Yes, I'm still alive....

.... I'm just in the middle of writing a pattern for a deadline, and have no time for anything else really. Which is quite sad, as I have so many things I want to share with you all. But alas, it shall have to wait.

Here is a sneak peek of the next block in the Stringybark Farm BOM series.

Any guesses as to what it is?

Winner announced!

There's something about a name being pulled out of a hat that I find appealing, hence why I prefer to do that, then use some technological random number generator thingy for my giveaways!

First of all - WOW! What a great number of entries we had! Thank you to everyone who entered, and if only I had enough Moda charm packs to give to all of you! But alas, I don't.

And there can be only one winner....

...and so a huge congratulations to - Sue Cahill!! (no blog I think.)

Who left a comment saying, "I would love to be entered in your generous giveaway. I have happily joined as a follower so that would give me 2 entries!! Sue Cahill "

Sue, I'll email you shortly for your address, and I hope you enjoy your prize!

Thanks once again to everyone who entered - I've met lots of new people now, and have lots of new blogs to explore!

Happy sewing everyone!

And thanks to my mum for doing the official draw!

100th post celebrations!

Giveaway has closed. Thank you for all the entries - winner announced shortly!

I'm quite excited to be making my 100th post! I would never have thought blogging could become so addictive, but yup, it is, and has.

So without further ado, let the celebrations begin!

So, whats up for grabs in my giveaway? Well, what lady doesn't like the chance for some free fabric? Exactly.

So, we have a "Nells Flower Shop" charm pack from Moda (I LOVE this range. Seriously, love it.) We also have a journal cover I made (A5 size, journal not included,) in funky bright colours. And of course, every journal needs a pretty ribbon to hold it closed.

And finally, we have 3 pretty purple Fat Eights, just to continue on with my "Purple yumminess" from my previous post. Gotta love purple. Seems alot of people like it too!

So, if you would like to be in the running to win my giveaway prize, there are a couple of ways to enter:

1. Simply leave a comment before Saturday the 12th of September 6pm (AEST) on this post for 1 entry.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower of my blog.

3. If you are already a follower of my blog (as of 5.55pm 5th of September) you will automatically gain an extra entry.

4. Post about my giveaway on your blog for an extra entry.

So, when you leave a comment, let me know how many entries you have, ie: Yes, I am a follower and yes, I have posted about your giveaway. Etc. Etc. I will be checking! Winner will be announced and contacted on the 13th. Oh, and make sure your profile isn't set to annonymous- otherwise I can't contact you if you win!!

So, it's that simple! And as I said, who doesn't want free fabric??!

Now, remember to check out my other blog, Sew Blessed, for some updates about making clothes and toys for orphans in Indonesia. I've had so many people get on board and support what I'm doing - it's just great!

And finally, a small brag. Ok, a big brag.

I got the suprise of my life when I opened the latest Homespun Magazine (Vol 10.9) to find my block 2 for the Breast of Friends Quilt!

There it is! In print! In HOMESPUN! Talk about exciting! If you haven't seen the latest Homespun, check it out! Oh, and by the way, the final quilt for the Breast of Friends is just D.E.V.I.N.E.

But, make sure you check out next years Homespun, I believe the April edition. Why, you may ask? Well, you'll see a project from me in it. Yes - I know! Excitment, much?

Purple Yumminess

Remember this stack of cut squares?

Which used to be this stack of Fat 8's?

Well, after taking out some of the greens, and adding in another cream and purple, I finally took the plunge and started cutting and sewing.

I had this momentary, "Egads! What have you done silly girl!" thoughts, but pushed them aside...

And kept cutting...

And sewing. Till a Dissapearing Nine Patch emerged.

Sixteen blocks later, and then the decision... sashing, or no sashing.

Sashing. Most definately a yes to sashing.

And I love it. I seriously cannot wait till it's finished. Now all I need to think of is a name. Any ideas?

Keep an eye out for my 100th post celebrations starting soon, and something I'm quite excited about, my "Focus on Colour" week. Coming soon. And maybe the Hexagon Swap.

Tissues, anyone?

Please excuse me whilst I bawl my eyes out. My mum and I have just finished watching the movie, "A walk to remember," and whilst it was a beautiful love story and a funny movie, it was also terribly sad! I don't do sad movies very well. I sobbed for hours after watching "The Notebook," and even shed some tears at the end of "Ladder 49!"

Oh well, at least these little beauties will bring a smile to my face.

I keep buying more fat quarters of the Minny Muu range. I seriously can't resist their cute little prints and bright colours. What am I going to do with them? No idea. Just had to have them.


