Silly Gilly

More on the Process or How do you follow up a big heavy blog post?

2012-01-21T14:05:00.003+10:30

Soooo, the though processes are still going. If anything, I can almost feel the cogs whirring and little gears ticking into place. Very little ones but, just like a clock, there are lots of little parts to me and they all work together to achieve one thing. In me, that's being happy.

It's been hard to work out how to keep blogging after writing such an emotion laden post but I was so truly bolstered by the genuine, heartfelt comments left and emails received that I thought I should have a go.

I've joined up for Michelle Bridge's 12WBT (12 Week Body Transformation). I have numerous real life friends who have completed one, if not more, rounds of this program and they all express such enthusiasm and support that it's hard not to be infected with their positivity.

So that's what I've done. I'm infected. Apparently with that crazy exercise bug. It really doesn't suit me right now but when I fully acknowledge that I weigh 111kg, I'm sure it will grow on me (pardon the pun).

And a comment I made this morning really reflected how my thinking is slowly, ever minutely, changing. I was down the beach at 7am this morning with my melon head dog Banjo, my good friend Kelly and her big boofa Pyrenean, Beau. We were discussing fitness and how I was going with the preseason tasks for 12WBT. I said, "But now I'm going to have to stop thinking of myself as the depressed girl.". SO telling. Yep. I have been depressed for so long and down and sad and miserable that it's habit. It's how I see myself.

Not for much longer. Yep. Not much at all.

Random lotus photo taken in Bali last year. Because really, what photo goes with the blathering above?

Wow

2012-01-12T09:34:00.000+10:30

Thank you for your messages of support and encouragement all. I do truly appreciate it.

Life has given me a couple of slaps upside the head in the last day or so with a couple of dear friends going through some really bad personal experiences. This is how it goes. I am so down and so low then life reminds me I need to pick myself up and help other people. That's my job. It's what I do. I love doing it.

So onwards and upwards. Yesterday, having a quiet day at home with my daughter after a couple of full on days with friends, my daughter lauded the 'I hate you Mummy' phrase three times. First time, I let it slide right off. Second time, I gave her the 'Don't talk to your Mother like that' line. Third time, I weilded the full extent of the law and banned TV all day today.

It's going to be a long day. I think I'll hide in my studio and sew.

Aiming to finish off this little number today.

It's Not Me

2012-01-08T09:46:00.000+10:30

I hurt inside.
I hurt a lot and I dislike myself immensely sometimes.
Other times I think I am absolutely fabulous and feel about 40% motivated. That's the high times.

I have just read on the interwebs that the medication I take, sertraline, to treat my PMDD (PreMenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) causes apathy and loss of motivation.

I have spent the last four or so months hating on myself, thinking I was the reason for losing my sewing mojo. Thinking I was slack and a lazy person for not getting stuck into my craft and business every day. For not wanting to bother about keeping the house clean. For losing motivation on things I'd start when I was feeling good.

I am experiencing a side effect from my medication which is treating my anger and anxiety and it's causing a different type of anger at myself and stress about my apathy.

I sit here with tears in my eyes and a sad soul as I feel that I have been hating myself unnecessarily. I'm not the cause of my apathy. I'm not the bad person for being lazy and tired and unmotivated.

I've been trying to fix myself and that treatment has been kicking me in the ass behind my back.

I've had enough.

It's time to change this.

I'm pressing publish before I hate myself enough to delete this.

Causing a scene

2012-01-04T15:04:00.001+10:30

Sometimes when you are bored at home and have nothing else to do on a 38 degree day, you might consider doing this...

A major water mains pipe had broken in our neighbourhood. I saw the SES volunteers working out in the heat and thought it might be nice to hand them some icypoles to cool down considering they had been on site since 2am that morning.

One slip in some silty mud and there I was causing further chaos. Long story short, the icypoles were handed out, I got a ride in an ambulance and now have a great story to tell the grandkids. So that's me up there in the photo, under the blanket which was protecting me from the sun.

A big thanks to the Enfield, SA, division of the State Emergency Service for the professional and friendly way they looked after me.

I like frocks (or why I haven't posted in a while)

2011-12-15T22:41:00.000+10:30

I was in an earthquake in Bali in October this year.

Of course it happened when it was my day on holiday to relax by myself whilst Mr Silly Gilly took the young one off on a day of adventure at a Safari Park. I don't do zoos or animal sanctuarys. When I do visit them, I just want to let all the animals out of their enclosures, hug them and tell them to run for their lives. But that's another post.

So there I was, having just finished watching a movie, trying to decide whether to have a massage or go for a swim. Big decision time. I was standing in the doorway of our room when the ground surged like a gentle wave. Up, then down. Nothing else but gee willakers, I knew that it had been an earthquake. I was mildly impressed that I had lived through an earthquake. Wait till I told my friends back home! Then 30 seconds later, all hell broke loose and the ground, buildings, trees, everything shook like a kid shaking a snow globe. It was the most frightening moment of my life, and like a mature adult I ran screaming into the most clear area I could find.

For the rest of the day I had the fortune of experiencing numerous aftershocks. I was terrified and didn't go back inside for hours. Mr Silly Gilly and the young one came back late in the day, safe and sound, luckily having experienced a much less drastic version of the quake. That night I could barely sleep and was constantly ready to bolt for my life.

But the quake did something. It shook me up. (Had to include that pun there.)

It made me absolutely terrified for my life. Then a few days later it made me focus on my life. It was a life changing moment. Albeit a moment of terror.

For so many, many years now I've always gabbled on about how I wished I'd lived when women got to wear big skirts, gloves, fancy dresses and hats every day. And the quake made me realise that I could focus on the 50's right now. I didn't have to dream or wish or wallow in the fact that I had been born in the 70's.

So that's where I've been. Building up my conviction to start living, wearing, working on 1950's vintage every day. Well, nearly every day. My wardrobe is somewhat limited right now but I'm working on correcting that.

So I'm back blogging, having been inspired by two fantastic writers, dooce and edenland, that I've always admired. I love their honesty and their wit. Oh and the earthquake.It's given me the proverbial kick up the derriere that I needed.

Back soon!

TGIF

2011-08-12T18:03:00.000+09:30

Lots of slobbery puppy love from Banjo to you. Wishing you a lovely weekend y'all.

Horse vs pony

2011-08-11T11:55:00.006+09:30

Banjo my Pyrenean Mountain Dog is now 18 months old. Time flies when you are filling in craters in the backyard, wiping drool off high points on the walls and dealing with a bark that challenges the volume of a 747 (just as I typed that she woofed again - now she's psychic).

Pyreneans are a guardian breed of dog. That means life is good for them when they have someone to guard. Traditionally that meant some sheep, horses, chickens, goats, you name it, they'll guard it. The breed originates from France where they were left in the paddocks with the stock and the Pyreneans would guard the stock all night from foxes, wolves and grumpy things with big teeth. Then the dogs would sleep all day.

So not much exercise is required, not much food and lots of sleep. All of these things tick the happy boxes for me! But for Banjo, being a suburban backyard dog is not what she was bred to do. Of course, being a good dog owner, I thought it would be entertaining for her to start being introduced to some livestock.

First off this week, the local horses. In Adelaide, we are fortunate to have some parklands very close to the city where horse owners can agist their horses and fortunately for the rest of us, we get to be able to hang with the equine peeps whenever we like. I was so proud of Banjo when she met them. She was calm, didn't bark or get silly. Just very curious and wanted to get in there with the horses! Next on the list.... sheep.

And this Saturday Banjo and I are off to be tested as to whether Banjo is suitable to be a Therapy Dog. That means, if we pass, we will be volunteering as visitors to hospitals or nursing homes to spread a little dog love (and maybe a bit of drool too) to people who otherwise couldn't see a dog in their environment. Fingers and paws crossed we pass!!

Temporary absence

2011-07-31T14:20:00.003+09:30

photo credit

Nothing much to see here.

Brain renovations are in progress but moving very slowly. Sometimes backwards.

Anyone know where the re-boot button is?

Do What You Love

2011-06-30T16:31:00.009+09:30

Such simple but powerful words.

Whilst I couldn't sleep last night, I did some 4am blog reading. I stumbled across this treasure on Build A Little Biz. It got me thinking.

As a work at home mum, I juggle the 6 hours a day I have free whilst my daughter is at school and designate equal amounts of time to the housework and to my businesses. My time is precious and I would much rather be spending my time wisely during those 3 hours a day that I do have for my businesses.

I started Silly Gilly three years ago and have broadened my product scope during that time. But last night whilst reading this great article, a little light came on in my head. I need to focus on doing what I love and only that. I'm in business for myself for a reason. Not to do what I think other people want me to do. Or things that are quick and easy to produce. I need to be throwing myself into creating items that I love and be sure in the knowledge that that will show through in the end product.

So over the next week I will be clearing out items in the Silly Gilly store that, whilst they are beautiful items and perfectly great, don’t fit exactly where I would like to be heading with my brand.

First off my fleece hats and scarves are now on sale and reduced by 35%. Such a perfect time of the year to snap up a bargain to keep those cute little noggins warm!

Sweet Vintagey Goodness

2011-06-27T12:20:00.005+09:30

I popped into the Nth Adelaide Vintage & Fashion Fair on Sunday and found a lovely little treasure trove of vintagey goodness to trawl through.

It was a quick but successful visit as I found a new member to add to my vintage planter collection that I spoke about last year. For $4! This little beauty isn't strictly a planter but I believe it's a milk jug that goes with a tea set similar to this.

And this new little treasure is sitting on my rapidly progressing Lone Star quilt. I'm using my precious collection of Momo Wonderland and hopefully it will turn out ok.... Have to admit I'm a little nervous just winging it and not following a pattern but so far so good.

Progress on Janelle Wind's Little Bluebirds

2011-06-24T11:48:00.005+09:30

I started this quilt back in 2008. Wow. Three years ago! I loved the colour scheme of the red, aqua and white so very much and bought it as a monthly kit from Sarah at Quilt Fabric Delights.

I'm not much of an embroidery gal but thought the amount of stitchery on this quilt was achieveable. But what I did underestimate was how slow and challenging I would find the needle turn applique. I'm hopeless at it! So much to my dismay the quilt kit sat hibernating in my cupboard for 3 years. Until now.

Recently my genius friends suggested a whole new way to approach the applique which really inspired me again to get stuck into it. Why not raw edge applique the quilt in the same manner that Kellie Wulfson does? Of course!! So yesterday out it came and I achieved so much now that the mental road block of turned edge applique is far over the horizon.

There's lots more to come but I was so excited to get this far so quickly that I wanted to share it with you.

Around the Block 2 - Block for Sheridan

2011-06-22T08:56:00.003+09:30

I had loads of fun making this block, my second last, in the Around the Block 2 swap. Sheridan asked for lots of white in her block which was a challenge for me as I'm normally into saturating things with colour.

