missi mu

Long time no blog...

2011-11-16T21:45:00.001+11:00

So, after almost a year out of the blogging world I amazingly had some spare time this evening and rediscovered my page! What a year it's been, too much for one post, but I can leave you with some little snippets of what has been happening in my neck of the woods. Most significantly, I had a baby, Harry, who is already six months old! This is him below about three months ago. He is such a happy baby, I feel very lucky.

Brigi loves him (phew!) and he is a big strapping thing, much to my relief. In the photo above you can see some of a divine cathedral window quilt that I made for him, finishing it about a week before he arrived. Amazingly I can't find a whole photo of the quilt, promise to post it next time. Thank heavens he was overdue, that's all I can say. It was worth the effort though, I think it's one of my favourites.

And last but not least, Brigi has been going so well we get to stop her fortnightly hospital visits for three months and see how she goes. This is her saying goodbye to "her" ward! Clever girl. I hope you have had a good year, next time I find a spare few minutes I'll hope to pop over to your pages. Bec x

Beehive quilt finished!

2011-01-12T20:22:00.000+11:00

Phew! This quilt, although relatively simple design, turned into a bit of a monster from its sheer size, and the number of nine patch squares around the edges. White linen was used for the backing, just in case my mother in law needs a break from the colour.

Thanks to all the girls from the Beehive, I don't think it would have been finished for my mother in law in time for Christmas if it wasn't for your sewing capabilities! She loves it and it takes pride of place on her bed in her holiday house by the sea.

I hope everyone had a good break over the Christmas / New Year period, and I look forward to catching up on all the latest in the quilting world. Bye for now, Bec x

Where on earth have I been???

2010-12-06T13:16:00.000+11:00

Before I answer that question, below is the final Beehive block for Karlyn. It was due for October, but I have been a little preoccupied...

I loved making this block, mainly because it looks so spectacular and was easy peasy. So, what have I been up to these last three months? Well, it just so happens that I'm pregnant... 20 weeks to be exact. While I have been lucky this time around with no nausea, I have been tired and wondering where on earth this little one is going to fit in our apartment. So the study is no more, actually it's a no man's land, and we are trying to prepare Brigi for having a little brother. I have been furiously trying to tie up projects (hopefully a post for next week), and find some down time amongst the chaos.

More news... my girl is having her gastrostomy button removed in two days. No more tube feeding. Big relief but I'm a bit scared, it's been a lifeline for so long. So a big week this week, just in time for Christmas. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us on Wednesday, it's going to be a looooonnnnng day! Bye for now, Bec xoxo

Tom's quilt

2010-09-04T14:19:00.000+10:00

A friend of ours has just given birth to a little boy, Thomas, and I made him this quilt to keep him warm. Unfortunately the photos were really washed out so this is the only half decent one to post. In a nutshell it was strips of white and assorted prints charming fabrics, with a multitude of prints charming on the back. Very cute for the little one! My sewing machine is still in for a service and is still quite ill so I have been twitching around trying to find something else to channel my energy with but to no avail. Hopefully it will be ready in another couple of weeks. xoxo

Beehive blocks

2010-08-17T21:54:00.000+10:00

These five blocks were made for Andi for the Beehive for July... yes, I know, a couple of weeks overdue, but hopefully worth the wait. My poor sewing machine is violently ill and I barely finished the blocks. So now it's a two week drought of sewing, then apparently machine will be good as new. Guess I should have paid more attention to the warning about running over pins!!

Ice Cream Social dress

2010-08-08T20:28:00.000+10:00

This was my contribution to the ice cream social sew-along, although I was a couple of weeks late in entering! It's a little less floral and pretty than other entries but I like it.

The flecked fabric is a navy and white linen, and the gingham is a navy cotton voile. The linen, although I am sure will drive me nuts having to iron (unless I embrace the crushed look!), was great for this dress as the bottom panel weighs down the gingham well. Both fabrics are from Tessuti.

The trim was bought from some lace shop or other in Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong in my insurmountable trim stash, and the button is probably from Tessuti.

Picking up the sticks

2010-07-16T22:50:00.001+10:00

This is a scarf I have made using some Noro wool- I think it took up three skeins and I really enjoyed making it. Beautiful colours, beautiful wool, this was a great winter project. The coat hanger has sentimental value- my grandma used to buy these for me in gaudy colours and I love them because they remind me of her.

The pattern was from Morris & Sons, called something like Suzy Swirl but I think it's more of a curly whirly twisty twirly. I'm now onto my second for my mum. Now the next pic is a comical shot of me trying to show you what the scarf looks like on- makes me cringe and laugh!!

And last but not least, this is a far better model shot of Brigi in her knitted red dress- with love from her nanna. Now I think she's a far better poser!

Beehive May & June

2010-06-22T13:35:00.001+10:00

To make up for my hectic last couple of months I had a Beehive weekend and caught up on my blocks and amazingly, I am back on track. Above is the block for Julie for May, and below is a block for Amy for June.

