Show n’ tell!

Hi there! A warm welcome to those of you who are new to my blog… and a warm welcome to those of you who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for quite some time!

Thank you for the uplifting feedback you’ve given me about both my chat over at Stash Manicure, and the giveaway! I’m still in the process of visiting new blogs and replying to comments… just when you think you know where the borders of the blogosphere lay, there are new doors opened and more creative people to meet! If only we didn’t have to sleep!!!

As promised, the kettle is on, would you like a cuppa?

I usually drink Earl Grey tea, really weak with milk. But just recently I’ve been introduced to Chai tea with milk and honey… so lovely on a cold winter’s day! What’s your favourite brew?

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We’re on the second week of school holidays here in Melbourne and it’s been cold and rainy for the most part. A good excuse to cuddle up indoors with a movie, or have friends over for play dates!

I’m working on a mystery BOM called ‘Christmas Fun’ by Lynette Anderson. Here’s my progress on block Two!

Needle turn appliqué and itsy-bitsy Ohio Stars blocks!

Lynette has just posted a pic on her blog of the progress so far. It’s great fun!

Her new fabric line, Scandinavian Christmas, has just hit the stores so I had to dash out and buy some! (Someone really had to twist my arm! *giggle*)

Even the selvedge is adorable!!

I plan to use the fabric for a new Christmas design… or two… or a few! I think this is going to be one of my all-time-favourite fabric lines. Sometimes you can just feel it in your bones, can’t you?

On to some other show and tell… do you remember this birdie pincushion I designed a while back?

Well, the pattern is now available to purchase under the Fresh Hope Patterns label.

I’m so proud to be supporting Fresh Hope! This is what the charity is all about (excerpt from website):

“Fresh Hope is an association which offers a loving and caring family environment through an eighteen month residential program to mothers and their children suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. Fresh Hope’s aim is to provide, through education and suitable programs, the opportunity for mothers and their children to find their destiny in life and achieve their goals in a healthy, drug free environment, thus breaking the generational cycle of addiction and abuse for the children and future generations.”

I find it hard to put in to words how I feel when I think about the mothers who are courageous enough to look for and accept help. But most of all I find warmth in knowing that their children will find security in a safe haven alongside the women who matter most in their lives. Children are such a blessing - innocents that deserve the very best that life has to offer – as we all do! It’s so wonderful that there are people out there – like Fresh Hope – who help people to step on to their paths of happiness…

Bit profound for a Tuesday night eh?!! Okay – best head off for now – but I’ll be back on Thursday to draw the winner of my giveaway. Have you entered yet? Head on over – and Good Luck!

Warm wishes! Vikki xo

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New Beginnings kits and some warmth for Japan

I have been sat here reflecting so much on world events that I didn’t know where to begin to write this post. I have written and re-written it several times… because when it comes to matters of the heart, words fail me.

I feel heartbroken for the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as all of us do. And so often we feel a very human need to help in any way we can, especially on a practical level.

Today, I read on Superbuzzy’s blog that an American sleeping bag manufacturer is supplying winter weight sleeping bags to those who greatly need them in Japan, for only $6 US dollars, each.

So I purchased sleeping bags… and if you would like to do the same please click here. You can read about the initiative in Superbuzzy’s March newsletter, here.

To anyone reading this post who has been affected by the global natural disasters around the world, I’d like you to know that I am holding you in my prayers. xx

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I had a sort through my sewing patterns recently and had a pile of them sitting on my sideboard ready to go to the Op shop… and then I discovered the perfect place for them – Queensland. I got the details and address from the Among the Gum Trees blog!

This pile of patterns:

Will be heading here…

Who knows, maybe one of those patterns is one that a fellow sewer has always wanted, or perhaps even lost. I was thinking that if I lost my craft patterns and magazines, I’d be most sad at losing those that were no longer available to purchase. Opportunity shops are a great source for buying old magazines to add to your collection, or to fill any gaps. I never throw magazines out – they always go to the charity shop!

The Gum Tree Designers have done a wonderful job coordinating ‘New Beginnings kits’ (their own initiative) to be sent to quilters and sewers in Queensland, NSW and Victoria townships that have been affected by floods. I read on the blog today that approx. 450 kits have been received from lovely sewers, along with donations for postage and other craft supplies. That sure would have kept those angel co-coordinators busy! Thank you SO much Gum Tree gals!!!

I made two kits, both containing needle cases and scissor keepers that I made from patterns in Lynette Anderson’s book, It’s Quilting Cats and Dogs. Want to see?

The little animals are retractable tape measures – if you look at the pig you can see the tape measure coming out of his ear! (So if you make a mistake with your measuring – you can honestly say – “I made a real pigs ear of that!” Ha!)

Well guys, I will leave you on a very happy note because this is my 150th blog post! So I will be having a giveaway…. the thinking cap is on and I shall give full details in my next post!

