WIP - Mish Mash

As I've had a few other things on my mind of late my craftiness has been jumping around like a frog on steroids.  You have been warned

First up, I was a good girl and finally quilted my plus quilt (first shown waaaay back in March).

Now all I need to do is to have a few hours of quality couch-time while I handsew the binding on.  Any good movies anyone can recommend?  Please, no fantasy or sci-fi.  Blurgh.  ;)

To continue being a good girl, I also finished up my blocks for the Care circle of do.good.stitches.

For June, my gorgeous friend, Kristy, requested Garden Lattice blocks (minus one strip) in yellows and greys, with a black centre and bright white crossover.  I love the simplicity of these blocks and think the final quilt will look stunning.

Another set of blocks I've been working on are Bear Paws, as I've been itching to join along with Lucy and Janine.

Originally with these I tried this method for the HST but found the bias edges a little tricky.  After a small moment of stomping my uggies I pulled it together and went back to ye olde fashioned way.  Sure, it is a little more work but I was much happier with the results.

The plan for these are a baby quilt for a little boy born just last month.  My colour palette will be based around this perfect backing fabric I picked up yesterday, while engaging in some much needed retail therapy.

Cute, no?

While I was shopping I had to pick up some backing fabric for Shiver Me Timbers, my pirate quilt.  I initially wanted something theme-appropriate, like crossbones or some such, but in the end I went with something on sale and in Perth. 

Sure, an excuse to order online and then have to fill up the envelope with the full 9 yds (to save money, obviously) would have been nice but... so would a new bathroom.  And laundry.  And furniture.  And garden.  I'm sure you get the picture.

Thirdly, I might have also grabbed this sweet Wink Wink in Meadow, a part of the Botanika collection by Paula Press for Michael Miller.

The reason for this purchase is hush hush but... aren't those birds just so sweet?!

And then, lastly, I also grabbed a few bits and pieces for my secret Le Challenge project.  Are you playing along this month?  I hope so!  I can not wait to see everyone's interpretations of the theme: TOFFEE.

Well that's where I am at currently.  I can't promise that anything listed here will actually be worked on next - but one can only hope!  ;)

E.

PS - Apologies for the crappy phone pics.  My camera and I are currently fighting.  Unfortunately it seems to be winning.

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced. PS - have you seen her fabulous new pattern, Diamond Tread? LOVE!

DONKTOBER - Jack and Jenny Giveaway!

This post is part of Donktober 2012. For more information please see here. 

Yep, it's time.  Get excited.  As promised on Friday, Laurie Wisbrun is hosting a donktabulous giveaway on her blog, giving you the chance to win a FQ set of her Jack and Jenny fabric in, wait for it, all 3 colourways!

To give you some inspiration, Laurie has also included some cute pics of items she has made with the donks.  Loving the blocks!

Jenny Strips in the Rain.  Read more here.

Or you can do as I did and make a totally fun little quilt.   


So, quick sticks, head over now and enter the giveaway.


Pop back this Wednesday to see a special Donktober post from the delightful Kelli of Seriously... I Think It Needs Stitches.

E.

TTT - the Solids Only Edition

Though we're smack bang in the middle of Donktober, I have a confession to make - donkeys are not the only thing I have on my mind at the moment.  I know, I know, it really is quite shameful but that's the truth of it.

So what, you ask, could possibly drag my attention away from all those adorable asses?  Well...

Yep, that, my dears, is a FQ bundle of the new Kona colours.  Oh swoon!

I'm yet to cut into any of it as I'm still waiting for inspiration to strike.  With a few friends about to become parents I'm picturing a few solids-only quilts for each bub.  Ideally I'd like each to be different designs and colours, including some that must be gender-neutral.

So, this is where you come in.  Have you made the perfect solids quilt?  Seen one floating around?  Or picturing one in your mind?  Then please, please, please enlighten me and leave a link or idea in the comments.  I will be eternally grateful!

Thanks in advance.

E.

PS - don't forget the special Donktober giveaway over at Ann Kelle Designs!  You won't want to miss it.  :)



This post will hopefully be linked to Thursday Think Tank at Becca's house.  Pop by for a cuppa and a bikkie.

