Some pretties...

My lovely sister bought me a Pink Castle voucher for my birthday at the end of June; last week I spent it, yesterday I received all these…

I do love happy mail, (not so keen on being completely exhausted, but this time next week it will be the summer holidays!) xxx

Pretties...

There's been no sewing, but I sat in the sun today, (yes, there was enough to warm my cockles), and play with the package I received from Pink Castle when I got back from my hols.

A few weeks ago Brenda had a stupendous discount on bundles, and seeing as I had just been paid, I indulged in a full flat rate envelope, because obviously it would have been both stupid and rude not to…

They all play together so nicely, I couldn't have planned it better if I'd tried.

For those who want more than just to look at the pretties, I purchased a half yard of both the lovely plummy and silver XOXO from Cotton & Steel and DS Honeycomb Lace (sold out); a FQ bundle of Scrumptious bias stripes; a FQ bundle of Sara's awesome Jungle Avenue; Brenda's Ah, Paris In The Summer bundle, and Katy's Sorbet picks.

I have no plans as such, other than to not buy any more fabric for a long time!

Staying in...

Haven't had a Saturday at home in a long time; bit of a lie-in, couple of horrible, necessary hours cleaning and tidying but a noticeable, and way better vista when I was done, and some happy mail.

When Brenda/Pink Castle was having a 30%-off event just over a week ago, I nabbed some half yard cuts of Alison Glass's Text prints...

I didn't get them all, but these coloured ones really are beautiful.

I also did some sewing for 'me'.  I decided on my Brit Bee III colour scheme, and got down to it.  I think I better consult with the rest of the gang on what I am allowed to tell you, because we are mixing it up this year, and it's going to be a-maz-ing!!

But what I can remind/ask/beg you, is to check out all the entries over at Fiona/Celtic Thistle Stitches' Holiday Memories competition, as voting is now open. 

I would love you to vote for my mini quilt, however as I have friends entered in the same category too, all I can ask is that you do cast a vote.  Fiona worked hard for this competition, and the sponsors have been generous, so it would be great if you could show me/us/her/them some love. 

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you got some 'me' time too; and have a peaceful rest of the weekend one and all xxx

The Missing Link

The hardware I needed to complete my Sidekick Tote arrived today...

...along with 3 beautiful charm packs of Alison Glass's Lucky Penny, my surprise prize from Pink Castle, I won at the end of January.  The colours are far brighter than my snap shows, and I am already pondering what to make.

Lucky Penny?  Lucky me!

Well I have finished work now for an extended half term, yippee, and I have already started making the most of it.  I've just got to sew up the turning gap, and the aforementioned bag will be finished! 

It is not perfect, I tried new techniques and made some changes to the pattern, bold, I know!  I can't wait to get some decent pictures to show you, and start using it xxx

Getting prepared...

This was the scene about an hour ago, before I finished my lovely new AMH infinity scarf...

I ordered the 'kit' from Pink Castle, and the minute I got home to find the parcel today I was determined to have it finished by the weekend.  I want to be ready for the Arctic blasts that will be heading our way next week, apparently.

I love this combo so much, I even followed the AMH tutorial to the letter and hand finished the closure; I am so glad I did.

I am wearing it right now (with my pyjamas!) and prepared for whatever sleet and snow wishes to land on my doorstep!

And should the worst best happen, I have all the supplies I need to finish my #scrappytripalong and I've also made sure there are also some tins of soup and part-baked bread in the cupboard just to keep everyone-else happy... bring it on!

Random Bobbins

Well in two months time I know I will be filled to the brim with turkey and mince pies and in no fit state to move; and in one months time I will have 4 out of the 5 family birthdays under my belt and will be able to start thinking properly about the festive blow out!

In the meantime, here's some random pretty bits from my day...

A parcel from Heather Ross, (I cut her autograph signature off the packaging - I am that sad!); my studio sale goodies arrived and I am really pleased with my sweet little bundle.  Two FQs of sock monkeys and peg dolls, two fussy cut samples, a notepad, 1/2yd of Echino and my very own munki munki vest!!!  Happy me!

You can also see my son's pumpkin baby-face, the leaves spreading at quite a rate up the road and over the neighbour's garden, and some text prints courtesy of bad bad influence Brenda!

Only 4 1/2 hours more work until the week off; the little purse is already made and the hexies are ready for stage two, not bad for an evening's work.

Linking tenuously with Cindy's Really Random Thursday x

Fabric Mail - Pink Castle edition

I indulged in fabric when Brenda was offering her Labor Day discount, and this bundle arrived quick as a flash from Pink Castle...

Old and new Denyse Schmidt, some text, crossweave and Bella; I think I unwittingly created quite a nice bundle in my haste!