I liked the freedom of making it up as I went along and finding the balance in the negative spaces. Good one to stretch the brain cells this one!

It's been a while...

2011-06-15T09:14:00.005+09:30

Hi there peeps!

Life's been crazy busy here in the Silly Gilly household. What's been going on?

* Giant dog has been jumping over our 6 foot fence to escape. Numerous times.
* I had a day where I had purple hair by accident at the hairdressers.
* I've been sewing fabrics together random patchwork style and loving the freedom of it.
* I've been to listen to Dr Jane Goodall speak about her life working with chimpanzees in Africa.
* I've felt very proud of the Australian people who spoke out and voiced their opinions about stopping the live export of cattle to the slaughterhouses of Indonesia.

And I've been crafting....

Tote bag made with Saffron Craig prints I picked up whilst at SIT.

New favourite skirt I made from scrap packs purchased from Prints Charming and sewn during a sew along organised by the amazing Karen. We used the book Sew What Skirts! and it was a quick and easy skirt to make.

I've gotten amazingly addicted to making school bows for my daughter's hair. I've even started making them for other people, custom matched to their school colours.

Attended the Lollipop Market as a stall holder and introduced a new line of Newsboy hats. They were very popular!

Had gallons of fun making doll clothes for the monthly sale at Gossamer Dreams, which is on tonight! I used some precious Prints Charming fabrics I had.

So life has been busy of late. Always is in June for me. I'm solo parenting this week due to Mr Silly Gilly being off on a work trip but I love it as I can craft the night away every night once poppet is in bed.

Enjoy the cold weather, all.... Just think, we'll be complaining about the hot weather in a matter of months!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T16:10:00.004+09:30

Mother's Day.

I've eaten beautiful Chocolate Caramel Brownies.
I've walked the dog and had a giant dog playdate for her.
I have delicious home cooked Salt & Pepper Squid for dinner.

Great day wouldn't you say?

I used The Pioneer Woman's recipe for these brownies with some Aussie ingredients instead of the american suggestions. To say they are divine is an understatement!!

Thanks but never again

2011-05-02T16:37:00.006+09:30

I started this knitted dress for my daughter over a year ago and it's been an on-again, off-again love affair. During the process, I've discovered I'm a very slow knitter or perhaps an unmotivated knitter. But when my poppet kept growing taller and taller and taller, I thought I'd better get my proverbial skates on and finish the dress before she outgrew it!

There were only three balls of this delicious yarn in my stash and seeing as how they are hand dyed, I wouldn't be able to get another ball to match. So I took the project with me on our Easter holidays to Blanchetown and knit away furiously by the river, being watched bemusedly by our friends who are definitely not craftily minded. Funnily enough, the blokes got quite excited when I got to casting off and queued up to watch me knit the final stitch!

Suffice to say, I'll not attempt such a large knitted garment again. I'm a fast crocheter but a slow knitter. I've enjoyed the process but being short on time, I'm always happier with a quick finish project! On Ravelry here.

With only three weeks to go till my second Lollipop Market stall, I thought some vintage style boys hats would be a nice addition to the Silly Gilly stock. Here's the first test run, made from courdroy and lined with a cotton. This is a super cute hat made with a pattern by Butterfly Tree. Fully reversible and quick to make. And I've got to say, my poppet doesn't make a very good boy impersonator!

New brooch for Donna

2011-04-16T19:42:00.003+09:30

New brooch for Donna......

These can be custom made in felt to your colour choice. Anyone interested? Email me via the Silly Gilly store or at silly.gilly (at) bigpond (dot) com.

Friends

2011-04-14T12:52:00.005+09:30

photo credit

My daughter is in her first term of school as a reception kiddy (or prep if you're in Vic). She is attending a lovely small - medium sized metropolitan public school which is only five houses away from home and has two wonderful teachers who job share.

She is fortunate enough to have a good selection of family backgrounds in her class. Some families have an Indian background, others Asian, others high or low income. What a fabulous opportunity for her to mix with all sorts of children from such a variety of backgrounds!

One friendship that my daughter has made has been challenging my parenting and social beliefs and I'm really grateful for it. My daughter has made friends with a child in her class who has quite obvious behavioural challenges which result in frequent outbursts in class and disruptive behaviour. This child doesn't seem to be able to make friends easily, is on the outer in the social groups in the class and often comes to school quite dishevelled.

I have been so lucky to witness, whilst I'm in the classroom reading or helping out, my daughter take this boy by the hand and help him clear out his work tray. Or take his hand and keep him on track at the back of the line on the way to the library. Or play with him in the playground when none of the other children will.

All sorts of crazy thoughts have been bubbling up since I've known she has made this friendship. Has she any other friends? Is she mixing with the wrong sort of kids? Will she get labelled if she hangs out with this child? Just the protective tiger mummy coming out in me there. Of course she has lots of friends in the class and plays with them quite often.

Most ridiculous of all is "Oh no!! She's a rescuer!! She'll be forever chasing men in her adult life that need saving!!". How absurd! Sure, I'll gently guide her if she starts to make such choices.

But this childhood friendship is different. This is a case of my daughter seeing someone who needs a friend. A pal. Some stability in their every day life. And she so willingly gives her friendship and her hand that I feel very proud of her.

We could all learn something from my five year old....

Around the Block 2 block for Becky

2011-04-08T13:56:00.002+09:30

First off, thankyou to the folk who gave me some tips re: my previous post. Much appreciated.

I've been keeping a little busy finishing a block for Becky for our Around The Block 2 swap. I added a couple of fabrics in with Becky's selection. I hope they are ok! Here tis':

adrift

2011-04-07T10:31:00.008+09:30

I wanted this all along.
Ever since I could remember.
6 hours of freedom a day.
Uninterrupted freedom to pick and choose my activities, or to squander hours at will.

Now I'm being swallowed and engulfed by the lack of limits and boundaries.
It's too much.

I vividly recall the days when I was working in the city amongst other suit-clad folk and longed for a day off to do as I pleased. Oh, the giddying independence... what bliss!

photo credit

But now, finding my feet as a stay at home mum with her one and only child at school is a challenge. A soul searching, heart tugging, bloody hard challenge.

Any tips?

Things I could do today.....

2011-04-07T09:07:00.004+09:30

* tidy the study/office/studio
* fold the mountain of washing - done
* walk the dogs - done
* do the grocery shopping
* sew for Silly Gilly
* finish some blocks for Round The Block2 - done
* photograph stock for Silly Gilly
* finish tidying my daughter's room - done
* clean the house
* do some exercise
* bake for school lunchboxes - done
* sit in the sunshine - done
* pick up one of my MANY unfinished projects to work on

Why can't I choose!??

Yesterday was...

2011-04-05T06:07:00.003+09:30

Blue

Green

Soft

Spiky

Dusty

Shiny

We came, we saw, we shopped, we danced Part 1

2011-04-04T09:05:00.004+09:30

Calico and Ivy - the gorgeous Amy works here, lucky gal.

Divine colour - Prints Charming

Rainbow Love - Prints Charming

Happy thread - Prints Charming

Friday night dinner

photo credit
Saturday morning walk/run - the reason you don't see me in this picture is that I'm five miles behind this group! But I did make the whole 5km round trip.

Hawking my wares Sew Vintage style.

photo credit
My new girl crush - Juddie of Flightless Boyds. Love your style Juddie!

More senseless fabric shopping, this time Sunday morning at Material Obsession.

All in all it was the best fun I've had in years. So much fabric and such little time. Not enough hours in the couple of days we had to talk to everyone but those I did chat with, thank you for being such gorgeous people!

And btw, the rumour about me being one of those loud South Australian people... it's all true.

Sew It Together

2011-03-21T14:49:00.002+10:30

Enjoing a lazy Monday. Finishing off items for my swap at Sew It Together 2 in Sydney. Only four more sleeps!

Cutting fabric and sorting vintage patterns to take along as prizes and to sell at my mini stall on the Crafty Saturday too.

Fabulous frocks!

2011-03-16T14:20:00.003+10:30

I have a serious penchant for the 1950's. I seriously see myself, in the near future, wearing fifties-style dresses a good 3 - 4 days of the week.

So in that style, last weekend I finished this frock to wear to the Adelaide Cup Races. It was so much fun dressing up.... although a couple of blokes with a few drinks under their belts commented I looked a bit like royalty. They're just not used to seeing girls dressed nicely and not showing every inch of skin possible! All I can say is that young girls (18 - mid 20's) really don't have much of a clue as to how to dress nicely at the races. It's all about showing everything to the world and not leaving much to the imagination.

Anyhoo I digress. Sorry about the blurry shot - when I handed the camera over to Mr Silly Gilly, I had left it on a crazy setting! At least the bottom half of the dress and my shoes are in focus!

It's a bit hard to see in this photo but there are lovely big box pleats in the skirt and some gorgeous neckline details too.

Busy Bee

2011-03-07T10:50:00.003+10:30

Last week was a lovely blend of craftiness and relaxing. Food, wine, friends. Oh, and housework. Blah.

Some little projects I finished up last week.

Felt Dahlia Brooch using the tutorial found here. I used my hot glue gun to assemble the brooch and it made the whole process a lot quicker than the tutorial suggested it was going to be.

I also completed my fifth block for Around The Block 2. Abbe asked for a block she termed Stacked Blocks. I loved the choice of fabrics - grey and green, just gorgeous!

Now onto prep for my stall at Mathilda's Market this Sunday, 13 th March. If you're in SA, come along to Norwood and say hello!

Happy Hula Birthday!

2011-03-01T14:51:00.003+10:30

Over a month ago we celebrated my daughter's fifth birthday. She wanted to have a hawaiian party complete with hula girl birthday cake. Initially it was a Lilo and Stitch request but I managed to ease her round to having this for her cake. A lot more basic than my usual efforts but fun all the same.

It was soooo much fun making this cake! Simply a Dolly Varden tin cake with vanilla cake layered with icing. Piped the grass on and stuck the doll on top! The little pink swirls on the left held the candles. But let me tell you, getting icing to stick on Hula girls top was tricky!! It kept wanting to slide right off but persistence was the key and the cake was happily G rated.

Sunday Soul

2011-02-27T07:18:00.002+10:30

A bit of Sunday soothing sounds from my new favourite band. Enjoy!

New loves

2011-02-25T09:54:00.005+10:30

Now and then I find fabrics that just seem to have been made for Silly Gilly. The fabric range Circa 60 Beach Mod by Monaluna is one of those lines. Think sun, fun, happy kids and the music!

