more on creative friends

Thinking of things handmade, led me naturally to this story, about another creative friend and member of our sewing group, Jane Hall. Now I might add that Jane is rather embarassed about me writing this story, but is humouring me - thank you Jane! Until this year, Jane had been living and working at Timbertop for five years, with her husband Tom and two little boys, Ned and Archie.  She had always been creative but until last year hadn't done any sewing. She's a determined woman and, when given the opportunity to borrow her friend's sewing machine for an extended period, decided that she wanted to learn to sew. Jane asked me if I would show her how to run up a cushion.  So we spent a lovely couple of hours where I did indeed show her the basics of how to use a sewing machine and how to sew a simple cushion. This was in exchange for a loaf of her delicious home-made sourdough bread, so I difinitely came out on top! Well, from then on, boy did she run with it!! Before we knew it, her lounge room and kitchen were filled with the most amazing array of cushions...

And then she progressed to making patchwork quilts...

As you can see, with a little creativity and some beautifully rustic pieces, Jane made her simple Timbertop house into a warm and inviting home.

This year, though, Jane and Tom left Timbertop and moved on to start a new life, luckily not too far away. Tom's parents live on land next to the Goulburn River near Thornton. Looking after the place is becoming a bit too much for them these days and so Tom and Jane are living next to them and helping out.  Tom's father built the mud brick home and next door shed himself - an amazing achievement.  Tom and Jane have renovated the shed and moved their little family in. Last week our sewing group went down to have a look at their new home. As you can see their 'shed' looks rather more like a Tuscan villa...

This is the new kitchen hutch...

Jane made us a delicious morning tea of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and then fresh salads and bread for lunch...

Here are some more gorgeous corners in the kitchen...

Looking down on the kitchen from upstairs. Note the stunning staircase...

I just loved the 'vintage industrial' vibe and the warmth and homeliness of Jane and Tom's 'shed' - it's a place that instantly speaks of a family who enjoy the pleasures of a 'simple life'.