Hope you like them ladies! Bec x

Hong Kong hangover

2010-06-19T22:13:00.001+10:00

So where on earth could I have disppeared to over the past three weeks? It feels like AGES since my last post. For those of you stopping by, thanks for checking in!! But at least I was having loads of fun in my silence because I was shopping up a storm in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.... oh I have goosebumps over the sheer frenzy and I could write a whole book on my shopping ventures but here are a few snapshots...

So much designer-style (if you catch my drift) above and below are some Dior style pearls ( didn't even realise I was a pearl girl until I saw these babies).

These clothes are just a sample of what I had made at the tailor's in Shenzhen. I went to Adah (Shop 5138A LCC just in case you're interested) this time and was thrilled with her results. I had so many clothes, including suits for my husband, I had to sit on my suitcase to zip it shut. Lucky I had extra baggage allowance.

That frilly skirt on the left would have driven some poor person crazy- it's silk chiffon, and is three tiers of gathering. There was definite method in my madness in getting that skirt copied, I was crosseyed just looking at it. So, just a little summay of details in case you are heading over there anytime...

Shenzhen is really the shopping mecca as far as labels go, and by the way, all those prescription glasses in the first photo cost me about $45 a pair including the script. OMG. All I had to do was give them a pair of my glasses, they read the script off those lenses and an hour and a half later voila! Five pairs of prescription glasses for the cost of one pair of lenses here. Go to Suzy and Dragon on Level 2 Louhu Commercial City (LCC) in the jewellery section, Stall 17.

Designer bags- my favourite place in all of LCC was Shop 2127. She is a real wheeler and dealer but her bags were top notch.

The Miu Miu and LV scarves were from the ladies markets in Hong Kong- the guy was lovely. I paid 70 HKD for each one- bargain ($10 AUS).

What I didn't show in the top photo were some designer style shoes I bought from Vickie on Hong Kong Island, off East Luen St for about $55 AUS- Chanel flowers if you don't mind.

This photo is of me, Irene and mum in the Jade Market. She is stall number 278 and she is a lovely lady who knows her stuff.

Tim Ho Wan- it doesn't look like much on the outside but this laminate table diner has a Michelin star- I kid you not- and you will be lucky to break an AUD $10 note. I didn't and I ate like a horse. Believe it or not there is a military shop next door selling guns and face masks- just ignore it! The food was delicious and worth the wait outside (and the officious ladies out the front shouting numbers in Cantonese!). Kwong Wa St Mong Kok. MUST order the pork buns. Think of me if you ever try them...

Sigh. There in a nutshell, there is so much more but I'm out of time. I hope you enjoyed this post, I promise it won't be so long until next time!

Bec x

Beehive block for April

2010-05-21T21:29:00.004+10:00

This is my very belated block for the April Beehive- the instructions were to make a block using circles. This for some reason provided a mental barrier for me, and when I finally bit the bullet Vliesofix became my new BFF.

In case you're wondering, it's an elephant going for a walk with some balloons, wrapped around its trunk. No, I was not on medication when I came up with this but I think it looks pretty quirky and cute!

Hope you like it Tanya! Bye for now, Bec xo

Mmmmm....

2010-05-03T13:47:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, my apologies for my silence this past couple of weeks. I have a private blog where I write about my adventures and trials with Mu. I haven't even had time to write in that blog the last couple of weeks, but we had a revelation in our house last week and I thought I'd share the latest entry I made in my private blog. This isn't going to be a regular thing, I'm still a crafty mama but this is worth sharing...

28 April 2010
This is the date of my dad's 62nd birthday. It's also the date that Brigi started to eat. Yes, eat. And all I can think, 5 days later, is, can you believe it? I mean can you believe it??? I can't believe it. I can't wipe the smile off my face. Each day I wake up thinking, it's okay if she stops today. She isn't going to eat today. Then she's hovering over my vegemite toast and is asking for banana. I can't believe it. Nick is in awe, he finds it amazing, and asked me last night if we should stop feeding her after a while. It's as though we are too scared to truly believe it, like we want to jinx ourselves just in case. Vicky (mu's carer at preschool) rang me and told me she had all her banana (a 1/4 of a banana!), 2 chips and a breadstick- for morning tea. She hasn't even had lunch yet. That was all the banana I packed. And the crazy thing is she has barely wanted to touch banana until now. She has always loved sucking on strawberries, but suddenly she wants banana like it's going out of fashion! Nick rang me to see if she was still eating, I said she has upped the anti! I can't believe it. It's a wash of relief and euphoria and disbelief of the past 3 1/2 years. It has been since January 2007 that Mu has not eaten. I just find it overwhelming to think of all the stress and pain we have been through, how sick Brigi must have been feeling all this time, feeling like a failure as a parent, feeling pushed to the brink of broken. It's amazing, I am pinching myself. It's wonderful. I hope I wake up tomorrow and it's still real.

Crafty shoulder pads

2010-04-21T20:03:00.004+10:00

Just as I said to Brigi "smi-ile", she turned around and gave me this huge grin! Cheeky monkey, she makes me laugh! Below are the shoulder pads I made for her backpack, as I noticed that with the weight of her milk and machine the straps kept on digging into her shoulders.

