Challenge Winner ~ and a new design!

Congratulations to ......

Jeannie, you put in such an effort with 5 entries in February's Challenge, so I wasn't surprised when Slicer pulled out the winning name from Blossom's tea cup this morning! Congratulations!! Email me with your address and I'll be posting this parcel off to you tomorrow!

Some lovely fabric from French General's "Rural Jardin' and a gift I made for the winner - this sweet rainbird lavender sachet!

Congratulations to everyone who entered the Challenge - how amazing you all are with your ideas!!

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In January I had a new design published in Creating Country Threads...

 ' JUST NESTING' is the perfect design for the Northern Hemisphere's return of Spring! 

I can happily report that I now have this made up as a PDF pattern pack for you to purchase HERE through my Etsy shop, or just click on the photo in my left hand side-bar. 

The PDF pattern contains a full list of materials, threads and notions required, complete instructions for making 'Just Nesting', PLUS colour photographs to guide you, design templates for tracing, and reverse templates for the applique pieces!

I will email the pattern pack to you within 24 hours of purchase, worldwide. 

My sweet friend Allie has already made her own, simpler version, and I love it!! It's a great example of how you take a design and tweak it to become your very own signature piece. :-)

Isn't her background fabric perfect!

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Now...the Challenge for March!

What could it be??

The 5" Charm Square Challenge!!

I know a number of my fellow Gum Tree Designers have burgeoning piles of charm square packs adoring their fabric stashes, and I personally found them fun to work with last month, so I thought perhaps you've got some at home to play with as well.

~The Rules~

You can use only 5 inch charm squares, and you can use no more than 20 in your Challenge project.

The winner will be drawn on April 1st, and as I hear envious longing in many of your comments after I've shown you what I bought at *that* shop, I'm going to send the winner a ceramic bird (the same as the two I bought myself the other day), and one of those gorgeous shabby pink and white tea towels I bought a while back.

Now, what are you going to make?

Be sure to leave a comment on my blog during the month with a link to a photo on your blog - you can make as many challenge projects as you like. Every different project made will be one entry. 

(If you make 5 of the same tea towels that will only count as 1 entry)

Autumny hugs

Jenny

xxx

Last entries for the February Binding Challenge!

Today is March 1st in Elefantz-land, so no more entries can be accepted for the Binding Challenge.

Here are the final few fabulous scrap binding project entries from clever bloggers!

(Just click on their names to go to their blogs)

Karol-Ann has made the cutest mobile phone case...

Hanna has made two lovely table runners using her scrap binding...

Jessica made a very useful satchel bag with scrap binding for her son...

 Chris made a shabby chic bag (which I LOVE and now need to make one myself)...

 

 and clever Carolyn has finished the month with her second entry, a neat tea cosy!

Now after all these ideas that have been shared I think we can have no more excuses for wasting those leftover binding  strips, do you?

Of course, some of you have used them as binding once again, and that's wonderful because at least they are being used. My friend Bec is saving all of her binding strips for the border on quilts. She explains a bit more HERE on her blog.

I'll draw the February Challenge winner later today by Random Generator, and I'll also share then the March Challenge! Any ideas what it will be???

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

More Binding Challenge Entries!

Jeannie has made her 4th entry! This time a potholder - and I am loving those fabrics used in the binding strips, aren't you?!

...and Kristina used her scrap  binding strips to cut up and make blocks for a doll quilt!

 There are only 8 days left for this Challenge, so tell me, what are you making?

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I have news and photos to share, plus a tutorial for you, but I  have a nasty migraine brewing today - and tomorrow (Sunday) is my birthday, so I may be absent till Monday. I know you'll understand.

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

A very clever blogger, making my sewing machine a pretty spot, and another present...

If you have found it hard to come up with ideas for the February Binding Challenge, then you need to ask Carolyn what she puts in her water!

Look at this...

Isn't she gorgeous!!?

