Postponed - Translation Needed

Several have asked if I'm enjoying having Hollie and Tayla back home. Hollie decided to postpone her move back home. As much as I love having them both here, I think this is a good decision, especially for Hollie.
EDIT: I've just had another phone call from Hollie, she's moving back today. My plans of sitting quietly and stitching have just flown out the window.
The other thing that's been postponed is the mailing of my RAK gifts. Dh is working all weekend and I'm left with no transport to the post office, so it will need to be next weekend, weather and work allowing.

So while I still had a sewing room, this kept me busy yesterday. Just a little tease of the stripping kind. Hopefully it will be finished next week.
When I'm stripping this is the kind of mess I make.
Even bigger mess on the floor, especially when it's done using paper piecing.
These pretties arrived yesterday. I know they aren't from a new range but they will be perfect
to go with this and it's partners for
this precious bundle. (Life's tough when you have to pose for the camera).


Happy Stitching.
Linda

On a side note is there anyone who can translate a page for me from French to English?

The Stockings Were Hung

Yesterday's finish.

I saw this picture on Sharon's blog, and thought it would make a great combined applique and embroidery.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

The Last Hug

This was the glimpse I gave you last week.
It's transformed.
I love how the two flowers stand out from the others.
A pot full of blooms.
It looks lop sided, I need to learn to straighten up the camera before I take a photo.
Just hand stitching down the hanging sleeve, then it's ready to be sent to Nan's friend, and that finishes off the Hug parcels.
I've thoroughly enjoyed making these, and will think about doing it again later in the year.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Spring Blooms In The Snow (Hug #3)

Do you remember this terrible peek I gave you last week? Not much of a peek was it? I wonder if you guessed what it was going to be.
Perhaps the backing fabric will give you a clue. Beautiful poppies.
On the front deep red poppies, sitting in a milk pail.
Although you see me using a huge amount of pink, I must admit that red is my all time favorite color.
I think I'm going to have a hard time parting with this one, but that's ok. I have plans to make another one.
This one's going to Valerie's friend in Nashville.
As we are still snowed in, all the parcels will need to wait until the weekend to be mailed.
One hug left to reveal and then it's back to the PIF's and my regular stitching.

If you noticed Saturday's post I was asking for help finding linen/cotton mix fabric. Thanks to Stephanie who pointed me to Jackie, who just happens to be about the only stockist of Essex fabric in the US.
Finally I want to wish my gorgeous girl a happy 20th birthday. I'm so proud of you Hollie, you've overcome some huge obstacles, which have made you the beautiful young woman you are today.

Happy birthday sweetie, I love you. Mum xxx

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Searching For

Who better to ask than quilters/stitchers. I'm looking for a nice weight cotton/linen mix that I can use as a base fabric for embroidery and a background fabric for applique. If you know where I can find this I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks
Linda

Birthday Giveaway Winner

At long last the items for the giveaway are finished. But before I let you know who the winner is I thought I'd share a quick pic. The formation of icicles fascinates me. Probably because I grew up in a country that didn't experience such weather.
These are on the neighbors side of the garage.
Now on to what you were waiting for. I've been enjoying some embroidery in the evenings. A little needle case in soft pastels.
This has been a work in progress for quite some time.
So I decided it was time it was finished and enjoyed by someone else.
Add in a pincushion and you have a sewing pail, needle book and pincushion.
All ready to be sent to :
Random number chose:

Paulette

Paulette can you send me your mailing details so I can get this off to you.
Thank you everyone for joining in on my birthday celebrations.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Iced In

We've been iced in with temps as low as 22F (-6) . Freezing rain, and now the snow's started and looks beautiful.

We ducked out quickly for a little shopping. The roads are a mess and there's plenty of death wish drivers, then it was back home to the warmth.
When snow or ice hits Oklahoma, the whole State shuts down. It seems they haven't heard of snowploughs.
So we hunker down and stay warm and keep our hands busy.
This is what kept my hands busy yesterday.

Prep work for the last two Raks.
A little embroidery that needs to be finished and sent to ...........
Sorry I can't spoil the surprise for the recipient.
I'll be back tomorrow with the name of the winner from my birthday giveaway and hopefully a photo of the finished items for the winner.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Hug #2

I really have been having fun with these RAK items.
Hug number 2 is all ready to go to it's new home in New Zealand, to Potpourri 's friend.
I'll mail this one out next week. I think this weekend we'll be busy moving Hollie if we don't get the ice storm that's been predicted.
Oops I just realized that the lady bugs need to have their antennas stitched on.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

1st Hug Ready To Go - Bye Bye Sewing Room

Do you remember this little peak from last week?
It's changed from just bits of fabric sitting on a background.
To clothes blowing in the breeze on a warm summer's day.
I love the way it's turned out and I had so much fun with the quilting.
This one will be ready to mail out to Bren's hug recipient on the weekend. I'm sure as she's the mother of six she'll relate to all the washing.
I have the second one completed and will come back and show you that one tomorrow.
Yes I'm loosing my sewing room again. We got a late night phone call, last night from Hollie, "Mum can I come home"? We're hoping we can move her back this weekend. She could use your prayers at the moment.
I hope to put the last stitches in the birthday giveaway item today.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Delayed

I promised a winner today for my birthday giveaway. A winner has been chosen, but there's a delay, I'm still stitching the giveaway gift. so I'll be back soon with a photo of the completed item/s and the winners name.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Need A Hug Recipients

What a great way to celebrate my birthday, giving a gift to someone else. So after reading all the suggestions of those you thought would like a hug, names have been chosen.
In no particular order:
~Bren~ said...
Potpourri said...
Valerie said...
potsandpins.com said...

I've contacted these ladies for details on their person and I'm waiting to hear back from Potpourri, if I haven't heard by next week I'll choose another lady.

I'm also trying to find Karen who signed up for my PIF. If I haven't heard from her by next week I'll do a quick post asking for one more person.

As it's my birthday and I'm in the giving spirit, I'll have a little handmade something for one of the comments left. I'll draw the winner on Monday.
Please don't blog about this, as I'd prefer it for my regular readers and followers.


