Lollipop Nose Critters... now here!

Of late, I have been getting A LOT of interest in my Reindeer Lollipop Critters but, thanks to my non-existent technological skills, it seems I've created a whole heap of confusion when I switched blog names.  So, in the interests of making things easier for all, I am reposting the pattern here...

ENJOY!!


I first showcased the Lollypop Nose Reindeer tutorial in 2012 (see here) but as it was mind-blowingly popular I thought I'd write up a little update, with a printable PDF pattern AND templates.  And not just one little reindeer template, oh no, now you can also make a cheeky elf and a rather handsome Santa.  Fun!

I have to say, these little critters are so cute - you'll want to get the kids together and make a whole bunch.  They are perfect for everyone - especially as gifts for classmates.  Write a little message on the back and you don't need to include a separate card.  Win win!

Cute, yes?!

Want to make your own?  Well, of course you do.  So... I am proud to offer everyone the tutorial and templates for FREE.  Yippee!  All is ask is that you rightfully respect my pattern and not re-sell it in any way, shape or form and/or any items made from it.  Fair enough?  Good-o.  :)

DOWNLOAD
the free printable PDF (with templates!)

Sorry but you will need a Craftsy account for the download but, if you don't have one already, never fear - they are free and easy to sign up for.  Plus they are definitely worth having to access some amazing and creative patterns and classes.  You'll be gobsmacked, believe me.

I truly hope that you have fun creating these lovelies.  Please, please, please send me pics if you make them as I'd love to see!

E.

What's Changed?

Yes, I am in the middle of a big change, from my original blog, Missy Mac Creations, to the new and (possibly, but don't hold your breath) improved...

Once Upon a Donkey

The reason for the switch is simple.  I am looking to avoid confusion between the lovely Missy Mack and myself.  Previously it wasn't much of an issue but of late, with both of us active on Instagram and within many of the same circles, it's just been getting silly (and, I suspect, people wanted to strangle us).  Out of the two of us it made sense for me to make the move as Sam already has an established business (no, she didn't ask me to do this but I bet she appreciates it!). So... here we are.

I hope that this new name is memorable (and unique!) and that you will continue to follow me in whatever capacity that suits you best.  I've changed the buttons on the side to reflect my changes, though those that follow me on Pinterest or Instagram will automatically switch over to my new accounts.  Flickr is a different story, unfortunately and is a work in progress.  Ditto for Facebook.

I thank you for your understanding and patience while I make the transition.  Hopefully it isn't too painful for anyone!

E.

Ho, Ho, Ho...

Why, hello there.  Long time, no speak.  Miss me?  I missed you!  My apologies for the ahem 6 months of bloggy silence but these days you are more likely to find me over on Instagram (@missymaccreations) so drop by and say 'hello'!

So, why am I back now?  Well, for the Ho, Ho, Ho... And On We Sew linky party, of course!  Huge thanks to Paula of Mud, Pies and Pins and Fiona of Celtic Thistle for asking me to be involved.

In honour of hosting this month, I have a fun little pattern to share with you - the Santa Belt.

Yes, it is paper pieced but never fear - it is super easy!  Even if you've never paper pieced before this is a very do-able design.  Don't be afraid.  Just maybe read this awesome post by the amazing Kristy first.

Finishing at just 3" x 4" this little piece of cuteness can be used for a variety of Christmas-themed goodies, either singularly or in multiples, such as: coasters, mug rugs, mini quilts, hot pads etc etc etc.  Let your imagination go crrrrrazy.

I had fun making mine into little zip pouches, perfect to hold gift cards for those impossible-to-buy-for friends.

And, look, an elf belt too!  ;)

Would you like to make your own?  Then hop, skip and jump over to my craftsy store where you can download the pattern for FREE.  If you do make one (or a hundred) be sure to let me know.  I would love to see!

Big thanks to Kristy for working her magic with EQ7 and helping me make my little pattern look slightly more professional.

