Bianca Jae Makes Stuff

5 down

2012-01-16T17:11:00.000+09:30

Swoon. I am so into this quilt! I've managed 5 blocks so far.

I did a weee experiment with my blocks.

First one I didn't iron. I know there are bloggers and quilters out there that don't iron to retain shape or something like that so don't laugh at me.

Was not the best finish, so onto the next...

The second, I ironed all seams, one to one side one to the other, you know to "butt up" the seams...

Better but not the best finish...

Third one I ironed most of the seams open. This is not how I normally do things but worth a shot...

Much better! I then checked the flickr group and it appears I wasn't the only one having trouble with messy seams. I have even now started ironing every seam open. Fiddly but totally worth it!

Now I wouldn't normally show you this but Abbe asked me very nicely and now that it's out there on the interwebs I guess it's safe to show you here too....oh this feels like showing you my undies draws....

The back...

Like I said, I'm loving this quilt, only 4 blocks to go! Check out the swoon-alongers here xox

Swoon

2012-01-08T16:33:00.001+09:30

I know. Blogging from my phone is not the best but seeing as though my life is now that of cancer mum, I can do this in between vomits, tears and tantrums. Please bear with me :)

Monkey lady is running a swoon a long. You know that gorgeous pattern Swoon by Camille from thimble blossoms? I know you do. I sign up for these things all the time. But then find I don't have at hand all the bits required and they fall by the way side where all the other good intentions go. This time, I have everything! I got the swoon pattern when it first came out and have been saving the Anna Marie Horner good folks fat 1/4's for something special. Quick trip to my local spotty and I'm ready!

I'm really happy with the grey solid from spotlight. Not to dark and not too light. It's part of their prima solid range, colour is called 'iron'. What do you think? Will work yes? xox

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A new year

2012-01-05T22:57:00.001+09:30

A good time to learn a new skill.

I for one am very glad to see the back of 2011. Last year will always be the year my baby got cancer. And while 2012 is full of questions, worry and the unknown at least we know that there will be nothing 'normal' or predictable about it.

I hope you all had a safe, happy holiday season. And thank you all again for your awesomeness. Without Facebook, twitter and blogger I think I might have gone mad....er xox

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not all Chemo and cancer

2011-11-22T13:27:00.001+09:30

There is some crafting too xox

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3 weeks in....

2011-11-19T09:34:00.001+09:30

There has been a few tears, a few melt downs, lots of learning and accepting, loads of talking, and most importantly, lots and lots of smiles and laughs!

Her treatment is going really well. We are back in hospital after a week of being out. 2 weeks of iv antis to come but is just a wee bump. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Maybs and I had been staying at Ronald McDonald house, or Ronnie Mac for those in the know ;) We got to meet Good Charlotte last week as part of McHappy Day! So awesome!

She is such a rock star!!

Maybs decided to dye her hair pink, blue and purple. Seeing as though it is going to fall out, why not have fun!

Maybelle also decided that instead of letting her hair fall out, she'd take control and shave her head when she was ready. Thursday was that day. And I have never ever been more proud. Her strength and courage amazes me every day. She's not perfect oh no! And she's still Maybelle. But her spirit is shining. And that is remarkable!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The messages, emails, tweets, phone calls, texts etc have been reassuring and uplifting. There is a reason the blogging community is so wonderful because it really is a community.

Very special shout out to Fi, dear dear Fi! You have been a rock. You, my dear, are my super star.

There is a facebook group, ALL about Maybelle if you find it, ask to join and I'll add you. I think that how it works lol!

Much love and gratitude xox

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Cancer

2011-11-03T22:12:00.001+09:30

Not a word I ever though I would use here but here we go....

Our gorgeous, spirited oldest child, Maybelle, has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is treatable. It is curable. It is bloody scary. And I can not believe this is happening to her and too us.

What started as her feeling flat, progressed to changes in skin colour and bruising, and now hospital, blood transfusions, bone marrow testing and Chemo. All in a matter of weeks.

It is just plan bad luck. Nothing we did or didn't do caused it. It isn't fair and I'm really pissed that our family has been dealt this. Like we haven't already been though enough!!

But we will march on. We will do what needs to be done. It is a very very very long road ahead of us. Anything from 2-3years of treatment. She will loose her hair. She will be very sick at times but she will always be our Maybelle. Even when the steroid rage kicks in ;)

I'm ok. Kinda, sorta. I know I don't any idea about what's to come. Part of that's ok, part of that is bloody scary. I know I have THE most amazing people around Maybs and I to support and love us through this. We are so bless that under all the crazy that is my family, they are all there. 100% no questions asked. As with my beautiful friends. I already owe a few of you a night on the town and it's only round 1 lol!

In the coming days we'll de setting up a closed facebook group to inform people on mass so the family and I can concentrate on Maybs and her recovery. Once set up, I'll add a link and please feel free to ask to join.

And the little miss herself? She's ok. So much to take in. She knows she has a cancer called leukemia and we have to have Chemo to kill it. The childrens hospital is amazing and I'm sure that has helped her tremendously.

I'll leave you with a picture of her and her new toy......

An iPad!!

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My Place & Yours

2011-10-24T08:01:00.000+09:30

This week I had to join in MPAY again because I have the bestest pin cushion ever!

No really. I do.

Isn't it the best!

I picked it up from this fabulous shop The Crafty Squirrel

Morgan has loads of handmade lovely's as well as super cute crafty, vintage gifts and things.

A must visit if you are down this way :)

Clearly, this is one of my many 'helpers'! Hard to believe that when I started blogging she was a baby and now....the terriblest of threes xox

Things you don't see in the NT

2011-10-23T07:53:00.000+09:30

Yesterday the 'rat had a hail storm. A first for the 2 youngest. They loved it!

We were lucky though. This is the only damage around our house. Others....not so lucky.

And these picture, taken 17 hours AFTER the storm! I can only imagine how it looked yesterday.

I thought it had snowed overnight and we'd missed it!

Hope y'all are well and dry xox

My Place & Yours

2011-10-16T15:04:00.001+09:30

It's back! Vic is once again at the helm. This weeks theme is on the shelf. And while I haven't played before I really really really want to show you whats on my shelf!

Yep. We now have 3 wonderful blythe girls!!!

They are all wearing dresses I (poorly) made.

This shelf is in our living room. Its one of those peek a boo slot things in between living "zones" or whatever....

Pop over to Vic's to see more nifty shelves xox

starts

2011-10-12T09:12:00.002+09:30

You may think that these prolong periods of silence from me means I am not creating.

You would be mistaken.

While life is, different, and I am still adjusting, I am indeed sewing!

Last day of term had me visit Mill Rose Cottage for a tea set class with the ever amusing, insanely clever Jodie aka. Ric Rac. Thankfully I had Bec there to keep me safe ;)

It was a wonderful day! Truly just what I needed

Sometime at the end of last term I had a house full of delightful visitors. 5 extra kids and one very crafty mum, The Fi's :) Always a blast having them stay. Sewed anything? Well yes, thanks for asking

Don't Look Now's Lilly Pilly quilt. Perfect for us with 6 birds hiding in the tree :) I purchased it as a kit about a year ago from Ballarat Patchwork.

I did try my best to do like the pattern says, however Fi convinced me to do what I know (easy or K.I.S.S) and just heat and bond the lot down. I am very grateful for her suggestion! Still a lot of work to go but VERY happy with is so far!

And lastly for today I did a Harlequin Stars class at Ballarat Patchwork!! Its a foundation pieced stunner. Emma at has made not one but 2 of these amazing quilts this year. I managed a block ;)

You need to pop into Ballarat Patchwork and check out the full quilt.

It is a m a z i n g!

There is more to show you but I need a lay down now. Hard work blogging when you haven't done it in ages teehee xox

Slowly settling

2011-09-13T15:51:00.000+09:30

Hello friends :) I've been given a gentle shove to update you all on the land of Bianca Jae. Gentle as in I'll travel 3 hours to your house, stay over night, take pictures for you and then email them to you. Yeah, that gentle, thanks Jules ;)

We have been in Vic now for about 4 weeks. Climate is hard. But we are treating it like the build up. No one is to talk about how cold and horrid it is. We all have to live it. To be fair, kids have acclimatize much faster then me. Sooky la la I am

We have had an extremely busy time. Not just with the normal moving house, settling into school and kinder, unpacking, organising etc.

We have had family visits, family trips, crafty visits, 2 birthdays and fathers day. Sadly all with out dad.

