Quilting for Kids Block

Just a quickie post today to beg plead blackmail kindly request you to sign up to the latest round of Quilting for Kids.  Nita, from nitadances on flickr, is making quilts for kids living in emotionally precarious situations and has put the call out for Reverse Rainbow Starburst blocks, as per this tutorial, in purples and gold.

I signed up yesterday and managed to get this finished in the same day.  Yep, it is that quick and easy!

So, if you have some spare time and are able to get a block off to Nita in Canada by 15th December, please, please, please sign up here.  I will love you forever and ever.  ;)

E.

Linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations.

UPDATE - Oops, just read that to link up to Megan's Sew Modern Monday it's supposed to be a finished project.  Hmm... a finished block counts right?  I'm going to say it does.  ;)

Ass-tounding Winners!

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

The Donktober linky party finished on Friday so I now have the proud honour of announcing the three winners.  As I couldn't possibly choose my favourites amongst all the gorgeous projects entered, I have enlisted Mr Random to do the deed.

So, without further ado...

Winner #1 of the $20 gift certificate, kindly donated by Tammy of Marmalade Fabrics, is...

Nikolao's Donkey
by Greco Mara

Winner #2 of a $25 gift voucher, thanks to Kelly of Fabrics You Love on etsy, is...

Reubenita the Fashionista

by Seriously... I Think It Needs Stitches

Winner #3 of the FQ bundle from the P&B Textiles Suede Midtones collection (that's 14 fat quarters!) AND a $50 gift certificate, thanks to Delta Patchwork is...

Jack and Jenny Clutch

by Distant Pickles

Congratulations ladies!  Look out for an email from moi.

Also, HUGE thanks to the wonderful sponsors - we couldn't have done it with out you!

Lastly, big hugs and kisses to all who played along and linked up.  Be sure to check out the whole range of donkilicious projects - below.


E.

WIP - Poor Sick Laurie

I had high hopes this week to crank through some WIPs, namely the quilting on...

Donkey quilt - yet to be named

... and ...

O(rnamental) Christmas Tree quilt

... but, unfortunately, Laurie, my machine, had different ideas and is currently enjoying some R&R in rehab hospital.  Fingers crossed he is better very soon.

So, I have had to re-plan my week and am now working on...

Two donkey softies for the Softies for Mirabel campaign.  Read more here.  I actually only started these on Sunday, when Laurie decided to take stress-leave, so not much progress has been made but, at least, I can get those tails finished.

Secondly, I've been enjoying a bit of couch time (and a Die Hard marathon, truth be told) while trying to get this gorgeous little donkey embroidery, by the lovely Lucy, finished.  Check out her fabulous original version and get the FREE pattern here.

AND... I'm also mulling over a few secret projects for my turn in the Thursday Think Tank Holiday Hop, organised by making rebecca lynne.  On Thursday 6 December, I'll be featuring two tutorials on small gifts that kids can make for their friends - perfect for classmates, team mates, neighbours etc.  Be sure to pop back then to see the goodies.  I promise - no donkeys!  ;)

Lastly, don't forget that the Donktober linky party is still open til Friday.  Awesome prizes are up for grabs so get your donk on and enter!

E.

Linking up to Work In Progress Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

Softies for Mirabel 2012

Yep, it's on again - Pip's fabulous Softies for Mirabel campaign.  Into it's SIXTH (!!!) year, Softies for Mirabel is a worldwide call-out for donations of handmade toys to be given as extra special Christmas gifts to Mirabel children.  As stated on the Mirabel Foundation website:

"Every year the toy drive is open to all crafty participants who wish to 

knit, crochet or sew a Softie or two.  Participants are encouraged to be 

as creative as they like as each Softie will be matched to the age, likes 

and needs of a Mirabel child."

For last year's drive I made and donated this little giant dolly for a special little girl...

I must admit, it was quite exciting to see that she had arrived at Mirabel HQ safe and sound AND was happily making new friends.

Photo courtesy of The Mirabel Foundation on flickr

Can you spot her?  I think she might be a little shy.  ;)

Of course, now that the 2012 campaign has begun, I just had to jump back on board.  Infact, I have already started making two little softies, one for a boy and another for a girl.

Any guesses what these little guys are destined to be?  I know, it's probably no real surprise - I am making more donkeys, just like Deirdre (below) and Damien.

 Photo courtesy of Laura of Quokka Quilts.

One may think that after Donktober I'd be sick of the sight of asses but that'll never ever happen.  Of course, I only speak for myself as, upon commencement of sewing these lovelies, Mr C rolled his eyes and Laurie, my beloved Brother, decided he'd had enough of all things donkey-related and is now refusing to sew another stitch.  Bad Laurie!

Luckily for me, the Softies for Mirabel mailbox doesn't close until 20th December, so I have plenty of time to get Laurie to the doctor... and then get those little donks finished and sent.

