Winning

I've had a few lucky months of late, and have managed to score a few fabulous goodies.

First up, Nettie of A Quilt is Nice, ran a competition to win the new Craftsy class...

... and I won!  Whoop.  I've watched the first few lessons but am yet to make a start.  After seeing a few bags pop up around the place (including this one and this one by Rita of Red Pepper Quilts) I'm excited to have the opportunity to make one.

Thanks Nettie!

Next up I won this Kea pattern by the very talented Juliet of Tartankiwi.

Kea paper pieced pattern by Tartankiwi

Included with my prize was the opportunity to choose another of Juliet's patttern, from her Craftsy store, and I couldn't go past her fabulous Linked Squares.

Linked Squares paper pieced pattern by Tartankiwi

Thanks Juliet.  I can't wait to get my paper piece on!

Lastly, by definitely not least, today I received my a surprise package from the Triple Zip Pouch Swap.  When I ripped open the envelope I immediately gasped in delight - it was the exact pouch (made by Michelle of Squeek Crafts) that I had been eyeing off in the Flickr pool.  YAY!!

Isn't it absolutely perfect?!  I am beyond stoked.  And the extra goodies are awesome.  Thank you so, so, so much Michelle!

So there you have it - I have been very spoilt.  Lucky me!  :)

What about you?  Any wins of late?  Feel free to brag.

E.

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.

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.

I'm a Winner!

One of the nicest feelings you can get after a shitty day, is a phone call, text message, email or the like from a friend.  Even just a little "Hi.  How you going?  Thinking of you." is enough to start seeing a little sunshine peeking through the clouds.  So, imagine my joy when I awoke at 3am (ugh!) and had an email from the lovely Lucy (yay!).  What a nice surprise.  Thanks chicky.

But then it got even better as she was also writing to let me know that I'd won her latest giveaway - a free embroidery pattern from Sublime Stitching.  Yippeeeee!

I have been meaning to start a new embroidery project for a few weeks now so this might just be the kick-start I need.  I mean, I haven't done any stitching since finishing this owl waaaaay back in January.  Shocking!

Of course, before I could get started, I had to first choice a pattern but - Oh. My. Gosh. -  with sooo many lovely designs they sure do make it difficult!

There's these gorgeous critters...

Forest Friends

Or how about a little bit of caravan love...

Camp Out

Or maybe you'd prefer this cheeky guy...

Monkey Love

In the end, though, I had to go with my original choice...

Gnomes & Fairies

I just can't get over that little minx.  Makes me giggle every time.  I just can't wait to get started on her.

Thanks to Lucy for a fabulous giveaway and to Sublime Stitching for the gorgeous designs!

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.  :)

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

We Have A Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered my first ever little giveaway for a zippered pouch (above) and a charm pack of Walk in the Woods by Aneela Hoey.   As I don't want to leave you in suspense I'll just jump right in and announce the winner...

Congratulations Beverley!  As you forgot to leave me your email address I will endeavour to contact you through Facebook and Quilt Club Australia.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you create with that adorable charm pack.

Thanks again everyone.  It's been fun.  I hope to do another giveaway soon.

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!

Want to Win? Read On!

To win a copy of this gorgeous book, featuring 99 modern blocks from "your" favourite designers, head on over to Patchwork Duck Designs and leave a comment.  Unfortunately it is only open to US and Canada residents (I'm not sure why because it's an ebook... but hey, what do I know??) but I love Nicole's creations so much that I thought I'd spread the love.  Trust me - check out her blog!

While I'm sharing the giveaway fun I thought I'd also send you over to Cheree's lovely blog, The Morning Latte, to have a chance to win one of these oh-so-cute owl pincushions.  I've already bagsed the green one (and named her "Gertrude")!  ;)  Update - Cheree's giveaway is now closed.  Unfortunately I did not win.  Aww.

Go on... off you go.  Good luck!

E.