Happy Stitching.
Linda

Sunshine

There's nothing like a bit of sunshine in the middle of winter. Especially when that sunshine is something you can work on over several days. Unfortunately I can only show you little snippets as these are gifts for unsuspecting ladies.

Time spent with my embroidery needle.
Prep work for raw edge applique.
Pastel sunshine.
Brights.
Lastly a finish, which I can show you. I fiddled around with some charm squares and osnaburg a couple of weeks ago and ended up with a new design for a bag. Still deciding if I'll turn it into a pattern.
Today's decision is whether to sit and finish the embroidery or sit behind the sewing machine.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

In Need Of A Hug ???

Did the subject line get your attention? I hope so. It's not me that's in need of a hug. Following on with my post from Sunday, I mentioned that I had PIF parcels to make up and that I'd like to do some RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) parcels. Which got me thinking (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately). So I've decided to let you choose who the parcels should go to.

As I only have two PIF gifts to make, that leaves a remaining one to fill the original three. Add to that three RAK parcels and we have a total of four.

So here's how it will work.

What's required from you?
Suggest someone who you think needs or deserves a RAK, (no names at the moment) bear in mind that it will take me some time to make these up.
In the comments explain why you think your choice deserves a RAK.
Make sure you have your email set so that I can contact you.
Only one suggestion per person.
Please don't blog about this, I'd like this to be for my regular commenter's and followers.
I'll close the nominations on Wednesday next week. Once all the comments have been read, I'll choose four and let you know who they are on Thursday.
If the person you've suggested is chosen, you need to be able to provide her mailing address for the parcel to be sent.

EDIT : I'm happy to mail international.

Thank you for helping me brighten someone else's day.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Especially For Stephanie

After yesterday's post, I think Stephanie was more than surprised to see my place mats and runner made up in red, black and white. So much so, that she commented on it in an email.
So this is especially for you Stephanie, just to show you that I can still work with pinks.
Forty two string blocks, completed yesterday. With the other 18 waiting to be done today.
I decided to use up some scrap batting while I was at it, so I did the quilt as you go method. I hope to make a start on putting them together today so I can have some handwork to do in the evenings.

Happy Stitching
Linda

The Year Ahead

I've spent the last couple of days thinking about the year that's gone and the year that's ahead of me. Looking back I've thought about the things I would have changed. That can't be done, what's in the past stays there, but the future holds all sorts of possibilities. I'm not one to make New Year's resolution's. I think we have a hard time holding true to them come the middle of the year. I do however like to think about what I'd like to achieve in the coming year. I think Darlene said it beautifully, generosity and gratitude.

This year I've decided that I want to make a difference, not just in my own life or that of my family, but in the lives of the people around me and my blogging family.

Stephanie issued a challenge to join her in a string block/quilt, scrap busting hassle free fun time. I decided to join in, and after thinking about it more, I've decided that the majority of items that I make through her challenge will be donated to local charities, which will hopefully make a difference in someones life. I don't need to see the difference, just knowing that it will, makes my heart full.

I've also decided that once I have my PIF items finished, I'd like to work on RAK parcels. When I see a need I'd like to be able to fill that need with a gift.

These are just a couple of thoughts I've had. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you all.

Now I'll leave you with a finish for the start of the year. A couple of place mats and a runner that I whipped up this afternoon.



Happy Stitching

Linda

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Here's to a year filled with inspiration, creativity, friendship, new beginnings and great health.
Things are changing in our house. I passed the written part of my drivers license a couple of days ago and now I'm familiarizing myself with our truck and will sit the driving test at the end of the month.
Life is good for Hollie and Tayla, we've hired an attorney to gain full custody of Tayla for Hollie and she's moving into a house with a group of friends next week. Which means I can move out of the closet and move back into my sewing room again.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

In The Nick Of Time

The last stitch was done on this little stocking just minutes ago. Thank you to Kaaren for the lovely design.

This is what we woke up to this morning. Beautiful snow.

Next to having all my kids here, this is my Christmas wish, a white Christmas, and it's still falling. We're under a blizzard warning, wonderful. Call me nuts, but this Aussie loves snow.

My heartfelt prayer for you is that your Christmas would be filled with the peace, love and joy of knowing that our precious Savior came to this earth over 2,000 years ago for each and every one of us.

May you be surrounded by the ones you love, and for those of us with loved ones far away, may we know that our love travels the distance to reach each heart.
Thank you for a wonderful year of friendship and stitching. Thank you for sharing with me my joys and my sorrows. I look forward to year of new beginnings and continued friendship.

Happy Christmas
Linda and Family.

Angels

Angels come in different shapes and forms. Here's a shot of our resident angel, all decked out in her holiday gear, tutu and bow. Add a pretty back drop and a little fur and you have an adorable photo opportunity.
Then there's the angels we don't ever have the opportunity to have the privilege to meet in person. Carol Lee is that type of angel. She lives in Australia, I've never met her, and never had any contact with her until a couple of weeks ago, when she contacted me about the Embroidered Village Bag book. She read that I was looking for it and very kindly offered to send me her copy of the book. It arrived and it's been thumbed through, looked at and admired.

Thank you so much for your generosity Carol. I'm looking forward to making a start on it in the New Year.

Life's been quiet here, we've all had a good dose of the winter flu and it's kindly revisited me for a third round. So my head feels like a pumpkin, and my body feels like I've been flattened by a steam roller. So not too much of anything going on here, especially nothing in the crafty department.

Only a few days until Christmas is upon us. Am I ready? No, I'm not. Holidays tend to remind me of how much I miss my family, but I've decided I'm going to stop talking about it and do something about a trip home next year, before any more years pass.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, filled with love, joy, peace and family.

Linda

Sewing Space

I was having a bit of a chat with Stephanie this morning about the size (or lack of size) of my current sewing space. I mentioned that it wasn't big enough to swing a cat in there, which happens to be one of those common Aussie sayings. So I decided I'd take a photo of my space and let you decide if you think I could successfully swing a cat in this space.