It's Fabric Friday!

Well this week I have received a few squidgy packages, some I shopped for and others were gifts and I am over the moon with them all!

Firstly some long awaited yardage of Summersville from Brenda at Pink Castle - I did have plans, then I changed my plans, now I think I will wait until I have finished off a few other things first... probably!

With specific plans, I ordered the backing for the twin quilts.  You know when you just order with your fingers-crossed and hope that the online photo really is what you will receive, and when it arrives you are so totally thrilled that the plan came together?  Well these Essential Stripes from Seamstar so perfectly match the Reunion colours, and were on offer too, so I did a little happy dance when I ripped off the lovely tissue paper!

I also ordered 1/2m of Domestic Bliss to assist in making my Spring Carnival cushion - I know I won't need it for ages, but why pay two lots of postage and not take advantage of 10% off?

And then onto real treats...

A generous benefactor, who may have a lovely online shop in Galway, sent me an amazing sample pack of the full Mama Said Sew line to play with!!!  It's so gorgeous, I thought I was really going to have to think long and hard about what to make, but Lynne's ET Phone Home block is obviously a strong contender.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

And finally today - the mail to end all mail!

I got home to find that 'popping a few bits of Denyse Schmidt fabric in the post' actually meant 'sending a dream parcel of wonderful fabric that will make you giddy'!

My lovely friend Deborah, you may know her as Simply Miss Luella, spotted my persistent moaning around blogland about how we are so hard-done-by in the UK having neither Joann's nor Spotlight to satisfy our DS cravings and so she asked (asked!!!) if she could send me some.  Guess what I said!

I also received a smashing parcel from the one and only Terri - I asked if she could pick me up some DS fabric on her recent trip, (having found out where she was); and she also enclosed was a beautifully wrapped birthday present which I will, (if my resolve remains strong), save for Tuesday, and show you all then...

I have already gushed my thanks by email - but I need to say it again, online quilting friends are the most generous wonderful group of ladies and gents anywhere.

Now I am going to sit back and let my long weekend begin - I am not back to work until next Thursday, which is probably for the best, as I think I need to go and clear some space for all these new additions! xxx

Contestant!

Not one to miss out on the fun without good reason, even two (yes 2!) sickly children couldn't stop me pulling together my bundle for Katy-Monkey Do and Brenda-Pink Castle's latest challenge.

Along similar lines to Laura (Quokka Quilts) and the Fat Quarterly competition, I have pulled a completely different look this time.

Contrary to popular opinion, I love pink; but twin girly-girls sometimes make me wish never to see that particular colour ever again - but combine it with yellow and the sickly-sweet edge is banished!

Starting with the gorgeous Joel Dewberry' Rose Bouquet as my key fabric, these are my choices...

Lizzy House Outfoxed Leaf Stripe in Pink

My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake Designs So Sophie Dots in Pink Purple
Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow Herringbone in Berry Pink

Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy Medallion in Red Gold

Joel Dewberry Heirloom Rose Bouquet in Gold
Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy Seedpod Stripe in Pink  

Alexander Henry Fabric Heath Metal Pink

Lakehouse Dry Goods Annie's Farm Stand Seed Catalog in Yellow & White

American Jane Mono Pez in Hot Pink 

Laurie Wisbrun Modern Whimsy Circles in Daffodil Yellow

Robert Kaufman Essex Linen Hot Pink Linen/Cotton Blend

Joel Dewberry Heirloom Marble Stripe in Gold

If you haven't selected a bundle, and put yourself in with a chance of winning it, then pop over to Katy's and join the fun; you have until the 31st March xxx

Sewing the Seeds of Love...pt1

Today I received parcel 1 of 2 from Brenda at Pink Castle.  Words are not necessary!

To say I am delighted is just a tad of an understatement, and parcel 2 is going to be even better!!

In other news, lunch yesterday was an awesome Garden Centre affair, the kiddies, and daddy did well!

I also got to relax and do battle with the hook once more...

More importantly to you chaps, I have made the giveaway prize this evening, so photos and a winner tomorrow xxx

Worked out nicely!

Another working Wednesday, this time, proper work; there's another Inset day tomorrow so a little swapping was required to keep at least some annual leave for other things than children!

So as compensation, the postman was on extremely good form!

Before I show, I must tell you that all these purchases have a purpose, no frivolity here, (that I have saved for the 2 parcels currently winging their way from Brenda at Pink Castle, woo hoo!).

So I had these from Backstitch...

Some Klona solids, of which one is the backing for my Stained quilt - I have plans, which may, or possibly may not, go to plan, but here's hoping.  Thanks Alice x

Then there was a parcel containing 3 squidgy meters of batting along with a Sweetwater Reunion layer cake and Kona Ash from marvellous Mandy at Simply Solids...