DONKTOBER - What's Ahead?!

This post is part of Donktober 2012.  For more information please see here.

Well, we are now 1.bit weeks into the Donktober festivities - and, WOW, what awesome projects we have seen so far.  In particular I'd like to draw attention to Becca's spunky little softie, Damian, and Kristy's extremely popular paper piecing pattern and tutorial.  Love them!  Thanks so much to everyone who has been following along so far.  It is soooo lovely to receive your positive comments and even see a few donkeys popping up in Blogland.  Yippee!

I have also been busily preparing for some upcoming ridonkulous tutorials and projects.  Unfortunately I can't divulge too much just yet but here are a few clues to keep you guessing.

... and one of my favourites...

Any ideas?

I also have a tutorial planned, using this gorgeous print...

... but you'll have to wait for that one.

In the meantime, though, if you would like to get your hands on your own Donkies fabric then head over to Ann Kelle's blog where Kelle is offering the chance for you to win a half yard of EACH colourway.  Whoop!  Yes, you read that correctly - the lovely Kelle has agreed to be part of the Donktober silliness by hosting a GIVEAWAY!

Next on the Donktober schedule is the luscious Lucy from Charm About You with an up-cycling tutorial and FREE donkey embroidery pattern - this Friday.  Word on the street is that there might even be another little giveaway up for grabs too.  Don't miss it!

E.

This post has been linked to WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.  Be sure to jump across to see what everyone else is currently working on (after entering Kelle's awesome giveaway, of course!).

Fresh Squeezed Fabrics - Pin It to Win It!

Taken from I Have to Say

This is an interesting competition that I've only just come across, thanks to Heather's blog post (and then the rest of the WORLD!)

Apparently, it's as simple as this -

(1)  Head over to Fresh Squeezed Fabrics
(2)  Pin your favourite FQ bundle on Pinterest
(3)  Encourage people to re-pin your choice
(4)  Once you've received enough pins to match the dollar value of your choice - you win it!
(5)  Email freshsqueezefabrics@gmail.com

EASY!!!  But get onto it quick - closing date is this Thursday, 27th September.

I decided to play along and selected this gorgeous bundle of Bella.  Noice!  You can find my pin here.

AND, believe it or not, but I have already reached the 15 pins needed to score it.  Awesome.  Thanks to everyone who helped out.

If you're playing along too please leave me a comment and I'll more than happily help you out.

Fun!

UPDATE 26/9 - Due to the overwhelming response, the competition's deadline was brought forward and, consequently, is now closed.  Please see here.

E.

Sending Some Love

Yes, it is Valentine's Day.  Blah blah blah.  ;)

More importantly, though, today is the day that the winner of my giveaway is announced.  I'm sure you've all been keeping your fingers and toes crossed all week.  Afterall, we all need a bit of fugly in our lives.

Firstly, I would like to extend a big, huge, massive THANK YOU to everyone who entered... and for all the birthday love.  And, of course, an even bigger, huger, massiver (yes, it is a word) THANK YOU to the lovely Lucy who hosted the amazing success that was the Fugly Fabric Party.  You go girl.  :)

Now... onto the lucky winner.  Unfortunately my IT guru, who is amazing at all things geek-related, is (once again) away so I'm just going to ask for a bit of trust here.  For the draw I have used random.org but can not for the life of me remember how to publish the picture (and proof).  Sorry.  I promise it is all legit.  Anyhoo...

Mr Random selected comment... #9!  Winner, winner, chicken dinner!  Congratulations Celtic Thistle.  I have emailed you.  I can't wait to see what you do with these... err... lovelies so please be sure to keep us all posted.  :)

Ok, I know I brushed over it earlier... but, honestly, Valentine's Day is really, really, really hard to ignore.  It is EVERYWHERE.  Flowers, balloons, hearts, chocolates, cutesy little teddy bears etc etc etc.  Now, don't get me wrong, I am definitely not anti-Valentine's, but the whole out-on-displayness of it all is not my kind of thing.  When it comes to love I am quite private and prefer to keep my sentiments between myself and my partner.  Infact, most "romantic" gestures that seem to be featured repeatedly on this very day, make me want to gag.  Public declarations of love?  Shudder.  Flowers delivered to work?  Cringe.  Being proposed to infront of a crowd or on a tv program?  Vomit.