Now if you're wondering where this little space is, you'd better put any liquid refreshments down. I'd hate you to shower your pc screen with tea or coffee. The only reason I warn you is that I told Jenna on the weekend where I was sewing and I thought she was going to injure herself from the reaction I got from her.

Can you guess where it is? No, well then, I'll tell you. I've moved from a bedroom, (which is now occupied by Hollie and sweet Tayla). This new space is off the main bedroom and holds the hot water tank and is next to the laundry room,
otherwise known as a closet.
Now you may understand why Jenna thought it was so hilarious!!

I'm thinking that this is the main reason why I have no desire to sew, like I said at the beginning of the post, it's not big enough to swing a cat in there, let alone sit and stitch, but I haven't let it deter me too much. I've moved into the living room on a few occasions to do a little creating. Hollie thought it absolutely necessary to have a tutu for Tayla, so a tutu it was.

Then she asked for hair bows that could be attached to soft headbands, so hair bows it was.
The last request was for a pair of frilly knickers for Tayla, otherwise known as a diaper cover, but I think I need my beautiful model to show these off and she's sleeping at the moment. so that will have to wait for another time.

Until then,

Happy Stitching,

Linda.

P.S. For all you Bronwyn Hayes lovers, she now has a blog. You can find her here.

Out The Window

Thanks for the advice on the serger, it seems that BabyLock is the favorite, so a little window shopping is in order before I make the final decision.

There's nothing sweeter than one of these smiles to start your day.

My desire to stitch seems to have flown out the window. Understandable, considering the amount of stitching/sewing I did for the lead up to the craft fair. So until it decides to return I've been keeping my hands busy with embroidery.

A little peek of something sweet for a special friend.

The first of the Christmas stitching for Jenna.

Happy Stitching,

Linda

I've tried the new blogger editor and hate it, so back to the old.

Machines?

Just a very quick post today. I've had a week of coughing, the dreaded bronchitis has hit and knocked me off my feet yet again, but I wanted to ask you all about overlockers/sergers. I wanted to get myself one but, I'm not at all familiar with the brands here in the US. Any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated.

Happy Stitching,
Linda.

Life's Good

Life is definitely different now, and I'm absolutely loving having Tayla so close and watching her interact with her mummy. Hollie is back to her old self, smiling and laughing, it does my heart good to see her relax and enjoy her precious bundle.

In between bottle feeds.

Burps,

and nappy changes I've managed to squeeze in a little stitching time,

for Christmas gift giving, and precious baby's. Birdie will work perfectly with the appliqued blocks for Tayla.

I know it's mean only giving you peeks, but I don't want dd2 seeing what will be winging it's way to her house.

Thank you for all your words of encouragement and love you sent our way concerning Hollie's situation. It's always so reassuring knowing that there are friends who understand and support our choices.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

A New Week

Thank you for all your wishes of success for the craft fair, please accept this as my personal thank you. I promise to get back to individual replies, starting this week. The craft fair was a success in more ways than just selling items. We learnt so many things from valuable information shared with us from other booth holders. Information that we'll use in the future. I came home from the three days to over 1,000 new blog posts in my reader, so I think I need to start the week fresh, with a clear list.

It's a new week, and in many ways a new beginning. My sweet Hollie will be moving back home this week with her precious bundle, Tayla. Without going into loads of details, she's coming home to be safe and stay alive. My heart breaks for her, but I know it's the only thing to do. This means that I'll get to spend lots of quality time with my beautiful grand daughter.

So this week will be a week filled with moving my sewing room out of the room it's in now and trying to find space for all my "stuff" elsewhere in the house, and stocking the refrigerator with Hollie food:))

Prayers for Hollie would be appreciated and cherished.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Craft Fair Time

Thank you for all your congratulations on the wholesale offer and well wishes for the craft fair. Yesterday we spent the better part of the afternoon setting up the booth.
I was amazed at how long it took to get it all done.

Today is the final pricing and praying all goes well.

Freezing weather, so layers will be needed.

I probably won't have an opportunity to get back on here until after the weekend.

Until then.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Almost Bursting

I'm still running around like a chook (chicken) with it's head cut off, but in between all the busyness I've managed to do the final editing on the last of the patterns before the craft fair begins.
All the photo's are provided with permission by Nancy. She's done a fantastic job with this quilt, and somehow managed to finish it in record time. Please visit Nancy and tell her what a great job she's done on this quilt pattern.

She also comes up with terrific photo's for the cover.

It was far too good not to be on the front cover.

Thank you so much Nancy.

Set up for the craft fair is Thursday, and Mr ASU and I are doing the finishing touches on the items and booth display products.

Now to the title of the post, I'm almost bursting with excitement. I've been asked to sell my patterns wholesale to a quilt store in WA. They want to use them in a bag of the month class. This would have to be the best news I've had in a long time. So now I need to get busy and finalise the paperwork for my Federal tax number, and get the other patterns onto paper and tested.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Quilt Books & Magazines

Thank you for the offers of either finding or purchasing the Embroidered Village Bag for me. I'm constantly amazed at the generosity of bloggers, stitchers and quilters. The good news is I found the book. It was one of those light bulb moments, I know we all have them, I just seem to have them less frequently.
So I thought I'd share with you where you can buy it if you live in the US or Canada. Stonehouse Publications is based in Canada and they stock all the Australian quilting/stitching magazines, along with a wide range of books and speciality magazines. This is where I buy my quilt magazine subscriptions from. Their service is excellent and reasonably speedy.
The other place that I like to check out for books is HamiltonBook.com. Bren very kindly told me about this store quite a while ago. They carry a huge range of quilting, applique and embroidery books, along with just about every other topic, at huge discounted prices. Definitely worth a look through their selection. Unfortunately they only ship within the US.

Happy Reading.
Linda

What Customer Service?

Before I begin my little rant, I wanted to thank everyone for your sweet words on my last post. Please forgive me for not replying to your comments. I'm a little snowed under with craft fair stitching. All will be back to normal in a week.