This little miss turned 3 :)

This little miss turned 8 :)

And what's that?! A baby?! It's Baby CP and he is just devine. Almost makes me clucky enough for another. Almost ;)

And who's this?! Boy one and Little Miss Narioka! 'Helping' with the clips ;)

Julie and Abbe were brave enough to come and visit last week. It was so lovely to have them there for the night. Really did help take the sting out of missing the NT.

I've been working on my grandmothers flowers garden. And also a block of the month stitchery but Jules didn't take any pictures of that ;)

Truthfully, this move has been super hard. We did it in 5 weeks from when the decision to move was made until the last box was off the container. 4 of those weeks I was on my own with the kids. Without the help of beautiful friends and family I would have well and truly ended up in the loony bin. No really. Lock away the key kind of loony. It's been really hard to keep my shit together. It has become kind of all consuming. I know I'll find my feet soon. I know it will get easier. Right now, I'm a little lost and a little lonely.

So moving is hard my friends. Hopefully soon the dust will settle, we will wind our feet and our family rhythms will return xox

ps happy now girls? ;)

and then we said goodbye

2011-08-11T10:45:00.000+09:30

The Top End has been good to us.

Not counting the cyclone, kitchen fire and robberies

I started this blog and opened a little shop.

Finally got on the correct medication for my bipolar

We have welcomed a new family member. Born at home just as it should be.

My kids have learnt to swim and walk on grass.

The kids have run freely under the sprinklers for hours on end, not caring how much water they are using/wasting.

We have all held snakes, frogs, lizards and crocodiles.

I have watched the love of my life become the man I knew he could be, despite so many doubting him.

We have grown and changed as a family.

The time has come for us to leave The Top End.

It is very bitter sweet.

We are returning to Victoria to be closer to family. And while that is exciting, I am a new auntie!! it is also heartbreaking.

Everybody from the Top End is from somewhere else. You know I can count on one hand how many people I have meet that were born and bread here? True story. Most people are without family. So, they make their own.

So even though I am going too family, turns out, I am leaving family too.

You know who you are. You know that I love you and will miss you. And this isn't really a good bye but a see you later. We love this place and our top end family

And we will be back xox

Dry season :)

2011-07-19T18:35:00.000+09:30

My favourite time of year.

So many visitors, so much sun!

Katherine Hot Springs

2 of my beauties and some yellow flowers on a stick

Edith falls (I walked up there!!)

Upper pools at Edith, thats me swimming in the middle ;)

Snap! Snap! He's just a baby really

My 'I'm-terrified-of-lizards-and-snakes' girls being not so terrified after all.

So proud :)

Blissful sun set at Mindil beach.

As you can see, not a lot of sewing, although if you pop over to Jacquie's you'll see I did sew while she was here. And she also mentions the reason for my lack of blogging. And the charger is still lost. xox

Still here :)

2011-04-30T11:09:00.001+09:30

Yep! I am! Life and stuff keep getting in the way of the computer and I. But I have....oh 15 mins. to fill you in. But on my iPhone.

1. New Meds started for the newly diagnosed but always had bipolar 2. Check!

2. Mum comes to stay for 2 weeks. Check!

3. Dad, stepmum, sister and 2 bothers also come to visit. Check!

4. Husband starts new job. Check!

5. Husbands new jobs takes home overseas with no date on coming home. Check!

6. School holidays survived. Just. Check!

7. Catching up with beautiful supportive friends. Check!

8. Getting all clucky over a beautiful blog friends turned real life friends baby boy. Check!

9. Updated my madeit shop. Check!

10. Made a queen size quilt. Check!

Mums quilt. She decided, as she does, that she'd like to make a quilt while she was up. From my stash, you know, to help me out (really help Hubby out by taking some of the stash lol)

Fabric - Nicey jane by Heather Bailey and some Blue Wrens in ink by Ink and Spindle, kindle donated by Kirsty :)

Mum just loves all the ink and spindle prints but given that she is a get in and get it done kinda lady (I know! Not like me at all) there was no chance of her waiting for yardage. I was a little unsure of the combination, I like things to match, but I think it's perfect! And it looks great on her bed :)

Pattern is from material obsessions book 1, with a few wee changes including adding at extra row. Very easy to assemble and lightly quilted with straight lines.

So. Anything you want to fill me in on? Any news or, you know, plain old life you want to share? xox

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my creative space

2011-03-24T13:05:00.000+09:30

Today. Sewing on binding. Mel made the top and I helped quilt and bind it. I like hand sewing the binding on. It gives me time to think. Currently my head space is a bit like this.....

When will "they" find the magic pill to make fat go away?

If I diet really well for a week, why cant I just wake up skinny?

What IS for tea?

Why is mental illness still so taboo?

If I was diagnosed with any other illness I would have blogged about it already instead of sitting on it for a fortnight. Why is that?

Do people care about other peoples shit or is it nice to live in a blogtopia where everything is shiny and nice?

I do like shiny.

Is it my new meds making me feel sick or am I acually starting to get sick?

I don't have time to be sick.

Mel's sick.

I could make her some soup but it's still too hot here for that.

When IS dry season going to start??

I really am sick of the rain.

Hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.

Tomorrow is my day off.

What can I do other than post stuff?

Hubby's last day in the office, should have lunch with him.....

......and on it goes ;)

Best I get back to binding before I make all your heads explode

Other not so mental spaces at Kirsty's

xox

My creative space

2011-03-10T09:58:00.001+09:30

So I have some news....boy one and small child are going into child care one day a week! That is huge for me. Well, for all of us. I will now have Fridays all to myself. First time in 10 years!!

And of course, they need hats! You would think living up here we'd have hats everywhere...but no. We have quite a shady yard and although you will get burnt, the sun doesn't seem to have the real bite it does down south.

Boys one in pieces ready to sew. The pattern is from Tie dye diva and the hat is reversible!! Yay!

Here's my first attempt finished. Made with spotlight fabric from the stash.

Few puckers but I reckon I've got it sorted now :)

Pop over to kootoyoo to see who else is being creative today xox

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wordless wednesday

2011-03-09T10:44:00.002+09:30

Dotty Spotty

2011-03-08T20:07:00.000+09:30

Dotty Spotty is all finished :)

Quilted in diaganal lines

Srips of colour on the back so if it's used on the floor it wont show up too much dirt :)

Finished size is about 110cm. Overall happy with it. Still not sold on the unisex thing...

What do you think? Would you call this unisex?

And another thing.....how do you take good photo's of quilts?! Seriously, I suck at it lol! xox

Equals?

2011-03-08T16:26:00.000+09:30

Today is the 100th International Women's Day

I must admit.....I was a bit, OK, whatever. We live in a country where my daughters can do or be anything they like. I have the choice to do or be anything I like. We are very lucky...

....then I watched this....

There are still millions of women who do not have that choice.
Who have no choice.

And how is it, I ask you, that women are still paid less?? I know personally there are women in my husbands industry, where women work just as hard, just as long and can still earn less then their male counter parts??

Makes no sense to me....those companies can totally afford it!

So watch the clip.

Thanks Kate for sharing the link of twitter

That is all. Back with a finished quilt later xox

sunday stash #5

2011-03-06T11:24:00.000+09:30

Echino. How I love the :)

I have started a little collection of echino's just for the boy.

Of course it includes the cars. I love the cars! They are one of my all time favorite.

I have told him the once he sleeps in his own bed he can have is own quilt. We are co-sleepers here. But funnily enough, only 2 of the 4 did. The middle 2. So we had a baby and a toddler with us for 4 months! Baby was happy in the cot so stayed there while the boy stayed with us. FINALLY at 4 1/2 has decided he is cool to sleep by himself.

Almost baby years free!! Only one left to toilet train.

But I digress. This is about fabric. Not really sure yet what to do....was thinking wonky square blocks but last night while pinning I remember how much I love these from Film in the fridge. Considering when I took out the fabric to photo the boy one ask if I was making his quilt, then 3 hours later asked if was finished, thinking quick and easy. Or my ears might bleed from the nagging ;)

Oh how I love echino :) xox

TGIF

2011-03-04T16:41:00.001+09:30

Or thank goodness its Friday!! First week on my own with the kidlets in 4 months. Just quietly, bloody hard work. But we survived. And that is awesome ;)

One good thing about the man being away. I dont have to clean his end of the table ;)

Whipped these up last night for my gorgeous friend the cake maker. They are heading south for a holiday and she wanted a zipper big enough for all her boys drawing stuff (and their drawing wraps made by me).

This weekends sew will include finishing Dotty Spotty and making a bag for a birthday party we have on Sunday. Also have a mountain for house work to do...just so you know I'm not a superwoman, 2 baskets of washing overflowing all over the lounge room! I, my dear friends, am not perfect and would rather sew or read a book with my kids than clean.....keeping it real ;)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xox

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My creative space

2011-03-03T15:35:00.002+09:30

Dotty Spotty is all pinned and ready to go!