Carolyn has named her 'Miss Jenny Blossom', and I have to tell you there were a lot of oohs and aaahs coming from Blossom and I when Carolyn sent me a photo! 

Be sure and visit Carolyn at her blog and let her know what you think - she may even tell you how she came up with such a creative idea! 

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Here is another parcel of birthday goodies I received this week. My sweet Gum Nut friend, Joy, made me a beautiful block - and she tucked in all these pretties as well!

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I am stitching another new Dilly Dally Daisy design, but when the rain came bucketing down again this week -

... and the house became a bit too dark in the daytime to stitch by hand, I decided to take this charm square pack that I have had for *ages*....

...and finally make another sewing mat for my (relatively) new machine. 

(Those of you who were involved with my challenges last year will remember I made a sewing mat already, but I have bought a much bigger sewing machine since then so a new, larger mat was needed)

I guess this means it's time to sew a larger cover for my new machine, too. Well, the roads around me are flooded, and heavy rains are forecast all week, so if I dissappear for a little while you know where I'll be and what I'll be doing - home, stitching, watching Miss Marple, and drinking coffee. ;-)

Have a lovely week!

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

More of your stitching, and Val's new BOM!

Last year the lovely and talented Val Laird shared her 'Love Never Fails' BOM through her blog, and this year she has once again blessed us! Her BOM for 2010, "Gifts of Grace" is based on the nine gifts of the Spirit mentioned by St Paul in Galations 5:22-23. 

Vist her blog HERE to download the first block, and be sure and say hi to Val while you are there.

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Jeannie has been busy again with another response to my February Binding Challange! This time she has used her scrap binding to decorate a tea towel - but I think that tea towel is too pretty to use now, Jeannie!

Jeannie also stitched a pincushion using my tutorial and free redwork stitchery - the colours are gorgeous!

(I am envious of those gorgeous pins, Jeannie!!)

Today I'm housecleaning...and if I'm a good girl and get it done by lunchtime I'll reward myself with some stitching. What are you doing this Monday morning?

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

A bit of show and tell....

hanks to everyone for their best wishes on Blossom's swimming last night. Unfortunately it was rained out so she is off this morning to do her postponed races at 11.30 - then tonight she'll be swimming again in what would have been the  2nd day of competition. She's had to miss soccer practive this week to train for the swimming so next week she'll be a sore old thing with all those different muscles in complaint. 

And of course, on Saturday night she'll be using different muscles again when she attends her very first dance! She's 16 this year, and stayed close to home all her life, but there is an 'all schools' Valentine Dance this weekend at the PCYC with staff from all 4 schools in our town supervising. She'll be wearing one of the gorgeous dresses she got for Christmas, and she is going with a new girl to the school. For those who may not know, Blossom was homeschooled all her life until last July when she began attending the boarding school my husband teaches at (and where we live). She knows first-hand how hard it can be at 15 to start school and make friends - she was bullied and ridiculed for months when she first got here. Praise God all is good now for her, but it made her determined to befriend all new female students this year - so her new friend is going to the dance with her and I hope they have a fabulous time!

With Valentines Day in mind, my free redwork stitchery for you this month is a little heart bursting with rosey red blooms...

I'm going to stitch mine into a pincushion using some of my Rouenneries for trimming...

You can easily print up the design below by clicking HERE

I'd love to see yours when you finish it. What will you use it for?

~~~~~

Thank you also for all the kind and encouraging comments on my Hopes and Wishes Bag in this month's Homespun magazine.

Many have lamented that they are unable to obtain Homespun in their country, so I have photographed the distributors list from inside the cover for you - if you contact the distributor in your country they will assist you in finding a supplier. (click on the photo below and it will enlarge for easier reading)

Good news for those in the USA - you are now able to purchase Homespun through your local Borders bookstore!

My bag is in this issue. No 81 (volume 11.2)

For those who already subscribe to Homespun, aren't this month's "Life Is A Celebration" BOM  blocks really sweet?!

Gail Pan has fussy cut her flowers and pot...

...and Natalie Ross has done a cute owl couple to celebrate marriage.

I'd love to sit on a branch with Mr Elefantz and cuddle all day!

