Monday morning again....

In our house we celebrate Fridays. They are the end of the working week, and two days of doing what we enjoy lies ahead - at least that is the theory. 

Mr E will tell you that washing and vacuuming the car, washing and polishing two motorbikes, mowing our out-of-control-wet-season lush lawn, and doing all my need-to-be-done handyman jobs around the house could take an entire one of those two weekend days. ;-)

But he is my Knight in shining armour and not a word of impatience is heard.

He has had an especially hard time this week after some sobering health news I received when visiting the doctor for results of recent tests. I am going to have to slow down some, remove all stress, and watch everything I eat and do while we see if my heart can get itself into a better frame of mind in coming weeks. Right now he has me almost wrapped in cotton wool, but I fidget a lot and keep unwrapping myself. 

I'd love it if you said a prayer or two for me. {{{thank you}}}

~~~~~

Thank you to everyone who emailed asking if I had a pattern for the re-purposed lace needlebook I made the other day. I am afraid I cannot help you there. It's just a basic squared needlebook, much the same as these ones I made over the last two years...

(HONEY set from August 2010)

(sets I made for the NEW BEGINNINGS flood appeal February 2011)

(LINEN ROSE sewing set from May 2011 - also using re-purposed fabric from linen pants)

If you do a google you will find many similar styles as tutorials on blogs. 

However, if you really want to purchase a pattern for a similar shaped needlebook/pincushion set, I am doing a special offer in my SHOP for both "Honey" and "Linen Rose" sets at the moment. $4 for both patterns! Visit HERE.

~~~~~

Needlebooks are so much fun to make aren't they? Last night I was chatting with my friend Fee and we were both drooling over a gorgeous blog, with a GORGEOUS needlebook tute!

Have you ever visited nanaCompany before?

HERE is the link to her funky and cute needlebook tute...

 ...plus another one she made similar HERE without a tute but you have to see it!

 When you are done with your own drooling, go back to her main blog page, make a cuppa, and prepare to sit for a long time while you soak in all her talent. I think she just made it to the top of my favourite blog reads for 2012! 

Visit nanaCompany HERE.

~~~~~

On Saturday when we went back to the old town to visit the kids and grandkids, I took the opportunity to visit the op-shops with Kezzie and Blossom for some more re-purposing inspiration. We had a great hour looking for gems, and were blessed to discover it was 'fill a bag for $10' day! Wohoo!!

So, thinking that "Repurposing in 2012" is going to be more fun that I originally imagined I decided to make a button for us to put on our blog pages, identifying everyone who wants to join in!

Link the button back to this...

http://www.elefantz.com/search/label/Re-purposing%202012

...and all the repurposing blog posts will come up for you to read through or as an aid to quickly find ideas during the year.

Send me photos or links to your blog posts, and once a month I'll share them here on my blog so others can be inspired by your re-purposing. I'll also be sharing what my own re-purposing adventures are creating.

Let's see how we can beautify our homes, make gifts, create amazing one-offs, all from re-purposed clothing or other crafty sources. 

When I go op-shopping or to garage sales for fabrics to re-purpose, I also check for things like buttons (you know I LOVE using mother-of-pearl buttons and have jars of them now!), brooches, buckles, zips, lace, ribbons, old jewellery pieces...there are so many wonderful things we can find to use. I am excited to see what things you find, and how you re-purpose them!

~~~~~

I'd best get back to some house tidying, and then I will do as Mr E has instructed and sit quietly with some hand stitching for a few hours. 

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

PS: Don't forget the next block in "Promises and Borders" will be shared on Friday 3rd!

Adding simple beauty....

When I browse clothing racks at an op-shop (charity shop), I try to remove from my mind the impulse to find clothing that suits me. You see, I love to shop there for unusual fabrics and trims - the kind that immediately stir creative ideas.