Oh! I also had a most wonderful suprise yesterday when Leah from Minimonty introduced herself to me at work! Here I was showing her a quilt kit with no idea it was her, till she said something. It was lovely to meet you Leah, and your mum, and two gorgeous kiddies! I hope you have fun playing with your fabrics and goodies!

Make sure you head on over to Don't look Now and enter her fabulous giveaway! She's giving away a quilt! Yes, you heard right - a QUILT!

Right. Well, I'm off to find another tissue. Or two.

'tis always the way...

Here I was, merrily quilting away; quite content and proud of my stipple quilting and 'neatness of stitch,' when the innevitable happened.

I ran out of thread.

Dash.

And just when I was on a roll too.

Stringybark Farm - Block 4

Without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Henry! He is our lovely block 4 in the Stringybark Farm BOM.

Henry is a wee bit shy, and likes to keep to himself. He can usually be found standing under his apple tree at the top of the paddock. He is getting on in age now, and likes his peace and quiet, though he is more than happy to help Farmer Jack in any way possible. Just don't ask him to spend time with the chickens - he can't stand them and all their noise and fuss! He enjoys spending time with Bill the Scarecrow, and they have quiet chats about the farm and life in general.

Henry is a happy sort of chap, and likes his simple life, especially the leftover homemade bread that Betty often brings him!

To create Henry the horse, and his shady apple tree, please click here for the instructions and pattern.

If you have missed the first blocks, please click the relevant links below.

Block 1 - Rustys House
Block 2 - The Hen House
Block 3 - Scarecrow Bill

Also, please feel free to show or send me photos of your Stringybark Farm blocks! I would love to see them and share them on my blog.

I hope you like Henry and happy stitching!

I love surprises!

Last Sunday I had a wonderful opportunity to meet some lovely and talented women from the Handmade Magazine Craft Forum. Now, if you aren't a member of the forum - go join! We have alot of fun, and participate in a wide variety of great swaps.

Anyway, I had a lovely afternoon meeting Vicki, Sharon, Glenys, Trish and Gina, and sharing show and tell, and chatting about, well, craft!

(Back row- Sharon and Glenys. Front row from left to right - Me, Vicki, Trish and Gina.)

But we did have an alterior motive for the meeting, which was unknown to Vicki. You see, Vicki organises the majority of the swaps on the craft forum, and puts in alot of her own time and effort to do this. So, we thought it would be nice to thank her - so we made her a secret quilt!

And on Sunday, we suprised her with it. And she was suitably awe struck and amazed!

I hope you get many years or enjoyment from it Vicki!

Onto other news, block 4 in Stringybark Farm is coming tomorrow! And only 5 more posts till my giveaway - excited, much?

I'm also wondering if anyone would be interested in a Hexagon swap? I've recently discovered quite a fetish for these little beauties. I mean, how can you resist this bit of loveliness?

(Photo and quilt Credit A Stitch in Dye.)

(Photo credit Sarah London)

Oh, be still, my beating heart.

Did you notice my new blog layout?? Did it just 'specially in time for my 100th post celebrations. Love it!

Bits and bobs...

How cute are these little cards?


I got the idea from here, (who, by the way makes amazing clothes for kids. Check out her blog!)
The cards are so simple and quick to make. All it takes is some fabric scraps, a boring plain card, and some sewing and creativity. I love the effect and result, and will be sure to make some more from now on.

And, check out the little scrap of fabric I added on the inside. Love. it. Is anyone else feeling reminded of a jam jar from a school fete??

Block 4 in Stringybark Farm will be released this week, so keep an eye out for it! Here is a little sneak peek of the block. What do you think it is??

Also, check back soon for a tutorial on using pencils on fabric. I've got quite a few great things coming up soon, including my 100th post giveaway, and a new blog makeover.

And the winner is...

Wow, thanks for playing along with my "I spy" game! I had fun looking at your guesses, and I hope you had fun guessing too!

So, what were the two items that I 'spied' in the box?


There was a Pearl button, hiding under the knitting needle, and Ribbon! I've circled the pearl, and the two different ribbons in the picture above. Yes, I know the pearl was a rather cheeky and hard to find item!

No one guessed the two items correctly, but 7 people guessed Ribbon for R, and 1 person did guess the Pearl for P! So since those 8 people were half right, I put their names in a hat and drew out a winner. And the winner is Sandy! Congratulations Sandy! I'll be sending your "Christmas in August" goodies to you soon!

Well, I hope you had fun! Stay tuned for my 100th post giveaway coming shortly. Well, 7 posts away to be exact.