The world of Pipinopolis

Beautiful prints

2012-01-26T12:55:00.002Z

Yesterday I stumbled upon a beautiful print:

Biscuits in a line. Limited edition giclée print.

Just looking at this makes my heart palpitate! And boy, do I wanna sew, sew, sew! I traced it back to the artist, Joël Penkman and found his Etsy shop.

These prints remind me of old Ladybird illustrations, which I adore, and obviously I love these as they cover the pop culture of food. Take a look at more of his prints:

Sweet selection. One giclée print

Rocket lolly ices. Limited edition giclée print

British sweets collection. One giclée print

Joël Penkman also has a website here. I am defiantly going to buy a print for the Baby's room! It'll look like WillyWonka's factory by the time I'm finished decorating!

I was also looking at Ladybird's website here, and found that they sell some of their prints too..... oh boy! Just look at these:

Oh how I love vintage Ladybird! My favourite book was called My Day:

It had some pictures of exasperated parents which made me laugh, and some excellent pictures of supermarkets. I see some on sale now and again on ebay, so I must start bidding.

Petit Fours

2012-01-24T14:13:00.000Z

This week I will mainly be sewing these:

They are designs from the book: Ruko's Original Sweets made of Felt. Very tiny and detailed, but very satisfying to make. I will list them in my Folksy shop when they're done. I really want the champagne truffle box too, but can I justify £10 for a box??!! hmmmm...maybe!

I am also currently working on PDF patterns for the shop, and I just need a day to myself where I can take pictures of different stages of the sewing process. Hopefully these will be available soon.

x

Pipinopolis is back!

2012-01-06T12:41:00.002Z

I have finally reopened The world of Pipinopolis on Folksy. There are more items to come which I shall get listed asap, but here are some pictures of the sweet treats on offer:

Remember, if there's something in particular you're after, just get in touch and I'll have a go at making it. Here are some commissions I've made for past customers:

Thanks for reading!
x

Christmas crafting

2011-12-14T11:31:00.003Z

Ok...this year I have a slight obsession with vintage style paper ornaments, especially the honeycombe ones, so take a look at the offerings below:

Santa decoration from Partypieces

Turkey ornaments from Apartment Therapy

DIY Paper ornaments at Marthastewart.com

Reindeer decoration at Cath Kidson

I'm quite chuffed I found the DIY info on MarthaStewart.com, so may give that a try if I have a spare hour before the festivities start.

Here are some other beautiful DIY creations:

Book tree tutorial at Creativetrials

DIY Christmas Decorations from Kim Vallee

DIY decorations from CountryLiving.com

So get crafting, and enjoy!
x

Hello again

2011-12-13T15:25:00.000Z

Hi guys

Firstly I want to apologise for my lack of blogging for 4 months (thats awful), and secondly to tell you whats been happening.

Since moving into our new house rental in June, we have struggled to make it feel like home. We're not sure why, it just hasn't felt like us yet. We sterted on the dining area first and managed to make it slighty retro which I loved, and then that blank living room wall had us stumped! Our new sofas arrived in Septmeber which just made it more blah as they're the same biscuit colour as that blank wall. Although, the sofas are lovely and cosy and soft. Christmas has allowed us to inject some colour back in to the room with the tree and we now have an accent colour of burgundy with new curtains, throw and cushions. ......I think we might finally be getting there, although, still nothing on the wall.

We lost our beloved little cat Truffle in late September. One night she went out as usual and never came back. We called around all vets, posted fliers, asked around, but no info turned up. She was my little baby and I miss her so much, I still dream of her every night. She was so loving and full of life. We hope someone has taken her in and given her a good home. And we know that while she was with us, we gave her all the love and comfort a cat could want.

Truffle

A big reason I've been away from Pipinopolis is that in mid August I found I was pregnant. It came as a shock because, even though we had been trying, I had been in so much pain with my ovaries and having so many tests done that I felt something must be wrong. I went into A&E one evening with severe pain in sides again and from a urine sample, they then told me I was pregnant. It such a shock, and they were worried it might be eptopic, so we had to wait until I was 6 weeks along before they spotted a tiny little heartbeat on a scan. I am now at 21 weeks. just gone halfway, and the baby is doing well. I am on medication for depression, so they are monitoring me and the baby to check that everything goes well.

Morning sickness was awful! I could barely eat and felt so depressed. I didn't pick up any crafts for months, and have just started to look at them again. I closed Pipinopolis on Folksy as I just couldn't concentrate sewing. Migranes have also been a bad symptom and has kept me away from the PC a lot. But enough complaining, I'm feeling a lot better now and am back. So what has everyone else been up to?

Big Knit 2011

2011-08-14T19:31:00.001+01:00

Ok, so I really wanted to take part in Innocent's Big Knit this year. For every hat knitted Innocent donates 25p to Age UK. The have the info here, and some knit patterns. I am a complete novice at knitting. my stitches are usually too tight, I drop some and gain some from some unknown stitch dimension and the thought of following a pattern scares me. So seeing the beginner pattern on the Innocent site, I tried.......and came out with this:

Embarrassing isn't it? I'd much prefer to crochet one, but couldn't find any info on their site regarding patterns, so I tried one out myself and came out with this...:

As you can see, I was more confident with the final hat, that I went ahead and added the bobble. I then thought it would help others if I wrote up the pattern for this, so here it is below. This is the first ever crochet pattern I've written up, so let me know if it doesn't flow or I've missed something out.

Crochet pattern for Innocent Big Knit 2011

You will need a 4mm hook and some dk wool (this is a great way to use up any leftovers)

Start using a magic adjustable ring

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into the centre of the ring. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Sc 2 in each sc. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 1 - repeat around (18 sc)

Rnd 4: Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 2 - repeat around (24 sc)

Rnd 5: Sc 2 in next sc, sc in next 3 - repeat around (30 sc)

Rnd 6, 7, 8: Sc in each sc. (30 sc)

Change wool colour here.

Rnd 9,10,11: Sc in each sc, (30 sc) holding the wool more taut than before (this allows it to grip onto the bottle top)

Now finish off the end of the wool, and stitch in any stray strands. If you want to add a bobble you can follow a general pom pom tutorial like this one at thingstomake.com. I used a circle of card which was approximately 3cm diameter for the size of the bobble in the picture.

Stitch the bobble onto the top of the hat with the same colour wool and voila, one hat complete.

