A gift...

Back in 2008 I met a young lady online through our blogs, someone who over the years since has become like a little sister to me. In fact that's what we call each other - Big Sis and Little Sis. 

The friendship between Vikki and I grew rapidly because to be honest, she's so gentle, kind and understanding that being her friend was, and is, easy. We didn't meet face to face until 2014 (what a hug that was!) and today only catch up with the occasional phone chat, but every time we talk it's like we've never been apart. 

I think that's the measure of real friendship,  picking up where you left off, not even skipping a beat.

It was Vikki who purchased the very first pattern of my very first design, and it was so funny because she wanted me to autograph it! (I didn't, and she told me off years later, LOL!)

Vikki is also a designer, her style very much like her personality - gentle, detailed and sweet. 

(you can have a look here at her blog for an idea of what I mean)

But today I want to show you an example of her other talent, Vikki's first love in craft and a skill she excels at, doll making.

 A few years back I gave her an elf doll kit which I'd had every intention of making 'one day' but never got around to. 

Eventually realising the elf kit was not really something I could apply myself to it seemed far more sensible that I gift it to my dear doll maker friend instead.

I did just that and promptly forgot all about it. 

Until the mail man arrived last week.

Vikki had made the elf for me.

I cried, tears of grateful joy and surprise.

And I felt her love. Love for her Big Sis. 

Every stitch had been made with love, prayers, and a heart to bless me.

The details of Vikki's work on my elf doll are exquisite...

...and she made the doll so that I can position her any way I like.

Vikki, her children, me and my children, all share a love of the Artemis Fowl books (by Eoin Colfer) and this was another one of the things that drew us together in friendship. 

In honour of that shared fictional reading I've named the elf 'Holly Short' after one of the main characters.

Guarding my fabric shelves, Holly Short sparks a lot of emotions when I think of who's hands crafted her and why. 

This precious gift from a dear friend far away made me feel loved and nourished from the inside out.

To know the time she put in to this for me still causes a few tears to well in my eyes.

Thank you just doesn't seem to be words enough.

Wilma Moss sent me photos the other day of her completed Gentle Domesticity quilt.

The Gentle Domesticity BOM I shared last year was a set of 12 stitchery/applique blocks, all stand alone designs without any quilt setting, but clever Wilma drew up a quilt design to house her completed blocks and it's beautiful!

Inside the scalloped edge she has added yellow trim to blend with the yellow border around the blocks - what an inspiring idea...

I was so excited to see all the blocks in one setting, and the quilting - wow!

Thank you for showing us, Wilma. 

If you've made any or all of the Gentle Domesticity blocks from last year can I encourage you to join our Gentle Domesticity Facebook group and share your photos with everyone.

The group has grown to almost 2,000 members now and we'd love to have you pull up a chair at our virtual kitchen table to chat, share what you're making or baking or sewing or knitting!

Visit the group here. 

If you've not heard of the Gentle Domesticity BOM from 2016 but are inspired to create your own quilt with the blocks you'll find all 12 block patterns as a set here in my shop.

The blocks are also available as single patterns.

Well that's it for me today. 

I pulled apart my sewing room this afternoon and am still in the process of putting it back together so once I finish making dinner for the man of my dreams I'll return to my task.

I love re-organising my sewing room, office, kitchen, laundry, book cases...do you?

hugs

Learning new skills...

Thanks for your prayers over my knee issue.

Apparently my knee is perfect; strong and straight, and seemingly doing better than most 55 year old knees.

However, there is something happening inside my lower leg that needs investigation, so I have an ultrasound happening in the next few days, which depending on the outcome may lead to an MRI. 

I have painkillers now, and have been advised by my wonderful doctor to spend time up and about moving the leg each day, between frequent rests. If you have a spare moment I'd really appreciate more prayers - specifically that the issue is diagnosed correctly and swiftly, and that healing is fast approaching. xx

Now, because I have pain meds and can regularly get back on my feet for a while every day, I think today I'll finally get to that op-shop fabric I shared about here and start making blocks. Photos and a project to be shown tomorrow if all goes according to plan!

