Sweet 16....

She had a wonderful day! 

Thank you to everyone who has left birthday blessings for Blossom - she was very touched and felt quite embarrassed that you would care so much. Our little family of 4 is very close so birthdays are very special indeed with just ourselves in attendance.

She loved the tower of cupcakes and sparkling grape juice...

...and the lamb and potato curry. She always chooses her birthday menu.

Her favourite gift (so far) was the silver pendant she has been looking at in a local boutique for the last 8 months. It's called a 'poison bottle', but to Blossom it reminded her of Lucy's precious bottle in the Narnia movies. She had no idea I was getting it for her ...

She also loves owls, so a beautiful shabby chic ceramic one was found...

...as well as a 'wise' paperweight.

This exquisite hand mirror is another item she has oohed and aahed over for months...

Did you guess that I bought those three items at *that* shop?

She also received other sweet gifts from her dad and I, as well as a beautiful charm bracelet from Auntie Dawn, and computer *stuff* from her big brother, but her main gift cannot be purchased until Saturday. I bought it  over 3 weeks ago and when it did not arrive in the mail by Monday I contacted the company only to be told they had overlooked my pre-paid order and had now sold out!

I am still waiting for a refund and pray it will be given swiftly, as it was not a small amount.

So on Saturday Mr Elefantz and I will drive to the big town on the coast and purchase a Wacom Bamboo Graphics Tablet and Pen....THEN Blossom will have her big 16th present at last. \o/

She's very excited as she'll be using it to design my new pattern covers and logo.

We ended her birthday at the cinema where we watched the new Robin Hood movie - it was fabulous! 

~~~~~

On the sewing side of life I have been finishing a lovely Christmas project for those who like to keep things as heirlooms...

...and I am slowly restitching my Shabby Country Roses blocks in fresher fabrics, the lovely VERNA. I have also enlarged them as I think they will look gorgeous as pillows. To see the original blocks go HERE.

~~~~~

My doctor has just sent me for a barrage of tests, and this may well affect how I approach my designing and sewing in the months ahead. There is a part of me that is full of sadness, but another part telling me I just need to diversify and 'find another way to create'....

I shall listen to that soft, gentle voice.

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

Back to *that* shop, more presents, more of your finished projects!

It's been a busy Saturday. The clouds have given us cover from the hot sun, and there have been a few rain showers beating upon the roof - all which makes the house quite comfortable and pleasant to stitch in. I spent the morning doing next week's grocery shopping for the Home Ec Dept here at the boarding school, then headed back to the supermarket for a second grocery shop for our own household.

In between supermarket visits I dropped into *that* shop to see what little lovelies they may have this week and discovered these...

...I had to buy both, of course! They are ceramic and almost 6 inches from beak to tail, perfect to sit in front of the pot plant atop the tv unit in the living room. I think I'll need to sew a new runner first though.

This afternoon I rested my weary feet and began the stitching on something new I am making for the 'Down On The Farm' issue of Creating Country Threads later in the year. I wonder if you can guess what it might be?

I'm using a mix of French General's "Rouenneries" and "Rural Jardin". They blend beautifully together! 

~~~~~

I am in a Birthday Fat Quarter Swap each year and this year I received some gorgeous fabrics from my swap partners! 

 

They also included extra gifts of threads and lace and other lovelies - thank you ladies, everything was loved and appreciated (especially the chocolate). Barb even made me a penny pocket and added more of my favourite DMC 99 threads!

 Other gifts received last week were a bag from Jeannie in Florida (which Blossom and I had a good giggle over because on the back of the lovely bag it refers to Florida as 'The Sunshine State', and we live in Queensland, Australia, which is also called 'The Sunshine State'!)...

...and Jeannie added this gorgeous brooch! (She didn't realise I collect brooches!)

Manda down in Rockhampton must have had a little birdie whisper in her ear as well because she also sent me a brooch! She made this button brooch herself, and she made one for Blossom too. It's so cute and joyful!

One of my oldest friends, Pam, does not sew herself (though she would love to but she has her hands full with two very exuberant little girls), but she sent me this, all stitched in wool by someone else. Isn't it beautiful, and so soft to touch! I love it.

