tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4950363282267976292024-02-21T12:25:39.821+10:30Silly GillySewing, single parenting, wine, mid century obsessed. Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-8931069713467080342015-01-21T10:18:00.002+10:302015-01-22T16:18:23.437+10:30Forgive me but it's been one year & 3 months since my last blog post.Blogs.<br />
I love reading them. My favourite at the moment is <b><a href="http://www.edenriley.com/" target="_blank">Edenland</a></b>. She rocks my brain cells with her bare, no regrets honesty. I have done much in the last year and three months. Worked as a relief teacher a hell of a lot more. Sewed a heck of a lot less. Left a ten year marriage and become a single mum. Been unemployed for the last six weeks. Had a heart health scare and now find myself bed ridden for the fifth day in a row from excruciating back pain. I'm currently on a lovely dose of pain meds.<br />
<br />
So, jolly happy days for me.<br />
<br />
But you know what? I can't do much about it and why is that ok? Because I'm alive. Which is a heck of a lot more animated than some people who are dead.<br />
<br />
So, being completely self indulgent here. If you are reading this and have pearls of single parent wisdom for me, roll out those treasure boxes of advice and spill your thoughts. Please. I need all the tips i can get.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlsHN9kVXd8FpDRM0NjMTz-RD_xOKJ7OK_BxJjGpbrz-6EKVamrE47g3q5ZdDfhSiut14867nsDCSjRWbUFZZrzBhyphenhyphen4rihqrpinaMSJyPskcfeHtT7-n_yzLePFxepDFKSlPRJ8_9b8mH/s1600/vintage_ironing_housewife_tired3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlsHN9kVXd8FpDRM0NjMTz-RD_xOKJ7OK_BxJjGpbrz-6EKVamrE47g3q5ZdDfhSiut14867nsDCSjRWbUFZZrzBhyphenhyphen4rihqrpinaMSJyPskcfeHtT7-n_yzLePFxepDFKSlPRJ8_9b8mH/s1600/vintage_ironing_housewife_tired3.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-64989143992252655522013-10-09T11:45:00.002+10:302013-10-09T15:27:54.321+10:30Small business thoughtsOne of the things that I think is holding me back in building my work from home business is thinking that I have to production line my products. That I have to produce scores of different sizes of each design, all identical to the last.<br />
<br />
In the past I have had customers ask if I have certain items in another
size other than what I have on display for sale. I get stuck in
answering them as they want that same design in that fabric but that
usually isn't possible for me as I only buy small amounts of each
gorgeous fabric.<br />
<br />
My ideal way of running my business is to not mass produce. It's to create one-off original items that you most likely won't see again. You certainly won't go to a party and see someone wearing the same dress or top as you. What stirs my creative juices is having the freedom to create what grabs me at the time. To design or create something in response to a delicious fabric or divine vintage pattern that I have bought.<br />
<br />
I have it in my head that's it's a rule that I have to mass produce. But in fact there is no such rule<br />
written in any official guide or rule book. I must start to allow myself to run my business the way that it suits me. Have you come across this stumbling block with your small business? I'd love to hear from you how you tackled it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDeNzlzBI3qPItHMffEAPbZDE-9FzSVdi8hQEbBu3Ke3IctuelY6IDh1kkx5QRpHaP-zfyetiAgEr6d1CoUH8enH8kbtNlbM5_11l9dn1DDD38WGjHkFatyu9y-5ZYEdindwgINqnpRMR/s1600/145589_Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDeNzlzBI3qPItHMffEAPbZDE-9FzSVdi8hQEbBu3Ke3IctuelY6IDh1kkx5QRpHaP-zfyetiAgEr6d1CoUH8enH8kbtNlbM5_11l9dn1DDD38WGjHkFatyu9y-5ZYEdindwgINqnpRMR/s640/145589_Large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-29213690010156168822013-10-06T18:06:00.002+10:302013-10-06T18:20:26.650+10:30Crafty HijinkeryIt was on us as quick as a flash. The inaugural Crafty Hijinks get together on September 15th. I had fun organising the day from afar, as it was held in Ballarat at Brown Hill Hall. The hall was suitably low-key and absolutely perfect in a crafty-get together's kind of way.<br />
<br />
I drove over from Adelaide on the Friday before hand and the gracious <a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Jodie </a>put me up for a couple of nights in her home. A day of garage sale-ing, getting goody bags ready, crafty shopping and smooching with Jod's beautiful dog. Out for dinner with these gorgeous gals on the Saturday night for some nosh and goss. Big thumbs up to Morgan of <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://thecraftysquirrel.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">The Crafty Squirrel</span></a></span> who had been stall queen at a market all day and was absolutely kerschnackered but still made it to dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiKBNfB2P1BpvnmQ4hNHzgXbcJQOORqrAILUySzbPdA7rSRwG4ucS4Yd2RBiUPHnwFaD6B_bW55YOsUMflEKwydAKVgA1lOqpIbOUtdJidad0ZI3H0Z9rYDV1OMLnnC7iGI_7F7CsFVgk/s1600/IMG_4146%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiKBNfB2P1BpvnmQ4hNHzgXbcJQOORqrAILUySzbPdA7rSRwG4ucS4Yd2RBiUPHnwFaD6B_bW55YOsUMflEKwydAKVgA1lOqpIbOUtdJidad0ZI3H0Z9rYDV1OMLnnC7iGI_7F7CsFVgk/s400/IMG_4146%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The day arrived. Up early and setting up the hall. Big thanks go to the gals that came and assisted with the setting up of chairs and tables. Another grateful nod to the very organised stall holders who arrived early, most from Melbourne, to set up their wares before the hordes arrived. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Jodie held a short workshop on how she tackled her rag rugs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOwjZg7ZDwRa8hpr50Tg_f5YY4YNz382FHFfGvcQUHMVgAPM3v-8C6IPCQUVXDq-DzQFHwzzRP_Vl0kyGdvnkgIT0GobybSmVJpXKSBfL0y5LaU0kSDmwiEH9ztqW1LLrb0OwQnoKTHQt/s1600/IMG_4165%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOwjZg7ZDwRa8hpr50Tg_f5YY4YNz382FHFfGvcQUHMVgAPM3v-8C6IPCQUVXDq-DzQFHwzzRP_Vl0kyGdvnkgIT0GobybSmVJpXKSBfL0y5LaU0kSDmwiEH9ztqW1LLrb0OwQnoKTHQt/s400/IMG_4165%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Rebecca of <a href="http://beccasauras.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Beccasaurus</a> demonstrated how she put together fabric hexagons and made them into flowers. She and <a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Cam </a>had put together some lovely little kits for the Hijinkers to use.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkO4ZQnStVyvCUeixRZJyk_A1lqBYGN-6APvLSg0TSdql2X1SUTnio_F_4tdj62ioA3mrhRRmPyegcONI475qfRf6gL5gdSE0D5ud_GySeDlv5bac0TuPwUE0far5HELNp5xAlScKgXEZ/s1600/IMG_4170%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkO4ZQnStVyvCUeixRZJyk_A1lqBYGN-6APvLSg0TSdql2X1SUTnio_F_4tdj62ioA3mrhRRmPyegcONI475qfRf6gL5gdSE0D5ud_GySeDlv5bac0TuPwUE0far5HELNp5xAlScKgXEZ/s400/IMG_4170%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wendy of <a href="http://hartylittlepeaces.