Simple Stitches

holidays over....

2012-01-29T17:12:00.010+11:00

almost!
tomorrow it's back to the real world...work....eeeek!
and school on Thursday for the kiddywinks....

over the holidays we have done a bit of this...

along with some of this....

and these two had loads of fun doing this!

view of Eildon from the dam wall carpark...

also managed to do a little of this...

I did say a little...
yeah right 4!!!!

bought these gorgeous fabrics off ebay...
made this little cot/cuddle quilt for a friend's brand new granddaughter...

and that was the holiday that was!
Julz

the batik bag....

2012-01-16T14:22:00.002+11:00

made with a lovely pattern by Loft Creations.
goes together very quickly...
made a couple of changes to suit me...

(next time would make a couple more...
only very minor,
but I think would be better for me)
Julz

another bag....

2012-01-15T20:40:00.003+11:00

this is the one I made for Diva this afternoon...
ED pinched the other one...

and the new batik bag is also complete...
(if I wasn't doing the one above, it would of been!)
Julz

sale on now!

2012-01-15T14:56:00.006+11:00

I'm having a bit of a sale at Simple Stitches...

all $8 PDF patterns are now just $5

(just a sampling of what's available...Autumn, lots of stitcheries, Christmas, dolls...)
check it out...here

Julz

another bag...

2012-01-08T14:39:00.003+11:00

finished this bag a couple of days ago...
denim back and bottom, leftover strips with lots of machine embroidery for detail, denim straps....
bit of fun....
got 2 people fighting over it (and not making another one!)
Julz

PS excuse the messy shelves in the background!
might get around to cleaning them up soon...
DH wants to paint the inside of the house...reckons I have to do my sewing room, cos he can't get in here, there is too much stuff to move! so I have to paint it...yeah right!

some oppy finds...

2012-01-08T14:25:00.004+11:00

found this great bag for three bucks at the op shop yesterday...
and some lovely cotton drill...

not what I was looking for, but it will do!

started making some more blue and white 9 patches..
these are 2 1/2" (2 inch finished size),
decided that I would like a blue and white quilt (probably do a lap size) like the one I did for Denice in our SSCS swap....
just going to do them as I feel like it...no deadlines!
Julz

what do you think???

2012-01-05T20:51:00.003+11:00

do you think this colour will catch on?
one daughter loves it,
another was horrified that I would paint my nails this colour...
AND go out in public with it...
the 3rd one didn't care either way...

I like it....it's very Christmassy

Julz

just for me!

2012-01-02T20:47:00.003+11:00

made this today from my stash of Little Apples...
transferred all my "stuff" into it this afternoon...
probably needs to be a little wider, height is great and the length of the handles work well,
also probably needs an outside pocket....

and inside there are 5 pockets,
room for sunnies, lipstick, lipbalm, small perfume, pen, coin purse and my big purse,
that ring you see on the bottom left for my keys...
so I'm not rummaging around the bottom!

it's a little barrel shaped, but would be good for the teenagers that don't carry as much crap as said parent does!

going to make another one, but wider...and see how that looks.
the next one is in batiks...and no Sandi you can't have it...sorry!

back to the real world tomorrow...work, that is!
can you see how excited I am? really? truly?
Julz

2012-01-01T00:01:00.004+11:00

wishing everyone a very
Happy New Year!

may 2012 be everything that you wish for...

good health, family and friends, good fortune,
not too many dramas
(what would life be without them!)
time to be with those we love most,
make time to do the things you would like to do,

most of all...
be happy, be safe,
and have a wonderful 2012!

Julz

abit more loveliness...

2011-12-31T13:49:00.002+11:00

this lovely lot arrived after almost three weeks of waiting....
Christmas post always takes soooooo long.
some more Little Apples range to play with....
Julz

secret stuff part 3

2011-12-29T03:22:00.000+11:00

this is the parcel I sent to Denice in the US for SSCS 2011
check out her blog....lots of lovely things to see,
Denice lives in a place I would love to visit one day!

and this is what I received from Sandra in the US...
thank you so much....I have plans for that lovely fabric bundle at the back!

Julz

PS thank you Chooky for such a great swap again....can't wait for the 2012 SSCS!

secet stuff part 2

2011-12-28T14:27:00.001+11:00

a little bit of loveliness for me!

did you know, you can make beer from bananas????
don't know what it tastes like...my nephew got this in his present

Christine and Jim's table runner for their new kitchen and dining area...
colours fit perfectly!

some more flower clips/brooches....

Julz

secret stuff part 1

2011-12-27T14:15:00.006+11:00

these are some of the things I had been working on before Christmas (orders)
below is a large flower hairclip,
very easy to make...found the tutorial through Google
(sorry can't remember the name...just google fabric flowers? i think)

another one found online,
also easy to make, and look great as a brooch...

these are the things I made for my friend Desley, for her daughter for Christmas...
hope she liked them....
as I made each item, there were a few little persons saying how much they would like them!

a close up of the bag....turned out a little different than planned, but good all the same,
quite long, sits nicely and a great size for shopping.

Julz

back with more soon!

to all a.....

2011-12-24T15:18:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas!

and hoping that everyone is safe and well in NZ and also the NT
thinking of you all

Julz

quick update before Christmas

2011-12-23T18:03:00.001+11:00

this is what I was working on feverishly to finish before Christmas...
my friends daughter picked it up on Tuesday,
very happy with the finished product!

quick market update...
waste of time! basically...

if I was selling gourmet foods/drinks, cherries or strawberries...I would of made a small fortune!

maybe next time...if I decide to go again that is...

Julz

it's here!

2011-12-16T14:06:00.005+11:00

my SSCS present from Sandra

thank you!

opened up the ornie...
a very cute little knitted monkey,
he will sit amongst the other Christmas toys we have...
and some lovely white frosty ornies for the tree...
Sandra must of been peeking in the windows, as they go perfectly with the purple, silver and white that my girls used this year on the tree.

and yes the other pressies ARE under the tree!
9 sleeps to go....
Julz

another one bites the dust!

2011-12-12T07:32:00.005+11:00

weekend that is..
gone...
again....

but I did get lots of stuff done...
played with making these....

finished off a customer order....

started and finished another customer order
just a sneaky peek!
made with the gorgeous Little Apples range...

and finally started my last customer order that's needed by Christmas Eve!

where oh where is the time going?
Julz

2011-11-28T13:34:00.003+11:00

sorry I won't be able to attend this market...
Sunday December 4th
Healesville Community Market
River Street, Healesville
(behind the main street, just follow the crowds!)