~~~~~

Here are some more photos of items made by clever women.

Jude's friend Sandy has finished all her blocks in my Shabby Roses BOM and stitched the quilt top together. It's so pretty, Sandy!

 Janey is stitching her 2nd Shabby Roses quilt! If you pop over to her blog you can see her progress.

Janey is also stitching my new BOM ~Bouquet~. Here is her Bucket of Roses block...

Jeannie has been finding more uses for her binding scraps in the February Challenge! She bound this journal cover beautifully - and she has used Block 1 from my Shabby Roses BOM quilt to decorate the front!

I wonder if you have been using the blocks from Shabby Roses in other projects? If you have can you leave a comment to let me know, please? (and a link to a photo on your blog would be lovely!)

It's almost morning tea time, so best be away and brew the coffee for Mr Elefantz before he steps in for his 10 minute break between classes...might suggest we dress as owls and climb that Tamarind tree out back.

Have a special day - it will only come around once in your lifetime.

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

Getting on with things...

The rains are still here and I admit I really love the tap tap on the roof through the night. There is something very soothing about listening to raindrops make their way from the heavens above to 'plop' softly on the parched earth below.

Of course, not everyone enjoys the wet season up here as it does make the logistics of washing and drying clothes a bit of a braindrain, but we manage to hang all and sundry through the house before bed and as it's still so hot we find the clothes are dry again by morning.

Today I sat at the dining table and watched the students at our school playing softball, taking photographs, picking up rubbish that had blown under the shrubs - and all in the rain! They are so used to it during these late summer months that they just 'get on with things' regardless. Sounds like a good life mantra don't you think?

Tonight Blossom will be swimming in no less than 6 events at the school swimming carnival (it's so hot here that we have our swimming carnival at night), and each afternoon she has been practicing in the school pool. She's a distance swimmer by nature - 20 laps and she's in heaven - but as only one girl from her sports House put her hand up to compete, our dear Blossom felt it necessary to volunteer for the other spot. (4 Houses, 2 swimmers from each house per event)She is not a sprint swimmer and she is quite sure she'll come last in all the sprint events, but she has decided she can handle the taunts afterwards - for her it's all about House pride and 'giving it a go'. I'm so proud of her for her attitude. She has decided to swallow her fear of failing and 'get on with things' for her team.

If you can say a few prayers for her energy levels she's sure appreciate it.

I have listed a few new items on Etsy for my overseas followers - you can see them down the left hand side of my blog page.

All of these projects will be published in Creating Country Threads, and Patchwork & Stitching magazines in Australia throughout this year, so Australian followers may like to wait till then. My 'Katie In The Window' bag will be in the next issue of Creating Country Threads, 

... along with Blossom's design "Vintage Simplicity" (a doll quilt and carry bag - it's gorgeous!). 

The rest of the designs will be published much later in the year.

~~~~~

Here are some projects made by lovely bloggers!

Janey has entered the February Binding Challenge! She used her scrap binding and new machine quilting skills to finish off some pot holders.

Ruth used the applique section from one of my Shabby Country Roses blocks to embellish some lovely hand towels for her sister.

Doda emailed me with a wonderful late entry idea for my January Tea Towel Challenge - a bread bag! Isn't that clever? I am going to make one myself - thanks for the idea Doda!

Have you made anything for the Binding Challenge yet?

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

Homespun arrives, new projects, and things you have made...oh, and some sneak peeks!

Storms are brewing around us again, and with the inclement weather activity I find myself battling a continuous migraine once again, so I'll let this post be one of pictures - things I'm making, a published project, and some lovely photos from bloggers who are making my designs their very own.

Homespun Magazine arrived in the mail today, so I can finally show you my secret project, "Hopes and Wishes"....

...a sweet bag with wishing well centre, surrounded by this verse from Emily Dickinson -

"Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul. And sings the tune without the words and never stops at all."

Remember I showed you the journal cover I made last week? It fits in the bag, to hang by your bed close at hand, to write down those hopes and dreams.

If you are unable to acquire a copy of Homespun in your country and would like the pattern for the bag I will be releasing it in April, as well as the pattern for the matching journal cover.