This pattern could be adjusted to fit dolls too, I think the one I made might actually fit my vintage Sindy!

Enjoy!

Something for the weekend?

2011-08-12T11:47:00.002+01:00

If the weather with you is anything like it is here, it'll be too wet to do any of those summer outdoor activities. So feel free to take a look at these tutorials, links and ideas I've gathered together on Pinterest and give something new a try. There are plenty of things to make together with children too. It should keep someone busy at least :P.

Felt Dahlia Pin tutorial - www.notmartha.org

Enjoy

Embellishing

2011-08-08T11:29:00.002+01:00

I have just started this on one of my summer vests (mainly to cover a stain of tea I spilt on it)!! I really wanted to embellish something on one of my tops, so thought I'd give this a go as it's so easy. Although, if you're doing this with embroidery thread, put it through the wash first in a little cotton handkerchief. I used this source on how to wash embroidery threads.

Source: craftstylish.com via Catherine on Pinterest

This tutorial was found on Pinterest, so if you haven't been on there yet, check it out, it's a wealth of information and inspiration.

Sorry, just a quick one today.

Meat and greet

2011-08-04T17:42:00.001+01:00

Just finished another order for a customer:

Felt food - meat selection

Hope she likes it. It's the first time I've sewn any of these, but am so happy with them. The t-bone steak was straight forward enough, but I had to use picture references when designing the bacon rashers as the customer requested british style bacon. I never realised how everyone making felt bacon had been making the steaky kind until now, including myself. So glad I got to try them like this. The pork chop seemed simple in my head but I found I had to refer to pictures again when drawing out the shape, and placement for the bone.

I've also recieved an email from a very trendy London shop asking for a few of my things to see how they sell in store, so onto that project now...can't wait!

bye for now

What kind of girl has her own tea set? A lucky girl

2011-07-22T17:32:00.006+01:00

Yes, I have acquired a bone china tea set with pretty flowers on them! 6 cups and saucers, 6 plates, milk jug, sugar bowl and bread & butter platter. Found in my mum's shed and donated by my sister! And yes, I have already had a friend over for tea and used them!

In other news, our new place is taking shape, we have a dining table and chairs, sofas on order and I have spotted a fab retro sideboard in a charity store for just £40. I shall be buying it later (if its still there)........It was! And here it is in it's new home:

Yes, that is one of my girls sat on top, not an ornament.

There is a fab retro glass light shade I am enquiring about on Ebay too. I am trying to craft for the home but I seem to hit a brick wall with most things. I have made these fabric flowers:

using this tutorial, and want to place them in an embroidery hoop, but when I try to embroider words, it just isn't working for me. I will keep at it though.

Apologies for the lack of blogging lately. I've been in and out of the doctor's surgery the past few weeks and sent for so many tests I feel like a pincushion. I've been having very bad ovarian pain. It made me feel really miserable, but I'm feeling a lot better lately and more positive for the outcome.

oh, oh, oh, another find at my mum's place was this...

A beautiful Kewpie doll from my younger years! Gotta love that cheeky face! Sorry Mum if I have nosed around too much!!

xx

A quick mention of toast embroidery

2011-06-28T15:51:00.000+01:00

My attention has just been drawn to Judith G. Klausner's work here. Look at her toast embroidery here.

Wow, wow, wow! How do you begin to even contemplate embroidering on toast? I am in awe of her work.

Does anyone else feel in the mood for an extreme arty project?

More amigurumis and a crochet frenzie

2011-06-23T11:15:00.000+01:00

I can't help loving the amigurumis!! Here are some more finds off Folksy:

From top left to right

Loves a good yarn - Amigurumi elephant toy

Twixt sea and pine - Hand crochet beehive and bee amigurumi

Cute designs - Amigurumi kawaii green bear

SophieCat - Amigurumi Mario character

Cinnamon Street - Harold the pear

Orange Blossom Felt - Crochet amigurumi teacup pincushion

Claire Sibley - Little Donkey amigurumi pattern

MiniDreamz - Amigurumi kokeshi doll

Element Arts - Cheeky cheese on toast amigurumi brooch

I have also completed another of my own:

This is Teddington Bear. He had a little mishap at the seaside!!! hahaha. He is now for sale at Pipinopolis at Folksy. I've started another straight away, I think this one will be a girl, I have some lovely scrap fabric for a dress! On the topic of crochet, I'm trying to cover my old Klobo sofa, which is getting grubby now, and am loving the idea of covering it with granny squares. So I have made a start on some using this tutorial at Crochet with Raymond. Have a look at Alice's other tutorials, she makes some lovely tea cosies! I am hoping I don't lose patience making these and actually finish it! The sofa will then go into my workroom as Mr thinks it'll be too girly for the living room!

Here are some other finds of granny square covered things:

Sarah London

Nature Nut Notes

Teacup Lane

Ok, I'll leave my obsessions here for now! But, has anyone else got any crochet covered things they'd like to share? I'd love to see them.
x

I like new things

2011-06-20T15:40:00.001+01:00

Ok, maybe I'm a little slow in discovering new gadgets and the like online, but I get really excited when I do. I have just found Pinterest! It's a place where you can created all types of 'boards' adding images to them from the site. It's also easy to add any online image you find to the site. I've added a few pins of my own crafts but am enjoying looking at everyone else's.

http://lastejeymaneje.blogspot.com

Its a great source for inspiration and creating mood boards. Check out my Crafty Stuff board, so many cute items I want to own!!

I have posted out a few more orders today and have more in the pipeline, after that, maybe I can return to sewing my Mr Kipling collection. There are so many things I want to start, just never enough time.

Shop now open

2011-06-14T16:24:00.000+01:00

A New Home OOAK Unique Handmade Owl birdhouse shaped Easel Card

The world of Pipinopolis is open again for anyone fancying a snack!

In other news, we are finally moved into our new home. There are still boxes to unpack and clothes to sort, but we are very happy here. The cats seem to like the place too, especially the bigger garden, and they have both been exploring all the cool places to hang out.

The picture today is from Polly Purple Horse Crafts at Folksy. Beautifully handmade cards with sweet, pretty trimmings!