They are approx. 4" x 3.5" with cotton wadding in the middle. I machine quilted them and then overlocked the edges. They are reversible- paisley on one side and flamingos on the other, although when I put the flamingoes on the outside they become headless. Bummer.

Until next time, keep on smiling!! Bec x

Beehive March

2010-04-13T15:08:00.005+10:00

Yes, that is right, March. I have a reason though, I only received my fabrics from Katrina last week. The poor thing had a run in with Canadian post office people and half her fabrics were returned to her! Worth the wait though, the fabrics were gorgeous and the block looks beautiful.
I am very pleased with this one, although so many squares and triangles have sent me a little crazy. Time to get a coffee and some chocolate...

Half baked

2010-04-06T15:08:00.010+10:00

Not that this cake is half baked, it's more a title to describe the past fortnight- I managed to get through alot, I just don't feel like I achieved it triumphantly!! It was Nick's birthday on Sunday and bless him, he requested the easiest cake in the world to make- Madeira cake with lemon icing, only it ended up being a smidge runnier than anticipated. Delish though.
Missi Mu has been sick for two weeks, which for me definitely heralds the end of summer. It started as a cold and turned into an ear infection and currently she is battling croup and some mysterious disgusting virus that is resulting in runny poos. YUCK. So yet another half baked photo, my dress I have been trying to finish. I thought I'd show you now just in case it ends up taking another two weeks! It's a beautiful Nani Iro double gauze fabric I've had in my stash for a couple of years and I thought it would make a beautiful loose fitting shift like this one. I am not sure if the neckline has worked as successfully this time as the double gauze makes the fabric more "cumbersome" in the pleating but I'm still happy with the outcome. To cheer myself up I have been wearing a lovely sparkly pair of shoes (Juicy Couture) that I have been wearing non-stop and make me look dressy even on the most ordinary of days (which is the kind of fashion I love and rely on!). A little over the top for the park and the supermarket but hey, who cares?? And last but not least, to top it all off I have gone brown... a vast change from the platinum but I couldn't keep up with the regrowth!!! I do this every few years, get blonder and blonder and then I become a brunette until I start going blonde again. Don't worry, give me time, I'll get there again... I hope you have had a more successful and less sickly couple of weeks than I have! Bye for now, Bec xo

Embroidery nirvana

2010-03-22T13:58:00.009+11:00

I am very blessed to have a wonderful Aunt who tucks herself away on the Sunshine Coast and in her precious spare time whips up glorious, sometimes off beat and always sensational pieces of craft- from quilting to fashion to emroidery to "other", and when you least expect it an unassuming Express Post bag arrives on my doorstep with a little snippet of something special. And that is exactly what happened last week.
This beautiful skirt arrived as a "skirt front" to my mother. Sue had embroidered the flowers using her very high-tech whizz bang Pfaff (see Tessuti blog post). My mother then fininshed the skirt and triumphantly presented it to me, labels and all!!
Johnnie has-been you wonder? Well, Sue is in awe of the embroidery on Johnny Was designs- they are beautiful- and this inspires her when choosing her embroidery layouts and colours. In Ode-To-Johhny Was, Sue likes to sign off as Johnnie hasbeen! I think it's fortunate she didn't use Johnnie has-been-here as there is no way I could wear that label on the outside!!

And to top it all off, here are the gift tags she has made especially for me- Sue knows I have a thing for bunnies, especially quirky ones wearing white strapless gowns! Aren't they adorable? Lucky me, thanks Sue xo

Meet Mr Mu

2010-03-16T14:07:00.006+11:00

Here is my husband, Nick, in a slightly wild eyed frenzy, triumphantly pulling out freshly baked banana muffins at 10:45 last night. He had an urge at 10pm for a muffin and became totally obsessed so he found the wooden spoon and set off to work. It was a delicious supper and a lovely surprise!!

Market treasures

2010-03-08T13:53:00.012+11:00

On the weekend Brigi and I made a cameo appearance at Mathilda's Market at Paddington Town Hall. This is what we found...
A spotty raincoat (will I ever get over red and white spots???) in a size (1-2) -miraculous- most raincoats start at size 3 and they are too big for my chicken. Some 3/4 pants, perfect for transitional weather... and some stripey "resort wear" (ie slouching around at home).Unfortunately any attempt at stylish photos were thwarted by Brigi, who insisted on being my assistant...
Thanks for your lovely comments last week, it helped to lift my spirits! Brigi went really well in hospital and I am muddling through our new routine (milk and tubes flying everywhere). She is on the pump 22 hours a day at the moment, but as you can see she isn't letting it stop her from enjoying herself...
xx

A polka dot vision...

2010-03-01T22:04:00.010+11:00

This is what I have been frustratingly making this past week- a backpack for Brigi!!! Why so frustrating? Well it seems obvious now but coated cotton has no give and such a little bag with so many curves was difficult. So what makes this project unique?