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">hARTy little peaces</a> showed the Hijinkers how to use colour in their craft and got them experimenting using the colour wheel as a guide. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks9MLiW320Yur8tHQ0GRReCNGVL0MHsa3AEUFNoYyQEplMD2-wSc2M1-N7mtrVdIvU9IVJWKlktJHJpFk24Sny5A11Wpny7pHmiNHnZNadZzoYY5Cei-Z9i_Dpb6joTE-Cyy_-v0Daezq/s1600/IMG_4285%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks9MLiW320Yur8tHQ0GRReCNGVL0MHsa3AEUFNoYyQEplMD2-wSc2M1-N7mtrVdIvU9IVJWKlktJHJpFk24Sny5A11Wpny7pHmiNHnZNadZzoYY5Cei-Z9i_Dpb6joTE-Cyy_-v0Daezq/s400/IMG_4285%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IFWPTqxs2SeA-yrgc2cYWdhgZX5ZnvEV1yL8q_KY3Hv7-Ykqm9NjXCe6BWPTLe5TsQCeYQ4Get4nE7pPB8gvcRCF-3gZ7DUpbIWEeQ63eiU9jlbFfPAWg7pjrQCkyISlFbbcq1WEraoA/s1600/IMG_4282%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IFWPTqxs2SeA-yrgc2cYWdhgZX5ZnvEV1yL8q_KY3Hv7-Ykqm9NjXCe6BWPTLe5TsQCeYQ4Get4nE7pPB8gvcRCF-3gZ7DUpbIWEeQ63eiU9jlbFfPAWg7pjrQCkyISlFbbcq1WEraoA/s400/IMG_4282%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was lots of this all day. Smiling. Crafting. <a href="http://instagram.com/sillygilly50s#" target="_blank">Instagramming</a>. Catching up with old and new friends. We ate scones, sandwiches, very interesting slice with lots of coconut in everything.</div>
We drew the raffles and had some very happy winners. The money that was raised totaled $400 and we will let you know as soon as possible as to which crafty/charitable worthy will be receiving it. We did have one intended recipient but that has gone a little askew so please trust me, I won't be running off to the Bahamas with the $400 just yet!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3ewNpIeYaTbcUtibMocPoO6eFNvL9xZfBs6dLI0mgt24BjovIE3el56rAGHRtUSAd6KxGY_0VedEILMbxwd3cez-fuzVJVN67sZG3bXnrVtX6CRZj8VY64MUMrczFnUWTmYPZ424RJOu/s1600/IMG_4288%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3ewNpIeYaTbcUtibMocPoO6eFNvL9xZfBs6dLI0mgt24BjovIE3el56rAGHRtUSAd6KxGY_0VedEILMbxwd3cez-fuzVJVN67sZG3bXnrVtX6CRZj8VY64MUMrczFnUWTmYPZ424RJOu/s400/IMG_4288%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYmZo7qTho0ICvxBth5eobuQPgnsowVMKA6ilKh2sYaNcYM5IFx_K0WWpRLg5ZL6dU0RadG0RXshOGzYy7MFgVIv2PSF4WjcYJlOdF0cnh9gRpdkmi7mZzYX5A9YB0U822N-BD-XxUhjk/s1600/IMG_4281%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYmZo7qTho0ICvxBth5eobuQPgnsowVMKA6ilKh2sYaNcYM5IFx_K0WWpRLg5ZL6dU0RadG0RXshOGzYy7MFgVIv2PSF4WjcYJlOdF0cnh9gRpdkmi7mZzYX5A9YB0U822N-BD-XxUhjk/s400/IMG_4281%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3ewNpIeYaTbcUtibMocPoO6eFNvL9xZfBs6dLI0mgt24BjovIE3el56rAGHRtUSAd6KxGY_0VedEILMbxwd3cez-fuzVJVN67sZG3bXnrVtX6CRZj8VY64MUMrczFnUWTmYPZ424RJOu/s1600/IMG_4288%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifOicxmkHupjkFSfshqpIzLj0Y3klzWVKQOdIVzKQ6jMItR7sQBMbaN1Y2juSH894B4SY_ESC1V23p66G3KnvlKVNZ8iawSSFxARb5SZvtDaZx-J_XFvpe8EnF4nP4FlwjG8OpqwLAVxq/s1600/IMG_4162%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifOicxmkHupjkFSfshqpIzLj0Y3klzWVKQOdIVzKQ6jMItR7sQBMbaN1Y2juSH894B4SY_ESC1V23p66G3KnvlKVNZ8iawSSFxARb5SZvtDaZx-J_XFvpe8EnF4nP4FlwjG8OpqwLAVxq/s400/IMG_4162%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWTqrwa64uMwLAv9M9HYrvZWuL9h47WpZeWeO0hnBq2UTYG3_2RJZVYxqkUSRNeIgCaWQ9ZtKmr6PWJ4WHlb9MQof9NUd1RcLiIIM57nvkwMTXXGIq8Tl3d8Z0UByPtxDaHr1Q2RpF5A-/s1600/IMG_4283%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWTqrwa64uMwLAv9M9HYrvZWuL9h47WpZeWeO0hnBq2UTYG3_2RJZVYxqkUSRNeIgCaWQ9ZtKmr6PWJ4WHlb9MQof9NUd1RcLiIIM57nvkwMTXXGIq8Tl3d8Z0UByPtxDaHr1Q2RpF5A-/s1600/IMG_4283%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWTqrwa64uMwLAv9M9HYrvZWuL9h47WpZeWeO0hnBq2UTYG3_2RJZVYxqkUSRNeIgCaWQ9ZtKmr6PWJ4WHlb9MQof9NUd1RcLiIIM57nvkwMTXXGIq8Tl3d8Z0UByPtxDaHr1Q2RpF5A-/s400/IMG_4283%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWTqrwa64uMwLAv9M9HYrvZWuL9h47WpZeWeO0hnBq2UTYG3_2RJZVYxqkUSRNeIgCaWQ9ZtKmr6PWJ4WHlb9MQof9NUd1RcLiIIM57nvkwMTXXGIq8Tl3d8Z0UByPtxDaHr1Q2RpF5A-/s1600/IMG_4283%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWTqrwa64uMwLAv9M9HYrvZWuL9h47WpZeWeO0hnBq2UTYG3_2RJZVYxqkUSRNeIgCaWQ9ZtKmr6PWJ4WHlb9MQof9NUd1RcLiIIM57nvkwMTXXGIq8Tl3d8Z0UByPtxDaHr1Q2RpF5A-/s1600/IMG_4283%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwQHVVrGC3VjedTPaYjgvJ8wQz8AoMaS7LiOzVfpbUFsC06SadNpWuixrG7WBPFkfIB0UW28YWK3oZq7lT_GK9-duykdYGHdIxbHT7xYxtAqXVd_dDJQ5cISwXZF6X7rXBMBCMiaPXPVs/s1600/juddie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwQHVVrGC3VjedTPaYjgvJ8wQz8AoMaS7LiOzVfpbUFsC06SadNpWuixrG7WBPFkfIB0UW28YWK3oZq7lT_GK9-duykdYGHdIxbHT7xYxtAqXVd_dDJQ5cISwXZF6X7rXBMBCMiaPXPVs/s400/juddie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I love this photo so much!<br />(Thanks Jodie for letting me borrow it)</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also got to catch up with one of my most very favourite bloggers in the entire blogosphere. Juddie of <a href="http://flightlessboyds.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Flightless Boyds</a>. Juddie put some long thought about wheels in motion some two years ago when I met her at Sew It Together in Sydney. I was so impressed and girl-crushy about her pin-up/retro style. It was something I had been coveting and wanting to do for so long. Meeting Juddie was a catalyst of sorts and got me really inspired to dress in the 1950's style that I do now most days. And it was even more lovely to see even more of Juddie, with a junior Juddie on board too. How gorgeous!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the end of the day, we all said our farewells and I headed my weary feet to my digs for the night. Ballarat Premier Apartments was absolutely lovely. Very swish for a crafty gal on her own and I just loved the chandeliers which were everywhere! A glass of well earned champagne and some sticky date pudding which was divine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-cu8ht_QtKv2C87PsCKFUWfjCAobsrH3Ivw0ghtKku6GuxtIlUIZOJpJEwVwV-XNLWUbyhvLe5qTZL7ThEboJqsJa6-0zRq31gs8ajzz4OQpj2Rmw8bk1Byq2ka5EsJ0aFmdvUG2GQp8/s1600/IMG_4189%5B1%5D.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-cu8ht_QtKv2C87PsCKFUWfjCAobsrH3Ivw0ghtKku6GuxtIlUIZOJpJEwVwV-XNLWUbyhvLe5qTZL7ThEboJqsJa6-0zRq31gs8ajzz4OQpj2Rmw8bk1Byq2ka5EsJ0aFmdvUG2GQp8/s400/IMG_4189%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkU8sqCNlKIcNQ0QxwVUmKGGDRYtd3AiIjRbg_4_ivWzf9zgEkEtEYKCMd-Xut2OCRTKR-2w13gCrzeIN-hrGOCr-8_hJVLM-n6rJH8lQCIKaZ188hovaNz4B1oieKCDt2UqHsxidEUbj/s1600/IMG_4186%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkU8sqCNlKIcNQ0QxwVUmKGGDRYtd3AiIjRbg_4_ivWzf9zgEkEtEYKCMd-Xut2OCRTKR-2w13gCrzeIN-hrGOCr-8_hJVLM-n6rJH8lQCIKaZ188hovaNz4B1oieKCDt2UqHsxidEUbj/s400/IMG_4186%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgCihUMCzoKnpy_qiKroA4VSfJO5HD2yffVBnPXuKlWc1uwublTaZU3dfWc0G-hgMBrYEec7dONbMZMWqNw-ZBgxxSjZ6WJkdKIJkh66phdTnpIb1AWck0Jdb2cpu23pi7nuKA7OUSpN5/s1600/IMG_4188%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgCihUMCzoKnpy_qiKroA4VSfJO5HD2yffVBnPXuKlWc1uwublTaZU3dfWc0G-hgMBrYEec7dONbMZMWqNw-ZBgxxSjZ6WJkdKIJkh66phdTnpIb1AWck0Jdb2cpu23pi7nuKA7OUSpN5/s400/IMG_4188%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back on the road to Adelaide Monday morning it was for me. The canola crops in full bloom were magnificent. A gorgeous riot of vibrant acid yellow. I made a few little rest stops along the way, including a quick hello to this likely lad. I tried to attain the same unimpressed facial expression as he totes. Do you think I succeeded?