Teal and gold belly dance bra

The second attempt at beading a belly dance bra resulted in much larger beads and an applique motif on one side. This greatly reduced the time taken to complete the beading.



I really like the assymetry of the design, with the applique motif on only one side. Followed by a design that vaguely mirrored it on the opposite side.

The pearly sequins are also a favourite.

Striped belly dance bra

How does a new Mum get to sew when she is busy with 3 children and family life?
She squeezes in hand sewing!

Finally, it was time to return to grown up, independant activities, such as belly dancing.

It was also time to create some costumes. Belly dancing gives me time with my Circle of Women, and it allows us to feel free for that time... to wear clothes we wouldn't normally wear, and enjoy our bodies and the way they move.

Hand beading and sequins, yes, I can do that without setting up the sewing machine for 10 minutes, not knowing when Bub would wake up again.

Here is my first attempt at the sequins/beading.

Each sequin is individually stitched on with a bead in the centre. Colours were chosen to allow a few different skirts to be worn with this bra (one bra could make a few outfits). Since making it I have decided that next time I will use larger beads (hence why I created stripes, so that every piece of surface did not need to be sequinnned, plus the bra was so beautiful, it didn't need to be covered up completely).

Careful! I think this could become addictive!

Birthing necklace

The birthing necklace was finished just in time.

These photos were taken by "Reflections Of Us" the night before labour inducement day, 2 days before baby Sampson was born.




Feeling the love, energy and spirit of my circle of women as I wore the beads they had chosen.



These photos show how precious this finished piece is to me. I wore it in the early stages of labour, surrounded by my Womenfolk.

My best creation yet....

And here he is. A son, Sampson.

Never had I imagined I could create something so beautiful. 

And here he is passing his hearing test with flying colours. Welcome little man.

A new hand project

The tee-pee is now finished (insert photo here when it's set up).

I'm at the hospital at least twice a week for checkups now - anywhere between 3 and 5 hours each time. So I've started to crochet this shawl. 

The shawl will be for breast feeding, maybe too hot for Far North Queensland.... but useful for visiting Victoria I expect.

Birthing necklace in progress

I asked women friends and family from near and afar to post me a bead so that I could craft a necklace to wear while birthing. 

My intention is to wear the necklace during labour so that I can feel the energy and spirit of my circle of women at this time.

 I decided to knit it on wire in two strands (I have so many beads and medallions!).  It's started.

I've finished my baby's quilt!

I am feeling quite relieved at having finished my baby's quilt. It's kind of like frantic home-made nesting - finishing projects.

It feels like it's ok if the baby comes early now. I am ready. 

 Here is the baby hospital bag packed and ready to go.

I think I'll shoot a better photo when Bub is lying on the quilt.