Next market will be December 17th
Twilight market
Healesville Racecourse

Julz

on the website

2011-11-27T20:02:00.005+11:00

just listed these on the website...
great prices!

the above two are 25 strips of 5" WOF
(like a jelly roll, only double the width)

ten little things jelly roll
super cute, especially for little boys

Julz

AQM

2011-11-26T15:41:00.006+11:00

just spent the day at AQM....
so much fun,
so little time....
lots of new stuff will be appearing on the website very soon!

Met some gorgeous on line friends...
Hi Linda and Lenora...
caught up with Barb (Theodora Cleave)
and the lovely Lenna Green
saw lots and lots of faces I know (but too shy to say Hi too)
saw loads of lovely trims and things, lots and lots of fabrics, bought some gorgeous japanese buttons, and bag handles.....inspiration plus!!!!!

Julz

new errr stuff!

2011-11-25T20:29:00.004+11:00

these were given to me today, by DH and the girls...
aren't they great...
been wanting the bottom one for ages...
got it at a great price too!

and made this banner for Christmas ...plus a couple of others that are almost finished...
($25 + $3 PH if anyones interested)

thought they might go well at the market next weekend.

Tomorrow I'm off to AQM (first time)
and I'm excited! even if the rest of the clan that will be coming with me aren't....

unlucky I say....

get over it...cos it's something I need to do, if I'm going to stay in this game....

so I may see a few there....I'll pop by and HI if I don't get too shy....
Julz

posted!

2011-11-23T21:17:00.004+11:00

well my parcel to .........................
is on it's way, across the ocean................
destination....you'll have to wait and see!

Julz

another weekend bites the dust

2011-11-20T16:51:00.002+11:00

well another weekend has bitten the dust...
errrr...
mud!

what mixed weather we have had, yesterday it absolutely bucketed down ALL DAY!
today is just a lovely Spring day...not overly warm, but sunny...
got out in the garden, trimmed all the roses ready for another flowering...
trimmed a few bushes that had shot up over the last few weeks...
fixed DH up...after he managed to cut his leg with the chainsaw!
just a deep gash...very lucky..

finished my SSCS, it's packed, wrapped, labelled and ready to post tomorrow...
Woo Hoo!

Made a banner for Christmas (that's it in the header)
found all of my old Christmas fabric and planning a few more for the market in 2 weeks..

Managed to talk DH into coming with me to AQM in Melbourne next weekend!!!!
Have decided if I'm going to be doing designing and trying to sell my stuff I need to see what the professionals are doing...as I would like to have a stall there next year.....big plans afoot.

Julz

this weekend

2011-11-13T15:27:00.004+11:00

I've been hitting the books again!
yes that's right...more study.
this is only half the pile...the others haven't arrived yet,
this should keep me out of mischief for a while I think!

I have managed some sewing...
finished up my runner (like the one I made Sandi in our friends swap )

this one is more heavily quilted...thought I would see how it looked...

added some more hexies to the tally also...
check out the hexie progress page
Julz

market update and 300!

2011-11-08T20:12:00.004+11:00

well the market has been and gone again.
weather was a bit errrr...funny,
hot, cold, humid, threatening clouds, few spits of rain
we got it all...
not too bad a day...
although there was heaps of other things on around the place...
the other 'big' market,
a nearby car rally,
the Whittlesea show,
get the idea?

it was fun, sold a bit, now to get ready for the next one!

Now onto the 300 bit....
that's 300 posts...
seems like just yesterday I started this blog...
what fun, new friends, lots of inspiration, great swaps, new ideas...

ever a dull moment!

hope there's another 300 to come...

my swap item for SSCS is almost finished...I'm excited!
My friend Ash tells me there are 47 days until Christmas....
47!!!!!
OMG I had better get a move on.....
see ya
Julz

Market!

2011-11-05T08:01:00.002+11:00

Sunday November 6th,
Healesville Community Market
River Street, Healesville
(behind the main street, just follow the crowds!)
9am - 2pm

weather: expected 32 degrees and late thunderstorms (very late I hope!)

Hope to see you there...
Julz

Hmmmmm

2011-10-30T13:40:00.006+11:00

a little bit of blue and white....

can't say too much....it's a secret!

a little bit of pink and white loveliness...

a close up of the straight lines
(that's about the extent of my quilting talents at the moment!)

it's raining here today...
and we're trying to paint!
well back to the secret sewing....
Julz

giveaway at Vicki's

2011-10-24T17:56:00.002+11:00

Vicki is having a giveaway...
go check it out, but I hope I win!!! (sorry)
Julz

update

2011-10-24T07:24:00.000+11:00

this is the sunset from Saturday night after the storm...
just beautiful after all that heavy rain, thunder and lightening!

well the market is over again.
lots of people, a few sales...nothing life changing,
an order to complete by end of November,
it wasn't all lost...managed to do 5 more hexies.....

you would not believe the day, blue skies, lots of sunshine, gentle breeze...
completely different from the night before!

Julz

unbelievable!@!!!

2011-10-22T20:35:00.002+11:00

just when you thought it was going to be a lovely weekend for a market...
we get a massive thunder, lightening and rain storm

not sure how much rain we had in about 30minutes, but I reckon it was about 50mm

I'm all packed and ready to go tomorrow morning,
but I will see what the river is doing at the side of the market before I set up,
I don't want to get stuck because of flooding....

well, let's see what tomorrow morning brings, shall we?
Julz

Don't Forget

2011-10-21T07:28:00.003+11:00

Market this weekend...
Healesville Racecourse
Healesville Yarra Glen Rd
(opposite the RAVC Club)

I'm getting excited....
(although today it's raining again!
but nothing like last time...just a couple of showers and still quite warm.....)

Pooh baH!!!!!

2011-10-16T20:13:00.002+11:00

finished stitching this cute little design I had drawn up...
cutting out for a small stocking that I'm making up for the market next weekend...
AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!!!!!!

I'm so mad at myself for having "stuff" under where I'm cutting....totally forgot about it even though what I was cutting was to finish it off!!!!!!
IDIOT.....

weekend sewing

2011-10-09T20:14:00.002+11:00

still getting ready for the market on the 23rd October...
it's been a typical Spring weekend here...
rain, sunshine, rain, sunshine, rain...
get the idea?
so it was a great time to be inside doing some of these...
sunglass cases

they were very popular last year.

still a few more to go....
Julz

customer quilt

2011-10-08T20:05:00.004+11:00

this gorgeous version of My Garden has been finished by Karen (no blog)
Isn't it just stunning?
Julz

in the garden today

2011-10-08T18:11:00.003+11:00

these beauties are blooming!
the smell....divine.
Julz

Happy Anniversary

2011-10-06T12:05:00.000+11:00

to us!

27 years
where oh where has the time gone....

Blog Names

2011-10-04T21:13:00.002+11:00

Dawn over here, wants to know why we name our blogs as we do...
well mine is quite simple...
I wanted to get my business name out there so used the name of my website...