I'm also working on 3 mega drawing cases for a wonderful friend to take on holidays. And a softie. As it turns out....I am...ahem softie challenged! But I'm determined to finish him!

Hope you are all having a very crafty thursday :) Why not show us? Add you linky in at kootoyoo xox

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Crafty folks :)

2011-03-02T16:59:00.000+09:30

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure in meeting and hanging out with 3 like minded crafty ladies.
AND THEY LIVE IN DARWIN!!!
Wooohooooo!!!!

Me and my little one, Kirsty, Nikki and Anna down the front. And the little man over the back is Anna's little angle. My boy child took the picture.....hence the fuzzy ;)

One of the hardest things about moving up here was not being able to attend my local craft group (hello ladies, I know your reading) I missed chatting, the company, show and tell and most of all the friendships that come out of craft. There is something extra special about being with a group of people that just get. it. You know?
While blogging has filled part of that void, the thought of meeting regularly with a group of awesome crafters is, giddy silly exciting, jump and twirl and skip and run kind of exciting :) Yes. I am very excited!!
Hopefully next time Mel and Melissa with be able to join us!!

And so you, my gorgeous bloggy friends don't feel like you have missed out....here's some show and tell for you ;)

xox

sunday stash #4

2011-02-27T16:47:00.000+09:30

I started the day saying good bye to my beloved husband. He has 'gone bush' for 4 to 8 weeks. I really hate not knowing when he is going to be home. Sucks, but you know, that's life :)

Moving on....I had taken photos for todays post but thats not what I am showing you now. I went to spotlight with all the children. Yep. Not for the faint hearted.

I seriously couldn't help meself

I'm hoping the last stack will be ok to use for a unisex baby's quilt. What do you think? I was thinking maybe pin wheels with white? Mmmmm. These people that dont find out what they are having! Unisex is hard! xox

I love Sherbet Pips!

2011-02-25T14:57:00.000+09:30

So it's not uncommon for me to fall in love with a fabric range. It happens at least once a month but this, this is different. This is a hard core love affair.

It's serious, very serious.

I love the girls in the swings. Look at the tiny snail and hedgehog!!

I love the dogs chasing the balls with little mice scurrying around!

I love the kids on their scooters!

But my favorite, absolute favorite is the grey! I just love it! This picture doesn't really show the true colour, over cast today and hard to get a good picture. But trust me. It is perfect :)

Nice and easy. Charm squares (about a pack and 1/2) sewn up then quilted in straight lines :)

I do love the graduating colour :)

Backing, white with blue spots from the stash, thinking it might have been spotlight fabric. Binding, red Polka dot from Bonnie and Camille's range 'Bliss'

I can not wait for this range to be released in yardage!!! xox

Weekend quilt top #1

2011-02-21T10:43:00.000+09:30

After the fire, when I was cashed up and needed to restock, I brought this glorious kit from the girls at Ink & Spindle. For me. No one else, just me :)

I have finished the quilt top! I really do love it!

Being a kit there will be others out there similar I decided to add a little red to the mix. I had some Ginkgo and Keys, both Ink & Spindle, in the stash.

Thinking I'll quilt straight lines across then maybe add some hand quilting lines as well. I do love sitting and stitching xox

sunday stash #3

2011-02-20T10:23:00.000+09:30

Happy Sunday folks :)

I hope where ever you are you are having a wonderful day.

Currently hubby and I are sitting outside, listening to the neighbours mow their lawns, our children playing (nicely at times) and thinking about tidying. We are good at thinking about it ;)

This week, Quite Contrary by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake

I love this range! Girlie but not babyish.

I would have loved the lot but I was good and only got 8 prints from the range.

All from Hawthorne Threads

Tomorrow I have another quilt top to show you. I've finished 2 in 24 hour

xox

All's well :)

2011-02-19T09:19:00.002+09:30

We are all fine. Our house and yard are fine. Messy but fine.

Around the corner from our house. The whole street had trees down.

Carlos cause millions of dollars damage but everyone is alive and well. That's the main thing :)

I have done a bit more sewing too....but you'll have to wait till later xox

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Hello Carlos

2011-02-16T15:59:00.000+09:30

Tropical Cyclone 'Carlos'

Don't worry.

We are all organised. Touches, batteries, chocolate and tarps to cover the stash ;)

See you on the other side xox

Coin quilt top :)

2011-02-15T16:48:00.002+09:30

And just like that, I have another quilt top!

The strips are a precut sweet roll of Sweet by urban chicks I brought a while ago from fabric patch

I cut them into 61/2" pieces, ordered them in colour, then sewn them up. In hindsight I would have ordered them, then sewn them in groups of 10 then cut. Would have been much easier!

I also would have made the white sashing slightly wider. Other than that, I'm happy.

Please excuse the photo too. iPhone pictures are not the best!

We're on cyclone watch at the moment so I'm off to fill the drink bottles and try to stay dry. Already very very wet and windy xox

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order

2011-02-11T17:33:00.000+09:30

I noticed a theme today as I finished one quilt top and started another

Order

Control

Simple

It appears I am seeking out what life can't give me right now xox

my creative space

2011-02-10T18:05:00.002+09:30

Working on a quick and easy, get me back into quilting, and distract me from the insane life decisions we have going on here right now, quilt!

That's a lot of labels for one little quilt ;)

Details. Sherbet pips, not yet released from moda, but brought from my dealer, retromummy ;) Just a charm pack. Hoping to finish it tonight! Soooooo need the distraction

More spaced at kootoyoo xox

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Sunday stash #2

2011-02-06T10:06:00.002+09:30

Good morning! I do hope you are all well and dry this Sunday. Our crazy Aussie weather has sure turned up the crazy this week. 2 cyclones, more flooding and fires. Stay safe my dear friends xox

So fabric!! This is my Anna Marie Horner Good Folks stash

This is some of the few 'grown up' fabric I have in my stash. I brought it on sale here after the fire to make Hubby and I something for our bed.

I'm thinking of putting it with some dark grey solid and doing the single girl quilt a long....what do you think? xox

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My creative space

2011-02-03T19:00:00.001+09:30

Slow stitches

In the 2 whole hours I have to myself while the boy child is in pre-school (kinder for some of you folks) and the little one sleeps.

Total bliss :)

More creative spaces here

floods

2011-01-31T09:36:00.000+09:30

This is my Dad's house in country Victoria

This was taken 2 days after the water came through about a fortnight ago.

They had no warning.

Lucky for them the water didn't come completely inside and they are all safe and well.

The debris up against the bridge is meant to be the farmer up the road's new chook shed.

That's my Aunty's house under that circle.

They had warning and could empty out their house. House is dry, property is not.

While Victoria is not as tragic or news worthy as Queensland, this is their tragedy. It's real for them.

You can donate here xox

sunday stash #1

2011-01-30T12:28:00.000+09:30

It seems that I am having trouble getting back into the swing of blogging. My first real blogging rut in 1 1/2 years! So, whats a blogger to do??

Plan. And routine. Dirty words in my house ;)

Because not blogging feels weird. Like I'm missing something. Or someone.

Missing family :)

So Sunday stash it is! And maybe taking pictures of all my lovely fabric will encourage me to actually use it and stop stashing it!!

My first Sunday stash is my latest addition

Sweet Divinity by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake

Purchased from Hawthorne Threads

Soon to be baby girl quilts, if the quilting mojo ever returns xox

'HAPPY belated NEW YEAR!!'

2011-01-07T19:23:00.000+09:30

And Merry Christmas too lol!

Hope you all have had a wonderful festive season. We had a fantastic top end Christmas :)

Just quietly, I was very happy to see the end of 2010. Has been one of our hardest years. Fire and all. Funny though.....even though we really did struggle as a family....there was a few things that were totally awesome in 2010. 3 words really. Sew It Together.

Friendships that started on line were cemented at Sew It. Even involved visitors! First, Abbe and then this mob....

(one camera shy dearfii missing!)

DearFii and co have just left after 10 days crazy wonderful days!!!

Sewing, swimming, eating, touring plus some nasty sunburn and a few crocs! Loads of laughs. And wonderful memories. More photos to come. But for now. SLEEP! lol! xox

busy...

2010-12-20T20:57:00.000+09:30

with last minute Christmas orders....

Notebooks, zippers and chalk board roll :)

Wraps :)

More Wraps :)

Plus Teacher gifts......

Teachers gift no.1. Small girl had this teacher for 2 years, so she got something a little bit special.

