A rose by any other name...

At the risk of this becoming a gardening blog - I just wanted to share that I found this gorgeous rose in my mum's garden this morning. Julia's Rose - which she planted to remind her of me.

The thing I love about it is that it's not pink. Or orange, or peach...it's brown. I know! It's a pale brown with peachy, pinky tones. So pretty. So appropriate. He, he!

Magnolia

Late October last year I bought a Little Gem Magnolia tree. I lovingly planted it outside my bathroom window and envisioned beautiful shade in summer and sunlight in winter. And in between...those beautiful blooms.

Then we had the hottest, driest, smokiest summer I can remember. The heat was unforgiving on some days and my little trees leaves fried. I chastised myself for having planted it too close to summer and expected to watch it slowly die.

So you can imagine my delight when a single, pure white magnolia flower bloomed last week. I was so taken aback that I gasped loudly. Big Fella thought I'd seen a rat, or snake or something equally dramatic...like catching a neighbour with their pants down?

It rained most days last week and so it was several days before I ventured out to take a pic. By then the petals were bruised...but still so beautiful.

Keeping her warm

I'm what I would describe as a beginner sewer. Straight lines. A baby quilt here or there. Can't read a pattern. Don't know how to utilise my machine to the best of it's 50 stitch ability. Never done a button-hole. Getting the idea?

So I must have been in some kind of hormonal stupor last night when I rushed off to Spotlight for some cheap Polo Fleece and some tulle...

I know, they don't usually go together, but I'm having a bit of a problem at home. I have a girly 2 year old. She loves putting on dresses. The latest is that the dress must "spin" well. You know, when you twirl, there must be some good air and swish in the skirt. Hard to find in anything but summer dresses.

She also fights with me about putting a long sleeved top and leggings under her summer dresses...given it's cold now.

So I decided to replicate her current summer favourite. A "princess" dress she got as a hand me down from her cousin. It is light, airy with the best bit being the tulle overlay in the skirt that twirls and swishes beautifully.

Somehow I made this dress. No pattern. No idea. But it worked. She loves it. It's warm AND it twirls. Phew!

Now, onto making one in pink.