Gone Stitchin'

A SwaP & a NoN SwaP

2012-03-03T09:35:00.000+11:00

I mailed off my "name game" mat/hanger to my partner a week ago and as I know she doesn't follow this blog, it's OK for me to show it here.

Her blog is "Daisy Days" and this is a replica of her header except I added the coffee mug (she loves her coffee), a book (loves reading) the fabric (works in a shop) and tape measure (loves to quilt)... even the binding is very similar to what is around her blog page. I hope "Daisy Days" likes my interpretation.

I couldn't resist the backing fabric... and although I wouldn't normally put something so different in colour from the front on the back... well it just suited.

It's mini quilts! AND it's gorgeous!

"Quilt-y" Sayings…

* Quilters don'tdo buttons *

As I would NEVER let a partner down in a swap, I decided that I may be just too busy to be part of my own Lets Exchange this time around. I did however make a binder cover earlier last month for me to keep all the swaps organised. Here it is... made from "left over" strips that I had used in my quilt "Family Matters" last December. I thought this cover looked like "books" standing in line on a shelf.

Inside... I have lots of dividers to separate the swaps etc.

It's sooo much better than a plain old binder sitting on the desk!

I have sent out ALL partners in the Lets Exchange a journal cover... so if you haven't received YOUR partners details in an email...

please contact ME asap!

Remember the mailing deadline is MARCH 21st.

I belong to an at-home-BOM due the first Monday of each month with "Quilt Story". This months' block is a nine patch... ANY nine patch... so I chose Water Wheel in the colours of our local professional football team. You see this is a surprise quilt for hubby... ssshhh... he doesn't read this blog so I'm safe BUT I hope I can keep the colours and the blocks out of eye sight so he doesn't say "Oh Knights colours" and get him to thinking!

Anyways... the block is due by Mar 5th... so I'm all done... yippee!!!

ChrisTMas GiFtS

2012-02-28T08:30:00.000+11:00

I'm in again.

This month I've made lavender bags for FriEnDs. Of course I haven't actually filled them yet... that will be closer to Christmas... but 4 are for "pillows" and 2 are for hanging in wardrobes.
I LoVe the smell of LoVenDeR.. ooppss I mean lavender!

The fabric has lavender bush on it and I can practically smell it's fragrance.

If you want to join in too... just visit HERE.

It's always worth a visit to see what's been created each month... if for no other reason than to gather some ideas for your own Christmas gifts.

Once a Season Swap

This is a quick reminder that YOUR gift package should go out in the mail NO LATER than tomorrow.

This should bring a smile to your face...

Children Are Quick
____________________________________

TEACHER: Why are you late?
STUDENT: Class started before I got here.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
(I Love this child)
_______________________________________

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?

DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.

WINNIE: Me!
________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.

What a WeekEnd !!

2012-02-27T12:38:00.000+11:00

We've had a huge weekend... (and for that matter a big week leading up to the past 2 days too).

It was my DD#1 hens weekend! I think that says it all... lol ... AND it was the bucks weekend too! Double whammy!
People staying... shopping purchased... food prepared... drinks chilled... dress fitted... fasinator packed! Then of course AFTER the fact... not feeling tooooo well.... hiccup! No seriously... we had a great time...

BBQ dinner here for all last night!
Phew! now I have room in my fridge!
Really glad for some quiet time this afternoon though as the last of the family left late this morning.
I'm REALLY grateful for blogger scheduling in times like this... without it, reminders would be forgotten... groups missed... and hey- I haven't even had a chance to sew AnYtHinG...
OH NO... I hear you saying!

But I wanted to thank everyone for leaving comments over the past few days and although I have read them I just didn't have time to answer them... please forgive me... and I may be out of service somewhat until the wedding in a few weeks... so I hope you all understand.
It's a FUN & EXCITING time at the moment though so that's wonderful

AND for everyone who asked about a tutorial for the Christmas Tree hanger (in Narelle's Christmas Item a Month group) I'll do one asap... in plenty of time for Xmas... I promise!

I'll leave you with this...

O.M.G., I'm rich!

Silver in the Hair

Gold in the Teeth

Crystals in theKidneys

Sugar in the Blood

Lead in the Ass

Iron in the Arteries

And
an inexhaustible supply of Natural Gas.

I never thought I'd accumulate such wealth.

I'm an eLF

2012-02-25T09:00:00.000+11:00

Well I am... 'cause I belong to Narelle's band of elves who are making "things" for Christmas. This is the second time this year (being the month of February) and I've finished this small wall hanging. It will probably go to DD2 as she really loves the colours in it. Of course she doesn't know it yet.
OoPps.. perhaps she does now...lol... but she would have worked on me anyways to have it... so why not just give in without a fight! sigh and grin...

Thanks once again Narelle for hosting this group in 2012.
You are... da best!
Go HERE to see what the other "elves" have made.

LETS EXCHANGE a journal cover... has now closed.
Please check that your name is on my list on the sidebar.
I'll get emails out ASAP.

A chuckle...

otherwise known as a... FRIDGE MAGNET

NO animal was hurt making this pic I assure you!

What's All ThiS FuSS ?

2012-02-22T08:30:00.000+11:00

I don't know about you, but I seem to be able to handle blogger and google's NEW additions/changes given time... but all I read about now is that from March 1st there will be changes to the followers link using "friend connect". I assume it has something to do with this privacy issue?
Does anyone out there understand what's happening?
What is everyone going to use? There seems to be several NEW followers buttons around the blogs I visit.
Will we need to belong to several followers lists?
Will we need to "invite" readers?
My questions are never ending???
I need help!
Some bloggers have opted to join "Linky Followers" and I started too and have my fingers crossed this works just as well as the google followers link did. If on March 1st we all loose our followers link? at least I will be a little better prepared. Having said this, if you want to join/follow me thru the "Linky" on my sidebar, please do... it's free and easy to sign up. I just don't want to loose all my friends.
If you know a better link PLeASe let me know.
If the powers to be come to their senses, perhaps the original link will stay in place and we can forget all this fuss!

Who's a BiRthDaY GirL tomorrow...?

Why Fiona from BubzRugz is...

HaPPy BirThdAy to You
HaPPy BirThdAy to You
HaPPy BirThDaY dear Fi-on-a
HaPPy BiRtHdAy to YOU !

Stop by Bubz Rugz HERE and wish Fiona a "good one"...

“ Quilts are like friends –

a great source of comfort”

MonDay MorNinG

2012-02-20T14:16:00.002+11:00

What a GreAt way to start off a week... with a surprise!

I received my "blog name" hanger from my secret partner Jess at The Elven Garden blog. Jess was paired with yours truly in Samelia's Mum name game swap. How clever of Jess to incorporate my blog name in the quilting. She has actually written a tut about how to do it over on her blog HERE, if you would like to try it some time. Of course I didn't know it at the time but Jess had been stalking my blog... scary eh?... and did a great job on my gift... so a big THANK YOU goes out to her.

I can't show the name game I'm making as it isn't quite finished just yet. More on that later.
This was a really FUN swap to be in... and I read there may be another one, so keep watching Samelia's Mum's blog on that if you're interested!

My partner in Once A Season Swap was Elaine and as she has already received her gift I can show you what I sent earlier this month. Elaine is a trike pilot (interesting eh?) and she said on her blog that she also likes to knit. SO what better way to pass the time during Autumn than knitting something for perhaps "winter". I also thought the warm and cosy neck cowl I knitted would suit her while flying... no long tails to get in the way. Elaine said ALL the gifts would come in handy!

Thanks Elaine for your nice comments too!

And I have another finish this month.
My "Monthly Make" is done and dusted... feels good to have all but ONE wip finished for February!
I made this quick play rug for DD#1 acquaintance who is expecting soon.

Love the fabric ~ Pooh Nature Friends by Disney~ which came in a beautiful pastel green (my favourite colour) soft, colourful AND neutral so suits a boy or girl I think!

I backed it with flannel (as winter is approaching) just as an added layer of warmth for the little bub.

I hope the new Mum & Dad like it too. xx

AfterMath of FNSI

2012-02-18T13:32:00.001+11:00

Before I show you what I accomplished in FNSI last night (it's now Saturday morning here in Australia)... does anyone else loathe the new computer proof letters we have to type at the bottom of most comments.
I know I do! What were wrong with the other letters... they usually didn't form words... so they were NOT for computers... but now I have to look twice every time and then still get it wrong sometimes. errrr..
NOT happy Jan!

Anyways... that's my Saturday morning gripe!
Phew.. feel better now!

