miffys world

Flyboy Jackie

2009-07-10T10:45:24+10:00

Jackie got his first balloon flight yesterday. Darryl flew him. Very exciting. Darcy of course was well peeved that she missed out! It has been a great week of flying here. Freezing cold but clear blue skies. And a blog post about flying needs few words - the story being best told in pics...

Deano - crew chief and excellent kid wrangler waiting, waiting...

Darryl with his concentrating face on.

Jackie helping the crew

There's that face again...

Inflating. Isn't it pretty?

Firing the burners for inflation

It's nice and warm when the burners fire! Note the hand knit scarf? I have been having a lovely time knitting.

Jackie and Kel on the crown line

All aboard...

The burners are noisy and hot - so Jack hid under his jacket!

And then another long trip in the back of the troop carrier! Darcy made sure she ate as many of the packet of jelly snakes as she could - which is only fair when big brother gets to fly...

Around Benalla in 8 Days

2009-07-07T20:26:16+10:00

Holiday time. And of course what better way to find the blog mojo than a bit of down time with the family. We are currently in central Victoria - Benalla. It is the Australian Hot Air Balloon Championships. Yes - a random and quirky family holiday - but that is de rigeur when you marry a Razzle Dazzle Stuart. Darryl used to fly, compete, and a whole bunch of ballooning stuff in his other life. Up til now there has been little flying but the kids are older and dead keen to get up in the clouds it seems. So in sub zero temps we sunny queenslanders are here for the week crewing with Paul Gibbs. The weather is crisp and bracing and we Queenslanders are far too soft. I bought the kids gloves in town and Darc didn't even know how to put them on! Of course - a holiday around balloons is best blogged about in pics so without further ado....

Saturday night - the town put on a Night Glow and Party. The balloons fire the burners which looks great in the night - and a little warmer too. Darc used the heat to warm up her Dagwood Dog!

Laser swords for sale - very popular with young Ninjas

Darc and Kel. Darc on the burners. New name... Burner Babe. Kinda suits supercool Darc.

Not to be outdone - Jackie had a blast too.

Monday morning. First day of competition. Do they look cold?

Darryl and Paul...

Inflating the envelope.

Dropping a marker at a target

Dirt kicking - there can be some waiting around for the crew between each target.

Landing right next to the road = no carrying baskets across paddocks. Nice and easy!

Some searching for valuable crystals (quartz) keeps the junior crew occupied for ages...

What a good little soldier - asleep in the back of the spartan troop carrier! Deano drives it like a rally car so goodness knows how the kids sleep - but they both do.

Thismorning - we are in the groove. No frost icing up the windscreen so it seemed promising. But Lordy - I have never had such cold feet in my life - perhaps I should have before entering my first marriage but that's a whole other story!!

Beautiful sunrise

Inflating the envelope

Maiike's balloon and crew. She's paul's better half and has an all chickie team.

Obviously I was feeling arty this morning and no crafty goodness to play with - so lots of photos...

This is Peter's balloon - Darryl crewed with them thismorning. Kat his wife flies co-pilot having just breastfed 3 month old Sam. Very cool chick. This is the travelling Day Care with head Nanny Steve (also known as crew - in charge. I asked to book in Jack and Darc in the morning!!)

For one of the tasks pilots needed to fly to this point and drop a marker as close to the target as possible.

Landing by the side of the road

Boys will be boys. City boys don't get to run around in the mud enough. Heaps of fun.

2 winners

2009-06-09T16:47:09+10:00

Ellie and Sandrine. Congrats girls! World's shortest (and most boring) blog post...

That's How We Roll...

2009-06-04T10:55:07+10:00

I have a fascination with my D foot - or Rolled Hem Foot. See - I have 3 feet! (That could be a little Dr Seuss couldn't it?) "It's a marvellous thing to have 3 feet. 3 feet, 3 feet! To count the beat... Sorry, I digress....

Anyway, my fascination isn't so much with the foot/feet but with doing gorgeous little rolled hems like this.