So, what have you been working on of late?  Got some more Christmas gifts crossed off of your to-do list?  Well, then, be sure to link up below!  The giveaway for August is a copy of this lovely Walk in the Woods Ornament pattern set from Alicia Paulson at Posie: Patterns and Kits to stitch

​The pattern set is a downloadable PDF so the winner will be stitching away in no time :)

And, as always, HUGE thanks to the amazing sponsors of Ho, Ho, Ho... and On We Sew.



That's enough from me.  Time to get your link on!


E.

An InLinkz Link-up

A Star is... FINISHED!

Yippee!  I am happy to present my first finish for 2014 - a sweet baby quilt dubbed "A Star is Born".

 

Truth be told, I actually finished this one weeks ago... but I've been particularly lazy since then, if you hadn't already noticed.  Sorry about that.

As you can see, the design consists of wonky stars in a random layout - navy and green predominately, with a few baby ones in orange and red for some extra interest.

I kept the quilting simple with a big 'X' through the middle and then lines radiating outwards, 1" apart.  I love this quick and easy design.

As this quilt is destined for a little man I had a bit of fun with the backing fabric and used some sweet and colourful dinosaurs.  I love them!

For the binding I stuck with my go-to stripes (also used here and here).  It matched perfectly!  Unfortunately that was the last of that fabric.  :(

This baby quilt finishes at 40" square and will be gifted this weekend.  I hope he loves it.

E.

Linking up to TGIFF, hosted this week by the uber-talented M-R of Quilt Matters


Yes, I am happily crossing off my first finish for this quarter's FAL.  Fingers crossed this is a sign of things to come! ;)

FAL - Q1 Goals

I may have been shockingly unproductive last time I joined the Finish Along but new year, new start.  Right?  This year the amazingly talented Katy will be hosting the linky parties and, as I know she'll make all sorts of snide comments if I don't finish something, I figure that this will be just the motivation I need to get moving.   Hehehe. ;)

So, here's my list -

1. A Star is Born quilt 

Blogged

I do so enjoy adding a gimme to my list, if only to prove to myself that I'm not a complete failure.  This baby quilt is currently sitting next to me waiting to have the binding hand sewn - a job I plan to start later today.  ;)


2. Pixelated Heart quilted wall hanging 

Blogged

This littlie was inspired by December's Le Challenge theme - Precious.  I plan to make it into a wall hanging for bub's room.


3. Baby's Square in Square quilt

Blogged

Speaking of bub, I also need to get this quilt finished before she arrives.  Borders, basting, quilting and binding.  Um, yeah, I can do that.  Like totally.  ;)


4. Donkey quilt

Blogged - waaay back in 2012

Yes, this one is truly embarassing - but I have to include it. One day, one day.


5. BABY!

Lastly, my greatest WIP to date - our baby girl.  She's due on 30th March so should be here before the linky party closes on 6th April (well, she'd better be!).  Whether I get to blog then or not is another story though.  ;)


Well, those are my most pressing WIPs... though I also have a looooong list of projects that I'd like to start and finish within the next few months.  You know, things like: fabric baskets, another baby quilt, thank you gifts, something for me.  Oh, and the sewing room and nursery need to get done too.  Ha!  How's that for optimism!? 

What are you hoping to have finished this quarter?

E.

Elephant Library Bag

I know, I know that title isn't exactly inspired but I'm not feeling very creative at the moment so it'll have to do.  Sorry!  I do, though, think that it is high time I blogged about this little library bag - which I finished over a month ago for my friend's then-nearly 1 year old darling daughter.


I modeled the size and shape after this library bag so it just consists of a simple tote construction with a pocket on the front.


As you can see, I chose very girly-girl fabrics and then couldn't resist adding a little elephant applique to jazz things up.  I'm definitely in an elephant loving phase at the moment.


That's it basically.  It was gifted along with some fun little board books, but I can totally see it being used to carry around all sorts of precious goodies, as Miss N's imagination grows.  I hope she likes it!

E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday over at Blossom Heart Quilts.
 

Yes, this was also a finish from my Making Christmas list. To see the final breakdown, click here.

The Final Countdown

Since returning from our Christmas break I've been slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things - and am thrilled to be able to finally show off the "finished" top for my bubba's quilt.