Shop closed for two weeks

2011-06-02T11:08:00.001+01:00

I've closed both my Folksy and Etsy shops for a couple of weeks, whilst we're packing up at home and moving. I will still be around to answer any messages though, so feel free to get in touch. Truffle is loving the mayhem as she's getting to hide in all the boxes, a new box for every mood, and I am documenting her 'research' with my camera. I'm thinking of calling it 'Trufflelocks'. Jelly is hating the untidiness of everything, she is such a diva and likes everything in its rightful place. Just wait 'til we actually move them!! Oh dear!

How cute is this pic too? It's a pincushion in a thrifted tea cup by Mck254 at Etsy, you can find it here. Be sure to check out her other items, she makes some amazing cloth dolls.

Ok, thats all for now, speak soon.

xxxxx

Origami wow!

2011-05-29T18:29:00.003+01:00

Ok, I mentioned my sister-in-law and friend were making some cool origami crafts, well here they are:

Aren't they amazing? These are origami crane earrings. They're made from a tiny square of beautifully patterned tea paper and are finished off with beads and a tiny swarovski crystal. Here are some others:

The paper on the box lid is the same as that used to make the origami cranes. All proceeds are currently going to the Japan Tsunami Appeal.

And there is more, they are also making these wonderful origami kimono cards:

All proceeds from cards are also going to the Japan Tsunami Appeal. For more info contact: japanwales@gmail.com

I think I actually squealed with delight when I saw all these, they are beyond cute and the details of the papers are exquisite. The blue and orange earrings are now mine, I couldn't leave without them, and am so happy I got them, I can't stop looking at them! :) I suggested they open a shop on Etsy for them, which they hopefully will do. I will keep you up to date on any news on them.

So Inspired

2011-05-27T16:19:00.006+01:00

I am feeling so inspired today! I popped over to give my bro his birthday pressie last night and found my sister-in-law and her friend had made some amazing origami crafts!! (I promise to post about these over the weekend). She has given me some great ideas of making my own rubber stamps and about the possibilities out there. Maybe, if I ask really nicely, she will put a tutorial online to show you how to make your own stamps.

I have also been browsing a little online, catching up on craft sites etc, and came across this pic on Craftzine:

Theres so much to love about this image. The clean whiteness of it all, the huge chunky knitting needles and yarn, and also the fact that I envy her big, clean working space. You could carpet a whole room with that knit!

Also, I saw these patterns on Craftzine too:

Crochet flower coasters

Crochet spring bunny

Valentine teddy amigurumi

How to: Simple skirts

Mainly crochet catching my eye today, such cute amigurumis and pretty, pretty coasters. And as for these skirts, well they are so simple to make! And yes, they can be made in grown up sizes too!!! Hooray..Can't wait to get my machine set up for this one!

I love jelly

2011-05-20T14:17:00.002+01:00

I have a jelly treasury on Etsy! When I think of jelly it always takes me to an image of 1950s kitchens, with those fantastic food illustrations of the time. There are some of these style illustrations in the jelly treasury. I don't seem to acknowledge how much I actually like jelly, the perfect shapes and colours of it, but one of my cats is named Jelly, so that must be a bit of a giveaway! lol! And she is perfect and beautifully coloured too!

Check out some of these retro food illustrations:

Ok, I added that last one just for kicks...looks like she'd kill for that jam on bread! (Mum: Note to self, hide that butter knife!)

Beautiful, beautiful illustrations!

Blog, Boxing and Birthdays

2011-05-17T15:39:00.003+01:00

Hello again

As you can see, I've changed my blog template again. I really like it, but then my mood/style changes so often, it might well change again. Do you like it?

The Mr and I (and cats) are moving again! We will be relocating ourselves to another area of Swansea (2 streets away from where I was living before) to a house with more room! I will actually have a room for my crafts, bliss! So now if the rest of the house looks untidy, I won't be able to blame it on the lack of space to work in, and my laziness will be out there for all to see.

So ready for the move, I am having a clear out of old clothes, and craft supplies. I already have a box full of card making supplies going to a paper crafter and a stash of scrap fabrics going to a sewing friend of my sister's I recently met. There are a lot more things to sort out and pack away, but its turning out some surprising finds of things I forgot I had, like these really retro doll faces I bought and some cool Japanese stickers and accessories.

It will be my birthday tomorrow, the last of my 20s!! :( But I am actually looking forward to my 30s), so I will try to enjoy it to the full. A day of coffee, Hitchcock films, shopping and dinner are on the cards! :) Plus I found my cake in the fridge this morning, hahaha, it was trying to hide behind a small jar or teryaki sauce...lol, cakes can't hide from me for long!

Oh, one more thing! I signed up to a craft swap, my very first, at Artichoke designs, I've just given over my details and answered some questions on my likes and dislikes, any allergies etc. I liked that I could give information like this. So I will hopefully get matched with someone soon! I can't wait to get started on some goodies!

I will report back on my birthday findings!!!

Cheerio!

Bye Bye Suzie

2011-05-16T13:53:00.000+01:00

I've sold Suzie - the cutest amigurumi I've ever made - in my Folksy shop! I'm so glad she is going to a good home, in Portugal! But I can't help but miss her blushed little face!!! I will have to make some more like her, a group of friends perhaps. So, bye bye Suzie, you will soon have a new home and a new best friend!

Giant Snacks!

2011-05-11T14:44:00.000+01:00

Check out the Monster Munchies post at the blog Fluffy Ghosts!

Yum, that would take some sewing!!!

Check out the Pimp that Snack Gallery

Craft books!

2011-05-07T21:39:00.000+01:00

Look at these cool books....

From top, left to right

World of geekcraft by Susan Beal

100 flowers to knit and crochet - Lesley Stanfield

Indie Craft - Jo Waterhouse

Big Little felt universe - Jeanette Lim

The handmade marketplace by Kari Chapin

Blogging for bliss - Tara Frey

Another cool item I found!

Poppy's play house sets at the Dot Com Gift Shop (Loving the 50s retro feel to this)
There are different scenes avaliable, all so quirky.

Sardines

2011-05-06T16:16:00.000+01:00

Here is the tin of felt food sardines I've been sewing:

I'm liking the actual sardines a lot, I might make some more for another project. I used the new photobox for the first time and really liked it, although some of the shots are appearing quite low quality in Folksy, I think I might have re sized them too small.

I've now listed the cheesecakes and Ice cream roll on my Folksy shop too, so feel free to check them out!

There are still some summer treats on their way and last night I started to sew my way through some more of Mr Kipling's exceedingly good items.

Look what I just won on ebay....