BUT... I realised long ago that I am in the minority when it comes to what constitutes romance so I do not begrudge or judge anyone else's special moments, particularly on a day that is all about love.  So, however you choose to spend your time today, whether alone, with a special someone, or with a group of friends and/or family, I honestly, truly hope that you have an amazing day.  Celebrate your way... and enjoy every second.

E.

Did Someone Say "Party"?

I wasn't going to announce this, preferring instead to let the day roll on by like any other... BUT... as Lucy rudely chose today as the most fitting for her Fugly Fabric Party, due to it's own inherent ugliness, I couldn't sit idly by.  You see, Tuesday 7th February 2012 is rather a special moment in the history of Erin - it is my 30th birthday.  Yep, I am officially saying goodbye to my twenties and hello to terrific, fabulous, awesome thirty.  Rather than dreading this moment, as I know so many do, I am actually super-excited about embracing this new chapter in my life.  Bring it on, I say!

At this point it would've probably been the done thing to include a baby pic or the like (you know, to prove I was little and cute at some point in the past) but I can't find one anywhere (and that is saying something because I am currently at my parents'...).  So, instead, this photo of me totally rocking that bonnet will have to suffice.

Me, 23 months

Anyway, to celebrate this not-so-fugly occassion I am giving one lucky reader a Happy Birthday present from me to you.  Someone will receive not one but TWO charm packs made especially for the Fugly Fabric Party.  Fun!


Yes, that is DS - soooo not fugly!


I would like to think that they are largely comprised of un-fugly fabric but each to their own, really.  These things are a matter of personal taste afterall.  Before you enter, though, just be warned that they are an eclectic mix of scraps and not a beautifully sorted arrangement.  I may have spent hours rummaging, cutting and ironing but not a single second went into colour matching or the like.  So, to give you a very rough idea, here is an example of a few of the fabrics -

Well there you have it.  An opportunity to win eighty 5" squares of assorted fabric scraps, all of quilting-weight cotton, of course.  It's really a once in a lifetime kind of deal.  No, seriously, it is that mediocre great.  ;)

Are you interested?  Yes?  YES?  Yay!  Then here is how to enter...

Chance 1)  Leave a comment on this post.  Bonus points to those who wish me a Happy Birthday.  Actually... that was a total lie and a shameless attempt to get some well wishes.  ;)

Chance 2) Leave a comment letting me know that you are a follower - new or old!

Mr Random will be picking a winner next Tuesday, 14th February at midday, my time (+8.0 GMT).  Everyone is welcome to enter, including international readers, but please, please, please ensure you have an open profile with access to an email address or you leave your contact details in your comment.  NO email address = no valid entry.  Harsh, I know, but thems the rules so please double check.  Thanks.  :)

Good luck!

E.

I, of course, am linking this up to Lucy's Fugly Fabric Party post... so be sure to jump across to see what everyone else has on offer.  You might get to buy, swap or win.  Enjoy.  

UPDATE - this giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to everyone who entered.  :)

Introducing... Laurie

Picture this, if you will.  A few days before Christmas, whilst I was in Adelaide enjoying some one-on-one time with Mr C, I get a cryptic text message from Laura saying "I think I will go and look at the sewing machine for you - it looks awesome."  Huh???  Of course, I thought she was looking at some new beaut, fancy-pants Bernina for herself and using me as an excuse but, no, she honestly meant for me.  Apparently earlier on she'd emailed me a link to a second-hand machine for sale in her neck of the woods and she was keen to check it out on my behalf.  Umm... oki doki!

At this point I should interject and just clarify that at that stage, Laura and I had never actually met or even chatted on the phone (she didn't even know I wasn't in Perth).  So the fact that this almost stranger (you know what I mean!) was willing to go out of her way and do this for me was... humbling.  Seriously, I was touched.