I can't wait to get my hands on some of this fabric and create some gorgeous boys gear from it... there is such a vast difference in the amount of cute girls fabric as there is to boys. So when a boys print comes around that isn't all about dinosaurs and skulls, then I get excited!! As soon as I make some items, I'll let you know!

Busy like a beaver

2011-02-22T22:25:00.005+10:30

We don't have beavers here in Australia. Just in case you weren't sure. But if we did, I think I might bear a slight resemblance to them....

I have been busy settling my daughter into her first term of school. It's been a smooth and easy process, with her eager as a beaver attitude helping her slide right on into school life. It's like she's been there for years.

I've been taking part in the Around The Block 2 swap, making other people's blocks for them and posting them back... all the while they make mine and return them all finished.

I've been a market girl last weekend, holding my first indoor stall at a boutique market here in Adelaide called the Lollipop Markets. I was blown away by the number of shoppers through the door - over 3000! It was a successful day for Silly Gilly and I'm now prepping for my next boutique stall at Mathilda's Markets on Sunday 13th March.

I've also been coming to terms with transitioning from being a full time stay at home mum with a kid around 24/7 to a full time stay at home mum with her one and only kidlet at school. What to do with 6 hours every day??? My husband's first reply would be housework and unfortunately, part of me has to agree. But the rest of my footloose and fancy free time I'm dedicating to building up the Silly Gilly empire and taking a little time out each day for me. Five years full time parenting is hard slog and it's nice to have some time to sit in the sunshine.... alone.

But gee, I miss her. Every day. I even drove past the school today at lunch time just to see if I could catch a glimpse. Give me a few years and I might get used to her being at school!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-04T21:55:00.003+10:30

♥♥Happy New Year to all my lovely Silly Gilly blog readers!!♥♥

This xmas/new year holidays the Silly Gilly family has spent many a day attending numerous birthday parties, enjoying delicious bbqs and having nanna naps. It's been divine. Totally relaxing. And I've had the wonderful opportunity to sew just because. Not for Silly Gilly (even though I'm itching to get back into that sort of sewing) but gift sewing and family sewing.

Here's a headscarf I created this week for a 6th birthday gift. I got my poppet to model it for the archives before we gifted it to our friend. The pattern was adapted from Sandi Henderson's Ruffled Head Scarf pattern from her book Sewing Bits & Pieces. I love that book! So many quick projects to enjoy! And her blog, Portabellopixie, is such a fun read.

And to prove that it's always a bit silly at the Silly Gilly house.....

Wonderful Wonderland

2010-12-31T14:32:00.003+10:30

It's a cracking 41 degrees forecast today so a perfect day for staying indoors with the airconditioning cranked up and the sewing machine going. I trotted off to my local quilting store on Wednesday and found myself 2 Jelly Rolls of Momo Wonderland by Moda. It's been on my "would like" list for a while and to find them half price was fantastic luck!! Underneath the Wonderland roll is another of my "would like" fabrics of late, Rainy Days & Mondays by Riley Blake. It's super cute, with a modern yet retro twist. I love it!

So what to do with two rolls of fabric? I've been thinking about a Bento Box style quilt for a while now and thought that the Wonderland fabric would look lovely in one just like the gorgeous one below. The quilt featured below features another of my favourite lines of fabric, Flea Market Fancy. Drool......

Quilt by Red Pepper Quilts

In my journey through Flickr I also found this cushion that would be gorgeous in my room or my studio. So that idea is on the back burner if I have any fabric left over.

cushion by hanies

And lucky last is some fabric newly arrived from the US for one of my customers who was after fabric with records on it to show her kids that there really was a form of recorded music prior to CD's!! Love the retro, fifties styling of this Robert Kaufman print. I'm making up a couple of sunhats in this fabric so I will share when they are done.

Projects on the go

2010-12-27T10:23:00.003+10:30

Silly Gilly is on a Xmas break for a couple of weeks. All of a sudden I have all this time to sew for my daughter and I!!

The first two of the fabrics for my daughter's Tea Party Skirt have arrived! Just love this pattern by Pink Fig.

I was lucky enough recently to score over a continuous metre of Flea Market Fancy tile print. So I am teaming it with another FMF floral print and am now on the hunt for a suitable coordinate spot/stripe for the pleats/handle/lining. I hear Hettie's Patch have a sale on starting Wednesday so I might pop there child-free and hunt for the right fabric.

Around The Block 2

2010-12-26T17:26:00.002+10:30

I have spent a lovely bit of time lately sewing some blocks for Around The Block 2, a block swap I signed up for this year. Here's a few that I have finished this week.

New smock style

2010-12-22T11:59:00.003+10:30

After three years of making smocks, I thought I would change it up a bit and trial a new style of art smock for the kidlets. What do you think? Do you think a pocket, as I include on my current style of smock, is a necessity on an art smock for children? Do your children use their pockets on their smocks if they have one?

This new style has elastic on the sides so it is much easier for children to put on and take off by themselves. Very important to foster independence in the kidlets, don't you think!?

You know it's Xmas when....

2010-12-20T06:51:00.003+10:30

the silly photos start appearing!!

Our Banjo looks right at home with Santa. Although my daughter looks yet to be convinced.... Have you seen the latest Disney Xmas movie, The Search for Santa Paws? It features a Pyrenean just like Banjo!

Giveaway!!!!

2010-12-19T14:56:00.003+10:30

I seriously almost fell off my chair when I read that Corrie is giving away 20 fat quarters of this beautiful line..... so here's my entry to her giveaway. Let's hope I win some!!!

I've been Lollipopped!!

2010-12-15T22:52:00.003+10:30

I'm super-dooper excited to announce that I have been Lollipopped!! I'm going to be a stall holder at the next Lollipop Market at the Shores Function Complex, West Beach in SA, on Sunday 20th February, 2011.

So now I'm ready to get sewing, creating, designing and giggling all the way to February!!

Sun, sales and sweet!

2010-11-28T21:42:00.003+10:30

Last weekend I participated in the local Prospect Fashion, Food & Wine Affair for the third year in a row. I shared the stall with Red Ted as usual and we had a really successful and fun time.

I stocked a larger range of fairy wear this year and thought I might share with you this gorgeous little girl who was lucky enough to have her mummy buy these fairy things for her.

Puppy Popsicle

2010-11-22T17:22:00.002+10:30

It's a hot one here today in Adelaide. 35 degrees.

So what do you do with a dog that feels the heat?

Puppy popsicles of course! Fill a bowl with water and pop some chopped up sausages in there. I used some straight out of the freezer so they didn't break down in the water before freezing. Put the bowl in the freezer and serve it up when frozen.

Result: one very cool dawg.

The letter for today is F

2010-11-19T11:37:00.004+10:30

F for fabricholic!!

After months of dropping whale sized hints, I finally managed to convince my husband that we should splash some cash on my studio. And wowser, it has made a difference!

New cupboards designed to fit whole bolts down the bottom and up the top if there's a need! Oh new cupboard, how I love thee!!♥♥ And the picture below shows only half the cupboard space. There's all my plain fabrics, books and notions on the other side.

This week I am madly making lots of new stock for the Prospect Fashion, Food and Wine Affair which is being held this Sunday at Prospect in SA. Come on down and say hi if you are in the area. I'd love to meet you. Any stock that doesn't sell at the market will be uploaded to the Silly Gilly site next week.

Happy Friday everyone. I'm off for yum cha at the Central Markets with my poppet. What a nice way to ease into the weekend!

We Have A Winner!

2010-10-25T07:32:00.003+10:30

I recently announced the opening of my new online fabric store Sew Vintage. To celebrate I offered free fabric to anyone who commented on which was their favourite print from the store.

We held an official draw here at Silly Gilly with our gorgeous game show girl in her new chefs hat (more on that later).

Congratulations Diana, please email me with your snail mail address and I will pop some Transit fabric in the mail for you!!

As for the dashing chef hat my game show girl is sporting above, this week I received an order to make 6 chef hats and aprons for a local business. It was super fun making these and poppet got one too when I did the test run of the new pattern. Here's the hats waiting to be delivered today.

More fabric arriving from the US today. Lots of new retro children's prints to be popped in the store tonight! How exciting!

Spring has Sprung

2010-10-21T14:38:00.004+10:30

With this gorgeous spring weather upon us, I've been inspired to finish off the front garden. We have taken the front back to the start and laid grass, paving and now the flower beds are filling up. Here's some shots of the garden this week. My David Austin roses are coming along very well!

Things have been growing inside too. More stock being crafted for my upcoming markets in November... Prospect Food, Fashion and Wine Affair and Goodwood Xmas Market - see over on the right hand side of this blog for details.

Don't forget about the giveaway I'm running to celebrate the launch of my new venture Sew Vintage!!! Pop over, choose a fabric and be in the running for free fabric!!

Around the Block 2 - Jewelled Squares

2010-10-16T12:22:00.002+10:30

I have completed my first block for Around the Block 2. It is a block of blocks called Jewelled squares and boy they were fun to do!

This block is for Helen. She sent me all the fabrics and I had the fun of pairing them to make pleasing little blocks to put together. So much fun! Looking forward to sharing with you the blocks of mine that I recieve from the other members of the swap.

Pretty and not so pretty

2010-10-12T21:18:00.007+10:30

Last month my daughter and I went skipping up to the hills for a photo shoot with a lovely and very talented lady called Kirsty Burns.

Kirsty has a fabulous natural talent for photography and runs an Adelaide-based business called Appleseed Photography. It was fun dressing Nevada up for the shoot and we even had the luck of a duck waddling by.... thought I would share some of Kirsty's gorgeous work with you...

And the not-so-pretty of today? This is what greeted me literally three minutes after I brought my 8mth old boofa of a puppy home from being groomed...
Why do I bother!!?

The Big Announcement + A Giveaway!

2010-10-10T14:12:00.007+10:30

I'm super pleased to be able to finally tell you all about my new venture. It's been the big secret squirrel project I've been busy on for the last month or so.

As you may know, I love fabric. I also love fifties and sixties style and illustrations. Combining both of those factors into fifties and sixties kids fabric prints and I'm a very, very happy woman!

So to share my love of these things, I'm proud to announce Sew Vintage.... my new online store selling retro inspired children's print fabrics and vintage sewing patterns. Gorgeous prints from Michael Miller, Alexander Henry and more. Fabric is available in 0.25m increments.

Come and have a peek inside, find some gorgeous fabrics and stroll through the collection of vintage patterns from the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. I will be continually adding to the collection of patterns.... I have hundreds more to add in fact!

To celebrate the opening of my second online store, I am also holding a giveaway! The prize will be a fat quarter or panel of your choice of one of the prints below. Simply pop over to Sew Vintage, then come back here and leave a comment telling me which fabric design is your favourite and why. The winner will be drawn on Thursday 21st October. Giveaway is open to readers worldwide.

