So it's back to reality after a wonderful 18 days away in Melbourne and Tasmania. I love to wander Melbourne laneways and look at the ever changing artwork. Of course, I do like to be kind to the retailers also, so always indulge in
My cousin had told me about a gorgeous haberdashery shop and stockist of all things vintage that we crafters love.
It was called L'Uccello. www.luccello.com.au A little tricky to find on Swanston St, and up on the 2nd floor. You would swear you were in a little narrow building in Paris. It even had the old cage lift if you didn't want to do the stairs. The store was filled with fabrics of every colour and design, buttons, notions, patterns and much much more.
What a wonderful and unexpected surprise awaited us at Melbourne airport when we landed. I was just looking at my phone to contact the shuttle service that I had arranged, when a little tap on my shoulder had me dissolving into masses of tears. The photo says it all.
And there was our beautiful new granddaughter, little Evie. She is just so precious and we just loved getting to know her and cuddle her to bits !!
Evie will be the proud owner of
She was a very spoilt little girl with all the gifts I arrived with from our family and some very generous friends too. Quite overwhelming.
After a few days in Melbourne, we boarded another flight for Tasmania. First stop there was a visit to Sunbear cafe owned by eldest granddaughter, Brooke. All I can say is "GREAT coffee and delicious small plates of the tastiest morsels".
Our daughter, Kim was so pleased to have us in her neck of the woods and I have to share a link to one of the many talents Kim has. Check this out on Instagram @woolysticks. Kim creates crochet hooks, with much love from the most amazing timbers of the Huon Valley (Tasmania). Kim herself is a beautiful crocheter, spinner and weaver, and knitter. The woolysticks can be purchased through etsy. There is a link on her Instagram page.
We were thrilled to even see some of her work and sticks displayed in a local art gallery/store in Cygnet.
Our 9 days in Tasmania were so so wonderful. What a beautiful slice of Australia. The people are so incredibly friendly and chatty. The countryside is ever changing and just amazing. And the weather was so kind to us every day.
We cannot wait to go back again and I can certainly see why so many Australians are moving to this tranquil island.
We stayed the last 5 nights (as a base) in Richmond, just out of Hobart. Richmond is an historic village and the B and B we stayed in was also a restored historic site. Never have we stayed anywhere more delightful. The Valley View Cottage at Mulberry Cottages was a real treasure.
And back to Melbourne we headed again, for more cuddles and loves with little Evie. It was amazing to see how much she had grown and developed in 2 weeks. Even a little smile on the last day.
55 years ago, my school in New Zealand matched up with a school in Australia to encourage penpal writing, no emails back then!! My penpal was Heather, and we are still the best of friends. We have shared all our special moments , and sad moments. And this trip was again a chance for another catch up filled with laughter.
A fabulous holiday incorporating so many family times plus exploring places new.
But all good things must come to an end and we have returned back to reality. And bed making and cooking meals.
The welcome home from Esmè and Sylvie was truly another tear jerking moment. The enormous hugs almost squeezed the life out of me. Those two make my heart sing 💟
Countdown is now on until Saturday November 9, for the annual Rosetown Art and Craft Fair. Very exciting and I have so many beautiful pieces to take.
I will also be at the Walton St Christmas Market on Saturday November 23 in Te Awamutu. This is a new event created by the beautiful people at Yoga and Oils-Spade to Spoon See them on FB to follow their journey in their new premises.
Such a lengthy blog and very little about crafting and production from Bo and Co. Our Instagram page has new little dresses up on it, which on a sunny day like today, will soon be the pretty prints little girls will want to wear.
So it's bye for now and I already have some new fabric on the cutting table awaiting inspiration!!
Best wishes
Julie