Until next time – hugs!

Vikki :-) x

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Happy Australia Day, a 6-0 Win, and Auction/Raffle winners announced!

Happy Australia Day to one and all!!! :-)

And what a happy day it has been so far! Mr SUDs recorded the Socceroos vs Uzbekistan match last night from the Asian Cup, and my family of four watched it this morning.

Whoo-Hoo! What a game!

The Socceroos were outstanding and no-one could have predicted the 6-0 win! As I understand it, Australia has never reached the semi-final before in this Cup, and now to get through to the FINALS is AMAZING! We play Japan early on Sunday morning… I might even paint my face green and gold!!! Ha ha!

High Five, boys!

I did feel sorry for the Uzbeks though, especially the Goalie… just look at this poor chap…

Awww, I did feel like giving him a hug - but then I realised that there are plenty of Uzbeks to do that - and I should really be celebrating for our boys!!! Because they SO deserved their win! :-)

I’M SO PROUD OF YOU AUSTRALIA!!

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Auction/Raffle WINNERS!!!

I held both an auction and a giveaway for the QLD Flood Appeal organised by the wonderful Toni from Make it Perfect, and her equally wonderful sister, Carli. What an amazing job they did of organising and administering this wonderful fund-raising event.

THANK YOU so much for your support, whether you placed your raffle tickets and bids here, or elsewhere – YOU ROCK!

The lovely Outback Crafter placed her winning bid of $100 for the Springtime BOM pattern-pack. Thank you SO much, sweetheart! I have emailed you and look forward to sewing your bespoke quilt label!

The winner of the ‘Are we there yet?’ travel sewing caddy is Lucky number Seven – Debra from PDTE!

Congratulations Debra! Please send me your snail mail address and I shall get your prize in the mail!

Until next time – Enjoy your Day!

Hugs! Vikki xo :-)

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A special ‘shabby’ apron, sneak peek and other goings on!

I thought you might like to see a (relatively) recent finish?

Before I left the branches of the Gum Trees, us girls had arranged an apron swap for Christmas. You can see the bright and cheery (and very ‘me’) apron that Vicki made for me, here.

My swap partner was Fee – and she really is a shabby girl at heart! She’s always repurposing furniture and finding vintage goodies at flea markets… and she’s no stranger to a pot of white furniture paint!!

This is the gorgeous shabby chic apron I made for her!

I designed the actual apron with long wide ties and a flower-pot-shaped-pocket - but the standout is obviously the painting design!

I can not take credit for this (although I wish I could!) as the design is the amalgamation of two painting patterns by the talented Kerryanne English of Woodberry Designs! The Victorian boot design is my all-time-favourite and it is Christmas themed, but I wanted to use the same design with roses so that Fee could use the apron all year-round. The roses were the second design of Kerryanne’s, featured in Handmade magazine a year or two ago. Mine look nothing like the original – try as I might! LOL!

Here’s a close-up. Although it’s difficult to see, I used a bit of crystalina sparkle on the finished roses… and the buttons are sewn on, not painted.

I think it’s the prettiest project I’ve ever made, although Rosie’s nappy stacker came close! :-)

I’m working on a new design at the moment – fancy a sneak peek?

Mysterious? This project has been designed for a special friend, I hope to finish it next week, while I also work on some special sewing kits for THIS good cause…

The Gum Tree Designers are collecting sewing kits to give to those affected by the flood disasters in Queensland and NSW. Just click on the button above to see if you’d like to help – you don’t have to be a sewer – there are other ways of donating – whether it be purchasing needles and threads, or donating money for postage costs.

I am going to make up a few kits and was going to use fabric already in my stash, until I headed to my local craft store yesterday and picked up this fabric at half the usual price…

It is called ‘Stitches’ by Lynette Anderson Designs for Henry Glass Fabrics. I thought it was PURRfect (sorry couldn’t resist!) for making up sewing kits… will show you more as I progress!

On the subject of Flood Relief – I have put a list of favourite auctions and raffles in my side bars and will no doubt keep adding… the more exposure the better!

If you haven’t done so already – I am raffling my recently published travel caddy, and also auctioning a complete set of the ‘Springtime’ BOM designed by the Gum Tree Designers… I think it retails for around $160… so you never know your luck – you could grab a real bargain! Details at the top of my right-hand side bar – or just head here and here!

*Please feel free to use the pictures/blog buttons of my auction/raffle to post on your blog*

Until next time – enjoy the sweet fragrance of those shabby roses!

Hugs! Vikki xo :-)

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Giveaway/Raffle – as published in Homespun magazine!

If you have been reading my blog this past few days you may remember seeing my most recent design, the ‘Are we there yet?’ sewing travel caddy?

Well – today it’s up for raffle! The actual caddy that was photographed and featured in this month’s issue of Australian Homespun magazine.