Today, however, I'd like to show you one of the stitchy projects I've been enjoying whilst off my feet over the weekend and Monday.

Back here I showed you the lovely pattern that Vikki Collumbine of "Sew Useful Designs" released in Melbourne at Let's Get Stitched in March. It's been on my to-do list since she first showed me, but time to make it has eluded me, especially lately with my current obsession of piecing quilt blocks - until this weekend...

I'm using just two colours (as I love to do!) and chose a dark red and an aqua/blue...

There's something rather comforting about adding your own personal 'stamp' to someone else's design.

I chose to make a few very tiny tweaks to the stitching; like writing my name simply and stitching in backstitch instead of the cross-stitch Vikki had directed in the pattern. 

The 'My Patterns' wording is also backstitch instead of cross-stitch, and I've only done a single row of running stitch around that sweet little cross-stitched heart. The line under the heading was also changed, from Vikki's use of chain stitch to my choice of stem stitch...

But what I love is that the design is still so very obviously Vikki's and my own small tweaks did not alter that!

I almost decided to omit the hexie appliques too, and replace them with vintage buttons - but then I looked again at Vikki's design and realised they added to the vintage feel of the overall pattern, and that 'look' is what made me fall in love with the design in the first place. So hexies were made...

The finished design is a folder to store printed PDF patterns - a wonderful idea in this age of technology and downloadable patterns.

The morning sun was rather bright this morning when I took a photo of the block on my 'design door' (next best thing to a design wall!)  for you, but I wanted to give you an idea of the size of the cover stitchery design so far. I've got a little piecing to do today and then add another couple of hexies before I actually complete the PDF Folder project...

Can I encourage you, as you start a pattern - any pattern - that you look at it through the eyes of your own style or level of competence? Don't just think "that's too hard or complicated for me", but look at the aspects you can do first and foremost.

I remember Vikki and I having a conversation back in March about this design of hers and she spoke of concerns she had that people may look at it and think it was too hard because of the little extra embellishments and presentations she'd added - like the tiny cross-stitched wording, the way she'd chosen to 'bind' the front and back cover of the design with rings, and edged one spine with pom poms (see how the rings join the covers in Vikki's photo below?)...

Too many times, especially when I first taught myself to hand stitch and quilt back in 2005, I balked at projects that looked beyond my abilities and experience. Even nine years later I've still avoided some techniques because they seem like too much effort or my mind can't grasp the steps needed to accomplish them. That's why I haven't done much in the way of quilts and quilt blocks, free motion quilting, or hexies. 

In the past month or so I've finally begun working my way through these techniques, and putting on my 'student' cap have started to study and apply the 'hows' to achieving them in the long term.

But I also gave myself permission to alter a pattern to suit my style and proficiency if it keeps the integrity of my original reason for purchasing it. Does that make sense?

I think the care and planning that went into Vikki Collumbine's "My Sweet PDFs"  Pattern Folder is amazing, and very much epitomizes her unique design style, but for me the part I most want to capture as I make it myself is the cover, the hexies, and the purpose of the project, so I will make this beautiful stitchery/applique design into a cover for a store bought binder to house my personal PDFs.

You may choose to purchase her pattern for the same outcome, or perhaps you're looking at it and thinking "I love all her special touches and want to make it exactly the same!". Whatever way you make it (or any pattern you have that has challenged you)  let me encourage you to ask these questions first:

* Look at the pattern and decide what it was that first caught your attention; why did you purchase it?

* If it's been on the shelf for a while now is the time to be honest and ask yourself what part of this pattern has you holding back from making a start on it.

* If there are techniques, stitches, or skills required that you don't currently have, is there something different you can do to the design that will allow you to make it your 'own' and therefore achieve the outcome of a completed pattern you purchased because you loved it?

* Is there a course, tutorial, or 'how-to' you can access online (or through local guilds or friends) to learn the skills you feel you lack? 

* Are you staring at the pattern confused as to what made you buy it in the first place? If so, this one needs to be given away.

I hope I've been able to encourage you today. 

