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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Polka dots… you know I love you!

I have gone super-crazy, stark raving bonkers and wild with passion over red and white polka dots! (As some might say… I don’t get out much! Ha!)

The love affair began a few months ago when I started collecting kitchenware items for the gorgeous Deb in NZ. Deb is doing up her kitchen (hence the theme) and I wanted to surprise her with a special package because she’s such a sweet friend. A friend who has really made a difference and has put a smile on my dial more times than I can shake a stick at! :-)

(There you go Deb – some wonderful mental imagery for you – me looking in the mirror and shaking a stick while I smile!!!)

Egg cups, tea bag saucer, apron, mushroom decorations, buttons, chocolates and a very special item designed especially for Deb – that I am yet to be able to show you – so there’s just a sneak peek in the photo.

Deb also won the Christmas-themed photo album cover that I gave away after designing it for ‘Simply Christmas’ over at the Shabby Art Boutique (talking of which – have you seen Kerryanne’s recent sneak peeks? GAWJUS!!)

Back to the polka dots! The love affair has been in full swing, and I recently succumbed again when making a bag for my friends’ birthday…

I created this bag using the Bella bag pattern by Moonshine Designs, and the pattern is absolutely fabulous! :-) Easy to follow with great instructions to get that professional finish.

I added a key fob to the inside of the bag so that keys or a mobile phone holder (in this instance) could be attached. To the inside pocket I added a love-heart shaped zipper pull manufactured by Birch. Very easy to do with only a couple of minor ‘naughty’ words uttered during the installation process!

I then put together a mobile phone holder and in true Vikki fashion, I was still sewing half an hour before I left for the party. Due to my panic, I wound up making it too small. Mr SUDs very helpfully contributed: “You should have got the dimensions for the phone!”…

…to which I replied, “I DID!”

We both had a good giggle, with Mr SUDs obviously thinking that he should have seen that one coming!!!

But hey – I bet no-one else has a lipstick holder attached to a key fob in their hand bag????!!!! Ah yes – that’s what it was intended for all along!!!! <cheeky grin> :-)

My friend really loves to coordinate her attire, and I love to make coordinating ‘everything’, so I purchased a wooden bangle and covered it in strips of fabric, adhering them to the inside edge of the bangle using a hot glue gun. It was quick and easy to make… and as a dear friend of mine in England would say, “Yeah – it looks it n’all!!” LOL

Well that’s enough spotty dotty news for one day… but I’m sure there will be future instalments!

Till next time – don’t forget to have some fun!

Hugs! Vikki :-)

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A bit more eye candy and an ode to 2010

As promised, I’m back again with more eye candy for you, and this post is overflowing in shabby goodness - so set your peripheral vision to soft focus! :-)

I was so very blessed to have won an amazing giveaway just before Christmas, from the lovely Linda over at Lilly Cottage. My parcel arrived on Xmas Eve so I placed it under the tree to open on ‘the big day’. When I did so, my mouth dropped open and out spilled a multitude of Oohs and Aahhs. Check out this beautiful bunting… even more gorgeous-er in real life!

It is currently hanging in DD’s bedroom because she has the prettiest room in the house. But I’ve advised her it’s only a loan until I get my very own pretty craft space and then it’s game over!!

Here’s a close-up of the delicate vintage doilies and silk ribbon…

The bunting was the giveaway prize that Linda offered after doing a guest post over at the Shabby Art Boutique (for Kerryanne’s Simply Christmas). But that was not all that Linda gifted me; and I felt completely humbled that this lovely lady, who I have never communicated with before, added other hand-made goodness (and a beautiful glitzy key ring) in to the mix for someone she did not know. Isn’t that beautiful? I’m so glad I saved the parcel for Christmas Day because it really did hold the true spirit of Christmas! Thank you SO much Linda! :-)

Tiny little sequins, dyed lace and beads – and the scent of lavender – sheer delight!

I also received these beautiful hand made lovelies from two my very dear friends over in the gum trees, Jenny and Joy. I’m sure you can guess the style of each designer – they have gorgeous distinctive signatures don’t you think?!!! :-) Love em’ to bits! Thank you so much, girls! x

There is one more pressie to show you but I’m holding off on that one because it is so apt for me at the moment that it’s uncanny! I’ll save it for another post! {{Thank you Judith!}}

Last but not least, I received this beautifully-sweet hand-painted gift box from my dear friend Kerryanne, as a thank you for participating in Simply Christmas. Kerry – it was my absolute pleasure - but thank you so much for this gorgeous treat! :-)

The pretty box was beautifully wrapped and overflowing with minty-chocolate lollies, which have since been placed in the sweet jar for midnight snacks when my DS and I stay up late to watch comedy DVDs!

