Happy New Year - Reflections on 2014

Welcome to 2015!  Crazy isn't it?  I feel like last year went past in a blur and I'm left sitting here, in the first week of January, wondering what happened?  I did sit down before Christmas and update my Quilting Projects for 2014 page on the blog, so if you want to see the 18 quilts and some of the other goodies I made, head over HERE.

We have had a lovely break over Christmas, heading up to The Murray River for five days of relaxation with friends...

Yarrawonga at dusk.

The Murray at work.....

I spent a fair bit of time lately wondering where I was going to let 2015 take me?  Because I feel like 2014 was quite crazy, and I didn't plan things well, and I guess that's how I ended up stressed out and somehow contracting the RASH FROM HELL!  In the lead up to the skin virus, I'd had cysts on my eye, mouth full of ulcers and was literally just run down.  I am making a concerted effort NOT to let life get the better of me this year, starting with looking after myself.  This began with lovely 10km walks with one of my best friends whilst on holidays, and I'm happy to say, has continued since returning home - with daily 6km walks around our local area.  I've also started taking a bunch of vitamins and supplements too.  Which I suck at remembering to do, but am trying!

I turned my sewing machine on a couple of days ago, for the first time since just before Christmas.  I had my December bee block to get done, and was happy to tick that off my remaining things to do.  But as I sat in my little sewing room, I wondered what to do next?  I have so much "stuff" in that room - fabric, notions, wip's, finished quilts, blah blah blah.  And it's all a little overwhelming.  I've said before that I am not a "list" kind of girl, but I'm thinking I really need to write down what I want to achieve.  I read Angie's Must Make List for 2015 yesterday, and felt compelled to make one for myself.  But still haven't!

So, where does that leave me?  Lots of babbling and no real plan.  My quilty new year's resolution (which I shared in the current issue of Make Modern magazine) is to slow down.  Stop rushing around, and rushing in to projects.  This is easier said than done - for me - as it's how I naturally go about life.  But these are just a few things I've signed up for this year, and have plans to do.....

**  Artistic Licence Bee with Melbourne MQG (January is my month!)

**  Aussie Charm Swaps - I hope to run at least four this year.  The first one is in planning stages,   and I've opened a FB Group for all interested.  So if you're an Aussie or Kiwi, feel free to join.

**  Hazel Hedgehog QAL with Gnome Angel

**  Charm Dash Blog Hop - Coming in March, so get our your charm packs!

**  Write up pattern for Confetti Cannon and decide how/where to publish/sell it

**  The Bee Hive with Blossom Heart Quilts - Get all the details HERE.  My month is November!

**  Make 3 more 40th quilts for my BFF's - and maybe fit one in for myself!

**  Continue writing my column for Make Modern magazine

On top of all of the above, I have a few custom order quilts already being planned and would really like to build my Aurifil business up.

Phew.  I guess I've just started a list!?!

Right.  Back to sewing.  I've just pulled this out of my WIP pile.....

It is my favourite WIP from 2014, and I want to get it finished.  So that's my starting point for this year.....wish me luck!

Sunday Stash - The Magazine Edition

A few years back, a friend's Mum de-stashed a huge amount of sewing goods.  Part of that stash was a big old pile of quilting magazines.  At the time, I was not a quilter, so had absolutely no use whatsoever for them!  A lady from an online sewing group came past and picked them all up happily.  Then, once she found out I was quilting, she dropped a bunch back in to me.....

Where they have happily sat atop my shelves in my sewing room.  Without being opened.  Ummmmm.......

So why am I telling you all of this?  Wellllllll.......... Something very exciting is happening in the quilting world, and I just happen to be playing a part in it.  You see, the first and only Australian online quilting magazine will be released tomorrow!!  And I was asked if I would like to be a contributor!  Ahhhhh, yeh!!!

Make Modern is - well, let them tell you what they are:

MAKE MODERN: An online quilt magazine for quilters, by quilters.

We strive to inspire, motivate and enable quilters around the world! The Make Modern team is passionate about modern quilting and sewing - and we know we're not alone in this. So if you're looking for your next project (despite the fact you may have 15 projects already on the go), then you have come to the right place. Our magazine has projects for those new to sewing, as well as advanced projects for those sewists looking for a challenge. Let us unite in our love of cutting up perfectly good fabric and sewing it back together again!

Let's Make Modern.