Simple Stitches

(the 1 on the end is there only cos I stuffed up the first time doing a blog...
didn't know what I was doing...so ended up with
www.simplestitches1.blogspot.com)

and that's how my blog was named...
(sorry pretty unimaginative...but it works!)

my blog has become a place where I show what I'm up to with the website, but has also become a place where friends drop in and leave comments, or just have a look and say nothing (but I know you've visited and that's great!)
It's a place where I get to visit other wonderful blogs and find new friends, get inspiration, advise, a friend to lean on, give support and most of all have some fun...

so how did your blog gets it's name?
go to Dawn's blog to add your name to the linky thingo there and add some fun to your day!
Julz

2011-10-02T20:28:00.000+11:00

busy weekend...

2011-10-02T15:55:00.005+11:00

remember that washing line of bodies I showed you here????
this is what they have turned into!

well that's 3 of them...finished the other two this morning....
one green and one red ...

and this is a try out for when I actually get to do a market...

bargain stand from on ebay...
(really would love another one!)
filled with Snowmen and Santas, with a couple of Angels and Christmas dolls thrown in...
what do you think?
does it work?

today has dawned with brilliant sunshine and a gentle breeze...a perfect day for a market!
damn that rain...
(very soggy ground)

oh well...it did give me more time to finish stuff and get other stuff started that looked like it wasn't going to get done...
fingers crossed for 3 weeks time....
Julz

CANCELLED!

2011-09-29T19:26:00.003+10:00

there will be NO MARKET
this weekend!
(due to all the rain we have had again....grrrrrr)

Julz

the market people have rescheduled for October 23rd.

2011-09-26T20:18:00.002+10:00

check out Sandi's blog...her parcel arrived today too!!!!
How cool is that????
Julz

Friends Swap update

2011-09-26T13:56:00.014+10:00

the postie arrived and left this...

Yayy...from sunny QLD....

this beautifully wrapped box was inside...

inside the paper was this box....filled with these!

aren't they lovely....
kids in the background...
I want to open that one...can I?
Can I?
(no...wait please while I take photos
Why????
because!)

F= four FQs

R = rule cover (clever)
and in some lovely batiks
(some of my favs)

I=inspiration and indulgence
(the vovos have been claimed by Diva!)
don't have any of these mags...tonights reading I think, if I can wait that long!

E=embroidery threads...
gorgeous colours!
have some ideas for these colours

N=needlecase
(more yummy batiks!)
love the flower pots stitching...cute

D=drawstring bag
just love the butterfly fabric in this...
beautiful teddies stitchery...

now this one had me thinking???
S= Safron (name of pattern) and it needs sewing...clever huh?

and this is my loot all laid out being admired....
thank you for the lovely card with the beautiful saying inside...

THANK YOU SANDI....
love love love it all!
I thank you for gifting me such lovely things my friend!
(hope your parcel arrives today too..)

thank you to Khris for doing another wonderful swap....

Julz
(I'm off to have another look at my goodies...totally spoilt!)

stuff...

2011-09-26T09:26:00.004+10:00

made a few of these....
will be on the website this week hopefully...
$15 plus PH if anyones interested...
great present idea!

and

this is my washing line this weekend...
bodies!
for Santas...for the market...

a few more hexies completed....
need to do more for the market (if there is some quiet time...let's hope not!)
OK back to the bodies...
Julz

Friends Swap

2011-09-23T16:17:00.004+10:00

is on it's way to Sandi...
(ooops...forgot to take a photo of the parcel...just have to wait til Sandi has received and I'll show what I sent)

more hexies have been done...

supposed to be making Santas for the upcoming markets....
they are all cut out, fabric arrived quickly for the outfits and the bodies are still not stuffed!
just as well I'm taking a couple of days off next week...maybe they will get done after all....
got so many things I want to make...but think time is running short!!!!

this bundle of goodness arrived the other day...Santa fabric and lots of other lovelies...

Julz

SSCS 2011!

2011-09-20T08:01:00.002+10:00

I'm excited!
Secret Santa Swap is on again...
thanks Chookyblue for doing it...you're a star!

I've started having a look at all the girls who are doing it this year...
Chookyblue has a list on her sidebar....
need to start stalking my partner...Oh and see what the others are up to!

My Friends Swap hosted by SewPrim Khris,
is almost finished and should be posted by the end of the week...
plenty of time before the 30th September...
I hope that Sandy likes what I send her...(I think she will)...

it's raining here today...yesterday and Sunday were about 28 degrees...big difference in temps
have a wonderful day!
Julz

another weekend bites the dust...

2011-09-11T15:55:00.006+10:00

well not quite dust????
it's cold wet and miserable at times here this weekend...
we have had it all except snow and I wouldn't be surprised if there is some of that on the nearby hills either!
The sun is shining as I write this post, however it will probably be rain and hail by the time I'm finished...that's my weather for today....
glad I'm inside with the coonara roaring!

Been prepping these.....

these few done last night...cut out, just need to be glued...that's tonights job, so I have some to stitch during the week

these ones have the hexies on them ready to be cut out....

still drawing hexies on this pile!

and these fabrics are the last lots to be cut into when I get time....

I think I have pulled enough fabrics out of the stash to get my 140 hexie flowers with a few more leftover...there are some that will probably not make it into the quilt....colours are not right....

I have gone through most of my stash looking for suitable colours...OMG did I find some old, old, old fabrics...from when I first started quilting about 15 years ago!!!!! and yes some of them will be in the quilt...but I'm not telling you which ones.....
Julz

PS I have been madly stitching my Friends Swap items but they will not be shown on here as I know Sandi has been sneaking peeks....but I'm getting there...should be finished by the end of next week and posted way before the 30th!

updates....

2011-09-04T20:02:00.004+10:00

what have we been up to???
one weeks holiday...
hijacked of course!
3 days at home...
mainly spent Spring cleaning the bloody house!
2 days in Bendigo with DH rellies...
Friday was supposed to go to Quilts in the Barn....no Bendigo it was!
Sunday.....
Fathers Day and Sunday market, teenages working, needed to be dropped off and picked up!

anyway...
look what I found for $10!
it's beautiful...no chips, cracks or crazing...it's perfect!

and last week I found this at one of the local Op Shops
$10 and it's perfect too!

Hexie progress under the tab at the top...

New Newsletter is up under tab at the top....

how was your week/weekend? Not hijacked I hope!
Julz

New Page

2011-08-29T09:19:00.001+10:00

I'm not going to bore you with all of my hexie flowers as I make them...
check out the Hexie Progress page at the top

you will find all about my Hexies up there....

Julz

the garden is growing...