~~~~~

Here are some lovely projects I have made this weekend, using two of my stitcheries.

"Bloom" is now this gorgeous wallhanging! It will be published later this year in Patchwork & Stitching...

...and "Gift of Roses" is now displayed in this very functional and pretty bag that I store my patterns in!

This pattern will also be published later this year in Creating Country Threads. 

~~~~~

Some lovely ladies have sent me photos of their own versions of my designs.

Jenny in the UK has made a couple of lovely bright cushions using my Oopsie Daisies! You can also see the cushion is blues on her blog.

Teresa has finished her first block from my ~Bouquet~ BOM, and it's so lovely!

Jeannie has found a use for some scrap binding, so she has officially entered my February Binding Challenge. Jeannie used the binding to finish off the inside pocket of a bag she made. 

I also used some binding to finish the top of my pattern bag (photo further up in this post). I love binding!! It has so many uses and gives a lovely finish to projects like Jeannie's. 

~~~~~

There has been a lot of redwork fun happening among the Gum Tree Designers recently! No doubt you've noticed a few sneak peeks on the other designer's blogs?

Would you like to see my design? Yes? Just a tiny peek then...

We're in love with redwork, and especially French fabric. 

We even had Blossom playing with us! Here is a little snippet of her own design...it's gorgeous.

We'd love to show you more, but I'm afraid you'll have to wait.

I hope wherever you are you find some time to stitch today, but mostly I pray you find some time to nourish your soul with those who love you...you see, it's wonderful to lose yourself in the harmony of needle working with thread, but don't let it take you away from the most important melody of your life - your family.

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

February Challenge giveaway prize...and something dreamy.

You've been so patient waiting to see what the giveaway prize will be for the February Binding Challenge - thank you! Today I can show you...

...a bundle of French General's "Rural Jardin" woven stripes and checks (donated by the lovely designer Kaari Meng!), and a lovely French inspired lavender sachet I made incorporating my design 'Rainbird' on the front and stitched on some of the Rural Jardin fabric. I used vintage cotton lace as well, and some lovely old silk ribbon - French General fabrics always transport me back in time so I wanted to make something reflective of the simple 'olde world' days in the sachet.

To enter this giveaway you'll need to make something from your scrap binding strips (or scrap strips that you have doubled lengthwise to resemble binding) - you can read the original Challenge post here. Once you've completed your item please add a photo to your blog and leave a comment to let me know about it. If you don't have a blog please email me a photo. :-)

~~~~~

The next issue of Homespun will contain a special project of mine that brings our thoughts to wishes, hopes and dreams. Here is a small sneak peek...

You'll have to wait for the magazine to be in the newstand before I show you any more of my project, but I can show you a companion project I finished this week, something that will be a perfect match if you wanted to make a set. 

It's a journal cover for a record of all your hopes, dreams, prayers and wishes.

I even used a piece of scrap binding leftover from the Homespun project to make the bookmarker, so I can add that to my Binding Challenge ideas this month. 

I haven't decided whether to make up a pattern to sell for the journal cover yet. It will depend on whether there is enough interest in it. But for me, I have the secret Homespun project and the journal duo, so I can begin to write down all those wonderful dreams I have that bring hope to my soul, and plot a path to my future...

Do you record your hopes and dreams? What is the thing you hope for most of all in your life?

Hugs

Jenny

xxx