I have DD#1 wedding in March so I wanted to celebrate it by making another 12in MiNi for my entry table.
So last nights FNSI was perfect timing to tackle it. My night started with an idea in my head... now that's always dangerous... but I managed to find fabric in my stash (smiling here) that were perfect...

I measured and cut them...

Stitched the sashing & border fabrics...

Did some of this...

Perhaps one of these too...

Then used some pins...

Added some embellishments of pearls & crystals...
And FiNiSheD with...

I wanted this mini to be simple, but traditional and elegant.
I'm very happy with the finished result!
Perhaps when I actually hang it I'll take a better photo of it. It really is pretty in silver & white!

How was YOUR
"friday night sew in" ?

My OwN BOM

2012-02-17T11:00:00.000+11:00

I have been kept busy with lots of "other" things this week... but I am still managing to do a little sewing. I am trying to do at least a block a month on my "The Night Before Christmas" quilt by Bunny Hill and finished block #2 "the stockings were hung" this week.

There's a lot of sorting, measuring, cutting, piecing, placing, adhering & more stitching in this 20' x 14' block.
Then add on some embroidery... & TaDah!

I just LoVe the colours used in this quilt and am looking forward to having it this Christmas.

I am also working on my Monthly Make for February. It should be finished any day now. Here's a peek.

I'm passing on this beautiful card I received on behalf of... drum roll please...
ALL the 2011 Angels...
a THANK YOU from the John Hunter Hospital.

Kaye (my secret partner in the Initial Heart Swap) sent this beautiful gift.

Technically NOT a heart... but it has "hearts" on it... AND...

Kaye was worried that I wouldn't like it and I don't... I LOVE it !

Thanks Kaye!

See you ALL at Friday Night Sew In - TONIGHT.

Go HERE to sign up and play along with us!

Lets ExChanGe

2012-02-15T08:00:00.000+11:00

Anyone interested in exchanging a...
journal cover ?
[Could also be a binder
or display folder cover]

Something like this?

OR THIS

OR perhaps this....

Go to this site for a few tut's on making a journal cover.
http://onlinequilting.wordpress.com/2010/05/29/journal-cover-tutorial/

There are lots of patterns available... in books & magazines... that you probably already have in your bookcase.... but there are also lots of FREE patterns... just browse around and you'll find lots to inspire you!
This exchange will be Partners by Chance.
Something you may need for the FiRsT ExcHanGe in 2012... so if you are interested, just leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY saying you want to exchange. If you are a no reply blogger or do not have your email or blog address available in your profile... then leave a way to be contacted. I will certainly try my best to make sure you post to someone in your own country.
The tuck-in this time is a ... writing utensil.
Registration by COMMENT will close on Feb 25th, 2012
Mailout your cover and tuck in by MARCH 21st.

Fiona at BubzRugz made these two beauties... go check 'em out!

Just let your imagination run free!

You can refer to rules and guidelines at ANY time just by clicking on tab at top of blog.

HaPPy VaLenTineS Day

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000+11:00

I would like to wish any reader of my blog today the very best for a

HaPPy St. Valentine's Day!

Remember to LoVe the important people in your life... not just today ...

but EVERY DAY!

Just a reminder that all the "hearts" in the Initial Heart Swap should have arrived by today.

If not... please let me know and I'll follow yours up for you!

Drop by again TOMORROW... because another swap will OPEN!

WeekS EnD

2012-02-10T10:31:00.000+11:00

Although I don't have a lot more of my sewing to show this week... mainly because the projects I'm working on are secret "things"... I can show a peek of my gifts I've made for the "Christmas Thru the Year" group coming up at the end of February.

If you want to join in... visit HERE and get a little better prepared for Christmas. It's a FuN way to meet up every month and encourage fellow crafters.
I used these bits and pieces to make 6 gifts that are all ready and waiting.

I've spotted lots of "hearts" on blogs and Teri asked me to show her "heart" & other gifts too, that she received from Melissa in the Initial Heart Swap. Teri doesn't have a blog.

Notice the initials TJ?

Isn't it clever !

I received word from my partner Helen in New Zealand that my "little house" in the ornament swap hosted by FOUR HAPPY VIOLETS had been received. Here's a pic...

AND... great timing... Helen's arrived THIS morning... yippee!

Isn't it a little cutie....

Finally... a certainly NOT the least important... Maria from HERE sent me another 3 (three) Blankets of Love for the hospital. These are just peeks... you can go HERE to see the beauties Maria made and read about this wonderful and thoughtful project.
Maria... you are a 2012 AnGeL... again.
Proudly display the button on your wonderful blog.
Thank You so very much!!!

This gorgeous fabric is on the back!

What a cute face you have....

thoughtful HEART quilting.

ToDaY's the DaY

2012-02-07T10:41:00.000+11:00

Today is February 7th... and time to get those Initial Hearts in the mail (if you haven't already done so) to your secret partner.
This is the heart I sent to my partner... Carol... along with a few other little things... and as Carol has received it, here it is.

Stop by Carol's blog and say hello.... HERE
Carol likes PiNk so I made her heart in (of course) PiNk!

AND... just what I needed to do... I took on another BOM. This one is just a block each month made from a book by Judy Hopkins "501 Rotary Cut Quilt Blocks" with Quilt Story HERE.
I already own this book so I'm ready to go on the start date of March 5th...
or so I hope!

AND how clever is this....

A MonDaY MoMenT

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000+11:00

I spent a wonderful weekend getting things organised and finished.
It started with a tidy up of "my space" and some much needed sorting of projects. I have a wedding coming up and family visitors from O/S during March and April... so I MUST be organised with my sewing and swap commitments. I just would NEVER let someone down... so now my cubbyhole is...

I made a "Blanket of Love" entirely from stash fabric, pre cuts ( left over from a previous project) and small bits that I keep for just this occasion. Doesn't it feel good to use up fabric. I even joined the pellon batting and I had bought the backing "on sale" for $8.00 p/m a little while ago. SO how GOOD is that !
Simple quilting with a built in stitch on my machine... and "viola'"...
it's finished.

The backing fabric is a design by Belleboo. Isn't it sweet !.

And a close up of the "elephants" on the front.

I also finished and hung this Valentine's Day 12inch Mini in my entry all ready for February 14th. I am really over the moon with the colours even though this pic doesn't do it justice. It really is a pretty fabric from the Silhouttes range by Ro Gregg. I have found sooo many uses for this fabric and will look for more to keep handy. I'll hang my initial heart from the frame too once it arrives from ???

All that's left for me to do now is buy some chocolates for the heart dish.

And this package is going to a new home in ??? aarrhhh... you thought I was going to tell you, didn't you?!? No it's off to my SECRET partner in my Once A Season Swap- Autumn theme. I hope ??? enjoys my gifts and can use what's included inside this package.

I finished it during last week... so I thought I should mail it off. The earlier the better I thought.

Finally, I made this little cutie. A CUBE. For no other reason than I wanted to make one. I didn't have a pattern or instructions so I crossed my fingers and away I went. I gotta tell you it's very hard sewing with crossed fingers too. I had the shop cut some foam pieces to various sizes, I measured one and then cut the appropriate size squares (4in) in pretty "baby" fabrics. This CUBE has alphabet letters on it and as it turned out sooo good, I'll make another one with numbers... then perhaps some animals. The possibilities are endless. This project was a lot of FUN as I had to test myself to see if I could do it. AND I did.. so I'm laughing!

I managed to machine stitch all the seams except 3 sides of one square, which allowed me to fit the foam, then I closed those 3 seams by hand.
All very neat and tidy... playable and washable!

I hope you ALL had a wonderful, creative weekend and accomplished whatever it was you set out to do.

WOW it's FriDay already!

2012-02-03T15:48:00.001+11:00

Where Oh Where did this week go????

HaPPy BirThDaY to our birthday club member.. MELODY
hip hip hooray !!!
Why not stop by Melody's blog HERE and say hello on her special day.

I received this gift from Larissa who was my partner in the sissor keep swap. Larissa was extremely busy at Xmas time so she and I agreed that she take more time to complete the swap. Well... am I glad she did because of the wonderful gifts I received from her this week.
Just look at these beauties!

AND then to open up the bag to these wonders...

The cutest little pin cushion...

And a wonderful sissor keep with magnetic closing IN an needle case WITH accessories. WOW

This embroidery is on the fold in side of the needle case...

Whose lucky?.. I am !!!

Larissa's workmanship is wonderful and her choice of fabric and colours suits me to a tee!
ThAnK YoU Larissa... I just LoVe ALL my gifts!