Doesn't that sound perfect?

So I decided on my project, completed it and sent some delightful photos to the team.  Just so excited to be a part of something so fabulous, and it turns out they liked my project so much - they asked if they could feature it on THE COVER!!!  Whattttt????

Needless to say, I answered with a resounding YES.  I was so excited, I nearly wet my pants when they released the cover photo last week.

The Make Modern team released a preview of the magazine today, to entice you with its fabulousness before it's big debut tomorrow.  You can check it out HERE.

Now, given I have just confessed to NOT reading quilting magazines (OK, I bought one a few weeks ago, and actually read it from cover to cover. But it was because I had a little spot in it with artist trading cards!) why would I be gushing about a quilting magazine and telling you all how much I love it?  Well, I'm an "online quilter".  I have learnt to quilt through the online community.  I share my quilting through this here blog.  I spend a hell of a lot of my time online.  It is only fitting that my first magazine feature and quilt pattern would be in an online magazine!  Yes?  

As you can tell, by all of my babble, I am incredibly excited.  I am incredibly proud.  And I am incredibly terrified!  There are so many amazing and talented artists in the first edition, you HAVE to get yourself a copy and share in the excitement.

Make Modern have a wonderful Blog Hop lined up to celebrate the release, and I will be sharing more about my quilt and the pattern with you on the 23rd of September.  Be sure to subscribe to their newsletter, so you can stay up to speed with all things MM.

And just because I love you all so much - here's a little out take from the photo shoot I did.  This gorgeous girl was ever SO helpful during the process ;)

I'm linking up - You can too!

W.I.P. Wednesday - Warp & Weft Woes

Despite having a tantrum throwing sewing machine this past week and a bit, I have actually managed to get quite a bit done.  I am also happy to say that I think I may have figured out the cause of before mentioned tantrums from said machine - Inferior fabric.  Yes, I did just say that.  I am not a fabric snob - never have been, never will be.  BUT.  The project I was working on when my machine decided to lose its bananas just happens to be my secret squirrel Kate Spain Charm-along project.  In which I am using my good old trusty white Homespun from Spotlight as the mixer.  This did not occur to me to have anything to do with the problem until I got my machine back from Mr Fixit (who I might add said the timing was slightly out, but other than that, just had a regular service), it sewed like a dream.  I put my entire Sea Breeze mini quilt together without missing a beat (and using a grey homespun).  Then when I started back on my KS project - SNAP!!!!  What the???

 I ended up walking away from my machine, feeling dejected and depressed.  I organised to return to Mr Fixit and sit with him whilst he worked out what the problem was.  But then something strange happened.......

I was at school drop off yesterday morning, and one of my friends - a fellow school Mum - sidled up to me and asked if I had much on at present?  I grinned and asked why?  "Well, any chance you can make a quilt for me by the 27th??"  Of course I said SURE!  I figured it would get my mind off my broken machine and I'd use Mum's.

Anyway, I returned home from school and pulled out my blue stash........

Then chose a bunch of yumminess, and started to sew - on my "broken" machine.....

Approximately four hours later, I had a completed quilt top - and NO SNAPPING THREADS!?!!?!?!!  I was excited, relieved and soooo happy!  But wait?  How come no snappity snap??  I pulled out the KS project, and gave it another whirl.  You guessed it - SNAP!

So my friends, this is how I have come to the conclusion I have a dodgy batch of fabric.  To say I am disappointed would be a huge understatement!  I have managed to put together a very small quilt top, but just can't bear the thought of working with that damn white fabric any more......

In other news........

I pulled out all the London blocks I have received from my fellow Wombat Stew girls!  I have only made the Union Jack, but printed out a few other blocks to put together.  Aren't they fabulous?!?!!?!  From top left, clockwise:  Jane, Kristy, Lara, Marieka, Alyce and Gina.  Such talented girls!  This is going to be one super quilt!

And that pretty tub of blue up above?  Well, that is a result of the following work in progress....

I've started to clean up my stash.  And organise it.  I can tell you now - being able to grab that one tub of blue fabric off the shelf yesterday made life a whole lot easier!  I need to get to the shops to grab some more tubs!

And this is getting there.  All my precuts and fabric collections.....Slowly, slowly.

So - what are you working on this week?  I'm linking up with Freshly Pieced and Little White Dove   - You can too!

Monday Night Quickie…..