Well, I'll tell you a little about my Mu. She has to go into hospital this week to have a tube inserted into her intestine for feeding... this means she has to carry a machine and milk around for 20hrs a day. So as a mum I figured she might as well look super cute-she deserves it...speaking of which, this is what Brigi will be doing when carrying milk- climbing furniture just to get her fave book at the moment!

I love you Brigi. I wish I could take your pain away.

Polka dots...

2010-02-23T13:38:00.003+11:00

...seem to be something I just LOVE on Brigi. She has red polka dot hats, swimming cossie, dresses from when she was a baby and leggings with polka dot frills.
This latest polka dot is a beautiful Moda fabric, it is a vintage coloured red with off white spot and is plastic coated cotton, but not so shiny and stick, more muted. This is a unique project, I will unveil (with any luck!) on the weekend.

Frockalicious

2010-02-18T12:51:00.005+11:00

Remember this fabric from a couple of Sunday Stashes ago? Well I have busted my stash to make this beautiful gelato coloured summer dress, and what a great little one this is. It is perfect for hiding a tummy after large dinners and easy enough to throw on before taking Missi Mu to the park.
The pattern is Vogue 8552, and although it says very easy and ended up being easy, it required comcentration on reading instructions, as the darts in the back weren't standard and the neckline required me to focus. I did about half the basting in the instructions and the pleats at the neckline are staystitched into place to create a lovely ruffle.
This pattern was overall really detailed and logical to follow. My main issue with it was the armholes- WAY too small (unless I have somehow in the fashion world been classified as 'tuckshop'!). Fortunately it was easy to fix. After sewing the side seams I tried on the dress and pinned around the armhole of one side where I wanted the seam to be. Then in my undies and bra with pins flying around me I stitched the bias binding on this line. Instead of rolling the bias binding to make an edge on the armhole (as it said to do in the pattern- I wasn't too fussed on this idea anyway) I folded on the seam and then staystitched the bias underneath, which complemented the stitching at the neckline. I then measured from the finished armhole to do the same on the other side.

Sunday Stash #19

2010-02-14T22:11:00.003+11:00

Wishing you a happy Valentines Day...

xx

Lucy's quilt

2010-02-08T11:48:00.003+11:00

Remember the quilt I made AGES ago here, well this was given to little Lucy. And you know when you make a present for someone and you know how much effort you put into it and then you wonder if it is ever going to be used or just left in the cupboard??? Well I never realised until Lucy's Christening last week that her mother (and my oldest friend) Marie uses the quilt all the time, so I am totally stoked!!

This is Lucy trialling "tummy time"! Dear thing, grand old age of almost 2 months and she can fall asleep anywhere (now that is what we all aim for!).

Flight of fancy

2010-02-07T15:38:00.007+11:00

This bag was made for me by my lovely mama- the fabric LOOKS like the Missoni butterflies but at $14.95 from Lincraft I would have to say it is a really good knock off!

I have enough of this fabric to make a cushion, although the fabric needs a really good wash. On another note, the weather has been pretty ordinary this week, I am so sticky and hot from all this humidity and rain- which leaves me to a monday full of wet washing and more rain. But then again... I have a friend who always tells me that in winter I whinge about the cold and in February I whinge about the rain. So a positive note to end on- I love hot summers and swimming at the beach, even in the rain on a sticky day!!

Sunday Stash #18

2010-01-31T14:07:00.003+11:00

So this is the fabric the my Beehive quilt will be based on. It is intended for a beach house, so hence the colour choices, combined with a crisp white cotton.

Beehive on its way

2010-01-27T13:56:00.004+11:00

What a weekend I have had- madly cutting pieces of fabric to post to everyone in The Beehive. February is my month so I have spent January finding fabrics and practising a few different types of blocks. Just as well, as my poor Janome is a bit sick. I ran over a needle and she just hasn't been the same. Might have to check her in to rehab.

As you can see, my assistant was tremendously industrious in helping with fabric choices.

Baby bird

2010-01-21T13:51:00.004+11:00

My friend Marie has just had a gorgeous little baby girl, Lucy, who is going to be Christened next week. I thought this bird might be a nice gift for the occasion...

The bird is quite heavily embroidered using chain stitch, Chinese knots and gold old fashioned running stitch.

A chicken in a sundress

2010-01-11T09:21:00.004+11:00

Remember the seersucker japanese fabric I used to make a dress for Brigi but she wasn't in a photo session mood (see October's Sunday Stash #9)? Well I snapped her in this little number the other day and thought I had to share it with you.

Sunday Stash #17

2010-01-10T22:17:00.004+11:00

This beautiful fabric was purchased from Tessuti at Surry Hills on Wednesday. It is a Zimmerman cotton voile- YUMMY. Perfect for a summer frock. If you have the time and inclination, you should head over. Lots of fabrics reduced, great for expanding the stash!

...and a partridge in a pine tree!!