Many months ago I found a dress with layers of flouncing lace trim above the hemline, and a vibrant, yet romantic, rose and cream floral fabric. I brought it home after paying the modest price tag of $2 but life got in my way and it sat forgotten in a box of other 'wanna-be' items until we unpacked at the new house last week and my excitement to re-purpose the dress once again took hold.

This morning I began by removing the layers of lace and fabric from the ugly shirred waist section (remember, I look at the fabric, not the item of clothing, when I shop!)....

 I had two, 44" lengths of lace edged fabric, which I cross cut into six, 13" lengths.

Next, I stitched the six layers one on top of the other...

...and added a row of the fabric at the bottom, plus strips of the fabric down both sides. 

I had saved the shoulder straps of the dress, and used them to form a simple bow across the top section...

 I have a small stash of gorgeous buttons I bought on special at Spotlight after New Year, and this project was the canvas to display one...

Some solid rosey coloured fabric for the backing, a cushion insert popped inside, and I now have a gorgeous shabby inspired pillow on my bed!

What do you think?

~~~~~

During the days between looking for a rental house and actually packing up the old house I finished my Shabby Roses Quilt remake. 

I had sent the quilt top off to Dawn for machine quilting around all the blocks, and she did a beautiful job of it! After I stitched down the binding I hung it outside to photograph for you....

 

This version is slightly different in layout to my original...still gorgeous.

I haven't had it out at the new house as we are not allowed to hang things on the walls here, but I am commissioning Mr E to make me a few quilt stands for around the home. 

The pattern with all twelve appliqued and embroidered blocks can be purchased HERE.

A number of people suggested using 3M sticky things that are specifically for renters wanting to hang pictures and the like as they peel off without leaving a mark when you vacate the home. I found some but the price was pretty steep so I will have to carefully consider buying just a few and hanging the really special items only. 

