I am Tamiya…

…for another post, isn’t it?

So after my last post where I happened to be very cryptic and stuff, I finally launched my idea: Felt So Good – an online store where you can buy a whole lot of hand made felt goodies, and there’s even a category for non-felt items, like Comfy Nursing Pillows and Baby Play Mats. If you’re looking for special, unique once off gifts for your baby, child, littlest persons or perhaps for a friend, Felt So Good is the place for you. I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved, with the site, the store and all the items I’ve made so far. Obviously, the selection might not be as great as I’d like it to be yet, but I’m working on constantly making new things and growing the variety. And if you have an idea, or would like to see something in store, please drop me a line, leave a comment or tweet me @feltsogoodZA. I have a whole bunch of ideas for exciting items floating in my head, I just wish I had more hours in my day so I could focus on these things too. I am positive however, that once I am established with everything I want to have in the shop, things will go much smoother and I won’t feel so rushed. Om my sack, I can’t wait to have you all see and hear what you think.

In other very very exciting news: I got ENGAGED!!! Woohoo!! Finally, after almost 5 years  and 2 kids later, it happened. I know nothing in our relationship has ever taken the traditional standard route, and this is no exception, I’m just very happy it finally happened!!He asked me in a way that was perfect for us, went down on one knee, said a lovely speech, and asked me to marry him. I did interrupt somewhere in the middle to ask if this is for real-real or what? And he said yes, it’s for real-real, and no it’s not the promise ring we spoke about a while ago (Promise ring: where I promise to say yes when he *does* eventually ask me to marry him). I am so over the moon and happy and know that this is the right route for us to go. It’s the only route for us to go. He’s seen me at my best and also at my absolute worst. He knows of all my problems, emotionally, mentally and physically and still sticks with me. He endures my fights, my irrationality, my irresponsibility, my highs and my lows. He makes me SO.VERY.CROSS sometimes, but he also makes me laugh, makes me happy, makes me smile and makes me cry with joy. He has given me my two most precious treasures in all the world. He keeps me grounded and all my eleventymillion bright ideas in check. He’s sensible and makes sense, even if I don’t always immediately agree. He loves me. And I love him.

I didn’t think we’d be able to do much this Xmas for the kids, but my amazing parents came through and we were able to spoil the kids with some amazing gifts. We opened presents on the morning of the 24th, because Xmas day was going to be spent at the outlaws, and we were told not to bring any gifts or toys along, so the kids don’t fight etc etc. And I wanted to give them (A1 specially) some time to enjoy everything he got. I did better than last year though, where we opened presents on the 23rd, because A1 can’t tell dates and I was SO excited for him to open stuff that I couldn’t wait any longer. Amongst other things, A1 got a Spiderman Scalextric and A2 got a Scout from Leap Frog. What an amazing little doggy that Scout is, he even knows A2′s name and sings him personalised songs and spells out his name and knows his favorite food and everything!! I’m sure Scout will become his best friend for a very long time!

A2 is really becoming a big boy now. He’s even starting to sit up. Not really by himself yet, and if I put him up he stays there for all of two seconds before slowly falling over or forward (which is actually really funny to see). He does manage more sitting time in his Bumbo chair though. I think he’ll be able to use his Bumbo for a while,  because he’s not that big of baby. I would like to see how well the Bumbo Tray works, because when I had A1, the tray hadn’t come out yet, so this will be a first for us.

A1 and I baked cookies today. Was a lot of fun. We made 5 flavours: Plain, coconut, chocolate, rainbow sprinkles and cinnamon (pancake flavour ones). The pancake cookies are my favorite! I think next time I’ll just make a whole batch of those ones. The others are nice too though… A1 had an absolute blast punching out the shapes. I only gave him a small star, a big star, a man and an ‘A’ to work with. He loves the A because that’s his name. I’ll teach him about the rest of the letters later. He knows there are more though, but essentially he writes his name with A.

My mum ordered The.Most.Amazing Calendars from Sharon of Life Images Photography (NOT to be confused with that poephol from Life Image Photography) for my Grandmas and Oupa. She used some pictures from the Sibling Shoot we had done with the boys when A2 was but a teeny tiny little breath. Wow!! I really wish I had one of those for my office next year. Wait, maybe I’ll just order my own! Shhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooonnnnnnnnn!!! I WANT ONE TOO PLEASE!