2009-12-23T20:33:00.005+11:00

This is my belated toy society toy for the Christmas 2009 Drop Off. Isn't she just too cute? I have to say I was a little hesitant to say goodbye, but I think a little one might have picked her up already as she was not there this morning. That is my mum and Brigi in the background, playing on the swings at Copacabana beach.
I am not sure I will be posting anymore until the new year, so I would like to finish 2009 off by saying a huge THANK YOU to all my blog readers, some of you I know and many from all over the world. I have really enjoyed reading your comments and hopefully I have provided some entertainment to you all. This year has been a busy one and this blog has provided a creative outlet and kept me connected with the world. It is my 32nd birthday tomorrow, so the chaos starts a day early in our household. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year and everything in between!! Bec xoxo

Sunday Stash #16

2009-12-20T16:55:00.004+11:00

So I wonder what on earth I am going to put up for my next Sunday Stash and lo and behold there are still piles of fabric to see me through at least another month! This stash is going towards what will be my quilt for The Beehive- it's to be a beachy one for my parents-in-law who have a house on the South Australian coastline (Goolwa). If you are freezing cold in the northern hemisphere you may be wondering why such cool colours for such a festive time of year?? To tell you the truth, it's pretty hot in Australia right now and so for me a beach inspired quilt sounds entirely normal! Goolwa can be 35-40 degrees (100 degrees farenheit) in the shade and freezing cold in the water, they get the southern swell from Antarctica. There is some Amy Butler, Denyse Schmidt and Jennifer Paganelli in that little bundle.

Sunday Stash #15

2009-12-13T15:22:00.002+11:00

These delicious fabrics were purchased from the sale at The Remnant Warehouse during the week. I LOVE colour against a grey background. I have no idea what they will be used for but just couldn't resist!

And below is Mr Samson on some cute little pants that were made using Lecien fabric- very Japanese, little cats and sheep and lambs and ducks all dressed up!

A birthday worth mentioning & December Beehive

2009-12-10T22:41:00.003+11:00

So, I hit home with a crashing thud and what do I do to relieve the everydayness of not being on holidays?? Buy HEAPS of fabric and start sewing in a frenzied manner. But first, I forgot to let y'all kow that Brigi turned 3 last week, clever chicken. This is her at Taronga Zoo in awe of a giant sized koala. Amy, you know how EXHAUSTED we were, but it was heaps of fun and a very memorable day!

And THIS amazing creation has been what I have spent my afternoon assembling. It is for Jo for the December Beehive , not just flying geese but a circle of geese! I have to say I thought she was crazy whe I first saw the pattern, and that if I cut into her gorgeous linen I might live to regret it, but the final product is spectacular, and I have learnt alot.

That's all until Sunday, I have a mountain of stash to make up for! x

Beehive block for November

2009-12-04T20:19:00.004+11:00

This is a close up of the 15.5"x10.5" block I completed for Meg for November's Beehive. I have to say I was initially skeptical of enjoying abstract piecing and I loved doing it!! If I made a mistake it didn't matter, I just made it work and I was pretty happy with the outcome. It also helped that Meg chose some gorgeous fabrics, especially the Joel Dewberry floral silhouette- my fave. I might have to get some for my Beehive!!

Under Meg's instructions I managed to iron most seams open- no small feat for so much small piecing.
Meg I hope you enjoy this quilt, I loved doing your block and it taught me alot that I had never tried before!!

Officially home...

2009-11-29T21:33:00.007+11:00

and not loving it but I am pleased to be back to the online wilderness! Our holiday was fab, as you can see from the photos, and although the sewing machine was set up, I did a paltry amount. So, here is a summary of our holiday:

1. Hanging out with Brigi and swimming with ducks

2. Zooming around the Hawkesbury trying desperately to avoid thunderstorms in our boat while smelling like bait! Nick and I loved out couple of days out on the boat, we didn't catch much that was edible but the main thing is we made it home alive. I kid you not, there was lightning zapping right behind us as we zoomed back to Patonga Beach.

3. Did I mention Brigi - swimming - ducks??? I just hope she forgives me for her wearing glasses AND a hat when she is older.

4. Brigi giving a kangaroo at the Australian Reptile Zoo a smooch.

And there you pretty much have it!! There was lots of surf time at the rockpool at Copa but Brigi was so fearless I guess Nick and I were running around the whole time, so alas no photos. She managed to get into a swim ring and LOVED it, and when I say she loved it, I mean she was OUT THE BACK (I know it's in the rockpool but there was surf!) swirling around treading water. That girl is adventurous.

And last but not least, the beginning of my abstract block for Meg for the Beehive. I promise you Meg, it will be in the post this week, with a little salty air in the fabric.