Just a reminder to all participating in this swap that you have the weekend to complete your "heart" so you can mail it off by Tuesday Feb 7th. You would want your heart to reach your partner well and truly in time for her to enjoy it for Valentine's Day on February 14th.
Go on get b-u-s-y !

Mine has gone out to my partner BUT I haven't heard from her yet...I hope nothing has happened to it... errr... fingers crossed xx

BagS ThaT MaTTeR

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000+11:00

You've probably noticed the "Lend a Hand" button on my sidebar.
I contribute to this very thoughtful project by making some "bags" during the year and then donating them to the "Cancer Care Unit" of my dd#2 hospital. In case you don't know how these bags are used and what a difference they make in a cancer sufferers life... click HERE. These 12in x 17in bags are very easy to make and I use up curtain fabric, strong cotton fabric that's been hiding away for years etc... and all but one of the bags I've just made are from donations I received from my SIL. If you have any strong fabric you don't want why not make a bag or two. I'll be happy to pass them on for you. Or if you have too many other projects on your plate maybe you could mail it to me and I'll make a bag or two for you. Either way you'll be making a huge difference!
For the easy to make instructions... click http://www.quilts-n-bags.com/.

These bags just have a simple lining ( I'm using up single sheets that were never used) and I purchase cording for the long strap... but it's also easy to make your own too. There's very little effort/cost in making one up!

My friend Shez sent me this pic and I immediately thought of ribbon!

How about you?

O'Faigh sent me another 4 (four) "Blankets of Love".
She is a very generous person who sews beautifully. Her friend even quilted them for free for her... so another name will be added to the "honour roll" on the BLANKETS of LOVE blog page. Go HERE to see the wonderful quilts O'Faigh made this time. I'm only showing you snippets to whet your appetite.

GooD oLe HoMe

2012-01-29T08:30:00.000+11:00

It's always FUN being away (even for a few days) but it's great to be HoMe again.

Hubby and I visited Tamworth (country New South Wales) for their annual country music festival. Both DD's were up there also so it was FuN spending time with them too. We did the usual tourist "thing" by visiting the very l-a-r-g-e guitar...

We enjoyed just walking the street listening to all the buskers... some were very talented too... but just "people" watching is so much fun as well. There are lots of shows to go to and also the rodeo to watch. We made some new friends from New Zealand, enjoyed the company of family... what better way to spend a few days.

The festival is a FuN place to be. It lasts 10 days and is held at the end of January each year. We've been several times and will definitely go again. You don't even have to be country music fans to enjoy the atmosphere... it has lots to occupy your time.

I visited Helen's blog some time ago where she showed a wonderful child's quilt she had made. It had a twist block that I had never seen before. I liked what I saw so I sent away for a pattern. One day a week or so ago I decided to try this twist and so contacted HELEN again for any tips. She (as always) was very gracious and gave me a few. She also passed on a link to another site with a GrEaT tip... (saving left over triangles) that I used... so thanks Helen.
I've finished the flimsy and will complete the quilt over the next week or so. I really think it's a wonderful quilt for a child's play rug. You can attach a rattle or soft toy to the "twist" for them to play with.

I'm keeping this one here at home, ready for any "news" to come my way.
I'll also make another one in PiNk... for future little girls ... xxx
(NO I'm not going to be a grandmother any time soon... I'm just being prepared...haha).

Twist block.

Cute block fabric.

Enjoy the rest of YoUr weekEnd.

CLoSinG SooN

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000+11:00

Updated 27/01/12:
This swap has NOW CLOSED.
OASS will be closing on January 25th (Aust time) for this years Autumn theme swap.
If you are interested in joining in please leave a comment on this post. Please make sure I can contact you by leaving me an email address or by emailing me direct thru my profile. I'll get names of partners out ASAP but remember to keep her identity a SeCreT.
I hope you all enjoy this swap and remember the mailing date is no later than FEBRUARY 29th 2012. Please be ON TIME.
We have 18 seasoners so far, some retuning and some new, so that's just wonderful! The more the merrier.
Please make sure your gift/s reflect the AUTUMN in some way.

As I will be away on Thursday Jan 26th... I want to wish all fellow Australians a wonderful Australia Day holiday!
Whether you spend the day at the beach...

Watching the wildlife...

Relaxing in the countryside...

Or partying in the company of family and friends...

Enjoy the spirit of the day and be NiCe to a fellow Aussie... hip hip Hooray!

SaTuRDaY RePorT

2012-01-21T09:55:00.000+11:00

I had a GrEaT FNSI... Did you?

I've had a busy week so yesterday I had a quiet one. Hubby had to run some errands so I got an early start to my FNSI. I had purchased some fabric some time ago and as I was thinking of how to cut it up for another Blanket of Love... I decided that it was too cute to cut, so I left it in a whole piece. I cut it to a 24 inch square... sandwiched it... pinned it... all ready for my night of sewing.

Later in the afternoon... hubby brought these home for ME.

Made some dinner then...
Started my FNSI...

I quilted the tiny BOL in a simple grid pattern. Added a LoVe heart.. well actually two of them. Did the binding and then hand stitched it to the back.
All finished in 1+1/4 hours.

On to the next project.
What to do with these pre-cuts I'd been given some time ago.

There was a mixed bag of pieces... some duplicated, some not... and luckily all the same size... so I did this...
I picked out a few... then used a template and rotary...

And ended up with lots of these shapes...

I then did a little stitching together... added a few blanket stitches... quilted it simply with blue thread... attached the binding and went downstairs to finish off hand sewing the binding to the back.
I watched Aussie Bernard Tomic win his 5 set ~~grind~~ match shown live from the Australia Tennis Open... congrats to Bernard and yippee for Aussies!

FNSI is finished and so is another little BLanKeT oF LoVe.

Visit the " BLanKeTs oF LoVe" blog HERE to read about this very worthwhile project.
Later today I'll be off to visit other FNSI-ers to see what they accomplished.
Thanks for stopping by.....

It's GooD FoR YoU

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000+11:00

Enjoy BOTH at least once a day....

More incredible ART... pic's sent to me by my friend Shez.

Aren't they amazing...
and all made from ...

PAPER...

Just google... Calvin Nicholls artworks for more...

JaNuaRY's BirTHDaY CluB
What lovely fabric Pat received from other members.

I've finished my Valentine's Day Initial Heart for my partner ???...

but of course I can't show you the whole thing yet.

Not until ??? has received it.

A teaser pic though... grin

See you all tomorrow...
after

Come on... join in HERE

A WiNNer is A GriNNer

2012-01-16T20:26:00.000+11:00

Random numbers generated Jan 16 2012 at 17:1:0 bywww.psychicscience.org

As you can see I used a random generator to pick the winner.

Number 1 came up... so congrats and the diary goes out to:

Lisa..... go HERE to visit Lisa's blog.

I'll get the diary in the mail tomorrow so you can start using it!

Thanks so very much for being a follower!

Today I made my annual pilgrimage to take the BLaNkeTs of LoVE over to the John Hunter Children's Hospital. There were 18 tiny blankets donated today and so thanks must go out to my many "angels" in 2011.

Joyce, O'Faigh, Maria, Shez and Sue B for their wonderful and generous donations. Please drop over to the Blankets of Love blog to read more about this wonderful but needed project. I still have a few on hand to go to another hospital when I next visit Wollongong.

Maree (NeoNatal Supervisor) was most appreciative of these gorgeous handmade little Love blankets.

All ready and waiting to go....

Over to here...

Thank You my AnGeLs....

If you would like to become an angel... just email me... then you'll be able to add one of these to your blog.

MoNthLy MaKe

2012-01-15T08:30:00.000+11:00

I made this floor play rug from a panel of fabric I had in my stash. It's for someone I know whose daughter is having their second child. It's a little GirL... so I thought this would be perfect.

I started by pinning it...

Then I added quilting...

Stitched some hearts using these...

and finished with this...

I LoVe It !!!

The 2012 Once a Season Swap is now OPEN.
If you would like to join into the AUTUMN SEASON swap (it's the next season here in Australia), just leave me a comment on this post only and I'll add your name to the list on the sidebar. Please make sure I can contact you.
Swap entry closes on Jan 25th and mail out is by Feb 29th 2012.
Go HERE for all info and details.
Come on... join in... you'll EnJoY it!

I have had a few NO-REPLY bloggers leave me comments and unfortunately I have NO WAY to contact them.... so if you are one of these or anyone who wants to change their settings to become a reply blogger... click on the button on the left sidebar of my blog... and follow the instructions.