So pop on over, have a look and tell your friends! Free postage on all patterns! Cheap postage on fabric! And remember to come on back and check in now and then. I'm always adding more patterns and fabric.

Have a great weekend!!

Sneaky peeky

2010-10-06T22:01:00.003+10:30

What's it all about?

Busy bee is me

2010-10-05T17:40:00.002+10:30

Bit quiet on the Silly Gilly blog front.... it's been too long!

The Silly Gilly family headed off last month to our now yearly jaunt to Bali. It was a lovely 10 days of swimming, eating, drinking, sleeping and shopping. Bliss! We stayed at the same hotel we always visit when in Bali, the Melasti Beach Resort. Highly recommended. It's so nice to arrive and have the staff recognise you. We also spent a few days at the Hard Rock Hotel. Boyo boy this is a nice place and great for the kids with beach parties in the middle of the pool every day at 4pm. The shot below is poolside. It was hard staying here but someone had to do it!

Back home I've been getting the studio organised for next year. My daughter is off to school next year and I am beginning to feel various levels of excitement varying from mild amusement through to jumping up and down 'oh my golly gosh, think of the hours of sewing time I will have'.

It might be spring or it might be me clearing the decks for some serious work in 2011, but the studio has had quite the beginnings of a cleansing session. I'm even selling some sewing machines! Yes, that would be plural. Machines. I have too many ie, more than five, so am making some room and clearing the space. A new built in robe/cupboard is also in the works to replace my white melamine rickety ones I have at the moment. Much excitement there too! Custom built cupboards!! It doesn't take much to get me happy.

Many exciting preparations have also been afoot for my new secret squirrel project that I will be unveiling later this week.

And the sewing has begun in readiness for Prospect Food Fashion and Wine Affair which is coming up next month. Mark your calendar - Sunday November 21st - if you are in South Australia and and would like to come and see some Silly Gilly wares in real life and off the screen!

So pics of new products to come soon. Pics of the new cupboard coming soon too! And the big unveiling of my new project to come later this week, once I complete the finishing touches. How exciting!!!

It's snowing in Adelaide

2010-08-25T14:24:00.003+09:30

6 month old Pyrenean puppy + dog bed = not seen before meteorological occurrences...

One's nice... five's a collection

2010-08-20T22:14:00.006+09:30

It started off with the donkey. He was sitting, very lonely, on a garage sale table. A long-ago loved little decoration up for sale. I just had to take him home and keep him company.

Then I got busy. Life simply got in the way. I couldn't spend hours each day any more, talking to him and keeping his mind occupied with discussions of mining taxes and bird-eating snakes.

So I kept a look out for a friend for him. Just to keep him happy and banish the already surfacing feelings of abandonment. Alas, the op shop and garage sale circuit came up empty till one fine morning when amidst elbowing grannys and whining children I spotted mr zebra hidden, cowering, next to a towering stack of crockery. The garage sale had come up trumps again.

Back in the studio the new acquistion settled in just fine. But soon there were mutterings to be heard. Donkey and the zebra kept piping up that they were sick of the names that were beginning to be bantered around. Ass... equus... so off to Etsy I went to try to bring some semblance of civility back into the studio.

Within a week the donkey and the zebra had new friends join the fray. Brown dog resembling a Scotty Dog with a massive head and Bambi's startled distant cousin George. They joined the duo but with wary eyes and with their backs turned. It was starting to look like nothing could break up the quarreling...

But of course, when you aren't searching for something it comes and slaps you upside the head. In a jaunt to a local op shop this week, who should be poking their perky little bouquet up from underneath the counter but vintage Fisher Price Easter Bunny! Hastily and recklessly I purchased the festive cottontail and brought him home to break up the ruckus. Who knew if he would have success as he technically wasn't one of them. He was plastic and wood; he was a toy. He was pretty but boy o boy was he effective. Any and all dregs of any backtalk is long gone from the studio and all four vintage planters and one super-ace Fisher Price pull along toy now sit cheerfully in the sunshine on my windowsill.

One's nice. Five's now a collection and methinks more will be adorning the sills of the studio soon...

Mud? What mud?

2010-08-19T20:37:00.006+09:30

The two all white dogs thinking....
If we close our eyes, maybe no-one will see what we've been up to.....

Getting back into crafty headspace

2010-08-15T18:39:00.005+09:30

Here I find myself three weeks post-boob reduction and all is great. Very minimal pain and all healing well. I even dipped my proverbial toe in the water today and tried a D cup bra on and it fit!!!!! It was even in a delicious hot pink colour!!!! Methinks a whole new world of bras in all the colours of the rainbow awaits.

On the crafty front I've signed myself up for Round The Block 2 and am busy preparing to start. I've chosen a quilt block and 11 other lucky ladies are going to sew my blocks for me and I will return the favour for their blocks. A very convivial arrangement indeed. Here's some test runs of the blocks I have chosen. Please ignore odd colour choices. It was late and I was tired! I'm going to try another version of this block tonight but with two circles, one inside the other. Should be great!

Ow.

2010-07-28T22:04:00.006+09:30

Well, not really toe-curling, hair-pulling ow but ow all the same.

I'm seriously impressed and astonished at how much my boobs don't hurt.

6 days ago I had breast reduction surgery and my breasts went down from a G cup to a D cup. The new size will be confirmed once all settles down in the swelling dept.

And the crazy thing was the surgeon removed almost 3kg from my chest area. That's almost 3 bags of sugar I had hanging round my neck.

Things I know now....

I can now see my toes.

I now realise how flabby my stomach is. Couldn't see it pre-reduction.

I now may be able to purchase bras in colours other than beige and white.

I now realise how much you really need to itch when you want to but shouldn't.

I now think my boobs are tiny. Even though apparently they're not.

I now have boobs that are firm and conical and resemble what mine should have when I was 20. Being now 36, I feel like I'm cheating.

Noice.
And no, you won't be seeing any before and after shots folks. Sorry to disappoint.
Back on board soon with craftiness.

Oh, to be a lesser woman!

2010-07-21T11:29:00.005+09:30

B1: Hey there sister, what'cha doin' Friday?

B2: Not much. Just hanging around...

B1: How's about we chop ourselves in at least half and give this lady a lighter load?

B2: Sounds like a plan!

I will be back on board next week a load lighter. Hopefully at least 4 cup sizes lighter!! Boobage remodel booked for this Friday. Yeeee haaaa!!

Little bits...

2010-07-16T14:29:00.003+09:30

Mr Silly Gilly went on a lovely 2 week trip to the UK to attend a friends' wedding. I had the option to tag along but the thought of a 18+ hour flight with an emotional 4.5yr old just didn't twirl my tassels.

He brought home some lovely loot for me including this book. So much information that is just as useful now as it was back in 1941. Ideas on how to spend your pennies thriftily and make your own accessories. How to repurpose worn out clothes, hats and suits. Ideas for hats. Making your own undies.

I've also been making slow progress knitting my daughter's Rainbow Dress. It's been tricky learning the increases and shaping required for the bodice but apparently now it might be straight sailing as I am now up to just making the straight skirt. Who knows, I might even get it finished before winter ends!!

She's gone and lost her head

2010-07-14T22:48:00.004+09:30

This is an entertaining view of the late afternoon crazies that takes place on our back lawn every day.

One 4mth old Pyrenean Mountain Dog puppy + one 7yr old Maltese Shi Tzu cross = hilarity.

Gone

2010-07-11T20:19:00.003+09:30

In the past couple of months two of my close friends have miscarried their babies. They have each had a baby die before it had the chance to be born. Five and a half years ago I too miscarried a baby when I was almost 9 weeks pregnant. I wanted to write about miscarriage as it's been on my mind of late and I feel as women we need to talk about it more than we do now.

There are so many terms associated with miscarriage. You've lost a baby, your baby was born sleeping, it was a non-viable pregnancy. So many ways to describe the death of a baby not yet born, not yet held in its parent's arms. When I miscarried my baby I didn't like all those wishy-washy ways of addressing the issue. I wanted people to validate the fact that my baby had died. Full stop. Clear as day. I had a baby one day. The next day it died. There's a whole different discussion there about when a pregnancy is considered a baby but we'll save that one for another day, shall we?

As a woman you might get stuck with what to say when faced with a woman who has miscarried. From my experience and from talking to others who have shared this awful experience, some women who have miscarried a baby want that baby to be recognised and validated. It was a potential person. A baby. Not a bundle of cells that didn't make it. Not something that wasn't meant to happen. Not a thing that you can easily forget and move on to trying to get pregnant again.

From my experience, I found that I needed to talk about my baby that had died. I needed to talk, to validate, to reassure myself that there had indeed been a pregnancy and a potential person in my life. I sought comfort and relief in a group called SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support). I went to their meetings and talked about my miscarriage. I listened to other women and men who had suffered the death of a baby in their family. Although I would never wish the experience on another person, it was comforting to know I wasn't alone.

What can you do for a friend who has miscarried a baby? Call them. Don't avoid them. Meet them for coffee. Meet them for a glass of wine. Send them flowers. Write them a letter. Babysit their other kids, if they have them, for the afternoon. Give them a voucher for a massage. Hold their hand. Show them how you feel. Tell them you don't know what to say if you truly don't, which is yards better than saying nothing at all.

And remember to ask them how they are feeling not just in the first week or two after the death of their baby. Ask them a month on. Or two. Bring it up when appropriate. Because as a mother, your baby doesn't fade in importance with weeks or months. Your babies are always important to you.

And if you ever have the unfortunate experience of having a miscarriage, please don't go through it alone. Seek someone out who will listen. Someone who will validate your feelings and acknowledge how you feel about it. Take care of yourself and don't blame yourself. Let yourself be cared for by others and nurture yourself for a while. Do it for your baby but ultimately do it for you.

My baby Twinkle died some years ago now. But I use that experience now to help me help other women who have had a baby die. I am not afraid to talk about it. And that helps me and it helps others.

Please understand that I don't consider myself an expert on this topic. These are my personal views and not expert opinion.

Snow White!

2010-07-11T12:46:00.002+09:30

My daughter had a Princesses and Pirates themed birthday party to attend this weekend, so being the uber mummy that I am, I quickly whipped up a Snow White costume for the poppet to wear. The pattern I used is McCall's Costumes MP343. I did toy with the idea of making it in satin but wanted to be sane and not yelling at the fabric by the end of it, so went with cotton. And of course even Snow White has to be sensible in the middle of winter so she's got a long sleeved top on underneath! The cape is attached by press studs so that even Snow White can ride in the car seat with ease. It's a little on the large side so it will get lots of love and use for quite some time.

Crazy Dog Lady of our neighbourhood

2010-07-03T10:15:00.002+09:30

I love dogs.