I hope this post finds you all well, I can't wait to catch up on my blog reading too. Bec xo

At the Copa, Copacabaaaaaana

2009-11-16T16:15:00.004+11:00

God bless Barry Manilow. I am in holiday mode on the NSW central coast at Copacabana Beach, and in my hazy relaxed state I forgot to let you all know!! So my apologies, I am tuned out for another week. But never fear, my sewing machine is set up and all my other sewing tools are spread all over the place. It's just hard to find the time in between swimming with Brigi amongst the ducks and vaguing out in the heat!! TTFN, Bec xo

Coconut Rice

2009-11-08T18:28:00.004+11:00

Miss B is on a soy and dairy free diet, and for those of you who have little ones with allergies and food intolerances it can be hard to get excited about cooking when so much is cut out of the diet. This recipe is easy peasy and is a delicious dessert or special occasion breakfast. I adapted a recipe for rice porridge out of Donna Hay's Off The Shelf book, replacing regular milk with coconut milk and adding some brown sugar. You don't have to add sugar but I find I use less in the cooking as opposed to heaping some on every time you serve it. This is yummy hot or cold, with fresh or stewed fruit on top. Brigi licks her fingers when we eat this, which is encouraging!!

Ingredients

1/2 cup short grain rice

1 1/2 cup water

1 cup coconut light milk

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Wash rice.

Put all ingredients into a saucepan, bring to the boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is very soft and the mixture looks like porridge.

Spoon into a bowl and top with your favourite fruit, or eat straight away. You can serve with extra coconut milk if desired.

Sunday Stash #14

2009-11-08T18:24:00.003+11:00

This is a beautiful "vintage" Prints Charming fabric I have in my stash. It's from about 4 years ago I think, and I can't bear to cut it up!!

Sunday Stash #13 & a fairy!

2009-11-02T22:14:00.006+11:00

I'm sorry I'm a whole day late, we had a weekend of house hunting, halloween party at Nicholson St Primary School in Balmain (Brigi was a fairy, her friends were a bunny and a bee), breakfast out, sewing and family dinner!!! Phew, It's exhausting just remembering. Any road up, below is Miss B and her bumble bee friend and some pretty Kokka florals, same design different colour ways...

Hope you are all well, Emma I am pleased to hear from you all the way from Singapore!! Hope you and family are settling in. TTFN all you lovely online wilderness browsers, Bec xo

A secret worth celebrating

2009-10-25T17:53:00.005+11:00

I am whispering this as I write and touching wood at the same time so I don't jinx myself... for those of you who know Miss B you know her story, for those of you who don't I am not going to elaborate except to say she has had an uphill battle all her life and is tube fed. So here is my revolutionary secret-

Miss B has had no overnight feed for one whole week now.

There!! How clever is my chicken?

Sunday Stash #12

2009-10-25T15:30:00.002+11:00

Here is some oh-so-sweet japanese fabric- lots of bunnies and bears and the odd cat and dog thrown in.

Sunday Stash #11

2009-10-18T14:21:00.002+11:00

This is the Zimmerman fabric that made up Mr Rabbit's torso. It's a beautiful lightweight cotton voile, great for kiddies clothes.

Mr B.Rabbit

2009-10-17T15:03:00.004+11:00

Meet Mr B. Rabbit, he is the first toy I have made for The Toy Society...

Isn't he handsome in an original only-a-mother-could-love-him sort of way??? This is him on the park bench where he is hoping to find a friend...

As his creator I became quite attached to Mr Rabbit, and was a little sad to hang his "please take me home" sign around his neck- I could see the look of betrayal flicker across his eyes...

On a practical note, his tail was a yoyo- so easy to make!!! The fabrics were from all over the place- Zimmerman, japanese, urban chicks, Prints Charming etc etc.

By the time I went past the park this afternoon he had gone- bye bye Mr Rabbit, I hope you found a good home!

A babe (and a star!) is born

2009-10-13T22:39:00.009+11:00

Today has been a day of high nerves and excitement. My little sis had her first baby- a beautiful boy named Samson. This post has piles of photos in it because I can finally show you what I have been working on for 6 months- Sam's quilt! It is a star quilt, the pattern used from the first Material Obsession book.

The fabrics used were from the Lecien Folklore range, Moda Arcadia and Urban Chicks. It took some time finding appropriate colour matches.

As you can see, there was LOTS of fussy cutting. I only made the centre of the quilt and bound it to make it baby size. I didn't know what the sex of her baby was so I used muted blues and aubergine and made it pretty. This quilt has been my baby- after only a year of quilting I had no idea how hard a star was, but it was well worth the effort. I learnt how to quilt on my machine and did stitch in the ditch and stippling myself!

Amy (my sis) was happy with the pressie (it was hard to give to her!) and Sam had a lovely snuggle under there. As my sister has just arrived home (yes, she gave birth 5 hours ago) she wasn't in a photo op moment but I will get some of her with little Sam.

Welcome to the world little one. Brigi can't wait to give you a kiss!

Sunday Stash #10

2009-10-11T20:39:00.003+11:00

Some beautiful paint by numbers birds care of the lovely Kate...

October Beehive

2009-10-08T14:57:00.002+11:00

Below is the block for my October beehive for Belinda. It is HUGE for a quilt block- 18.5" square. It was so rewarding making a large block, I think because it looks like you've done so much! I loved the fabrics, it was pretty easy for me to work on. Next is a 9.5" square with the leftovers...