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxd5pg-xzYJjeFU1YVawOHO9hUWp3xx8dQf6jUCD9J73WZrIJglxKLkbGpSLw6KSHLxgjXmD5KDySff_M86OxlqyV5BhNZ9JgfIA4GFqGNy6SC0z8s8FYThljxpflPkkLjJJL1thBT3Eb/s1600/IMG_4192%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxd5pg-xzYJjeFU1YVawOHO9hUWp3xx8dQf6jUCD9J73WZrIJglxKLkbGpSLw6KSHLxgjXmD5KDySff_M86OxlqyV5BhNZ9JgfIA4GFqGNy6SC0z8s8FYThljxpflPkkLjJJL1thBT3Eb/s400/IMG_4192%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLQWU5gokeKwtW0uPt3Fc6QbBe0RUA4MSdzmx5eW6I7Qnk7DWrIoc6Zs5FyjmXEgwmnPpnDt0XdOmKu7t-QZxQ_E2cGwxN9M49SkTupeXaQMOy7H7uriQpLcK2OQQchi-BkYK0YGYluMo/s1600/IMG_4194%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLQWU5gokeKwtW0uPt3Fc6QbBe0RUA4MSdzmx5eW6I7Qnk7DWrIoc6Zs5FyjmXEgwmnPpnDt0XdOmKu7t-QZxQ_E2cGwxN9M49SkTupeXaQMOy7H7uriQpLcK2OQQchi-BkYK0YGYluMo/s400/IMG_4194%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, an absolute cracker of a time and I had a complete ball. It was great to spend time with Jodie and hang out. It was lovely to meet so many bloggers whom I'd had the pleasure of reading their blogs but never meeting them in person. It was relaxing and mind clearing driving myself over to Ballarat and back. I love solo long distance driving.<br />
<br />
And yes, next year, I'm sure Jod and I will get another Crafty Hijinks organised. Thank you to all the sponsors and businesses who donated goods. So very appreciated. Thank you to the stall holders who gave another crafty dimension to the day and sold their gorgeous wares. And biggest thank you of all to Jodie. You're a champ, my friend. I do so wish you lived at the end of my street. Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-24223770763603654872013-09-12T13:41:00.000+09:302013-09-12T13:41:09.218+09:309/11 remembered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaU4iB6j96oThIr0qLBnmHHqWevOCYydRWiu8NRxA3ivxwZLOjVHgcLPHpqQ0C-3uF9Sw0xOLv9rD7Mj9zkHLM_QDNqqj4nncGWBCAROjPrCiJeqBxUHYShywkE_aVNSotfjFSqWVgLY0/s1600/enhanced-buzz-wide-31360-1378841511-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaU4iB6j96oThIr0qLBnmHHqWevOCYydRWiu8NRxA3ivxwZLOjVHgcLPHpqQ0C-3uF9Sw0xOLv9rD7Mj9zkHLM_QDNqqj4nncGWBCAROjPrCiJeqBxUHYShywkE_aVNSotfjFSqWVgLY0/s640/enhanced-buzz-wide-31360-1378841511-32.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/adriancarrasquillo/50-powerful-photos-of-humanity-and-solidarity-in-the-years-s?bffb" target="_blank"><i>source</i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remembering all those who lost their lives twelve years ago. And to those who worked tirelessly to assist in the aftermath. Especially those beautiful rescue dogs like this one.</div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-13318409834723022892013-09-06T21:42:00.003+09:302013-09-06T21:42:30.157+09:30Lost. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtTeq8yA6kcoEgHjSs_VFbkkWhqECl9zuC2g61YlylyC-0kZaXGLrJhAnhilCvithQ0qx7RgegHYQtyhDc9Wka-LiHulLYQFQFCwY2G1p582eJTaKdHHy_G2NLY0wRPviHELG447CiYnr/s1600/8e90fcf99c9e6004f3adfdb778e8f7a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtTeq8yA6kcoEgHjSs_VFbkkWhqECl9zuC2g61YlylyC-0kZaXGLrJhAnhilCvithQ0qx7RgegHYQtyhDc9Wka-LiHulLYQFQFCwY2G1p582eJTaKdHHy_G2NLY0wRPviHELG447CiYnr/s640/8e90fcf99c9e6004f3adfdb778e8f7a9.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/267119821617929414/" target="_blank">source</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Foggy days have blanketed me again. <br />Right now, progress is made foot fall by foot fall.<br />Stick with me. I'll find my way out of the murk at some point.</div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-54043387866267115442013-08-08T14:56:00.001+09:302013-08-08T14:56:07.620+09:30New Vintage Western ShirtI have a thang for sewing western shirts. They're not the easiest thing to whip up nor are they a quick fix for a sewing itch. But I always feel so pleased when a western shirt is finished. I'm about half way through this one and am a little bit in love with the lovely brown fabric I've chosen.<br />
<br />
I've chosen bronze press studs this time to go for a slightly more subtle approach, instead of the more traditional pearl press studs. Have you ever used these studs? Do you take the hammer and bash kind of approach or do you use a gadget to get press studs on?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR-fashvtgb_fQr1Kuzw0vIKn570S-q9N8Oid7c9VFy2WunAqfoqalFVLJkJy1spfR2GaR60HbYY_AJfpaQ_vDfcZeveCwNVQQRAbI05x8Jm22bjRyhIddRaSYj4URPDj2gpWx2K7kJ5c/s1600/IMG_3907%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR-fashvtgb_fQr1Kuzw0vIKn570S-q9N8Oid7c9VFy2WunAqfoqalFVLJkJy1spfR2GaR60HbYY_AJfpaQ_vDfcZeveCwNVQQRAbI05x8Jm22bjRyhIddRaSYj4URPDj2gpWx2K7kJ5c/s640/IMG_3907%5B1%5D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-46343618309904381442013-07-29T11:18:00.001+09:302013-09-10T16:01:34.029+09:30Crafty Hijinks Get-Together UpdateWow.<br />
I'm so pleased to be able to say that we already have 47 ladies attending our inaugural Crafty Hijinks day in September! <span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>(I keep updating the tally as more people sign up</i>)</span><br />
<br />
That's just awesome. I'll list the attendees blogs below so you can do some blog hopping about and get to know who else will be there on the day. Maybe it will be someone whose blog you've been reading a while now and you'll get to meet them in person! From personal experience, I can tell you that meeting a fellow blogger in real life, one whose blog you've been following for a while, is a somewhat fantastic and very weird moment! It's like, "Arrgghh, so great to meet you, how's the dog and you looked great in that new dress and oh, my name's such and such.... ". Odd but so rewarding to finally put a real life face to a name and blog. <br />
<br />