Most dogs I meet I greet with smiles and pats if appropriate. Sometimes full on, can't hold it back excitement and adoration. I go out of my way to see dogs, talk about dogs, read about dogs, go to dog shows just to watch.

And that's cool. In my world it is. I don't know many other crazy dog ladies apart from one woman who is both our dog trainer and local vet nurse. She rocks. She understands my enthusiasm for canines.

As does Kelly, who lives in my neighbourhood. She also owns a Pyrenean Mountain Dog called Beau. Beau is big (think 60 - 70kg), beautiful and slobbery. He is the reason that I chose the breed for my next dog Banjo.

Poppet and Banjo at 2 months old

Poppet and Banjo at 5 months old
(small side note: nice thrifted authentic kilt $2 and thrifted jacket 50c!!)

So now that you understand that I have given myself the title Crazy Dog Lady you may appreciate that I am always on the ready to help any runaway dogs that are wandering the streets in my area. Just as we left the house on Thursday on our way to kindy, I spotted two black dogs running helter skelter past our house, no owner in sight. I screeched to a halt and jumped out to be enthusiastically greeted by the smaller of the pair. Thankfully he had on a name tag with his owners' mobile number on the back. The other dog came running back for her brother and I herded them into my front yard to keep them contained.

After a phone call, a confused then worried then grateful owner agreed to come and pick them up from my yard. My daughter and I continued on our way to kindy with my heart full of happiness and gratitude that those puppies had run by my particular house so I could help them get back home. I had done my good deed for the day. Those dogs were safe, together and on their way back home.

When I returned home, I was greeted at my door with a very appreciative owner with this stunning vase of tulips as her way of saying thank you for saving her dogs. Shucks. I don't rescue runaway pups for any reason other than I know the heartbreak of having your dog run away. But these spoils are so nice!!

Blimey it's cold!

2010-07-01T11:17:00.003+09:30

With such beautifully sunny days and clear nights, the weather is decidedly chilly of late here in little old Adelaide. I had a request for a new beanie in pink from my poppet so off to Ravelry I headed and found this pattern. It's the Granny Skull Cap and a very easy and quick pattern to whip up. I added an additional row to the length and in hindsight perhaps could have added another one. With some on and off again hooking, I made this up in two days in Moda Vera Harmony which I found at Spotlight for $2 a ball! This hat only took one ball of yarn to make. To finish it off I added a crochet flower in cotton using this pattern and a vintage button. My poppet loves it and I love it as it was so easy and cheap!

Sunshine on a rainy day

2010-06-20T11:22:00.002+09:30

A very early progress pic of the Rainbow Dress I'm currently knitting for my daughter. The yarn I'm using is Gradient Dyed Four Bags Full Merino. As a rainbow fan, I'm in love with how the colours are so gradually changing as I work. Hopefully I can make some speedier progress on it. I'm a slower knitter than I am a crocheter. Maybe she'll be able to wear it before she's 16....

And just wanted to share with you a sweet corner of my studio from this afternoon. My favourite winter flowers, Paperwhites (Narcissus) and my favourite little donkey friend for the corner. The perfume is so strong from these flowers. They always make me smile.

Have a happy week everyone! May there be many sunshiny winter days for you this week.

Ticking things off the list...

2010-06-12T16:18:00.003+09:30

A loooong time ago I attended a craft weekend away and began a project created by Melly & Me. It was a bag featuring some stitchery. I'm not a big stitchery nut so the gorgeous project kept being popped back into the WIP basket. This weekend I was determined to finish it. I think it might be a new knitting project bag!

Next in my radar might be some darning and mending items that may very well be outgrown by my daughter if I don't tackle them now.

And a secret squirrel project of my very own is in the works. I can say that it involves a new website for me!! More to come when it's all set up. I can see lots of late nights ahead working hard into the wee hours!

How do you follow an act like that?

2010-05-20T21:35:00.001+09:30

After my rather serious last post, I have wondered how I would follow such a heavy post. I have a plan to approach next months' onslaught of seriousness and stress with ahem exercise. That's what the doctor ordered. Seriously. Can you imagine how that will cut into my crafting time!!?? The fact is, there is no easy way so I'll just note that right'o, that was a serious, real topic and now on with the show. More real to come though folks!

I've been busy crafting things for my wee poppet, although I can't really call her wee anymore as she's not even four and a half years old and I'm shopping for size 7 clothes for her! Tall, thin, leggy and blonde. Oh dear, the teenage years are going to be hard.

My girl loves a hat so I crocheted this lovely snuggly number from some yarn I had in the stash. The pattern is free and is Olivia's Butterfly by Valerie Whitten available on Ravelry. I crocheted this up in a day and a half working now and then during the day. Easy for a beginner and a very simple pattern.

Over the Mother's Day weekend, my daughter and I visited the Stitches and Craft Show in Melbourne. A lovely girls trip to Melbourne is fun but catching a 6am flight is not!! Anyhoo, we caught up with some of my very favourite bloggers, especially Jodie of Ric Rac. That woman is The Best. Absolutely. I love her style and recognise more than a little bit of her in me. During Jodie's talk about blogging the speaker next door came in to tell her to keep it down. This a) cracked me up to the point of hysteria and b) is so very familiar, the 'You talk too loud and are too silly' concept! Lots of lovely fabric was purchased at the Show and photos of that are to come.

Of course a young gal needs a new outfit if she is jetting off with her mum to Melbourne, the fashion capital. So before leaving I whipped up a new outfit using Rachel Measham-Pywell's It's Autumn pattern, recently featured on Quilt Fabric Delight's Creative Team blog. Forgive Nevada's look in the photo. It was cold and the poor poppet just wanted to get inside!

And I have been doing a bit of sewing for myself but it's top-level, secret squirrel, "if I tell you, I'll have to take all of your fabric" kind of hush-hush stuff. It has inspired me to delve into my stash and dare to use some of my vintage 1950's fabric and boy was it delicious to use something so divine.

So now my secret obligations are over, a little Silly Gilly crafting may take place over the weekend. New hair clippy ideas are forming and I can't wait to crack out the hot glue gun!

Till then!
Gillian.

The storm before the calm.

2010-05-10T11:47:00.011+09:30

Sometimes things happen and make you think. About the real-ness of things. Like a very supportive email I received from someone I have badged a friend and refuse to let her think any other way. Like that same friend's talk she gave about the 'real-ness' of blogs. Like this last week that has just gone by. I have needed to stop and think and assess.

I live with PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Well don't lots of women get PMS, you ask? Yes, PMS sucks elephant butts big time and I used to experience PMS and hated it too.

Since the birth of my daughter, after being challenged with Post Natal Depression, I experience, suffer, live through, hate, subject my family to PMDD. When I used to get PMS I would get a little cranky, get some belly cramps, eat maybe a little bit more chocolate in the week before I got my period, maybe get a headache too. Nothing too earth shattering.

Now the week before my period life is Absolutely Crap. To the point where I would much prefer to spend those 7 - 10 days holed up in a room by myself so I wouldn't have to deal with anything. I could just lie there and breathe in and breathe out and that would be it. I wouldn't have to deal with being a crap parent, crap wife, crap house keeper, crap friend, crap individual full stop.

Living with PMDD means the emotional and mindset changes are so overwhelming that my life is completely disrupted to the point that I get scared for myself. The emotional changes mean that I completely dislike, even hate, myself. My social world shrinks dramatically as I feel I'm not worthy of the friends I have. My eating patterns are completely disrupted (but that's another post). I manage to keep my parenting shuffling along on what I feel is a basic standard. After all, that is my main life measure. That is what I am here to do. To be a good parent for my daughter. I can lose my bundle on everything else but I can't lose it too much with her. That's just a tiny insight into what my experience of PMDD is like. I won't scare you all off at the starting post just yet.

And usually, the day after I get my period, my symptoms disappear and I'm back to normal. Well, as normal as I am which isn't so normal to start with! And life goes on until the next month...

So why am I talking about this on my Silly Gilly blog? As I mentioned before in this post and in my previous post, I have felt for some time that I have been wanting this blog to be more real. Less posts of the 'My house is always immaculately tidy, and I wear an apron all the time to keep my starched dress clean and I greet my husband at the door with delectable hors dourves every evening' type.

I have also been really inspired by Loralee who tells her story in the most honest and thought provoking way. Loralee writes without apology for her style or her words or her humour. I really admire her gumption. I respect that she tells others how her life really is.

So where am I at right now? On the slide out of PMDD week waiting for a doctors appointment (that was delayed a week due to a scheduling issue on the doctors behalf) trying to get back to some sense of normality and routine again.

Please know that this isn't an excuse. This isn't an excuse for anything at all. Simply an explanation as to why I do some things. Why there are lulls in my posting. Why I am not the friend I should be some times. And it's the start of me being honest. And real. And truthful to myself.

So how does one finish a post like this? Who knows!!?? Maybe I'll just end with that!

Somewhere.

2010-04-28T23:28:00.005+09:30

Maybe it's the full moon.

Maybe it's the sleep deprivation.

Maybe it's the reading of these amazing women's blogs.

Maybe it's the nagging feeling I've had for the past many months as to the direction this blog should take. Should it be focussed upon the Silly Gilly store or should it be about my life and my experiences?

I find myself proverbially in a space which is not entirely uncomfortable but mostly weird. I want to change. I need to change. I should change (although should is a tricky word, don't like to use that one...).

The boofa that is Banjo has been a breath of fresh (but often stinky puppy breath) air through my home. She has forced me to refocus on my family and on keeping the house clean and tidy. A tidy house means less things for a puppy to chew upon. A clean house means that the layer of mud with which two dogs decorate my floor boards gets removed and replaced each day or so.

It's like having a new baby in the house in so many ways. Experiencing broken sleep for toilet breaks. The dog's toilet breaks that is. Teaching of rules and learning how to communicate with another individual who doesn't speak your language. Cleaning up poop and wee. Feeding multiple times a day. Being housebound whilst the vaccinations take effect.

All these new experiences have asked me to shift my focus from Silly Gilly and my ebay selling back to the home and my family and its new member. It's refreshing. It's giving me a break I didn't realise I wanted or needed. I'm not retiring or selling off the sewing machine, that's for sure. Just sitting back and allowing a new priority to take front stage for a while.

Reading back over this post, I started off in a 'I'm in a weird space' kind of mood. Now as I type I realise that I'm simply in the middle of change. A positive, happy, goofy (my new dog Banjo is seriously dopey and goofy) kind of change. And I would love to introduce some changes to this blog too. Less focus on selling. More focus on being. Being real. Sharing real things.

Hope you stick around for the change.

Banjo

2010-04-13T18:17:00.004+09:30

Welcome home Banjo. You've come to the right place.

I have a feeling the Silly Gilly household will suit you just fine!