Happy Mug rug :)

Front - school of course with all the little kids faces (I thought I was pretty clever lol)

And the back :)

Teachers gift no. #2 Notebook :)

And finally starting family presents.....

Family present no. 1

Family present no. 2

I have the massive express post bag at the ready. Only half a dozen or so to go and get in the post mmmmm tomorrow lol!!

How are you all going with your handmade Christmas? Are you organised for the big man on the weekend?

Clearly. I am not xox

shhhhhh......

2010-12-20T20:24:00.001+09:30

I'm only telling you because I have to.......

but my 'dealer' is having a massive giveaway......

See. I even made the picture small. So please, dont enter, its all mine ;) xox

(oh and if I dont win it, I would be stoked if it was one of you folks and not some random giveaway seeking person, you know the types)

(Sad thing is even if I dont win I will most likely by the lot anyway....shhhhhh dont tell Mr Makes Stuff lol)

pimpin' my stuff

2010-12-16T20:59:00.001+09:30

How rude! Long silence then popping back for a quick buy my stuff post, then off I go to sew some more!

Terrible I know but I'm doing it anyway ;)

SOLD :)

Helicopter Drawing Wrap - your choice, texta's, pencils, double ended pencils or extra thick ones :)

SOLD :)

Big boy bag - enough room for a big drinker, zipper purse (although big boys dont call them purses) and other important boy stuff they just HAVE to carry around. Made for 5 plus

Little kid bag - big enough for a little kid drinker, zipper purse and other important kid stuff. Mine carry rocks. Made for 2-5 yr olds. Soft and washable. Kids are gross after all ;)

All made and ready to express post out! Let me know if you are interesting and I can set up a madeit listing for you :) Too easy!

I WILL be back next week with all the other things I have been secretly sewing....I have been very busy ;) xox

Market wrap up!

2010-12-07T12:10:00.000+09:30

Just like that, it's all over!

What an amazing weekend we had!! Lots of chatting and laughing. Lots of wonderful customers that were really positive and excited about handmade!
It was really exciting to have people buy my stuff. Serious fun! Even though I have been selling for awhile now, online is very different to having someone stand in front of you and love what you do enough to hand over their hard earned money. I like it. I like it a lot.

Little zippers. Priced a little to high for that kind of market. Will be listing some on madeit later today :)

Mel's G O R G E O U S skirts!!

The Six Little Heart dresses were a massive success!! Sold out on the first day!!

Six Little Heart's boy shorts. Made at home by the marvelous Mel.

Lots of stock sold. Lots of business cards giving out. Even did some swaps with the wonderful family behind us selling rainbow play ribbons, capes and giant star crayons. Ost & Found, keep an eye out for them! Made at home in the top end of cause :)

I have learnt lots of things. Leaving things too the last minute may help me sew up a storm but it doesn't work for the family. It has been a really hard slog for them. I have done nothing, and I really do mean nothing the week of the market.

Also. Craft markets in Darwin are just that. Still a little old fashion. Good news is there are now a few of us that at looking to do something more up market. Like what you mob are lucky enough to have down south. Darwin has always had a passion for handmade and I think there are now enough bright sparks to tap into that wonderful pool of makers.....
to be continued...... xox

Reality

2010-11-25T14:05:00.000+09:30

Reality.

I'm busy.

The kind of don't talk to me, touch me or even look at me kind of busy.

Not even reading any blogs kind of busy!!
Too busy to even tweet kind of busy!!!!!!

We have no clothes in our draws kind of busy.

And we are not even going to talk about the bathrooms......

Popped out to grab the extra table from my partner in crime Mel today. The piles of sewing were taking over the house. There are still piles on the couch and kitchen bench.

Big kid bags

Little kid bags

Loads of little zippers

There has been new, old and different products sewn for market. Still an amazing amount to get through. I have to say. I am really enjoying it.

All of this while hubby is settling into a new job that has him flying all over the NT and away a lot more than at home *sigh* That's life!

So I am sorry if you are worrying or wondering what on earth has happened to me. I am fine :) And there are quite a few emails I need to return so please hang in there and I will get to you asap. I am also very very behind in swaps. Please forgive me. I will get to you too.

Better get off the computer. Build up storm has just hit and it is a doozy! xox

too market...

2010-10-29T10:19:00.000+09:30

And my big news is.....I'm doing a market!! Yes a real life one!! Here in Darwin!! So exciting and a little scary!!

What if people don't like my stuff? What if people don't like me? What if people like me and not my stuff? What if they like my stuff and not me?

What if I don't sell a thing!? What if I sell out!? Ahhhhhhh!!

But I'm doing it anyway :)

So, details!

Christmas Craft Fair

Extravaganza!

held in the

AIR CONDITIONED
MARRARA INDOOR STADIUM

Abala Road, Marrara

(near Darwin Airport)

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th

December 2010

9am to 4pm both days

Over 80 stalls of locally handmade

quality arts and crafts

$2 entry for adults, children free

Food and drink available

Lucky door prize both days

And the bestest bit?! I'm sharing the stall with Mel from Six Little Hearts!! YAY!!

Mel makes super cute kids clothes. We have already had a blast fabric shopping and planning. Although there does need to be A LOT more sewing!!

So tell your friends! Come and see Mel and I in real life!! Buy some fabulous handmade lovelies!

I'll have bags, drawing wraps, little pouches just to name a few!

Pictures to come later. Once I've sewn stuff lol! xox

Blogtoberless

2010-10-28T10:44:00.000+09:30

Blogtoberfest?! More like blogtoberless lol! I crack me up ;)

So long time no post! Ms Copper Patch and I had a wonderful time. Lots of talk, laughing, sewing and shopping!!

Boy one took quite a shine to her :)

Abbe named a hill. This shall now be known as Abbe's Pimple!

She is pregnant you know so there was no silly business. Well, none on the wine induced kind ;)

Gosh she is a messy chick!

But very handy to have around! 3 quilt tops made ready for me to quilt :)

And Ab's even folded up my washing for me!! A big job indeed! Hoping I can return her the favour once baby CP arrives! Squeal! I love babies :)

We also took a drive out to Kirsty's. I wanted to show Abbe's her gorgeous work. Plus her very territory house complete with fabulous outside shower and loo!

I just love her style and use of colour! Very clever chick :)

Beautiful quilt made by Melissa for Kirsty's 40th earlier in the year

Everywhere you look, there is something wonderfully bright and hand made :)

Thank you Ms Copper Patch for coming all this way to hang with me and my crew. You are super star that will be one totally awesome mummy! I miss you already

So as you can see I have had a tone of stuff to blog about. Just, you know, real life and all that.

And I have some exciting news too!! I will share tomorrow, promise xox

silver lining

2010-10-17T10:22:00.000+09:30

After the fire, many of you already know, I had to replace ALL of my Tupperware.

Yes. ALL of it.

It was a hard job ;)

My happy place :D
And no, it didn't look anything like that pre fire!
Almost worth the drama. Almost xox

one

2010-10-16T20:03:00.000+09:30

One more sleep until Ms CP is here!!!!

WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!

She's up the duff you know {big happy I love babies face}!

And she is bring me a whooooooole lot of fabric!!!!

Oh I do love her teehee xox

swap follow up

2010-10-15T08:12:00.001+09:30

Good news! My DQS9 made it safe and sound! Yay!

Pop over here to see it!!

I have also received my Urban home goods swap. Actually, I received it weeks ago but haven't had the chance to blog it ;)

I love it all! So lucky!!

Sewing machine cover :)

Super sized pin cushion and dish cloth

And also 4 coasters which I forgot to get a photo of lol! I try and remember to do it later.

Thanks to all the swap organises. It is so lovely to be apart of these swaps. Really lovely community feel about it :)

oh and 2 more sleeps until my visitor is here!!!!! WOOOHOOOOO!!! xox

my creastive space

2010-10-14T16:23:00.000+09:30

I made muffins! First time I have baked since being home! Yay!

Mango and white chocolate. YUM!

I kinda used this recipe. Kinda. Left out the banana. My visitors enjoyed them.

Also have had some fabric arrive this week.

Some from retromummy. My husband now refers to Corrie as my 'dealer' ;)

And some wonderful hand printed aussie made from Yardage.

I couldn't resist her tea towel either ;)

More spaces over here xox

self portrait for blogtoberfest

2010-10-13T16:44:00.000+09:30

Yep! Thats me! Waving 'hi!' No make-up. No editing. Taken just now as I sit here blogging.

Keepin' it real people xox

blog friends

2010-10-13T16:07:00.000+09:30

Yes. I made more blogland friends into too real life ones!