2011-08-29T08:20:00.005+10:00

well the weekend has been and gone AGAIN!
what is it with this year?
it's just flying away...

only 4 months until the Fat Mat in the Suit arrives...
how scary is that?

more flowers to add to the garden...
this makes it 30...
110 to go....

this is all 30 done so far....

I seem to have lots of yellow blooms...
need to expand my colour palette a little more me thinks!
see ya..
Julz

Pay It Forward...interested??????

2011-08-28T11:55:00.000+10:00

Any one else interested????
I've got one person signed up...
?????????

Ok I have joined Pay It Forward on Peg's blog (thanx Peg for having me!)
Now it's my turn...

so now I need three people to play….

the rules are…..

1) I will make some goodies for the first three people who would like to join in…… It will be a surprise and will arrive when you least expect it.

2) I will have 365 days to do it in …………

Where is the catch? to get a handmade present from me you have to play too! This means you pledge to send something to three readers of your blog. It does not have to be stitching or knitting just handmade,
3) You must have a blog. Once you receive your little something you must post about your Pay it forward on your blog to keep the fun going - be sure to use the Pay it forward badge.

So If you would like to play “Pay It Forward”….please leave a comment….

that's it...so would you like to receive something handmade from me in the next 365 days?

(rules are copied off Pegs blog!)

cheers Julz

a birthday and more of these!

2011-08-21T15:06:00.004+10:00

Happy Birthday Mac!
14 yesterday...
(OMG makes me feel old)

and yes I'm afraid more of these...

that's 15 in total...
only 125 to go!
off to prep some more....
Julz

more....

2011-08-18T20:16:00.001+10:00

hexies...
they are popping up like wildflowers!
Julz

it's finished!

2011-08-14T14:51:00.002+10:00

my little butterfly topper is done...and quilted!
hope you are all having a lovely weekend...
it's gone way too fast again....
Julz

omg....

2011-08-12T20:12:00.003+10:00

my first completed hexie flower!

I'm soooooooo excited...
only how many more to go????
Julz

new things...

2011-08-07T11:43:00.002+10:00

made some of these cute hair tie things...
gotta hide them, cos my girls will steal them!
Julz

who stole the weekend?

2011-08-01T07:26:00.004+10:00

it's gone again!
Nothing on the sewing front to show as I worked on Saturday...
so that day was gone.....

Sunday was asbolutely beautiful...sunny, warm (yes warm)....
(even managed to take my jumper off)

I spent quite a bit of the day in the garden,
pruned all of my roses,
chopped back a few other bushes that needed it,
took Diva for a driving lesson,
picked YD up from a sleepover,
cooked breakfast for ED who had to work....

there are plenty of these out in the garden for colour...

and a few of these are starting to pop up around the place....

I think Spring is trying to come....

lovely!!!!!

Julz

my weekend...

2011-07-25T15:48:00.008+10:00

take one denim skirt that no longer fits teenager....

trim a little here and there....

sew pinned seam and box corners....

turn skirt...errr bag....out the right way....

add lining....several times until it fits!
minus the bloody zip!

add some handles and

ta da!!!!!

one new handbag for said teenager...
who said I'll make it mum, just tell me what to do!!!
Yeah right.....

and the weekend....

where has it gone???
Julz

update

2011-07-12T07:48:00.005+10:00

finally finished this UFO that's been hanging around for a long time...

simple line quilting has come up a treat on it...
will be on the website when I manage to get time to list it...along with a couple of other things...
speaking of which I now have some Sewline Glue Pens in stock (not listed, but if you're interested, email me)

won this lovely fabric on ebay the other day...just enough to make 5 of these, now all I need is some white homespun, and it will be a small table centre.

and this crazy patchwork is going to become my cheque books cover, to keep in my handbag..
still working out the finer details of how to get it together...I know what I what to do...but we'll see?????

Julz

I think I'm addicted....

2011-07-04T07:34:00.004+10:00

to Hexagons!

I purchased the first 3 copies of Vignette and looked and looked and thought yes, no, yes, no and finally thought why not????
So I started getting my fabrics together...I'm going to use only from the stash...even if I have to use EVERY single fabric in it....that's it!

I've done 6 of the embroidered flower fillers and last night I traced out another 10 and managed to finish 3 with the 4th one almost completed!

and this lovely quick and easy table runner was finally finished last weekend, just didn't have time for a photo session....

The curly girls are on 2 weeks holidays here in Victoria...poor ED has to go to Tafe all of this week...they are having a full week to make sure they get all of their course requirements done for the year...
me I'm off to work....only this afternoon and Friday afternoon off to spend with them, and of course the weekend....oh well, that Tattslotto man still can't find my place to tell me I've won!

have a great time doing whatever you are doing....
Julz

I'm still here....

2011-06-28T07:49:00.004+10:00

I've been here...looking at blogs but not blogging..very slack I know

these are a few journal covers I have made for upcoming markets in the warmer months
(boy it's been cold!)

and some nice bright ones...

and a sneaky peek at something else I'm working on.....

I used the beautiful Cottage Garden Threads on this one...the colour combinations are wonderful! Gives a really lovely finish and it was exactly what this design needed.

(now that blogger and my computer are finally co operating this post is done!)

Julz

finished this too

2011-06-15T08:04:00.003+10:00

forgot to show you this ...
finished on the weekend too...
my version of Leanne Beasleys Remember noticeboard from Vignette 1

my frame was a little bigger so the pattern was used as a guide and I popped my own touches to it...hand quilted in perle 8 cotton...
very happy with it!
Julz

long weekend gone!

2011-06-14T08:11:00.006+10:00

well the weekend is gone again...time sure is flying!
most of my plans for the weekend went west....
but all was not lost totally...
managed to spend a bit of time doing what I like...
I made 2 of these journal covers, the pink one and the green/black one...

helped my girls do the other two for their school diaries....

I think they turned out quite well!

also managed to do a bit more on my next new pattern...
most of the instructions are written,
the hand quilted is almost done...
binding next.
photograhy and then printing....

have a wonderful week..
Julz

sale for short time

2011-06-12T17:40:00.003+10:00

50% off selected epatterns for a short time only...
get your stitching fingers going!

Selected stitchery epatterns are on sale....here

Winners are grinners!

2011-06-02T07:27:00.003+10:00

sorry I'm a bit late with the winners of the patterns...you know how it is!

OK...the names drawn by Diva are...