Talking of which… I’ve finished my sewing for this evening and will no doubt embark on my final ‘Midnight DVD stint’ for 2010! Where has it gone?!!!

My Ode to 2010

Thank you for a year of ‘firsts’,

Kinder, High School, and a wedding rehearsed!

After 10 years – Mrs Collumbine – I’m Legit…

My rellies visited – we enjoyed every bit!

My first published designs, my first pattern sold…

My first AQM was a joy to behold.

Gorgeous new friends, and old friendships that thrive

Creativity, bubbling, and welling inside!

Thank you 2010, you have taught me new things

but now I yearn for what 2011 brings… :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!

Hugs, Vikki xoxoxo

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Santa visits!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas?!!

We sure did!

Christmas Eve was a very relaxed day for us, albeit full of excitement! Santa visited the kids in our neighbourhood, hitching a ride on a local Fire truck… he does this every year and gifts the children with lollies (candy/sweets).

Fire Fighters in the suburbs of Melbourne are all volunteers and are such amazing people. I am in total awe of them, and to make these special visits each Christmas Eve in order to bring joy to the littlies, is just the icing on an already overflowing cake!

On seeing Santa - my DD, (complete with red antlers) - ran for cover, taking refuge in the doorway with her older brother! Santa is a jolly ole’ fellow but he’s still a wee bit scary to some wanna-be reindeers! :-)

However, St Nick was highly revered the following morning upon receipt of a pile of brightly-wrapped pressies! I was also praising the jolly old Elf for gifting headphones along with the whizz-bang keyboard he left for DS! They really do think of everything at the North Pole, don’t they?!! *wink*

I must have been a very good girl this year as well, because I received some beautiful gifts. Would you like to see some of them?

This gorgeous lavender-scented hanging heart was gifted to me by my lovely gumnut (!) friend, Fee! Thank you Fee, lavender is my favourite scent and I love it!!x

This sweet floral (card-holder) purse was gifted to me by the lovely Vicki over at The Pickledish Patch. It also contained some scrummy buttons - thank you Vicki!! (Wait till you see what else Vicki made for me recently… I’ll share in a tic!)

Two darling friends of mine visited my homeland recently and both gifted me little treasures. Gorgeous English tea from my old Capital; and a red post-box key ring, together with Cath Kidson tissues which are too good to use! In fact, they match my daughter’s new outfit perfectly!

Here, I was trying to get a snapshot of her wearing the top today so that I could show you – but she was running around like a lunatic in her Elton John sunnies, so the pic isn’t too clear!

Hmmm… not sure which is more crazy – my DD running around like she’s just won the 200m Sprint, or me capturing photographs to compare her clothing to a packet of tissues?!!! Ah well, I’ll leave that one for you to decide… ha ha! :-)

I shall share more pressie pics with you next time! As promised, here is a photo of the other delight that Vicki hand-made for me this year! The gumtree designers had an apron swap and I was invited to participate! Vicki knows my favourite colours are pink and green…

Okay - I was trying to be tongue-in-cheek here but it didn’t quite work – what a show-off! Ha! (Actually, I was trying to cinch-in my waist!) The diet starts next week!

Isn’t the apron wonderful? Thank you SO much, Vicki!! I love it!!! :-) It is too good to wear in the kitchen, so will be worn when I’m ‘at work’ in my sewing room! :-) Hugs, Vic!

I am making an apron for Fee and progress is well underway, I really hope that she likes it! She’s a ‘shabby’ girl at heart and that is the only clue I’m going to give her!

Rightio – my little one is all tucked up in bed and Mr SUDs, DS and I are off to watch a Sci-Fi movie!

I’ll be back soon with lots more eye candy!

Hugs! Vikki xox :-)

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A sneak peek…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

Boy oh boy – I am loving this lead up to Christmas! I get as excited today as I did when I was five years old! I even bought myself an advent calendar this year – an ‘old fashioned’ one with pictures - as opposed to chocolates!! :-)

I have been busy designing and creating, but there’s nothing I can show on that front just yet. But here’s a sneak peek of something that I WILL be sharing with you REAL soon!

All will be revealed in a couple of weeks! :-)

I am also enjoying creating projects from others’ patterns, and have just started on this gorgeous wall-hanging by one of my favourite designers, Laurraine Yuyama from Patchwork Pottery. :-)

This is the project – on the front cover of the first issue of Quilter’s Connection – the gorgeous Canadian magazine for, you guessed it, quilters!