Anyway... hours later (whilst Mr C and I was enjoying a bevy or two and watching the sun set), Laura rang me with her report.  It was a Brother BC-2500, in near new condition, going for half-price.  Noice!  She was a little concerned that (a) the automatic threader didn't work (I didn't even know what that was but figured I could manage without it) and (b) it only had 60 different stitch types (I just laughed).  After a brief chat about the pros and cons, and then a few seconds of battering my eyelashes at Mr C (it didn't take much as he'd had a few), it was decided that Laura would pick it up for me and then I'd grab it from her once I returned.  Score!

Of course, even now I can't get over the slight craziness of it all.  I mean, we barely knew each other and, yet, we both we were willing to go along with this whole idea.  Isn't it funny how sometimes you just trust someone inexplicably?  For me, especially, that was so out of character because I can be as cynical and untrusting as they come but this time I followed my gut and I'm so glad I did.  Not only because I have a fabulous new machine but I also now have a fabulous new friend.  :)

So, without further ado, meet my Little Brother, Laurie.  Yes, he was named in honour of his finder & minder, Laura.

I was super dooper excited to pick him up and have a play on Friday - and he did not disappoint.  Besides a few teething problems as I got used to a computerized machine (Laura, in her ex-"teacherness" was very patient!) it was a lot of fun to sew on something so... smooth and trustworthy.  I even had my first ever go at FMQ which was a laugh but definitely whet my appetite.  Unfortunately I don't have a pic of my efforts for you to have a chuckle at.  Next time (my darning foot should arrive shortly)!

Now, what does a new machine need when he comes home?  Why, a new cover, of course!

I LOVE this donkey print by Alexander Henry - I also have it in white (anyone surprised?).  I've been hoarding it for a few months waiting for the perfect project to come along and ta-da.  I'm soooo happy with it.  Everytime I walk by and see it I can't help but smile.

This cover came together very quickly and was so simple I didn't need to use a tutorial.  Basically, it is just a rectangle with some ribbons sewn into the binding for ties.  The quilting is a little hard to see but it is crazy lines, as suggested by M-R for my Terrain Mod Mosaic Pillow.  This design was a lot of fun and very, very easy.

Lastly, here is Laurie settling into his new home.  I even cleaned up my sewing room for his benefit!

Welcome Laurie.  I'm sure this is the start of a wonderful (and productive) new partnership.  :)

Anyone else get an unexpected windfall over Christmas?  Feel free to leave a message and brag.

E.

TTT - the 2012 Resolutions Edition

Now that the Christmas hangover has well and truly worn off, it is time to start mulling over my goals for 2012.  Admittedly, I don't normally go for resolutions, per se, as I tend to disappoint myself quite early on in the game and that just gets depressing.  This year, though, I really want to set myself some challenges, just to see how I go.  So here is a list of what I want to do/try/achieve over the next 12 months.

1.  GET FIT & HEALTHY

I know, I know... this is a common "resolution" for women (and men?) all over the world but, hey, I figure putting it out there might, just might, force my hand.  The story is simple - since hooking up with Mr C approximately 2.5 years ago, I have stacked on at least 10kgs (22pd) and it is seriously driving me mad (and my friends and loved ones are sick of hearing me whinge about it).  I have half-heartedly attempted to lose it here and there but it is now time to get S.E.R.I.O.U.S (said with Aretha Franklin's sass and style)!

To achieve this goal I need to do the normal things (ie increase activity, decrease intake) so I have started stocking the pantry and fridge with all the good stuff and I have joined a gym (and, yes, actually worked out).  BUT... I also need to learn to respect myself and my body and, honestly, that is the hardest part for me.  I am the emotional eater of emotional eaters so I need to learn to care about myself.  And then, once I manage that, I will look like this.