I'll get together a noice button that you can put on your blog soon to say that you are coming along. And please don't forget to spread the word. The more the merrier!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit81dH_cuE6bMQW0E1Np2-gg7tkw9yHeIXdWz7B5C9CXe8B7o26k4Z9sw5nWr4ZoeQu5lNncJJCD4wKpPdty__a7o3H2PUM6FD8d4YH6cT1-a_1_fvpc4gEvmXyvlWANiwoHN6iUE8jaBa/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit81dH_cuE6bMQW0E1Np2-gg7tkw9yHeIXdWz7B5C9CXe8B7o26k4Z9sw5nWr4ZoeQu5lNncJJCD4wKpPdty__a7o3H2PUM6FD8d4YH6cT1-a_1_fvpc4gEvmXyvlWANiwoHN6iUE8jaBa/s400/blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Oh, and the collection of door prizes are coming along nicely too. <a href="http://rosaliequinlandesigns.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Rosalie Quinlan</a> has donated a book, Merrilyn of <a href="http://www.threadneedle.com.au/" target="_blank">Threadneedle Craft</a> in Daylesford has kindly donated stitchery panels, a beautiful book and patterns, Elisa of <a href="http://www.kelanifabric.com.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Kelani Fabrics</a> is donating a voucher, fabric from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/SillyGilly" target="_blank">my store</a> and vouchers for crafty accommodation too.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Ric-Rac </a></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.sillygillykids.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Silly Gilly</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://thecraftysquirrelshop.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">The Crafty Squirrel</a></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">You Sew Girl! </a> </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">And so, I sew</a><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://flightlessboyds.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Flightless Boyds</a> </span> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.matchingpegs.com/" target="_blank">Matching Pegs</a><br />
<a href="http://hartylittlepeaces.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">hARTy little peaces</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.whippetgoodwhippet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Whippet Good</a> <br />
<a href="http://formylittlemonster.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">For My Little Monster</a><br />
<a href="http://thornberry.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Thornberry</a><br />
<a href="http://snailblazer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Snailblazer</a><br />
<a href="http://littleredhen08.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Red Hen</a><br />
<a href="http://threadneedlecraft.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Thread Needle Craft</a><br />
<a href="http://copperpatch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Copper Patch</a><br />
<a href="http://narioka.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Narioka</a> <br />
<a href="http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">The House on the Side of the Hill</a><br />
<a href="http://sue-niven.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sue Niven</a><br />
<a href="http://kiwikidspage.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Kiwi Kids</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ollieandt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ollie and T</a><br />
<a href="http://thestitchingroom.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">The Stitching Room</a><br />
<a href="http://farmgatecreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Farm Gate Creations</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sugarlemon.com/blog" target="_blank">Sugarlemon</a><br />
<a href="http://stopthatowl.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Stop That Owl</a><br />
<a href="http://ithoughtidbetterwriteitalldown.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">I thought I'd better write it all down</a><br />
<a href="http://annie-flowergarden.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Flowergarden</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nanalizzie.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">A House In The Country </a><br />
<a href="http://www.lilabellelane.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Lilabelle Lane Creations </a><br />
<a href="http://jindiscottage.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Jindi's Cottage</a><br />
<a href="http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">CurlyPops</a><br />
<a href="http://beccasauras.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Beccasauras</a><br />
<a href="http://macdonaldspatch.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">MacDonald's Patch</a><br />
<a href="http://dancinginredshoes-karen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dancing In Red Shoes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ballaratpatchwork.com.au/" target="_blank">Ballarat Patchwork </a><br />
<a href="http://coledabbles.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Dabbling All Day</a><br />
<a href="http://melbourneepicure.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">m.e </a><br />
<a href="http://liamsolomonsmummy.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Solomon Sewing</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.sewwellmaide.com.au/" target="_blank">Sew Well Maide</a><br />
<a href="http://fourwisemonkeys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Four Wise Monkeys</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dearfii.com/" target="_blank">dear fii </a><br />
<a href="http://www.littlefelthouses.com/" target="_blank">Little Felt Houses</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sagoontuesdays.com.au/" target="_blank">Sago on Tuesdays</a><br />
<a href="http://rollinginfabric.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Rolling in Fabric</a> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have paid to attend but your blog is not listed above, please flick me an email with your blog name and I'll add you in a jiffy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-51323182999168654722013-07-24T13:26:00.000+09:302013-07-24T13:26:00.016+09:30Getting the cart back behind the horse aka taking some time to resetI ran today.<br />
<br />
I ran today as I haven't been to Zumba in three months. Why? Because it's too hard to go to Zumba and not hear <b><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.sillygillykids.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/photo-credit-i-have-lost-my-best-friend.html" target="_blank">her </a></span></b>calling the moves to her favourite tracks.<br />
<br />
So I got back on the non-proverbial outside treadmill and ran my local streets. The sun hit my body about half way through and I smiled. No way! I smiled during a run. Who'da thought?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1piTZsP8Dnw8H12-G7JVYHqn5ZhPHfQtCW1uTQJigb3GXlqq_ItaZ4FV0hUyiQ-pqORcE6xmG4lQZNjIyAAbUXN5v5oTds5IyahGJg4h4cpYfdWaQe2YKAMdBJFgjlwvsbqc0HJIa3-1K/s1600/969749_10151553120747169_150977796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1piTZsP8Dnw8H12-G7JVYHqn5ZhPHfQtCW1uTQJigb3GXlqq_ItaZ4FV0hUyiQ-pqORcE6xmG4lQZNjIyAAbUXN5v5oTds5IyahGJg4h4cpYfdWaQe2YKAMdBJFgjlwvsbqc0HJIa3-1K/s1600/969749_10151553120747169_150977796_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-42299816182982308452013-07-10T15:10:00.003+09:302013-07-10T15:11:00.307+09:30Returning to work post childI'm a mum. And looking to get back into the workforce after having seven years off caring for my child. I was naieve. I thought that spending all that time with my daughter, getting her settled into school would be a great thing. Well, it was for her. But for me it was a proverbial 'shoot me in the foot' kind of group of moments.<br />