Sewing, embroidery, quilting - it's not as easy as it first looks is it? Yet it's no different to learning any skill!  Like becoming a proficient bread baker, honing your riding skills on a new mountain bike, or simply learning how to change a car tyre - practice and a desire to learn is the key, though occasionally necessity steps in as well.

A few skills I may be able to help you with can be found by visiting my Tutorials page here. 

For others, Pinterest is a rather wonderful resource.

See more photos of Vikki's original "My Sweet PDFs" folder here.

What's a skill or technique that you haven't yet conquered?

What holds you back?

hugs

A day with Vikki...

As I mentioned HERE I did not go on the Let's Get Stitched shopping days when I was down in Melbourne, but chose to spend those days with people I never, or rarely, get to see.

Vikki Collumbine of "Sew Useful Designs" and I have been online 'sisters' for about 6 years, but we've never had the opportunity to meet 'for real' until my trip to Melbourne this month.

The best thing is that we weren't just meeting up. We were also sharing a room for four days because, though she lives in Melbourne, Vikki's sweet husband had encouraged her to 'take a holiday' and stay at the motel with all the LGS girls!

Do you know how much there is to talk about when you've been waiting six years for a darn long chin wag??

After two plane flights on Thursday, unpacking, dinner, plus meet + greets with the other ladies attending Let's Get Stitched, Vikki and I, along with our other roommate Wendy, talked through the night, collapsing into bed sometime after 3am on Friday morning

(Vikki, me and Wendy - photo courtesy of Vikki's blog)

Three hours later, exhausted from lack of sleep, we were up and huddled with cups of coffee in our pj's chatting again, before waving goodbye to Wendy as she headed off for the LGS bus trip/shopping day.

After scores of phone conversations between us over the years, today was the day I would finally visit Vikki's home and meet her family! 

(photo taken at Vikki's home)

Meet Mr SUDS and Kayla the adorable pooch (who fell headlong in love with me!).

And have I introduced you to my sweet Vikki yet? Oops!

Isn't she a doll?

And speaking of dolls, she makes them.

She makes really GORGEOUS dolls...

...plus other sweeties too.

Late Friday afternoon we both realised we'd pretty much reached the limit of our wakefulness, so before heading back to the motel we took a very quick detour up the mountain to the little town of Sassafrass, where I was greeted by Miss Marple's Tea Room. We didn't go in as we thought falling asleep in a tea cup might not be the ladylike thing to do in such a quaint establishment...

Next door was the teapot shop!

Taking a deep breath, we decided to have a little wander inside before leaving Sassafrass, and what a wise decision that was...

There were hundreds and hundreds of tea pots and tea cups and different varieties of teas!

It was an Aladdin's cave of delights, and I just HAD to buy mugs for Vikki and I, as well as something for my sweet Blossom holding the fort with Mr E back at home - but I'll show you that at the end of the post. 

Back to the motel through Melbourne peak-hour traffic and I promptly fell onto the bed and into 'dreamworld'. One day I simply must go back to Sassafrass and have a proper visit!

Vikki was one of the secret designers at Let's Get Stitched and the ladies loved the design she shared with them on the Sunday...

She had made a gorgeous folder to house your pdf patterns that have been printed off the internet.

I have the pattern ready to make as it's such a pretty and useful project (which is obviously why Vikki's business is called Sew Useful Designs - smart cookie)...

Vikki's table display at Lets Get Stitched was beautiful, and I finally got to see her sweet "Rosetta Rabbit" stitchery, which is even more beautiful that the photos. 

(the pattern is HERE on her website, and with Easter not far away it might be the perfect project for someone special, yeh?)

Saying goodbye when Vikki went home on Sunday night was hard as we've no idea when we'll get to meet up again, but what a blessing to have made these lovely memories together. Love you little sis. xxx

Now, let me show you the mug I bought Blossom at the tea pot shop. I chose this because she is crazy about all things Alice in Wonderland...

It even enticed her down the rabbit hole...

I should say that I was an extremely popular mummy when I got home. 

If you have some time to spare why don't you drop over HERE to Vikki's blog and say hi?

She'd love to meet you!

I think I still have some sleep to catch up on...and tea, I need tea. ;-)

hugs

Friends with talent!