Last month Jenny showed this photo of a book/pattern and I fell in love with it. Shipping from Australia was a little high so I went on a search here in the US to find it.

I was so excited to find it at this store, so it didn't take more than a second to hit that buy now button. Now normally I wouldn't spend $30.00 on a pattern but this was just too pretty to leave sitting on a shelf. At the beginning of the week I thought it strange that it hadn't arrived yet. So two phone messages and an email were left. No response. By this time I was more than irritated, I mean she had my money and my purchase. Time to step up the complaint. I'm so pleased I chose to purchase this item through Paypal and not use my credit card. Within 4 hours this dispute was settled and I have a refund. It's amazing how I couldn't get a response from her with the phone messages and email but, using the services of Paypal got this store owners attention immediately.

My lesson in all of this, shop at stores that are known to me or recommended by friends and fellow quilters. The down side, I still don't own this beautiful pattern.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Keeping Busy

Yesterday saw this precious bundle here for a visit. Tayla is such a good baby, I don't think Hollie realises how blessed she is with her. Life is filled with eating, sleeping and growing. In-between sewing I snatched a few Gran hugs to keep me going until the next visit.
While she was here I worked on this stack.

Appliqued bibs for the craft show next week.

Only seven days left and still mountains of things to be stitched together.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Blogger's Quilt Festival

Amy is doing it again, another quilt festival. The previous one was such a huge success, and so much fun to participate in. She's asked us to showcase our favorite quilt. With the number of quilts I've made over the last few months for the craft fair, it was hard to decide. I'm really partial to Georgie the Giraffe with her cute smile and bright flowers, but as you've seen it before, I thought I'd share with you a new finish. You did get a little peek a couple of months ago. So here it is all finished, "Lady Bug Love".

I think this would be my next favorite after Georgie. I love these happy little bugs, and it's so obvious that Mr Bug has a definite crush on Miss Bug.
But you know the old saying "Two's company, Three's a crowd". I wonder if Junior Bug will get the message?

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Now Available

My fourth pattern Uluru Sunset, along with,

the fifth pattern, Darling Harbour, are now both available in my Etsy Shop. A big thank you to the pattern testers who so kindly tested both these patterns.
I did say that I'd give away an Uluru Sunset pattern from this post , and the random number generator chose number 46, who is:

Winona said...
Congrats Linda and family. Nothing better than grandbabies! She looks like a cutie and her mama is beaming! Winona

Because I'm loving being a Gran I decided to give away a Darling Harbour pattern from this post, and the random number generator chose number 16, who is:

Jackie said...
This pattern is probably my favorite so far. I love the blue bag.God bless.

Ladies if you'd like to email me with your postal details, I'll get your patterns into the post for you.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Tested

A few days ago I showed you the latest pattern, Darling Harbour that was out being tested. It's always exciting to receive photo's of a pattern back from pattern testers to see how they have made it up. These two ladies certainly didn't disappoint with their versions. I appreciate the time they take to proof read and edit my patterns. I have a habit of being a little "wordy" and they graciously edit without criticism.

Mary used decorator weight fabric:“Fusion” by Kingsway Fabrics – the floral and “Farrow” by Kingsway Fabrics – the stripe . I just love how Mary's bag turned out, and it's so nice to get positive feedback about a patterns construction. Thanks so much Mary.

Back view.

Jenn used Bohemian Rhapsody" by contemporary quilt dzynes and some coordinates from her stash. Gorgeous blues and brown with a dash of green. Thanks so much Jenn, for your kind words added to the pattern.

Back view.

The pattern has been edited and is ready for printing. All that's needed is time, which I seem to be a little short on at the moment, but I do hope to have it available next week, along with Uluru Sunset.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Quilt Festival

Amy's doing it again, a Blogger's Quilt Festival. She has it timed to start on the same date as Quilt Market, October 9th and finishing on the 16th. We all know that Quilt Market is not for the general public, but being quilters we'd all love to go and see all the wonderful new lines available. So as not to miss out on quilting fun, Amy is running another Quilt Festival, where you can showcase one of your favorite quilts. She has sponsors who have wonderful prizes on offer and I'm sure she'll have a huge list of quilters showcasing their favorite quilts for us all to visit. So if you'd like to join in on the fun, either visit Amy's blog or grab the button from my side bar which links directly to Amy.

Happy Stitching,
Linda

Peek Revealed

Most of you know that I love to share with you places in Australia that have meaning to me, and that I think you may be interested in. Darling Harbour is one of those places. Nestled in Sydney Harbour, just around the corner from the Coat Hanger, otherwise known as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, always full of color and things to do . I know it's changed since I lived in Sydney, I'm sure even I would probably get lost there now. Always colorful, easy to enjoy, and handy to so many other areas of interest.

















Now you're probably wondering what on earth does Darling Harbour have to do with the sneak peek I showed a couple of days ago. Easy, it's the name of my latest bag pattern.
This is what I started with, not bad but it was missing something.

A pocket to keep a cell phone safe, and handy.

I've had fun playing with different fabric combinations. Not all of which are my taste, but it's good to step outside of our comfort box when it comes to color.

These are just a few that I've been busy making up in the last couple of days. Got to make sure all the measurements work out.

Three new pattern testers have tested the pattern, and the draft pattern is on it's way back to me for editing.

I like to come up with easy ways for beginners to try a pattern that perhaps they otherwise wouldn't consider. Hence the broom handle post yesterday. It makes the construction of handles so much easier. I'm not suggesting that you all discard your sweeping so you can make bags, but it's amazing what we can find in our homes that works just as well as expensive gadgets.

