A couple of days ago we went to the Singapore Art Museum.

Get Inspired.. Within The Budget!

How many times do we have to let go of our dreams for some unforeseen circumstances?

I hear lots of 'been there done that'..

Let's get more specific, in terms of building your dream home, your very own nest.

Often you have to lower your expectation and deal with the 2nd best.. or 3rd.. 4th.. and it keeps going..

Yet, don't be discouraged! You see these room pictures that are inspiring while actually done in a low budget.. I like how they look unpretentious yet charming in the same time.

Stuck with an old sofa? Fret not! Simply cover it with a throw, blanket or any fabric in coordinating color, whether it's in the same range or contrast colors.

Think white! White besides being neutral (and cheap! White paint costs less than the colored ones) is also giving you a sense of airy and lightness, which important in a small space. And it provides you a perfect 'canvas' for you to work with. Go monochrome and add more shades of pale colors such as lightgreys -- warm and cool. Or if the mood strikes, give punches of colors for more fun.

Put the colors on the furnishings that are easy to replace, such as curtains, throw pillows, rugs, blankets and so on. Even the colorful kids toys can add difference in a room.

For more pics see the original article here.

Prewashing

I usually prewash my fabrics before using them. You know how some garments would shrunk after you wash 'em? Since I like to combine more than 1 type of fabric in each of my work, imagine what disaster could happen if I didn't prewash the fabrics in advance.

So here I am, starting to prewash this pretty orange batik fabric. It's a Garutan batik, originated from Garut, West Java, Indonesa, known for its various bright colors.

You know you have a genuine batik if it has that wax-like smell(from the making process) and the color is vivid in both sides of the fabric. Prewashing batik is also important to release the excessive color pigment on it so you won't experience color bleed or stain in the next washes.

Sneak Peek: New Nest

Now as my new home's starting to take shape and the boys are doing pretty well in their first 2 weeks of Primary School, so I guess it's time to update this blog :D

Since I'm not done unpacking my sewing materials, instead here's a sneak peak of my new living room.

This is the so called foyer with lots of shoes storage!


We live on the 3rd floor, though we don't get breathtaking view as those penthouse units yet we're quite happy with all the greeneries view from the surrounding trees. And the natural lighting is oh so pretty.


The sofa (as well as the dining table set) is from IKEA.

I chose dark color finishing like black and walnut for our furnitures to match and balance the existing walls and built-ins. Not to mention dark colors are easier to maintain, especially if you have small kids along with their crayons and such..

No, I haven't abandoned this blog.. well maybe a bit, unwillingly.

I was fully occupied during the twins' school holiday, and now while preparing for their first day in Primary School, I also got caught up in this :

..yes, we're moving to a new nest.

I'll post some proper pictures later, hopefully soon..

Purple Fusion

Combination of IKEA plain color fabric, Tenun Troso (handwoven) and Batik - all in purple shades.

Batik Bags

Made these by order..

Amy Reversible Bag

I think the fabric flower embellishment looks pretty.

Minnie Reversible Bag

It could be worn as shoulder bag or sling bag.

Experimenting with Vynil

I often use my charlie bag as a shopping bag. Measuring 50x60 cm (incld. handle) the bag is big (on petite me, it's huge!) and roomy, perfect to keep all those groceries. Yet since I made it from cotton fabric it's not very stain resistant, not to mention it's not waterproof - which often needed in a good shopping bag.

So when I came across this blue vynil with pretty floral motives, I knew what to do with it rightaway.





....and here it is, a shopping bag with vynil lining inside, very durable and easy to clean (just wipe with damp cloth). You can reverse the bag and put the vynil part putside too, perfect for those rainy days :D

I use tenun troso in bright green color for the other side of the bag, embellished with a bird applique which I colored with fabric paint.

Very experimental, yet I'm pleased with the outcome :)

Oh and yes, it's for sale ;)

Batik in Blue

This reversible bag is again made by order for a friend of mine who loves batik as much as she loves blue color :)

Made from Batik Garutan (produced in Garut, West Java, Indonesia - comes in bright colors) in kawung motives, with some button embellished for the accent.

a fusion feast

Last night hubby and I went out to Esplanade for a late supper. I almost forgot about the Pesta Raya there if not for the excitements from the venue which just across the cafe where we ate.

After the alfresco dining we were drawn to the crowds nearby. It was at an outdoor theatre on the waterfront and not to mention it's free ;) so we decided to stay and watch for a while.

The stage bursts with talents from dancers, singers and musicians from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. As we watched in awe we learned that the show was not all about malay dances and songs only. We were pleasantly surprise when a bunch of youth from Jogja performed a javanese song in hip hop! It was like watching the Black Eyed Peas where Fergie wears kebaya and the boys wear batik shirt and blangkon (in a good way, ofcourse) :D

Afterwards we stroll along the river walk, enjoying the city lights and then finally took a cab back home. It sure was one of those almost-perfect Saturday nights :)