A few weeks ago I meet up with Kirsty and Melissa. Sisters in stitching and in real life.

Melissa has a lovely home full of wonderful hand made things

Including these lovelies

Isn't Melissa clever!? So gorgeous!

We had a lovely home grown lunch. It was so wonderful to share time with ladies that sew and craft. There is soming super special about crafty bloggers don't you think?!

I'm so excited that these two lovely ladies are coming to my house tomorrow for lunch! Yay! Although I can guarantee that there will be no made beds and clean rooms.

life and stuff

2010-10-12T00:07:00.000+09:30

It appears I missed a blogtoberfest day.

It is a marathon not a sprint and it appears I was very quick out of the blocks.

Life, you know, has away of toying with you....

One minute you are sure and confident in the path you are taking....

...and the next thing you know, you are thinking of changing direction...

Luckily I have little lady burrito to help me unwind at the end for the day

random stuff

2010-10-09T17:15:00.000+09:30

Did you know this month has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays?!

And tomorrow is the 10/10/10!

Cool hey!!

And my lovely friend Jacquie from Zippy Zippy is taking $10 off her Santa Sack's to celebrate! Woohooo!!

But you better hurry! They are only on sale until, you guessed it, 10pm tomorrow ;)

More details here. And while you are at it, check out her madeit shop and her totally awesome lost sock keepers!

No Jacquie doesn't pay me to say nice shit about her. I do because she really is awesome. And I'm hoping that she will give me free stuff ;) Make sure you tell her I sent you so I can hit her up for some {joking}

Thank you :)

2010-10-08T12:22:00.000+09:30

Thank you!

I was so worried about blogging a little of my story. I have been thinking about it for ages. It was a really hard thing for me to say 'out loud'. Not many people in my current life know. So to make it really public is a big thing.

So thank you all for you kind comments, emails, tweets and facebook messages. I am a little overwhelmed at your kindness and understanding. Thank you :)

In other news, hubby has finished up at his job he has had for 3 1/2 years. Thanks a long time in mining. And a long time for us. Next week we start a new adventure in residential, campaign based work. So instead of being away 2/3's of the year it is likely to be less then 1/2! Ekkkk!!

Mmmmmm what shall I do with this extra time......!!! xox

R U OK?

2010-10-07T09:04:00.000+09:30

Today is R U OK? Day

Whats that? Glad you asked :) It's a national day of action that aims to prevent suicide. Simply by taking the time to chat and connect with people you care about. To help stop little problems become big ones.

Why? Up to 65,000 Australian attempt to take their lives every year

In 1998, I was one of them.

I tried to end my life. And I almost succeed.

I'm not tell you all this for any other reason then, you just don't know how someone is, unless you ask.

Would you have guessed that I have depression? That for me it's like diabetes. I will always be medicated and always require extra love and support of those around me. And that I am lucky I didn't die. Very lucky. I know that now. I am SO lucky.

I have support. I have wonderful friends. I have an amazing family. I know I can pick up the phone and say I'm not ok, please help me, and they will all be there.

My husband. An incredible man that has cared for me at times where the black has swallowed me up. When I couldn't function. Where I couldn't get out of bed. He has had to be completely selfless. And words can't describe how extraordinary his love is. I completely adore him. And trust him with my life.

So. Why not take the time to check out this site, and ask someone close to you R U OK? You will never know unless you ask....

So my dear friends, R U OK? xox

Mary Poppins :)

2010-10-06T19:42:00.001+09:30

I love Mary Poppins.

In fact my whole family loves her. As kids we had to tell my brother Mary Poppins died so he would stop watching it.

We were nice sisters like that.

You know there is a musical right? Of course you do!

Well mum has 2 tickets she is trying to off load this for this weekend in Melbourne. Interested? Email me :) She is happy to sell them at a discount too. Because she'd nice like that.

biancajwood(at)hotmail(dot)com

xox

edit - tickets are now gone. Thanks guys! I'm sure the lucky 2 will have a wonderful time

When life gives you lemons...

2010-10-06T07:34:00.000+09:30

....buy an over locker!

A complete splurge post fire. Simply because :)

Hope you are all having a good week xox

I suck!

2010-10-05T18:19:00.009+09:30

Like, totally.

See I signed up....late...for The Down Under Doll Quilt Swap. And convinced Ms CP to join me. Consequently we got each other as swap partners. Which, has been a load of fun because we are mates and she is cool!

However......

Agreement was we were to post our quilts on the same day to see who got there's first. Abbe posted hers......and I....did.....not.

So now, this fabulous perfect TOTALLY LOVE IT little dolls quilt is here at my house and Abbe's quilt....is...ummmm...well...here too...

See, told you, I suck xox

Please note my dear beautiful friend Abbe who is the stitching and quilting queen (sucking up now) that yours is going in the post, express, first thing in the morning. Pinky swear xox

build up

2010-10-05T06:19:00.002+09:30

It's here.

The time of year after the dry and before the wet.

Where it's hot, humid and down right horrid.

The plus side is the amazing storms!

My brother took this while he was here. Isn't it amazing!

I asked him very nicely to get me some curry while he was at the Mindil Markets. This storm literally rolled in while they were getting my tea. And them they got wet, really wet lol!! He's a keeper :) xox

do you garden?

2010-10-04T08:03:00.002+09:30

Years ago we did. When the 2 big girls were little and we lived down south. We had an awesome veggie patch out the back. We had so many tomatoes I ended up pulling them out in June. It was a good year. And zucchinis! I love zucchinis. Especially Zippy Zippy's zucchini soup. YUM!!

Now, easy to grow, can't kill kind of garden.

And a gardener.....I love my gardener

I do, however know of this awesome veggie patch, over at Zippy Zippy's house.

For the last few months they have been taking part in the kinder gardens. And now Jacquie and her boys have been short listed for the readers choice award!! Yay!! So please pop on over there and vote for them!! The poll is on the right hand side, one click and your done! Yay!

And if you don't believe me that they have the most AWESOME veggie patch pop on over to Zippy Zippy's and check it out for yourself! Truly inspirational! xox

did someone say 20% off?

2010-10-03T09:07:00.000+09:30

Oh yes they did! Spotlight had 20% off Thursday-Friday. And with my brother here and happy to watch the kidlets, off I went! Hey, I'm still restocking! Don't judge me ;)

Along with loads of boring purchases like interfacing, thread, magic blue markers etc I found these fabric sorters...

So I thought I'd give them ago!

Pretty cool I reckon. Only thing is I tend to buy 1/2m or fat 1/4 and they are really too big for those. Guess I'll have to buy bigger cuts :) {joking hubby!}

And the fabric on the very left is a fake Liberty of London. All 4 1/2m of it, purchased with 20%, of course ;)

I also got fabric for ice cream dresses for the 2 youngest girls

The purple for Miss 7 and the pink and blue for Miss 2 :) I have plenty so thinking skirts too. Plus after Kate and Mel's post and tweets on the Molly Dress I thought I too would give it ago. Best thing about this pattern is it's a download and it comes in heaps of sizes.

And they also a grown up size too!! Did someone say matchy matchy ;)

Only problem is.....I have no elastic!! Guess I'll have to go back then ;) xox

DQS9 received and I LOVE IT!!!

2010-10-02T18:47:00.000+09:30

I have my Doll Quilt Swap 9!!

And I LOVE IT!!

I love the colours!

I love love LOVE Lecien's Flower Sugar range. I have it all in my stash (oooops!)

I love that it is 3D! How cool is that?!

Like I said, I LOVE IT!!

Thanks so much to Sweettea Mom for my wonderful quilt! And thanks to all the mama's that organise this international swap! It has been loads of fun :)

On a side note, mine has not made it to it's destination yet :( Really freaking out. Lucky I paid extra for registered post. Will be on the phone first thing Monday morning tracking it down. Auspost wed site says no item found ekkkk!! xox

so.....blogtoberfest

2010-10-01T23:11:00.001+09:30

I know if I don't join in I will regret it.

So if there is anything, anything at all you'd like to know, any suggestions on what you'd like me to waffle on about just let me know and I'll give it a crack ;)

So far....I have signing up post! We'll work out the rest as we go along ;) xox

a little trip :)

2010-09-30T13:25:00.000+09:30

This week, the kids and I have had my brother and his girlfriend staying with us from down south. A knee reconstruction, followed by a bleed, clot and infection, and then another surgery couldn't stop him from coming!! Keen as I tell you.

We got back last night from 2 day whirl wind tour

First, Adelaide River....

Lunch and a quick swim at Edith Falls

Kangaroo watching at Nitniluk

A very sleepless night in Nilmiluk on account of a quick, noisy, build up storm. Kids were terrified!

