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!

Me First! Me First!!

Ok, I'm a bit of a self confessed "Melly and Me" fan over here. I mean, how cute are their gorgeous toys? And not to mention that Melly is such a lovely and generous girl, who has donated alot of fabric for my 'Sew Blessed' missions.

So it was with great excitement that Mellys first range of fabric from Creative Abundance, called "Where the Wind Blows," arrived at work this morning! And guess what? We were the first store in all of Australia to get it! Thanks for dropping it off Melly!

And so I was the lucky girl who got to unwrap the pretty bolts, and cut some into fat quarters. Such fun!

And so. I just had to buy some. How utterley cute is it?! And you know what I realised? I'm the first person to have bought some of Mellys fabric! How cool is that?!!

So if you would like some of Mellys fabric, we have the full collection at Patchwork with Gail B.
And to continue with the Melly and Me theme - only 3 sleeps to go till the Immerse Stitching Day!!! Can't wait!

Also, lots of new design news coming shortly, and who remembers the Paper Bag swap I held last year? Well, would anyone like to have a go of it again? 'Twas great fun! Let me know your thoughts. :)

A day of stitching...

As soon as I read about the "Immerse" stitching day on Melly's blog - I knew I had to go! And it seems my excitement may have been a wee bit contagious, because most of the girls from work (Patchwork with Gail B,) are now coming too! I think there are about 8-10 of us going on the Sunday (19th of September), and I have a feeling we may be the noisest table there!

For those who haven't heard, Melanie Hurlston, Rosalie Quinlan and Leanne Beasley are having a stitching day at Immerse winery in Dixons Creek. And it's going to be so much fun! The three of them have been showing some 'sneak peek' photos on their blogs, and they all look fab. Which I know will present a slight problem - in that I'm a very indecisive person. How am I going to choose which project to do on the day??! Thankfully we get all three projects fully kitted, but still. It's going to be a tough decision!

So, is anyone else going to the Immerse day??

Also, a quick note to those rather patient individuals who have been asking me about the Stringybark Farm BOM. Wow. I know. I have been so terrible with this, and I feel awfully ashamed and guilty. I'm so sorry girls!! There are still a few more stitchery blocks to come, but I really can't see myself having the time to do it at the moment. And I want to do this justice. I don't want to do a half quality job, just to get it up and done.

But it's up to you girls - would you prefer if I just finished the last of the drawings and instructions and put them up online now, or would you mind waiting till I can find the time? It's up to you. Maybe I'll do both. I can at least put everything up, for those who want to finish it now. And then hopefully in a few months I'll have some more time to work on it properly. Give me your thoughts!!

And the winner...

Just a super quick post to announce the winner of my fabric giveaway. Thank you to all those who entered, and for your wonderful comments regarding my quilt in Homespun. Thank you!!!

So, without further ado. The Random Number Generator picked number 20!



And that is Jessica!


So congratulations to Jessica! Please let me know your mailing address so I can send the goodies out to you. I hope you have fun playing with them!

Thanks for entering everyone, and helping to celebrate my Homespun excitement!

Fabric Giveaway

So, to celebrate all this latest Homespun excitement - how about a giveaway??

I chose 4 Fat Quarters from one of my fave fabric ranges at the moment, Sugar and Spice II by Macs Craft. We have the whole range at work, and the colours are so delicious and bright. You can't help but feel happy walking past them!

So, if you would like to have a chance at winning the 4 Fat Quarters, all you have to do is leave a comment. Yup, that easy. No extra fuss needed. And entry is open to all international crafters - not just the Aussie contingent!

Leave a comment by Sunday 15th of August 11am AEST. Winner will be picked by random number generator.

Good luck!

Homespun Blog Interview

Yep, I'm still on quite a high since the Homespun issue came out! Thank you for all the comments regarding "Lavender Love." It's lovely to know I'm not the only one who likes the quilt!

If you'd like to, check out the Homespun online blog here, for an interview with myself about the quilt, and being a designer. I was really thrilled to be interviewed for the blog - talk about exciting!

And stay tuned, because I'll be having a giveaway shortly to celebrate all this Homespun excitment!

Eeeeee!!!

Talk about huge excitement this week!

I had a most exciting day on Thursday when the postie dropped this in my letterbox. Yup, the latest issue of Homespun magazine (Vol 11.8), and with my quilt on the cover!! Eeeeee!!

I am thrilled to finally show off, "Lavender Love," a beautiful purple quilt paying tribute to the always popular plant, Lavender. I had such fun designing and making this quilt, and am so happy with the final result. I made this quilt over the summer months, and have been patiently waiting to show you all since!

I must say, it's so exciting to see it in print, and looking all fancy. How gorgeous is the photo setting for the quilt?! I wish I could transplant that lovely arbour into my backyard. It's just stunning.

My mum, is of course, incredibly proud. I think she bought all the copies of the magazine at the local shops - so I'm sorry for any locals who are trying to get their hands on a copy!

For anyone who is planning on making the quilt - please leave a comment and let me know! I'd love to hear from you.

And just to add to the excitement - Rebecca Craig (Gails daughter) of Patchwork with Gail B, has finally given birth to her triplets - all girls!! Congratulations to Rebecca and family - can't wait to see them!

New beginnings.

Well. I've been a wee bit busy lately. Actually, more than a wee bit busy. And most of it is due to a boy. *sigh* I have met a most wonderful young man. He is an absolute gentleman, and I am feeling so cherished and loved. So we have been spending most of our time together, getting to know one another. I am loving it. So loving it.

On to sewing news - I have a finished one to show you! Yup, a finish!

I finally have sewn the last of the binding onto my little quilt. This one is made using a turnover of Patisserie fabric by Fig Tree quilts. I love the warmth and colour in these fabrics - they are just delicious. They really are.

I'm quite chuffed with how it has turned out, and I especially love the straight quilting lines. I seem to be using this particular style of quilting alot lately - and I really like it.

So yay- another finish!

And just 'coz I can - here is my darling little niece Alecia. She has grown so much, and is incredibly long. Of course - I still think she is just gorgeous!


Oh, and shhh! Did anyone else notice this little snippet in the current issue of Homespun magazine??!

Not the only one.

Well, it seems I'm not alone. I'm not the only one who blames Moda for our lack of money! Maybe we should start a therapy group? One where we vow to be strong and frugal and....yer, I know. It's a lost cause.

So what better way to console my lack of money? To play with fabric of course.

I've had a wonderful time playing of late.

Let's see. I've played with a layer cake. And had fun chopping that up, and then sewing it all back together.

I love this range, "Objects of Desire" by Sandy Gervais. It's so bright and happy.

Am planning on backing it with these pretty pink and white spots. Love it.


I've also been playing with a jelly roll (I'm doing a great job of blaming Moda, aren't I?) This is another of my favourite ranges, "Celebrate Spring," also by Sandy Gervais.

And a friend of mine comissioned a wee little playmat for her friends sons 1st birthday. These are brilliant playmat panels - just love them.

So yes, things have been rather busy!

Oh, and just an aside and personal note on the homefront. My dad had surgery last week to remove the prostate. Everything went well, and the biopsy revealed that they were able to get all the cancer, and it had not spread to the outside of the prostate. So - great news! Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and kind wishes. I greatly appreciate it.