<br />
Now here I am. A qualified Early Childhood teacher. Previously a bank manager, sales person, call center operator, receptionist, amatuer face painter. And currently seamstress.<br />
<br />
With a stinking big seven year gap in the middle between all that experience and now. I have been taking relief teaching work in the last six months or so. And I have had a short stint as a receptionist last year.<br />
<br />
But it seems to be very hard to get my foot in the door in a role that will match my experience. Relying on that resume is a tough gig right now. How can I get across that I have the valuable mature approach that a lot of businesses value? <br />
<br />
So tell me, oh life experienced readers, how did you get over this 'little' hurdle, this speed bump in the career road?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9QuKRLtyZ0WNqWHk6hMu2FeP3cmtpiL4Pf2_H9k-NzEfEGbF3Gdl3Z17dhgg_Xw8dzlzFyo81noV9qEyX3je3usUxVPB-R7W_CRDLX3HUpTSWIiIEpMsws8bgQj0_bQxi8H5cusoorQC/s1600/vintage-secretary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9QuKRLtyZ0WNqWHk6hMu2FeP3cmtpiL4Pf2_H9k-NzEfEGbF3Gdl3Z17dhgg_Xw8dzlzFyo81noV9qEyX3je3usUxVPB-R7W_CRDLX3HUpTSWIiIEpMsws8bgQj0_bQxi8H5cusoorQC/s400/vintage-secretary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-27487474655369091312013-07-04T09:13:00.000+09:302013-07-18T14:16:02.264+09:30Crafty Hijinks!My last post got me thinking. Crafty times with online bloggy friends rock. Spontaneous road trips also are a barrel load of fun. Why not combine the two?!<br />
<br />
Introducing.....................<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbywSrT9gLAoPm3YY5UtyRpYRNGM4rQeq57GbuycVc35-Fxgj06fsPftaie-8nKHrb5za-8JMakG0b6b1a5gzAUsKiY8cJgqrEBFHS7PeRCf4hkmvEX4GQ0FGRLjNxX4PE6DUxMKzWw_5/s1600/crafty+hijinks+Circus+Poster-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbywSrT9gLAoPm3YY5UtyRpYRNGM4rQeq57GbuycVc35-Fxgj06fsPftaie-8nKHrb5za-8JMakG0b6b1a5gzAUsKiY8cJgqrEBFHS7PeRCf4hkmvEX4GQ0FGRLjNxX4PE6DUxMKzWw_5/s640/crafty+hijinks+Circus+Poster-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Soooo, if you are craftily inclined, a blogger and looking for a good old fashioned crazy time, come and join us on Sunday September 15th for a day of Crafty Hijinks at Brown Hill Hall, just outside Ballarat.<br />
<br />
Bring some hand crafty goodness to work on. More details to come, including door prizes and who knows what else to surprise and delight you!<br />
<br />
Buy your ticket, which includes lunch, <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://sillygilly.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></span>! <br />
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-16237515357554537742013-06-22T22:34:00.000+09:302013-06-22T22:34:47.630+09:30Distance makes the heart grow fonderI heard from a <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">bloggy friend</a></span> today. It warmed my heart so much. Some years back I made a random and out of the blue road trip across the country to meet her and some other crafty peeps in person who happened to be gathering at a park. I'd never met any of these gals before other than chatted online. I had an absolute ball and found a great friend with whom I have so very much in common. I've since watched this gal make leaps and bounds in her crafty endeavors. We don't talk every month but I hope deep down that she'll always be happy to chat with me about our crazy interests.<br /><br />It's these sort of things that, to me, make my life worthwhile. Doing stuff that pops up out of nowhere and takes you on a crazy turn that you don't know where it's going to take you. Speaking of which...<br />
<br />
Of late I've been taking myself along to see some local Adelaide bands - <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://luckysevenswing.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Seven</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lady-Voodoo-The-Rituals/106092706167377" target="_blank">Lady Voodoo & The Rituals</a> </span>and interstate acts such as <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.ashgrunwald.com/" target="_blank">Ash Grunwald</a>.</span><br />
<br />
I love the way some music just lifts me right out of wherever my head is at and transports me to another moment. I live my day through my music. I have specific songs for different moods and emotions. I have genres of music that I hold close to my heart because they speak to me and make me believe I can be or do anything.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I take my camera along to up-skill my photography talents. That is if I can stop jigging and singing long enough to focus the lens. I thought I'd share with you a quick snap I took last night whilst enjoying Lucky Seven play, with Mr Scuba Dee featuring on the vocals. This photo pleases me a lot as it was a quick snap but turned out to be a winner to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHG0UFJTk41S3EXBIHg-vUG_ZdV7ALiX2kKD7S9V9YHSwT5-Wdwap0oeo9TtHi1H50NHe9qyq67Y2p2Q5L8JXhI5R0Yq9h0o46X0uEecErw7wMUx5wBB2lceP-ohbquLEHYR1FF4bCIzD/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHG0UFJTk41S3EXBIHg-vUG_ZdV7ALiX2kKD7S9V9YHSwT5-Wdwap0oeo9TtHi1H50NHe9qyq67Y2p2Q5L8JXhI5R0Yq9h0o46X0uEecErw7wMUx5wBB2lceP-ohbquLEHYR1FF4bCIzD/s640/IMG_3623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-69727324112024862872013-05-10T12:44:00.003+09:302013-05-10T12:45:17.514+09:30.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_NPzwJk6NN2KwFmm7tJ1xkogHhNZcXc_RX_BNjHtz4odUJNvBiRY8z3sMKhCFEiHNHkXBsgpdW_nWaUAWneE9rBzhu7GV-LzjvKl3NSj4Kz19eLyjyVZ1o0rrc-eRKdqR1MTP3cFwuI0/s1600/74c58ed545b0edb11762eaa26896d403.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurenrosenbaum/4843641655/" target="_blank">Photo credit</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have lost my best friend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She died suddenly, leaving us all to love her even harder now that she's gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rest now, dear sweet Jayne. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-5200238362042671482012-12-18T17:02:00.003+10:302012-12-18T17:02:23.736+10:30You Sew Girl Coin Purse pattern reviewI have been keeping busy with teaching and Zumba and making detailed dresses lately so I felt it was time for a little quick craft project for some instant fabric satisfaction.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Nicole Mallalieu</a> of <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/" target="_blank">You Sew Girl!</a></span> is known for her fabulously detailed and informative patterns so I headed her way to make a purchase online of her <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/shop/digital-downloads/2078-coin-purse-kit-kitcoin.html" target="_blank">Coin Purse pattern</a></span>. Instant download - love it!!<br />