I hope to have this pattern available in the next couple of weeks. There's a few more patterns swirling around in my head, but they will have to wait until after the craft fair.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Yesterday's Discovery

Yesterday was a busy day bag making, and while I was in the process of making the handles I made a discovery. Now this may not be new to you, and it's not rocket science but it was like a light bulb went off in my head. So I thought I'd share it with you all today.
You know how some handle directions tell you to make a tube, press the seam open, and turn right side out and press so that the seams runs down the middle? The majority of times, you'll have interfacing attached to the handle, which makes the process a little tricky to say the least. Plus you end up with press marks where you don't want them that are difficult to remove and crinkly interfacing from over pressing.
So my light bulb moment, I was on to number 10 handle when I glanced away from the ironing board and saw my broom, (don't ask, that's an entirely different story). So I decided to insert the broom handle into my handle tube and press the seam open. Voila no pressed creases where I didn't want them and a nice seam pressed open, and no burnt finger tips. This sent me into the shed and I found an old mop that I no longer use. Remove all the hardware from it and I have a terrific rod for handle pressing. I don't suggest that you use a plastic handle, unless you want to spend hours removing plastic from your bag handle. A short piece of dowel would also work just as well, but if you don't have anything else on hand a broom handle will do the trick.
I'll hopefully be back tomorrow with the promised reveal of the sneak peek.
Linda.

More From The Diva's

Last week I showed you a new pattern that was out being tested, Uluru Sunset. Those Stitching Diva's have been busy testing the pattern and had photo's back to me in record time. Please welcome three new pattern testers .

Allie, used fabric from her stash and I love the vacation feel her bag has. Thanks so much for allowing me to share your photo Allie.
Carin, used gorgeous Batiks from her stash in rich shades of blue. The pleated pocket detail stands out well in her choice of fabrics. Thanks Carin.

Nancy, used Debbie Mumm fabrics, with lovely Spring bouquets scattered across it. Thanks so much Nancy.

I hope to have the editing finished by the end of the week. Once that's done, I'll draw a name from this post for a free copy of the pattern, and announce the winner next week.

The last two of the current patterns are out being tested, I'll come back tomorrow with a little preview of the last bag pattern, but until then here's a little sneak peek.

Happy Stitching
Linda.

We Have A Winner

Thank you for the amazing response to our news of Tayla's arrival, you touched my heart in so many ways, with all your lovely well wishes. So here's a not so flattering photo of Grandma with her precious gift from heaven. I don't think I'll ever tire of holding this little bundle and watching her. Everything they say about becoming a grand parent is true. It's just an overwhelming feeling.

Thanks also for the great response to the Kakadu Bag. All the necessary editing changes have been made. I used the Random number generator to choose the winner which was:

Result: 35

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Sew Useful Designs said...
Hi Linda!What a beautiful design, and the pattern cover looks great! I love all the colourways your stitching diva's have come up with!Hugs!Vikki x

Vikki can you email me your postal details and I'll get your pattern into the post by the end of the week.

This afternoon I'm off to Hollie's for the night, to give her a little help with rest and meals, and of course some quality grandma cuddle time.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

The Most Precious Gift

Is this beautiful bundle. Tayla Mae was born this morning at 3.55 am, she weighed 6lbs 11oz and is 19 1/2 inches long.
Hollie was re-scheduled from 6.30 am to 3 pm. She was a real trooper and handled everything with such maturity and grace.

And has given us the most precious gift next to my own children, this beautiful grand- daughter, who just fills my heart to overflowing.

Grandma has been up since 4 am yesterday morning, so I have my pj's on and am about to catch up on some much needed sleep. Then it's back to the hospital to introduce Pop to our new bundle of joy, and hopefully some more photo's.

Thank you for all your well wishes, I'm going to print them out and take them to Hollie and Mark to read.

Grandma

Today Is !!!!

Birth Day, I'm at the hospital with Hollie. She's being induced at 6.30 am this morning. I'm praying it will be a relatively easy, quick birth for her. Then I can shower that little bundle of joy with hugs and kisses and when I come back home, show you all my beautiful grand daughter.

Until then.

Linda

Uluru Sunset

Isn't this an amazing photograph, with such vivid colors? Uluru, there's another one of those names that's almost impossible to get your tongue around, unless you are an Aussie. It's pronounced as "oohluh'rooh". Otherwise known as Ayres Rock, a sacred Aboriginal site. It sits in the middle of nowhere in the South West of the Northern Territory. If you would like to learn a little more about it, here's a link, and stunning photo's here .
It was these beautiful vivid colors that brought about the Uluru Sunset bag.

I've been playing with different fabrics.
Lovely burnt orange Osnaburg and Asian fabrics. The pattern is being tested and I hope to have this one available soon.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Kakadu Bag

Kakadu, odd word isn't it? and even harder for a non Australian to pronounce. Kakadu is one of Australia's many beautiful National Parks. If you're interested in seeing a little more of this amazing place there are links at the bottom of the post, which will take you to some amazing photo's. Kakadu is filled with so many varied and rich colors that it was the inspiration for the latest pattern. You may be seeing a trend here. I made a decision some time ago that if my business name was going to be Wombat Designs then I needed to follow through and have Australian names for my patterns.

Those amazing Diva's have been hard at work again, testing the pattern.

Thanks firstly to Candace who did an amazing job and showed so much grace when she was faced with a challenge with some of the measurements. I just love the fabrics that she chose, Andalucia by Patty Young for Michael Miller .


Nancy chose lovely black and white to make her pattern up in, and chose a great location for the photo. Thanks for all those extra notes in the pattern Nancy.


New pattern tester, Lynn's bag in shades of soft green and brown. Talk about a speedy stitcher. Thanks Lynn.
All the editing has been done over the weekend, and I'm happy to announce that the "Kakadu" pattern is now available in my etsy shop.
I decided that Nancy's photograph was too good to sit on the back cover.

Now here's those links I mentioned at the beginning of the post.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakadu
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/

Let's have a giveaway for a copy of the Kakadu pattern. Please don't advertise it on your blog, I would much prefer that it went to a regular reader . If your email is set at no reply, please make sure you leave contact information. I'll draw a winner at the end of the week.

EDIT: The giveaway is now closed.

Another pattern is out being tested, and I'm currently working on writing up another and stitching up samples. So plenty to keep me busy and out of mischief.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Pigeon Pair

This time in soft blue.