And if you look in your handy dandy machine manual for some form of guidance as to how this baby works - well you'll be none the wiser. So as part of my quest to spread some good karma, I have put together a little tutorial for you. Once you understand how to use the foot - you must practice to master the foot young Grasshopper. Wax on wax off... and so it goes for the D foot!

You can download the Thats_How_We_Roll_Shareware_Tutorial and if you would like to make a doantion to my karma fund raising money for a fantastic organisation helping kids with neuromuscular conditions like my daughter Darcy -then there is a button on the left! Otherwise you must promise to pass on the good karma you've just received from Miffy's Shareware series as soon as you can OK?

There's a blog party and you're invited!

2009-06-01T10:50:54+10:00

Sarah Fielke - yes that Sarah of Material Obsession fame has launched a new venture... SEWN. And to help her celebrate the big June launch - there's a blog party. Not being one to miss a party - we are joining in! And it wouldn't be a party without some gifts would it?

In Sarah's words,

The website will have just about everything you can think of that you would want online as a sewer. There are forums, online advice from industry experts, conversion charts, colour wheels, free patterns and class listings.

There will be interviews with all your favourite designers, quilters, patterns makers and authors. There will be tutorials with me and with other sewers from here and overseas, podcasts and coverage from shows and articles about all maner of exciting things.

Best of all, there are great unique gadgets - Fabricmatcher, which is an online tool which lets you match patterns to fabrics and see what your project will look like without sewing a stitch, and Find Fabric, which is the niftiest thing that will find the fabric you are looking for without you having to search for it for hours on the internet. It's so clever it even searches shops in your vacinity first to save you on international postage. How cool is that?

Plus there will be an online buy and sell area called SEWiNg, which is where you can sell the stuff you sew to the people out there who don't sew - and some of the ones who do :)

Sound cool?

So I am giving away the following...

One of these... The Saucy Apron Recipe. Now available in the Made by Miffy Store, Etsy and at the Retailers in the Left Side bar!

And a kit of pre cut fabrics so you can make one of these... An Apron in an Hour, using super cool Miss America's tutorial. That would be Jona - but I think she would kind of like being known to all us Aussies as Miss America!

To win one of my prizes - just leave a comment here. And after that - go visit SEWN to check it out. If it is not live yet - just keep up to date with all the participating blogs here at Sarah's place We are all doing giveaways so join in and help Sarah celebrate. She's a super cool chickie!

Winners will be drawn here on June 8! Party Day!

Rave Magazine interview - how exciting!

2009-05-26T19:27:09+10:00

So Darryl said, "Act cool Louise. You are in the very cool street press now. That means you have to be cool about it. They only interview cool people so be cool. Ok. Cool. Got it?.."

I got it. YEah right... The cool message coming from someone who dresses like this at Christmas - a mankini - cool?

And this... elves? (Note to Darryl - elves are cute - not cool)

And who can forget the great Pirate birthday Party ? (Note to Darryl: Johnny Depp is the only cool pirate.)

And what about dressing as a Jamaican Bobsledder? (You don't look cool just because the other person looks sillier. Sorry Hugo but you did look ridiculous)

So you can see why I am hesitant to listen to any form of style advice from a man who dresses as such. Yes, granted, I did buy most of these outfits. But funny is kinda cool. Wearing them - well that is a whole other statement about our marriage isn't it?!

So - Darryl - sorry, but I am not listening. I am really, really excited! This is SUPERCOOOOL and a little hilarious - and we know how much I love something random and hilarious.

Here is the big interview in Rave. Rave is a very cool street magazine. Hard copy and web edition. It lists all the Brisbane gigs and indie street music - plus other style info (that would be where my interview is located because I don't need to tell you about how bad my singing and air drumming is...) If you do go and have a peek at the download version of the mag - note the advert underneath my half page interview (yep - HALF PAGE!!!!) - about STIs - sexually transmitted infections (2 points to note here - back in my day they were called STDs - the 'd' being diseases - so a little infection has to be less dangerous than the dangers we faced back in the 80s!!.... AND secondly, I have to admit - I haven't written about sexually transmitted diseases since Grade 9 Heath classes - about 3000 years ago)

And regarding my rockstar references to my ticketed tickets just like Pink (who by the way - only got a teensy, weensy, tiny little paragraph in Rave...) I am definitely feeling some super rockstar cred at the moment.