IniTiAL HeArT SwAP

I have sent emails out with all partners details in this Swap... so if you haven't received yours yet... check your spam box... or get back to me and I'll send again.

Cheers

NeaT and TiDy

2012-01-14T07:30:00.000+11:00

I'm not sure who to give credit to for this idea... just can't remember where I saw it... but it made an impression on me. So during the week while tidying up a cupboard in my son's old room I thought I'd try it out... and it worked a treat!
I thought I'd pass it on here...

All the sheet/s & pillow cases etc, for a bed...
are folded up and stored in one of the cases...

All neat and tidy on a shelf...

Ready for use when they're needed!
What a great idea... Thanks ????

I bought this great pattern in Canada while travelling around in New Brunswick and thought I'd show it here.

I thought it would make a great runner for my dining table... so I've added it to my WIP list. It's from the Little Scraps collection from This and That (a pattern by Sherry K Falls) called "Around the Bend". It will measure 16in x 41in... just a perfect size for my table.

I would also like to start off another "PaY iT FoRWaRD" for 2012.

You'll have 12 months to complete your PIF (if you want to play)... so there's plenty of time. You have my Quilters Honour that I will send a handmade gift to three people (sometime during the year when you least expect it)... no catches and totally free, so if you are interested just leave a comment on this post only please. If I have more than 3 interested than I'll draw 3 names from a hat... very scientific...but it works.. grin... so give it some thought.

For more on how a PIF works... go HERE. I'll leave this open for a few days or until it fills.

You won't know when and you won't know what... but you will receive!

Valentine's Day... Initial Heart Swap... is now CLOSED.

I'll get partners names out as soon as possible.

Remember that YOUR heart MUST reach your partner NO LATER than Feb 13th... so perhaps mail off around Feb 7th. Thanks.

URGENT: JoAnn H...I still need you to email me asap !

And finally... let me ask you all, 2 questions...

1. Do you wash your quilts before you give them away?

2. Do you line dry or machine dry them?

I'm curious what others do...

Cheers

LuCkY for SoMe

2012-01-13T13:16:00.000+11:00

It's FriDaY the 13th... Ooohh... but it could be lucky for YoU!
You see I've just noticed that I reached 250 FoLLoWeRs... and thought as I have an extra 2012 diary... I could give it away to one of them.
So if you are interested in or are in need of a new 2012 diary...
please just leave me a comment.
I'll draw a name on MONDAY. .. but you have to be one of the 250.

Good luck and a B-I-G THANK YOU for being a follower.

I love your company!

HaPPy BiRtHdAy

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000+11:00

Guess who's SpEciAL day it is today ?

Why it's PAT's ...
so here's a... hip hip hooray ... for a great day Pat.
May you have MaNy MaNy MoRe !!!
Why not visit PAT and wish her a very HaPPy BirThDaY too.

URGENT

I need JoAnn to contact me regarding the Initial Heart Swap.

Did you know that you are a no-reply blogger and have no profile making it impossible to contact you.

Thanks

MarVelouS MonDaY

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000+11:00

So much to tell you in this post...
Last Xmas I put up my village and thought the cloth underneath it needed a little sprucing up. I just didn't have the time to do it then but over this weekend I cut the shape of the tabletop from the white (snow) fabric and then added some applique... to make it look like a mantle ... well sort off... but I'm really happy with it's look now. Of course I'll have to wait until next Xmas to see it under the village again.
From this...

To this...

Might even add a bow to the corners...ummm ??

A parcel arrived from "The Patchwork Angel" with these goodies inside... yippee!
A beautiful "Quilters" diary...
And a quilt pattern my DD1 likes... Noah and Friends... by Kookaburra Cottage (2008).

Due to my unexpected L-O-N-G time away last year (4 months), I didn't get to make my BOM of "The Night Before Christmas" each month as it arrived. So I'm thinking... I'll just pretend it's arriving each month this year and stitch it up for Xmas 2012. Better late than never...
So I finished the embroidery on the first block I did manage to piece together last May.
Now onto block 2...

Have a look at this talent.
ALL these pieces of art are made using chicken wire... yep... chicken wire... it's incredible!

This man sells his art between $9000 - $18000...

Thanks to Shez for sending me these pic's too!

And certainly not least in the importance of this post... I have a sincere apology to make to O'Faigh. You see in December I received a package from this lovely friend and took pic's to post about her gifts and then thought that if I showed what she had sent me... other swap players may think that they should send a thank you too. THAT is something I didn't want to happen. I host swaps because I want to NOT to get thanks for... anyways, I realised that O'Faigh may think I thought her gifts unimportant or me to be unappreciative... definitely NOT the case... so here it what my friend sent me.

Initial "Heart" Swap

2012-01-06T08:30:00.000+11:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day....
Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to receive a "heart" with your initial on it from a blogging FriEnD... new or old... in time for Valentines'Day... and then keep it to EnJoY for the rest of the year too?
The heart could be any size and any design... quilted, pieced, fabric, knitted or even wood! Shabby, country or modern... anything you think your SECRET partner would like. Of course Valentine's day just would be Valentine's Day unless you also included some chocolate or sweet of some sort...now would it. So why not add a little something.
Leave a comment (ON THIS POST) if you want to play. Make sure I have a way to contact you if I don't already have your details on file... and once registration closes on Jan 14th, you'll have approx 3-4 weeks to get your "heart" ready to go out by Feb 7th or so. You would want your "heart" to definitely reach your partner by Feb 13th, ready for the SpEciAL day!
You may like to let me know if you are unable to have chocolate or NUTS so I can pass this info on.
Come on and join in. Please give me someone to play with. I know I'm looking forward to V'sD already.

PS >>>
It might be a good idea to write your name or blog address on the back of the "heart" too. Hugs!

FirST XmAs IteM for 2012

2012-01-05T08:30:00.000+11:00

Yes I know I'm crazy BuT... if I start early enough I won't be caught out... because this year I'm NOT sewing after November 30th. It's my Quilters Pledge... and I really hope to keep it too! I found I didn't enjoy the last project I had to finish in December 2011 as I HAD to finish it. I didn't even get to enjoy looking at it either. Then I spent an agonising 5 days waiting for it to be delivered. Never AgAiN!!!
So on a lighter note... here is my FiRsT item for Christmas...

I used this yarn...
and made this...

Cowl - Neck Warmer

I had another skein... so I made another one!
Yippee... now I have 2 gifts all finished!

Perhaps a little warm for Australia in December, but for anyone in Canada... well... it's perfect!
FYI:
Cast on 16 stitches on 7mm needles and garter stitch until 42inch in length (or desired length). Sew together and wear by pulling over the head, looped and then back over the head again.
Very cozy!

On Christmas eve I received two packages in the mail. One was from Donna and Joyce in Texas. Look at the wonderful "things" that were in the box.

Magazine,bells,ornie and candy... YuM

Apron and matching pot holder... NiCe !
Unfortunately... the peppermint bark didn't last long... my family devoured it over the holidays! YuM !

And the second was from my "Soiree" secret partner. I didn't know who it was coming from but once I opened it I knew! Thanks Sue! Your gifts are lovely!

Magazine, pattern,pin cushion, matching little bag,tape measure,lavender,hand cream,pins and fabric... WOW

Thanks to Suzanne from Colorado Lady blog also for organising this swap. It was FuN!

NeW for JaNuAry

2012-01-03T08:30:00.000+11:00

Some NeW swap buttons, a NeW member button, a NeW blog button (mine) and a NeW angel button too. Three swaps are returning plus a NeW one launching in 2012... WOW... that was a mouthful!
Add any or all buttons to your blog page... 'cause I would really appreciate it if you did some advertising. New players are always Fun and make great partners in any swap. You can always make a new friend yourself or for someone else. Even if you don't enter the swap yourself... perhaps a friend of yours would like to join in!
Thanks soooo very much!
All the info, playing rules and dates are posted in "pages" on top of my blog. Go check 'em out!

I have a 12inch MiNi stand on my hall entry table and I had planned to make "birthday" mini's for it. I thought I'd start with one for the females in the family. Well DIL's birthday is January 5th... so I finished a "girlie" one just in time for her special day!

HaPPy BirThDaY "N".

I used this pattern as my inspiration. There is a whole range of patterns available for any special occasion.

I didn't get a chance earlier to show you what Fiona from HERE sent me for Christmas.
Isn't it the cutest little hanger.

Each Year, I hang all my ornies from blogger friends... on here...

My DD2 gave me a NeW hanger... much prettier too... so at the end of 2012... all the ornies will be hanging from it instead!