Just a quick post tonight…… Basically because I don't have time to scratch myself at present!

I just want to say - YOU'RE MAKING MY LIFE VERY DIFFICULT!  I mean, when I said "hey - make a cushion for Christmas", you took me literally!  You have to go and check out the very talented peeps who have linked up so far HERE and HERE.  And a reminder to the rest of you - you have less than two days left to link up if you want to go in the draw for the awesome prizes!  Link up closes at 10am Wednesday 18th December (EST Aust.).

That's all folks! xx

Quilter's Block.......

Ever bought fabric with a grand plan and months later - that grand plan has withered away and you're left with a bunch of goodies and have no idea what to do with it?

I have.

Earlier this year, I bought a hard  yard bundle AND a FQ bundle of this delicious Dear Stella range "Cleo".  I bought so much of it because I wanted to make a queen size quilt as a gift for someone very special.  The colours and design of the fabric is perfect for the person in mind - BUT - 

I HAVE QUILTER'S BLOCK!!!!

I have trawled through Pinterest.  I have googled myself silly.  And today, I finally got them back out and stood in front of them, touched them and basically waited for an idea to jump out and smack me in the face.

BUT - it didn't.  I have one idea.  That's it.  And I'm not sold on it.....

Soooooo, in my desperation,  I'm literally throwing open the suggestion box - TO YOU.

What would YOU do with this bunch of gorgeousness?  And remember - it needs to be a BIG quilt!  Please, please - share any ideas you have with me!  And if you happen to think of something, and share it with me - you will go in the draw for a decent sized bag of my much loved SCRAPS!  All you have to do is comment on this post with how you would use CLEO in a quilt.

I'll leave the little giveaway aspect of this open for a week - so be sure to check back here next Monday evening (Melbourne time) to see if you have scraps heading your way!  And of course, whether I have been inspired by your ideas!

GO!

T.G.I.F.F. - No seriously - Thank God This Week is Over!

Things have been awfully quiet here in my home this week.  My sewing machine has been sitting dormant, there have been no loose threads attacking everyone's clothing and nobody has stepped on a pin.  You see, I spent the first few days of the week either sitting in our local Emergency Department, or in a hospital ward wondering what on earth was going on with my insides!  To cut a long story short - I had a pretty impressive pain in my abdomen from last Friday, and when I finally went to the GP on Monday afternoon, she sent me off to see if it was appendicitis.  Hmmmm.......  Ultimately, after spending one night in the ED and another night on the ward - it turns out they really couldn't figure it out, and didn't want to go exploring.  Which suited me just fine!  We shall now refer to those couple of days as "forced rest".  On the plus side - I started The Hunger Games series of books, and had plenty of time to read!

Fast forward to yesterday afternoon, and I really needed to sew.  Nothing too big, just something to keep my hands busy.  So I got on to this month's Wombat Stew Bee Blocks.

The lovely Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts designed her own Kimono paper pieced blocks, and asked us to choose either the front or back.  I chose the front......

It came together sooooo quickly and was a wonderfully easy pattern to follow!  So...... I decided I'd also make a back.....

Another very quick pattern to whip up!

And that my friends, is all I sewed this week!  Well, I did just finish a dress tonight, but will save that for another day!

I'm linking up with T.G.I.F.F. being hosted by Sewing By Moonlight

AND

Paper Piecing Party at Quietplay

Raising a Child Takes A Village - Raising a Child with Social Media Involved Takes An Army.

If you've been around these parts for a while, you will know that I am partial to putting on my ranty pants.  I get my knickers in a knot about all kinds of interesting bullshit - but mostly about teenagers and the way things are today.

Enter today's post.

I think I'm doing an OK job as a parent.  I think that my eldest son's Dad and I, together with my husband and his Dad's partner, are banding together in some kind of strange unity to get him through these revolting teenage years.  If someone had of told me ten years ago that we would be working together, I would have laughed hysterically.  But a couple of months ago, when our son decided it was time to "up the ante" and test the proverbial waters, we all joined forces to SHUT THAT SHIT DOWN.

And it's worked.  So far.