The nice thing about the way the calendars are printed, is that each photo can be cut out once the month is done and put in a frame or used as a photo, because the calendars are printed on photographic paper. I thought that added a nice touch, so it’s re-usable too

Tomorrow, we FINALLY get to meet Caz and #TheKernel for the very first time! I am really really excited, because she’s been our other 2010 Belly Buddy and lives very far from us but happens to be in our neck of the woods now. A whole tweetup has been arranged and a lot of awesome people are going to be there! Hooray for tomorrow!

That’s all for now folks. I’m not running out of words, but as always lately, time is an issue.

We still love you all and are happy to have you in our lives!!

xxx

…I don’t think we’re going to have much of a Xmas this year… Buying houses are damned expensive, so there really is not a lot of money floating around.. I don’t want to go so far and say we’re having an anti-xmas, because the tree is already up and I feel bad for A1 to take it off before Santa’s even come to visit. He’ll get one, maaaayyyybbeee two store bought presents, and I’ll definitely make him something, but that’s about it. I’ll make A2 something, because really, he’s still too little to understand anyway. Next year!

And just so you know, I’m not saying any of this for sympathies or pity or anything, it’s just a fact and I’m stating it. And I don’t feel too bad about feeling like this either, because as I gather from Twitter, a whole bunch of people seem to be going this Non-Xmassy route this year. Is this the way of the future?

Anyhoodle, I think that’s all I wanted to say…

xxx

…brainwave. Fortunately a brainwave and not a brain pain

I’m working on getting all the things for my brainwave set up and ready, and then I’ll stop with all the secrecy and cryptic tweets and seriously buzzing attitude. Promise! Okay, maybe I’ll keep the buzz, this feeling is really growing on me. In the meantime, you can go look at the estimated countdown of said revelation over >>>HERE<<<

In other news, for those people who live in Jhb but haven’t noticed and those who don’t live here at all, the weather has been seriously crappy. Rainy, cold and miserable! Exactly what you’d expect in mid-December It actually now just needs to snow, then we’ll have a Xmas like they show on TV. My problem with this kind of weather though, is that it really starts effecting A1 after a while. My kid is bored, man! Seriously so. He’s played more games than not, drawn tons of pictures, jumped on my couches and have watched insane amounts of TV so far. I try stick to channels 301, 302 and 306 on DSTV, but I’m starting to get over that now. I know all the words to Nuzzle and Scratch, Bobinogs, Tweenies and In The Night Garden AND can even sing each song in proper tune! Now THAT’s giving my brain a pain!

With A2, we’ve kind of given up on the solids for the time being. He *can* eat, he just doesn’t like to. So we’re not doing that anymore, and I’m slowly but surely increasing his milk feed amount to accommodate the growth. He really is still not a fatty and a lot of the photos I’ve posted on Twitter lately, might be a bit deceiving in making you think that he is. The camera really does add 10 pounds! He’s almost almost starting to sit up. Not by himself though, but with a little help from me, he’s totally loving being upright. He’s also started laughing when I tickle him instead of crying, which is really cool. Now guess what I’m doing lots and lots ?

In my world, my boss phoned this morning to find out what’s happening in January? Am I coming back to work or what’s the story? Oh, I am SO DEFINITELY going back to work. This SAHM thing is not for me. I do love my kids, a LOT, but I just don’t have the discipline or the focus to carry on with an office job on top of looking after a toddler and a very dependent little baby. I’m ending up *trying* to work during the day AND giving attention to the kids, and then work until whatever hours of the night because I have reports that need to go out. I would much rather go to my office, do my job and at knock off time, I actually knock off! I can then come home and give my undivided attention to the children, without having this worry at the back of my mind about stuff still needing to be done. Quality is better than Quantity, in my honest opinion.

We have a nice playdate planned for Friday with Krimpvarkiez, PinkHairGirl and Queenofcomplex. Hooray!! I for one am very excited to get out of the house a bit, and spend some time with friends. This also means I get to meet Krimpvarkiez finally. She also belonged to the Class of 2010 when it came to having babies. And seeing PHG will be awesome, because last time I saw her was when I was about as far along in my pregnancy with A2, as she is now with #koos. Total flip of the coin! And also, I get to see another other mother of mine, Queenofcomplex. She’s not quite old enough to really have been my mother, but she makes for a really good substitute while my mother is off enjoying early retirement on paradise island. I love you, Ma!!