Second verse, the same as the first.

I'll be back on Monday with some new bag designs I've been working on.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

P.S. I'm looking for a couple more pattern testers. If you're interested and live in the US, please email me at lindaronne@yahoo.com. I'd love to include overseas ladies but time restricts me from doing so.

Birds of a Feather

This is one of the many quilts that has kept me busy over the past few days. Feathered Friends in pink.
Three spools of thread to quilt it.

A soft linen, cotton mix in pale pink, pink polka dots for the border and a cocoa for the sashing.

I never get tired of seeing a quilt freshly washed and folded with all it's lovely crinkles.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Sweet Treats

I realised that I was extremely rude and didn't thank the ladies for these two beautiful gifts that I received from giveaways.
The first is one of Kellie's terrific patterns, thank you Kellie. If you haven't seen Kellie's work before then pop on over to her blog and be amazed at her stunning and creative work.
The second are these gorgeous pink fat quarters that Nancy sent for guessing the correct number of items completed at a recent retreat she was on. Thanks Nancy, I think I'll use these in something for the new grand baby.
My next apology is to all my commenter's, for not replying to your comments from the last post. Time just got away from me. Those gorgeous brights are now in a quilt, waiting for it's border to be attached. I only have approx 5 weeks until the craft fair so I have my head down and my tail up working my fingers to the bone :)). Plus I've been busy writing three new patterns and making up samples sending out the patterns to be tested and editing.
Hollie came and spent the day yesterday. We went out to lunch and did a little shopping for some much needed under garments for Hollie. Only a couple more weeks before her precious bundle arrives and I can spoil her rotten. Then I can bore you all silly with baby photo's, but I suppose that's the normal for a new Grandma.

Bitten

I seem to have been bitten by the "bright bug", as is evident with the fabrics here. I just could resist these, and always a bonus when they are on special.

Hancocks of Paducah had these on sale a couple of weeks ago. Lovely Deb Strain brights. I have a plain for these, hopefully you'll see by the end of the month.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Red & White

Bento Box is such a simple pattern to stitch up, with such an eye catching effect, although I don't own the pattern. It's amazing how simple it is to work out a design just by looking at the layout. Red and white Dick and Jane fabric.
Sweet spots to bring out the colors in the wording on the fabric.

Cross hatch quilting to finish it off.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Weekend Regatta

Red, white and blue.
Gentle waves to sail across.

Soft blue yachts for the backing.

Washed and folded ready for a little one.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Another To Add To Your List

Lots of great sites for online shopping were shared in the last post. Thank you ladies, you've helped to expand my list of stores to visit. I found one, while doing a search for a particular fabric a couple of days ago, The Old Country Store in PA. Terrific, fast service, and a great range of fabrics, and all under $8.00 a yard with the majority at only $7.40. A nice change from the normal $9.00 a yard. So if you'd like your fingers to do the walking check it out, and have your credit card ready.

Happy Shopping.
Linda

Where Do You ?

It seems that we all buy fabrics that make our heart sing, whether it's a newer line or perhaps not so new. It was interesting reading all your comments. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question.
As I have a pile of quilt tops that need finishing and no photo's to show, I thought I'd pick your brains with another question today.
I'm not surrounded by loads of quality brick and mortar quilt stores. There are a number scattered throughout Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas, but nothing that is handy, add to that, that I still haven't gotten my drivers license. So I tend to do the majority of my fabric shopping online. Which is probably a good thing after reading some of yesterdays comments. I don't get pulled by beautiful fabric displays pulling at my heart strings or my purse strings.
I'm going to list a couple of online stores that I frequent, but I'd also love to know what your favorite store or stores are.
http://www.marshalldrygoods.com/ This is where I purchased my Dick and Jane fabric. I tend to buy my basics here. You can't beat $3.99 for 1st quality quilting fabrics.

http://www.zandsfabrics.com/ Always a fun place to shop and great customer service.

http://www.fabricsquareshop.com/shop/ Pre-cuts only here, no yardage.

http://nancyrinkdesigns.com/thread.html This is where I buy my Aurifil thread from, at only $7.95 a spool and $1.75 for shipping.


Thank you for taking the time to answer this question, you may just be adding to my online list of favorite stores to shop at.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Baby Dick & Jane Bento

Another baby quilt. I'm having so much fun working with the bright colors. It's a real step out of my box and I'm enjoying every moment. Dick and Jane fabric, perfect for a little one.
Washed and folded ready to be put with the others.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

P.S. I'm interested to know if, when you purchase your fabrics, do you tend to lean towards the new releases or do you just go with what makes your heart sing?

Georgie

I'm sure you remember this gorgeous giraffe. She/He is now finished ready for a little one to snuggle under or play on.
I love the bright colors in this quilt. I've dubbed him/her Georgie.

If you're interested in the free pattern, you can find it here.

Now it's time to get back to Dick and Jane.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Am I There Yet?

This little cartoon pic tells exactly how I feel.

What a weekend, the move went well except for the fact that we didn't have a phone line until Monday afternoon. Once we finally got the computer hooked up we discovered we had a fried monitor. It was left too long in a hot truck. How amazing everything looks now, with a new screen. Please forgive me for not replying to your comments from the last two posts. I returned to over 200 emails and 450 posts to read.
Today will see my sewing room completely organised. I ran out of puff yesterday, but the rest of the house is done, all the boxes are gone and everything is in it's new place. So hopefully that will mean I can get back to my neglected sewing machine.
I have several baby quilts in various stages that need to be finished, then it's on to the bags.
Thank you for all your lovely comments on the previous quilts and your wishes for a smooth move.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Baby #3

I'm sure I'm still unpacking, so while I'm doing that, do you remember these two quilts?
Both made from 1 charm pack.

Well here's number 3 from that same charm pack. A sweet soft green.
All washed and crinkly.

Folded ready to be packed.

Now ready to be unpacked. So that's it, these three baby quilts were made from 1 charm pack, nothing like squeezing it out.
Happy Stitching.

