Guess who got a Ruffler Foot for her sewing machine...?

And thanks to people posting tutorials on Youtube , I now know how to use the darn thing!

 Pictured above is the first thing I completed: a vintage-esque apron for my cupcake-baking sister.

Meet the Ladies

Since we live the quarter acre dream, we thought it was time we got some chickens.

Pictured top left is the first egg! Laid unceremoniously in the dirt, perhaps that was the chook's way of saying she didn't think much of the plastic storage cubes that we were trying to trick them all into using as nesting boxes. So Hubby built a lovely wooden nesting box and now everyone is happy.

We've had a few weird eggs, including a couple of giants double-yolkers, middle picture left-hand, and even some with soft shells, as per below.

And the chooks names? Henrietta, Henmione, Henna and Chiquita.

Golf Punk

My hubby has developed an interest for golf and so the first thing he and his co-workers wanted was a trophy cup to play for. I got the task of prettying up the one they bought.

Golf-punked Trophy

It was strangely satisfying sewing tiny pants.

A weekend in Steam, but not a steamy weekend

Over the weekend I attended several of the Steam Festival events with the Dunedin Steampunk group.

At the festival opening, held at the Dunedin Railway station (poured with rain, typical) my no-sew bustle pad was put to good use as I dressed up as my character: Cadet Peasgoode, Misinformation Corps.

Not quite Victoria's secret: The no-sew bustle pad in action

The Steampunks weren't the only ones taking the opportunity to show off. The rayguns and goggles had competition for the limelight with another bunch of pretty frocks, a group who go by the name of "Images of the Past" and who enjoy making and wearing Victorian/Edwardian Fashion. I feel I shall have to investigate them further, possibly consider switching of teams...

Dunedin Steampunk attend the opening of the Steam Fest 2012

The punks won the show-off showdown however, their group photo graced the pages of the local newspaper the following day (So if you're keeping score that's Rayguns: One, Parasols: nil.)

Another day, another outfit: On Saturday the steam train Ka 942 brought down to Dunners especially for the festival, ferried passengers on a round trip from the central city to Sawyer's bay. I ventured out as: The Widow Peasgoode, (a golf widow, mother to Cadet Peasgoode) who is rather controversially an anti-suffragette, proclaiming as NZ was the first country to receive the women's vote, we should be the first to give it back...

The Widow Peasgoode and chums ride the Steam train

Despite the dreary weather, the train running out of fuel both the Widow and I had a good, slightly surreal time, especially when being photographed by tourists. Nice to think me and my big fake bum are doing our part in promoting lovely Dunedin in our own unique way.

For a more detailed account on what the festival was actually about, please read this blog post by my friend JT Webster, perhaps soon to be the embodiment of Queen Victoria?

Crafty Adventures at the Gasworks

 Over the weekend as part of the up-coming Steamfest, I helped out with the "Children's Model Airship" Workshop, run by the Dunedin Steampunk group and hosted at the Gasworks Museum. Needless to say, hot-glue gun burns aside, much crafting fun was had. 

Teacup score!

Sometimes I wonder which is the best charity store in town. Just when I think it's one, I get an excellent bargain at another. Recently I purchased two of these pretty blue teacups for 50 cents each from the Salvation Army thrift store in Mosgiel.

Vintage Teacup

I think I shall have to keep a running score, so currently that puts the Sally armies in the lead with two op-shop scores, including my lovely vintage sewing machine.

& now what to do with these cups? Turn them into pincushions...or dare I say it? Drink tea from them?

Things to do in Lawrence

Yesterday, I ventured down to Lawrence to join in the festivities at the Daffodil Fields located on the ruined brewery site of the former Hart's Black Horse Brewery as this year their gala day had a steampunk theme.

Hart's Black Horse Brewery & Daffodil Fields in Lawrence.
~ I didn't find out what the bees were warning people of

 I also had a chance to look around the (tiny) township of Lawrence. Established during the goldrush days of the mid nineteenth century, Lawrence abounds with ye old buildings of by-gone beauty.

Historic Buildings in Lawrence ~ The Goldfield Capital of NZ

Lovely buildings aside, one of our group knew of something even better. Located at the top of Peel Street in a very unassuming converted garage is Fossickers, and within, a treasure trove of pre-loved items for sale. I could have spent ages looking around, but alas the bus waits for no punk. Anyhoo, I scored this very tidy Gladstone-esk handbag.

"Fossickers" secondhand shop, 28 Peel Street, Lawrence

*Sigh* Scenery. Steampunk. Shopping. A perfect girly Sunday.