 ~~~~~

I have another completed Shabby Roses Quilt to show you! This one was made by Anne-Lise and once again it is so exciting to see how all of you have made my design your very own! You can visit her blog HERE for more photos...

Have you had a go at making THESE baskets yet? 

Amanda emailed yesterday asking for ideas on how to make a 'man-basket', as all the ones I'd made were very feminine. Well, we put our heads together over a few emails and look what she made for her husband!

 Isn't that clever!!?

She used shirting fabric, and as a bonus she managed to use up some scrap binding so now she can enter the February Binding Challenge as well! You can read about her basket HERE on her blog.

(it finishes tomorrow so if you have made something with binding this month be sure and leave a comment with your blog address so I can see a photo) 

 Another basket maker is Barb and if you visit her blog HERE you can see how addicted she has become to making them! She's way ahead on her Christmas presents! 

 ~~~~~

Blossom has been having a clean out of all her craft things, and the pile of UFO's she's dumped in my sewing room needs to be seen to be believed...now I have a quilt to finish, stitcheries to complete, finished stitcheries to turn into things, cross-stitches all ready to be framed or added to other projects, beads by the thousand, and this rag rug she began a few years back and is 'allowing' me to finish. 

It's not that she's finished with crafting, but she's almost 16 and has matured in the things she wants to put her creativity into. Her new designs are very different and hopefully I'll be able to show you some peeks during the coming months if she says it's ok. 

Don't forget there is only one day left to sign up for the UGLY FAT 1/4 swap (Australians only), and only one day left to enter the February Binding Challenge!

My challenge for March will be another goodie, but I can't tell you any more than that today. 

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

She did herself proud!

I still can't believe that Blossom swam SEVEN races last night!!

She swam freestyle (3 times), butterfly (twice), backstroke, and breastroke. Now remember she is not in the swim team, and is just a recreational 'weekend at the pool' type of swimmer, so she expected to come last in her events - but just by finishing the race she scored points for her House and that was her objective.

Here she is after race number 4...

...and after race number 6

...and finally back in the stands after race number 7 and the trophy ceremony to take me off to McDonalds for a junk food feast!

I am SOOOO proud of her!!

She got three 4th places, one 5th place, one 6th place, and a 2nd in the senior girls medley relay team swimming her worst stroke - butterfly!!

To top the night off her House (Chad) won!! They even beat the boys House teams. 

~~~~~

This morning Blossom took me shopping for my birthday present, and we ended up at *that* shop. Oooo, there were so many new and gorgeous Shabby things for us to see and touch - I wish you could have been there. After much decision making she bought me something totally *breathtaking* and now I have to be patient until the 21st to unwrap it and show you. Trust me, you'll love it! 

I can, however, show you the new coffee mug she bought me...

I bought her a matching mug that says 'Princess' because she really is my Princess, and I know I am truly blessed to have her in my life. 

While we were browsing in *that* shop I found a very chic French inspired tea towel! "Mmmm....what can I make with that?" I thought to myself. Then I remembered some pink leather handles I bought last year and an idea was born....

Watch this space...I feel something very pretty forming in my mind!

I hope your day is a loving one. 

Remember to tell someone you love them today - don't leave it till special occasions.

Hugs

Jenny

xxx

Aaah, the end of the week!

Now, normally I don't give you a sneak peek at my projects until the end of my post, but I'm feeling a bit upside down tonight so I'm sharing that first.
Remember Skating Rosey from my "Christmas Package In Stitches" designs? Well, maybe she has a sister who lives in a warmer climate? We'll see....

~~~~~
As promised these are the goodies we bought at "that shop" yesterday.
A beautiful wooden box with a lift up lid to house all my instant cappuccino sachets (yes, I am thoroughly addicted to them!)....

...and this very pretty, but practical herbal tea steeping cup. You pop your herbal tea leaves in the cermaic strainer insert, put it in the cup and then pop on the lid so it can brew away until you have the strength you prefer. Wonderful for my bedtime chamomile!!

