Well the holidays are over and it has been back to school and work this week for the kids and I. Last week was so much fun with lots of outings, catching up with friends, sleepovers, and of course extra time to sew and bake! I made up a batch of Anzac cookies for ANZAC Day. We accompanied my 89 year old Grandfather to an afternoon service, and their were four generations of our family represented.

I was quite nostalgic when I saw some lovely Chicken Scratch Embroidery over at Kerri’s Blog. My grandmother taught me how to embroider like this when I was about 10 yrs old– it was my first introduction to a love of stitchery. I have started making up one of Kerri’s gorgeous bookmarks and will show it off next post. I hope to teach Sarah how to do this soon.
On the weekend I was helping my Mum sort through my Grandparents House and came across my Nan’s apron collection. One was a lovely cross stitch apron that she used to wear at Christmastime.


I found a couple of short zips recently when I cleaned out my haberdashery supplies so used them to make up some coin purses.


I recently received this great bag pattern from Tania at Jet Designs. I made it up using some sturdy fabric from IKEA and lined with some black and while dotted cotton. It is such a handy size for shopping, and I am making a big effort lately to take my own bags shopping.

Posted By Lisa
Hi Lisa, I was back at work today too, I must have relaxed over the last few days away as found it really hard to get the mind back into work gear today. Love the coin purses, and bag you have made. It would have been very special sharing Anzac Day with your grandad. Enjoy the rest of your week. My girls still have a few days left of sleep-ins before school heads back next week. Hugs Julz
So much creativity. It’s fantastic.
My grandmother taught me that style of embroidery too. I had completely forgotten about it. It was lovely to remember.
I love all those little purses too. I am yet to be adventurous enough to try zips in my sewing.
Gee you have been busy. I love all of your latest creations. I wish I had that big plate of anzac biscuits in front of me right now…yum!
Fabulous bag & purses, Lisa! And that apron is a gem. Also, I noticed that you got some of the Cake Rock Beach fabrics…can I ask which online shop did you get it from? So that I can get some, too. 🙂
you know, seeing that apron makes me want to make one similar…….so sweet
Wow Lisa, 89, how sweet. My Oma lived to be 96!
You have so many wonderful things on this post! I love the coin purses, the bag you made is lovely, I love using my own bag or bags at the store ; )
The sweet apron and story that went with it- all wonderful!
I remember learning that style of embroidery when I was about 8 years old. Your pictures took me back to that age instantly. Thank you – Jen
Wow! I’m loving all those pictures. Great purses and bag too.
You have been very busy.
I love the Christmas apron and the cookies look delish! Your new bag is fabulous! I have really been meaning to make myself more shopping bags, I have even bought fabric. Yours cam out great!
Love the cute purses. What a great way to use up left over fabric. Do you have a particular pattern you use for them? Libby
Choc flower one is my favourite!
Oh, your Anzac biscuits look sooo delicious! You’ve been very busy, the big shopper is great!
Great bag! And I love how you are using up all of your fabric doing bits and pieces… and anzac bikkies! I have been meaning to make some for ages… must do so before I use up all of the golden syrup… :o)
I remember those aprons ….. another great fabric from Ikea the bag looks perfect for shopping I try very hard with the bag thing but I’m not always good.
How wonderful to have those memories of your family traditions. Lovely things to pass on….and share. Having four generations represented at the Anzac service is so special.
oh, i love those little coin purses! what a good idea!
I love your big bag and ziped purses. Anzac biscuits are so very good, we can even buy them over here in London! Have a great weekend.
You’ve been busy! Love that bag, and recognize and love that ikea fabric, too!
Loved the apron and the coin purses! How do you sew in the zippers on something so small? I hate zippers so much, 🙁
Your blog is so sweet, when I saw the cupcake, I had to come over for a visit! Lovely…
Have a great Friday and weekend too, Donna Lynn
this is all so lovely! i will take the bag and a few cookies as well. and maybe a cupcake or two!
Ohhh… yum! Homemade ANZAC cookies. My mum made them every year, I’ll have to start up the tradition again.
Love the coin purses and the bag looks great!
eeek…zips ! Loving the IKEA fabric bag- beautiful.
lovely apron!!! I wish I was into them when we gave away all my nan’s stuff…
I love your tea sets and love your blog. You seem to like heaps of things the same as me! 🙂
The bag is really nice Lisa! I love black and white!
Glad you had a nice weeks holiday, they go so fast. It must be nice to share special things like that with your grandad. I really must learn how to make bags- I’ll have to add it to my list. Have a lovely weekend
Lisa x
Your bag is fabulous and the coin purses are such a great way to use up leftovers.
I love that you shared pics of your Grandmother’s cross-stitch apron. I am totally obsessing over gingham now.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Chicken Scratch bookmarks tutorial. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
MMMMM the cogs are turning, after the bookmarks I think an apron is in order – this apron is just delish. I hope myt nana can find her sister-in-laws chicken scratch table cloth.