Sunday Stash #9

2009-10-04T12:49:00.005+11:00

This is a fabric that I have had for a while in my stash, I just can't bear to think of cutting it up but feel it's wasted sitting in my stash and should be loved. It's a Nani Iro double gauze designed by Naomi Ito. The front piece of gauze is a "soft black", and the backing is a taupe colour, making the overall look a lovely sludgy black floral.

Miss B wanted me to let you know she was not in the mood for posing today (believe me, we tried!) and so the finished dress made from the Japanese seersucker is displayed by her "mirror girl" on her wardrobe door instead... she has a Sale of the Century hand waving pose happening don't you think?

I have a confession to make- I don't "do" facings unless I absolutely have to and so I used a navy bias binding to finish off the neck, sleeves and even the hem. I think it gives some definition to the dress and it suit's Miss B's colourings. While it didn't come up too clearly the button is from my stash, a little lime coloured apple.

TTFN, Bec x

4 days to go...

2009-09-30T22:07:00.003+10:00

So just letting y'all know I have kept my promise from my Sunday Stash #7 to not buy fabric for two whole weeks. Thank goodness I didn't overcommit myself as I have found some that I can't wait to get my grubby hands on! Come Monday I will be free of my promise and ready to feed the addiction. In the meantime I have finished a quilt and started a dress for Miss B in the seersucker japanese fabric from Sunday Stash #4. Photos for quilt are going to have to wait until my sister has her baby, just in case she is lurking around in the online wilderness...

Sunday Stash #8

2009-09-27T22:21:00.003+10:00

Some summery looking Denyse Schmidt... Beehive inspiration perhaps?

September Beehive

2009-09-25T21:03:00.003+10:00

Below are the two blocks I made for Mel this month...

Blood red skies

2009-09-23T07:19:00.003+10:00

Who would have thought that yesterday's photo would be followed by this...we woke up this morning to dark red skies. Red dust is stretching from Wollongong, out west to Dubbo, and up north to Newcastle, never before seen in Sydney.

A balmy day

2009-09-22T22:41:00.003+10:00

This is what my day consisted of- blue sky, coastal breeze, fun in the park with friends, thank goodness for spring.

Sunday Stash #7

2009-09-20T20:19:00.005+10:00

Just as well 7 is one of my favourite numbers- this stash is truly memorable! Firstly, three photos from my fabric frenzy at Tessuti during the week. I was in such a fluster I can't remember the designers- I think the first is Elie Saab, my fave (100% silk), middle one who knows (let's just make it Italian! silk and elastane) and the final fabric is Pucci (silk jersey). If you live in Melbourne check out the store down there, they will be heading your way soon.

The photo below sums up the intoxicating flurry of my mum (Susie, left) and Sue (Aunty Sue/ Noosa Girl, right) swathed in Versace. Amazing how we can be so tragically fabulous!! Long live fabric addiction.

And on that note I am committing to not buying any fabric for two whole weeks. I know, lame timeframe but that's all I can commit to!!!

My summer frock

2009-09-17T11:28:00.012+10:00

Well, it is warm enough in Sydney today for me to throw on this little number I made with my first sunday stash. Admittedly I finished the dress about a month ago and haven't had the gumption to "pose" for you!! I was still giggling through the photos as my mum kept telling me, "don't just stand there Bec, give a little wiggle!". I did wiggle but I don't know how much better it made it all... any road up, enough of my insecurities, it's all about the dress. The tie (sleeves and bow) is a black viscose georgette, which drapes quite well and isn't too stiff for the gathering at the front and back neck line.

After putting me through my photo shoot I thought it only fair that I submit my mum to the same. She has been totally demonic in sewing up a storm this morning. The most divine European fabrics have arrived at Tessuti and Colette was lovely enough to give us a preview yesterday. Of course, being addicted to fabric we all went a little crazy. It didn't help that Sue (aka Noosa Girl!) was down from the Sunshine Coast and somehow we all lost any form of rational thought between us and bought piles of fabric (but more of that at the next sunday stash!). Here is my mum's Pucci skirt, two side seams beautifully matched and a simple overlocked hem.

While we were being silly, little Miss Brigi found the Buddha statue and gave him a big smack on the lips- lucky guy.

Sunday Stash #6

2009-09-13T21:10:00.004+10:00

Below is a Zimmerman silk fabric from Tessuti- this photo just doesn't do it justice!! The colours are deliciously vibrant.

Happy birthday pet

2009-09-13T21:03:00.003+10:00

Today is my oldest most gorgeous friend Emily's 31st birthday. We knew each other from when she was born (I was 9 months old- we joked I inspired her parents!!). She passed away 5 years ago on Christmas Day after a devastating and brave battle with cancer and I still miss her so much. Em I just wish I could give you a hug one more time, and maybe share one more bloody mary at the Darlo, one more swim at the beach... Love love love, Bec xoxoxo

Sunday Stash #5

2009-09-07T10:13:00.004+10:00

My apologies for a sunday stash on a monday, we had a hectic weekend! Below is a photo of some of trims I have hidden away (yes I hoard lots of things). They have been collected from all over the place. The wide white cotton laces, fagotting and bold floral trims were bought from Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong, the rag traders wholesaling district. The embroidered ribbon (3rd from left) was given to me by Maree on her last sojourn to Vietnam. Ah yes my addiction takes me and friends everywhere!!