Shez from http://click here sent me this wonderful gift... but I wasn't allowed to open it until Christmas... errr! It was worth waiting for though... isn't it a wonderful bag, matching purse and great chrissy fabric. Thanks Shez....xx

More to show later on....

FinaL For 2011

2011-12-28T08:30:00.000+11:00

The final Once a Season Swap in 2011 has been completed with the exception of one. I'm still to hear from Bev as to when she mailed off her gift to Sammi.
Thank you to all the "seasoners" who participated in this swap making it so much FuN!
I hope to see you all again.

~*~*~*~*~

I thought you may like to prepare and note dates in your diary for the swaps that will be up and running early in 2012.
Make sure you don't take on too many swaps if you are busy over this holiday period and SuMMeR here in Australia. Just remember that you have a partner that is depending on you to fulfill your commitment.You are welcome in all of my swaps... or just one of them...(or none at all)... that interests you. They are a little different from each other... well I try to make them that way at least... so choose any or all that you would like to play in.

After all... It's only for FuN !

Once a Season Swap:- Registration will open on January 15th 2012... mail out on Feb 28th.
Initial Heart Swap:- Registration will open on January 10th 2012... for Valentines Day.
FYI.......
Lets Exchange will return on February 15th 2012... mail out on March 31st 2012.
AlphBet Challenge will start in ???.... this is a NeW swap... are you up for it?
The details, info and playing rules will be available in the new year too... so all your questions will be answered then... but please email me if you want to know anything!

~*~*~*~*~

I wish you all a very healthy, happy and creative NeW YeaR.

It has been my pleasure to have you come by and visit me this year.

I look forward to our continued friendship in blogland.

See you ALL again in...

HaPPy NeW YeAr EvERyoNe.

SeaSonS GReeTinGs

2011-12-21T11:30:00.000+11:00

Wishing you ALL a very Happy Holiday.

I am very glad that I got to spend this year and this special time of year with you ALL. I have enjoyed reading all your comments, visiting all your blogs and swapping with you or being swap mama to you in 2011.
I will be having a week off from blogging so until next Wednesday,
stay safe, be happy, laugh a lot and love the ones you are with.

The music of Christmas is laughter

The warmth of Christmas is friendship

The message of Christmas is peace

The spirit of Christmas is love

The meaning of Christmas is hope

May all these blessings be yours this Christmas

Merry Christmas.

Be sure to visit next week as I'll let you know of the swaps starting early in 2012.

I would LoVe to have your company once again.

ThE WiNNeR is

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000+11:00

I wish I could send everyone a gift as a ThAnK YoU for helping make this Christmas an extra special one for me. I wish you all the very best for the coming holidays.
Fingers crossed everyone...
drum roll please...

No 23...
Cheryl from http://polkadotsandrickrack.blogspot.com in the USA.
I hope you enjoy my little gift to you.
Merry Christmas.

CaTcHinG Up

2011-12-19T08:30:00.000+11:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed my blog tour of all the wonderful gifts sent by Santa helpers who played in the Santa Sack Swap.
Some of the ladies have chosen to wait until Christmas morning to open their gifts... how strong willed are they!! .. but for the rest of us whimps... hehe... we have already played with and admired all our fantastic goodies!
For anyone who has linked up... as I said earlier, I will make a random draw for a small gift as a THANKS for playing along and giving Me the opportunity to come by and EnJoY Christmas with YOU! I'll do the draw tomorrow...

so GooD LuCk everyone.

~*~*~*~*~

I also thought you might like to see the wonderful mat that Melissa sent to Bev in the "Lets Exchange" group.
Isn't it beautiful!

I'll show you Bev's once it's been received by Melissa.
It's lovely too!
I know that Sandy sent her mat off to Marianne... but I haven't heard if it has been received yet.
Also I don't know if Naomi and Q exchanged their mats yet?
That's everyone in the 2011 FINAL "Lets Exchange" group. I know I had FuN in it and I hope you all enjoyed seeing the wonderful MaTs that were sent around.

~*~*~*~*~

Here is a pic of the story lap quilt I finished last week. I sent it off to DD2 and I'm still to hear if it arrived. Fingers crossed by everyone PLeaSe !
I was really happy with it... so I hope both DD and the recipient like it too.

I used this wonderful thread for the quilting which I LoVed. The effect was great... having varigated stitches all over the farm. Think about using it on your next project... I'm sure you'll be HaPPy with the result.

I stitched all nine names onto the first border (red) with a light blue thread... and again I was extremely happy with that aspect too. Subtle but readable.

And look at the fabric I found for the backing.... just perfect for depicting Farm Life!

See you ToMoRRoW for the random draw.

Wow... my Santa's haVe bEEn BuSy!

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000+11:00

I had two wonderful Santa Sack Swap partners and so as to NOT upset either partner by choosing one sack over the other... I went with alphabetical order opening Kathy's sack first.
Here are all the lovely goodies that were either handmade by Kathy or purchased with me in mind. Oh Kathy... I just LoVe all my "things" and Oh what FuN I had gooing and garring over my lot.
I went through your gifts not once but twice to enjoy all your work and thoughtfulness.
THANK YOU Kathy... I have enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you- albeit only a little.
MeRRy ChRisTMaS my tassie friend!

This is my beautiful handmade sack
Proving I didn't open the gifts earlier...

Xmas things: Silver door hanger,Tree TeaTowel, Chocolates in their very own Sack, handmade ornament (ball) and another handmade TREE ornament... just beautiful!

Sewing: a box with EvEryThinG one could possibly use, mini sissors, quilters coaster and fabric that some gifts were wrapped in...

For Me: Xmas tissues, note book with pen, make a list pad and a lovely "book", mini time keeper and game key ring.

Something Special: beautiful mini pillow, handmade personal Xmas book... absolutely wonderful!
Just look inside...

It has inserts of pic's from my blog... and also pic's of our trip to Canada... WOW !
I'm speechless Kathy!

~*~*~*~*~

And secondly but certainly NOT least...
I opened my sack from Laurie.
Laurie handmade lots of wonderful "gifts" for me... embroidering some lovely things to showcase her skill.
I LoVed all of Laurie's gifts too spending quite awhile going over her handiwork several times. Laurie is practically my neighbour, living in New Zealand and although Laurie has been in several swaps with me, this is the first time we have been partners. Again a huge THANK YOU Laurie. You have helped make this Christmas a very special one.
MeRRy ChrisTMaS my kiwi friend!

Another lovely sack waiting patiently...

See still intact...

Sewing: Embroidered needlecase, sissor fob and keeper,gorgeous hanger,buttons galore with a tiny sewing machine sissor fob, red brolly pattern...

For Me: lavender tea towel, craft cards,craft ruler, xmas gift cards, gorgeous pen and bookmark...

Xmas: mini hanger,bun server, tree, ornaments-pudding/cat/angel/snowman...

Laurie did a class and thought I would like this... and she was correct... I DO!

How very lucky I've been to have 2

such wonderful partners!

Thanks girls!

~*~*~*~*~

Now after enjoying a good nights sleep, I would LoVe to come by and visit YOU. I would enjoy seeing all your "stuff" so please post a pic or two or few on your blog and come back here and link up.
I'm sure everyone will enjoy visiting with you too...
so put the kettle on... then put your feet up... and get ready for some company!

Is ThaT SantA I HeaR ?

2011-12-14T19:00:00.000+11:00

Are you all getting excited? I know I am... because ToMoRRoW (here in Australia anyways) it will be December 15th... that's OpeNinG DaY of our Santa Sack gifts...

if you want to that is !

I will be for sure, because just like a child I just can't wait any longer... giggle giggle, grin grin breaking into a huge smile!

I know I'm allowed to open them all up 'cause I've been good....

well mostly...

so... have you been naughty or nice?

I'll get Mr Linky up on Friday. That will give me time to recuperate after having all the excitement and time to admire my goodies. Come on by after you have posted your gift pic's and link up. I would LoVe to share your joy with you!

And please EVERYONE... keep your fingers crossed that these beauties turn up at Wendy's home. You see Sammi Bear sent them off and they haven't been delivered yet!

Come on Mr Postman... get them there... PLeAsE !!!!!

Is this the action of a friend?

2011-12-13T10:08:00.003+11:00

Would a person who called herself a FriEnD... do this?
Send a package...

Enclose a card with 2 beautiful Christmas ornaments...

Have another three packages all wrapped up so pretty for you...

and then tell you NOT TO OPEN them until Christmas day!!!!!!!!!
Well ... all I can say is.... some friend... indeed!!!!!