What I AM struggling with, is being aware of everyone else's children.  Being aware of what they're up to, the shit they're getting in to.  And their parents being oblivious to it.  Hey, I'm not saying I'm perfect - clearly not.  It took almost six months for us to find out that our son had been feeding us bullshit sandwiches!  But in relation to social media - I'm on it.  I'm on his back - always have been, always will be.  We have explained to him what is and what is not acceptable when on social media applications.  That "liking" photos of scantly clad women with derogatory memes or FB pages called "Straya C*nt" not only offends me at times, it also shows up on all his other friends news feeds - including his grandmothers........ and that is NOT acceptable.  We have explained to him that just because a 15 year old girl has the username "Infinity_whore" (yes, you read that correctly), does not mean that it is OK.  It in fact means that she is not only degrading herself, she is allowing others to think it's OK to use such derogatory terms.  NOT OK.

I could go on.  And on.  And on.  I have so many tales to tell about instances we have had to pull him up and educate him on how we expect him to be using social media.  And how it doesn't matter whether other parents let their children use it - or in a lot of cases - don't give a shit about how their children use it.  What matters is how HE uses it.

I digress.  The reason I chose to write AGAIN about this, today, is because I have found myself in yet another quandary in regards to knowing about a child's behaviour and trying to decide whether or not to let said child's parents know?  I know the parents, from many years ago, but we are not friends as such.  I have stewed on the information for a couple of weeks now, debating how I would divulge the information?  Would I want to know if it were my young teenage daughter?  Would I want to hear it from someone else?  I put it out there late last night to my FB friends, and the resounding answer was YES.

So this morning I have been stewing further, going over several different drafts in my head, and have put it down in a FB message to before-mentioned Mother.  I am still yet to send it.

Earlier this year, I wrote this status on my personal FB page, after reading THIS post on MamaMia:

"Some of you already know this, but to everyone else - I will contact you if I see your kids posting inappropriately on social media, or if they're younger, just letting you know that their settings are public when perhaps you would like them to be private. I'm hoping you'd all do the same! Social media can be used so wonderfully - to engage with people in a wonderful way - it's such a shame that it gets used so shitfully at times. xx"

And a whole lot of friends agreed to do the same.  In the past couple of years, I've messaged, phoned and emailed parents when I've come across something I feel is either inappropriate or potentially dangerous with regard to their children.  It is always received gratefully, and in some instances, the parents have had absolutely no idea what Facebook or Instagram even are.

My best piece of advice?  Become an expert.  An expert on social media.  Learn how to use all forms of it.  And check in on your children.  See what they are "following", "liking" and laughing at.  Because without your direction and knowledge, they are trying to learn for themselves what is right and wrong.  They are learning from other kids, who possibly don't know what they're doing either.  Social media is a whole new world in terms of parenting.  I was trying to work out what to compare it to - but I've come up with nothing.  Nothing compares to the murky waters that social media has presented to us as parents.  And I hate to think that anything ever will.

Are you navigating the murky waters of teenagers and social media?  How's it working for you?

Sew Mama Sew! Giveaway Day!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!

Giveaway Day is here!  What's giveaway day I hear you say?  Well - Sew Mama Sew is hosting this whole week of giveaways, so I'm joining in!

Haven't been here before?  Well, my name is Melissa - aka Midge.  I'm an Australian lady chick who just happens to love sewing amongst a million other things I can jam in to life.  You can read a little more about me HERE, or scroll through the hundreds of posts on the blog!  I discovered last year that I LOVE quilting almost more than life itself.  And most of my finished quilty projects can be found HERE.  I love finding new blogs to read, and would love it if you choose to stick around!

Anyway - on to the fun stuff!  Everyone loves "scraps" yes?  Would you believe I used to give away scraps before I quilted?  And I even threw away scraps.  Blasphomy.  Well, now I collect them!  To a point of cra-cra-crazy!  So here are just a few of the bags I have!

My giveaway is a mixed bag of good sized scraps from all of these bags!  There are TWO scrap bags up for grabs!  All you need to do is tell me how you like to use scraps?  I will choose the two winners from your comments!

Please make sure to pop in to Sew Mama Sew! from 6am PST (USA TIME!) to see all the wonderful giveaways from around the world!  Some of my favourite quilty girls are holding their own, which you can find here:
Finding Fifth, Quiet Play, Pretty Bobbins, Blossom Heart Quilts, Party of Eight

***  This giveaway is open through to midnight, Friday the 10th of May.  Winners will be chosen over the weekend and notified via email (PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT A NO-REPLY BLOGGER, OR LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT).  And winners will be posted here on the blog!  Giveaway is open Internationally!