~~~~~

This year on my blog I'm going to share ideas on re-purposing op-shop finds, so you might like to start collecting dresses, skirts, shirts etc - things that you can see some potential in.

~~~~~

Tomorrow I will have a new Show & Tell post of projects some lovely ladies have made from my designs. Have you made something too? Email me a photo, or leave a comment if you have one on your blog, and I'll share your pic here on my Show & Tell.

Have a wonderful Australia Day everybody!!

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

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

Natural rhythms begin...

It's Thursday morning and we're two sleeps into life in Townsville and the new house. God blessed us on moving day, as there was rain all around us during the almost four hours of loading the removalist van, and 90 minutes of unloading at the Townsville house later that day, but it never fell. 

During the drive between Charters Towers and Townsville we had rain, but not a drop fell from the sky whilst furniture and boxes were loaded and unloaded. 

Thank you Lord!

Mr E has already begun his new teaching position, so his nights have been busy carting boxes into the house for me to unpack. On Tuesday night after the moving van left we did what we could for a few hours, then showered, changed, and headed off on the bike to the monthly Ulysses branch meeting before a meal at a wonderful pizza restaurant that served the best gluten free pizza bases!

Wednesday morning we woke to no food in the house so I sent Mr E off to work with advice to grab something on the way, whilst I wrote a shopping list and headed off to the huge local supermarket.

By the time he came home from work I had filled the pantry, fridge, and freezer, and our first meal together in the new home was being prepared...

A juicy steak was added, and our simple meal was complete.

This morning (Thursday) I've packed his lunch for work, and so, the natural rhythm of the working week has begun.

Sophie has settled beautifully....

Bob-the-dog is not enjoying the humidity and wouldn't smile for a photo. Blossom will be moving home with us in another week and as she is his real owner I think there will be much tail-wagging ahead for him. I'm so glad we had him clipped before we moved. 

Today, with all the boxes unpacked, I'll begin finding permanent homes for everything, and I may just grab an hour after lunch to relax with a wee bit of stitching.

Have a wonderful day in your world too!

Hugs

Jenny

xx

Offline for a bit...

...while we move house. The big day is Tuesday.

Please keep us in your prayers.

In the meantime...

May God bless you,

Jenny

xxx

(pattern from HERE)

Just simply, simplify...

I have wanted to simplify our lives for the longest time.

Simple meals, simpler living, simpler dreams.

This is my new kitchen/living room/dining room - all in one. No longer three large separate rooms. Just one space for all. 

 Simpler.

I had been struggling with this downsizing, and I hated that I could not embrace it immediately. It wasn't just the leaving of the lovely old home we'd been renting for 18 months; or the lack of trees and nature at the new house. It was having to let go of loved things that 'simply' would not fit in this smaller home.

So I asked God to work His peace and acceptance into my understanding. He reminded me of ten years of yearning for simpler life. He reminded me that real life isn't built on things we love, but on relationships and the people we love. 

Too often 'things' rob our loved ones of time with us.

I was humbled...

Now I will have time to listen more, and time to hear what I am listening. Time to read more of His Word. Time to make bread. Time to pray with a quiet heart.

Time to just simply, simplify. 

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

(the stitchery is a free design I am stitching from Rhonda at Down-to-Earth)

We have a giveaway winner!

Congratulations to Cyn from Cyn's Quilted Travels, in the USA, who has won the giveaway prize!

Mr Random Generator shows no partiality, so I am thankful for his help in choosing a winner. Cyn tells me she never wins anything, so maybe this is the start of some good luck for Cyn. Let's hope so! :-)

Thank you to everyone who entered - you're such a wonderful bunch of girls for spreading the word about my new "Promises and Borders" BOM! 

I think after we've finished moving house, and have settled in,  I will just have to give you all something special as a thank you. Hmmm....got you interested, have I?

The packing is coming along well, but still getting rid of lots of things. I spent 6 hours today going through all my issues of Homespun, tearing out the *many* patterns I hope to make one day, and tossing the rest of the magazine in the bin. I now have 3 less boxes to pack, and 3 more shelves where I can store my fabric - remember, I told you this is a tiny house? It really is. I have to do all I can to minimise what we take with us, and giving myself three extra shelves is wonderful! I will no longer have a sewing room and an office, but one small bedroom to function as both. 

Fortunately I *love* a challenge! :-)

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

What a silly girl I am!

I have to apologise to all those lovely overseas ladies who were unable to purchase a pattern in my ELEFANTZ SHOP yesterday! 

I had inadvertantly had the SHOP set up to accept only Australian orders - oops!

~~ I am so very sorry ~~

You will find that I have sorted it all out this morning, and the patterns are now ready to be emailed worldwide if you'd like to purchase any.

The complete pattern for Circles of Life is there, as well as a number of new designs, and some old favourites.

You can visit my ELEFANTZ SHOP HERE.

 ~~~~~

The packing has begun in earnest as we're hoping to move over the weekend, but our removalist is on holidays until Thursday so until we can contact him we don't have a definite date.

Mr E and I went for a ride around Charters Towers late last night to soak up the country air (even though it had been a stifling 40C all day!), the trees, and the quiet...we will miss them when we move to the city.

We are country people, and this year in the city will be a challenge for us. 

There is not a single tree around the new house, in fact within a good mile of the house...I will need to bring a lot of potted plants for some outside greenery, and buy some more for indoors. 

It's another scorcher today, so we'll close the house up, turn on the air conditioner, and keep packing - actually, we're sorting through at the moment; getting rid of things we can live without and packing what's left. Simplifying along the way. 

Hugs

Jenny

xx

The new ELEFANTZ SHOP is open for business!

The new Elefantz SHOP door is open.

Won't you come inside for a visit?

Click to visit the ELEFANTZ SHOP HERE!

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

(busy packing....only a week till we move!)

Preparing to move, and preparing the quilt pieces...

Summer keeps rolling on and the days get hotter, so Sophie spreads herself out wherever the air conditioner is blowing...

 ...but let's not talk about the  downside of the season. A wonderful positive is the abundance of summer fruits for breakfast with Mr E!

