As you can see from the inscription in red biro, this particular pattern was once lent to someone called Mary and it was obviously a keeper because the owner wrote a note that “this is the only pattern I would like back”. I can’t imagine (a) ever writing on my sewing patterns or (b) being prepared to part with them so easily. I’m too much of a collector… or should I say hoarder!

Image courtesy of the Pallant House Gallery.

As well as catching up with friends and checking out the shops, we spent a bit of time wandering around like tourists and noticing things we hadn’t paid attention to before – like this delightful bronze owl sculpture on Elizabeth Street called ‘Children’s Tree’ by Tom Bass, which has been there since 1963!

While we were waiting for a tram to the Chapel Street Bazaar, we admired these bright gardens in the centre of town – if someone can please remind me what the spiky plants in the background are, that would be terrific. No special vintage fabric finds for me at the bazaar, but I did manage to track down a lovely vintage skirt pattern (coming soon to Saturday Special).

And there was more inspiration from nature with these maple leaves in the water feature outside the National Gallery of Victoria, where we saw the extraordinary Mad Square exhibition of German Expressionist art (and escaped a warm 33-degree day). Autumn leaves in the middle of summer – only in Melbourne!

I love the detail of the big sister fussing with her little sister’s hairpiece, with the little sparrows nearby.

I thought my giant scrap collection would be enough to fill it, but even after resorting to cutting up socks that are beyond darning it still looks like a beanbag for a little person. I don’t want to buy filling or waste fabric scraps that could be used for quilting or other projects, so it looks like I’ll have to make a few more cushions and create more scraps. That isn’t so bad, I guess!