In all seriousness ....
What a good friend I have in Sheryl... ummm ... although at the moment ?!?!?... huge grin!

Seriously... THANKS SHEZ !

I'm SoRRy...

2011-12-12T08:30:00.000+11:00

I truly apologise for not dropping by your blog and visiting with YOU. I know lots of you have stopped by here and left me some wonderful comments and I haven't reciprocated. I had DD here for the weekend and friends over for dinner on Saturday night... and every other waking moment I was trying to finish off THE quilt. ALMOST there... sigh...
I read all comments and try to reply to them all... but sometimes one will slip through... for those I'm sorry!
I know it was FNSI and I didn't visit to see what you all accomplished... again I'm SoRRy... sigh...
And I haven't even been around to see what swaps gifts have been received.. another big SoRRy for that!

I promise to do better!

Although I did receive notice of another lovely mat being delivered.
From Teri to Sami Bear...

Look at the MESS I've made in my cubbyhole... on the desk and on the floor... in the fabric drawers and on the ironing board. It's making me crazy. I can't handle working in my area with it looking like this. I can't find anything... paper and fabric stick to my feet... it's just frustrating I guess! And time consuming!

But soon, after the quilt is finished, I can spend some time having fun cleaning it all up... yippee!

Don't seem to have so much fun planning to do housework... go figure!

This is the LAST block... just the sashing with names on it, one border and then quilting... phew... if I say it fast it doesn't sound so bad does it?

Anyways please wish me luck... it must go in the mail by weeks end!!!!

The NeXt DaY

2011-12-10T08:30:00.000+11:00

Well last night I had my final FNSI for 2011. Thank you to Heidi and Bobbi for hosting these wonderful virtual get-togethers. I know for a fact that I would not have sewn as much without everyone's company each month.
I look forward to seeing you all once again in 2012.
I made my neighbourhood house block for the second year. LOVE,LAUGH,QUILT blog hosts this annual event. Perhaps I'll get lucky and win some blocks this year. If not... well I hope the new owner of my "wonky house by the river at night" enjoys it and thinks of Australia when it's used.
Can you see the boomerang hanging on the wall?

Then I worked some more on the picture lap quilt I'm making.
These are the blocks that will go into the lap quilt- telling the story of the farm.
I finished these during the week....

And at FNSI I completed one block and 1/2 of another block before I just got too tired. I found myself starting to make silly mistakes... so I stopped and went to bed to read.

This morning I'll try to finish off the applique before I go blog hopping to see what others have been up to.
I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did.

It's FriDaY !

2011-12-09T09:13:00.001+11:00

Will I see you all at FNSI tonight?

It's the second to last one for 2011... but the last one for me this year... just don't think I can fit another one in.
I wanted to thank you all for your company during 2011 and I hope to see you all again next year.

Merry Christmas

~*~*~*~

I didn't get to show you some more pic's of "Past Times". If you are ever near Cooma (NSW Aust)...drop in for a visit.

~*~*~*~

We also stopped off at another shop in Bredbo in New South Wales. Now... you'd never think that I would want to stop here... but I did... grin...

Look at all the lovelies inside...

I was in heaven in this shop... only purchased a few items though. I have LOTS in my home already!

This little fellow caught my eye though...

And this pretty little tree...

And a banner of leaves to hang on my railing... but I will show a pic of that later!

Merry Christmas

Cheryll

WonDerFuL WedNesDaY

2011-12-07T08:30:00.000+11:00

Well why wouldn't I consider this a wonderful Wednesday... you see I've been lucky!

First of all I won a giveaway on rsislandcrafts.blogspot.com which was this lovely pattern.
Thanks Robin...

Then I was fortunate enough to have my name literally pulled from a hat by Christine M at http://macdonaldspatch.blogspot.com and won these gifts...
Thanks my friend!

And number 3... well that's a doosey! I WON a My Memories Software package... and I'm over the moon about it. You see I did ask the big guy (aka Santa) to deliver one in my stocking... but now he can give it away to someone else... I have it !!!! Yippee!
Thanks to another friend Christine.

All I need now is a little time to play with it... might be after Xmas ... but then... well all I can say is look out! I'll probably turn into a pain I'm sure... giggle
Anyways... that's why today is a ~~good~~ great day!

~*~*~*~*~

I've been away for a few days... thank heavens for blogger scheduling... because I had to deliver some knitted items to "Past Times" in Cooma. My friend Helen and her craft group donated some 15 tee shirts and a warm knitted blanket. These all go out to the outback of Australia to the Aboriginals who need to keep small babies warm in the winter. My SIL knitted up 30 tees too and I knitted some beanies and added them to the box as well.

While there we had a walk around the gardens and museum type of buildings. It was a lovely stopover and I enjoyed walking in the sunshine... where oh where has it gone?... anyways it was a very interesting visit.

I'll show some more pic's tomorrow perhaps... some crafty ones at least.

Here are the gardens I mentioned... the lavender was just wonderful... and I LoVe lavender!!!!

And ThE WiNNeR Is...

2011-12-05T11:14:00.001+11:00

I used Mr Random Generator...
funny name but he works well...
so without making you hold your breathe or jump through hoops!
the lucky winner is...

Congrats Tracee from Quilt Kitty.... number 11
I'll get the stocking off to you tomorrow!
If you didn't win my stocking... hop on over to HERE... you can still enter into some giveaways I'm sure!
Thanks everyone for visiting me and leaving such nice comments... I really do appreciate it and LoVe your company too... so please come by again.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The PooR MaiLMaN

2011-12-05T08:30:00.001+11:00

As it's now officially "The Silly Season" I wonder how the poor mailman is coping? There are so many wonderful little parcels going to some very lucky people (like me... I've won some things-WOW ) some lovely candle mats in the Lets Exchange swap and even more to Once a Season swappers. But I don't think he knew what was instore for him because of ALL the fantastic gifts being sent around the globe in the Santa Sack Swap.
I have been receiving messages (from all the swaps) and I think nearly all the players are up-to-date. If YOU haven't sent the LAST of your gifts (Santa Sack Swap especially) off to your partner... DO IT TODAY!
The news you have all been waiting for will be revealed today... but until then read on... grin and giggle.
Here is more eye candy... enjoy!
SSS...
To Danette from Mary

To Mary from Danette

From Melissa to Jen
http://misspunkiepie.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-santa-sack-is-full.html

Lets Ex...
From Sammi Bear to Teri

WOW! aren't they ALL just wonderful!

G-I-R-L-S... you rock!

And now... the moment you all suffered through this post for...

drum roll please.....

OPENING day for your Santa Sack is

DECEMBER 15th.

If you post a pic or two or three or four haha... on your blog after opening all your gifts... come back to my blog and link up on Mr Linky. That way we can ALL share in your joy. I know I would LOVE to see!

OOOHHH and there will be a random draw for a "linker" so you have to be in it to win a small gift to thank YOU from ME ...

I'll open up Mr Linky on Dec 15th and leave him open for a few days just in case YOUR mail is late!

PS... It's the LAST day to enter my giveaway too (see original post on Nov 29th) so leave a comment on it and your name will be in the "hat"! GOOD LUCK.
Drawn at 7pm TODAY!

ThiS and ThaT

2011-12-03T08:30:00.000+11:00

I've been keeping myself out of trouble by getting projects FiNiSheD... just in time for Christmas.
This is a small gift bag to go to a friend with some gifts inside.

!*!*!*!

A few more candle mats in the "Lets Exchange"
One from Q to Naomi

ONE from Pat to Sheryl

Merry Christmas to Donna from Virginia

!*!*!*!

I made a few more Bon Bons as well. Five in fact... so that means I finished my quota... phew !

AND DON'T FORGET TO ENTER

** My StoCKinG GivEAwaY. **

Leave a comment ( on the original post - dated Nov 29th ) to enter.

It's drawn on December 5th.. so hurry! GooD LuCk !

CouNtDowN to ChrisTMaS

2011-12-01T08:30:00.000+11:00

As today is the first day of December... the countdown to Xmas has started in earnest in my house. After all, here in Australia we only have 24 more sleeps until the big guy arrives.
I put together a festive platter using the fabric and knitted plum puddings which is now sitting on my table.

I also made these little tree ornaments... as a ** ThAnK YoU **
to a special lady.

I managed to pin and then finish off the quilting for my DD#2 wallhanger for her. This is the first "quilt" she has ever made and now all that's left to do is for her to hand stitch the binding to the back and hang it up for Christmas. I only did it as she just didn't have the time to finish it before December decorating.

!*!*!*!