<br />
All in all this purse took me perhaps half an hour to do, being the first run through of this design. But now I have Nicole's techniques mastered, I'm sure I could whip one of these up in less than that. Here is my end result.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBsZUS5CX1h6qZnQuofFlYm48cxwUTjxUoPtEyO9IW6s-ijBLxvoUd3uznok2YiPa_S8x6yE_JvsIFLsruI9-8bOfshnc85NU3XOeuAYT-KtWybtB-fW22ulx-_MqC-IGGskmxf483fWM/s1600/zipper+purse+nm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBsZUS5CX1h6qZnQuofFlYm48cxwUTjxUoPtEyO9IW6s-ijBLxvoUd3uznok2YiPa_S8x6yE_JvsIFLsruI9-8bOfshnc85NU3XOeuAYT-KtWybtB-fW22ulx-_MqC-IGGskmxf483fWM/s640/zipper+purse+nm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A structured purse with box base to make it stand up, a neat zipper closure and some padding to make it all fancy-like. It's lined and is a perfect size for coins in your handbag or basket, little make up bits and pieces or a sweet purse for a little girl.<br />
<br />
Forgive the wonky topstitching - my excuse is that it was hot, late at night and I just wanted to finish something so I did rush a little! A very satisfying project all the same. This pattern comes with two sizes included so I will definitely be making more.<br />
<br />
Thank you Nicole for sharing your cleverness! I feel right professional loike now!Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-28986420877547866512012-12-13T12:04:00.003+10:302012-12-13T12:05:47.652+10:30Squandering the good stuffIt's hot today. 38 degree forecast day. It's one of those dry Adelaide heat days. It feels like a late January day where all the moisture has been sucked out of the jacaranda flowers and the heat haze shimmers on the ashphalt.<br />
<br />
I also have approximately one whole school day left on my own before school breaks up. And though the housework is calling me desperately, the dishes need doing, washing is all over the dining table and the floor needs cleaning, I just can't bring myself to squander these precious last hours on housework.<br />
<br />
The sewing machine is calling. A 1950's frock is tempting me to sew it for a couple of events I am attending this weekend.<br />
<br />
What do you think will win? Housework or frock making?<br />
<br />
Do I even have to ask?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJipYPvCDIPD6btS0HhS3sPR5h1lMYm9coAzVXU7wyLvfVGKhX4Mo5N1XSkd8S3Qj6a3jPRkOGOF9kDCVMoZ_GsTS7ZTf-qAQQ9Ym219gH2dof76VRTOGduH4lVHP5nzsZVrZ_L5EKm8V/s1600/tumblr_m94ajve6pq1qhalefo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJipYPvCDIPD6btS0HhS3sPR5h1lMYm9coAzVXU7wyLvfVGKhX4Mo5N1XSkd8S3Qj6a3jPRkOGOF9kDCVMoZ_GsTS7ZTf-qAQQ9Ym219gH2dof76VRTOGduH4lVHP5nzsZVrZ_L5EKm8V/s1600/tumblr_m94ajve6pq1qhalefo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
image from <a href="http://the50s.tumblr.com/page/7" target="_blank">here</a></div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-353834319396956692012-10-03T13:53:00.000+09:302012-10-03T13:59:51.666+09:30Sewing for the brawnier gender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I don't get the chance to sew for boys very often, apart from sewing Silly Gilly items. So it was fun to play around and get boyish sewing this wallet for my daughter's friend. Made using suede, vinyl and some of a favourite Michael Miller print. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/wallet2_zpsc3f2c988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wallet 2" border="0" height="601" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/wallet2_zpsc3f2c988.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/vintageplanewallet_zps82eee70c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vintage plane wallet" border="0" height="452" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/vintageplanewallet_zps82eee70c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-8429745650371245012012-09-29T16:49:00.000+09:302012-09-29T16:49:28.689+09:30By the seat of my pantsI'm feeling as focussed as a March fly lately, with so many shiny things vying for my attention. The warmer weather has inspired me to sew some new clothes for myself, including a badly executed attempt at these:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWLuygmd4rdE8-Y5Neo3xk3ptdKxbAzUAlmNVRdmMLHS32M7ShUOuY_PVsXrEA9Mpm30GsayIkcYT5YK1R-ceBKAl41O1ALhayZzF7fkZ9Hy-tuMMGbdd6rCMsBN68oc6wxUcjo3BdBZ0/s1600/IMG_2213_zpsac009c70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWLuygmd4rdE8-Y5Neo3xk3ptdKxbAzUAlmNVRdmMLHS32M7ShUOuY_PVsXrEA9Mpm30GsayIkcYT5YK1R-ceBKAl41O1ALhayZzF7fkZ9Hy-tuMMGbdd6rCMsBN68oc6wxUcjo3BdBZ0/s400/IMG_2213_zpsac009c70.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My measurements are a little larger than the sizes on the pattern I purchased. Easy, I thought after consulting my vintage sewing manuals. Just add a bit to the waist measurement. But alas I am also larger in the belly/hips/child bearing areas as well. I am yet to add the waistband but thought I might try again in another fabric and colour as my muslin. Who makes muslin's these days? <i>Muslin being a test run of a garment made from cheap material.</i> I thought the idea of sewing was that you could just whip something up in an afternoon and be prancing off down the street in your new frock/sailing trousers in no time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alas, I've learnt my lesson. Version number 2 is about to be attempted with some timely advice from <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><a href="http://www.coletterie.com/fabric-haberdashery/some-pants-fitting-basics" target="_blank">here</a></b></span>. Wish me luck. I aim to have a wearable version of these before next weekend.</div>
Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-41258019247088234842012-09-28T13:36:00.000+09:302012-09-28T13:36:25.595+09:30Testing one, two, three......Hello?<br />
<br />
Heeellloooooooo?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="2716763_lonely_marilyn_large" class="full-size" src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/23160807/2716763_lonely_marilyn_large.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Cooooooo-eeee?<br />
<br />
Anyone here?<br />
<br />
There seems to be tumbleweeds blowing through this dang blog. Not much to be read around these parts......<br />
