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

TTT - the Embroidery Edition

After all the handsewing I've been doing lately I'm quite surprised that I have a sudden urge to do some embroidery.  The desire is so strong that I've been searching Etsy for days looking for an appropriate pattern to start on.  And, my, what gorgeous designs there are!

Some I've fallen in love with, include:

On Parade by Sarah Jane Studios

Golden Puppy by Penguin and Fish

Birdie by Stitching Always

Cherry on the Tree Swing by Aneela Hoey

Duck Duck Robot by Shiny Happy World

If, like me, you are relatively new to embroidery then I highly recommend checking out the Shiny Happy World site.  Not only does Wendi have some gorgeous patterns, perfect for beginners, but she also has a range of step-by-step YouTube videos in her "Embroidery School" to cover the various stitches you may need.  Perfect!

Before I get started, though, I may need to do something about this.  ;)

E.







I've been a little slack linking up to Thursday Think Tank of late but today I'm managing to surprise myself.  Head on over to Becca's always inspiring blog to see everyone else's thoughts for this week.

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.

TGIF... err... S

I know, I know, I'm running late.  I had the best of intentions to at least get this post up whilst it was Friday somewhere in the world but alas... it wasn't meant to be.  Oops.  I hope that you can forgive me, though, as I have managed to finish another two personalised pillows this week (that makes four since last weekend), just in time for Christmas.

Before I start I must warn you that the pictures in this post are even worse than my usual (poor) efforts.  Oh man, am I grumpy about it too.  Just ask Mr C.  So, please excuse the lack of quality... and just imagine the fun, bright, child-friendly fabrics.  A little imagination will go a looooong way.  ;)

Each of the pillows are 18" so are big and funny and squishy, perfect for the kiddies. They all have zip closures, on the back, so are removable for washing.  I think this is a must for messy little ones!

On top of the pile, is a tractor for Rowan.  I think this one is a bit of fun and, hopefully, Rowan will get a kick out of it for a few years to come.  What little boy doesn't love tractors?

I kept to my usual simpleness and left the back plain.  I'm starting to worry about this decision... but can always whip up another, speckier design if Rowan complains.

Secondly is a duckie for Rowan's big sister, Lara.  I'm really pleased with how this one turned out so I hope Lara loves it too.

For the back I went out of my comfort zone and did some basic stripes.  I have to admit, I can't say I love it but I do think it's cute.  And the little Spoonflower swatch that I pieced in is a little bit of fun.

On the bottom of the pile is Mitchell's pillow but I can't reveal this one just yet.  Infact, as Mitchell's mum is the World's Biggest Present Snoop (you know it's true), I've pre-wrapped this one and reinforced it with a fair bit of sticky-tape.  Fingers crossed that's enough to keep away prying eyes.  ;)

All I can say now is THANK GOODNESS IT'S FINISHED!

E.

I'm linking up to this week's TGIFF, hosted by the gorgeous Lucy at Charm About You.  Lucy has a "bleeping awesome" finish to share so be sure to check it out.  And, while you're there, click on some of the other links to see what goodies people have finished.

Beep Beep - A Pillow for Alexander

With Christmas approaching at lightning speed I had warned Mr C that I would be locking myself indoors on Saturday to sew, sew, sew.  So... when I saw Laura advertise the Occupy Your Sewing Room linky party over at Cat Patches, I figured, why not?

Therefore, I am pleased to announce that I managed to achieve my goal of finishing two personalised pillows.  YAY!  Unfortunately I can't show off pics of the first just yet... but here is the final version of the car pillow for Alexander, originally blogged about here.

The design of this pillow has been a slight collaborative effort so thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas.  I love brainstorming with you all! 

The basis, though, was intended to compliment this fabulous Alexander Henry print, used for the back.  I mean, seriously, how cute is that print?!  Perfect for a little man. 

For a bit of fun, and to help the overall balance, I embroidered "beep beep" into the bottom corner.  Probably won't mean much to Alexander, 22 months, but I think it's sweet.  ;)

Lastly, as Alexander has very recently relocated to Australia from Scotland... and... has learnt to say the word "koala"... I was asked to add in this little cutie.  Everyone say "awwww".

If you're still here thanks for sticking around to scroll through the most photos ever taken of one little pillow.  Can you tell that I'm a little bit chuffed that's it's finished?  I'm pleased to report that Alexander was also pretty happy and immediately pointed at it and said "car".  That made me smile.  :)

Thanks also to Barbara of Cat Patches for ensuring I kept to my word and spent Saturday sewing.  Result!

E.

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.