressmaking fabrics.   I'll definitely be going back! 

I've got enough fabric for another 3 dresses.... plus 3m of a georgous seersucker, destination unknown.

Hi friends, I'm refreshed and ready to blog once more.  We just had a lovely two week holiday with Chris' mum and dad including our first visit to Darwin, but I won't rehash that all here... except to say I have now seen a crocodile.

My creative stuff has been ticking along nicely too.

I've been mainly embroidering as you can see.  And I also sewed a dress!!! which is quit a feat given the amount of pattern mods required to deal with my bust.

 I'm a bit over the embroidery now.  Below is a peek at my new project, which could turn out to be quite an undertaking!!

And Mein, I tried some paper mache!!  I'll post about that later in the week :-)