All those wonderfully bright colours offer a variety of vitamins and nutrients for our bodies. We're off to Townsville to look at two prospective rental houses today, and if we're successful we'll be using plenty of energy to pack up our house, load a moving van, and relocate. Those vitamins will sure come in handy!

Mr E has already began to pack up his tools and yard equipment, but not alone. 11yo grandson Calab came by yesterday to give Pop a hand, and he was rewarded a dinner of his choice - spaghetti and egg on toast. How easy was that?!

While they worked outside in the heat, I worked inside in the cool.

A few patterns were written, some tidying of the sewing room, and then I cut all the pieces for my "Promises & Borders" quilt.

 If you're intending to make this quilt, I have the material requirements and cutting instructions for download on Tuesday's blog post.

 A great idea is to label zip lock bags with the sizes of the strips you've cut ready for the piecing. 

Tick off each length on the pattern as you go...

I'm going to buy a pretty box tomorrow to store all the pieces and completed blocks in. Having everything in one place keeps my mind organised - and I love an organised mind!

A couple of commenters have said they are unable to download the block and pattern shared HERE. One lady asked if I could upload the files to google documents. Well, they are already on google, so not sure why you're having a problem. Wish I could help, but sometimes things just don't want to download as they should.

My only suggestion is that you email me privately and I will email you the files. If you haven't left an email address in your comment I'll need you to contact me again. Hope that helps! :-)

 ~~~~~

 Now to make lunch before we head off for the house inspections. Can I ask you to pray that we find the right house for us to rent this year, please?

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

New free BOM quilt pattern for 2012 - and a giveaway to celebrate!!

I'm so excited to share my latest free BOM quilt with you today! 

This BOM will be spread over ten months, January-October, with a new block shared on the 3rd of each month (so mark that in your calendar!). 

"Promises & Borders" is a design that can be used in three ways. 

The Promises are Scripture promises from God's Word, a new one each month, and if you want to you can use the blocks just the way they are. 

The second way you can use this BOM is to use just my block Borders and add your own verse or quote in the centre, making the quilt a very personal one for you.

The third way is to use the blocks in different projects - on cushions, framed, or a pieced quilt centre perhaps.

The "Promises & Borders" quilt has nine main feature blocks, plus a row of applique and wording, and finishes at 46" x 50".

The first block is a promise that has been underlined in my Bible for the past 18 years;

Can you see how easy it would be to add your own verse or quote inside the border?

 

You'll be piecing the blocks as we go, and I'll share all the fabric requirements, cutting instructions, and threads used before you begin.

You can download the full quilt requirements HERE.

You can download Block 1 - Jeremiah 29:11 HERE.

~~~~~

Now to the giveaway!!

For your chance to win three gorgeous skeins of hand-dyed Australian "Cottage Garden Threads" (I have used these in the Promises & Borders BOM), PLUS a charm square pack of lush "Cabbages & Roses"....

...this is what you'll need to do: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

ONE ENTRY:  Put my "Promises & Borders" button on your blog with a link back to me. Only then can you leave ONE comment for ONE entry.

(right click on the photo and 'save' to your computer, then use to upload onto your blog page)

A SECOND ENTRY: Email everyone you know about the "Promises & Borders" BOM and giveaway, or talk about it on your Facebook page, then leave ONE COMMENT for ONE more entry. (If you do not have a blog you can use this option for ONE entry)

Comment entries are for this blog post only. 

Make sure you leave an email address in your comment so that I can contact you if you are a no-reply blogger or do not have a blog. If your name is drawn as the winner and I cannot contact you I will draw a new winner.

Please do not enter if you do not intend to follow the rules. :-)

This giveaway is open until January 10th. 

I will draw the winner on January 11th.

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

So what do you think? Do you like the idea of "Promises & Borders"?

I'm off now to stitch Block 2 for February, after all, I have to keep one month ahead of you!

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs

Jenny

xxx