Another reminder... for all players in the "Once a Season Swap" to mail off the SUMMER item (with a Xmas "tuck in") to your partner TODAY... Dec 1st

ALSO don't forget to mail off your Santa Sack gift to your partner TODAY...Dec 1st... as well !
It's really important to get this last package off as we are all hanging to open our gifts on December ???
Oooo... not ready to tell you yet.... but SOON !!!
Here's a few more gifts being added to the sacks!

To Pauline from Wendi

To Maria from Christine

to Michelle from Tarnyia

To Kathy from yours truly

And for anyone in the Lets Exchange a Candle Mat... here are more wonderful Mats.
Donna sent this to Virginia.

From Sharon to Fiona

From Fiona to Sharon

Phew... after THAT lot... I better go get a coffee.

It's TiMe For a GiVeAwAy

2011-11-29T08:30:00.000+11:00

Robin... over at rsislandcrafts.com decided it was a good idea to have a "Stocking Giveaway"... but I didn't think it was a good idea... I thought is was a GREAT idea... so I joined up.
Here is my stocking that's up for grabs... with lots of gifts inside... sorry, just not enough room for a sport car, yacht or a speed boat... but there are some things for you for Christmas.

If you would like to enter your name in my giveaway... just leave me a comment on THIS POST ONLY... and that's it!
I would LoVe you to be or become a follower, but it's not necessary. Also, if you visit Robin HERE you can also enter on any of the other blogs participating in the 2011 Stocking Giveaway. There will be many many chances to WiN a stocking... so I wish you all "GooD LuCk"
I'll pick my winner using Mr Random Generator...
I hear he is very fair! grin... so please make sure I can contact you.

Drawn on DECEMBER 5th ...
at 7.00pm ... (EDST-Australia)

MeRRy ChRisTmAS EVERYONE...

Allie's Elf

2011-11-28T08:30:00.000+11:00

This will be the LaSt addition to my box of gifts with this merry band of elves inspired by Allie over HERE.
I would still be wishing and hoping to have some "things" made for Xmas if it wasn't for Ms Allie-Oops!

ThAnK YoU

for being among other things...

a wonderful hostess... who has the mostest !!!

I made this knitting bag... and it's going to ***...
Would you like to know where it's headed... well you'll just have to wait! I wouldn't want to spoil *** surprise now would I... grin
.

*`*`*`*

Remember me showing these fabrics during my Sew-A-Thon earlier in the month?
This is what I made with them...
some of these little wonders. My friend Helen sent me one for my birthday... and I was so impressed that I made seven of them. They will go out as gifts to my crafty friends tucked inside the cards wishing them a very Merry Christmas. Beside being bright and colourful, they are just so very useful! Thanks Helen for the idea.

I hope to see all of Ms Allie's elves again in 2012 !

Have a very Merry Christmas !

Narelle's Elf

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000+11:00

It's the 25th again... and the LaSt for 2011...
so it's time to show you what I made for this month.
I finished off the remaining 2 tree ornaments I had cut out... so cross that job of my list of "TO DO's".

I also made these cute little plum puddings for my table. It's another type of mini pudding... not like my earlier ones which were sewn... these are knitted!
I'll mix them on a plate with some of the other puddings... should look NiCe I think!

Visit Narelle at Pins and Whiskers to see what the other elves have made.

Thanks Narelle.. this little group has helped me immensely.

ReMinDer

2011-11-23T08:46:00.001+11:00

Hello Let's Exchange players.

Your Candle Mat should be all ready to go out by now. Little birdies have told me that over 1/2 of you have already sent off to your partner... that's terrific... so this is just a REMINDER to those who are still wrapping ... to get a wriggle on. It's TiMe to MaiL it...... well it will be on the 25th anyways... giggle.
Come on ... give the mailman another job... your partner wants to start to decorate for Christmas... after all it's just around the corner....
Look at the wonderful MaT that Pat received from Sheryl.

MarVelouS MonDaY

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000+11:00

My weekend was wonderful.
I got such a lot done...with some finishes too.
It all started with FNSI... then a great night out at a birthday party on Saturday... and on Sunday I managed to blog hop.
What more could a girl ask... !
I forgot to show what I made for Larissa in the "Keeper Swap" hosted by Sandy at Cookies and Cream blog. Larissa had received it earlier but I forgot to publish a pic or two.
Better late than never!

Matching Needlecase

I also made this santa sack for a friends little man to hold ALL his toys from Santa this Christmas.
I hope Sheree will be happy with it... little Jordy will only have eyes for the stuff inside it, I'm sure!

Isn't this fabric beautiful !!

And I also got two more blocks appliqued for a knee rug that I've been working on...

2 "tree" blocks -one orange & one apple

Two filler blocks...

and some joining strips for the rug as well.

So now you understand why I think this is a Marvelous Monday... after a Wonderful Weekend!

I hope you all had a GrEat weekend too!

My Friday Night

2011-11-18T18:39:00.001+11:00

Yes I've had my FNSI... and I enjoyed myself too!
I started with my customary bobbin winding ...

and finished with these babies
all done, ready to go.

Then I made this cute plum pudding... will show you what I plan to do with it later in the month.

Remember this quilt top that I showed you a week ago... well...
I finished it, pinned it, quilted it and made it ready for the binding.

Then I took in some after dinner refreshment with DH...

Back upstairs to add the binding....
and while DH watched some sport on Foxtel, I sat and stitched the binding to the back.
Another little 24inch BLaNkEt oF LoVe ready for the hospital...

http://blanketsoflove-oz.blogspot.com

Thanks Heidi... for hosting another successful

Friday Night Sew In...

FNSI

2011-11-17T17:24:00.001+11:00

For anyone who doesn't recognise those initials... they mean

FriDaY NigHt SeW In

and tomorrow's THAT Friday!

Why not go on over to Handmade by Heidi blog HERE

and sign up.

It's NOT too late.

SantA SaCks EveRywHeRe

2011-11-15T07:54:00.001+11:00

I have been blog hopping and found more pic's of santa sacks. Everyone in the Santa Sack Swap would have their sacks almost filled by now as December 1st is the final mailing deadline.
Take a look at a few more ...

This is Tracee's... from Maree.

From Maria to Christine...
www.macdonaldspatch.blogspot.com/2011/11/catch-up.html

From Joyce...
to Donna

And one for ME... from Kathy

Bring on December....

If anyone has pic's of their sacks... or have posted a pic on their blog, just let me know and I'll show it here for everyone to see.

NeW ArriVaLs

2011-11-14T15:08:00.001+11:00

I've had a couple of new arrivals here at home.
Firstly a wonderful book I ordered through Sandy at Cookies and Cream over HERE...

And two patterns to add to my collection...

Finally ... and probably most importantly...
DD2's new family member.

SUBIE... a boxer puppy... and she's gorgeous!!!!!!

I've had a play...

Met lots of new people...

But I'm only little...

So I'm a little bit tired now...

Sweet dreams Subie...

SeW-a-ThoN FiNale'

2011-11-10T18:47:00.000+11:00

Well I must admit I spent most of the day away from home and only returned around 3.oo pm. After a quick trip around the house making sure that nothing needed doing, grabbing clothes off the line, making some dinner and then clearing up, I headed into my cubbyhole for the last day of my self imposed sew-a-thon.

I used some of this fabric to create a few Christmas gifts...
[will show you what I did with it later in the month]...

then I cut this out...
[another gift for the xmas group]...

before actually making this.
An embroidery pouch.
I think I'll give it a home with *** & although she may not visit my blog...I had better keep her name to myself!
I adapted my pattern from an original design by Lyn Briggs.
I think *** will find a use for it!

It just got too late last night to publish this post so here I am now, albeit a day late... all finished.
Thanks for visiting with me during my "sew-a-thon"...
I hope you all had some creativity in your week.

See you all next week...

AnoTHer FuN DaY

2011-11-09T16:00:00.000+11:00

My second sew-a-thon day was interrupted several times. My son called in for lunch and a swim... and a friend stopped by for a coffee. What FUN... family, friends, and food!
Anyways, in between visits I placed a very special photo in a frame. I brought this little pic from Canada. It originally belonged to my late MIL... and if you take a closer look... you'll see tiny quilts hanging on a backyard clothesline. I wonder whose home it was?
It's just PerFeCt for my cubbyhole!

* * *

I did manage to do a little sewing too. I put together this "Christmas Stocking" which will be given away in early December. I also added a few gifts to the stocking giveaway... sorry... but I can't show you what's in them yet... but one lucky reader/visitor/follower will WIN the stocking and gifts... all in FuN... just because it's ChRisTMaS... and you all know just how much I L-o-V-e Christmas time.
A reminder and details on how to enter, later in November.