You are so wrong Darryl - it is cool to be really, really excited! And it is ok to tell all your suburban school mum mates about it. I am just not cool enough to know people who have half a clue about Rave Magazine (and for that matter STIs)...

Introducing Made By Miffy Shareware! Its just good karma...

2009-05-23T10:58:34+10:00

Yes - in between puking, complaining and a reasonable amount of self-pity, I have been busy. And it is a gift - for everyone! I created this sweet little skirt...

and here is another...

It is the Miffy Twirly Whirly Apron Skirty. Sizes 1 - 6. And I have written it as the first of the Made by Miffy Shareware series. So, it is here for you to make for your own little one or make them to sell! And if you sell them - I wish you lots of success! I want to see my shareware series as a deposit in my karma bank. And with that spirit in mind if you would like to pass on the karma, I am suggesting a $1 donation to Montrose where Darcy receives her therapies. (Last year - Darc and I were interviewed and appeared in their corporate video) But if you can't - that is fine too - these are tough times. Just try to pass on some goodness to someone else in your own way soon. Cool huh?

One thing though, I do want to see everyone's creations - so I set up the Miffys Twirly Whirly Apron Skirty group on Flickr for you to upload your photos for everyone to see. It might be a good place to get colour combo inspirations too.

Here it is as a download for you. This is heaps of fun for me - I hope for you too. I can't wait to do this again!

EDITED TO ADD:

Timing is everything they say. When reading the Montrose Newsletter today, we discovered that they have partenered with a site so people can set up their own fundraising campaign. So I set my own up and you can donate to Montrose directly from Miffys World - in the sidebar on the left side. And we can all see how much I can raise. Supercool. So - download and share this with your friends!

Winners, parties, giveaways!

2009-05-21T12:13:17+10:00

Did you wonder what happened to us? We have been playing Pukin' virus tag team here. Not nice. Enough said.

So - finally to draw the winner of my competition... Sarah! She didn't know if her kitchen could take it and suggested.. "Brace yourself Benchtops" - fitting for this saucy number! So we shall see if it (the kitchen) could and they (the benchtops) did soon enough! Thanks so much to all who commented. I am in the process of writing personal emails back. Here is what Sarah wins...

And for wishing me "a lovely day, beautiful champagne, thoughtful gifts and lots of hugs and kisses", a runners up prize to the gorgeous Lily I must remember that as it is such a lovely birthday wish for friends!

Now whilst I have been feeling poorly and rather sad and sorry for myself, I have been busy. And here is the deal... I have developed the Twirly Whirly Apron Skirty as the first Made by Miffy - made by you - Shareware! A free tutorial for this cute skirt - with my good wishes to make them for gifts, make them to sell, make them for fun! Sizes 1 - 6. Loaded here by the weekend.

I will post later with some details for you about the tutorial as well as a blog party I am involved in and a new giveaway and a few other goodies.

Meanwhile - why not make yourself a Saucy Apron? Pattern and kits available in the Made by Miffy Store or my Etsy store

Who is this girl and what have you done with my Darcy?

2009-05-13T21:16:42+10:00

How does this sweet thing...

become this...

(That would be Darcy Linda Blair in The Exorcist - I couldn't use one of the scary vomitting pics I wanted to use from the movie because quite frankly - they still scare the Bejesus outta me - 30 years on - so this is she before the evil green slime!!!!...)

And yes - remarkably similar to Miffys World in the past 4 days. Darcy has done everything except have her head spin around. She is now officially Vomitting for Australia - Woot Woot! Well done Darc! 4 days!! And unpredictable. Every time we venture from the house - I bring the washing soaking bucket and a towel. It is unpredicatble and sudden. I am SO not good with that. Yes - I am an empathy spewer. Sorry if that is too much info - but it is sadly true. And her mood - good grief - it is foul and so Linda Blairesque! Screaming at me to bring her water, food, change the DVD, mop up, etc.... I feel like Cinderella here!