2011-05-03T17:01:00.001+01:00

I just bid this afternoon and won this:

I've been meaning to make a white box for a while now to get some uniform photos of my things, nice an bright. So found this on ebay, bargain!!! So I can hopefully start taking some clear shots from this weekend. Now to start sewing more things to shoot!!! lol!

Hope you all enjoyed the wedding festivities and the long weekend? I'm not much for watching royal occasions, but this couldn't be missed. I thought They both looked lovely, and genuinely happy, and wish the best to them both. Otherwise, the Mr and I have been repainting our bedroom (it's been crying out for a paint for months), I have gone all capsule on my wardrobe and thrown or donated old things I don't need, can't fit into or don't wear anymore. I can actually see everything in there now, its been years since I could last say that!! The house is looking more spacious, which is a miracle as the place is tiny!! And we both have lots of hobbies! Hoping that our savings will eventually allow us to buy something a bit bigger when we can ever afford to buy our first place.

There are a few summer makes in the pipeline, but I don't want to divulge them yet so that they're a surprise. But they are old skool cool!!!

oh, yeah, my birthday is coming up soon, keep forgetting that, my last year in my 20s, oh what to do with it eh? maybe a tiny last tattoo before its over? or a pair of irregular choice shoes? hmmmm

Imagine Homer Simpson drooling over a donut, and that's me right now!!!

Stuff I forgot to show you all!!!

2011-04-24T20:53:00.001+01:00

Ok, there have been some things I've made recently in secret, for presents etc, that I couldn't share on here at the time, but now I can. Here is the Mother's Day present I put together for my nephew to give his mother:

Its a pastry box of felt food treats! As you can see from the pic, I made it from a cupcake box with little modification. Inside were a felt custard slice (seen previously), a felt chocolate eclair and a felt cream horn:

Apologies for the bad pics! I have also been sewing an order for my Sis consisting of two felt cheesecakes, one strawberry and one kiwi:

And finally, I have made a custom order for some felt food fish products (salmon steak with lemon slice, fish fingers and king prawns):

Well, hope you've all had a wonderful Easter Sunday! Will blog again soon!

Summer food inspiration!

2011-04-18T14:15:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Hope you're enjoying the glorious weather we're having here in the UK. So, feeling inspired by the bounty of summer foods popping out so say hello, I thought I'd share some fab food themed products people have out there:

Left to right from the top:

Soapsicle - Watermelon, Boston Tea Party, Neapolitan or Orange Cream - AudreyEapothecary

Knitted food prepare your own burger - The Shabby Tiger

Fruit Tart 2 - Original Watercolor - Crayonmonster

4 Sprinkled Ice Cream Cones/Handmade Felt Embellishments - RainbowFelt

Giant jelly baby soap - BitsnBobs
Twister Lolly / Ice Cream Pendant - Stars & Scars
Handmade cross stitch pdf pattern - Thecupcakeclub
Felt Orange Watermelon and Strawberry Iced Sugar Cookies - ViviansKitchen
Sweet & Small Scoops - S Earrings - IceCream Collection- PetitPlat

I'm in love with all these items, well done everyone for creating such inspiring things!

Doughnut Pincushion Tutorial

2011-04-03T12:53:00.006+01:00

Ok guys, here it is, my first tutorial. I'll probably ramble on too much or be a bit incoherent, but please let me know if you have any trouble following it. Print out the template from the link below on an A4 sheet. You'll have to click 'Download the Large size of this photo'

Doughnut Template

Apologies for the crudeness of this image! never used my scanner before, lol!

1. Cut out the shapes on the template, also cutting out the inner circles. Use the doughnut shape to trace around on your doughnut coloured felt, do this for two doughnut shapes.

2. Thread your sewing needle and tie a large knot at the end so that it won't pass through the felt. Place one felt shape on top on the other so that they are aligned with each other and start sewing the centre circle together:

I use a blanket stitch on these but use whichever stitch you feel comfortable with. Don't make the stitches too large though, as you won't want the stuffing showing through the finished piece.

3. Continue all the way around the inner circle until both pieces are sewn together

4. Now, using the same method of stitching, start sewing the outer circle together along the edge until you reach half way round. At this point, its good to start stuffing your doughnut with the toy filling:

The doughnut will start to take shape now

5. Continue sewing around the edge, stuffing as you go, until you have about an inch left to sew. Now you need to stuff it completely until you are happy with the shape:

6. Once happy with the stuffing and shape, continue to close up the doughnut and fasten off.

7. Now for the icing ans sprinkles. Using the second shape in the template, trace around once and cut on your icing coloured felt. Get your beads ready and thread your beading needle, tying a knot at the end.

8. Start sewing from the wrong side of your icing through to the front, where you will thread a bead onto the needle. Pass the needle back through the same place and back up where you want to place the next bead.

9. Continue this process until you have beads where you want them on the icing. You could space them further apart, or closer together depending on the style you want. Bugle beads also look great as sprinkles.

10. Place the finished icing over the finished doughnut and sew the inner circle of icing to the inner circle of the doughnut, using the same stitch as before (see pic below)

11. Continue around until the inner circle is sewn on completely and start sewing on the outer circle.

12. Continue around until the outer circle of icing is fully sewn onto the doughnut. Finish off the thread and voila!!! Your doughnut is complete!

Let me know how you get on with this also if I've missed something out or if whats here doesn't make sense. I'd love to see pics of your finished doughnuts too!

Coming Soon.....

2011-03-30T15:42:00.005+01:00

Free doughnut plushie pincushion tutorial hopefully will be up sometime over this weekend!!!