Isn’t it divine? I love the way Laurraine marries muted country colours in her stand-out signature style. What a talented artisan she is – and an absolutely beautiful person, to boot!

Here are the fabrics I have chosen:

Very similar to the original – but why change perfection?!!! he he…

I purchased the magazine through Laurraine’s Etsy store, together with Cotton Life – a Japanese publication featuring another of Laurraine’s patterns.

Laurraine’s parcel arrived a few weeks ago, wrapped beautifully and containing an extra gift for me…

One of her sweet fabric birds…

Thank you Laurraine for your sweet gift – and for your inspiration, enthusiasm - but (most of all) for your friendship! x

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There’s something so special about hand-made isn’t there? Nothing tops it! Over the past few years I have been gifted handmade creations by dear friends, and they are so special to me. I think it’s the energy that is passed through the fabric from one person to another.

My family and I put up our Christmas decorations a couple of days ago and it was so sentimental to hold the handmade holiday decorations that have been hiding in boxes for the past 10 months. I had a smile on my face as I thought of each person in turn and what they mean to me. That’s one of the best things about this holiday season isn’t it? Remembering our loved ones and dearest friends. :-)

~~~

So! On a final note… are you all set to open the first door of your Advent calendar tomorrow???? How exciting!!!!

Catch you soon!!! Hugs! Vikki :-)

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Christmas show and tell!

Have you been following along with ‘Simply Christmas’?

Kerryanne, over at Shabby Art Boutique has been spoiling us with ideas, tutorials, guest posts and giveaways… and in addition I have welcomed the motivation and gentle prompts to get my Christmas planning organised!

My ‘wrapping station’ is set and ready to go! I have wrapping paper, tags, ribbons and bubble wrap enclosed – the baubles are just for eye-candy at this stage, reminding me of my colour palette for this year’s decorating!

I picked up the basket really cheaply at IKEA, and have a separate box (pictured lower left) to store cellotape, pens and bows – all the things my daughter would love to get her crafty little hands on, if they were on visual display! Ha ha! There are methods to my madness! :-)

I purchased these fabrics a few months ago – again, in the blue and red colour palette – to create some table decorations in the form of napkins, runners, bon bons etc. I should have bought some plain fabrics too – but will visit my local patchwork store to match up the hues.

The range is called 12 Days of Christmas, by Kate Spain for Moda. But I’m sure if you are a fabric junkie like me, then you would already have recognised it!

Would you like to see a Christmas finish?!!! I’m absolutely rapt with this one!

The stitchery on this cute little cushion was designed by the gorgeous, enthusiastic, and talented lady known as Cyndi of Stitch Stitch Stitch Bee Tree Designs. Isn’t it gorgeous? I love Cyndi’s work! Always, there is humour!

The stitchery is just one of 16 snowman-themed blocks forming a delightful quilt aptly named, Snowballs. I am a very lucky girl because Cyndi gifted me a few of her patterns after winning my giveaway back in May. She won the giveaway – and then was gifting me! But that is the type of generous gal she is – always giving. She has some delightful downloads on her blog and is always thinking up new ideas and sharing…

Thank you Cyndi! Although this year I hadn’t the time to make the full quilt – I couldn’t resist stitching this married snow couple in memory of my marriage to Mr SUDs this year – so I added the date and made it in to a little cushion to put on our bed! x

But – there is more!

I put the embroidery needle aside for a few days and took up my paint brushes.

What started as this…

(can you guess how many times I dipped the paint brush into my tea to clean its bristles?! LOL)

Evolved in to this…

Yep – it’s the Christmas Planner designed by the lovely, aforementioned Kerryanne English. I’m taking her online class (which you can view at the top of my right hand side bar) and it’s FANTASTIC!

This isn’t the finished piece, still lots to do, but do you notice how miffed the penguins look? Me-wonders if maybe Rudolph ate all the cookies before they found the empty plate?!! (Or maybe they would just like their beaks? – Ed) A quick email to Kerry to ask, “How do you get your penguins eyes so cute?” and a few brush strokes later (plucking the offending eyebrows!) and I am much happier with the result…

Not finished by a long shot – but getting there! Do you notice how Santa’s hat is shaded and highlighted, compared to the last photograph, for example? It all comes together.

How are you doing with your Christmas planning?

Till next time – hugs to all!

Vikki x :-)

PS: I dipped my paint brush into my tea twice.

PPS: Picked up my daughter from kinder with a big green stripe down one side of my face! Ha ha!

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Matroyshka Maidens – a recent finish!

I thoroughly enjoyed my journey in creating this ‘doll’ of a project! :-)