Source

Ok, ok, looking like Jennifer Hawkins might be stretching the envelope just a tad but a fitter, healthier, happier version of me is definitely an achievable goal so it's on the list (and staying).  Bring on the lettuce!  ;)

2.  INCREASE MY WORKLOAD

No, that is not a mistake - unlike most people who are overworked and overtired - I am keen to step it up.  I've mentioned once or twice before that I have been battling with depression and, not surprisingly, this has impacted my ability to hold down a job.  Don't get me wrong, I have had some fantastic employers in my time and, upon learning of my illness, have bent over backwards trying to accommodate me as best as possible but, unfortunately, my feelings of guilt go into overdrive and, against the advice of pretty much everyone, I invariably quit.

Now that I am definitely on the mend I am looking forward to picking up some more hours (somewhere!) and stretching myself in a variety of ways.  Even though I'm not after the big bucks, often choosing to work for not-for-profits and the like, I can't lie - some extra cash would certainly come in handy too.  Especially as I have my eye on one of these.

Source

Or maybe not.  But at least more $$$ = more fabric.  Ooo yeah!

3.  QUILT, QUILT & QUILT SOME MORE

Ok, enough of the heavy stuff... let's get onto the fun stuff.  This year I finally managed to try my hand at quilting - and was so excited to finish my first ever quilt in August.  Since then I have done a lot of playing and reading and piecing but am still yet to complete another quilted project (well... besides a mug rug or two).  Ahh!  So, a definite goal for 2012 is to finish some of my WIPs (ha!) and have a go at some of those on my to-do list. Like, a plus quilt.  And a snowball quilt.  And a scrappy quilt.  And... uh oh...

4.  LEARN TO CROCHET

Lately I have been struggling to teach myself to crochet.  I say "struggling" because it is really not going very well.  At all.  I've read books and watched online vids... and practised, practised, practised... but I still just don't get it.  So I aim to rectify that and finish a crochetted item this year.  Even if it means staking out an old folks' home.  ;)

My latest inspiration to conquer the hook is from Tracey of Cotton and Card who makes a range of gorgeous items, including these adorable bags.

Source

Cute, no?

5.  TO MARKET, TO MARKET

2012 will also be the year of my first market stall (how's that for positive thinking?).  I envisage getting busy and sewing lots of fantastic items and selling up big.  Ha!  Well... I can try.  If I don't perfect crochet in time then maybe I'll have to make a few more of these Easy Girl Dolls instead.

Aww... maybe I need to make one just for me first.  ;)

Lastly, to prove that I haven't just been thinking but have actually been doing, here is my latest project, another Mod Mosaic Pillow.  This one is 16" and made using Terrain by Kate Spain.  Yum!  It is a lot more eclectic and busier than my previous effort but it is definitely growing on me.

Any suggestions on how to quilt it though?  Don't cater your answer to my (lack of) skills... let me know exactly what you would want to do.  I need to extend myself so would love your input.  Thanks!

Hope your goal list for 2012 is looking good too.  Not long now til we wave goodbye to 2011!  Happy New Year!

E.




I'm desperately hoping that Making Rebecca Lynne is hosting Thursday Think Tank this week so I can link up.  Fingers crossed!  No pressure, though, Becca.  ;)

My Blogger's Choice FQ Bundle

I'm sure most of you would have already heard about the fabulous competition currently being hosted by Laura of Quokka Quilts fame but, if not, then head over there toot sweet to be in the running to design (and then win) your very own Blogger's Choice FQ Bundle, consisting of 12 prints and 3 solids.  A-huh.  You read that correctly.  Awesome!

I spent quite some time last night mulling over the Fat Quarter Shop's website (whilst Mr C scurried around trying to hide the credit cards) and eventually came up with this collection of browns, limes, aquas and red.  I've included each choices listing below, in case anyone is interested (and, you know, to make it easier when I win.  *wink*).  This collection is definitely out of my comfort zone but, hey, I figured that this is a perfect opportunity to try something new.

I'm sure many of you will jump on board and enter this wonderful competition so good luck to you all.  I've had a quick look at some of the links already on Laura's post and -- WOW -- they are stunning.  Win or not, though, it has definitely been a fun experiment so give it a go.  Just be warned that you may be tempted to buy, buy, buy.  ;)

E.