What you will need

1 square of brown or doughnut coloured felt (approx 9"x9")

1 square of icing coloured felt of your choice (approx 5"x5")

2mm seed beads or bugles of your choice (approx 10g)

2-3 good handfulls of toy stuffing

1 beading needle, 1 sewing needle

Cotton thread to match the colours of your felt (or you can use a contrasting colour)

Fabric pen or pencil

Scissors

Printer and 1 sheet of A4 paper to print out template

(not suitable for small children)

Can't wait!!!!!

xxx

London adventures and other news

2011-03-26T19:24:00.000Z

We arrived safely back from London! It was so exhausting fitting all of it in, and missed a couple of places, but we can easily see them again. We arrived at Victoria bus station on Monday afternoon and headed for the Tate Modern, took a look at the surreal exhibit as well as some photography and pop art. Called into their cafe and had something quick to eat, we also ordered cola which arrived in these beautiful bottles:

How neat are they? very Victorian chemist! We then made our way to the hotel and grabbed a bite to eat at Pizza Hut! Tuesday was an early start with a tube to Oxford street and the a pop into Carnaby street. Its the first time I've been there and seen the Irregular Choice shop! Oh, the shoes are amazing there, but couldn't justify buying a new pair of shoes so instead, picked up these cute earrings from the store:

Itty, bitty teapots! They had some lovely accessories! Very kitsch! All the Fun of the Fair was on the list to visit so we headed there, and I picked up a little mother's day gift (Can't show it here yet) and a couple of little somethings for me:

I love amigurumi, as you all know, and couldn't resist the carrot rattle. I also bought myself this pin badge with an applique cup cake, I love the style of it, quite similar to Quentin Blake. It now lives on my boyfriend jacket. On the way from here we saw this cool cake shop selling Candy Cakes:

They're so colourful and fun! Didn't get to try one though! :(. A quick stop in Hamleys led to these pics:

I have a love for life sized stuffed animals, they just make me happy. One day, I'd like to have a stuffed farm.

We then spent the rest of the day in Camden and went to the show we'd booked to see called Ghost Stories. I love horror and scary stuff, but this really scared me, to the point where I didn't want to go to the loo by myself afterwards. But still, it was excellent, and I would highly recommend. Wednesday I asked Mr Catherine to take a picture of the delightful cakes in the bakery window in Covent Garden:

How stunning are these? They just make me want to sew, sew, sew!!! And the glossiness is gorgeous! We popped into the Artbox where I got these cute notepads:

And then we headed back to Victoria, and then on the coach home.....after a bite to eat...of course!

In other news, I have a picture of the Arctic Roll I've recently made:

I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, I think the colours and textures were spot on. I also had a delivery this morning from Fred Aldous, Can you guess what I'm going to make from it?:

Lots of things on the go at the moment, but it's all top secret! I'll show you when the suprise is done!!!

Finally Friday

2011-03-18T11:20:00.007Z

Finally it's Friday, I've only been in work 3 days this week but it has really dragged! Hope you've all had a good week?

Yesterday I discovered Toffee magazine , whilst reading Twinkie Chan's blog. Its a PDF Indie craft magazine from Australia and looked awesome, so I bought a copy for the equivalent of £1.87 (excellent price) and downloaded it to the ipad for a good read on the sofa!

It comes with a craft section for printout (this issue had craft papers and projects to use them in), as well as other tutorials on different indie crafts, interviews and features. I really enjoyed it, especially the eco friendly projects and suggestions, it is definitely a turning point in modern crafts. The interviews were also inspiring from people who have turned their crafts into a business and how. Check it out people!

In other news, Mr and I are off to London for a couple of nights next week and I'm really looking forward to it. On the agenda is:

A visit to All the Fun of the Fair craft shop in Soho.

Coffee at this cool looking place: Prufrock Cafe, so steampunk, I might die of delight!

A visit to the Tate Modern, I love the surrealist exhibit there!

An evening of Ghost Stories at the Duke of York theatre. I love scary stuff!!

Possibly a visit to Camden, a toy museum and the National Gallery

And whatever else takes our fancy! But can we squeeze it all into two days? We'll see. I will try to take as many pics as possible of any cool stuff we find and inspiration!

P.S. I just finished sewing two slices of Arctic roll last night, and am so pleased with the way it turned out, will post pics over wkend to show you!

oh, nearly forgot, I'm going to start putting the odd tutorial up on here for some felt foods and stuff, anything in particular you'd like to see?

ok, I really am going now,

Bye!

More stuff!

2011-03-14T16:07:00.009Z

OK, am back from Post Office, then the supermarket. I have a shepherds pie half done and some sleepy kitties just waking up and stumbling about after attention. Here's some of the other stuff I've managed to get done:

The Ice cream cone is my favourite amigurumi so far! I felt I'd learned a lot about freestyle crochet and decided to go ahead with the shapes to construct him. He looks so cheeky! lol! My mushroom is made from a pattern from the book Amigurumi Two, he's so cute! Then I have my second cupcake bear, I thought I'd use mixed mediums with him, and added a felt strawberry to the blob of cream on his head.

After selling a couple of the toast badges I made recently, I thought I'd try out a battenberg badge. I liked the results, so will be putting these in my shop by tomorrow:

well, I'm gonna leave this there for today and make another dash out to pick up my Mr from work, I miss having a car each, but its so much cheaper and eco friendly sharing one!!!

Popular crafts and bakery delight

2011-03-14T12:17:00.007Z

Ohh, a couple of days off work for me, lovely! Haven't had enough time to blog or list anything properly. I had my work pictured in the Easter issue of Popular Crafts magazine:

Its always nice to see my work printed or featured somewhere, it makes me all giggly and proud!

I have also been making more amigurumis which I'll blog about later, and have made an old bakey favourite, the custard slice. My sister has kept mentioning I should try this for some time now, so I though I'd give it a whirl between orders, here it is:

It was quite simple to do with straight lines, but took me a little while to get the custard part the right height. I haven't actually eaten one in years and Mr Catherine pointed out that there was too much custard in my first attempt, so this one was born!

I've had an order in for some fish and meat products I've not tried before, but am looking forward to sewing, so I'll put some pics up when they're all done. Must dash now and get some biccies sent out in the post, will be back wih another blog later hopefully! TTFN.

Kawaii cool!!!

2011-03-11T10:10:00.007Z

This week I was looking for some kawaii stickers to use on my packaging for Pipinopolis. I did an internet search for kawaii stickers in the UK and found this fabulous site!!! Tofu Cute is my idea of heaven! So, I picked up these sets :

I would definatley recommend Tofu Cute to anyone loving Kawaii, they prices are excellent and they delivered the next day! Check out some of their other items:

Sweet Lolota fabric candy embellishments, Yum yum bento box - Japanese meal book , Kawaii popsicle plush phone charm

Can't wait to get more orders out to use these stickers!!!

Oh, one more thing, I'm sporting this super cute wallpaper on my PC from Bukubuku:

So much to look at (I love the milk carton!!! ).

Finally, some pictures!

2011-02-07T10:57:00.013Z

I finally got around to listing my amigurumi things on my Folksy shop this weekend. Take a look:

This is a trio of cupcakes! Look at their faces, they make me laugh! They're being sold individually.