GOOD LUCK! 

XXX

Another Freakin Cat Post.....

About five weeks ago, it was brought to my attention that our sweet kitten - Bella - had been visiting one of our neighbours and using their ridiculously huge sandpit as a litter box.  Said neighbour came a door knocking to ask if I had a little black cat with a blue tag (council tag)?  Ummm, yes, I said.  He proceeded to tell me that he had trapped her in his back yard and I should come and get her.

WTF?

I walked with this imbecile to his home, about five houses away, all the time asking him incredulously that when he said "trapped her" did he actually trap her?  Yep.  I was greeted at his home by his ever so delightful cranky and mouthy wife, telling me how disgusting it was that my cat was shitting in her kid's sandpit.  I agreed, with a pleasant but confused smile on my face.  As I rounded the corner in to their back yard I was horrified to see our little Bella in a metal trap, freakin out.  My Chelsea (Bella's human mummy) was equally if not more horrified and quickly ran to get her out.  It was a very warm day - we're talking 27 degrees - and Bella had been in this trap for who knows how long, without any water or food.  Cranky pants wifey was talking and I wasn't really listening, as I watched Chelsea take Bella home.  I kept asking cranky and her dickhead husband what exactly it was that they expected me to do?  She's a cat.......

They suggested I needed to keep Bella from entering their property.  Ahuh....right.  I repeated that she was a cat, and perhaps they could look at getting a cover for their sandpit - LIKE MOST PEOPLE WITH COMMON SENSE WOULD DO.  Nope.  Nope, not something they would consider.  So after a few more minutes of banter, and me telling them I would do my best, and perhaps they could think of some natural deterrents to keep cat/s away from their sandpit, I wandered off - bewildered.

I mean, is it me, or is going to the trouble of hiring a trap from the council to willingly trap a beautiful little kitten - who just happens to be registered with the council and is not some random stray - just bizarre?

For the following week, I kept Bella inside the house because I was basically too scared to let her out, for fear they would either trap her again, or do something worse.....

Fast forward to last week.  I was sitting upstairs and saw a council van pull in to the driveway.  Didn't take me long to figure out why they were here.......  Ever so lovely ranger tells me that he has my cat in his van.  It had been trapped by someone in the neighbourhood.  I asked him by who, and when he said he couldn't tell me - I told him.  With some very choice words.  I was not a lady.....

I asked HIM what the f*ck I was expected to do?  Well, his suggestions were nothing short of amusing.  Apparently "people" cut slits in pvc pipes, and put them over their fences so cats can't jump over them. Mmmmmmm, that's fabulous!  Cos I want my home to look like some kind of DYI disaster?  I'm thinking razor wire would be equally as effective?  Give it that "detention centre" shine?

Orrrr, we could build/buy a cat run?  Oh yeh, cos that's why you have a pet cat.  So it can be trapped in a f*cking wire enclosed building.  Sure.

Orrrrrr, we could just keep the cat inside - like - forever.

I very politely sarcastically, with a touch of f*ck you, told the ranger that the use of common sense was lacking in some people's brains, and that the council's  willingness to go along with those lacking common sense made me very cranky.  Collected Bella from the TRAP in his van and gave him a generous wave and smile and sent him on his way.

A few days later, he returned with the official letter of complaint and warning, that if Bella steps paw on their property again, we will incur a fine and Bella would be impounded.  Nice.

Now - the husband and I have had a few interesting conversations about the predicament we have found ourselves in.  He suggested we could go and shovel some of our dog shit on to their front yard, but hey, that wouldn't be very neighbourly would it?  I had a friend on Facebook offer us some chicken shit to share with them, but I thought that was too kind, because at least you can use chicken poop to fertilise your garden?  All I've managed to do is give the a*sehole a good case of staring as I drove past their home this afternoon.  Time will tell.......

In the meantime, I am trying not to lose my proverbial mind over the fact that I now have a kitty-cat trying not to lose HER mind at the fact that she can no longer go out and enjoy the great outdoors.  Long gone are her days of climbing the trees in our front yard, or wrestling with our two puppy dogs in the backyard.  Now her days are spent staring longingly out the windows, meowing incessantly and clawing any or all the furniture she can possibly manage without copping an earful from me.

