Family history through a brooch

This is my Granny. She always wears a brooch. And I mean, always. I honesty can't remember any time I have seen her without one. She has so many, I guess I have been taking them for granted (for way too long)

Today, I decided to ask her about the brooch she was wearing. I am so pleased that I did, I still giggle every time I think of this conversation:
Me: Grandma, please tell me about your brooch.
Granny: One of my boyfriends gave it to me. Can't remember which one.
Me: Dissolved in giggles, could hardly hear the rest of her story, had to ask her to repeat it.

The story is that one of her boyfriends gave it to her during the Second World War. There are two boyfriends it could have been from, both of them serving in the Australian Army in New Guinea (in the 1940's) She could remember both of their names, one of them was a chef in the Officers Army. She told me the other one courted her and waited for her for 12 years - but she married my dear Grandpa (who passed away 5 years ago)

The brooch is made out of shell, and is exquisite. The photographs do not do it justice at all. I had to use my little compact camera, not my SLR.

Next time I see Grandma, I will ask her about the brooch she is wearing that day. And I can't wait!

Cloth nappies and wipes, I love you

I am still talking about what was happening before Zoe was born. So, 8 or 9 weeks ago I was sewing up these lady bug cloth nappy wipes. I was rather excited when I found the lady bug fleece, and had to stop myself from buying dozens of metres of it!

I love my cloth nappy wipes. They are so soft. I use them instead of disposable wipes at nappy change time, with a spray bottle of water (you can also buy already made up, natural solutions, like floral water) Then I just wash them with my cloth nappies. They dry so quickly. They save me money. They are better for the environment. And no chemicals on Zoe's newborn baby bottom too.

This was my nappy change table, all set up at the end of August, and waiting for Zoe to arrive.

It was also before I got some more of my favourite cloth nappies, itti bitti d'lish's. Look at all the different colours. There are even more colours to choose from at itti bitti. For many years I have been a self confessed pink hater. But pink as a colour is starting to grow on me - lucky that, as we now have two little girls.

6 weeks ago today.....

I had a baby. I can't believe how fast these 6 weeks have gone. In that time I have only managed one posting. I have lots to talk about, and lots of things to show, even managed 20 minutes of sewing (in the whole 6 weeks!) Otherwise I have been a tad busy with our gorgeous baby, Zoe. Not to mention Abbey keeps me busy too. How do all you other bloggers do it - find the time to fit it all in?

Chris and I have been joking that we now have the A-Z of little girls (as we have Abbey and Zoe)

Lets go back 7 weeks then - I was busy sewing these bibs.

I had some Dora material left over from the pencil case I made. So the Dora bib is for Abbey, but as she is 3.5 years old, it does not get worn very often.

And here is Zoe. Fast asleep.