Sorry for sharing. But if I have promised to do something for you in the past 4 days - or you are awaiting a response to your lovely comment (which I have flagged and intend to do) just think "Oh she is probably lining Darcy's room with crosses or calling the priest, or mopping up..." Miffys World isn't as sparkly as normal.

But I am writing a fabbo tutorial that will form the first installment of Miffy Shareware - kinda like free Computer apps - but a sewing tute just for you to use! This one... a Twirly Whirly Apron Skirty... Sizes 1 - 6! Cool.... Stay tuned...

Oh - a drawing of a giveaway apron tomorrow for all you US girls who are so behind the Aussie time!

Who's the joker?

2009-05-11T17:55:12+10:00

Look what some marketing bozo decided should be promoted in my neighbourhood??

I know I just had yet another birthday, but really? Incontinence pads? In the letterbox? Free samples? With the line that now I could laugh with confidence. Mr Tena - I can even laugh with continence.

Today I developed a new little apron skirt 'formula'. Cute huh?

Hope everyone had a lovely Mothers Day yesterday. I sure did. It was a PJ Sunday for me. I put on my new Mothers day jammies and that is how I spent the day. Making yoyo hair pretties in front of the TV. Some french champers and cold seafood platter for lunch - then a rousing game of scrabble with Jack in the arvo. A great day! But the outstanding gift of the day was the Mothers Day book prepared by Darcy. Complete with an interview about her Mum. Us Mums compared a few of our responses thismorning at drop off. Mrs Koh - who has the best job in the world - collated some of the answers and emailed. So I am sharing them with my closts blog reading friends... Happy Mother's Day!

What is something Mummy always says to you?

“Clean up your room!” (this was a common answer)

“Brush your teeth and go to bed”. She says that a lot.

“No darling you can’t have a sweet treat today, you can have one tomorrow”. That’s what she always says.

What makes Mummy happy?

Going to bed. (I hear you sister!!)

What makes Mummy sad?

Nothing! Oh… maybe when Daddy is naughty. (all Daddy’s fault of course)

When I’m not there she is sad.

People dying.

Well, she doesn’t get sad…she just gets mad. (Way to go Mum!)

When I don’t clean up all my mess….that actually makes her cross really. She also gets sad if Daddy doesn’t do his chores. (Dad again!!)

When the house is not tidy. (Bit of a theme beginning to develop here)

How does your mummy make you laugh?

She made up a silly song about fruit….and about eating it…that made me laugh once. (Just the once!)

She doesn’t really make me laugh. (Oh dear!)

Well, once she spilt sugar all over the floor…that was funny. (Hilarious!)

What did your mummy like to do when she was a little girl?

I don’t know … I didn’t know her. (Makes sense to me)

Umm…I think she just liked to watch TV all the time…and sometimes play on swings. (Like mother, like daughter ???)

How old is your mummy?

Umm…13.

Umm…I don’t know….I think she is 14.

Umm….50 or 60. (Oops!)

I don’t know…I think she is 24 or something.

What is Mummy’s favourite thing to watch on TV?

Grown-up girly shows….or Steve

Irwin (Grown-up girls shows!!)

The Bold and the Beautiful.

Shows that I don’t like…like the building show and the digging show.

What does your mummy do when you are not around?

Well sometimes when she comes home and my Dad is not home she goes on the computer and my sister plays by herself. (The truth is out!)

She goes to the gym….and she sleeps. (One wonders if she sleeps at the gym)

Umm…she just works and thinks about me a lot.

Wash dishes.

She makes my bed and she goes to the shop to get biscuits and she does gardening and cooking.

Well, she sort of just stays and has a rest and watches movies and stuff. (And I know who you are, Mum. J)

If Mummy became famous, for what would she be known?

Keeping the kitchen tidy. (A tad too much cleaning going on in this house?)