Pauline....summer garden,

and

BubzRugz...christmas blessings

congrats girls, and thanks to everyone who entered, I really appreciate your lovely comments and support!
Julz

Don't forget

2011-05-27T17:38:00.004+10:00

to add your comment to the post below to enter my giveaway...
ends May 31st (my time Australia)

A little piecing going on here...
almost finished and then I'll show it...
it's Leanne Beasley's noticeboard from Vignette Issue 1
my frame is a little larger than the one used in the book, so some adjustments were in order...
I think I've finally got them right...

well weekend is here...what are we going to get up to?
I've got to work tomorrow...not all day just til 2pm...
then I can come home and do some things....hopefully!

these are 2 wall hangings that I finished during the week...
they are available on the website if you're interested...

Have fun whatever you choose to do....
Julz

New Pattern Release!

2011-05-22T17:04:00.004+10:00

Finally I have finished 2 new patterns...
I know don't fall over with shock!

anyway here they are...

Summer Garden

Christmas Blessings.

so I think it's time for a giveaway!

for your chance to win a copy of one of these patterns,
just leave a comment on this post,
(with a way to contact you...no reply=no reply!)

that's it...
spread the word,
the more, the merrier...

Winners drawn May 31st...

If you would like a copy right now, they are available here....

cheers Julz

2011-05-09T18:23:00.004+10:00

Hope all the Mums had a lovely Mothers Day yesterday...
time spent with the family, relaxing and some lovely pressies....special day!

Not long ago, this parcel arrived in my mailbox...

hmm...wasn't expecting anything...addressed to me...so must be mine.....
opened it up...
the tag was a clue....Barb

yep I was one of the lucky winners of a bag of buttons from Barb at Theodora Cleave....

thank you Barb...you are one very special lady!
and it's a pleasure to know you...

cheers Julz

PS almost finished my new Christmas pattern using some of Barb's wonderful buttons...there will be a giveaway as soon as it's finished and printed.....stay tuned!

bargains..

2011-05-01T20:32:00.006+10:00

First Sunday of the month is market day in town...
just a little community market,
lots of stalls selling plants, clothes, old wares, junk (plenty of that!)
sometimes you find bargains, others you don't...
today I found bargains!

these gorgeous doileys were $3 for the lot!

this is a close up of the awesome stitching on these...
it was difficult to tell the front from the back...no kidding!

I've been on the lookout for one of these for ages...
there is a lady who paints them at the other market I go to, she sells them for $20 painted,
and you can't really use them except for decoration...
this one was two bucks!

and this is it opened up...totally gorgeous! and useful! and I love it!

the stall actually had another 2 like this one and one that had leaves as the plate bit...
wish I had got another one...maybe they will have them next time...

got out in the garden too, but not to finish the mulching! planting instead...
plant bargains to be had also,
beautiful pink cordylines...only $15 each,
have seen them in the nurseries and buninngs for about $30!

hope you all had a wonderful Sunday...it's almost over and back to the grind stone tomorrow!

almost forgot, I'm on the home straight with my new Christmas quilt...yippee!
Julz

the end of the road....

2011-04-27T20:17:00.004+10:00

sadly, The Chocolate Crow Trader is almost over!
Chris, our fearless leader has decided to call it a day,
please read below as to why...
hopefully we will return in the near future...bigger, better and brighter than before!

(from Chris)
Unfortunately the time has come where, with only a handful of ladies still participating, The Chocolate Crow Trader appears that it may have run it’s natural course…

Numbers have been steadily dwindling over the past 12-18 months, which is totally understandable in the current economic/retail environment. Many girls have left due to the need to return to full time work /increasing family/work commitments. Due to the downturn in retail since the GFC …sales are also fewer than they were earlier on, which also has a downward effect with members .

All of these situations are totally out of my control and I see no “quick fix” until things settle down financially. This has lead me to make the decision (that truthfully I have been putting off for quite some time)…..and in this regard I am afraid to say that that the April Issue will be the the last for TCCT for the time being.

This very difficult decision was only made after a lot of soul-searching and much thought and I am very sorry to see it end this way, however, I am certain that you will all agree that TCCT would seem to have experienced it’s “Hey Day” and it is time for it to bow out gracefully, as it so justfully deserves, ….as I am sure Bev (it’s original founder) would also want.

Who knows…when things pick up again I may resurrect it but for the time being it is the end of the road for now.

I myself have been on TCCT four almost 5 years...an exciting time indeed. Thank you to all who purchased, came to visit each month to see what items we had managed to come up with...the awesome swaps between the girls, the friendships formed and still continuing today.

so good bye to TCCT for now... here's to a speedy return!
Julz

almost...

2011-04-24T19:47:00.003+10:00

well the flimsy top is all sewn together...
I'm really pleased with how it all came together nicely.
This is another block...just a little tease!

today we spent out in the garden mulching...
well DH and YD mulched,
I pulled out plants past their use by date, were overgrown or just in the way, pruned, carted off to the fire, weeded....and now I'm exhausted!
the garden looks great...only 2 more huge beds to do...
that's for another weekend!

Diva and ED both worked today...so we didn't get to spend much time together,
tomorrow we are off to the movies, minus ED who has to work again...
oh well...

whatever you are doing this Easter weekend I hope it's what you want to be doing!
Did the Easter bunny visit your house last night?
He did here...not too much chocolate, just one bunny each, but that's enough...

cheers Julz

Easter Time....

2011-04-23T15:25:00.004+10:00

Happy Easter to everyone...
hope your weekend is progressing along the way you want it too...
slowly!

Hope the Easter Bunny brings you some of these!

Yesterday was totally lazy...
I have managed to do quite a bit on one of my new patterns....
it's a Christmas one...
all will be revealed soon (I hope!)

Today, we have spent the day getting mulch and mulching the front garden bed...
it's looking good...
but now I'm tired and it's time to stitch!

Julz

lazy days....

2011-04-17T15:13:00.004+10:00

well Sunday is here again, and almost over again!
I've been off on a weeks holiday, so tomorrow it's back to the grindstone!
Yikes...

We went up to Mansfield for a few days with the kids...
days turned cold and wet....
here is a lovely sunset of Mt Buller (yes behind those clouds)...
this was taken on Tuesday afternoon...

we had been in Mansfield to visit DHs sister,
had lunch and then decided on the way back to where we were staying to go up the mountain,
as we had heard they had snow!
yes snow in April!
(will show some pics in the next post...they're on my phone, cos I forgot my camera!)

The kids had a ball...literally...a snowball fight!
Mt Buller had had 10cm of snow overnight,
no wonder it was cold...
and lucky we had a fabulous fire to keep us warm!

Wednesday we went to the Mansfield Zoo...
fed the animals that followed us all around the place,
watched the lion being fed...wow! glad I wasn't in the pen with him...hungry fellow.

Came home on Thursday as it was still wet and miserable...
thought we might as well be home with weather like that!
Saturday, out in the garden and replanted all the front garden bed we had pulled out the week before...
looking good, that's some of it in the background.