This is my cupcake bear! I love these things, they're based on actual bear shaped cupcake treats available in japan, or so I believe (is this true? anyone got any pics?) If ever I get the chance to go to Japan, I think my heart would give out with pure joy!

This little cutie is Suzie, my first freestyle amigurumi! I love her so!

I actually did it! I sewed a beans on toast from felt! I was so excited making this and am really pleased with the way it turned out. I used an orange gel fabric paint to create the shine of the tomato sauce over the beans.

And finally, a new kind of item I will be selling in my shop, food badges! This is my toast badge, 'cos everybody likes a good slice of toast and a cuppa (well, nearly everyone). I will try a Battenberg one next.

So, thats my news done, what's everyone else been up to?

Interview and Feature

2011-01-31T16:29:00.009Z

Oh exciting news! Last week I was asked to do an interview with Peach Nia for her blog A Lovely Little Deer (it's fab, check it out) with a feature of Pipinopolis and a giveaway, take a look at it here. I'm very proud and very grateful to Peach. The site has got some great artists featured on it, including two of my favourites Twinkie Chan and Beaky. Peach sampled my Felt Biscuit Set and there is a giveaway for a set of my French Fancies!

What else have I done? you might ask. Well, I have been going amigurumi mad as seen in my last post and have created a few cute little fellows which I must get around to listing this weekend. I am also going to create some more felt foods this week, some savouries I think, beans on toast is calling for me to sew it. Possibly some fish fingers and chips too!

For Lent, I am thinking of giving up buying more craft materials, and trying to use up what I have already, even though I always come across some mighty tempting suppliers' sites!

Gurumi mad!

2011-01-05T16:53:00.010Z

Hello

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and enjoyed the snow if you had any left. Since I last wrote, I have leared how to crochet (a few different stitches) and have completed a few granny squares to make into a throw (still in progress). I have also been a fan of Amigurumi for over a year now and since I started to crochet I couldn't wait to try one of these. I bought my mum this amigurimi book for her birthday:
And have started one of the designs. It took me a few tries to work out where to make the stitches but I think I've got the hang of it now. Still working on it though! :)

Since we're talking of amigurumi, lets have a look at some amazing pieces I've come across:

This amazing little fellow is the work of Muffa and is one of a kind! You can find him and more at her Etsy shop: Muffa. The miniature work is just beyond amazing!!!

This bashfull looking bear is from Aintzi and is for sale in her Etsy shop: Knitting Dreams. I love his oversized head and rosy cheeks.

These tooth pillows are by Naju and can be found on their Folksy shop Naju Shop. They are used to put fallen teeth under to help out the tooth fairy and save them trying to get under the child's pillow while they sleep. I really like the one with lashes.

Oh for the weekend to pick up some more supplies!!!!

Snow and Sundries

2010-12-16T13:22:00.009Z

We are finally due snow! The whole country has had it bar us in Swansea, typical!!! Its supposed to snow heavy tonight and tomorrow and I'm hoping for a snow day off work so I can get on with some personal projects now that all my orders are finished for Christmas. And talking of orders, here are some things I've just finished for my last one:

It's the first time I've made some of these items and I was pleasantly suprised by how they turned out, especially the corn on the cob which I'd been wanting to try for ages.

I've tried out making up my own treasury on Etsy I've included lots of felt foods that are so beautifully made. Take a look here.

I've also started on a cross stitch pattern, although I haven't cross stitched since I was 12, I'm enjoying it and love seeing the transformation from stitches into images. This Christmas (providing I dont get struck down with a virus again - its been 3 years running) I have asked my mum to show me how to crochet granny squares. I've never tried crochet before but love the results, and the retro look of a granny square throw on the back of the chair makes me feel all cosy and safe from the winter weather.

I will say Merry Christmas to everyone now as I don't know if I'll manage to blog again before the day, theres always so much to do, and I hope you all have a wonderful time!

What I covet

2010-10-28T15:15:00.014+01:00

I want to sew sew sew, but still there is never any time. Tonight I will be baking cupcakes (from a ready made mix - I can't bake) and making one of my famous lasagnas for my Sister-in-law's engagement party tomorrow night. I'm worried about making enough portions but there will be plenty of other food there! I'm looking forward to decorating the cupcakes in pastel coloured icing and will put them on my cake stand. If anyone breaks it, they're in trouble!

I desperatley want to sew some petit fours, chocolates and detailed things. I also desperatley want this book from Japan:

It looks so fab! I'm currently hunting one down at a reasonable price. Wedding thankyou cards are on order, everything is taking ages! But we did get the official pics back and they look amazing! So happy with them! I've also been looking at getting another cake stand for myself, maybe for a Christmas prezzie to me, I love these from The Vintage Tea Party :

They will be selling at an Event in the Village Hotel in Swansea on the 18th November!

I am also cooing over loose base cake tins in Tesco, is that a new wife thing??? and I want new saucepans, baking trays, mixing bowls (can you see I am trying to learn to bake? - 50s housewife style) I also want retro weighing scales! like these from dotcomgiftshop:

Actually, thier whole vintage kitchen range is fantastic, I want it all!!!!

Post wedding normality

2010-10-21T15:14:00.007+01:00

Well it's all done and dusted now. The order went out, the wedding happened (in a dase) and we went on honeymoon to Morocco. Everything was fab, and we didn't get to do half the things we planned on the day, but that was fine, we wern't really bothered when it came down to it. We didn't get time to play our last song so we had a dance to that on our last day of honeymoon in our room. Thant was lovely. Heres a wedding pic for now (not picked up official ones yet)

Back to crafting news. I am making xmas goodie bags for my cousin's two sons, so far we have pancakes, potato waffle, cheese, beans, and fried egg. I'm hoping to make out of it, a fried breakfast, sandwich, deserts and some other snacks! Looks good so far.

I've also made a sets of gingerbread men for my folksy shop and am just starting making xmas puddings and candy canes (the canes are tricky, not worked out how I'm making them yet). The cats are back at home with us, investigating everything made. We can't wait til xmas so we can all snuggle up together at home.

It's been ages!!!!!