Well, she’s really clever at making those chatterboxes, so probably that. (As good as anything else I guess)

Modeling. (Now isn’t this the answer every Mum would like to get??)

What is your mummy’s best skill?

She is best at feeding my dog. (And the dog thanks you, Mum!)

She’s good at singing lullabies when I’m a bit scared.

She is really good at cleaning up. (Cleaning again??!!

Doing handstands. (Hmm, the mind boggles….a handy skill no doubt!)

What is your mummy’s worst skill?

She’s not very good at making cakes…sometimes she gets them upside down. (Upside down cake, perhaps?)

My Mum’s not really good at camping out in a tent….she can’t stand it actually! (Right back at you!)

Knitting…she doesn’t know how to knit because she hasn’t even tried to do it. And she is not good at roller-skating. (You’ll never know unless you try, Mum!)

She’s a very, very slow runner.

Well, she’s not so good at dressing up….she’s not good at that much. (More dresses perhaps, Mum?)

Well, she doesn’t know how to ride a horse….she doesn’t even know what is a horse! (Oh Mum!)

Running …. she just gets puffed. (I know that feeling!)

Umm…knitting. She made a giraffe once but it only worked out a little bit.

What does Mummy do for her job?

Cleans the floor mostly. Yeah, that’s it.

I think she just goes on the computer.

She does washing and folding mostly. (Ah , don’t we all!)

She cleans up the house, she cleans the kitchen and she cleans my bedroom. She cleans a lot. (She sure does!)

What makes you feel proud of your mummy?

She knows how to cook…that’s all. (That’s it???)

If your Mum was a cartoon character, which one would she be?

I think she would be SpongeBob.

Grannie…off Tweetie…she wouldn’t be the cat who wants to eat the bird.

I think maybe

Scooby Doo

.Dorathe Explorer.

She wouldn’t be the

Simpsons

, I know that. Hmm…maybe I think she would be like

AngelinaBallerina

Bugs Bunny… she would have to dress up but because she is not really a rabbit. (Thank goodness!)

What do you and your mummy like to do together?Umm…we just tickle each other and make cupcakes.

Colour-in and tell jokes….that’s all.

Homework. We also like to feed the ducks.

How are you and your mummy the same?

I don’t know…maybe we have the same hair and the same face or something.

How are you and your mummy different?

She likes lying down and I don’t. (J)

Mummy likes the News but I don’t really like it. And she likes wine and coffee and I don’t.

Mummy drinks wine and I don’t. (A woman after my own heart!)

Mummy cooks a lot and I just do box construction a lot.

Where does your mum go all the time?

She likes to go to work all the time.

Out for dinner.

Shopping.

The supermarket; she goes there a lot.

She likes to go to the supermarket when we run out of milk.

What does your mum like most about your Dad?

Well, my Mum’s cousin said ‘he’s a good-looking man, you might want to marry him.’ Sometimes he looks spiffy with his hair going this way and that way. (Gotta love the stories that get told in Prep)

When he gives her cuddles, she really likes that.

Umm…’cause Daddy sits at the table with us for dinner every night. Mummy likes it when he cuddles her every night but Mummy gets hot when he cuddles

her. (Hmmm….best not to say anything about this!)

He is very helpful…. like sometimes he stays at home and Mummy goes to work. (This is all it takes to be consider ‘helpful’ Dads!)

Well, my daddy is nice and he is funny so I guess that could be it. (Could be!)

Well, sometimes she gets in trouble by my Dad but he is kind…she likes that. (J)

Well, if Daddy gives flowers to my mum they will like each other. (Works for me!)

When he does his chores. And he is very nice and very gentle.

How do you know Mummy loves you?

Because I was the first one born. And by asking me to clean up my room and stuff…that’s because she loves me so much. (Yeah, nice spin , Mum!)

She loves me a million because she just tells me on holidays. (Children are so much more lovable on holidays!)

Hey - don't forget the Birthday Blog Competition - ends Wednesday! Then no more silly birthday song for another year :(