My cheeky chicken

2009-09-01T22:08:00.007+10:00

There is nothing like training them young!! Brigi woke up from her sleep this afternoon to the whir of the sewing machine, and lo and behold she wanted to take a closer a look. She particularly loved pressing all the buttons and I am hoping she never discovers the needle.

I hope to instill the same creative interest in craft that my mum did. I have lots of fond memories of my mum set up at the dining table with her sewing machine and general sewing chaos- threads, ribbons, fabric, pattern pieces. When my sister and I would ask when we could start sewing she would always say, "when you are 12". My sister one day replied, "will you still be alive when I'm 12?". Mum is pleased to announce she is alive and well and my sister is 29!

Sunday Stash #4

2009-08-30T16:45:00.006+10:00

This assortment of fabric was purchased a few days ago with some little children's japanese patterns in mind...

The fabric on the left is a cotton voile, in the middle is linen and the end is a beautiful japanese seersucker cotton.

Look what arrived...

2009-08-28T14:30:00.007+10:00

in the post this morning! It is the first stash of fabric from the quilting bee I have signed up to- The Beehive. I am so excited to be a part of this but am also feeling the responsibility of looking after and piecing Mel's fabric.

So today I am just playing with it, getting inspired by researching log cabin blocks and admiring her fabric choices and I am sure it will hit me when I know exactly what to do with it (fingers crossed!).

Sunday Stash #3

2009-08-23T19:05:00.005+10:00

There is something about this fabric that makes me think of spring/ summer- probably the cherries! The fabric on either end is Farmer's Market by Sandi Henderson (for Michael Miller) and the spot in the middle is Urban Chicks. It is with some other fabric next to my sewing machine, just sitting there waiting to be used, but for now I just like to pull it out and ponder.

Ta-da!!

2009-08-17T12:53:00.007+10:00

This is the first quilt I have quilted myself on machine, thanks to a very helpful lesson by Deb Louie, which demystified the whole process and gave me the confidence to just try it. This is a baby quilt for my girlfriend Marie, who is having a baby girl in December.

The quilt is about 22" square, so good for strollers, bassinet and a play mat. The fabric is all Prints Carming except for the gorgeous flamingos, which is a Japanese fabric I bought from Tessuti Fabrics probably almost a year ago now. The backing fabric was hand printed and was just too gorgeous to be fiddled with. Unfortunately I cut it a smidge too short so had to add the baby paisley, but I think it's quite a sweet bit of serendipity!

I am still marvelling at how good the stitching in the ditch looks. Even though it took more time than the straight lines on either side of the seam, it was worth practicing, as the next self quilted project is a lonestar quilt (no, am not insane, just like a challenge!).

2009-08-16T14:29:00.003+10:00

Sunday Stash #2

I have had a hectic week of obsessive sewing which will be posted later this week with the finished product... in the meantime all I have to show is my eclectic assortment of buttons...

Mostly flowers, hearts, frogs and a couple of cats thrown in there!! For some reason I get alot of comfort rifling through my buttons, delicious colours for all seasons (if you are under 5!).

2009-08-09T15:06:00.004+10:00

Sunday Stash #1

Check out this fabric- Marc Jacobs on sale from The Fabric Store in Surry Hills. It is a high quality cotton sateen, such good fabric I was convinced there must have been silk in there, but apparently not. I think it will make a yummy summer frock.

2009-08-05T21:49:00.000+10:00

A sleepless afternoon...

So how do you entertain a girl who just doesn't want to sleep in the afternoon??? After pulling my hair out wondering what on earth to do as I saw my down time slip away, I decided we would have a baking session. Miss B was donned in all her glory in her cooking apron, given to her by her lovely Aunty Sue.

The experiment was to bake a cake using Nuttelex, a replacement for butter (all those cooks out there cringing, I know!). Miss B is on a no dairy and no soy diet and it had dampened my enthusiasm for baking until today. And guess what? The cake was delicious!!! A never fail Madiera cake recipe from Nigella Lawson's How To Be a Domestic Goddess.

Let's just hope I can exhaust her tomorrow so I can have some time to sew in the afternoon...

2009-08-02T14:23:00.000+10:00

Breathe in...

and start typing! Welcome to my blog, this is my first foray into the online wilderness. I have been quilting for just over a year now, and would like to start by showing you my very first quilt, made of course for my little Miss B...

It was inspired by Prints Charming fabric, and yes, I spent seven months hand quilting. The tension is "unique" but I was pleased with the effect, all crunchy cotton. This is what the back looks like...

On the back I stitched a "B" and couldn't bear to finish the heart to the left, so I could always go back to the quilt if I wanted to...

That's all for now, until next time!