riamdesigns

Hello fellow Swap-bots, My name is Lisa. I have been happily married to my hubby, Mick for the past 17 years, and together we have 3 children. Our daughter is 17yo and our two sons are 15yo and 13yo. I live in the rural city of Ararat in Victoria, Australia and I work full time outside of the home; I am a public servant with the Victorian Department of Justice. I have been living with depression since I was 15yo and generally manage this welll. Since mid 2012 I have been struggling with severe depression which has had a significant impact on my day to day life, however I count myself as one of the lucky ones who has this illness as I have a loving and supportive family; fabulous friends; an understanding and supportive workplace and a wonderful team of health care professionals. I also have chocolate, shoes and sewing! I love sewing and have written more about this under 'My Favourite Craft'. I dream of one day being able to retire from my day job and make a living from my hobby/passion. Who knows, it just might happen!

I love to sew. I started sewing when I was about eight years old - I'm now firmly in my 40s. I used to sit with my mum as she sewed and she would let me have some of her scraps to play with. So that the clothes I made my dolls and teddies didn't keep falling off, I learnt to see using a needle and thread. Eventually my mother saw that I was serious about this sewing thing, and she allowed me to use her sewing machine. That was life changing and I haven't looked back since. I love to sew quilts, handbags, totes, clothing, cushions (pillows) and many other things. I enjoy both hand and machine sewing. I currently have enough works in progress to keep me busy for a year full time at least, but there is always room for another project. I enjoy needlework, cross stitch, embroidery etc., however I am not that great at it, but I do still enjoy the craft. I also like knitting, although I find this to be a slow craft. I recently learnt to crochet and I am loving it - hopefully this feeling will continue. My favourite colours are red, orange, green (most shades, not bottle green or combat khaki), Aqua, pinks (not sickly lolly pop or Barbie shades)' black, my wardrobe staple and natural shades - e.g. Linen colour. To me, the colours red and orange are neutrals/basics; I love them with everything.

I am addicted to fabric. I love it and can't seem to get enough of it. The variety of fabrics available these days is astonishing. By this I mean not only the colour and print, but the textures. I feel like I am in heaven when I am in a fabric shop; the smell, the feel, the visual delight. It really heightens my senses and gives me a feeling of calm. It's so much better than any drug I could ever take. My hubby doesn't share my addiction although he does help fund it! I find when my depression is more acute, I don't have much of a sewing mojo, however I do have need to buy fabric, as when I am touching it and planning what to do with it, I feel calm and in control. I would describe my favourite fabrics for quilting and other crafts, as those that are bright and modern. I don't mean fluoro, these I can't stand. I also like pastel colours, but not the wishy-washy ones. I like crisp colour if that makes sense. I also love white and the gorgeous palette of neutrals now available. Greys, charcoal, natural linen, taupe, browns (not mission brown!). In regards to loving 'modern' fabrics, I have a fairly broad taste range. From the gorgeous eclectic collections by Kaffe Fasset, Tula Pink, Anna Maria Horner and others, to designs that are a bit whimsical or quirky - think Lotta Jandotta, Heather Ross, Melody Miller, Natalie Lymer. I love Mid-century retro prints and the modern vintage reproduction fabric ranges available - Denyse Schmidt, Bonnie and Camille, Lori Holt as well as what I call 'my pretties' - Flower Sugar by Lecein. I'm extremely excited that the new collection by Emma Jean Jansen, 'The Linen Cupboard' is about to be released; I love her 'Terra Australis' ranges. I enjoy the work of Australian designers/printers, Maze & Vale, Yardage Design, Umbrella Prints and Kirsten Doran; their fabrics/designs are devine. Along with Yuma's Japanese fabrics, I can't resist the work of Nani Iro, or fabrics released by Kokka and Enchino. I love all things Liberty of London from their classic prints to their seasonal designs, all on gorgeous tana lawn and voile. My current crush is the new collection 'Mimosa' (Windham Fabrics) followed closely by the Jen Kingwell designed, 'Gardenvale' (Moda).

I don't really have a favourite music type or artist/band. A lot of noise really does my head in so I don't use my car radio and if I'm at home on my own, I love the quiet. I do however like music by: Bruce Sprinsteen Simon & Garfunkel Cold Chisel Ian Moss Jimmy Barnes AC/DC Barbara Streisand Eva Cassidy Elvis Presley Rod Stewart Neil Diamond I can't stand rap or most heavy metal, but I can appreciate the talent that goes into each. I also enjoy opera and classical music.

My favourite television shows are: Criminal Minds Waking the Dead The Flintstones I Love Lucy The Closer Major Crimes The Big Bang Theory New Tricks Last Tango in Halifax Midsummer Murders The Big C

I've loved the movie (musical) Gigi since I was a little girl. I also have a soft spot for 'The Shawshank Redemption' as this is the first movie my husband and I ever watched together.

I don't really have a favourite. I enjoy reading but find these days I'm just as happy to read a craft book. I enjoy reading how the different quilt blocks, softies, cushions/pillows are constructed. I love books that show case zakka and how simple little items/projects can make a huge difference to your everyday life.