I made PHG and Yme a present for #koos. I can’t wait to give it to her on Friday. I really hope she likes it, because when I saw the initial inspiration, I just KNEW I had to make it for them. I’ll post pics soon, because obviously I can’t give the surprise away just yet.

Next week we have a visit planned with Gina! By then we should know #theSQL’s REAL name I’m really looking forward to that too, because I think or eldest boys will play and have a lot of awesome fun, and my baby can look at her baby and maybe drool all over her. He’s doing a lot of that lately – drooling! And I just want to see her feet! I think babies’ little teeny tiny feet are just the cutest, bestest things in the whole world. A2 can be very lucky he still has all 10 his toes, because I’ve been very tempted on numerous occasions to just bite them off !! Oh, and the last time I saw Gina, was at *my* baby shower, so thats a million yonks ago, because A2 *is* already almost 4 months old, you know!

I love all my online friends plenty plus, and it’s just SUCh a pity that we don’t actually see more of each other than we do right now. I know Twitter allows us to stay updated with each others’ lives because we’re all so addicted to it, but sometimes the human contact is really needed. I know I need it!

Oooooooohhhh, and before I forget: I asked on Twitter the other day if there were more twitterers from The Vale, but no one answered me. That could either mean that No, there aren’t, OR there may be, but they didn’t hear me ask… So, if anybody else out there is from The Vale, let me know. Maybe we can make a plan or something. Unless you’re a weirdo with stalker tendencies, then just move along.

Okidoki, I think my kid is hungry. The big one. Why do I think so? Well, he’s been asking for food for the last half hour, so it could be that…?

xxx

…I’m gonna sew some bibs for A2 next, but that was before Gina had #theSQL in the wee hours of Sunday morning Again, beautiful lady, Mazel Tov and happiness and love for you and yours on the birth of your baby girl!

So, I decided instead that I’ll make them a present rather. From what I understand, Jewish traditions say you can’t have a baby shower before the birth of your baby, so we never got to give her anything. But now that #theSQL is born, the gift giving can begin Hooray! Who DOESN’T love getting presents??

Anyhoodle, for obvious reasons, I can’t tell you what I’m making for them…yet, but I can give a sneak preview of some of the fabric I’ll be using.

Pink Gingham

I’m so excited to be able to make something in pink for a change, because with two little boys in my house, that’s not a very regular occurrence

I’m almost done with it, just need one or two more bits and bobs. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we finally get to meet the precious one. And then I’ll let you know what I made!

xxx

…I managed to fix my site ALL by myself. Feeling quite proud of that at the moment! I’m not entirely sure what I did to change/fix it, but it works, so I’m not asking any questions.

Sorry to have spammed your twitter streams tonight with this inane jabbering, but I *had* to get it fixed, y’know.

I still need all y’all to update your readers and blogrolls and such.

I DO love you very much for indulging me!

xxx

…How’ve you been?

See what I just did? I created a whole new domain with MY name. Aren’t I clever? Well, not really, it took me a whole long time to work out how the hell it works and getting stuff set up. As you can see, I’ve not yet been able to import all the posts from my old blog to this new one. The exporting of the files were easy peasy, but it’s this importing business that’s getting me down. If anybody knows anything about how to import my old blogs’ XML file, WITHOUT getting this:

Sorry, there has been an error.

The uploaded file could not be moved to /var/www/vhosts/tamiyat.co.za/httpdocs/wp-content/uploads.

I would SERIOUSLY appreciate the help!!

Hopefully this will all be resolved soon and normal blogging can commence!

Remember to update your Readers and Inboxes and Subscriptions to this here new site. I would die if I lost all of y’all’s love!!

xxx

…From the beginnig.

I thought I’d do a post on all my projects from when I started sewing. I think I have photos of most of the things I’ve made so far.