Not to mention the fact that every time I hear the front or back door open everyone yells "DON'T LET BELLA OUT'!!!!!!!  Followed by the sound of running as the closest person to the door chases after her if she's managed to escape.

Soooooo, friends.  I ask you this - what would you do?  I understand, I really do, that there are cat haters out there.  In fact, I used to be one myself.  Before I was a cat owner, I had to go and buy sandpit covers begrudgingly to keep the neighbourhood cats from deficating in said sandpit.  It's common sense yes?  And even now, as a cat lover liker I have had to throw things at random cats who've come a knocking at our door to pester our own cats.  Once again, common sense?

I'm seriously at a loss.  Help.

***  Cat haters and non-constructive comments will not be appreciated.  Although if they're highly amusing comments I may laugh.

****  We are responsible cat owners who bring their cat inside at night and register her too.

Biting more than Chewing

You know that old saying "biting off more than you can chew"?  I am quite the expert at this.  And despite telling myself every time I am in this muddle that I will not do it again - I do.

So.  This is where I'm presently at.  I have signed up to TWO QAL's.  The Bloom Bloom Pow over at Freshly Pieced and the Texas Teardrop at The Quilting Lodge.  I've managed to completely surprise myself and am up to date with the first.  I have not even managed to think about fabric for the second.  I think I am going to have to shelve it for now, and Pin it for a later date.  I've also signed up for The Fat Quarter Shop Myster BOM, which starts in a couple of months.  I've been looking forward to it since registering earlier this year.  Can't wait.  As long as I have the time!

Still in quilting world, I have my QCA bee #5, which I'm thankfully managing to keep up to date with.  March was my month as Queen Bee and  I've been absolutely thrilled with all the blocks that have arrived so far, only a few more to go and I can think about how I'm going to turn them all in to a quilt.

In very exciting news, I was invited to take part in an awesome paper piecing bee!  I was quite chuffed to think that these fab ladies think I'm up to the challenge, so I've taken it on, and will quietly crap my pants each month that the blocks are chosen!  I've just received my first block today and am laughing myself silly on the inside, but am determined that I will. get. it. done. properly.  Stay tuned.

And in HUGE news, I was approached a few weeks ago to supply an amazing homewares store overseas with cushion covers!  Not my quilted cushions, but some really fun, bright coloured cushion covers that the owner requested after seeing the fabrics I choose to work with over at Ms Midge.  After picking myself up off the floor, I punched some numbers and spat out a wholesale price, which was enthusiastically agreed upon, and last week ordered 75 yards of fabric!  Soon after hitting "finalise purchase", I had a mini heart attack wondering how I would get 120 cushion covers made and sent by the end of May?  I'm happy to say I called on good old Mum, who I am now outsourcing to, to help me in the construction to speed things up.  Soooo, from June, if you're in Bali, pop by Kody & Ko and check out my fancy cushion covers.

As murphy's law would have it - what has been a quiet time in terms of orders for Ms Midge - the same week I signed off on the above deal, I had an influx of orders and enquiries.  I am now madly trying to get myself organised and get all orders done and dusted before my huge fabric order arrives and all hell breaks loose!

Do you ever bite off more than you can chew??

Find Me A Soapbox!!!

I've just been aimlessly wandering around Facebook, you know, checking out what everyone's up to, reading inspirational quotes and looking at cute photos.  And then I see it.  Again. 

The word "retard".

Seriously, what year do we live in?  I could almost understand if we were still in 1485....

But we're not.  It's 2013, and this word has been well and truly outed as a derogatory term used to call people who have disabilities.  The fact that it is still used so widely to put people down, make fun of others AND give shit to people with disabilities makes me really cross.  Yes, I'm cross!

Now, I'm not perfect.  I think we've established that over the years.  However, I am a grown up.  I have grown up to realise that such derogatory terms should not be used.  That with growing up, you learn to use your vocabulary.  Broaden your knowledge and all that.  Apparently this does not happen to everyone?

Maybe I'm a little bit precious about this?  Maybe because I've spent the past 16 years of my life working with people who just happen to be living with intellectual disabilities, I'm a little bit touchy on the subject of derogatory labels?  Maybe.  Or maybe it is just because I'm a human being with empathy.  And common sense.

For God's sake people - start using your brain before you post something on a social media site that could potentially upset or offend your friends.  Think about the fact that you may very well have friends or family who actually have family members living with some type of disability.  And think about how you would feel if you child, sibling or someone you love was being called a "retard".