I used a fabric called "12 days of Christmas" by Teresa Kogut. Isn't it wonderful!

What will be inside the stocking on "Giveaway" day.

Visit www.rsislandcrafts.com for details on this fun idea and to see who else is playing in the "giveaway".

* * *

I am currently working on the quilt top ( all but finished ) for another little Blanket of Love... click HERE for details.
I'm quite pleased with my effort today even though I had hoped for a lot more.

I gave myself an early mark today as I am going out to dinner and a show with a girlfriend at 6pm...
BeTTer get BuSy... I have to decide on the outfit, paint the nails, then I can strap on my shoes... woohoo !

My LiTtLe SeW-A-ThoN !

2011-11-08T16:30:00.000+11:00

While hubby's away, this sewer can play.....
slightly modified to suit the occasion... grin.
My other half took off at 7.oo am this morning for his annual 4 day golf trip with some old mates. Of course I had to fill my time in somehow... no housework to do except to make the bed... so I headed up to my cubbyhole.
First things first... take a good cup of tea with me...!

I wanted to add a little pillow to my niece's gift basket... so I made this "shhh... pillow". It can hang on any door knob to remind visitors that the little man is asleep.

Then I added the label to the finished "Balloon Baby" floor play rug that I put together. This is such a bright and colourful quilt that I'm sure my niece will LoVe it. It will keep baby "K" on a clean and warm surface... and once he's a little older, a stimulating one too!

This quilt is 35in x 44in.

I also made a mini pudding... just to add to a gift pack for Christmas... and I liked it so much, I made two! I think I'll have to make some more later on as well.
The pattern is in the book "Get red, red, ready for Christmas " by Natalie Ross.
Isn't it a cutie ~~pie~~ pudding!

Then it was time to stop my little "sew-a-thon" and drive to my hairdressing appointment... darn it!

Back home AGAIN.... all beautiful once again... hahahaaaa !
The rest of the afternoon was taken up by another project. A knee rug. I planned and roughly sketched out my layout... located a pattern... found some fabrics... cut out some shapes... and put this block together.

Design by "Simply Homespun"- Farmyard Express by Janelle Wind 2002

Perhaps later on tonight I'll have something else ready for the rug... but I'll see how tired I get.
Thanks for visiting my "sew-a-thon". Please come back again...

MaGaZiNe TraDe

2011-11-06T11:52:00.002+11:00

I was looking through my magazines and books last night and came across a magazine I had two copies of.
So it got me to thinking...
As it nears Christmas, everyone is leafing through their book stash for just the perfect project to make and you may own two copies of a Christmas project magazine as well... so perhaps we could make a trade?
My issue is " Handmade - Country Christmas Crafts"... vol 28 No 6. Collector's edition.
It is a brand new copy with the template sheet still attached to the mag. If you are interested in trading can you email me the details of what mag and issue you have...then I can see if I already have that one... and if not.. well ... lets make a trade!
Due to the cost of postage...I think it wise to trade within Australia only...SoRRy to all my overseas friends!

These are just a few of the wonderful projects in the magazines 114 pages.

A NeW BaBy

2011-11-05T09:06:00.002+11:00

This is the newest addition to our extended family.

My niece gave birth to him on OCTOBER 25th 2011, weighing in at 9.3lbs & 20 inches long with plenty of dark hair. He was born on the 298th day of the year and is a Scorpio.

His very proud mummy and daddy LoVe him very much.

This photo was sent to me by his chest expanding, ever smiling grandfather... my brother!

I think I'm now a Great Aunt?

Perhaps this is his future... or perhaps he'll make his own story.. who knows.. but I wish him the very best life can offer.

Modality: Fixed

Element: Water
Ruler: Pluto, Mars
Season: Fall
8th Sign of Zodiac

Metal: Steel, Iron
Stone: Topaz, Opal
Color: Gold, Purple
Anatomy: Genital organs, bladder, bowels

Keywords: passionate, perceptive, resourceful, possessive, psychological, prowling, determined, probing, fixed, focused.

FroM An AnGel

2011-11-03T08:30:00.000+11:00

I received a huge delivery envelope from an Angel called O'Faigh late yesterday.
I was dumbfounded at the generosity of this very special lady. Just look at the wonderful little "BLanKeTs of LoVe"... all 5 of them... YES 5 of them... as her workmanship and colour choice is beautiful!
Just CLICK on over to visit her blog... Oldbury Cottage, say hello ... and see what else she has turned her hand to.

I will pack these little beauties into "the box" and take them to 2 hospital neo-natal units early in 2012. Unfortunately they are needed but they DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE !
Visit my "Blankets of Love" blog HERE to see who else is an angel.
ThaNk You O'Faigh... you are absolutely wonderful!
I'm honoured to call you "friend".

It's aLReaDy WedNesDay

2011-11-02T08:17:00.003+11:00

I was on a roll last night. First I finished another BoNBoN.
I LOvE these little guys... they're so easy and quick to make.
That's another two off the list.

Then I made some of these "ThiNgs"... sorry but one is for **** and I can't show you what the "ThiNg" is yet. Not until Christmas and **** has received the "ThiNg".
All I can show you is...

I also wrapped the last of the goodies for Kathy, one of my partners in the Santa Sack Swap. This second package will be on its way to Tasmania as soon as Kathy returns from her holiday. As I have registered for yet another Christmas swap... yes I know I can't help myself... I finished wrapping all of Kathy's gifts (including Decembers) so I could get my teeth into making more "stuff" for Christmas.
I just LoVe this time of YeaR... no wonder it's called the silly season... !

And finally... how cute is this...
I found it yesterday!

CouNtDowN to ChriStmAs

2011-11-01T17:04:00.001+11:00

Yes it seems silly I know... but Christmas is only 53 sleeps away ! SO I've started my countdown!
Isn't he the cutest little fellow for a button - now showing on my sidebar ?

* * * * *

My friend Lyn asked me how I make my BoNBoNs... so I thought I would show her.
I originally purchased the pattern from Hatched and Patched and made the original design. However I needed a lot more, so instead of using an embroidery square as the commercial pattern showed... I created my own adaptation by using some fabric printed squares that I placed on the front instead. This makes each one an individual BoNBoN tailored to each guest. I have also appliqued one with the initial of my friend Loz... so the possibilities are endless. Try your hand at your own unique BoNBoN.
Disclosure:
I am NOT a professional pattern maker nor am I selling these BoNBoNs or pattern... I'm just showing my friend how I make my version. If you want to own your own pattern... visit Hatched and Patched for purchase details.

Choose two fabrics and decide what square you'd like on the front... printed square or applique. This square should be no more than 3inch.. however the one I used on this one is only 2 1/2 inch.
Cut out a 9 1/2 inch x 10 1/2 inch piece of each fabric plus a piece of Pellon the same size.You'll also need 2 x 12 inch lengths of pretty ribbon.
Attach the printed square to the outside fabric approx 1/2 inch down from the top in the centre of the 10 1/2 inch edge. I blanket stitched mine on this one... but if you wanted to applique an initial, add a plain piece of fabric then adhere your initial.

I added visofix to the back

Notice the cool nails painted in Bali

Sandwich the layers... pellon on the bottom, then the lining fabric (right side up) then the outside fabric (right side down) and stitch with a 1/4 inch seam... leaving approx 2 inch opening for turning inside out.

Clip corners, then turn the bon bon inside out... press out all edges and iron flat. Turn the open edge in and hand stitch to close.

Draw a straight line approx 1 1/2 inches in from short edge, down both sides of the bon bon like this.

Run a stitch along each line to gather.

Pull each thread tight then tie a 12inch piece of ribbon around each gather to hold tight. Voila !

Look what's inside.....

It's TiMe ...

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000+11:00

to mail off another month of gifts in the Santa Sack Swap.
By now all the sacks would be filling up quite nicely I imagine... making it harder NOT to shake, rattle or squeeze. It's only ??? sleeps until we get to open them all up... grin ... so get busy planning the next (and LAST) months wonders.
I hope you are all taking pic's of your pressies in their sacks ? ... if you are, let me know and I'll publish them here. That way everyone can see what you have to look forward to opening on a special date in December.
Yes... I'm keeping THAT date a surprise... i'm such a tease... but you'll all be notified in December... grin!

This is what is waiting for Me... from Laurie...

Shez has received these... from Jeanette ....

And Annie has received these pretties from Naomi.
It's beginning to look at little like Christmas... da..de..da..da..da