Facing the age-old (well, 10-year-old or as long as blogs have been around) dilemma of whether I keep this blog going....Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-43992743394942701122012-07-06T16:46:00.002+09:302012-07-06T16:46:35.246+09:30Avoidance tactics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogdJF4qk817fvaRvg3ggzarNsYXoiRxIGUyny7CYifQ71EToRdO0hR1bN_4jqKJfy_GvGEJdC1O6XtadR1-DoD429kwJm-xvDpaI9j7ynnN0B3S7cwr9DbbFr71OYozLhgfh27mw9Ua-p/s1600/beachwinter2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogdJF4qk817fvaRvg3ggzarNsYXoiRxIGUyny7CYifQ71EToRdO0hR1bN_4jqKJfy_GvGEJdC1O6XtadR1-DoD429kwJm-xvDpaI9j7ynnN0B3S7cwr9DbbFr71OYozLhgfh27mw9Ua-p/s640/beachwinter2012.jpg" width="602" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fitness this morning in 6.5 degrees weather outside on a muddy oval.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Walking the dogs on a sunny but cold and windy beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Crusing the aisles at Spotlight.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Deciding to cut apart a perfectly good brand new dress to add panels in so it fits me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've done anything and everything today to avoid finishing off <b><a href="http://www.sillygillykids.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/summer-sewing.html" target="_blank">those bathers</a></b> that are starting to do my head in. I'm on the home stretch with them but all these alterations to the pattern are getting tiresome!</div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-51180142898334685472012-06-28T09:48:00.000+09:302012-06-28T09:48:25.156+09:30Summer sewingI feel a little topsy turvy today as I'm beginning my first ever swim suit sewing project and it's currently 10 degrees outside! We have a holiday to Bali coming up very soon so I'm determined to get it finished asap.<br />
<br />
After searching endlessly through online stores for a 50's inspired swim suit, I just couldn't find one that seemed to me wearable (without bodily parts spilling out at inappropriate times) or affordable (less than $300AU).<br />
<br />
So off I then went in search of a 50's inspired swim suit sewing pattern. Again it was difficult until I stumbled upon this beauty:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beta.photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_1661" border="0" height="498" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/IMG_1661.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #c27ba0; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/246843" target="_blank">Mrs Depew Vintage patterns - The One Piece Bathing Suit. </a></b></div>
<br />
Mrs Depew very sensibly suggests making a muslin for this one so here I am starting out with a not so subtle shade of green. I'm even considering using bra cups and/or underwire in this toile.... something I've not tried before but there's nothing like jumping in the deep end to stretch the brain cells! Sewing stretch material is a challenge but something I'm willing to try if I end up with a gorgeous vintage style swim suit. Wish me luck!Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-88655964510147916362012-06-21T16:40:00.000+09:302012-06-21T17:28:41.763+09:30SIT Canberra 2012 - Day 1Here is the first installment of a three part series on the craft weekend that has now become a heart warming, soul lightening, fabulous part of my year. Sew It Together. I love these gals.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
_________________________________________________</div>
<br />
Friday I arrived as bright and early as a sparrow's fluffer at Canberra airport to be greeted with a lovely fresh sub zero temperature outside. Nice! I love the cold though so it was no worry to me.<br />
<br />
The lovely <b><a href="http://posie.com.au/" target="_blank">Posie </a></b>picked myself and other crafty gals up in her Black Kidnapping Vehicle (thanks Posie!) and gave us a lovely tour of downtown and thereabouts of Canberra. I must say that Canberra hasn't changed all that much since I was there last in Grade 6 of primary school. The suburbs and city are so spread out that it all has a lovely country feel to it. We made it to the YHA in the city and checked in. I met up with my SIT buddy Megan of <b><a href="http://edanrose.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">EdanRose </a></b>with whom I had the pleasure of sharing a room last year. This year we even got to share a bed! More on that later.<br />
<br />
Off our little group went to check out downtown Canberra. The YHA is so conveniently situated between all of our destinations that it didn't take long to get anywhere. Good choice of accommodation to whoever chose it! We all met up for the first time of the weekend at the Crowne Plaza and lots of hugs and squeals and awkward "<i>I don't know you but I know all about you</i>" moments were shared in the lobby. I got my first sneak peek at some craftiness when I spotted these belonging to Judy (correct me if I'm wrong??):<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="gloves" border="0" height="640" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/gloves.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
<br />
Then the beautifully omnipotent <b><a href="http://chaletgirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sheridan </a></b>arrived as did the mini bus to take us on our Friday Afternoon Shopping Trip. We filled that little bus and like last year, some of us knew each other and there was a good mix of newbies too. Lots of chatting and getting to know you talk. Even snack bags that Sheridan and her crew has put together for us! Our first stop was <b><a href="http://www.a2f.com.au/Home.htm" target="_blank">Addicted to Fabric</a></b> - a big shop full of fabric loveliness. I kept myself restrained compared to last year and only drooled over the fabrics. It felt quite odd being in a lovely craft shop and not purchasing. Very odd....<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="fabric" border="0" height="480" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/fabric.jpg" width="640" />
<br />
<br />
Next stop was Bison ceramics. A lot of the gals in our bus went a bit bonkers over this gorgeous pottery. Again, nothing was purchased by me. Odd.But I was giddy with the colour and pattern in this room. Subtle and
powerful all at once.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSTZ4zvjBI30843fR4pUehyphenhyphenisoVIWatHu0b9xy15MyXTBRBSZeiXbUy-u9NRkwM6Bs_18MfSJqFBkrWYFbLgINguaC23xM2iXASooAyZLhDlGAjsM9OxZfXAt7if-Sm803prwQpY0XYyD/s1600/bison+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSTZ4zvjBI30843fR4pUehyphenhyphenisoVIWatHu0b9xy15MyXTBRBSZeiXbUy-u9NRkwM6Bs_18MfSJqFBkrWYFbLgINguaC23xM2iXASooAyZLhDlGAjsM9OxZfXAt7if-Sm803prwQpY0XYyD/s640/bison+mosaic.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/bison4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bison4" border="0" height="421" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/bison4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="bison5" border="0" height="477" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/bison5.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Our final bus trip destination for the evening, and perhaps the most jolly
of the day, was the gorgeous <b><a href="http://www.handmademarket.com.au/home.html" target="_blank">Shop Handmade</a></b>.
