A beautiful day

On the 14th of May, I became a wife to a wonderful and amazing man. With rain bucketing down in the leadup to the day, we were blessed with a clear and beautiful day. It was an early start for us girls (4:30am!) and a not so early start for the boys. But, after alot of preening and hair spray, I arrived at the church (slightly late!) to marry my gorgeous man.

And what a lovely and beautiful ceremony it was, and such a fantastic day. We couldn't stop smiling the minute we saw each other, and we enjoyed every moment of the day.

We had some photos taken at Maroondah Reservoir here in Healesville, and then a private and small reception at a friends house in Yarra Glen.

There were alot of handmade elements to our day, from the order of service booklets (with a fabric binding!) to personalised stitchery hoops hanging from the end of each pew. I drew all the designs, and then asked some of the girls at work to help me stitch them. The end result was perfect, and all the stitcheries will then be used to make a quilt.

I also made fabric bunting to decorate, the pins for the men, my headband, the flowers for the cake, and table runners for the reception, amongst many other things! I had so much fun! Also, the bridesmaid dresses were sewn by the mothers of my two bridesmaids - a huge job, but a wonderful result.

The end result? A wonderful, beautiful and happy day. One that Simon and I will cherish and remember for a very long time to come.

To love and to cherish...

Well, this is what happens when you plan a wedding in 3 months - your sewing blog suffers greatly! Yup - 3 months. Things have been incredibly busy here with decisions to make, dresses to fit, flowers to find and food to organise. But, in literally 5 days, the 14th of May, it will all be here - and I will be married!!

I know it all sounds cliche, but I seriously can't believe that I will be getting married in 5 days time. The past few months have gone by so quickly, and I'm still wondering what on earth happened to April. I know I had a birthday in there somewhere, but that was about it.

So I thought I best put up a quick post to say that yes, I am still alive, and yep - the wedding is soon! I will of course be on my honeymoon for a few weeks after the wedding, but once we get back and things settle down to normality, I have great plans for this blog and my business. And I'm so keen to get back to some sewing! Sadly my machine has decided to die on me, and I'm currently using my mothers 35 year old Pfaff. I think I may be in need of a new machine if my one can't be repaired. I think the motor has packed it in. :(

But anyway, I just wanted to quickly share with you my latest publication. Whilst I knew my quilt was going to be in the May edition of Homespun Magazine, I had no idea it was going to be on the cover. And look, there it is!

Let me introduce you to "Cherish," a beautiful and simple quilt in gorgeous blues and greens. I LOVE this colour palette - it's so soothing and soft. "Cherish" has quite an interesting history, and the one photographed is not the first quilt I actually made. The first quilt was made and perfected, and then ruined by a 'professional quilter' who did a ghastly job on the quilting. I was devastated, and with 2 weeks to the deadline I started the whole project again. And thankfully, the most wonderful Clair Acres, quilted the quilt for me in a few days, and for free. Clair - you are a lifesaver - and you did a beautiful job!

So, it was quite a relief to finish the quilt and send it off, and also to see it in the magazine. Oh, there's also a profile on me aswell - mega exciting!!

Well for now, it's probably my final post as Samantha Mackenzie - I'll be back later, married and with a new name!!

I've been keeping a secret...

A rather big one actually!!! Simon and I are engaged!!

It's been a rather busy and an amazing time these last few weeks - and I think it's only going to get busier from now on. Whilst Simon and I had been talking about marriage for a while now, he got done on his knees and asked the all important question on the 3rd of February. Of course, he recieved a very enthusiastic yes!! We are both so excited about getting married and sharing in this wonderful journey called life together.

So, now the wedding plans start! We are planning a short engagement, and have set a date for in May. So - guess who is rather busy making invitations and shopping?! And I'm loving it all along the way of course! So, this sewing blog may turn a bit 'wedding-ish' for a few months! It's so exciting!

Our first Valentines Day together was spent having a picnic dinner in our favourite park, and talking about the future. Simon loved one of his gifts from me - a giant handmade chocolate heart freckle! The poor heart didn't last long though, and is now looking a bit 'half' hearted.

And I suppose I better show a scrap of fabric somewhere in here. This is another of my most recent loves - hessian. Love the texture and the feel. I think it may feature somewhat in the wedding. :)

New Year...New Quilts.

Well, it was a wonderful christmas season here, and much fun and food and festivities were shared by all. Probably a bit too much food. But that's always the way at Christmas, and I'm now doing a little diet to shed some unwanted kilos.

I was doing quite a bit of sewing before and during the christmas break. A week or so before Christmas I decided I wanted to make my boyfriend a quilt as a present. I was feeling horribly sick at the time of this decision mind you. But I'm the type of person, that when I am sick I actaully have to do something. I cannot stay in bed and just lie there. So I dragged out a Pure layercake I had bought months ago, and all I could manage in my sorry state was sto sew large squares together. But I think it looks great, especially when the borders were added later. It's a bit simple and plain, but I like it - and the main thing? The boyfriend loves it too.

I carried on a circle theme with the quilt, strangley enough, and quilted large circles in each block. I'm yet to take some better pics of it, but will do so soon.