And yes, I am writing this very hasty and annoyance fuelled blog post because if I didn't, I would be blurting this all out on Facebook, possibly offending others who actually like to call people retards.  How is that right?

Ok.  Stepping down off my soap box.  For now.

Do you have any words or labels that really offend your sensibilities?  Share.

** Disclaimer - I am not saying I don't use labels for people - I use the words Dickhead, Idiot, F*ckwit etc quite often..... But it's generally very warranted!

She Rises Again.....

Approximately six weeks ago, our 11 year old cat disappeared....again. Usually, on the half a dozen or so occasions she has gone, she will reappear a week later, and all returns to normal. This time, we explained to the kids that Ruby had probably left for good, perhaps gone to find somewhere to die. And they were ok with that.

Fast forward to tonight, Easter Monday. We got home from a day at the football (where a whole team of cats destroyed my beloved hawks), ate some dinner and then were beyond astounded when chelsea opened the front door and proclaimed that Ruby had returned! This was greeted with calls of "what the?"

We have now re-named her. From this day forward, she shall now answer to "Jesus".

And yes, I did have to ask my husband which day it was Jesus rose again, because I get my religious information mixed up! Lucky I'm married to a catholic school boy. Well, you know what I mean! 

Happy Easter everyone! 

Do you have cats? Do they disappear, only to rise again?

Sunday Stash #7 - The Mother Load!

Sometime last year, I mentioned to my Tokyo BFF that there is a town near her called "Nipori Fabric Town".  Now just digest that for a second.  Fabric. Town.  I happened to mention also that if she ever happened to find herself in said town, to please check it out for me, and maybe even buy me some fabric.  And then never mentioned it again.

A few weeks ago, before mentioned BFF pinged me on FB to say that she was heading in to Fabric Town the next day, and was there anything in particular she should look for?  Ummmmmmm.  I did a quick Google search and gave her a few links to Japanese fabric designers, and also told her that I had just spent a considerable amount on a fabric order from the States, so was rather broke, "so just grab me a couple of small samples"......

Later that evening, she messaged me to ask whether I would have room for extra luggage on my upcoming trip to the Gold Coast (where we were meeting up)?  Ummmm, no, I'd only booked cabin luggage?  Fast forward a couple more hours to our Skype call - and cue me nearly passing out!  This darling friend of mine had gone to town - literally!  Print after print was shown to me in a virtual show and tell.  The ooh's and ahh's were hilarious!  Ms Suz - I LOVE YOU!!!!

So this my friends, is the Mother Load of stash additions!  Enjoy!

Woohoo!

Fab little shop!

Beautiful fabric display!

Lucky for me, Virgin had changed their fares, and mine did in fact include 23kg of luggage!

All unpacked and looking yummy!

Some gorgeous Japanese prints, they are a different kind of texture, I'm not sure what!

Jolli Pomme - Love this!

More Jolli Pomme - how amazing are these cats and bunnies?

Gorgeous little animal prints.

Some of the most beautiful pinwale cord I've ever seen.

Little Red Riding Hood - Kokka style.

Kayo Horaguchi prints.  These are to die for - I think they are a linen/cotton mix - described as "double gauze".  Divine.

Very cute flanelette prints!

And she even thought of my London Bff who's just moved back to Melbourne!

More Kayo Horaguchi

Kokka trains

Famous character in Japan - these are to make my god-baby some goodies!

Gorgeous Enchino

Even more Horaguchi!  Google the name!

And finally some cute little prints!

Would you believe there was just over 9kg total?  And just over 40 metres of fabric!  Yay!

So - the moral of this blog post?  If you're ever in Tokyo - go to Nipori Fabric Town!!!  Now - what to do with all of this yumminess?

I'm linking up with Sunday Stash @ Finding Fifth!  Happy Anniversary Fiona!

Sign Of The Times?

Do you remember when you were growing up and you'd hear your grandparents say "Back in my day...." or your parents say "when I was a girl....."?  Do you remember rolling your eyes and thinking "yeh, yeh" and wondering what all the fuss was about?  Thinking that all of them were just old fogies who had no idea about what you were going through, about the type of world you were growing up in?  And thinking "when I'm a parent, I'm NEVER going to be like that!"?  Well, I feel like I'm in a never-ending version of that complete paragraph at present!