The caddy is secured to the sun visor of your car and comes complete with lanyards for needles and threads, and a pair of embroidery scissors.

The Raffle will start NOW and will END midday WEDNESDAY 26th January (Melbourne time). The winner will be picked via the Random Generator.

Conditions of Entry

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  This giveaway is open to everyone – bloggers/non-bloggers, and people overseas
  



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  I will cover all postage costs
  



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  To enter this giveaway you must donate $5 to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal
  



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  You may enter as many times as you like but each entry / donation must have a separate receipt number
  



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  Please ensure you leave an email address so that I have means of contacting you!
  



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  Stop press: Please also remember that this raffle is to RAISE funds for the Flood Relief – It is fabulous if you have already donated – but please donate the further $5 to enter this raffle. Thank you so much.
  

After you have done this, return here and leave your comment with your receipt number.

If you don't have an account to leave a comment you can email me with your name and receipt number and I will comment for you. :-)

Update: I will delete comments that are not entering the raffle simply to make it fairer and easier when choosing a winner using the random number generator! But thank you for those who have left comments! xx

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I will be back soon with some Show & Tell… but just want to say that wherever you are in the world… take care and lots of love to you. xx

Hugs, Vikki xo

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Flood Appeal – My Auction - ‘Springtime’ BOM

I am sure that the majority of people now reading this post are fully aware of the devastation that has been caused by the floods in Queensland. It is mind-blowing to think that 75% of the state has been declared a disaster zone, and that equates to an area the size of France and Germany, put together.

It is beyond comprehension, so many people’s lives have been affected, or worse still, lost.

I have been in silent prayer the past few days, but mourning isn’t as effective as action. Toni at Make it Perfect has organised a huge on-line auction and all proceeds will be going to the Premier’s Flood Appeal.

I am auctioning a complete set of patterns for the ‘Springtime’ quilt, designed by the Gum Tree Designers for Fresh Hope Patterns.

There are nine patterns for nine stitchery blocks, with comprehensive instructions for how to put the quilt together.

The winning bidder will also receive a bespoke quilt LABEL made by me, which will have EACH GUM TREE DESIGNER’S NAME SIGNED on it.

Here is how it works…

1. Bidding will start at $50 Australian

2. Place your bid by leaving a comment on this post with the amount you are bidding, together with your email address

3. I will pay for postage anywhere in the world

4. The Auction will start NOW and will END midday (12 noon) Tuesday 25th January (Melbourne time)

5. I will notify the winner at closing

6. Winner will pay direct to Premier's Flood Relief Appeal

7. Once proof of payment has been received the BOM will be posted. The label may take a few days longer to post, due to some of the gum tree designers living in states that have been affected by the floods, and therefore not receiving or being able to post items themselves. But it WILL follow!

Remember that every single cent goes to those people who need it in Queensland.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your generosity.

I’ll be back in a short while as I have another special item to offer as a giveaway/raffle… see you then! x

Hugs! Vikki xo

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‘Sharing’ My block for Fresh Hope!

I have been sat here for the best part of 20 minutes writing and re-writing this post! Truth is, I have been so excited about us Gum Tree girls introducing ‘Springtime’ with you that I am stumbling for words!

So… I thought I’d carry on stumbling as it’s more interesting than looking at a blank page! he he..

‘Springtime’ is a beautiful quilt designed by the Gum Tree Designers for the wonderful charity, Fresh Hope. You can read the full story behind it and see the finished quilt here. :-)

I’d like to introduce you to the block that I designed, and share my inspiration with you…

“Sharing”

When reflecting on the charity ‘Fresh Hope’, I considered how liberating it would be for the young women receiving care to be able to share their problems; and also, I envisaged their tremendous courage in accepting help. It led me to thinking about the innocence of youth, with no fears of sharing, and a bounty of trust in the heart. With the theme of Springtime, the vision of a young girl sharing acorns with a squirrel popped in to my mind. The usually timid creature felt safe and trusted in his young companion’s company while she enjoyed his beauty - out in the open air - with no boundaries.

It has been an honour to contribute to Fresh Hope Patterns, and a privilege to work with such beautiful women in making it happen. Thank you Vicki, thank you Dawn, thank you Jenny, thank you Fee, thank you Cheryl, thank you Joy and thank you Judith! My dear friends! Special thanks also to darling Blossom (Jenny’s daughter) for designing the ninth block – it’s so special! :-) {{Hugs darling girl!}}

For the full story, head on over to Among the Gum Trees. Or you can visit the Gum Tree girls’ individual blogs to view each of the blocks they designed and read the inspiration behind them, by clicking on each of the names in the paragraph above!

The pattern for this quilt will be made available through Fresh Hope Patterns in the very near future! :-)

Until next time – enjoy sharing! Hugs! Vikki xx

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