So cute it’s almost edible (!) is this armchair caddy, needle case and scissor charm set designed by the lovely Leanne Knell of Petals & Patches.

The pattern is from Leanne’s ‘Matroyshka Maidens’ range, and I really enjoyed stitching it with the Cottage Garden Threads embroidery floss. The colour-way used is one of my favourites, named River Gum (203), it has a lovely gradation from olive green through to a deep plum colour.

The fabrics I used are from one of my favourite ranges – Peace on earth by 3 Sisters for Moda.

When the large Maiden is opened out she transforms in to a useful armchair caddy complete with pockets and a central pin cushion.

Leanne has recently released some gorgeous patterns in this range including cushions, pin cushions and decorations – you can find all the details here! :-)

I’ll be back soon to show you a recent Christmas finish!

Hugs!! Vikki :-) x

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Craft show and other ‘goings on!’

I had a great trip out to the Craft Expo in (Carlton) Melbourne last weekend! My dear friend and I set out nice and early, the sun was shining, and we enjoyed a day of inspiration!

I took these street scene photos of the office suites in Carlton. I was quite taken with the architecture of the doors, windows and railings and thought you may be interested, too!

I love the colour of this door and the detail!

Here is the street view. The buildings are on the pathway situated on the right hand side.

Inside the Craft Expo, I only took a couple of photos. I had the pleasure of meeting the very talented Libby Richardson and viewing her beautiful designs up-close!

Here is Libby – hasn’t she got the most beautiful hair?!

Can you see what Libby has been working on? A painted Christmas scene ready to be stitched on the lower left-hand side… And can you just about make out that gorgeous teddy wall-hanging in the left-hand corner? So CUTE!!!

And this next photo is of Libby and I stood in front of her gorgeous BOM quilt named “Remember when”

Libby’s work is so pretty! Have you seen her other BOM named Girls Day Out? My friend Mai, has just completed it and has shown some gorgeous photos on her blog – just visit here if you’d like to check it out!

I made a few purchases at the show including these gorgeous hand-dyed stranded cottons by Cottage Garden Threads. I shall be using one of them for this gorgeous stitchery designed by Allie! It’s traced and ready to go! :-)

Ooh! I have something else very exciting to share with you too! The lovely Shelley of Wickedly Divine Creations wasted no time at all in whipping-up a nappy stacker project for her sweet daughter, using my “Rosie’s Nappy Stacker” design in this month’s issue of Australian Homespun. Want to see?!

Shelley added a cute trim to the lower fill and a sweet button on the collar.

Thank you SO much for sharing your photo with me Shelley – you made my day – and I think your project is beautiful! Love those colours! :-) Shelley is a wonderful doll-maker (as many of you may know – also a passion of mine!). You should see her latest creation – absolutely sublime!

Until next time – have fun whatever you are doing!

Hugs! Vikki x :-)

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Quilt reveal and a recent finish!

It’s finished! Bound, washed and full of wrinkly goodness!

“Eloisa’s Tree of Life”

This project has seen a lot of ‘firsts’ for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed every step in the process! It is my first quilt design*, first needle-turn appliqué; first quilting and first pieced binding. And the first time I have put a creation in the washing machine! I know that sounds silly, but I did have some anxiety about it even though the fabrics were pre-washed!

* I have designed one other quilt but it was just squares sewn together so that doesn’t count does it?!! :-)

This quilt is intended for my friend’s first baby, Eloisa. The little sweetheart is visiting relatives in the UK at the moment, and I know her mum will be too busy to read my blog – so I couldn’t resist sharing!

I based my design around the feature fabric – Par Avion - by Paula Prass for Michael Miller fabrics. I had one fat quarter of the fabric so was very liberal with it and fussy-cut to make use of all the bird and dragonfly shapes.

The colours blend beautifully with Eloisa’s nursery, and I thoroughly enjoyed choosing the fabrics from all different ranges because matching them up was such a challenge.

Here is the quilt photographed outside. Mr SUDs is holding it up just after it had been washed – it’s all wrinkly and you can see the quilting better in this pic.

On the home-front, I whipped-up a pillow cover for my DS. He wanted a curved pillow with a soft covering, so I chose these:

Minkie on one side for total softness, and cotton on the other for when it gets too warm to snuggle during the summer months.

I didn’t have enough fabric for the back of the pillow so made it up with a panel of white cotton fabric.

My DD has now requested one in pinks! I’ve got some sewing to do for her Kinder first though. There’s no rest for the wicked eh?!!!

Until next time – Hugs! Vikki x

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