Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Things....

It was a hot and busy day here, but in between the have-to's and want-to's I managed to enjoy a few things for no other reason than I could. Perhaps you'd like to see?

Recently I won a giveaway from Dorothy Baker's blog - some gorgeous Lecien fabrics and **squealing with delight!** ten skeins of the new Cosmo threads. Can't wait to stitch with them! Thank you dearest Dorothy!

Slicer sat with me and chatted while I finished the Christmas Wishes quilt top - now it's ready to be quilted, and I think I'm going to do something swirly in the sashings (which is why I used mottled green fabric). But I've also had a thought about ric rac...then the idea of buttons and a tied quilt top surfaced. Oh dear, who knows what I'll do until I do it!? I do know that I'm binding it in the red rose fabric - can you see that the fabrics around the embroidered blocks are green leaves and red roses?

Quite a while back I won a giveaway from Amanda Brooke, and one of the presents was a gift voucher to spend at Kelani. Well, I go to that online shop at least three times a week and love everything so much that I can never choose exactly what to buy! Finally last week I took the plunge and bought owls and koalas. The fabrics are designed by Australian Saffron Craig, and Blossom almost (only almost!) went speechless when they arrived in today's mail...

...you can see why can't you? Aren't they adorable? We're going to make koala and owl softies very soon!

And speaking of Amanda Brooke - three months ago, when we were driving clear across Australia to move here, I stitched this design of hers in the car. The kids were staying with family in Melbourne and hubby and I were alone for the first time in 18 years...the sentiment was so profound that I had to stitch it - my true love has given me the most wonderful 18 years so far, with the promise of many more. Today I decided to frame it rather than add fabric borders.

I spent some time over the weekend sorting through all my craft magazines and removing patterns I intend to make. I have had my eye on this one for a while and discovered it too is an Amanda Brooke design. I think her relaxed and homely style is a favourite of mine right now. I started stitching it tonight and hope to have it done before the weekend.

Aaaah, Belgian chocolates - my absolute favourite chocolate. Belgians make chocolate like no other! This little box came from my darling friend Vikki this week, and the temperatures here are over 100F (37C) every day now so when I went to eat my luscious brown gifts they were melting at a rate of knots! What does one do in such a situation? Lick the chocolate from the box...yes, I admit, I am shameless. ;-)