Linda

A Box Full Of Blessings

Today I had planned on showing you the third baby quilt that had it's binding attached earlier this week, but plans change. The reason for a different post.... the most amazing parcel arrived on my door step yesterday morning and I didn't feel that waiting until Monday was the thing to do.
Do you see that little puss In The Corner sticker attached to the tissue paper?
Look what was inside the tissue. An adorable terry toweling bib.

And a cute pair of purple corduroy overalls and a white long sleeved T. This grand baby is being spoilt even before she arrives.

Under those adorable baby items was this bundle of joy.

Hmm a pretty needle case.

Now please click on this photo so you can see the most exquisite stitching and such a heart warming verse.

With a lovely piece of soft blue felt for my needles, just perfect.

Twizzlers, yum, more quilting candy, a lovely panel with Scripture, a sweet bookmark card with one of my most favorite sayings, not sure if I can mail this on to someone else. A huge bar of aromatherapy soap and a sweet knitted washer, and a beautiful book that I'm sure will keep be happy for hours.

Now I'm sure you're all wondering who the lovely lady was that sent me this box of goodness.

Christine from A Simple Quilter was the giver of this amazing parcel. I signed up for her PIF a few months ago, and she wrote me the other day to say it was on it's way, that she was hesitant as she didn't think her parcel was perfect, but it was given with a giving heart. Let me just say that anything that has as much thought as this parcel is pure perfection in my book. Thank you so much Christine, you have touched my heart in a way that's hard to describe.

Today I'm at the new house waiting for the gas to be turned on and doing a little unpacking in the kitchen. I'll be without Internet connection today. So please excuse me if I don't reply to your comments until early next week.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Primary Color play

You may need your sunglassess for this one. The second of the three baby quilts, fresh out of the dryer. Another charm pack quilt, Color play the fabric range.
Lots and lots of quilting to give it a nice wrinkly effect.

All folded ready to be packed.
Number three tomorrow.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Baby Wonderland

Even though I've had my head in boxes for over a week, I took a little time on Monday to sew bindings on three new quilts. I still need to keep my hands busy at the end of these exhausting days
Baby Wonderland, made from charms, quick and easy, with simple triple straight line quilting.

Ready to be packed up. The second is having a quick tumble around the dryer.

Happy Stitching.

Linda

Busy, Busy

Almost a week since I last ventured near my blog. I may have been quiet but I've been extremely busy. These pretties were such a refreshing break from my work. A sweet parcel from Lisa and Sarah.

A tiny little box filled to the brim with buttons and floss, a gorgeous peach and yellow fat quarter, and a very clever note book (which is already being used) and such a sweet card designed by Sarah.
Thank you so much Lisa and Sarah for your thoughtfulness and your creativity.
Another parcel arrived last week.

I needed to wait and pick it up from the post office. (I must do something about getting a drivers license)
I had plans of hanging this in my sewing room.

But I think it's far too pretty, it needs to be seen by anyone who comes into our home, so I think it will hang in the living room.

This little sweetie was also included in the parcel, isn't she adorable?

Any ideas as to who the maker may be? She's a far away friend, but one that I treasure immensely. This sweet parcel came all the way from Sweden, from my dear friend Stina. Thank you so much Stina, I simply adore the parcel you sent.
Please excuse any mess you may see on my floor, I'm surrounded by packing boxes. Believe it or not we're moving this weekend. We/I decided we needed to be closer to Hollie and the baby when she arrives. Hopefully this will be our last move for a very long time.
And if that wasn't enough to keep me busy I've been putting the final touches on the next pattern. It should be going out to the testers this week.

Happy Stitching.

Now Finished and Available

My second pattern "Daintree" is now finished and available from my Etsy store. Inspiration for the name and the colors I chose to make this bag up in, came from the beautiful Daintree Rain forest, in Queensland, Australia. http://www.daintreerainforest.com/.

As a thank you for all the lovely and encouraging comments I'm giving away a copy of the pattern, and the Random number generator picked #4 from the comments from this post.

Congratulations Carrie, I'll send you an email for your mailing details.

So many of us who are venturing into pattern writing and designing are referring to Elizabeth Hartman's of Oh Fransson blog post about copyright. If you have a moment take a look here, it's very informative, whether your a designer or a consumer.

Thanks again to my super Stitching Diva's, your copy of the pattern will be mailed this week.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

Merry Monday

A special thank you to Stephanie for agreeing to co-host this swap with me. It's been a fun experience, and one I'm sure we'll repeat in the future.

Thank you also, to all the swappers who participated in this swap to make it a success. A special thanks to those who kept in contact with both Stephanie and I throughout the swap. Keeping us up to date, on progress with your items being made, giving us little sneak peeks, mailing your packages and letting us know when you received your packages. These emails are an important part of having a well run swap. Thanks also to those of you who regularly made comments on both blogs on our "Merry Monday" posts.

It was a joy to see so many of you do an excited post about the items you received. It was also a pleasure to see that "most" of you followed the guidelines of the swap, and went above and beyond what was asked to be included in your parcels that you sent. A few unfortunately didn't, and left their partners more than disappointed. It's unfortunate but, Stephanie and I now have a bad swappers list.

Stephanie and I have enjoyed co-hosting this swap together, and we plan on bringing you more swaps in the future. We've decided that "invitation only" swaps are the way to go. It helps to control the numbers of swappers, and hopefully ensures a fun experience for all those involved and quality gifts being swapped. We've both learnt many things through this swap. Some that will remain, others that may change, that I'm sure you'll discover in future swaps that we host, either together or individually.

It's unfortunate, thoughtless and extremely selfish when a swapper doesn't follow through. I spent time (that I could have been creating in my sewing room) last weekend trying to get in contact with a swapper (Kelly) in Australia who felt she didn't need to send an item to her partner. We never want one of our swappers to miss out because someone else has been thoughtless. Whether it's the hostess or an angel who steps in all our swappers WILL receive a parcel.

Some things to think about before you say yes to the next swap.

• Our swaps are international, so that means added expense with postage. When you commit to an international swap, you commit to mailing without whinging about the cost involved.