Want to know more?  My bundle is made up of -

1.  Baby Safari Lime and Aqua Large Stitch Dots Yardage SKU# 4528-67 Baby Safari by Carina Gardner for Northcott Fabrics

2.  Stitch Organic Lagoon on Brown Loop Stripe Yardage SKU# 11897-71 Stitch Organic by Betz White for Robert Kaufman Fabrics

3.  Super Green Swirling Words Yardage SKU# 22084-GRE1 Super by Gudrun Erla for Red Rooster Fabrics

4.  Hall of Fame Red Game Turf Yardage SKU# DC5367-REDX-D Hall of Fame by Emily Herrick for Michael Miller Fabrics
5.  Oval Elements Chartreuse Yardage SKU# OE-907 Oval Elements by Patricia Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics

6.   Modernology Cool Contempo Blooms Yardage SKU# MO-4802 Modernology by Patricia Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics

7.  Domestic Bliss Teal Lattice Yardage SKU# 18075-12 Domestic Bliss by Liz Scott for Moda Fabrics

8.  Central Park Brown Wild Ferns Yardage SKU# 2715-36 Central Park by Northcott Fabrics

9.  Sunny Happy Skies Blue Lace Yardage SKU# C2733-BLUE Sunny Happy Skies by Bella Blvd for Riley Blake Designs

10.  Hall of Fame Red Game Jersey Yardage SKU# DC5363-REDX-D Hall of Fame by Emily Herrick for Michael Miller Fabrics

11.  Meadow Friends Cotton Pond Blue and Boy Turtle Texture Yardage SKU# 19491-16 Meadow Friends by Deb Strain for Moda Fabrics

12.  Modernology Bright Posh Florets Yardage SKU# MO-4808 Modernology by Patricia Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics

13.  Kona Cotton Peridot Yardage SKU# K001-317 Kona Cotton Solid by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

14.  Kona Cotton Teal Blue Yardage SKU# K001-1373 Kona Cotton Solid by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

15.  Kona Cotton Mahogany Yardage SKU# K001-1215 Kona Cotton Solid by Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Zip It

For some last minute Christmas gifts you can't really go past zippered pouches.  They are fun, handy, quick to make and don't require many materials.  So... as Mr C and I recently did an inventory of our presents and realised we were a bit short... it was time to get sewing.

These little beauties came together in no time - and I had everything I needed already on hand.  I didn't use a tutorial, per se, but have just read a few in the past, such as Noodlehead's, and then went with my gut.  Each pouch measures 7" x 8.5" so is a nice, handy size for a multitude of uses.

First up is this darling frog pouch using Tula Pink's Frog Prince in Indigo from the Prince Charming collection.  I have to admit that I adore this fabric.  Truth be told, before I became the #1 member of the donkey fan club... I was lover of all things frog related.  From frogs to donkeys... not much of a leap really.  ;)

I originally considered using more fabric from Prince Charming for the lining but in the end went for the Blue Sahara Stars from the Bazaar Style collection by Pat Bravo.  I like the simple, muted design which should minimise the chances of things getting "lost" inside the pouch.  Or does that only happen to me?

The second pouch was made using Peacock Feathers in Sea Grass from Amy Butler's gorgeous Soul Blossoms collection.  This is a lovely, bright fabric and, I think (hope!), perfect for the giftee.

 Again, I opted to keep the lining simple and chose this Kona Lupine.  Mmm purple.  ;)

I have to say that I am slowly but surely coming to terms with zips... and though I am yet to master them I think these pouches are a definite improvements to previous tries.  For some help and advice for this often traumatic job... I suggest heading over to read this great tutorial by Sew Sweetness.

Zips I may not have mastered just yet... BUT... I now crown myself the Queen of Boxed Corners.  Uh huh... yep.  I am absolutely loving this fool-proof method, as described in this pouch tutorial by Kim Sherrod Studio.

Two more presents crossed of the list.  Yay!  If you, too, are in need of something quick and easy then consider giving these zippered pouches a go.  If I can do it, you can too!

E.

Did Someone Say "Giveaway"?!