One of the great things about Blogger is being able to schedule my blog posts to publish when I am away with Mr E and not at home.

As you read this Mr E and I should be relaxing down on the Marina at Cairns, for a quick overnighter.

Fortunately we have Blossom back watching over Bob-the-dog and Princess Sophie! What would they do without her?

I really wanted to do this post because one of my very talented friends, Allie Hartom, has just released two gorgeous designs!

Like me, Allie wants to share her Christian designs with you for free, giving all glory to God! She is my sister in Christ, my prayer partner of four years, and someone who encourages me to walk closer with my Saviour each and every day. She also wows me with her unique style, and talent for colour placement.

This new redwork stitchery of Allie's is beautiful, and inspired by one of my all-time favourite hymns,  

Blessed Assurance...

 

Allie works hard to earn a little from her designs, so as well as her free patterns, she has some that she sells!

I *love* her newest pattern for purchase.

"Summer Concert"

Both of these designs are available HERE in her shop for instant pdf download.

And if you've never visited her blog, drop by HERE and say hi!

Have you begun making Christmas gifts?

Two of my good friends, Vikki and Fee, have some clever and cute ideas you may like to try!

Vikki at Sew Useful Designs has a step by step tutorial HERE on her blog for this sweet vintage-inspired stocking that I *am* going to make...

(Vikki is my guest designer in the October issue of Elefantz Home too!)

...and Fee over at Designs by Fee has a simple idea HERE on her blog for using up those ever increasing fabric selvedge strips and making lavender sachets!

Before I finish this blog post, here's a brilliant tutorial for making Christmas placemats!

I really, really, really, want to make these!

Drop by The Sewing Chick HERE.

I really must love you guys because I didn't want to go away and not give you something to make, people to meet, new blogs to read...

If only I could have popped a choccy or two through the screen for you.

See you Saturday,

hugs

jenny

xx

A project for little girls, your work, and my friend Vikki...

Do you have little girls in your family?

I have grown up girls, and little grandsons. But, that doesn't mean I won't design little girl projects!

I *love* little girl projects.

In the June 7th issue of my magazine, Elefantz HOME, I have a gorgeous little girl project for you to make...

"It's Raining"

...a doll quilt and matching bag...

The quilt measures 14.5" square, and fits perfectly inside the sweet matching bag!

There is also room for dolly...

...and look at the raindrop fabric I used as the quilt backing.

The little umbrellas-in-the-rain blocks are so easy to stitch...

 ...and the entire project is quick to finish.

In Friday's free weekly newsletter (you can sign up HERE) I will have some kits for sale to make this project, as well as some fat quarter bundles of the Gumboot Garden fabric ready to purchase.

BUT if you want the kit you must be an Elefantz HOME subscriber. The pattern  will only be found inside the next issue of Elefantz HOME magazine, which will be emailed out on Friday, June 7th. Follow THIS link for all subscription information. You're going to love the patterns in this coming issue!

(Oh, and as a new subscriber I will send you a free Elefantz pattern as a welcome gift!)

Have you made any Elefantz projects that you'd like to show my blog readers?

Please email me with photos or a link to your blog post.

 Here are some I received recently.

Preetha has used one of my free Promises & Borders blocks and added her own verse. 

I love that she added a part of herself to the project!

 Heather purchased my "All Things Bright" pattern and stitched it up immediately!

Isn't it gorgeous?

Thanks for showing your work, ladies. I'm so humbled that you have stitched my designs. xxx

Last thing to leave you with today, is the most beautiful free design that my adopted little sis, Vikki from Sew Useful Designs shared for Mothers Day, but I think it would also be perfect for birthdays and Christmas...

The pattern is HERE in her Craftsy shop.

Take some time today to visit Vikki's blog HERE. It's a place you'll want to dwell in time and again. You'll see me there too...we can both swoon over her talent. 

Our Blossom is full up with her first almost-winter head cold, so she'll be home from work convalescing with something warm and nourishing from my kitchen. I'd best get there right now...have a corker of a day, won't you!?

Hugs

Jenny

xxx