2010-09-21T10:49:00.010+01:00

ooooooooooohhhhhhhh Dear! I've neglected this blog for far too long!!!! Please accept my apologies. So, where have I been you might ask? (if you're still following). In May, I was sewing away in order to make more cash for the Wedding, and sold lots at another craft fayre. I celebrated my 28th birthday (with the flu) and many other birthdays in the family (we're mostly all in May). June flew. In July I was approached by Katie from Dust.co.uk and asked if I would sell some of my felt goodies wholesale to the boutique. Of course I jumped at the chance, and have sent over the first batch. I am however still sewing the full order, but will finish in a couple of days! This has kept me very busy. Will post a pic of the finished lot as soon as.

The Wedding is approaching fast, only 10 days to go!!! Time has flown. We've been making most of the deco for the wedding ourselves, so this has taken a lot of time. I made all the invites and RSVPs myself, the table deco, place settings, table layout, bonboneries and other surprises! My partner, Dan, has been putting together all the music (we have 14 hrs worth) and setting up all the lights speakers and other music related things I don't understand. He has also taken over dealing with the venue and catering as it was all stressing me out too easily!

I am just starting to get nervous about it all, mainly the organisation of the day itself, and having to look good. I usually dress like a scruff and no matter how hard I try, my appearance just never looks groomed. I'm having my hair styled by a professional (thank god) but am doing my make up myself (make up artists have made me look very orange). I'm going to the venue in the morning with a friend to set up, then after hair, am doing my, and my maid of honour's bouquets. Maybe I've taken too much on but I really want to put my heart and soul into this wedding.

That's enough wedding talk for now anyway, will post a pic afterwards for you to see. So I have made plans for afterward, when I have more time on my hands. I really want to do an exhibition of my felt work, a crazy event with all kinds of felt foods. I've giving myself an estimated time to get this done of next Christmas. I will then have to seek out a venue that will display it. Although a Christmas grotto of foods sounds like a fab exhibit. I am desperate to try out potato waffles, corn on the cob and crinkle fries. Also some basic stuff like sushi and fortune cookies. Maybe I'll look into kids food of the 80s?!! I would still love to do a classic jelly, but am still thinking out how to produce the pattern for that!

Anyway, I've rambled on for quite a bit now, so will leave it there and remember to post that pic of the order before its sent off!!!

Weddings and Tarts!

2010-04-06T15:11:00.007+01:00

Oh my the wedding is snowballing! We now have a Pageboy, Usher, Flowergirl and Maid of Honour. Not much more cost but a lot more to organise. And even though we are just managing to cover the cost of the wedding, my car then decides to get to a point where it will not pass it's MOT. Can't really see the bank giving me an affordable loan at the mo, so I think we're going to have to try and share the one car. eeek. oh, I can also now fit into my wedding dress with room to spare! yey! so will need it taken in now!

Anyway onto yummy stuff, I have been making a few things over this easter weekend, such as a mini banana cake, a mini strawberry roll and biscuits. I also made this strawberry tart a couple of weeks ago, which is now in my Folksy Shop.

I bought that spotted tray for only £2.50 from Tesco, bargain! I picked up a beautiful yellow china teacup and saucer for £3.90 from a charity shop on the weekend too, will get it into as many photos as I can! I promise!

I'm booked in to do a craft show on the 8th May, at the Ostreme Centre in Mumbles again. Haven't done one since xmas and looking forward to it. Starts at 10am til 4pm if anyone is interested.

Oh one more thing, I sold some biscuits to the lovely Lucie of OddgirlCreates, who has mentioned them on her blog. Thanks Lucie!

Cheesecake and Ice cream

2010-03-18T13:41:00.005Z

OK, sorry it's been a while since the last post! been busy at work staying all hours just to reach the target by the deadline. Now thats over for a few months, more to sew! I've knocked up these cute bitesized ice cream sandwiches and this raspberry cheesecake! I loved doing the sandwiches, especially the biscuits as they're sooooo cute!!!

I bought my mum a book on amigurumi for mother's day, so hope she starts on those as they look gorgeous and I need to learn to crochet. Theres a Stitch 'n' Bitch group in Swansea that meet every wednesday (just read today) may be worth a look!!!!

Sew Hip feature and New Cakes

2010-02-18T11:03:00.004Z

I had my Doughnut pincushions featured in the latest issue (March) of Sew Hip magazine in the 'Things we love' section, have been meaning to take a picture of it, but will do it soon.

Otherwise I have been busy sewing tiny stitches making a selection of Japanese cakes following designs from Japanese felt cake designer - Ruko. I have finally managed to get them onto my folksy shop after numerous problems with out PC at home (give me a Mac anyday). I'm very proud of them!

Blog Feature and tea cakes!

2010-01-29T13:42:00.002Z

My felt full english breakfast has been featured in someone elses blog today! Thanks Jenny! Check it out at Junky Chicken.

Also, I know I said I'd post loads more things last week but have been swamped with those hot cross buns and just plain old procastination! But heres a picture of those hot cross buns I was making for my sister, and a few extra for my Folksy shop!!

Busy Busy Busy!!

2010-01-18T17:08:00.002Z

Hello and happy new year all!

I've been meaning to blog for weeks but have only just got over a fluey virus I had all over Christmas! Happens every year and eats up my spare time! Christmas day itself was lovely, we had a huge family dinner at my sister's and I even had my Bro and my Partner there with me this year. Was like old times.

I have been sewing away at some ideas, and finally finished something off my to do list, my full breakfast!! I've only produced one so far and have listed it on Folksy already 'cos I couldn't wait. I love the mushrooms as they're so cute! And each piece reminds me of a different show I was watching on Comedy Central at the time.

Work has been manic since I got back and I have a billion things to get done for my deadline. Also I'm sewing like mad at home this week as I'm doing a commision for my sister of 6 hot cross buns and 6 iced buns. She's doing a childcare/teaching course and wants to use props for songs help the children interact more. So I'm hoping for feedback on that one. The buns are turning out quite nice too, I'll get them on here asap. So many things I want to share at the mo, including some goodies from Japan, so will probably be blogging all week!!

Things I want to make

2009-12-15T12:11:00.001Z

All day at work I'm thinking of things I'd like to make (sew) when I get home, but when I sit down after dinner, my mind is blank! So here's a list:
Broccoli
Tea
Full breakfast
i pod
Bullet Bill
Mario mushroom
Burger
Bakewell tart
Carrot
Baked beans
Toast

When I have the confidence, I shall try some fruit!!! lol
Oh roll on that week off over xmas!!!