UPDATE - this giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to everyone who entered.

Yes, I do believe someone did say "giveaway" and, lo and behold, I do believe that someone was me.  ;)

I have recently hit the 50 followers mark (ok, ok 52... but one is my Mum and another Mr C...) so I think that this is the perfect opportunity for me to give a little back to Blogland and to say 'thank you'.  I have absolutely loved being part of the blogger community over the last few months and have been lucky enough to make some wonderful new friends, as well as be inspired every single day.  It's truly amazing so thank you.

Really, that's enough of me blabbing on, let's get to the all important giveaway.  One lucky reader will win this zippered pouch, measuring approximately 11" x 8".  Yes, she's a biggun.  And, here's the kicker, it has been made with Aneela Hoey's new line, A Walk in the Woods (due for release in February 2012).

Side A also includes some Kona Lake and for the lining I chose this adorable Aqua Red, Red Mini Fleur by Michael Miller.

Of course, I couldn't just leave it there.  So... for your own little sewing pleasure, I am also throwing in a charm pack of A Walk in the Woods.  Only cavaet is that you have to promise to show me what you make with it.  ;)

So there we have it.  Would you like to win?  Really?  Well... follow the steps below for the chance (max 5 entries per person). 

1.  Leave a comment on this post telling me what you'd like to do with the charm pack.

2.  Become a follower or let me know you're already with me.

3.  BONUS ENTRY - for the original 52 followers (minus Mum & Mr C).  Say hi!  ;)

4.  "Like" the Missy Mac Creations Facebook page and comment here to let me know.

5.  Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook.  Please leave me the link so I can pop over and say hello.  :)

Please write one comment per entry.  Also, ensure your profile includes a valid email address, or be sure to leave it in your comment.  Mr Random will choose the winner next Friday night, approximately 10pm (Perth, Western Australia).

Good luck!

E.




I'm also linking up to TGIFF over at Quokka Quilts.  Laura is hosting this week - and showing off her absolutely gorgeous star quilt that was begun in 2002.  Yes, nearly 10 years ago.  So be sure to pop over and drool over the utter loveliness.  I believe that it was worth the wait!

Summer House Quilt-To-Be

A little while ago, on a whim, I bought a layer cake of Summer House by Lily Ashbury.  I think I was initially taken by the bright, happy colours and as I hadn't played with layer cakes before I thought I'd give it a go.  When it arrived, though, I was... hmm... not exactly thrilled with the collection.  Don't get me wrong, some of the designs are gorgeous... but, to me, it is a rather eclectic mix that doesn't fully gel.  As a result I was utterly confused with what to do with it.

Then, late (around midnight) on Thursday I finally took the plunge and started cutting.  I was following the Boxed in Quilt tutorial from Moda Bake Shop, but using just the prints with no solids.  I cut, cut, cut.  I sewed, sewed, sewed.  And when I stopped (at some ridiculous hour of the morning) and laid out the squares... I literally shuddered in disgust.  It was soooo busy and... just soooo wrong.  Not me at all.  I honestly wanted to cry but instead just dragged my tired self off to bed, feeling defeated.

This is a sample of what I woke up to...

Ugh.  What was I thinking??  That, right there, is proof that any brainwaves at midnight are not to be taken seriously.  Ever.

At this point, I would normally pick up all the pieces and shove them in some dark, cobwebby corner never to see the light of day again.  BUT, instead, I got stubborn and refused to let this collection beat me.  No way hosay.  I know that something great can be made from this line.  A Google Image search confirms this.  ;)

Before I could even start thinking about Plan B, though, I had to reacquaint myself with an old, but very dear, friend...

And then, after a number of hours, I was left with this...

Time to go back to the drawing board.  I'm positive that this project is selvagable but as it is, once again, past midnight I'm going to learn from my mistakes and leave it be until the morning.  I shall keep you posted with my progress.  I will be victorious.  Err... wish me luck.  I'll need it.  :)

E.

PS - I apologise for the utterly shocking phone pictures.  The "proper" camera is due back from its holiday on Tuesday.  Yippee!