Apologies.

Wish I could make this a happier update post!
I've had to take a bit of a break from my craft and blogging of late. Not just because I've been flat out busy with things, but due to family concerns. My dad has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, so we are all in a state of shock I think. He has been having tests etc for a few weeks now, but today we just recieved the news.

As you can imagine, sewing is the last thing on my mind at the moment. However, I am sorry for not updating earlier with the measurments for the Homespun Stitch a long. Please forgive me!

I feel like I haven't been doing my blog any justice of late, and I would much rather not post anything than be forever posting 'I'm sorry!' messages!!

Week 7: Tulip.
Finished size of stitchery block is 1.5x3".

Week 8: Home.
Finished size of stitchery block is 3x4".

I'm back!

Yup, I'm back safe and sound from Indonesia! And I had an absolutely AWESOME time. I loved it all, and I actually didn't want to leave. I really love West Papua especially, and the people are just wonderful and kind. I wish I could have stayed a couple of extra weeks!

If you would like to read about my time in Indonesia, please check out my Sew Blessed blog for all the info and photos. It's a worthwhile read, I promise!

So, now that I'm back I'm hoping to get into some sewing for myself! I feel like I haven't done any sewing for me for quite some time now. However, this whole 'sewing for me' thing won't last long, I know. I'm going to get back into sewing clothes for a second trip to Indonesia soon.

But I have two Moda layer cakes I'm itching to cut in to, and some charm packs begging to be used.

I've had some wonderful emails from ladies who are doing the Homespun "Give Thanks" Stitch a long! How exciting!

For those who have asked, below is the list of the finished sizes of the blocks so far:

Week 1.

Butterfly. Finished block size is 3" square.
Week 2.
Love Heart. Finished block size is 1.5" square.
Week 3.
5 Hearts. Finished block size is 1.5 x 3."

Week 4.

Family. Finished block size is 2x6"

Week 5.

Angel. Finished block size is 3" square.

I'll be putting up the finished block size each week as a new one comes out, so check back often.

Hopefully I'll be back soon to share what sort of sewing I've been up to lately!

.excited.

Well, it has been wonderful to hear from so many of you who are participating in the Homespun 'Give Thanks' Stitch-a-long! How exciting! I'm looking forward to seeing photos of the stitcheries as they progress along. If you have any photos, and want to share them, please feel free to email them to me.

Now, I had a lady ask if each week I could put up the finished size of each stitchery. There has been a bit of confusion over whether the stitcheries are printing out at the correct size. So, just to make it clear, the stitcheries are actually quite small, and the fabric allowance is generous to allow for ease of sewing in a hoop.

If you would prefer to save on some fabric, maybe try using a large piece of muslin or homespun, and don't chop it up for each individual stitchery. Instead, just draw and stitch each stitchery on the fabric, allowing some room between each one of course.

Below is the finished block size of the stitcheries that have been released so far:

Week 1.
Butterfly. Finished block size is 3" square.

Week 2.

Love Heart. Finished block size is 1.5" square.

Week 3.

5 Hearts. Finished block size is 1.5 x 3."

Hope that is of some help ladies!

Oh, if you are doing the stitch-a-long, please let me know in a comment on this post, and I'll add your name to a sidebar on my blog.

In other news, I am leaving for Indonesia tomorrow! Yes, tomorrow! Talk about exciting. And my other exciting news - we have 170 items of clothing for the orphans!! How awesome is that?! And that doesn't include other bits of donated goodies, like a soccer ball, hair clips, pens and paper etc etc. So I am really looking forward to going back to West Papua and blessing the kids with all these goodies! I have just spent the morning rolling up each item and packing them into the bag. I have so many photos to share with you, but just not the time at the moment - sorry!

So, I will be back on board after Easter, so if you don't hear from me for awhile - that's why!

Till then, happy stitching!

...Give Thanks...

So, did you see it? Did you see it?

*jumps up and down excitedly*

Yup, the new Homespun magazine came out, and guess what was in it? My quilt!

Talk about exciting!

So, the Stitch-a-long has begun, and you can check out and download the instructions on the Homespun website. I've already had ladies sending me an email to let me know they are doing the stitch-a-long - yay!

Well, I'm glad at least someone likes my quilt!! I must say, there is quite a bit of nervous apprehension when you do something like this. Must be to do with my fear or failure or something like that.

Anyway, I will be doing some of the Stitch-a-long myself and coming up with some new ways to use the stitcheries, and I'll be sure to share it all with you.

Till then, happy stitching!