Monday, January 23, 2012

Settling in and breathing again....

We have been in the new house for six sleeps. It's becoming a home...
The sewing room is still not sorted so I'll save pics of that for another day. I have been using back using my sewing machine, though!
All three projects for Issue 8 of Elefantz HOME magazine are complete, and now I need to sit down and write the articles. 
Would you like to see the projects in this coming issue? They all feature my signature Shabby Roses stitcheries.
The ~Roses are Red~ bag, with four roomy inside pockets and chunky wooden handles - perfect for carrying stitching projects in, or for taking to the cafe for lattes with friends.
 The ~Ruby Handbag Runner~, which features a few techniques such as needleturn applique, handmade bias strips, piecing, and stitching with silver metallic thread. I *loved* making this runner!
The two stitchery designs are a smaller version of the design used on the bag above.
My third design this month is one that has personal meaning. I have felt lately that my life has been in the midst of a whirlwind. I was picked up and thrown around by circumstances I had no real control over, and as I ran to keep up with the decisions that had to be made and implemented, my husband noticed all too often that I would forget to breathe.
It's a reality check when he gently chides me, "Just breathe, Jen....breathe".
As a permanent reminder to stop, and breathe, I designed this pretty vase wrap, with a shabby roses butterfly to capture some whimsy. 
~Breathe~ is this month's Affirmation design...
It ties behind with some vintage lace I've been saving.
Do you like the new designs?
If you are not a subscriber to Elefantz HOME magazine, just head over HERE to the magazine webpage to find out how you can receive each issue.Every project has step by step photo tutorials so even if you're new to stitching, you'll soon be able to make the designs.
The next issue also has a beautifully romantic cushion pattern from my dear friend, Fiona Ransley of Designs by Fee...
~~~~~
Time now to do some baking. I have a fan forced oven that REALLY bakes!! I'm so excited after 18 months of an oven that had a mind of it's own. ;-)
Raisin and Oatmeal cookies are on the list for today. Perfect for munching on while Mr E and I watch Australia's Lleyton Hewitt play in the Australian Open Tennis tonight!
Have a very special week, and take Mr E's advice when you're running too hard and chasing your tail.
....breathe....
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

31 comments:

Andra Gayle said...

It looks way too organized and lovely for you to have just moved in. Good work!

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

So pleased you are settling in Jen...your new home is lovely...and there is my table runner xx.....love all your new designs...

Susan said...

6 sleeps and almost settled - lookimg forward to seeing the sewing room

Ondrea said...

A lovely home you have there Jenny.

Melody said...

Glad to hear you are settling in. Your home is looking lovely.

aussiequilter said...

you have already made it your home Jenny ! Good luck with your new environment and BTW -love the new designs ! cheers Teri

Lida said...

Feel like he's talking to me! Working in the house all weekend and no time for stitches! But today I will take at least one hour or myself! Lovely designs, hugs
Lida

Sue from Cyprus said...

Oh Jen, your home looks absolutely gorgeous! You have made it so welcoming.... I think we should come round for a cuppa and a chat!! Love the vase wrap, I know what you mean about breathing. Sometimes I feel that my feet just don't touch the ground and I hate that feeling.
Hugs, Sue from Cyprus x x x

Larissa said...

Wow! It certainly looks like you've been living there a lot longer than less-than-a-week Jenny!! I love how you have decorated the living spaces - all those crochet and lacy items mixed in with your own items look lovely!! ... After all this I am definitely looking forward to seeing your new sewing space!! It must look fabulously inspirational!! ... Enjoy your 'new' oven too!! It must be lovely to use one that doesn't intermittently turn itself off like ours, lol! (At least we can tell when it's turned itself off ... it goes silent!!) ... And, as always, your designs are beautiful - I am looking forward to reading your next issue!

Anonymous said...

Jenny your new home looks so lovely you have it looking so cosy.xx

Janice said...

Jenny, you do have the knack of turning a house into a home. Yours now looks so lovely and welcoming. I hope you do find time to "breathe" and sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour for a bit. The new patterns look great.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Special touches make a house a home. Your "breathe" vase cover is so pretty.

CalamityJr said...

How quickly you are making it a home! Everything looks so fresh and clean, with all the white. Kudos to you!

Michelle said...

Wow your home is lovely! I can't wait for the next issue....all of the patterns look lovely as well! BTW I love the fabric "Ruby" as well.

Graciela said...

very nice your new home Yenny you have so much love in it
a kiss ♥

Fee said...

Your house looks lovely Jen, and so glad you have a better oven than the last place (knowing how much you LOVE to cook). Fee x

Nancy Page said...

What can I say!? It is just lovely and cozy!

Have a super great sewing and stitching day.

Pam said...

Your home looks lovely Jen. Glad you are starting to catch up with yourself.

drMolly, the BeanQueen said...

Mmmmm looking very nice. I really like that vase cover - who would have thought of such a thing, not me that is apparent. Thank you for the wonderful ideas Jenny

Carrie P. said...

Home Sweet Home! love the photo with the quilt and the kitty.

Margaret said...

So happy for you and Mr E and all the family.The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.

Kate said...

Oh my goodness, you're settled in already!!!! You are incredible. I love that vase cover - the colours are gorgeous....I love all your creations.

Victoria said...

You have done an amazing job fixing up the new home."Breathe" is going to be everyone's new favourite expression!
I think I will be stitching a few of those!

vernagrace said...

You are such a hard worker! Your home looks great and the new designs are yummy!
Hugs!!XXX

Gabriela Aguirre said...

Congratulations for you new house, an I think is better that other house...are fantastic your proyects, because I take an idea about my house, I love glasses cloth...thanks and I hope you've a nice day....

Robin in New Jersey said...

Beautiful! I love the open spaces with light. Does the sewing room have light??!!

Shelley said...

Oh, I love your vase wrap!!! And it looks like the cat has settled in lol!

Tatkis said...

Your new home looks great! Good luck in settling!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Anonymous said...

HI Jenny

Hope all goe s well mn you r new home. Your Sophie like most cats seem to settle well in her new home. I borrowed a Handmade from our local public library today and it has your coffee plunger cosy and mat in it. I have seen other designs from you in Handmade however I am a voyeur and like looking at the pictures a bit like a cook book junkie. I have a raft of Handmades to gook at from the local library so it is a cheap but pleasurable fix for me. I read the write up about you as a designer middle of last year

Karna

Karna

jugglingpaynes said...

Cats make wonderful decorative features, don't you think? :oD

I love your Breathe designs! What a nice reminder to keep around the house!

Peace and Laughter,
Cristina

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Such a cozy and welcoming home Jenny. Just like the lady that lives there. :)
xx