Tea and Cake

2009-12-14T12:49:00.001Z

I've just finished these slices of Battenberg cake for my Folksy shop. I wasn't too sure about the shades at first but now they're finished, I'm happy with them.

Just makes me want to snuggle under the throw on the sofa with a hot cup of tea and cake! Although, I've been eating too much comfort food of late and have put back on the weight I'd lost for the wedding! :(

Two weeks left in work now before the holidays (yipee). The Christmas tree is up, presents bought, just wrapping left! We're having lunch with my family this year, and there will be 8 of us, so am looking forward to a good old family day like they used to be.

Christmas Craft Food

2009-12-07T14:12:00.001Z

Since the last craft fayre, I've been making felt food like crazy! I had another fayre on Saturday (5th) which was also a poor turn out, but I managed to make a few sales! All felt food!

I've been focusing mainly on biscuits ( as you can see) but want to make more savories now, especially as play food. Maybe a few young children in the family will be getting play food off Father Christmas this year!

I'm a lot more relaxed now that I'm done sewing before Christmas, although now I can't wait to have time to experiment with new designs. Since that was my last craft fayre before Christmas, I've listed the biscuits online in my Etsy and Folksy shops (links on this page). I want to list all the stockings and dolls too, but will have to wait until I find some daylight to photograph them!

Oh nearly forgot to say, I had my first 3 sales from my Etsy shop last weekend and sold 3 Matryoshka dolls to a lady from Poland. I was so delighted, I hope she likes them.

Craft Fayre

2009-11-16T14:29:00.000Z

Well, the craft Fayre was on Saturday, not too bad. It wasn't very busy as the weather was awful on the coast, but I did make a few sales! What an eye opener, I only sold my felt foods. Not one person bought a bag, stocking or doll. So at least I know whet people will part with their cash for. I am now making felt cakes like mad after work as I've booked in for another fayre on 5th December. I'm kind of glad they're selling as I have so much fun making these and they don't take up too much time.

My mum has taken my stock of dolls and is going to display them at a local event near her home. Maybe they'll sell a little better there. I do feel like I've got a mental block on ideas for the cakes though, which is bugging me as I like creating wonderful designs. I'm keeping my eyes out for inspiration everywhere!!!

Nearly There

2009-11-02T17:04:00.000Z

Ok, I have 2 weeks to go til the craft fayre, and loads still to make!!! I feel so behind. Just realised I havent got much variety so will try to make some extra decorations if I have time.....aaarrrggg!!!! And to top it off I didn't do any sewing all weekend, which is my own fault as I was feeling too tired!

Also my mum's cat has gone missing, so am worried about that. She's such a timid little thing (the cat), really hope she'll return safe. My Fiance and I have to declare our intentions to marry on Wednesday morning, I hope I don't forget to take anything. We finally got an official date for the wedding, next October. So need to make more cash, lol. Its all just one big circle......

Work, but not the kind I enjoy!

2009-10-08T13:49:00.001+01:00

Work has been consuming my thoughts lately, not happy with the situation, and by the time I get home, I can't get it out of my head to enjoy making things! My Fiance is feeling the same ( we work together). Anyway, had a nice change yesterday by going to the cinema with my bro and sister-in-law, we saw Zombieland! very funny. My bro and I are big Zombie fans to the extent of being zombie geeks, so any zombies are good zombies:)

Not sewn for the past two nights though, so will try tonight. I made a bad attempt at a cupcake a couple of weeks ago, which I found our youngest cat playing with under the setee this morning! the cheek of it, but it was funny as it's her 1st birthday today, seemed she wanted her own cake, lol! heres a picture we took of her a few months ago.

Truffle

Plushies

2009-10-05T10:20:00.002+01:00

Ok, I've been attempting plushies for a while now, and am quite taken with plush food. Here are some doughnuts I've sewn, also adding beads as sprinkles! Will either try selling these on Etsy or more likely at the craft fayre in November. I've also made some plush french fancies, which I'll try and get a picture of here. I really enjoyed making these, something I can do whilst catching up with the programmes I've skyplus'd!!!

birdprint bag

2009-10-05T10:07:00.001+01:00

birdprint bag
Originally uploaded by c.dellibovi

Finally, a picture of one of my bags. I've spent my weekend listing them on Etsy.com.

How do you sew AND keep the house tidy?

2009-09-14T14:12:00.000+01:00

Yes, the end of summer is here, and trying to be a good girl, I've cleaned out the living room and got rid of every bit of dirt, and hoovered, dusted, washed. But as I haven't a workroom to sew in, I've allocated myself a corner in the living room with my sewing machine on a small table. This does not a clean and tidy house make! How does everyone else manage? I start making an item and find I've got thread, cuttings and pins everywhere. Truffle doesn't help with her obsession with bobbins and thread reels (I found 3 bobbins behind the settee).

oh I can't wait til we're in a position to buy our own house, with a spare room all to myself! ahhh!

anyhow, the bags are slowly coming along and the xmas craft fayre is drawing nearer! better get my skates on.

x

Later on

2009-09-03T14:11:00.001+01:00

Ok, well I've made dolls (even though some have gone away as birthday presents), and have listed them on etsy.com (pic on right). I think the photos let me down though, they're no where near professional enough, so I think tomorrow I will try take some more. Other than that a few bags are made up and I have a craft show booked in Mumbles, Swansea before Christmas. I have the day off work tomorrow so plan to get a lot done, and need to go and pick up supplies.

My partner and I have also booked a date for our wedding! Its a year today, and I've been so excited that I've already ordered the dress from DollyCouture.com and bought the rings off Ebay! I also bought some Russian net to make a veil! I feel like a child overeager about Christmas, oh well!

New Etsy Shop

2009-07-30T17:15:00.000+01:00

Finally, I got my self together to create my Etsy shop : Pipinopolis.etsy.com, I only have a few items I managed to make up over the hectic weekend, but none the less I am proud of myself! If only I didn't spend most of my days at work but at home doing what I love, I'd be there a lot faster and happier! Everyone has to start out somewhere, and hopefully this is my start.

I'm going to try to gear myself up and get some photos up on Flickr this weekend and brighten up this thing! Though I think I'll have the house to myself this evening as Boyfriend is going out with mates, which'll give me space to make a mess with all my stuff!!! oh the extravagance of it. I spent last night completing the boring bits (making labels, organising materials) but I fear I need a little more inspiration tonight.