This morning my DH found this huge butterfly out in the garden, bought it in to show the girls....

It wasn't a totally relaxed week off.
while away I decided that I would try to write some of my patterns up that have been sitting and waiting, and waiting and waiting...you get the idea...
well I've got one finished, just need a couple of fixes and a reread, and it should be done...
another one is almost completed (sewing stage) and the instructions are being done as I go with this one...something different for me!
more on that later....I might be in need of some help?????

Back to stitching now...
Julz

PS Oh yeah...nearly forgot!
The Chocoloate Crow Trader is out too...go here to have a look!

time flies...

2011-04-01T07:38:00.002+11:00

my goodness, where oh where has the beginning of the year gone?
It's April already and Easter is almost upon us again...
I must be getting old...
my mum (bless her) always said "time flies when you're older",
she wasn't kidding!

another week bites the dust at pharmacy work...
yesterday, one of the girls left after almost 7 years...(I've worked with her for 4)
sad day...
she will be missed by all of us...a very bright ray of sunshine...
love ya Ton!

Not much on the crafty front...maybe some on the weekend...although there is gardening planned, DH and I are off to the nursery when he gets home from work this afternoon...
fingers crossed for a fine weekend!
Julz

update...

2011-03-22T07:38:00.004+11:00

well the days just seem to be blurring into each other at the moment...
wake up in the morning, and it's evening before I know it!

anyway, on the weekend I attended a small market at the Wandin North Primary School..
it's their annual fete and major fundraiser for the school...
they only have 25 outside stall holders and I was lucky enough to be asked, as the girls had been to Healesville and seen what I had to offer...they asked, I went.

well what a great day!
the sun was shining...30degrees, lots of people, great entertainment for the day, and lots of sales!
after my last Healesville market, this one was a blessing!!!

we set up and waited...and waited...and finally a sale!
it was the first of quite a few...
I'm always sorry to sell my stuff...I want to keep it all, but know that's not possible..

sorry about the quality of the pics, they were taken in the early morning sun...but I think you get the idea...

No more markets until after Winter now...
back to some stitching for me! and pattern writing! and some designing! maybe!

Julz

long weekend sewing...

2011-03-14T15:00:00.008+11:00

well I don't know about you...but this long weekend has just flown past!
Tomorrow it's back to work...(eeek!)
anyhow this is what I have been up to over the past couple of weeks and finished this weekend...

Old Bear wall hanging
(chook shed design)

more baby owls...
(I think the green one is a bit scary!!!)

Easter bunny in a crazy patch egg...
(pattern from Little House Primitives)

Amelia Jane with her bunny friend
(original design by Me)

Crazy patch basket to be filled with choccies!
(another original design by me)

More bunnies in patched baskets....
(thanx Chris)

so if you would like some calorie free Easter decorating head over here....

Julz

more finishes!

2011-03-02T08:14:00.003+11:00

this one is finally finished!
I started this some years ago...about 8 I think...
this is the second one I have done of this pattern, the first one ended up being a wedding gift...as I didn't know what to get the couple and this seemed to be a good idea...it was...they love it!
so I needed to do another one for me....here it is...
all I had to do was the binding (for the last 5 years or so...how slack is that?)

and this one is finished also....my friend did the stitcheries...they were in that big black bag of "stuff" she gave me last year...so here they are done into a wallhanging to showcase all those special buttons instead of hiding them in a jar! (this one is for sale)

and I finished another couple of needlecases for the up coming markets
won't show you pics cos you're probably sick of seeing them!

off to see what else is in the UFO basket...
it's finally getting down a bit!
happy stitching if you have the chance today!
cheers
Julz

a bit more done...

2011-02-26T14:22:00.008+11:00

busy week finished..
got these things all done,
pieced, put together, quilted and binding done!
x2

when I was looking for bindings for the runners above,
I was going thru some fabric I had recently bought on ebay...
this was a little surprise I found in one piece I was going to use!

Ick....

and no the cockroach stain did not come out...will have to cut this piece up and it was a perfect size for binding....oh well...no harm done, just a fright when I opened up the fabric!

some more needlecases for the upcoming markets...
blue ones...

and some tan ones....

and of course some more owls....

now I'm off to finish some more things....got to get that UFO basket under control!
cheers Julz

Why????

2011-02-19T15:01:00.003+11:00

just had a buy a new printer cos the old one...DIED!
(that I love, cos it does everything that I need it to...and it's easy to use too!)

so I went looking, just quickly cos I need it in a hurry...
this one is so basic its really basic...
print, scan, copy.
can't load my memory card or stick into it, can't connect camera cables to it, nothing...

now onto my biggest whinge...
why the hell are the ink cartridges sooooooo small...
and they cost almost as much as the whole damn printer to replace!!!!!

my old printer had individual ink cartridges so you could replace them as needed..
not the new one...oh no...one black and one multi colour..
and I swear they are 1/2 the size of the ones out of the other printer...
which means they will last 1/2 as long....

I'm going to do some research and see if I can find a printer of today, that takes the same ink cartridges as my old one and has the same features....

this one will have to do for the time being......
did I mention how basic it is?

Julz

some more sewing....

2011-02-13T17:32:00.005+11:00

OMGosh didn't realise it was 2 weeks since my last post...
bit slack!
but I haven't been slack....

these 2 runners used just 1/2 a turnover pack of Nostalgia and a UFO stitchery,
still got another 1/2 pack to play with.
went together so easily....

yes more needlecases!
I've got 3 markets coming up with just 2 weeks between each of them,
so need to be a bit organised...
these are made from my scrap boxes, with a bit of wool felt in the middle, a vintage button,
too easy....

and these ones...made up into a set...
needlecase, scissor keep and pincushion...
(you can find one of these on here)

got a binding to sew onto another almost finished runner to go into the Christmas Market box...
boy I'm sounding very organised....Christmas and it's only February!!!!

hope everyone is having a great weekend...
and all those in QLD and other flood affected areas are getting the help they need....
cheers
Julz

finally some sewing!

2011-01-31T17:35:00.004+11:00

my holidays are coming to an end...
that man from the Tattslotto office obviously lost my address as he didn't come calling after the weekend draw! Damn...

on a brighter note, I finally got myself into the sewing room over the last couple of days of my break, and this is the result....

some cute patch pincushions.....

and cute little scissor cases...
(pattern from Stitchers Angel 2008 Lynette Anderson)
very pleased how these turned out....

and this set will be destined for a stitcher in QLD, as part of my box of "stuff" I'm gathering together to send to Suzanne

a very productive couple of days ..wish they were all like that!
Have a few more scissor cases to make...cutting templates out at night, piecing when I get the chance, sewing all together while watching TV...

cheers Julz

raffle closed

2011-01-25T10:21:00.001+11:00

thank you to both of the lovely ladies that entered the raffle.
Because there were only 2 entries I have decided that they both deserve something,
so they are both winners.

congrats!