This post is not just to show you my stuff, but also more of a reminder for me of how far I’ve come since those early days

*I do apologise beforehand about the quality of some of the photos. My BB doesn’t have a fantastic camera *

(From earliest to latest unpublished projects)

Burpcloth with Waterproof Backing

Hooded Towel with Fairy Binding – a Baby Shower gift for my BFF

Matching Fairy Hooded Receiving Blanket

Fairy Changing Mat

Fairy Nappy and Wet Wipes Holder for a Nappy Bag

Fairy Burp Cloth

Fancy Schmancy Duvet Cover for our bed

Another Nappy and Wet Wipes holder

Scatter Cushions for our Bed to math the Duvet cover

Nappy Clutch Bag – Outside

Nappy Clutch Bag – Inside with Matching fold up Changing Mat

Infant Sun Hat for A2

New Born Summer Breezy Shirt

Mad Hatter Style Top Hat for A1

An A2 essential – His comfy taggy blanky

Matching Space bedding for the A’s. A standard single bed duvet cover and a camping cot size c
over

…between last night and today…

After having made the Suede Nursing Pillow and matching Bunny for A2 yesterday, I of course had to make a bunny for A1 too. Well, because he IS only 3 and a half and also, his baby is getting a whole bunch of stuff and the poor child must be feeling quite neglected, because mommy never makes him anything…

So, I made his bunny. Out of black Velour. Like I said in the previous post, I *don’t* know why I always choose the most difficult of fabrics to work with as a beginner!! But that’s okay, I eventually got it right and A1 loves his bunny. He’s been walking around with it a lot since he got it.

Black Velour Bunny for A1

I really love the fabric though. It’s so soft and almost has a warm quality to it. Who knows, I may just get more and make more soft animals/toys with it.

Then, last night, I started cutting the squares for A2′s quilted play mat. It’s not a play mat like the Tiny Love ones with toys and cross bars and such, but rather a mat we can take around to friends’ houses or outside to play on, like a blanket. Here’s a picture of what I mean:

A2's Play Mat

I decided on using a thick denim fabric as the backing, to make it more hard wearing. This way it will also last way beyond the baby years, and I’m sure as he grows older, we’ll be able to find alternative uses for it. I finished it off with a decorative top stitch, which turned out to be more intensive than I initially thought. I had to concentrate a whole lot harder than I would’ve liked, but it’s okay, I’m still chuffed with the way it turned out. I might not ever use *that* particular stitch for something so big though, but now I know. If I hadn’t tried, I wouldn’t have known.

Denim Backside with Decorative Stitching

I’m LOVING that animal print fabric! I’ve used it for a bunch of other stuff for A2 too. It’s just about finished, but I think I’m definitely going to buy some more of it! It comes in pink too. I have some pink, and I have a project idea lined up for that already. Fortunately, I still have time for that particular project (I’m looking at you, Megan!).

Next up, I think I might make some bibs. I have this awesome collection of bibs that’s just screaming to be made! I think A2 is going to look SO very very cute

Much love x 3

…Blog fodder.

As most of you who follow me on Twitter know, I’ve recently developed a new hobby: Sewing. It’s been about 2 or 3 months now, and I really feel like I just get better at it with each project I attempt

I’ve also decided that I’m going to start blogging about the stuff I make, because a) it’s where I can jot down notes about stuff I’ve learnt/will change for the next time I make the same thing, and b) to share the fun I’m having with you. I really am quite proud of everything I’ve made thus far!

So far, I’ve only really made baby stuff and accessories and some bedding sets. I’m not really into making clothes and such, so I don’t think that’ll be an avenue I’m going to pursue in the near future. I’m making stuff for the boys, because they won’t care that I don’t know how to do a blind hem stitch by hand yet… I really need to learn how to though
Oh, and I desperately need to get a thimble! My thumb is stuffed after last night!

Let’s begin with last nights’ project. Yesterday, I was allowed to go shop for fabrics as part of my Xmas present. I had a semi budget, which I more or less stuck to for a change. I bought a whole bunch of yellow, lime green and turquoisey blue fabrics. Just a meter of each. That’s how I sew: I first buy the fabric and THEN I decide what to make with it backwards, I know.

Anyhoodle, I also bought some patterns for a change, instead of just downloading them and getting ideas off the internet. I can now make very cute stuff!

With the patterns in hand, and an idea of what I want to make, I got some suede to make a Nursing Pillow, with a matching bunny.

(I don’t know why I tend to choose difficult fabrics to work with, specially since I’m only a beginner sewer)

I have to say, I’m SUPER chuffed with how the pillow and the bunny came out! Doesn’t look too shabby at all. AND A2 seems to agree!

Next up: Making a black velour bunny for A1

Blue side

Green Side

A2 with his Bunny

Look how well it works