~~~~~
I have made a decision to make at least two churn dash blocks a day for my new quilt, hopefully more, but a minimum of two. I love today's two - the fabric is "Katie Jump Rope" and is my favourite Denyse Schmidt range.

It's Friday night here and time to wind down after another week and ease on into the weekend. I intend to stitch a little, bake a little, and catch up on some housework, but mostly I'm going to enjoy spending time with my beloved husband.
What will you be doing?

Hugs
Jenny
xxx

PS: I have a new challenge for September! I'm going to work out what I can giveaway then I'll let you in on the challenge.

A photo shoot, that shop, and my churn dash blocks...

Yesterday Blossom had the afternoon off school so we took my finished Shabby Roses quilt down the Lissner Park so I could photograph it hanging over the beautiful wrought iron railings of the rotunda. Blossom loves this rotunda and is already planning to have her wedding photos taken here when that time arrives. Here she is taking photos of her own...

I can only show you a side of the quilt because I haven't shared the last 3 blocks with you yet, but I hope you can see just how pretty it looks against the iron-work? I am making up pattern packs of the quilt for Fiona. She'll have them for sale in October on her stall at the Royal Hobart Show - she'll also have fabric packs to make the quilt too. :-)

On the way home from the photo shoot (doesn't that sound so professional!) we took a detour and stopped by "that shop" again...this time I had my camera on hand so I took a small snap for you to see why we keep going back - all those delights calling our names as we wander amongst them!
I bought a couple of gorgeous things once more, but I'll have to share them later as I forgot to photograph them.

We came home and had High Tea with our special tea cups and tea pot, Blossom indulging in store bought Chocolate Mud Cake, and I enjoying a sumptuous slice of Raspberry Cheesecake. After our girl time she headed off to her room to do assignments and I began on my Churn Dash quilt!

I have decided not to make the pattern I linked to yesterday as those blocks are only 6 in, and I wanted blocks slightly larger, so I am making 8 in blocks. My background will be white quilters muslin and I hope to hand-quilt with Perle threads. I love my first three blocks!

These are the remaining fabrics I'll be using...a mix of reproduction and modern, but all blending beautifully together.

As of next week I'll be working part-time as a Teacher's Aide here at the school - helping out in the Home Ec dept - so I won't get the amount of sewing done that I'm used to. This means I'll be a bit more selective about the projects I choose to make, and which designs of my own I want to 'run with'. And I'll certainly need to be more organised in the kitchen so later today I'm going to work on my 6-week rotating menu plan.
I may need a prayer or two (or three!) to get my life scheduled for these changes, so if you're thinking of me please send a request heavenward on my behalf would you? Ta muchly.

Only a few hours left to sign on for the Hug Swap! For those participating Vicki or I will email you tomorrow with your partner's details.

Have a wonderful day!!!
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

*that* shop again....

Blossom and I took time out yesterday for our Saturday morning 'girl's time' once again. Since she's been attending school here in Charters Towers we have missed the regular rhythm of the cafe trips we indulged in quite often living in Esperance - homeschooling allowed us so many mother/daughter memories I can treasure!
But memories can be made in so many ways, and we are beginning to build up some news ones that still involve a cappuccino and cake (naturally!), but we've added in shopping.
Remember the little treasures we found last Saturday? This Saturday was no different!

Blossom bought for herself these gorgeous vintage reproduction tins....