Julz

we're back!

2011-01-24T17:01:00.005+11:00

did you miss me?
oh well...maybe somebody did.

We took off to our friends place down at Lakes for a few days R & R.
first couple of days were a bit coolish, but the rest of the time was perfect beach weather!
(got the sunburn to prove it...and yes I was wearing sunscreen, think I need windscreen too, not the glass variety either)

didn't do very much sewing although I took 2 or 3 things with me, just relaxed the whole time

still have a week on holidays,
so this week I'm planning to do a few things in the sewing room,
get the kids ready for school again, almost got all of their stuff,
maybe get into the garden if I feel like it, and just have a bit of "me"time!

Julz

Raffle

2011-01-24T07:35:00.002+11:00

edit: this post will stay on top as it's postdated!
Please scroll down for any other posts

Ok, I'm going to do my little bit for the QLD flood relief appeal.
Toni over at Make It Perfect has kicked off this appeal and all the details of who is running an auction, having a raffle, a sale etc is on her blog...click the pink umbrella in the side bar.

Each blog will run their own auction, raffle etc, but Toni will have the master list of who is doing what...

So what am I going to do?

First one will be a raffle for
a complete set of patterns for My Garden and all the DMC threads to stitch it.
(valved at $80)

(this is my one that hangs in my lounge room)

All you need to do is make a $5 donation to QLD Flood Appeal,
add a comment to THIS post with your receipt number
AND your email address
(so I can contact you or email me privately with your details and I'll comment for you)
You can enter as many times as you have $5 amounts,
ie $20 donation = 4 entries = 4 comments
and on Monday 24th I will get Mr Random Generator Picker Thingy to select the winner...
too easy!
(I will pay the postage for the winning person)

THANK YOU FOR HELPING OUT!

and next week I will do something else,
so stay tuned and get those donations in...

Remember this is an $80 value for $5 and think of all of people you are helping!

Julz

Still On

2011-01-07T07:55:00.001+11:00

10- 20% OFF SELECTED ITEMS ON
Simple Stitches

ending soon!

Julz

a finish...

2011-01-06T07:47:00.004+11:00

well 3 in fact!

The first one is one of my original design patterns, done just a little different to the original...
Love Is...
(this one is for sale on the website when I get time to list it!
If you're interested just email me for costs)

this one below is the monthly prize for my mailing list, a cute little mug mat

and another table runner,
this one will also be listed on the website when I get time

almost time to go to work (again!!!!),
I'm doing 4 days this week as we have 2 away on holidays...and it's been busy, usually we have a few quiet days after Christmas, not this year...seems there are loads of tourists and day trippers in town...keeps us out of mischief....but I want some time to sit and sew, oh and my house needs a clean....
have a great day whatever you get up too!
Julz

Just chilling out....

2011-01-02T12:25:00.004+11:00

Well the New Year is off to a good start...
I have managed to finish a wall hanging,
just adding the wire hanger now and it's done for TCCT.

We went to the local market today and I think I scored a bargain!
$7 for the this lot below....

there are old wooden cotton reels (still almost full of thread), 6 tape measures (2 never used), cotton bias binding, lace, zips, buttons, snap fasteners, sewing machine needles...

I collect wooden cotton reels and this is what drew me to this....there were 12 in there!

Hope everyone has recovered from their NYE celebrations...
we went up to a neighbours house, good food, music, friends and drinks, lots of laughs through the night and a short stroll home....great way to end the year and start a new one.

HAPPY 2011 TO ALL!

Julz

Christmas Part 2

2010-12-31T09:08:00.004+11:00

sorry it's been a few days...work!@*&^%

Here is part 2 of our Christmas,
we went to my sisters...
had a great day, very relaxed and entertaining!
Watched the cricket,
had a lovely meal,
drank some, ate more, watched the cricket,
opened pressies,
drank more, ate more,
watched more cricket
(big disappointment, get your act together Australia!)
you get it....

My sister had a purchased a chocolate fountain set...
thought the kids (big and little) would enjoy it...

spinning merrily away, fruit being dipped...

until this happened....

a slight malfunction!

yes that's chocolate!!!!
everywhere...
it was very funny...
only took an hour to clean up the mess...

***********

Now on to 2011...

I hope that you all have a wonderful New Years Eve...
and that the new year is all that you wish for and more...

Happy New Year!
Julz

It's over!

2010-12-26T14:07:00.005+11:00

Christmas that is...
well one part of it anyway.
Yesterday was spent with DHs family,
great day, good food, a lot of laughs,
a few tears (miss you so much Princess Fiona), and some really sick bon bon jokes!

Sad to say,
my ED had to work yesterday,
so Christmas morning was early for us, so she could go to work...
paper was flung far and wide in the unwrapping stakes,
lots of ohhhhs and ahhhhhs, and aww now I get what that other present was for,
we do some tricky presenting in our house, they don't always make sense until everything is unwrapped! (makes for some excitement and guessamations!)

I finally got to open my SSCS from Barbara...

2 gorgeous pot holders (nice and big) and a beautiful zippered pouch...
check out the most beautiful ribbon roses on it!

and I had also left my 6 item swap parcel to open on Christmas Day,
these are the lovely things sent by Jewells,

thank you so much ladies, it is always a pleasure to be in swaps with like minded people and to receive beautiful handmade gifts..you know there is so much thought going into each gift.

And finally a huge thank you to the ladies that organise these awesome swaps,
ChookyBlue and Maree...
thank you, thank you, thank you!

cheers Julz

(will post next time what I sent to my swap partner in both swaps)

2010-12-24T16:53:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas!

I hope Santa brings you what you have wished for.
Have a wonderful day with family and friends, however you celebrate make sure you keep safe and sound.

Julz

2 posts in one go!

2010-12-20T21:05:00.002+11:00

10% off selected items on
Simple Stitches

(just click on the name...and you're there)

(I have listed quite a few Christmas items at 10% off,
you won't get them for this one,
but keep in mind next year...it's never too early to start!)

Julz

A Market at last...

2010-12-20T20:50:00.002+11:00

Finally a market without floods, wind, rain or hail!
Saturday was the Twilight Market,
although it did rain as we were going there to set it up,
it didn't actually rain while we were there...

having said that, there weren't as many people there as last year,
I think mainly because it LOOKED like it was going to rain all the time
that put a lot of people off visiting...
(except for about 2 hours when the sun came out and it was steamy!!!!)
and then the mozzies came out too
(they LOVE me! :-/)

anyway, ED and I had a good day, lots of people through, some just to say Hi, others to buy, and still others asking if I would be at other markets next year...