Please feel free to ooh and ahh and oh isn't she cute over our new puppy Banjo. I'm unabashedly proud and gushy and brain poppingly excited about our new Pyrenean Mountain Dog. She is 8 weeks old and already weighs 9kg!! There's a little bit of work to do in the 'learning to get along with another dog who already lives here and rules the roost' stakes but we're working on that.

Prepare yourself for more gratuitous puppy shots over the coming days. I've also been working on some fantastic secret squirrel projects for other people. Plus, that magazine might just be arriving tonight courtesy of Mr Silly Gilly. Then I can blog about my front cover!!!

On the subject of waiting

2010-04-09T23:00:00.004+09:30

So what do you do during the school holidays when there is a inordinate amount of waiting to be done? Waiting for the magazine to arrive.... waiting for our new family member to arrive....

Go to the park EVERY day, go to the movies to see Nanny McPhee, take lots of photos to waste some time.

A friend asked today how I got the blurry background in some of my photos like those below. I use the macro setting on my camera. It's the one that very often has a picture of a tulip or flower on the setting selector. All that setting does is focus on things very close to you and throw the background out of focus. It's one of my favourite settings and a very simple but effective way to take great portraits.

I love taking portraits, be they canine or little person, right up close. I love the detail in their faces. Below are some shots of two very patient people in our family who have had the camera right in their face this week whilst I while away the hours, waiting, waiting.

Sometimes it sucks to live in Adelaide...

2010-04-07T17:03:00.001+09:30

Especially when the newsagents don't get the new magazines at the same time as the eastern states....

Waiting, waiting...............................................................................

Boys Toys smock!

2010-03-31T14:51:00.004+10:30

Generous sized smock covered with easy-to-wipe plastic on the front. Made for a customer for her two year old son. I think I will make more long sleeve smocks for the store.

What's your opinion? Do you prefer sleeveless art smocks or art smocks with long elasticized sleeves like this one? I'm interested to know.....

Honey, I've met someone else.......

2010-03-28T14:33:00.006+10:30

I met someone yesterday. We were shy at first, getting to know each other. I was in awe. I was moved to tears. I had to tear myself away from our first meeting, completely smitten.

After our first meeting, that someone was constantly on my mind whilst we were apart. The gorgeousness of them. The snuggles and the cuddles and the smell of them.

So I went back. Before I headed home this morning from the Barossa I went back for a last minute tryst, just so I could have a last look, cuddle and play.

I'm in puppy love. Our new family member joins us in two weeks. I'm beside myself with excitement!!

ETA - There are three girls in the litter, one of whom will become our family's sweetheart. Not sure which one yet. Will find that out in two weeks. But all the girls are divinely adorable.

Vintage Ad Friday - 1950's

2010-03-26T22:30:00.002+10:30

This week brings you some 1950's vintage advertisement goodness courtesy of Enid Gilchrist. I found these gorgeous ads amongst her edition of Boys and Girls - 48 Enid Gilchrist Patterns for 8-10 year olds. Sorry if the photos take a while to load on the page due to their size but I so wanted you to be able to read the text in these ads.

First up, the Elna Supermatic. What a razzle dazzle ad! Love the quote... "You choose... then your Elna thinks and sews for you". If only it were that easy!

Next, a joyous advertisement for Wellstood heat storage cooker and water heater. Umm.... isn't that a fancy name for oven?? "Cooks wonderful meals for eight people". What if you only have three to dinner, does it cook below-average meals?

And lucky last, the good old reliable, classy, doubles as a children's swing Hills Hoist. Love the accessories that were marketed with the hoist - the 'Laundry Pram', the 'Folding Chair' and the 'Twin Seat Swing' (not what we'd call a safe swing in today's standards). And would you look at the snazzy shade cover fitting so neatly over the Hills that the housewife has whipped up in her spare time?

I really love this ad. I've just recently reluctantly relinquished the original 1950's Hills Hoist that resided in our backyard and installed a modern Hills Hoist. And you know, it's just not the same. The new hoist is bright green and has plastic bits on it. And it doesn't creak. Makes me a bit sad.

Anyhoo, hope you've enjoyed this 1950's exploration this week and I wish you a happy weekend!

The Silly Gilly version of Kyoko

2010-03-24T22:17:00.004+10:30

Last year at Inspired Stitches, I dreamt up a plan to make my daughter a new dress. Only now 11 months later has that dress finally been completed! Just in time for the Kindy Art Show this evening.

The pattern I used is Kyoko - Modkid by Patty Young. The pattern includes another version for a short sleeved top. I made the size 6 for my very tall 4 year old and it is a smidge too big for her. The design is roomy to begin with but never mind, I don't mind clothes that are too big. It just means that you can get more wear out of them! Poppet loves the new dress. I can see it teamed with leggings or jeans for cooler weather too. I love the japanese theme to this dress. It even has an obi that you tie around their waist to bring in the fullness of the dress! So cute!!

Fabrics used are 70's Rainbow Garden by Prints Charming (floral with white background), Andalucia Tiny Dots by Michael Miller (white with tiny polka dots) and Good Folks AH21 - Cathedral Peony by Anna Maria Horner for Free Spirit Fabrics (2 tone pink).

Vintage Ad Friday!

2010-03-19T22:33:00.003+10:30

This week I thought I would share some of those smaller ads that appeared in the women's magazines. You know the ones, they are the space fillers at the back of the magazines amongst the ends of the romance stories and knitting patterns.

Woman's Weekly - October 1958
Sure she's moody... She's got a mother who shoves Syrup of Figs down her throat!!

New Idea - August 1966
Made of rubber.... wear it whilst you work.... hmmm, sounds like you might need a good cleansing facial after wearing this baby!

New Idea - December 1961
'The one thing every woman wants - MOST OF ALL!' Of course a kitchen accessory is at the top of every woman's wish list. Forget the holiday to Vegas or a faithful husband, give your wife a really beautiful can opener.

Woman's Weekly - October 1958.
Ah, pure rich fat. Not much more to say about that one.....

New ideas need to be tested!

2010-03-17T13:52:00.003+10:30

I mentioned in my last post that I have a new pattern in the making. I have finally reached the pattern writing stage and am looking for two pattern testers to go through and provide me with valuable feedback.

The project involves a small amount of machine sewing and basic embroidery skills. If you are able to finish the project within two weeks, please leave a comment below. I will select two people to test run the design based on their current skill levels and usual projects. This is a basic level pattern so even children aged approximately 8-10 years could do this? Or even clever girls like Nikki's with some mummy help!

Brewing new ideas

2010-03-09T11:47:00.002+10:30

I've had an idea for a new pattern design brewing for a while now so have dedicated today to developing it past the sketch on paper stage. Ric rac and thick felt and delicious colours. It's so exciting when a design turns out as good as the picture in your head! More pics soon!

Yoda of the quilting world

2010-03-08T15:01:00.005+10:30

Last Friday night I designated the long weekend to making some serious headway into finishing my daughter's quilt that I started well over two years ago. The top has been pieced for such a long time but the major task of quilting the layers together has had me stumped.

Three days later I find that I have almost finished the main part of the quilting work. But having strayed from the original pattern and creating my own design by stitching in the ditch (stitching along where the pieces meet), I find myself wondering 'How do I know when I've quilted it enough?'.

The answer surely lies within google I pondered. So I researched... how heavily to quilt a quilt, how much to quilt a quilt, how to quilt, best Oscars frocks.... the search terms got more and more vague. I found nothing. Feeling like I'd hit a quilt-covered brick wall, I walked away from the computer back to the sewing machine. And then it came to me.

It was almost like Yoda of the quilting world was speaking to me. He told me that I will know. I will know when it's done. Aside from considering I have been having too many late nights and too much caffeine, I accepted this sage wisdom wholeheartedly and plowed on. I will know when the quilting part of my quilt is done.

To sum up this long tale..... trust. Trust yourself and not the internet to tell you what to do with a craft project. Trust your creative side that it will know and guide you on your path. Don't let the google side win.

Rain and Rainbows

2010-03-07T10:14:00.004+10:30

It's been raining here in Adelaide for the last two days on and off. It's such a beautiful sound and when I heard it on our iron roof, I realised I have missed hearing it!

I'm a lover of rainbows too and found this in my travels. For lovers of everything rainbow, this cake surely must be birthday request!! I'm definitely making it for my next birthday!

source: whisk kid

I had never seen such a beautiful cake before so I googled for more rainbow cake images and found this amazing beauty.

source: Omnomicon

Makes me want to go and bake right now instead of clean the house.......

Vintage Ad Friday!

2010-03-05T18:11:00.003+10:30

Three more vintage advertisements this week for you! I love the colours and the illustrations used in these.

First up we have an ad for The State Bank of Victoria from the early 1950's. This was taken from a Enid Gilchrist sewing book. Weren't those kids good savers!!? Just love the victory roll hairstyle of the teacher but she's a bit slovenly letting the kids leave their slingshots on the floor! Good heavens woman, get the kids to keep their weaponry on their desks so they won't trip!

Next we have an ad for Lincoln men's underwear from Madame Weigel's Journal of Fashion, 1947. Don't you think this ad needs a subtext of 'Does my bum look big in these?'???!!

And lastly my favourite for this week, a gorgeous bright ad for Ingotene cotton fabric, found in Woman magazine from 1945. Who wouldn't love some 'beach togs' made in cotton from this range?

New Aprons in store now!

2010-03-03T14:29:00.004+10:30

New Aprons in Store Now!! Remember..... free postage to anywhere in Australia and New Zealand for any Silly Gilly apron!!

Cowboy Capers Apron - featuring little button trims and feature red stitching. Perfect for the wrangling boy in your family!

Atomic Aqua Apron - a gorgeous retro sixties print featuring a slight sparkle to the fabric. Perfect for that princess who loves to cook!

Those Were The Days....

2010-02-26T17:48:00.003+10:30

Inspired by my lovely friend (oooh, I hope I can call her that!) Lara with her always entertaining Vintage Crochet Fridays, I've decided to start my own weekly sharing session of vintage advertisements from my collection.

source: Mother magazine - May 1964

Aren't the little ladybugs around the border just so cute!? Love the sun suit at the top.

source: Women's Weekly - Dressmaking by Lucille Rivers (you've seen Lucille before...)
Is that Grandma or mum making that teen's dress? Either way, she's a pretty sophisticated and hip sewer. You might recognise this brand of zipper if you purchase zips from the op shop, like I do. Brand new zips in perfect order for 20c? Yes please!

More vintage advertisements next Friday.

Still Feeling Baggy...

2010-02-26T13:37:00.002+10:30

More bags for the store. A few of these would be suitable for either boys or girls. I like to offer some options that aren't obviously meant for one or the other gender. More bags on the way next week! Like the look of one of these? Simply click on the picture and you'll be taken straight to the bag on the website!

