Stampede of Horses

A small collection of my summer 2011/2012 'My Love for you is a stampede of horses'

Playboy Bowties

Ok, so it took me an hour to find out how to tie a bow tie. All for learning new things at chez sketch & jones, it seemed a little nuts that old farts tying bow ties were the worst tutors whereas playboy bunnies have it all sorted when it comes to the art of bow ties. They may be wearing little else than the bow tie, but these ladies know their stuff. These cute bow ties will be debuting this weekend at The OliveTree Market, 9am-3pm at The Junction Public School.

And Back

Phew, that was a busy couple of months. Lots of new products to photograph and to rave on about, but for now let's talk bikes. I bought a new dutchie bike a couple of months ago and am completely in love. She is black and beautiful and is one smooth machine. There is nothing I love more than dinking/doubling my Miss 9 niece. When she was younger we would walk along and I would feel a little warm hand nestle into my palm and it would make me smile. This happens less often nowadays - bit uncool. Today, on our way to school, she didn't want to ride her bike to school. I thought she wanted to walk, but no. She grabbed her helmet and jumped on the back of the dutchie - complete with cushy cushion. It was a sweet ride to school for both of us.

Ta-Da New Dolly

It's been in the works for a while. Finally I finished her. Totally screen printed with a reversible cape and skirt. The skirt print was a last minute thing, but I am totally in love with the squirrel skirt. I had some great suggestions of maybe making matching squirrel skirts for the big girl doll owners. I've got more plans for the doll. I'm also thinking of making little felt suitcases with handmade nighties inside.

New Fabric Print - Camp Wanataka

Here is my new camping pattern 'Camp Wanataka' destined for little man bags. Men need bags too you know, especially to tote around bugs, balls and bits and bobs that little fellas find in their travels. I'll try and photograph them tomorrow. The mogul has given birth to my beautiful little nephew and I'm just all about boys now, so stay tuned for many boy themed projects. Mini-mogul is so adorable and I'm already planning to adorn him in all sorts of nutty adorable clothes. First on the agenda - screen printed lederhosen. Although only a few weeks old mini-mogul has already acquired numerous nicknames - Maurie the Mole is my favourite.

Don't forget The Olive Tree Market is on this Saturday, 9am-3pm, The Junction Public School. I'll have my new man bags and a new range of summer scarves.

Hunter Valley Gardens - Chocolate Festival

Surrounded by crowds was the cooking demonstration by Adriano Zumbo.

Under a beautiful canopy were the chocolate sculptures and demonstrations.

All made of chocolate. Snippets from the chocolate sculptures competition.

Cooking demonstrations on a lovely little floating platform.

Fast Ed. After cooking a delicious souffle and handing it out to an audience member, Fast Ed saw the person disappear in the crowd to eat the souffle and Fast Ed got a bit worried they were taking off with his plate. He's a fast one - that Ed- and not unhot, as Mrs Walker would say. Justine Schofield and Fast Ed cooking some delightful treats.

Dean Gibson, chocolatier extraordinaire and captain of the Australian pastry team, displaying his talents with chocolate. Very nerve wracking stuff. The crowds were poised with cameras waiting for the macaron tower to topple, but alas it stuck firm even whilst Dean and chocolate helpers wrangled it onto a chocolate platform. Tricky stuff indeedy!

The Hunter Valley Gardens Chocolate Festival is in its 4th year and is well worth the drive to The Hunter to check it out. The gardens are absolutely divine and there is chocolate and food galore dotted around the gardens to enjoy and cooking competitions and demonstrations everywhere you turn. An enormous marquee is set up with chocolates and sweet treats to eat. I tried a couple of rounds of melted Belgian chocolate and strawberries and some bites of various pastries. There was also lots of information on chocolate courses, cooking classes and cake decorating. Some of the chocolate and cooking businesses represented included Savour, Patisse and TAFE NSW.

Puffy Cot Quilt

Cute puffy quilt that I whipped up a couple of weeks ago. There are babies about to pop left, right and centre around here so it's good to have a few on hand. I'm in the process of making a few custom quilts. I don't use purple often, but my friend has requested lilac be incorporated. This should be interesting and I'm sure will be very pretty. My sister who is due to pop any day has got a pirate theme going on. I was going to do pirates, but I've got ideas about a camping themed quilt.

Pouffe Fun

After my printing frenzy a couple of weeks ago. I knocked out a pouffe at the last minute to take to the markets to show people what you can do with the panels that I'm selling. I got a request to buy the pouffe when I wasn't really counting on sellling it and thought why not. Now I'm doing a custom pouffe with cushions to match. As a complete recycler of all crafty bits and bobs - the pouffe is stuffed tight with fabric scraps. I'm printing the custom pouffe with some lovely teal panels. Stay tuned.