One word - Teenagers.

I want to know what on earth has happened in the 20 years since I finished being a teenager?  Since when did it become OK to do everything that it wasn't OK to do when I was a teenager?  Have I really been living under a rock BOULDER???  I don't think I'm naive, I don't think I'm a fuddy duddy, in fact I think I'm a pretty COOL MUM.  But if the teenage years get more eventful and more testing the older they get - I could lose my cool.....

At 14 years of age, I had only just relinquished my Barbie dolls, started filling out a bra and was not remotely interested in sex.  Don't get me wrong - I had a pulse, and hormones, so I knew the opposite sex existed - I just wasn't interested nor prepared to get involved in anything more than a kiss.

Fast forward to 2013........where 13 year olds think it's OK to drop the F bomb in front of their friends' Mum.  Where parents think it's ok for the same age girls to roam the streets after 5pm, hang out with boys unsupervised and wear the most ridiculously skimpy clothes known to man.  Morals are thrown out the window (or maybe they're just not taught?), restrictions on phone calls don't exist (can you imagine calling someone at 11pm back in 1988?) and writing on FB that you're on the phone to your "sexy boyfriend".  13.  THIRTEEN.

You may have guessed what I'm dealing with?  I thought the fact I had to go and borrow the "Where do I come from" book last week, for the younger members of the family, was enough sex talk for at least a month, but apparently not.  It seems my world has now become one of repetitive conversations about what is appropriate and/or inappropriate behaviour.  

Remember this little gem of a book?

The expectations I have as a parent are pretty simple - I thought?  But I'm slowly realising that perhaps my expectations are completely out of whack with the time I'm living in?  A certain someone said to me today that he was "glad he doesn't have daughters".  And I replied that I was glad I did, because I will teach my daughters (and my sons!) morals, self-esteem and love.  That my daughters will have a slew of restrictions of what/how they can and cannot wear, do, say and behave.  And that there will be consequences for the choices they make in their lives.  Am I really being THAT unrealistic to think that I can have so much input in to how my children are going to turn out?  Do I have to just give in to the fact that times have changed and expectations appear to be somewhat lowered?

I'm doing my best.  I'm having VERY open and honest conversations on a very regular basis.  I'm ensuring the teenager is informed and protected.  But I feel like I'm going "against the tide" so to speak.

Do you have teenagers?  Do you have expectations?  Discuss!

W.I.P. Wednesday #5

In what could be one of the most craziest decisions I've made, I chose to use the Freshly Pieced Kissing Fish Baby Quilt Pattern to make a cot quilt for a best friend's impending arrival.  As per usual, I did not read the instructions much before making the choice, and once I'd started, there was no turning back.  So now I find myself in some kind of HST hell!  I have cut out a total of 461 squares ranging in size from 2" up to 8 1/2".  And have now sewn together half of the 3" squares to get my HST on.  Here are all my pretty little piles of "to do's".

I chose five different coloured prints for this quilt, all to co-ordinate with some gorgeous butterflies that will be on the nursery walls.  I don't usually do pastels, so this is a first!  The ribbon print is going to be the backing, I have no idea what I'm going to do for the binding though......  I have a feeling that by the time I get to that part of the quilt, I may just have had a meltdown or two and will just choose whatever is closest to me!

When I asked my friend Gemma from Pretty Bobbins if I was crazy to contemplate making this quilt, she was very encouraging, telling me that it would be great practice at points.  Yep, I should have points down pat by the end of this project!!!!!  Here are the first eight blocks done.  Only 102 to go!

See the little kissing fishies???

I haven't gotten any further with this quilt, except for buying some grey homespun for the back and contemplating just one pieced block smack bang in the middle of the backing.  I also bought a really bright plain purple for the binding, but literally haven't had a chance to see if it all ties in well.

And I decided to pull this Hungry Little Caterpillar panel out.  I was given the other pieces of fruit etc, so trimmed them all up and put them around the panel.  And haven't gotten any further.

I do believe I'm starting to become one of those crafty people who start things but doesn't finish them?  I don't want to be - so am eagerly awaiting the end of school holidays, the end of the chicken pox epidemic that has taken over my family and the start of my four year old's Kindergarten year!  Then I will have more time during the week to myself than I've had in fifteen years!  Yeeeeeehawwwwwwww!

Linking up with Freshly Pieced