Next morning, time with my big girls :)

The 3 of us went on the Nitmik Dreaming cruise.

Breathtaking!

Sacred sites

Amazing geology

My precious girls :)

Then, lunch at Pine Creek

Enterprise pit from the gold rush, mining ceased in the pit in 1995 (geologist wife, not historian!)

And lastly, a quick swim at Douglas springs

To cap off an amazing trip...racing 'big rain' home!

I just love having visitors! Especially ones that love this big country as much as I do!

And next month.....another visitor is on their way!!!!! xox

meet Jessica

2010-09-24T12:05:00.000+09:30

Jessica is Miss 9's first Blythe doll!!

We are both over the moon with her. Although this photo doesn't really show that. More hurry up so I can open her mum kinda photo!

So beautiful!

In the fire we lost all the girls baby dolls and accessories. So when the money come through they had a choice of replace them or choose a new doll. Miss 9 immediately screamed "BLYTHE PLEASE!" And she knew which one she wanted too, 'Urban Cowgirl'.

Needless to say Miss 7 now wants one too! This is after she had a complete meltdown when Miss 9 showed her Jessica's eyes change! Totally freaked Miss 7 out! But she very quickly got over that and we were straight onto the computer looking for one for her. However she appears to have tastes like her mother.....expensive!

We are all looking forward to sewing for our new friend! First up, a quilt, of course :) xox

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T10:32:00.000+09:30

my creative space

2010-09-16T09:39:00.000+09:30

Firstly, from my space 2 weeks ago, finished cushions! Kits brought on sale from Amitie :)

My space this week. A mess. Slowly getting organised.

We are almost back to normal since the fire. All our furniture has been returned, money received, rubbish taken away and there are just a few bits and pieces left to purchase!! Biggest one being a book case. Hubby loves his books! And the boxes.....there are still boxes to be unpacked!!!

But we are getting there. And life is {almost} back to 'normal'!

And once again, more spaces at Kirsty's xox

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T17:03:00.000+09:30

craft rocks

2010-09-13T12:50:00.000+09:30

Because it does :) xox

Small quilt top

2010-09-11T17:46:00.000+09:30

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend :)

Between loads of washing, feeding and watering children, running them around to parties, sports etc I manage to make a quilt top for the UHG Swap :)

Overall I am happy with the piecing. They are cut 1 1/2" so end up 1". Made from the Momo Wonderland Sweet roll. Just need to add some boarders and I'm good to quilt! I am a little worried that it isn't 'modern' enough.
It's great to be back at the machine!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Hope you footy team has had a win xox

my creative space

2010-09-09T13:02:00.000+09:30

I posted the DQS9. And I didn't cry ;)

Just so you know...

I am madly working on the Urban Home Goods Swap this week. Running a little late. Not unusual for me really ;)

So far I have started a bag. Do people like pockets in their bags or not?

And this Momo Wonderland sweet roll is going to be made into a dolls quilt. All little squares, something like this one maybe. Not 100% sure yet.

Plus working on the Down Under Doll Quilt Swap.....big secret!! You will have to wait until it is made, posted and received ;)

More spaces over here xox

FINALLY!!!

2010-09-06T17:36:00.000+09:30

My Doll Quilt Swap #9 is finished!! Wooohooooo!!

I'm so happy with it. Very very hard to give it away.

100% hand pieced. Even the binding. Pretty pleased with myself I must say ;)

Just need to put the label on tonight and it will be in the mail tomorrow! I also made a pin cushion to go with it. Pretty cute if I do say so myself...

Now to get cracking on the Urban Goods Swap and the Down Under Quilt Swap xox

my creative space

2010-09-02T08:43:00.000+09:30

After 15 weeks and 5 days.....

...my baby has come home :)

My spaces at Kirsty's xox

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T18:45:00.000+09:30

week's end

2010-08-28T09:07:00.000+09:30

Hanging out with the family.

Watching little one, who is 2 in 2 week!

Amazing at how grown up Mr 4 is now.

Sharing our home with family from down south. Staying with us for a family wedding today.

This little guy could quite possibly pass as one of mine

Although I think he thinks we are all mad lol!

Hope you are enjoying your weeks end xox

2010-08-25T09:30:00.000+09:30

One packed of jelly crystals made up fits perfectly into 4 Tupperware snack cups!

And in other news.....I think.....the insurance claim.......IS FINISHED!!

I think xox

"Hello Chicken"

2010-08-21T10:19:00.000+09:30

"Hello Chicken! What's that? You want to show me something?" (nothing to do with 'precious gifts'!)

"Please, can I see?"

"Oh so pretty!!"

"And what does mummy make from the pretty hexies?"

"Flowers!! So lovely!!"

"Mummy is so clever ;)"

Teehee, making for Hexed 2010 hex a along xox

Election 2010

2010-08-20T17:58:00.000+09:30

Found here

That's all I have to say about that xox

Frustrations

2010-08-18T09:52:00.001+09:30

Frustrated that the insurance claim IS NOT finalized!!

Frustrated because that means we are living with furniture we can't use, waiting to be sanded and refinished. Which also means we cant unpack a lot of stuff.

Frustrated because I can't use my front door.

Frustrated because we don't have an Ikea and Bunnings had to special order in my storage for my stash. 2 week wait. Probably longer. So I'm living with my stash looking like this.

Frustrated because my beautiful red lounge is STILL sitting out the front waiting to be taken away. Along with all the other claim stuff.

Frustrated that I don't seem to be finishing anything at the moment! You know when you have so much on the go and nothing is getting done!? So frustrating!!

Frustrated that all I HAVE finished this month re sewing is this...

Which, although it is cute, and posted for the {sexy} hexie swap isn't much.

Frustrated that my machines are waiting to be picked up but because the insurance isn't sorted they are sitting there......all alone......waiting for me.

Oh and the washing! Frustrated that for the past 3 weeks, I have been averaging 4 loads a day because of all the new linen and towels!! And on more that one occasion I have had to re wash because there is a bird that likes to poo on my linen. True story.

And one last frustration. My beautiful, clever 9 year old has been replaced by some pre teen back chatting, rude stranger.....not sure the insurance lady can help with that.....or the pooping bird xox

Edit: It has been over 3 months 3 MONTHS since the fire!!

2010-08-17T07:04:00.000+09:30

805g Nutri-grain DOES NOT fit in a Tupperware oval number 5.....

just so you know :) xox

finally!!

2010-08-13T10:12:00.000+09:30

We have something to sit on!!

A 2 seater and a 3 seater! Bliss after 2 1/2 months of sitting on chairs :) xox

Shopping and more friends

2010-08-11T11:20:00.000+09:30

There was shopping. Oh yes. Needless to say there will be no more 'But we had a house fire' comment from me to justify stashing. Hubby has put the foot down ;)

First up, Amitie! And they had a sale! Timed that well hey? ;)

Kei honeycomb

Spots, just because :)

1/2 price finds :)

Then Ikea. My first ever time there! Loved it!!

These lot were meant to cover up the new couches but they don't go. So will be used to make cushions instead.

Fun prints, just because :)

Ballarat Patchwork. Heaven on earth!

Don't look now pattern and pack

A rainbow of fat 1/8's because, well, they are awesome!

2 lovely ladies gifted me some gorgeous patterns! Thank you :)

I also neglected to mention yesterday that I also managed to pop into my old sewing group. These lovely ladies are the reason I started blogging so it was very rude of me to forget. Hi Jacquie, Judy, Simone and Michelle!! Now comment lovely ladies!! I know you are reading ;)

Must run and continue unpacking and washing my new Tupperware!! Ekkkkk!! xox

Secrets, friends and 21st

2010-08-10T12:18:00.001+09:30

There is one thing I do well.

Talk.

So naturally secrets are not something I 'do'!

But I did! I pull off a massive surprise for my family down south by going back for my brothers 21st. It was such a shock! My mother's screaming had my brother in a panic until he saw me! It was so worth the trip just to hear that screaming lol! I had a wonderful time. But sadly it is never long enough......

There is no way I could go down south without catching up with some of my favorite blogger friends. Though I think it is now safe to drop the blogger and just call them friends :)

Me, Fi and Julie

Julie, Abbe and Fi

Abbe and me :)

A fabulous meal, including vegetarian lasagna for Kate, and a sleepover. Loads of silly grown up girls giggling. Perfect night to make up for months of crazy house fire rot :)

I also managed to have a very long lunch with some Ballarat bloggers, Rachel and Jodie. Such awesome chicks. And man, I miss Ballarat! Great food. Great people. Great op shops. Even in the 12 degrees. And Ballarat Patchwork!! Gosh! I think they are just might be my favorite Victorian fabric shop.

