Family love

Hello from Bo and Co

Well exciting times ahead as it is nearly time to head off and meet our beautiful new granddaughter, Evie. She is 3 weeks old already and I get to talk to her lots on the phone, and the parents tell me she knows my voice. 

I'm sure they are just being kind but who knows!!

So as with all trips across the ditch, comes extra luggage goodies.

 We also get to go to Tasmania to see our eldest daughter, Kim and her husband and our eldest granddaughter Brooke. 

They have made the big brave move after living in Queensland for many, many years.

Brooke has recently opened her own business in Hobart, such a bold move for a young lady . But she is so focused and doing so well. We are very excited to be visiting her café and drinking delicious Allpress coffee.

You can follow her on Instagram @ sunbearhobart.

We also are looking forward to sampling her yummy "small plates", many of which are made by our Kim. 

And on my next blog I will share with you the amazing talents that Kim has. She is a natural crafter, spinner and all things stunning.

But in the meantime the machines have been whirring along here at Bo and Co.

So many fresh new fabrics and new patterns to try. Our Instagram page will be featuring these in regular posts.

My two little granddaughters , Esmé and Sylvie, have been keen to choose fabric for a new summer dress each. Sylvie loves and adores rainbows so she is very happy. Esmé loves nature and she has a gorgeous bird print on hers.

Although after a visit to Sanctuary Mountain reserve last weekend and being squawked at  scared by a Kaka parrot, she may have changed her mind !!

The clothing racks at Bo and Co are filling fast, in fact they are really full now in preparation for the Rosetown Craft Fair on November 9th.

You can follow them on Facebook @Te Awamutu Annual Craft Fair.

So now all that is needed is for "that man of mine" to chuck off his nasty man bugs  cold and we will be good to go.

Looking forward to lots of warmer days here and across the ditch.

Julie

Happy days

 It is exciting news to start off this blog
 We have welcomed a new granddaughter into our family. Little Evie Maree was born last weekend, in Melbourne. Needless to say i am counting down now until I can have lots of cuddles with this precious wee princess.
And it will be wonderful to have another little girl to create gorgeous Bo and Co dresses for.  


The little dress pictured  is the "Clementine" and is all cotton and fully lined,  with buttons down the back. The first one I ever made was for Sylvie 3 years ago, different print, but  such a pretty dress.  
Little Evie will be definitely getting her own design 








I have been knitting things to take over to Melbourne with me, as it is still chilly over the ditch where they are.

I made colourful patchwork blankets for Esmé and Sylvie when they were born and they still treasure them now as their "snugglys."  And now little Evie will have one of her own too.
The little hooded jacket is for next winter and made from an Alpaca spun yarn. Very cosy for those cool days. My knitting skills are certainly not 100  80 percent but they are made with love.💖 

Last winter my 91 year old Mum decided she would like to contribute to Bo and Co . She is a fabulous knitter. So she knitted up many many gorgeous "granny bonnets". These were made of merino wool and were so popular. I lost count of how many she actually made.

The 4 on the right are all that is left now. I will sell them now at a reduced price as winter is about to leave us.

We now have over 1000 followers on our Instagram page and this (and on Facebook) is where you will see new items popping up for sale.

On November 9th Bo and Co will be at the annual Rosetown Craft Fair held at the Te Awamutu i-site. This is a fantastic day out with not only craft stalls, but music and food and all the fun of the fair.

So with this in mind, my sewing machine speed has gone up a notch and I am loving trying out some new designs for the summer.

The new "Charlotte" dress is fit for any little princess. I am loving it's pretty yoke, frilled neck, capped sleeves, and button down back. 

Often people ask what do I do with my left over fabric. One of my friends uses all the small offcuts and creates the most beautiful baby quilts which are donated to the Waikato Hospital Newborn Unit. Judy does amazing work and is so kind.
My other friend, Kaye, on Instagram @kiwibooklady, just loves creating beautiful work with paper and fabric. She has made lots of gorgeous books and sent them back to me to give away to Bo and Co shoppers.

every book is so unique and some come with little surprise pockets. One has even been created into a story book using all pieces of bear fabric.
A very clever lady  !

So here we are into the beginning of Spring. Tui are singing in our kowhai tree and daffodils and cherry blossoms are everywhere.

My suitcase is slowly quickly filling with gifts to take away.

Thank you for letting me share this blog with you.

Have a wonderful week

Julie 

There's been "no go" at boandco

Hello again to my second ever blog!

Thank you for all the lovely comments from my first attempt.

Since then, life has slowed considerably for me after a routine 3 month check with my skin cancer specialist. I ended up having surgery, on my right hand, the very next day.

And that has been the last 11 days. No use of my right hand at all. No knitting, no sewing, even dressing was a chore ( much to my hubby's delight) He has been a stand out nurse! 
Sometimes even over zealous, if you know what I mean!!



So while my head has been full of ideas, I have just had to rest.
Yesterday was stitches out day but sadly I now have an infection in it... so more rest..........and one handed typing.

One of our new styles this season has been the Jasmin dress This gorgeous boho inspired dress is just so pretty. A little tie at the neck makes for easy dressing. Both my grand daughters, Esme and Sylvie, chose colours and also have their very own "Jasmin".

I have been thinking about my sewing room ( a happy, warm place) and in particular my sewing machines. They are the best friends to have.

  They are dependable and tough. And they never get pippy when you abuse them.
A productive day sewing is like sitting enjoying a cold wine  It's satisfying and it's refreshing and it's fulfilling.

We are eagerly awaiting the birth of another grandchild, in Melbourne.
Our son Brad and his beautiful wife Casey are due to have their first baby VERY soon. 
And that sure is a motive to get better soon.

As the rains sets in for the weekend, let's all relax in the warm and think of sunnier days to come.

My dear friend Robyn sent me a "care gift" yesterday and a card with this meaningful Irish blessing.

"May your troubles be less,
your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
come through your door."

Take care

Julie

Welcome to Bo and Co

Hello and welcome Bo and Co followers to my first blog.

Bo and Co started about 3 years ago with the inspiration from my two little granddaughters, Esme and Sylvie.

The name came from a beloved bunny that Esme takes everywhere. His name is Bo and he has a few furry friends (hence the Co).

I have a passion for fabric and colour and really enjoy finding the right fabric for each and every idea I have.

I mostly use cotton fabric because of its natural fibre and comfort.
The designs are all made to be easy to wear.

Little girls love our range of twirly skirts, vintage inspired dresses and summery shorts and tops. Each style has an individual name and some are real favourites, such as the Nina dress and the Molly dress.

Wooden sign from sassiedesigns.sassiedesigns.bigcartel.com 

                               Nina dress, size 2-3, $25

My daughter,Bridget, also has a great "eye" and she makes sure the clothes are photographed beautifully along with lots of extra wee touches. 

 This adorable wee doll is from Claireleblonddesign leblonddesign.co.nz and is one of Sylvie's treasured toys friends .

                                Nina dress, size 4-5, $30

You can find us on Instagram @ boandco_nz or on Facebook  Bo & co

I am excited to have done my number one blog and now look forward to sharing so much with you

Julie


Thank you also to my lovely friend, also a Julie, at mythreadbearlife.blogspot.com and on Instagram @mythreadbearlife, for all her encouragement to get me started on this blog.
I think sewing is my forte not technology!!