What about you?  Will you be donating some handmade love for this worthwhile cause?  I really really really think you should.  To be honest, if I were you, I'd take this awesome opportunity to make some gorgeous little donks (free pattern available here) and then enter them into the Donktober linky party, which is open til Friday!  Seriously, there are some awesome prizes and the odds are looking good.  Help the Mirabel kiddies and get yourself in the chance for some free goodies at the same time.  Win, win, win, I say!!  ;)

Or, just be a good citizen and do it for the love by making any soft toy you can imagine and send it to Pip at:

Softies for Mirabel
Meet Me at Mike's
63 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC
AUSTRALIA

Lastly, don't forget to link your creation up to the Softies for Mirabel flickr group.  I know I'd love to see what you all donate.

Enjoy!

E.

DONKTOBER - Linky Party Time!

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

I know I might be slightly biased but Donktober has been an absolute blast and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has enjoyed seeing the variety of donkey projects popping up all over the Blog-o-sphere.  Therefore I am now stoked to announce that the fabulous linky party is OPEN!

Of course, I can't enter but here is a little mosaic of some of the projects I have finished.

Clockwise from top left:

Ruby the Donkey softie

El Burro at the Fair

Paper Pieced Donkey Library Bag

Delilah the Sock Donkey

Button Donkey

Jenny Strips in the Rain quilt

Deirdre the Donkey softie

If those projects aren't inspiring enough then what about the donktabulous prizes up for offer?!  Winners of said goodies will be picked by my good friend, Mr Random.org.

Before we get to the prizes, though, I'd like to mention a few linky party rules.

1)  You may enter as many times as you like, with one link per unique project

2)  You must link to a specific blog post, not your blog home page

3)   The item must be donkey related by including a donkey shape, motif, print etc etc.  It is Donktober, afterall.  Click here for project ideas.

4)  The item must be handmade by you, within the last 12 months, and completely finished.

5)   Your linked up blog post must make reference to Donktober with a link back to this blog.  Feel free to grab the button from my sidebar.

... and, lastly, though this is not a requirement but more of a request, please take the time to check out the other links to share the donkey love.

Ok, enough about business, time for the fun stuff.  That's right, what are the prizes, you ask?  Well...

Tammy of Marmalade Fabrics has kindly donated a $20 gift certificate. Tammy has such a beautiful online store - you'll spend hours drooling over all the gorgeous collections.  Well, I know I did!

A $25 gift voucher is also up for grabs from Kelly of Fabrics You Love on etsy.  If you haven't come across this online shop before then I definitely suggest you check it out - her prices are amazing!

Lastly, but definitely not least, Delta Patchwork has generously offered a FQ bundle from the P&B Textiles Suede Midtones collection (that's 14 fat quarters!) AND a $50 gift certificate to their store.

P&B Textiles Suede Midtones collection, FQ bundle

Thanks ladies for donating such fantastic prizes!


Now you know all about the donktabulous prizes I know you'll be itching to get involved so here's your chance.

Good luck!!

E.

O(rnamental) Christmas Tree

Today I'm proud to host the Sew Seasonal Blog Hop, organised by the talented Kristy of Quiet Play and Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts.

If you're yet to hear about this fun Christmas-inspired hop then be sure to click on the button below to learn more... AND... visit all the other hoppees to see the wonderful projects on offer.

1st November: Kristy from Quiet Play & Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts

2nd November: Marieka from Bespoke Bites & Jane from Where Jane Creates

3rd November: Susan from Patchwork N Play & Kelsey from Kelsey Sews

4th November: Janice from Better Off Thread & Erin from Missy Mac Creations

5th November: Lucy from Charm About You & Rebecca from Making Rebecca Lynn

6th November: Charlotte from Lawson and Lotti & Amy from Amy's Crafty Shenanigans

7th November: Jess from the Elven Garden & Cindy from Live a Colorful Life

8th November: Elaine from Dashasel Sews & Kelly from Jeliquilts

9th November: Beth from Plum and June & Fiona from Finding Fifth

10th November: Juliet from Tartan Kiwi & Fiona from Celtic Thistle Stitches

11th November: Taryn from Pixels to Patchwork & Anorina from Samelia's Mum

12th November: Megan from Jaffa Quilts & Jane from QuiltJane 

13th November: Gemma from Pretty Bobbins 

So, what have I contributed to this rather intimidating line-up?

Well, I was allocated block #7 from Alyce's cute pattern, Ornamental, and decided to make the 5" version...

... but I had so much fun whipping it up I couldn't stop at just the one...

O(rnamental) Christmas Tree - top

No, your eyes aren't decieving you - I went a little crazy and made 11 / 12 of the designs!  Oopsie.  ;)

As you can see, I joined them in a Christmas Tree shape with the intention to make it into a wall-hanging, perfect for festive decorating.  Unfortunately my Christmas-y fabric is hiding somewhere in an unpacked box so even though I know I have the perfect charm pack of Ready, Set, Snow waiting to be used, I had to make do and just hope I still generated the festive spirit.  Did I manage to pull it off??

It currently measures 20 1/2" x 25 1/2" but now I'm stuck umming and ahhing over a possible border and, as per usual, how to quilt it.  Please help!  Honestly, all suggestions would be very much appreciated as I hope to have this finished in time for the linky party on November 30.  Ahh!

Huge thanks to Kristy and Alcye for allowing me to join in the Sew Seasonal fun.

Now... pop over to visit Janice to see what cuteness she's created (drool!)... and then tomorrow two of my favourite bloggy friends are playing host - Lucy and Becca.  Yay!

E.