...and this exquisite pewter frame to house a photo of her and her very best friend in the world, Frances. I'll have it printed up for her this week and I know seeing Frances' face smiling back at her each day will be a lovely way to begin each day. Frances lives 3 days drive south and they have only met 'in the flesh' once, but they are sisters-of-the-heart and blessed to be so. :-)

Blossom was quite thrilled that her little stash only cost her $20. I told you this shop has lots of affordable beauty didn't I?
~~~~~
Now, my stash of goodies. :-)
I bought the other half of the set of vintage reproduction tins (they are sitting on the pink gingham I'm using to back my Shabby Roses quilt)....

...this gorgeous rose teacup and saucer set for Blossom (it's actually a deep blue, not the black the photo is showing)...

....this very pretty pink teacup and saucer duo for when we want to drink tea together and because I LOVE pink....

...and my favourite purchase - this stunning milk jug! There is a matching sugar bowl and tea cup at the store, but they may not be there next time we visit as this set is so beautiful.

And how much did I spend? $30. I feel almost wicked coming home with so much beauty and not paying the earth for it! But I am not complaining. ;-)
~~~~~
The Etsy situation has still not been resolved as I simply cannot seem to make contact with the lady in question, however, I want to say a very emotional {{{{{thank you}}}}} for the outpouring of kindness and affirmation you have given me. I know it's silly, but this issue really upset me and Blossom had to give me a stern talking-to yesterday morning so that we could enjoy our time together and not have it overshadowed by my distress.
All of you added to lifting my spirits once again, and I am so very grateful.
~~~~~
I'll have some new designs to show you in the next day or so, and prepare yourselves for a giveaway...it's so much fun to give a gift! :-)

Hugs
Jenny
xxx

A beautiful Saturday....

This morning Blossom and I finally had some girl time together. She has has a wonderful first week at school and knowing that she has tennis practice on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons we decided to make some special time Saturday morning to spend alone.

Our little town is old. So pretty, and so old. Walking down the one main street gives you the feeling of having stepped back in time, to a slower and more relaxed era. We've lived all over Australia but never been anywhere quite like Charters Towers - we're pretty sure we're going to love it here.

Being lovers of all things Shabby Chic we were surprised to discover a shop in town that actually had an entire corner of their store dedicated to beautiful shabby chic items! We spent most of our shopping time in this one store and as we walked amongst the beautiful cream and rose gifts and homewares we vowed to come and buy one new item every payday. In a year we should have the house looking tres chic!

Today's purchases were a gorgeous teapot, a lovely white rose on one side...

...and pink on the other. I have been looking for the perfect tea pot for a years, and finally found it here in our new town. :-)

And what do you need with your tea pot?
Why, something to store your precious tea in! This cream ceramic canister has the sweetest butterfly on top, and a rose at the rim...the shop also had a matching biscuit barrel that I have on my 'to purchase' list.

I wanted to buy a gift for Blossom as well, so I sent her to browse and choose something special.
She surprised me with her choice as I had no idea she has a love of old bottles. This little wire carrier held two replica bottles from a bygone day and she quickly snatched them up with delight! She also noticed a wooden holder with 6 more bottles - I think they are on her own list of future purchases. :-)

And then she blessed me!
Isn't this gorgeous?! It is tin, with the sweetest angel painted on the front, and a large crystal sitting on top. Hubby will put a hanging pin in the wall of my sewing room so I can look over and see it each day. I love you, Blossom!!

And of course, what do you do when you purchase the 'perfect' tea pot?
Make tea of course!

Blossom brought her round table out to the living room and we sat and sipped Irish Breakfast Tea from my new pot, ate chocolate brownies, and shared some wonderful dark chocolates.

What a special morning we had!
~~~~
This afternoon I finally finished the last of the essential curtains for the house. The ones below are Blossoms - she chose swirly white fabric, and they are rubber backed to keep the heat out (hopefully!).

And, now that my obligation to make the curtains has been fulfilled, I can finish my Shabby Roses BOM quilt top!!!! Yay!!!! \o/\o/
~~~~~
Before I go, I want to share with you the beautiful cross-stitch my eldest daughter, Karen, made for me to celebrate my 50th birthday this year. She has been working on this for 8 years, and I love it so much more because she never gave up even though she is not an avid crafter. She finally was able to give it to me a couple of weeks ago as we drove through her town on the way here. If you click on the photo you can see close up all the work she put into it. Thank you sweetheart!

I hope your weekend is as lovely as mine has begun.
Hugs
Jenny