I have also been busy sewing a comissioned quilt for a lady, Cathy. Her friend is sick with cancer, and she wanted a quilt to be made with photos. I haven't actually done a photo quilt before - but gosh it's easy. I used the Matildas Own Photo paper, and it was quick and simple and no fuss. I decided to print the photos in black and white, and I like the classy look it gives the quilt. I stipple quilted the whole thing, and I'm really happy with the finished quilt.

Cathy picked it up today, and loves it. So, I count that as a job well done!

I actually really like doing comissioned quilts and items for people. I don't feel much stress or pressure, and I enjoy the challenges.

I must say though, I'm feeling rather sombre tonight as I post this. I can't help but feel sick at the pictures on the news of the devastating floods in Queensland. The footage of this sheer torrent of unrelenting water flooding streets and destroying homes and lives is horrible.

I know I will be donating money to assist in the rebuilding, and I'm encouraging all to do the same. I'm sure alot of people from Queensland, who are now affected by these floods, were some of the kind and wonderful people who donated money to my area and region after the Black Saturday bushfires. I'd love to give them something back.

Winners!

Just a quick post to announce the winners from my giveaway.
The first winner of the 2 fat quarters and pattern is Lotta! And the second winner of a fat quarter is Margarita! Congratulations girls! Please let me know your postal address and I'll get your prizes to you soon.

Thanks for entering everyone, and for joining in my Chrissy giveaway. Have a Merry Christmas!

Heather Ross Giveaway!

Giveaway now closed.

Thanks for entering! Winner announced shortly.

Ok, so I have been in the dark, and didn't realise that Sew, Mama Sew! have an annual Blog Giveaway Day! Blogs from around the world can sign up to host a giveaway, and then Sew, Mama Sew! compile a huge big list of giveaway blogs -what fun! Check it out for your chance to win some goodies!

So, I'm too late to officially sign up to host a giveaway, but what the heck. I want to join in the fun too! And Christmas is all about giving, so consider this a Christmas Giveaway!

So, what's up for grabs? Well, we have two prizes. The first random person drawn from the ever reliable, random number generator, will win 2 Heather Ross 'Seagulls' from Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries Fat Quarters and a Cinderberry Stitches pattern. The second person will win one Heather Ross Fat Quarter.

Now, I don't know if any of you know - but Heather Ross fabric is extremely desirable and WANTED by crafters. For example - just one of those fat quarters could sell for $20 - 50 AUD. Crazy, crazy stuff. I know.

So, how do you win? You've got two options. Simply leave a comment for one chance to win. Or for a second chance - leave a comment, and then make a post about the giveaway on your blog, and then come back and comment again to say you've posted. Got that? Easy!

Giveaway closes Sunday 19th of December 9am AEDST. Winner announced soon after! Oh,and it is open to International residents. :)
Good luck and have fun!

I'm back!

*gives shiny new computer a big smacking kiss*

Wow. It really feels so good to be back online! I've been able to use my little laptop for quick checks of emails - but had no access to my photos etc. What a strange generation of people we are - we get so lost without a computer and internet connection!

But at least I've had some quality time for sewing -so that's a good point!

We have been experiencing a lot of rain here lately - and I mean, a lot. It's been such a wonderful blessing and a lot of dams and lakes are now full - or in some cases, overflowing. It's great to see the grass looking so lush and green in the paddocks too.

This photo below is of the Yarra River in Healesville, looking a bit swollen and flooded.

Well, I'm amazed that Christmas is literally next week. Is anyone else scratching their head, wondering, "Where did October go to?"

Thankfully I think I'm somewhat ready for Christmas. I have nearly every present bought and made, and only a few bits to go. That being said - we still don't have the christmas tree up... or a wreath on the door...or lights flashing on the verandah... or table decorations made.... but at least the presents are nearly done!

Anyway - on to the sewing part!

I made the two aprons pictured above for work. A few of us girls like to wear aprons at work, as they protect our clothes, and have handy pockets for random stuff. My previous apron was looking a bit sad and 'well loved,' so it was definately time for an update. The brown apron is made using fabric from the "In the Pink II" range that was also used for the Homespun Breast of Friends quilt. The bright and colourful blue apron is made using the gorgeous fabric from Mellys new range, "Where the wind blows." Love it. Oh, and for inquiring minds - the pattern for the above aprons are from the fantastic book, "A is for Apron."

I made this little blue wallhanging quite a while ago, but have only just got around to taking a good piccy of it. I used the free motion foot on my machine for the flowers, and the stipple quilting. I love the simplicity of this little quilt.

A few weeks ago, my church, St Johns Anglican, held a local fete in town. As usual, I had completely forgotten about it, and left everything to the last minute. So I made these super quick, and rather cute, little bags to sell at the fete. And they are literally super quick. Like, really quick. It was so much fun!

This photo below is of a doily that I turned into a quilt label I made for a recent quilt. I love it! I'll be able to share this quilt with you in May next year - which seems ages away!

So, I have quite alot of other things to show and share, but I'll save it for another post soon. Things that will be coming soon are:

- Info on the Stringybark Farm BOM (finally!!!!)