A number of pattern packs for the full 12 block Shabby Roses Quilt were posted off to Las Vegas today...so if you're visiting The Christmas Goose say hi to Andrea for me, will you. :-)

~~~~~

Occasionally people ask me why ELEFANTZ?
Well, many years ago Blossom made me this elephant...

...she was 10 at the time.
One night, a few days later, I had a dream where I watched myself sign a piece of paper "Elefantz". I did not know when I would use the name (I did not sew five years ago!), but I knew in my heart one day it would mean something.

Thank you for being a part of ELEFANTZ.
You are a most important ingredient to all I design, to how I conduct my blog, and I am blessed to have made so many friends like you through it.
I'm sorry I don't respond to your comments all the time - if only I were blessed with a extra few hours each day to do so - but know that I read every one, and always with a wide and grateful smile because you took the time to leave a note and say hello. I am blessed to know you. {{{thank you}}}

Hugs sweet friends,
Jenny
xxxx

27 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

Love the sashing choice on your Christmas Wishes! Oh my goodness definite near squealing over the owl fabric!!! It's fun to know the reason behind blog names. Blossom must feel very special.

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
Your simple setting of the Christmas Wishes is very similar to what I am doing.....but I added extra borders to the outside edges to make it a little larger. I have been thinking of a tied quilt but haven't decided as yet. Always love to see what you are up to and never disappointed.
Have a great day...
Hugs, Barb

LfsAlot said...

And I am blessed to have found you Jenny! You always bring a smile to my face and many Oooo's and Aahhh's looking at all your lovely work. What a treasure you are dear Jenny! Thank you for giving so much of yourself to us.
Many blessings,
Shelley

Four O'Clock Quilt Company said...

Oh, I've been to that store in Las Vegas. I hope I get to go back someday, I'd love a pattern as I came to late to the party....

Loralynn said...

I love your Christmas Wishes! Can't wait to see the finished piece! That elephant that Blossom made you is so cute! I got my inspiration for my business name from my Daughter too! How sweet!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Congratulations on your win Jenny...Christmas wishes looks great!!! And it's lovely to have met you...Hugs, Dzintra♥x

Micki said...

Congrats on the win Jenny!
You deserve it!
Micki

Graciela said...

Hi Jenny, siempre te visito y me inspiras mucho para realizar mis propios proyectos, me encanta todo lo que haces, es muy dulce y delicado, te felicito por los premios que te ganaste te mando un beso enorme dede Argentina

Carrie P. said...

From experience you are going to love using the Cosmo floss.
I love how you did the sashing on your Christmas blocks. Mine is ready to quilt too.
Lots of great goodies at your house. I am glad to know the meaning behind the name too, often wondered about but never asked. Thanks for your lovely post today.

Allie said...

Love that Lecien - great win, Jenny! The Christmas Wishes look grand. Love the fabric.
The owls and koalas are definitely squeal-worthy!
I love all your projects, dear heart! I always look forward to seeing what you're up to.

Maggi said...

I really enjoyed reading this blog post, so many interesting things in it. I love your Christmas Wishes quilt. Don't worry about not replying to us all, it is enough to have you producing and sharing such wonderful work.

Kaaren said...

I'm definitely going to try the Cosmos floss on my next stitchery project. I've heard so many good things about it.

Your Christmas Wishes quilt looks wonderful. I can't wait to see how you complete it. And thatnk for sharing the Elefantz story.

Janice said...

What a lovely post today. We are also the richer for having "met" you. I love your gifties. You'll have a lovely time making your softies. Your fabrics are beautiful and I'm looking forward to your review of the Cosmos threads. Amanda has lovely designs, doesn't she. And... I bet the chocs still tasted good.

Robin in New Jersey said...

Yes, I have wondered "why Elefantz" and now I know! My 14 year old daughter would love an elephant like that. She collects elephants. Is there a pattern?

You Christmas quilt is beautiful.

I can't beleive you have only been sewing for 5 years! WOW! Your designs and craftmanship are very professional.

It is a highlight of my day to come here and see all the pretty things you are making. I so enjoy reading here. Your joy is infectious!

Wendyb said...

ooo Jenny...such a smorgasbord of goodies.... and all soooo delicious!!! It's always such a pleasure reading your blog :).. we are truly blessed with our blogging friends, aren't we?
sugary hugs,
'o) Wendy B

Terry said...

Your Christmas Wishes top looks great! I'm so jealous though...I have the fabric to work on mine but no time! LOL

marina said...

Boy have you been busy.
Your Christmas wishes quilt looks beautiful-the sashing fabric is lovely. and the owl and koala fabric is great.
It is lovely to pop into your blog and visit for a while too!

Lauren Colless said...

I can't believe that 5 years ago you didn't sew... I'm in love with your style and visit your blog every day... I love all of your projects and had wondered why elefantz... thank you for sharing!!! (And congrats on winning all those giveaways too!!)

Maggey and Jim said...

that is incredible that you just started sewing?? you never cease to amaze me and don't you love when you dream something like that? seems so real.. well keep creating and we will all just sit in awe..
Hugs
Maggey

Chookyblue...... said...

oh jenny so much happening here in the last few weeks I can't keep up.......lovely fabrics you won and threads to match.......

Alice said...

Love your Christmas Wishes. The fabrics are gorgeous. I must catch up and finish. You are so busy and yet you get so much done. You are an inspiration. I will soon be moving too (back to the US) so I thought to save up a lot of stitchery, all nicely traced to get me through the period of no sewing machine. Included in that pile are some shabby rose designs. Thanks for those, they are so cheery. A-

Cattinka said...

Hi Jenny,
you have been very busy, I can´t believe all the things you get done, they are all soooo beautiful. And one more thing I can´t believe you haven´t been sewing for 5 years jet, I thought you had always done it.
KATRIN W.

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

The owls and koalas are marvellous!

Searchfamilies said...

All very nice, do like the Christmas one especially
Hugs Janice

Denise :) said...

The Christmas Wishes quilt is simply beautiful. I'm so glad you share your work here! It's inspirational. AND...so is the rest of my prize package which I got late Tuesday night! It's *so* much fun! I can't wait to play. The pillow pattern is especially dear, since I'll soon have a grandbaby that might need a pillow to match its quilt! :)

Thanks again, Jenny, so very much!

Hugs,
Denise :)

Betty said...

Jenny...reading your blog is such a treat. I thank you for blessing me with your creative ideas and words!
Hugs, Betty

Sew Useful Designs said...

Darling Jenny!

As always, it is a treat to read your post... it is we who are blessed! {{hugs}}

I had such a giggle at the chocolate! lol... Next time I shall send you some sweet biscuits to "dip" into the melted chocolate!

Love your new fabrics, and Blossom's elephant is so sweet and gorgeous. Bless her heart.

Loves ya! Vikki xoxo
ps. I should be pattern-writing shouldn't I?!!!