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Tuesday 25 November 2014

Fun and games (with extra fun points at the bottom)

While not all directly quilty, I have been having some fantastic crafty fun the last couple of weeks cobbling together costumes for the whole family for AetherCon Wellington. A small Steam Punk convention this weekend just been.

First of all, purely quilty - my latest little able student with her doll quilt ready to hand stitch the the binding down:

CH so (rightfully) proud of herself
After sorting out 4 costumes, I was missing something. An appropriate handbag! Sacrifice of an old, damaged trashy hardcover (oooooh did that feel WRONG though). Aged metal cover, check. Fabric lining glued and sewn in for safety, check. Minor injury achieved  during assembly, check.

New Steam Punk handbag!
Minor injury so worth it!
Plenty big enough for the essentials
And now for the really fun part. Us all dressed up:
My little spy Rocketeer, with a light up rocket pack
The mad scientist complete with evil mustache and crazy eyebrows

Close up of Lady Vapour's corset (dealer in perfumes and poisons)

My happy crazy family (yes that is a teeny corset on a 2yo - CUTE!)
The suave Murtagh Burr down from Whangarei for the event
And the bonus fun points from the ball later in the evening - Lady Vapour and Murtagh with a steam punked Captain Jack Sparrow in a kilt!!!

Because this is what we do!

Cheerio!

Monday 17 November 2014

Do you have a "thing"

Something you have done as long as you can remember "just because"?

What about something you do in remembrance of an event (or the passing of a loved one)?

Some have family traditions. Some are personal quirks. Some are just to make you feel happy/creative/zen.

I have lots. But one I do daily.

My family has waffles every Christmas made with a waffle iron that belonged to my Aunt (RIP).

I sign off my blogs with "Cheerio" not "Goodbye" as my beloved Nana couldn't stand to say goodbye.

But I have an obvious quirk that a lot of people notice, a few comment on, but very very few know why (and it's not because I'm lazy).

Once upon a time I had an interesting and challenging job that I loved, with people I enjoyed spending my time with. Except one person. My direct boss. A micro-managing bean counter that fixated on me as I had made the mistake of being young, smart and pushing back when stepped on.

This man actively sabotaged my efforts at changing roles to further my career. Had me writing 15 copies of the same report, making deliberate changes each time, only to change his mind several iterations later to the original wording. Questioned the appropriateness of my attire in our corporate environment (despite my at the time conservative style for working). Forced me to justify my time in 6 minute increments in daily timesheets. Managed to sabotage several appointments with my fertility specialist and eventually making me leave that job.

Several things kept me sane at the time. The fact that I was not the only one was a biggie. That department had a HUGE staff turnover. But once I started getting flak any time I wore something other than a fully tailored suit I had what was (for me) a much more effective way to keep my sanity.

A little thing, a rebellious thing that was mine alone.

And the habit stuck. Ha!

Do you have a "thing"? Does it have a story, or just because?

Cheerio.