Today I finished nearly all of my Christmas shopping,
some of the presents I've already let the girls have...
no point wrapping stuff they know about!
(still have 3 more pressies to make...don't know when I'll have time...maybe Friday?)

Christmas Day has been all organised between the family...off to my BILs, I just need to do a big salad and a dessert...easy peasy! (that's DHs family)...
and then on the 27th we are off to my sisters for round 2!...another easy one, a dessert and us...
how good is that?

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week leading up to Christmas...no stress, and get to enjoy the day with family and friends.

cheers
Julz

been busy!

2010-12-16T07:56:00.002+11:00

boy, didn't realise it was quite a few days since my last post...
what have I been up to????
Last Friday (Dec 10) DH and I took ED into the city to see her fav band...
Bon Jovi!

we went to Rod Lavera Arena...
it was sooooo exciting, it's been years since I had been to a concert...
4 hours later we were rocking our way to where we were staying for the night...

If you get the chance, see them, such entertainers!
(sorry didn't take my camera, only my phone and the pics aren't very good)

(Hi Bron!)

and lots of crafting stuff for the final market this Saturday, December 18th 3pm - 8pm,
at the Healesville Racecourse
(see my website for details of how to get there)

come and say Hi if you're in the area...

Julz

Monday already!

2010-12-06T18:35:00.004+11:00

ok the weekend has disappeared again...
nd we are 2 steps closer to Christmas...eeeeekkkk!
I have started my shopping, but there is still quite a bit to do...

this parcel arrived in my mail box on Friday from Switzerland.....
yipppeee, it's my SSCS...

inside was this pretty star ornie,
and yes the other parcel remains unopened in my sewing room...
cos we haven't got the tree up yet!

Thank you to Barbara,
(if you're reading this, cos I know you do visit, please email me, as you are set as no reply,
I have left a comment on your blog too)

it's funny, I had only recently found Barbara's blog when looking at something that led me somewhere else, then somewhere else...you know how it goes...and found the pretty star ornie, and thought to myself, aren't they cute...and now I have one of my own!)

Now I know that my SSCS parcel has arrived at its destination, but the receiver hasn't worked out who I am yet...
can't show you any photos of the parcel, cos guess who forgot to take one before she posted it!
and if I show you the ornie, it's a giveaway, cos I don't know anyone else that makes these!

I'm going to keep her in suspense for a little longer I think...
give her a little more time to work it out...
this one is a funny one too, as she was a winner of one of my monthly prizes not long ago...
maybe that will help identify me...
meanie aren't I?

Now, these cute parcels are going on their way (tomorrow) to my 6 items swap partner,
I had lots of fun getting these together and hope that she likes them also.
I've been stalking her blog, but she doesn't give too much away!

Market was fun again, very busy with lots of people,
made a few sales, so I'm happy with that...
next Market is the Twilight one on the 18th December,
better get busy making a few more angel ornies...they sold out!

Take care all of you blogging buddies in communities that are struggling with rain and flood waters, maybe the heavens will finally give us a break and some sunshine!
Julz

Market update...

2010-12-04T15:46:00.003+11:00

I will be at the Healesville Community Market tomorrow,
this is our little market that is held once a month behind the main street shops,
in River St...
and yes sometimes it really is a river hence the name

so hopefully we will have a good day,
I haven't made nearly as much stuff as I would of liked to,
life has just got in the way..

maybe we will see some of you here...if you are drop by and say HI!

cheers Julz

cancelled market

2010-11-29T19:06:00.002+11:00

Healesville Racecourse Market due to be held on
December 5th has been
CANCELLED
due to

you guessed it!

FLOODING....again
(3rd time this year!!!!)

&^%$(*&##@!!
(sorry really can't say that out loud!

Julz

healing hearts

2010-11-28T14:13:00.002+11:00

are all finished, in the envelope and ready to be posted tomorrow...

Julz

do you have a heart?

2010-11-27T18:09:00.003+11:00

As you would all know,
NZ has had another disaster,
this time with 29 miners losing their lives doing their jobs...
my heart goes out to their families.

with that in mind,
can you help?

Shirley in NZ would like as many of us that would like to help,
make a heart block (or several) to send to her,
so that all these blocks can be made into quilts for those families that lost a loved one.

Go here to check out the details...

here's my first one to get you inspired!
it took 10 minutes...
that's 10 minutes to help someone heal their heart a little bit.

Julz

Gone...

2010-11-27T12:06:00.006+11:00

where has the week gone to?
this week like all the rest this year have just flown by...
I managed to finish this and get it posted before the due date
(yes one day before does count as before!)

sorry I forgot to take a pic of the parcel all wrapped and ready to go...
but it's winging it's way to...................
somewhere just across the Tasman, so shouldn't take long to get there hopefully.

Thursday night was a BIG night...ED graduated from High School...Year 12 done and dusted!

all dressed and ready to go!

and then on Friday, this little car has come to join our family for ED
(when she gets her license!)

now it's time to finish off the 6 items swap that Maree is hosting,
I've already received mine from my partner,
but I don't know who it is and have no blog address for her..
so if you are her, please let me know who you are....

I haven't opened my parcel yet...
I'm trying to be good and save it for Christmas Day along with my other presents I hope to get....

back to the sewing...
have a wonderful day doing whatever...
and if you live in Victoria
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!
Julz

Cross Stitch Saturday! part 2

2010-11-20T15:30:00.000+11:00

Chookyblu e has organised Part 2 of Cross Stitch Sampler weekend,

this one hangs in the entry hall,
it was supposed to be half the size (done over one thread, I cheated and did it over 2)

and this one hangs in my bedroom over the tall boy mirror.

I love this one, it was a real challenge with the different greens, I think from memory there are about 6 different shades for the leaves and berries, and varying hues of brown, that look almost green! Almost sent me barmy, but very glad I finished it.
Julz

Amazing!

2010-11-19T20:20:00.002+11:00

Please go and check out this beautiful quilt put together from blocks donated by quilters around the world.

Lizzie put out a request not long ago for some blocks from quilters, for her friend Sue who is quite ill.
Well I think from watching Lizzies blog, she got way more blocks than she thought she would receive...
(I sent 6-7 blocks that were just sitting in my UFO basket)...
Lizzie managed to bring all these blocks together into one amazing quilt for her friend...

I want to thank Lizzie for using one of my small blocks in this amazing quilt...
and also the blog that I found it on to follow, after all if we didn't read anyone's blog we would never know about things like this

I know that she has sent the rest of the blocks to another lady in NZ to make charity quilts...
so no ones blocks will go unused or unloved....

Quilters are THE BEST.
and I hope that we all have a friend like Lizzie!

Julz