I have LOVED making these Square in Square (also called "economy") blocks.  I used this template but you can also find a non-paper pieced tutorial here on Rita's blog.  In fact, there is currently an informal QAL being run on Instagram - check out #economyblockalong to see all the amazing creations (and possibly join in yourself!).


I initially didn't plan to make this an iSpy quilt - or worry about fussy cutting - but quite a few pieces of cuteness did manage to sneak in and I adore those little touches.  A few of my favourite blocks include:



LOVE those seahorses and little scooter kids!  Huge thanks to Jess for generously sharing her scraps.

Now, earlier in my post I did say "finished" top as I'm still considering adding a border, a la this quilt.  I think it will provide the perfect frame, whilst also giving a little more length and width (currently she measures 52" x 40 1/2").  Typically, though, I can't quite decide what colours to use so I might just be asking my IG peeps for advice in the coming days.  You have been warned.  ;)

Lastly, before I run, I've had a few people ask lately how bub is going and where we're at, so I thought I'd give a quick little update.  As of last Sunday I am 28 weeks (due 30 March 2014) which means I'm into the final trimester.  Whoop!  Of course, this is an exciting milestone for me and I'm soooo looking forward to counting down these final weeks until we get to meet little Miss.

28 weeks

I am already feeling huge which is a worry for things to come (ha!)... but, honestly, besides from a few days here and there feeling sick or in pain, I've had a very cruisey time so far and count myself very, very lucky.  Fingers cross things continue.  ;)

So that's where bub and I are currently at.  It is such an amazing and exciting time and I am loving it.  Thanks to you all who have been sending lovely messages and/or have been acting as a sounding board.  I truly appreciate the love!

E.

Linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

Making Christmas - The Finale

Hellooooo.  I hope you all survived the crazy Christmas and New Years period.  Hubby and I had a lovely break in Adelaide, South Australia, with his family but we're now back home and looking forward to a HUGE year ahead, with hopefully lots of sewing, work around the house and, of course, special moments galore with baby girl.  Exciting!!

Before all that, though, I thought I'd better do a final check over my Making Christmas list - just to see how I did.  Admittedly not all was completed but I am rather happy with how I went.

Here's the final summation...

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

FINISHED!

Blogged here

As the intended recipient of this book bag was born just 5 days after another bub in the same group of friends, I also thought that I'd better make a second bag for baby #1.

Blog post to come

UPDATE 14/1/14 - Blogged here

Success!  I admit, I am having a bit of a love affair with elephants at the moment so I just couldn't resist.

These bags have both been gifted for Christmas, with some gorgeous board books.

2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

FINISHED!

Blogged here

Yes, just the one, but considering that this listing was always a maybe-but-probably-won't-happen, I'm pretty happy with that.

3.  Kindle Cover

FINISHED!

Unfortunately I don't have pictures of this finish (yet) as it was a last minute effort the night before my early Christmas celebrations with the family.  I know, I know, that sounds really dodgy but please believe me - I did get it done and the Kindle fits inside nicely and my Mum is happy.  True story!  :)

4.  Bear Paw Quilt

FINISHED!

 Blogged here

5.  Toffee Shards Quilt

FINISHED!

Blogged here

6.  Wonky Stars Quilt

*cough*

Sad face.

7.  Softies for Mirabel

I am terrible, horrible, awful but my Softies for Mirabel project just didn't happen this year.  I know, disgusting.  Sorry kids!  I will have to make it up with extras next year.  :(

8.  Reorganisation of my Sewing Room

Yeah, this didn't happen BUT it will very soon.  We have plans for some new shelving and a new layout.  I am soooooooo excited, it's quite ridiculous.  Stay tuned.

Phew!  Not bad, if I do say so myself.  

Now I'd better catch up on my blog reading - you guys have been busy while I've been away!

E.

I missed the last link up for Making Christmas - but that's ok.  Huge thanks to Janine and Rebecca for hosting this wonderful event.  I love that it kept me accountable and on track!  Thanks lovely ladies!