- Some finished photos of my "For these I give thanks" quilt made by ladies around the world.

- The launch of my first pattern!! Yay!

- A new "Be Creative" challenge.

- Maybe even another "Paper Bag swap."

- And some finished quilts.

- And more. Most of which I can't remember now.

Such exciting stuff!

Now - finally I can go hunting through your blogs!

Blame technology.

Photo and quilt credit to Stitched in Colour

So, we've been having a few wee computer hiccups here of late. My rather old computer finally decided that it's life had come to a sad and miserable end. It was still operable, but the old beast was determined to make life impossible. From the time of pressing the 'on' button, to being able to access the internet - ten minutes would literally pass by. Seriously.

Photo and quilt credit to Film in the Fridge

So a new computer was bought, and my goodness - within 30 seconds I can be on the internet! It's amazing! And then I find out that everyone else has been enjoying such normal things like this for years. To me - it's quite an amazing experience, and such a novelty!

Photo and quilt credit to Where the Orchids Grow

But, until I clean out the study and get rid of the old beast from the computer desk, the lovely new (insert - incredibly amazing) computer is sitting unplugged on the billiard table. Just waiting. So I am relinquished to using an old laptop at the moment. Hence - the lack of posts, and no photos of all my latest things.

Photo and quilt credit to Merry Made Quilts

So, here are some goodies I've been admiring on the net recently. I never tire of seeing such interesting and fascinating ways to photograph quilts. And modern quilts? Yum. Mega yum!

Photo and quilt credit to Film in the Fridge

Sunshine.

Gosh, the weather has been so lovley lately. I don't know about any of you, but I was starting to get a little tired of winter and constantly feeling cold. I feel like I am coming alive, now that the weather is warming up. And I've been spending as much time outside as possible. My boyfriend, Mr Green, and I went to the Tesselaar tulip festival a few saturdays back, and had a wonderful time walking through the riot of colour. Being of the crafty/creative variety, I love colour - and I'm sure you all do too. So I just had to share a few piccies.


In my absence from blogging, I have actually been doing alot of sewing. Which has been wonderful. I can't actually show you the main project that I have been working on for a few months. That's a secret *shhhh.* But here is a wee little pic. I'll be able to show you this beautiful quilt next year sometime. Which sounds so very far away, but I'm sure it will be here soon.

Now, this bag I made specially for the Immerse Stitching Day.

I'm sure you ladies will all understand that you can't go to a sewing day with just any bag.

I mean, it has to be a bag you've made, right? And yes, there may have been a bit of teasing that I used these particular fabrics. Fabrics which just happen to be from Rosalie Quinlans Grandmothers Flower Garden range. But really, I used them because I like them. Honest. The fact that Rosie spotted my bag on the day and admired it is just a mere coincidence.


Another thing people must know about me - is that I love selvedges. I know this may seem strange to some people. But I do. I love them! The little coloured dots. The writing. *sigh*

So I have made items in the past using selvedges, but I had a recent play with them again. This time making a new needlecase. Love it.

And finally. (Well, not really actually. I still have more projects to show you, but I'll save them for another day.)

How lovely is this gorgeous Isso Ecco fabric from Lecien? It is 80% cotton and 20% hemp, and just gorgeous to sew with. I have been making a super, super (seriously, super) easy quilt with it. I think I'll call it my 'cheat quilt,' or perhaps my 'make a quilt top in 15 minutes,' quilt. Anyway, I'll be back to show it to you when I've finished sewing the last of the binding on.

Till then, check back soon because I am going to issue a challenge. Yes, that's right. A challenge. It'll be fun, I promise!

*looks sheepish*

Gosh. I feel so behind and slack.

It's been so long since my last post. How sad!

Rosalie, sharing some tips at the Immerse Stitching Day.

And it's not like I don't have things to share with you ('cause I do,) - I've just been so busy, it's crazy. But hey, it's my blog, and I can post whenever I want to - right?!

So, over the next few days, I'm going to share lots of new goodies and projects I've been working on lately. I'm also going to issue a challenge (ohh...intriguing!), and maybe start a new swap (since there was some interest in the paper bag swap...hereafter dubbed - 'In the bag' swap.)

What I accomplished for the day. I worked on Leannes project.

But, I know I'm awfully late in posting this - but I had a FAB day out at the Immerse Winery Stitching Day, hosted by Rosalie, Melly and Leanne. Oh, it was so much fun. And the food was fantastic. And the projects were great. And did I mention how great the food was? Crikey. I think I put on 2kgs just from the day alone.

I'd like to introduce you to Mary (left), one of the girls I work with. I tell you, she's awesome! Here we are stitching together, and nattering away too, of course.

I had a wonderful day out, with nearly all the girls from Patchwork with Gail B attending. What a great day out to relax and sew.

All up, there were 8 of us from work, including Gail herself, and Rosalie jumped in for a piccy too.

Well done to the girls for hosting such a lovely day! Can't wait till next year!
Check out either of the girls blogs for more photos from the stitching day.

Oh, and for the local girls - there will be a sale at Gail B's October 14-16th. Check it out on the website for more info!