A shop with so many handmade goodies that I kept on oohing and aaahing the
whole way round that big space. There was a lovely little section toward the
back where Sheridan had organised for us to snack on Macarons (Macaroons if
you're a Frankston gal like me) and champagne. It was a lovely way to relax,
chat with friends and do a spot of shopping. Again me = no shopping. By this
stage I was wondering if I had a brain malfunction occurring. <br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://beta.photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://beta.photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="handmademacaroons" border="0" height="480" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/handmademacaroons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sweet <b><a href="http://mealyandi.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Kylie
</a></b>finally arrived and by that time the <b><a href="http://beckyetal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">entertainment </a></b>had
started. We were all so happy to see Kylie as we thought she'd gotten lost
along the way! Then it was off to dinner at a lovely Thai restaurant and back
to the room for some fabric adoration and then into bed. Unfortunately Megan
and I had to rug up with beanies and jumpers as pyjama accessories as the
heating wasn't working in our YHA room.... not a jolly thing during Winter in
Canberra!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned.....Coming soon, more photos and hijincks from Day 2 of SIT 2012
Canberra!!Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-58366135124554999092012-06-13T05:13:00.004+09:302012-06-13T05:13:57.222+09:30Dreams and DilemmasI'm back and still wistful about the lovely weekend I have just enjoyed in Canberra with many lovely crafty, bloggy friends. Life is definitely busy at the moment and keeps rolling on, no matter how concerted my efforts are to enjoy and stretch out a happy weekend. I aim to blog about SIT 2012 very soon.<br />
<br />
Not wanting to be deliberately secret squirrel but still needing to get it all out of my head <i>(hence the 4am wake up and 5am blog post),</i> I've got some major decisions to make this week and I'm definitely struggling with the 'too nice' side of my personality. The people pleaser side. The always say yes side.<br />
<br />
How do you deal with putting yourself first but still wanting to make sure that the other person/s are happy too? It's a big thing to be a grown up and put yourself first and I'm definitely still learning on how to do that effectively. I could rave on about girls and our societal brainwashing of them in that they must be '<i>nice</i>' and '<i>do the right thing</i>' all the time. But it's too early in the morning even for me for that topic....<br />
<br />
So instead I'll share with you a photo of my gorgeous gal and I that I took the other week to record the loss of her two front teeth. Too cute!<br />
<br />
Wish me luck and please send me be strong vibes for today! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8fBif2yOBDyYTd9XSRQmd1ZzCSt4uxNElbo2mtSLkoDDpacCdVGFBVjxTSMZcSARR1p10AZDsKpoC8oJYfWlVNn25NbrTv2lL0dRLXZAn9RbA8qMSCyi1OmR8HSiC_IjcxiFM6hTKZgX/s1600/toothy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8fBif2yOBDyYTd9XSRQmd1ZzCSt4uxNElbo2mtSLkoDDpacCdVGFBVjxTSMZcSARR1p10AZDsKpoC8oJYfWlVNn25NbrTv2lL0dRLXZAn9RbA8qMSCyi1OmR8HSiC_IjcxiFM6hTKZgX/s640/toothy.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-90835954321345398182012-06-06T12:14:00.001+09:302012-06-06T12:14:41.270+09:302 Sleeps Till SIT 2012!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIbRj9cUQDISWVzqWbIVazE8UfM281lt2FequOCtDjbtgjvN3w3cdKOtIAPtmxU1aRUvgWIQR9wRQZUBvkm0Qt5-Gqe7KYKpGLS2NOX7m8SQq1J8_8RkylDkXW6kaXYQpNJ8JQ7PhH40G/s1600/IMG_1479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIbRj9cUQDISWVzqWbIVazE8UfM281lt2FequOCtDjbtgjvN3w3cdKOtIAPtmxU1aRUvgWIQR9wRQZUBvkm0Qt5-Gqe7KYKpGLS2NOX7m8SQq1J8_8RkylDkXW6kaXYQpNJ8JQ7PhH40G/s640/IMG_1479.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Two more sleeps until I leave for Canberra to hang out at Sew It Together 2012!! Shopping, laughs, drinking, food, shopping.... maybe some crafting thrown in there???<br />
<br />
These are a couple of coin purses I've been making for the weekend to swap.Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-35080489502653080472012-05-26T14:31:00.002+09:302012-05-26T14:31:46.458+09:30Simple and sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gamLpWFg5oyR24bJTpxlmgEpJfL0zDrjgEJasAEcJZRfhNn3bOKfV2LIjymwlSxAJvXgr34BPVqc8zR5fkrUlXRoeA8oiF1MArYEdOXzQWvNCOo7pDa_9jkXO-8cEAV_1hN5xAFoqxkf/s1600/ribbons-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gamLpWFg5oyR24bJTpxlmgEpJfL0zDrjgEJasAEcJZRfhNn3bOKfV2LIjymwlSxAJvXgr34BPVqc8zR5fkrUlXRoeA8oiF1MArYEdOXzQWvNCOo7pDa_9jkXO-8cEAV_1hN5xAFoqxkf/s640/ribbons-1.jpg" width="570" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
Making Dancing Rainbow Ribbons for a customer order on a wet and windy day yesterday surely warmed the cockles of my heart. The colours, the simplicity. Beautiful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hold on, when I think about that saying, '</span><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Warms the cockles of your heart</i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">' it makes me think that I have biscuits sandwiched together with icing inside my heart. Which would make me quite sweet..... which isn't a bad thing.</span></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-15555043095210132692012-05-22T23:04:00.000+09:302012-05-22T23:10:09.252+09:30Sheepishly pleased<img alt="badge2" border="0" height="579" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/gidgetstar/badge2.jpg" width="640" /><br />
I nominated myself to be the organiser of the <a href="http://sewittogether.wordpress.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">SIT 2012</a> <a href="http://www.sillygillykids.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/are-you-attending-this-years-sew-it.html" style="color: red;" target="_blank">Name Badge swap</a>. The pressure (albeit self-imposed) was crazy so I thought long and hard about my design. I came up with this. He's cute in a knitted way. I don't knit very much at all so I look at him with some trepidation... LOL. Please excuse the dodgy mess on the upper half of the name badge. All names have been obscured for safety of the recipient. Or for stealthy craftiness. Either or.<br />
<br />
It's only 2 and a half weeks till I jet set off to Canberra for a weekend of crafty goodness. It will be lovely catching up with online and RT friends. I dare say not much crafting will happen but friendships will be strengthened and made, lots of laughs to be snorted and shopping to be frenzied out of my system.<br />
<br />
I can't wait!Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495036328226797629.post-8356458489868836262012-04-21T19:40:00.000+09:302012-04-21T19:41:09.029+09:30I'm sensing a bit of a theme.....Some of my current favourite things on Etsy
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<script src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><script type="text/javascript">
new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5867915, 'favorites','gallery',5,4).renderIframe();
</script></div>
<br />Gillian Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01405517975228074756noreply@blogger.com1