Feeling Baggy

2010-02-25T11:49:00.004+10:30

Been filling up the stash of Silly Gilly stock ahead of next month for my Big Secret Project on the boil. Oh, the anticipation is at the same time delightful and crazy!!

Here's two new bags in the store now. I've lost my lovely green door I used to use as a background for my bag photos as the shed is undergoing some renovations. With a lack of any photogenic backgrounds I'm now trying out a 'product on white background' look. What do you think? I'm also trying out a new name for them - moving from Library Bags to Tote Bags. Logical step do you think?

What have you done?

2010-02-20T21:06:00.007+10:30

old growth forest in Tasmania
photo credit: pibulus via flickr

A little game I thought I'd play whilst Mr Silly Gilly watches the football...(groan)

Why don't you join in? Simply highlight the things you've done so far in your life.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited The Great Barrier Reef.
5. Stood under the stars in the outback, the real outback – think Uluru.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to the Gold Coast’s theme parks – anyone, you take your pick.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sung a solo.
11. Bungee jumped, jumped out of plane, been paragliding or hang-gliding, hot air ballooning – you get the idea, you’ve been hundreds of metres about earth in a seemingly flimsy contraption.
12. Visited Melbourne.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Had a child. Raised a child. Worked with children.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Been to the Snowy Mountains.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Visited the Brett Whitely studio in Surrey Hills, Sydney.
20. Slept on an overnight train or bus.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Been packpacking.
23. Taken a mental health day.
24. Been buried in sand with just your head and toes sticking out.
25. Held a possum, kangaroo or koala – or any other native Australian animal.
26. Gone skinny dipping. 27. Been in a fun run.
28. Been on the Blue Mountain cableway.
29. Seen a total eclipse. 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Played, or watched, summer cricket.
32. Sailed, kayaked or canoed our beautiful waterways.
33. Seen the Daintree.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Visited an Aboriginal settlement or mission.
36. Learned a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Toured the Sydney Opera House.
39. Tried rock climbing (indoor or outdoor), abseiling or just simple bushwalking.
40. Visit Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art.
41. Been to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
42. Sunbaked at Bondi.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Broome.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone fishing.
49. Seen Tasmania’s old growth forests.
50. Been to the top of Q1, on the Gold Coast.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Driven the Great Ocean Road.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Norfolk Island.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Guide biscuits.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone jet boating.
66. Visited Port Arthur.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Australian War Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Federation Square.
74. Been on the Murray River.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Travelled, or climbed, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited St Mary’s Cathedral, in Sydney.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Been to Hermannsburg.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited Parliament House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Saved a pet.
95. Been to the site of the Eureka Stockade.
96. Swum in The Whitsundays.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a mobile phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

The Hole-y House of Silly

2010-02-18T14:06:00.003+10:30

It's been a week of upheaval in the Silly Gilly house with the creative mind, aka me, thinking it would be a grand idea to take out a defunct fireplace in the main bedroom. The aim of which was to create more space for a new bedroom suite which didn't fit unless we removed the fireplace.

Simpler to buy a smaller bedroom suite? Well yes, but why take the easy road???!! Photos might better express the craziness that is our room this week. Sorry... forgot to take a before photo!

during....

after!

And whilst the room is empty and needing a good old clean, why not decide to install a built in robe? That way we get to sleep on the mattress on the lounge room floor for even longer! You would think that we might have arranged that prior to the room being worked upon but alas, alack no... The room feels bigger now and once the walls are painted and floor polished, you wouldn't be able to guess a dodgy, quite ugly 1940's fireplace ever resided in that room.

The hole-y feeling must have permeated the house as whilst making a smock this week I got a little carried away with the overlocker and zoomed past the finishing line, cutting right into the shoulder! The poor rabbit has lost his head! An embellishment is underway but I feel a shoulder is a bit of an odd spot for a flower though!

Love at the Silly Gilly house

2010-02-12T22:16:00.002+10:30

We don't tend to be too serious here at the Silly Gilly house.

That's why 6 years ago, Mr Silly Gilly and I headed to Las Vegas and got married. I arranged the whole thing via email - flowers, chapel, celebrant, dinner, the lot!! And of course for two people who like to be a bit off centre, we got married on Friday the 13th, one day before Valentines Day. Because getting married on Valentines Day would have been way too obvious for us!

I made my dress using a repro vintage pattern with help from my MIL, made my necklace and earrings, and even revamped my mum's wedding veil so that it tied in with my dress.

And what better way to celebrate, after a beautiful dinner, but to spend the evening winning at the casino! I'm sure many a bride and groom have done just that after getting hitched in Vegas!

Shucks.... young love!! Mr Silly Gilly...... you're ace!

Someone talk me out of this..... please!!

2010-02-11T14:33:00.005+10:30

We currently have a dog. Her name is Ella. She likes to sleep and run away sometimes for adventures round the neighbourhood. She is a small Shi-Tzu/Maltese cross and a very easy dog to have in the family.

I also have one daughter. Her name is Nevada. She likes to yell and dance and go to the park a lot. She is still small at four years of age and a very easy child to have in the family.

Life is easy. We are a family of four and not planning on having any more babies. Human ones, that is.

So someone tell me why I have an almost irresistible urge to bring a new dog into the family? Tell me why I feel I have the need to get a dog that is out of the ordinary? Tell me why I'm thinking of this sort of dog.... a Pyrenean Mountain Dog?

photo credit Paul S Howell

Yes. A beautiful great hunk of a dog. The mountain bit in it's name should give you some indication of size and breed. They are bred to be flock protectors, left alone out in the paddocks and wild with their sheep or goats. Pyreneans grow to be about 62cm tall at the shoulder and weigh about 40-50kg. They are independent due to their background of having to be self reliant for long periods of time and they are highly intelligent.

So I'm considering a very, very big (you could say massive) dog which is independent (you could say wilful) and likes to give you big kisses (you could say drools a LOT). And they are not cheap (you could say very bloody expensive). Why? Why o why???? It just doesn't help that my local breeder contacted me yesterday to let me know they have a litter of pups due any day now and that I can put my name down for one......

I think I've fallen in love.

It's Giveaway Time!!

2010-02-10T16:33:00.004+10:30

I've well and truly sailed past 200 posts now, this being my 223rd post. So how about a giveaway!? It's been a long time since my last. The last few weeks has found me up to my ears in vintage patterns, sorting my collection out. I have found one that might be of use to those of you out there that like to sew for your daughters.

The pattern is Style 1638 Girls' Dress or Top and Trousers - Size 7.

Printed in 1976, this pattern is a very groovy one. I particularly like the red floral dress on the left!

If you would like this pattern, then all you need to do is mention the giveaway and provide a link back to here on your blog and let me know you've done so in the comments below. That simple! I'm happy to post anywhere!! I will draw the winner 8pm Adelaide time next Monday night.

Golden Finds

2010-02-05T08:50:00.002+10:30

To console and distract myself this week whilst Poppet enjoys her very first full week of kindy, I've been trawling the local op shops. Imagine my squealy delight when I clapped my eyes on this. An internal squeal of course. Didn't want to let the op shop ladies know how excited I was.

To the untrained eye, it doesn't look like much. And with a 50 cent price tag, you wouldn't expect much of it either.

I found a Lutterloh Golden Rule pattern book in pristine condition. The Lutterloh system is a pattern drafting system where you use a special ruler and the patterns they provide to draft up a pattern tailored to your bust and waist measurement. Alas, the book didn't come with the ruler. Now I'm on the hunt for a Lutterloh Ruler. Dang. Anyone have one lying around they don't want?!

My edition of this book was published in 1969. So not my absolute favourite years, ala 1950's, but the styles are all gorgeous and very wearable nonetheless. Lots of adorable clothes that I could make for my daughter too. And considering there are 500+ designs, I couldn't be more lucky. Well, actually I could have.... I could have found the book with the ruler!

Poppet pops off!

2010-02-02T13:07:00.005+10:30

Wow.

My gorgeous girl is at kindy today all by herself. Her first full day of kindy and first full day away from mum (apart from being at Grandma's) in four years.

I'm not there to hold her hand. I feel like I should be! She'll even manage to eat lunch all by herself, I bet. Without me to check if it's ok. Which it should be.

I don't feel like I can string a decent sentence together today. I miss her!!!

Yet I think I can tell from the photo above that she is more than ready to have some fun!

More Crochet Blocks

2010-02-01T16:23:00.001+10:30

Block #137 Criss Cross and Block #189 Willow

Block #145 Chocolate Box and Block #61 Nine Patch Granny

The brightly coloured blocks are going together as a cushion cover perhaps for the lounge and the pinks are destined for a cushion cover for my daughter's room. These blocks are such a wonderful way for a beginner to test out new stitches and not feel too overwhelmed by a large project. Each block can easily be completed in an evening or less. All blocks from 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton.

Vintage Dress Sewing Mishap!

2010-01-26T13:51:00.008+10:30

Late last week I was attempting to draft up my own adjusted version of this dress. It was proving to be more of a stressful experience than the relaxing one I had envisaged. It turned out I was about half a yard short of the vintage fabric so off I trotted to Spotlight to pick up some plain cotton which would make up the missing yardage.

Truly. I was only there to purchase half a yard of fabric. Plain aqua. But somehow I walked out of that very store with a new reproduction vintage pattern in my hand and 7.5 metres of beautiful cotton sateen. The pattern is Vogue 2903.Figuring I would have the motivation to complete the true vintage pattern once I had had success with the new repro vintage pattern, I set about cutting whilst adding a little to the seam allowance as my measurements were only slightly larger than the size pattern I had. I followed instructions from my 1950's vintage McCall's sewing manual on how to add to the width of a garment so I imagined it would work!

Seems like that pattern drafting course can't come soon enough! The first picture shows the tent that I have sewn and the second is the something of what it should look like if I grab half a metre at the back and pull it in! Some length needs to be taken off as mid calf length isn't working for me. There are reverse box pleats hiding in there but hard to see as I've basted them all in place right now. With the addition of sleeves I think this dress has some promise! And yes I've chopped off my head as I am having a very dodgy hair day and don't want to torture you all with that sight. My little assistant reminds me of another little girl who needs to be in her mummy's dress shots....

So off now to take in those multiple princess seams and have it look more like a fitted, flared 50's dress and less like a carnival tent complete with fairy floss hair!!

(Just looking at that sorry looking backyard... I wanted to add that the very makeshift gate gadgetry going on there is temporary whilst we wait for the new sliding gate to be made! As for the lawn or that yellow crunchy stuff in the background, it's what is left of our lawn after being sprayed in preparation for our new lawn.)

Honesty is not a pretty thing...