• Guidelines are always included eg: items that need to be included in the parcel. If you are unable to follow through, or don't have the skills, please don't commit.


• Guidelines are included about contacting your hostess with emails. If you've never run a swap before you'd be surprised at how many hours go into making sure it runs smoothly. Contact is an important part of a smoothly run swap.


• Regularly updated blog, (yours). This helps your swap partner get to know your likes and dislikes, and also let's your hostess know that you're still alive and kicking.


• Make a point to read your hostess's swap posts. These posts take time to prepare, and give you information specifically about the swap you are involved in.


• Leave a comment on the swap post occasionally so your swap hostess knows your still involved.


• Read your partner's blog so you get to know what her tastes are.


• Be polite and don't delay in blogging about the gift you've received. Within a week of receiving your parcel. This is one thing that I've noticed with the Christmas in July swap the very unexcited posts and distant photo's of the gifts that have been received, by just a handful of swappers. Regardless of whether the gift/gifts are totally to your taste, someone has gone to the trouble to make something that they hope you will enjoy. Imagine their hurt if you don't show any enthusiasm.


• Be polite and send a thank you to your partner to let her know that you've received her parcel.


• If something unexpected happens that is going to delay your mailing, let your hostess know so she can work with you and let your partner know.


• Quality outweighs the number of swaps you're involved in. It's easy to commit to every swap that's going on, but it's much more difficult to send quality gifts if your mind is occupied with "How am I going to get all these swaps done on time" Learn to say no.

I know when reading all these things, it may seem like a lot of rules and regulations, and that's not the point that Stephanie and I want bring. More that, a smooth, fun swap needs everyone to be involved.

I hope you'll join us on our next swap in 2010, until then.

Happy Stitching.
Linda

P.S. Please hop on over to Stephanie's blog and read her final thoughts.

Quilting Tools

There are just a few things I like to have on hand when I start to machine quilt. A good pair of gloves is at the top of the list. Unfortunately I'm yet to find a pair that I can fit my long fingers into.
These reach my knuckles, but better than none at all.
My walking foot for my machine and quality machine quilting needles. As much as I love free motion quilting, I'm yet to master it, so for the time being I'm happy to just use my walking foot.

A good sharp pair of thread snips.

A supply of nourishment..... oops this packet appears to be empty.

I don't like to rely to much on this, but it's a necessary evil when quilting.

I'm sure there are others that I've forgotten, but these are at the top of the list (except for the candy). Do you have tools you can't manage without?

Happy Stitching

Linda

Treasures

Yesterdays mail brought an expected box from Ohio. Some of the contents however were totally unexpected. I had a hard time, not just ripping into this box, but then I remembered "you", and I remembered how much we all enjoy the unwrapping process.
Under the plastic wrapping I found these beautiful treasures. Stephanie and I had arranged to share these beauties, after I had said how much I loved the one's she had sent in the Christmas parcel. Aren't they just wonderful?

On the top of the parcel were these little charmers peeking out of a plastic bag. Vintage spools, most still with thread on them. Into the bowl with the others I've managed to find, they go.

Vintage buttons, still on their cards, notice the price 29 cents. Wouldn't it be great if we still only paid that price for a card of buttons?

A Cute Nativity pattern that Stephanie found amongst her mothers treasures.

Finally, the best till last..... A wonderful Plastic canvas pattern booklet. How wonderful, a new craft for me to learn......

That last comment was very "tongue in cheek". Stephanie and I were chatting at the beginning of the Christmas swap about our tastes, and we both said how much neither of us liked plastic canvas work. So this booklet was sent as a joke, but the biggest joke may be if I make something up and ship it to Miss Creations.

Thank you so much Stephanie, such a treat to find the extra "treasures" you included in the box.

Happy Stitching

Linda

Evenings

I'm extremely fortunate to be married to a man who is happy for me to be a house wife, which allows me to pursue my love of fabric and creating. Because he works a 14 plus hour day, time together is extremely limited, so I like to make sure I spend time with him in the evenings before he has to go to bed.

Like so many others I can't just sit and do nothing, my hands need to be busy. Lately the time has been spent turning burp cloths in the right way and pinning them ready for pressing and top stitching. Now that, that is finished I needed something else to occupy my hands. Something that wasn't too brain demanding (at that time of night my brain is rather fried from the day spent in the sewing room).

So this is what I've been doing this past week or so. I can usually get at least one completely embroidered, and sometimes make a start on another.
Hopefully by the time the craft fair come around I should have a good supply of these little bibs.

What do you do to keep your hands busy in the evenings?

Happy Stitching
Linda

Merry Monday

A little later than I had hoped with this post, but here eventually.
There's been a number of parcels arriving at their new homes.

If you check the list on my side bar, and then check out Stephanie's list you'll be able to see the beautiful and thoughtful creations that have been sent.

Next Monday will be our final Merry Monday post.

We'd love for you to come back and read our final thoughts.

This post has been scattered with lovely photo's of gifts that I received on Friday.

Bonnie would have to be one of the sweetest most giving ladies I have the pleasure of knowing. All these lovelies are a thank you gift from her. The cutest fabric I've seen in a while and of course it has Koala's and Kangaroo's playing across it. I have a couple of thoughts swimming around my head for these, but haven't come to a final decision yet. A gorgeous apron with such a pretty scalloped edge and an apron pattern. Thank you so much Bonnie, I just love everything you included in your package.

Happy Stitching

Linda

From Her Heart

Many of you know Darlene from her blog Quilting Daze. She makes the most gorgeous quilts at such a speed that it has me giddy. Do you recognise this photo? If not then you can read about it at this post.
This looks familiar doesn't it? Wednesday's mail brought this parcel to my mail box. Tucked inside the envelope was this treasure with a card.

My photography just does not do this beauty justice.

This little treasure was made with loving hands, a giving spirit, and from the heart. Thank you so much Darlene, I absolutely adore my new treasure, which has now been named "From The Heart".

Happy Stitching
Linda