I did shop. Oh yes.....but you'll have to wait till tomorrow. Need to go and spend time with my amazing family xox

my creative space

2010-08-05T21:33:00.000+09:30

Quilting on the fly this week! Busy stitching this lovely up.

Finally worked out, with a little (lot of) help from a very clever friend, how to make this lady square!!

Going to be very hard to say good bye :(

And for those of you who are lucky enough to live in Melbourne Amitie are having a sale day tomorrow. I so so SO wish I could go......

More spaces over here xox

I love {sexy} hexies!

2010-07-30T11:59:00.000+09:30

Slightly addicted...not only to hexies but flickr groups. These are getting ready for {handsome} hexie swap

Also doing the DQS9

and the down under quilt swap

and the around the block swap

and the hexed group

and the {urban} home goods swap......

I did pull out of the ice cream social, on account that I still have no machine! So one less thing right?!

mmmmmm xox

my creative space

2010-07-29T11:31:00.000+09:30

Thanks for all your comments yesterday re sewing spaces. Will have to give it some more thought. And wait for more insurance money ;) One thing I will be doing is making sure everything extra special is in plastic tubs!

Thanks also for your comments re DQS9. Still a work in process but the ideas that I really liked were to make is square (can't for the life of me work out how!) and using red on the linen for the quilting. Tried it on white. Wasn't as bold. And I have 'tweaked' the placement of the stars so the yellow doesn't look so lost.

This is what I am working on today....

119 hexies for the grandmothers flower garden with white ones still to come :)

Did you notice my flashy pictures? I have a new flashy camera! Thank goodness for insurance!

More spaces at Kirsty....if you can find her, she's in a knitting cloud xox

sewing spaces

2010-07-28T11:24:00.001+09:30

Where do you sew?

Pinched pic from here

On the kitchen table?

Pinched pic from here

On a desk in the corner?

Pinched pic from here

Do you have a sewing machine cabinet?

Pinched pic from here

Or are you lucky enough to have a studio?

Pinched pic from here

I need to set myself up all over again. And while I don't have a studio I do have space to set up in the living area. Like to keep my eye on everything and everyone ;) But it is a small space and husband has 'expressed' that he would like it to be clean and tidy and not invade the whole living area!

Have been thinking about one of these

So, how do you do it? I would really love to know xox

Sew It Together

2010-07-19T09:54:00.000+09:30

Hard to believe it already been over 2 MONTHS since Sew It Together! About time I blogged about it. Seeing as though I claimed it as the best/worst weekend of my life ;)

So my weekend start with catching up with my gorgeous high school friend for loads of coffee and shopping at DFO….including half price Birks and a $10 dry season dress! Woohoo! Shelly was kind enough to drop in off in the city where I meet the lovely Lisa from the princess and the monkey who I was sharing a room with the first night. We shopped, we ate, we talked, I froze! Twas lovely, I got ‘the call’, but we had cake so life was gooooooood!

Gift from Lisa with yard and hook :)

Next morning, I must confess, I was a little worried. Actually A LOT! I had arranged to share a room for two nights with someone I had never meet…..she might be creepy. She might fart. She might snore. She doesn’t have kids so I might just bore her to death. Plus I don’t know how to talk to ‘grown ups’! Turns out she does fart, she is a little creepy, I did bore her at times, and well, she really isn’t a grown up! And she is totally my new bbff (blogging best friend forever)! So obviously we hit it off and even had cupcakes for breakfast!! Abbe, my dear, you rock my little world ;)

Anyway, back on track, Friday afternoon SHOPPING!!

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves ;)

Amitie...20% off just for us :)

Amitie....1/2 price...nice!!

Patchwork on Central Park

Ink & Spindle was the highlight! Those girls are totally awesome! Can’t wait to use my little pile of lovelies J

We ended the evening at Nicole's for a tour and more shopping….plus some much need wine and food and wine. Again I was really excited and really nervous. No secret my first blog crush was/is Dearfii. Plus Fi too was sharing the room with me and Abbe......oh the fun we had…...what happens at SIT, stays at SIT ;) Anyway I am happy to say Fi is just as gorgeous and lovely as I thought she would be. Actually, probably more so ;)

Pinched pic from here

Saturday, day of laughter, crafting, chatting and inspiration! I meet some amazing; blow your socks of talented people. I was lucky enough to share a table with Corrie, Lisa, Fi, Abbe, Julie, Katia and Renae I got to meet twitter buddies like Holly and Bec and loads and loads of my fav bloggers plus a few new to me ones as well.

The totally hilarious Trash tried to teach me crochet……and, well, kinda failed. Not Trash’s fault, believe me!! Yarn is not my friend (Kirsty has had more luck, more on that in another post)

Pinched pic from here

Fi showed me how to make her tiny ¼” hexie’s. New obsession!! And Corrie had hexy kits for everyone! So lucky!

Swap SCORE!!

Cass had organised a sample swap. So excited with my pressies!! So much fun!! Sadly in the madness I have no pics of what I made. But they were awesome. Yes they were ;)

There were prizes. I was tempted to tackle a pregnant Kiwi lady for her score and I resisted ;) We were all so incredibility lucky that there were so many fabulous sponsors and supporters. Please support them where you can! See here for details

4.30 was kick out time. Of course I was one of the last to leave. The extra lovely and extra gorgeous Corrie and Julie came up for more chatting and crafting before heading out for tea.

Pinched pic from here

Tea was fab. I think. Don’t really remember what I ate. There was just soooo much talking and laughing. Trash and I talked politics. I meet a fellow home birth mum who makes her son dance for cheese. Some awesome Daylesford bloggers that made the trip down for tea. I laughed so much I cried! It really was amazing J

We all said our goodbyes on Sunday L But Abbe and I weren’t done just yet. We travelled out to Daylesford to hang out some more with the gorgeous Kate and family. A very dear friend of mine made the trip up from Horsham to say hi. So great to see her. Bit sad not knowing when we’ll make the trip down south again.

And then, it was over. Abbe dropped me at the airport. And then I was home, well, back to reality.

Sheridan and her right hand lady Donna did an amazing job! A thousand thank you girls, to you and your families. It can’t have been an easy job. Please sign me up for next year. Although I might have to bring the whole family to Sydney just in case ;)

I did learn one very important thing while at SIT……

Said by Fi, stiched by me xox

Confidence

2010-07-14T10:53:00.000+09:30

Having a little crises of at the moment....

You know don't you? When you think you've got it and then you don't. Doubt creeps in......

I'm still working on the DQS#9. Thought I had it but now.....not so sure. And I'd really love some honest thoughts. Because you are my friends and you can be honest :)

Here's how she looks at the moment.

There will be linen diamonds all around the edge and then binding to finish her off. So the quilt will keep the hexagon shape.

I'm still not sold on it. Hard with crappy camera (waiting on insurance) but I'm thinking it might be missing something.....what to you think?

These are the other 2 fabric I thought I could add.....or not.

Otherwise I could scrap it and start again.

Thoughts please?? xox

my creative space

2010-07-08T21:51:00.000+09:30

Firstly, thank you :) You guys are so lovely. Seriously. This week is really sucky. And you guys are great :)

So I'm going to pretend for a minute that we have curtains instead of boxes covering our windows and that we have a kitchen full of lovely thing instead of paper plates and plastic spoon and show you some seriously yummy fabric that will soon (end of the year) become a grandmothers flower garden :)

Sweet!

Old New Fabric Collection '30 by Lecien brought from Threadbear :)

I can't want to start!

And yes these pictures are taken on our new stove top. With the safety switch OFF ;)

More spaces, as always, over here where Kirsty is playing with Aunty Cookies Cheaters. Love it! xox

Post 138 - The one where she has a tantrum.......

2010-07-04T23:57:00.000+09:30

Hello! Thanks for having me back. I’ve just popped in to share a cuppa and a chat. How have you been these last few weeks? Cold enough for you southerners? Lovely weather here. Dry season is in full swing. Just lovely…..

How am I? Really? Fine fine…..not really……well……actually……I’m just going to flop down here at your kitchen table now and have a little grown up tanty…..yep…..here I go…..

I don’t want to do this house moving fire crap. Seriously. It’s not fair. I don’t want to go through stuff, throw stuff out or fight with the insurance about whether or not it needs writing off. I don’t want to get quotes on my sewing stuff. I don’t want to have to unpack and reorganise the house AGAIN!!

I don’t want hubby to go back to work. I want him to live with us and to have no bills. No responsibilities. Play with the kids all day and not worry about getting to school on time.