2010-01-22T19:59:00.003+10:30

Prior to Friday night clean up.....
Even the dog's hanging her head in shame...

Alpha Mummy attacks/celebrates 4yr old Birthday!!

2010-01-21T17:12:00.007+10:30

These last four years have gone past both so slowly and so fast! Four years ago I was busy birthing a 9 pound baby just on gas (yes I am proud of that feat!!). In four years my daughter has grown up to be a very articulate, crafty and loud little girl whom I'm immensely proud of. Oh the crafty things she loves! Just warms the cockles of my heart!! If she didn't like crafty things.... well, that's just not worth thinking about! tee hee...

Anyhoo, the Alpha Mummy in me came striding to the fore this year. Well, actually I've been planning this birthday since before Xmas but don't tell anyone. Fairy was the theme and fairy it was. We had the fairy castle birthday cake, complete with little sugar fairies found at the last minute after months of searching! The cake design came from the Women's Weekly Kids' Birthday Cakes cookbook (the 2000's version). It was such fun making this cake and I had a ball using my vintage Tala icing set to pipe the windows, gates and vines from melted chocolate.

I used a new recipe for the frosting on this cake. I haven't been too charmed by other butter-cream recipes I've used, namely those from the kids cake books. So I tested a new type of icing using Copha as I was sure the day was going to be warm and didn't want the butter-based icing sliding off the cake! Here's the link to it... I used the Australian version, which is half the amount of the original recipe, and it still made bucket loads! The result was a beautiful icing which didn't have the overly sickly buttery taste of others I've used but still a lovely rich taste.

To continue the fairy theme I also ordered a super cute fairy wand cookie cutter on Ebay and was blown away by the wonderful customer service I received! I sell a lot of things on Ebay and try to be nice but often the transaction is just buy and sell. But this seller, Riches and Realms, was super helpful, emailing me with lots of ideas and suggestions, listing things specifically for me that she had in her stock. And super speedy postage and emails. Thought I'd pass on the good word if you had the need for cookie cutters or cake decorating supplies! As for the photo, this is shot is pre-baking time and I did ice the cookies but didn't take a photo!

No fairy party is complete without fairy-fun-filled-party bags! I whipped these up using some cheap cotton the same colour as the fairy birthday girl's dress. Some simple love heart shapes sewn on with a vintage button embellishment. Simply cut the rectangles out with the pinking shears to save on hemming and cut out the embellishments with the shears too. A little zig-zag stitch up each side and you have yourself a fairy bag! Pink ribbon bows finished these off and inside were treats like bags of fairy dust I made up in the organza bags you can get at the $2 shops. Lots of glitter and those shiny sparkle scatter shapes and confetti!

And to ease my post-party come down I thought I would indulge in some decadent self-sewing, and use a sweet vintage pattern I picked up on the weekend. I nearly fell over when I saw that it was in the vicinity of my size. Well my bust size that is! Seems like in the 40's, 50's and 60's not many lasses had bazookas my size! The fabric pictured with the pattern is one I picked up from ebay some time ago and is a lovely vintage polished cotton. I think I may have just enough fabric to make this dress. I've even impressed myself by making a muslin first two drafts as I don't want to make any mistakes cutting into this fabric! I've had to adjust the bodice BIG time and of course the raglan sleeves aren't making it easy. I'm attempting the full skirted version.

Now that 'The Party' is out of the way I've been thinking of my upcoming year, with my daughter at kindy and me swinging into bigger-time Silly Gilly mode. I've signed myself up for a WEA course on Pattern Drafting. It's a four week course 'giving you the skills to draft patterns from scratch'. As I've been dressmaking for years and am still not confident in altering store bought patterns, I thought this course would be a good avenue to learn some new drafting skills. I also aim to be clever like Nikki and use my Autocad design talents to draft up some new kids' toy patterns I am currently designing.

So, one week to go till kindy starts, and I find myself alternating between being exasperated with a four year old's litany of questions (which start the moment she wakes me up) and a little teary that my one and only is off to the big wide world. Aw shucks. I've a tear coming again......

Drowning in Vintage Patterns!

2010-01-10T17:42:00.005+10:30

Hello stranger! I'm the stranger, that is... I've been busy in the Silly Gilly household and it hasn't been sewing Silly Gilly wares. I've been busy photographing, sorting and uploading my quite hefty collection of vintage sewing patterns to a new Ebay Store, Silly Gilly's Vintage Wares. I have only just scratched the surface of my collection and I've already listed over 50 patterns!! And these are the ones that I don't want to keep. I still have my collection of patterns that I have intentions of using!

I have listed children's patterns, women's patterns, vintage craft books, vintage cook books, vintage sewing supplies... the list keeps getting longer. Suffice to say, it's a massive job and I'm working hard to get all the items listed before the end of next week. It's poppet's 4th birthday party next weekend and I've turned into quite the Alpha-Mummy organising the party. Methinks I may have gone a little overboard... but hey, we only have one child and she's only 4 once!! We have a fairy theme planned and I'm torn between two styles of cakes. Oh, the dilemmas!! Here's a little pic of the flowers I've been making as decorations.

All this clearing out is the beginning of my 'Amp Up Silly Gilly' year. Poppet is off to kindy this year so I aim to use my free time building up Silly Gilly to a bigger thing than it is now. I've been a little absent from this blog in the last couple of weeks as I'm spending a lot of time thinking and planning and sorting out my creative space both here in the Studio and in my head.

I also have some more pattern ideas brewing around in up in the cranial creative space. A couple of smashing ideas came to me at 4.30 am this morning! So up I jumped and scribbled them all down. Strike whilst the iron is hot I say!

So you will be hearing more from the Silly Gilly camp now that I'm into the swing of clearing the space here. Drop by the Silly Gilly Vintage Wares store.. you never know what you'll find!

Do you have this pattern? Butterick 4875 Vintage

2009-12-27T15:26:00.002+10:30

I'm crazily thinking I can fit in making a new dress for New Years Eve this year. Yep. Four days away. So I get practical and decide to use a pattern I already have. Found a lovely vintage one in the stash. Um and ah about it but be practical. Use something you already have. Butterick 4875.

Open the packet up and DANG! Only the second sheet of instructions are there and of course I'm making the first view, View A!! All the instructions I have instruct you to refer to the instructions for View A. Which I don't have. Dang.

If you have this pattern, regardless of the size, would you be so kind as to contact me? In the next day or so? I would be more than happy to pay you handsomely or send you something handmade for a scanned copy of page 1 and 2 of the instructions!!

CAL Block #88

2009-12-27T14:48:00.003+10:30

Merry Xmas to all! The Silly Gilly family spent a very leisurely day in the park having lunch with the close relatives, eating too much food and drinking nice champagne. Noice. I sincerely hope you spent xmas day the way you would have liked to and were with family or friends.

I've been a busy little beaver on the Crochet Along project. Here's my next finished block - Number 88, Edwardian Fancy. Not my usual colours - I was trying out a new colour scheme that I felt at the time would look nice together. I'm happy with it but not over the moon. I've been using my stash of lovely cotton/acrylic yarn that I'm in love with!! Who would have thought acrylic would win me over?? Or crochet for that matter??! The next few blocks I've made are more my style. Off now to block them and make them nice and square!

Where did the week go?

2009-12-24T13:48:00.004+10:30

I've been busy immersed in life and loss and love this last week. Managed to fit craft in amongst the lot too.

Skirt made with Bali fabric finished, albeit not ironed, but loved completely by the poppet.

Dress made for poppet's baby, who is enjoying a renewed sense of life this week as poppet has reached the age of playing mummy with her baby. Until now baby has been an on again, off again toy but now she is a permanent fixture by poppet's side. I used a pattern from a book titled Dolls Clothes and was able to finish it in an hour. The fabric is a lovely 40's repro from Spotlight teamed with thrifted ric-rac and bias trim. There are now requests for nappies, nighties, handbags.... baby is going to be better dressed than me!

Spritz biscuits made for spur of the moment Sunday afternoon nibbling. I loved just a few too many.... I made them using my vintage Sawa 2000 cookie press and it's amazing how quickly you can press out a tray full of festive fancies!

In love with my first ever finished crochet project. I started on this project whilst over in Sydney recuperating from my first egg pick up as part of my egg donor process. I'm really super happy with the result and would highly recommend the pattern as an achievable pattern for a beginner crocheter. Although next time I'll match the thread used for stitching the frame to the lining fabric!

Loss of a one in four chance this week as my egg recipient discovered this month is not their month. Dang. My question this week, at a time when the focus is on giving, receiving and consumerism.... is why couldn't one opportunity for a gal like me who wanted to give a gift to a lovely couple like them work? I just wanted to give a gift and have it be successful. Hopefully I have given them a gift of hope. Hope that there is a backup plan, called Gillian, and that if they want to go again, I'm their gal. Hope that there are people out there who are willing to do something completely for the only reason that it would change another person's world. Maybe next time....

What's new at Silly Gilly?

2009-12-16T21:06:00.004+10:30

New flower hair clips and bow hair clips now in store!! Great last minute xmas present! Great stocking fillers! Great things to keep those locks out of the way of gorgeous smiles!!

Xmas silliness moment #1

2009-12-16T00:05:00.002+10:30

Vintage Polaroid of myself on Xmas morning circa approx 1979.

Looking suspiciously like my daughter!! BTW it's a nurses costume I've got on... And check out those brown legs!!

Late night Etsy buying....

2009-12-14T22:54:00.007+10:30

I found a couple of vintage picture frames at a garage sale months ago. They have been lying around the house, waiting for the right picture to display. Yet nothing has seemed right for them and the frames are now starting to be more clutter than useful items!

So off to Etsy I went this evening and found this print.... I can't wait for it to arrive... all the way from Istanbul! So exotic!! This print will look gorgeous in one of the cream vintage crackled picture frames. Just perfect for my little poppet's room.

A little bunny rabbit snuggles up with mama
- artwork by Verity Heysen-Kizek

I've joined the Crochet-A-Long!

2009-12-12T10:04:00.002+10:30

Amy has been sharing some beautiful crochet blocks from the book 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton. She has inspired me with her bright colours and that the book is achievable for a beginner. So I've started hooking and have now completed my first block! It's Anemone block #129 which is an easy skill level block. All this activity at 10.30pm at night.... a good time to try a new skill! I found it quite simple and enjoyable. Definitely a great block with which to start. I don't usually work with orange but I wanted to veer away from my usual choices (pinks, blues, yellows) and thought these worked well together. Here's Amy's version. It's so interesting to see how differently each block appears using different weight and coloured yarn.

And at 12.15am this morning I got adventurous and tried the Patriotic Stars block #65. It's a medium skill level block and I think I miscounted in the pink rounds as I have waaaay too many stitches going on. Time to pull this one apart and start again, methinks!