I want to sew not clean…..

I want to eat chocolate every single day and be thin and hot. Not fat and sweaty.......

And now you’ll say something lovely and supportive yada yada yada……

But like all good tantrums….

But it’s not fair! I know we are lucky. I know we are blessed a thousand time everyday for our wonderful, healthy, relatively happy family.

But I don’t want toooooo…..It’s not fair………!!!!

My quilts :( I don’t want to get valuation on the quilts. I don’t. I want to pretend they are fine and that everything is ok. But I can’t. I wish this had never happened. I should have never left the kids…..my fault. Boohooo me

And now you will give me your best serious face and tell me to suck it up princess. That I can do it and I will. Because I am Bianca Jae….and I make stuff!

Thanks friends. Because we are sleeping in our house tonight for the first time in 53 days. And that has to be good thing….right??!!

And yes, I am now so crazy that I am having full conversation with myself because quite frankly I am stark raving mad ;) xox

my creative space

2010-06-17T13:32:00.000+09:30

I'm back :)

I love the Doll Quilt Swap flickr group. I do. I hang out there often looking at all the amazing clever people making little quilts. So when I read over here that it was DQS9 sign up time I raced over and put my application in. It is now so big you need to apply! And I'm in!! Woohoo!!

So today I thought I'd play with diamonds papers and crayons. Thinking a hand pieced diamond quilt....with linen....not sure if the linen will behave yet. Will do a test block and see. But someone else decided they'd have a play too. So my space is, well, messed up ;)

More spaces at Kootoyoo xox

An update and some hexagons...

2010-06-16T11:04:00.000+09:30

Good morning! Again, been awhile.

Thanks a bunch everyone for you kind words of support. It has been a hard month. Warms my heart to know you guys are all here cheering me on.

House update : At this stage we will be back in at the start of July. We have great temp. accommodation and school holidays start at the end of this week so no more frigging driving!! Woohoo!! Here is how it looked after they filled the skip bin

Yesterday when I popped in they have the ceiling in and painting has started.

Now for the fun stuff!!

I have been hexing up a storm! Decided to make a 'fire' quilt. Which is just a quilt made while in accommidation by hand lol! I've used black as the back ground, because, well the house was black with smoke. And the charm pack I have used is Blush. It was gifted and sighed 'This one is not smoky, love Fi' Thanks Fi :)

btw did you see what Fi made me?! Stoked!! LOVE it!!

Crappy pictures. Still no camera so these are taking with the still broken iPhone. Sigh!

It's only little. I'm not completely crazy;) I was thinking of adding some smaller hexies in between the centre blue centre one and the outer ones. Now I'm not so sure. What do you think?

And because I had so much fun hexing those up I made these.

They will become a story book quilt for the kids! And you all thought I wasn't doing anything ;) xox

Good News, Bad News?

2010-05-25T14:38:00.000+09:30

Hi!! How are you all?! Oh I have missed you all!! So what do you want, good or bad?

I'm going with good news first.

Sew it together was awesome. I don't have words or as pictures to describe how incredible it was hanging out with such amazing chicks. I think once I get 'back on line' I will pinch some peeps pictures and tell you about some of my new bff ;)

Now for the bad news....

While I was in Melbourne, we had a kitchen fire. Everyone is ok! Thank god! But my house......not so much. We are in temporary accommodation for at least the next 4 weeks. Hence why I am blogging for the first time in nearly 2 weeks. So I'm blogging from macca's and hopefully will be back on line with mobile internet thingy soon. I can read emails with my still broken phone but am not so good a replying. Bit tricky with such a small screen ;)

And just because I told the lovely ladies at sew it I would post pictures.

View from the front door

Kitchen :(

Black smoke everywhere but the bed rooms :( Including all over some quilts, fabric, stock etc. And it doesn't want to come out :'(.....

Sorry about the quality. The pic were taken with my iphone.

So. That's that then. I must run now and drive the 1/2 hour to school for pick up and then 1/2 'home'. 2 hours in the car every day. GREAT!! xox

and I'm off!!

2010-05-13T01:28:00.000+09:30

Well, in a few short hours I'll be on my way to Melbourne for Sew It Together!

And I can't wait!

Seriously

pee my pants excited

squealing jumping up and down excited

and I will

probably when I meet you

even if I don't know who you are

seriously

Must sleep now

SEE YOU SOON! XOX

Happy Mothers Day!!

2010-05-09T16:36:00.000+09:30

I hope all you mum's out there have had a wonderful day!

Hubby is at work so no breakie in bed for me but my mum is visiting!! Has been a lovely day. I made roast beef for lunch with salad and cold roast meat for tea. Mum has helped out with the kids, although I'm still on pooy nappy duty, and is more than happy to clean. In fact the first day she was here she cleaned the girls room....I don't even go in there.....scary place!! And she has since done my pantry and there is not one piece of clothing not put away. Never happens!!

So thanks mum! You are a star and not just because you are a cleaning machine but because you are amazing and I love you! xox

I made this last night for mum...

A Junior Ranger bag, mum style!

Senior Ranger bag? Mmmm no!

Big enough for her drinker, phone, wallet and glasses case.

With gorgeous Saffron Craig on the front! I love it! And so does she! xox

Introducing Junior Ranger Bags!

2010-05-05T09:46:00.000+09:30

Ta-da!

I am so excited about these bags!!

My kids love exploring outside. Especially at this time of year. Dry season has well and truly started here :) And they are forever taking their drawing things outside and loosing it or not bring them back in. So I've designed a bag to keep their drawing things under control (I hope!) while they enjoy being outside!

Included are double ended pencils and 2 handmade notebooks!

Of course it needed some where to hold a drink. And one thing that drives me mad is the kids not closing their drinkers properly and then chucking it in their bag only to leak all through it!! Not fun!

So they have internal elastic drink bottle holder!!

Stretchy enough for big or small drinker! Yay!

As you can see there is a pocket and plenty of room for snacks, hat and sunscreen!

Oh and a fully adjustable strap! Because it is frustrating 'exploring' up the street and having the Junior Ranger not want to carry their bag any more. So now you can carry for them without looking like a dork! Plus as they grow the bag will grow with them.

Of course you don't need to be a Junior Ranger. Any child would love to have a cute bag to store their things in while on the go.

So that's what I've been working on! And in the not too distance I will have some other new things for the shop to show you! Yay!

If you'd like more info or to buy one email me or check out my madeit shop xox

Facebook

2010-05-02T16:11:00.002+09:30

Yep. I caved. Bianca Jae Makes Stuff now has a facebook page. Please pop over and 'fan' me or 'like' me or whatever it is you young people do these days. I'm seriously a nana parading around as a 30 years old mother of 4. I like elastic waisted jeans. I hate Nintendo DS. I'm more than happy to lock the kids outside for the day so they get plenty of 'fresh air'.

So off you go....go on, you know you want too ;) Plus if you all go over there, well, I might reward one of you. Or not. I'm pretty crappy at give away's. And if I bang on over there, I'll bang on less here about shop stuff. Which would be good because it would....I'll stop talking now xox

Actually, one more thing, if the linky doesn't work, try the button on the side bar :)

Bianca Jae Makes Stuff

5 down

Swoon

A new year

not all Chemo and cancer

3 weeks in....

Cancer

My Place & Yours

Things you don't see in the NT

My Place & Yours

starts

Slowly settling

and then we said goodbye

Dry season :)

Still here :)

my creative space

My creative space

wordless wednesday

Dotty Spotty

Equals?

sunday stash #5

TGIF

My creative space

Crafty folks :)

sunday stash #4

I love Sherbet Pips!

Weekend quilt top #1

sunday stash #3

All's well :)

Hello Carlos

Coin quilt top :)

order

my creative space

Sunday stash #2

My creative space

floods

sunday stash #1

'HAPPY *belated* NEW YEAR!!'

busy...

shhhhhh......

pimpin' my stuff

Market wrap up!

Reality

too market...

Blogtoberless

silver lining

one

swap follow up

my creastive space

self portrait for blogtoberfest

blog friends

life and stuff

random stuff

Thank you :)

R U OK?

Mary Poppins :)

When life gives you lemons...

I suck!

build up

do you garden?

did someone say 20% off?

DQS9 received and I LOVE IT!!!

so.....blogtoberfest

a little trip :)

meet Jessica

Wordless Wednesday

my creative space

Wordless Wednesday

craft rocks

Small quilt top

my creative space

FINALLY!!!

my creative space

Wordless Wednesday

week's end

"Hello Chicken"

Election 2010

Frustrations

finally!!

Shopping and more friends

'HAPPY belated NEW YEAR!!'