I have a school friend, who is also the daughter of one of my Mum's best friends having twin boys in the Summer, so I want to make a little something for them and/or big brother; their oldest will just be turning 2 when the newbies arrive, been there done that, this really is destined to be a pity parcel!

Then I have buttons, a hundred tiny shell beauties, some of which may find themselves adorning the Fat Quarterly Retreat name tag I am making for ???

My rail tickets for the aforementioned weekend away arrived too!!

Tonight I will be wrapping up Bee parcels; sorry Jude and Ceri for the delay, and my Mum's little pressie will be posting tomorrow as we aren't meeting up until the weekend after Mother's Day, when I will bestow the traditional chocolates and flowers. 

So there you go, a little bit of 'give' for all my 'take'!

To every action...

... there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Yesterday I offered you fuglies, (if you are feeling really brave, look here...).

Today I get to show you the beautiful fabric that I am going to keep...

You can't argue with science, or Brenda at Pink Castle x

Friday!

Yep, Friday; I have worked a 2 day week, and that was 2 days too many; the Christmas decorations are now all packed away and the house seems a little bare after 2 months of Birthday and Christmas cards covering every surface, but on the plus-side it's been a year to the day that we moved to our lovely home, and I still get a buzz living here.

I am determined to give the house a good clean tomorrow morning and get some serious sewing done on my Brit Bee Constellation quilt this weekend; hopefully I'll have some siggy stars to show you at the least.

Thankfully I have had a couple of good mail days to bring my smile back on getting home.  Yesterday, this awesome bundle from Brenda at Pink Castle, although I bought these fabrics, it still felt like an awesome present had arrived...

I have now decided to bind my Bee quilt in the aqua Joel Dewberry herringbone; I would love to say this was the plan when I ordered the fabric, but that would be a fib, but it is a great result!

I am totally smitten with the scissors...

... and these are just pure fun!

Then today I got a parcel from Benta; she spent some time out in Australia just before Christmas and came home laden with fabric, and kindly offered FQ bags to her eager followers, that'll include me then!

I love this take on the traditional Aboriginal patterns, and it goes without saying that I love the keychain.  Thank you B x

I know I am not the only one who's had a less than perfect week, so here's to a happy weekend for us all xxx

The Wise Man wore Joel Dewberry, darling!

I have almost 'perfected' Wise Man 1's outfit; just need to sew down the pointy shoulders and make a cardboard crown, then he will be ready to strut his stuff!

I bought yards of the Joel Dewberry - Lace print potentially for the Man Quilt backing, but then changed my mind, so this fabric was begging to be used...

No puckering gold thread in sight!

I reckon it's regal enough, and dear son is happy to wear it, so that's a bonus!

I also spent this afternoon at school with the same young man, making clay tiles to decorate one of the outside walls - no prizes for guessing what we did...

Now I like a Tardis, and I like LEGO, but which one is better ...

Having caught up with my emails and blog reading, I am now going to pull out my Emily Peacock 'Kiss' cross-stitch and get cozy in front of the TV, perfect end to a busy day xxx

"All the leaves are brown, and they sky is grey..."

The Mama's & Papa's song has been going round in my head ever since I decided on the fabric for a quick bit of stitchery yesterday.

I pinned a really simple pattern for a reversible bag a couple of days ago, and decided to pull out some of my bargain fabrics from Pink Castle and make one!

So as the hailstones pounded the conservatory roof, I cut and stitched my Jenean Morrison California Dreamin' fabrics, and in under 2 hours I had this psychedelic beauty!

I love it - one side might be a bit loud, but I don't care!

'Oh she could have ironed it before taking the photos!'

It really is an easy to follow pattern, you can download it from Very Purple Person; it requires very little fabric, no interfacing, zips or fancy business, and would definitely make a quick Christmas present, (oh did I really say that!?).

And as if that wasn't enough colour for one day, my zips arrived from Jennifer at Zipit.  Thank you everyone who suggested this was the place for zippers.  You were right!  I ordered 25 x 7" and 10 x 4" for the delivered price of about 5 measly zips from my local fabric shop.  Sorry local fabric shop, but this is too good a deal to pass up.

So I am all set to make an incomprehensible number of zippy purses in the run up to Christmas.

See, now that's two posts in two days mentioning the 'C' word - there really is no escape is there!

I seem to be blogging a day in arrears too - but today we went indoor ice skating and I am pleased to say that all three kiddies, their friend and 'us mums' all had a great time and I didn't fall over - so total success!

If you haven't yet voted in the Pings & Needles Japanese Scrap Bag Challenge - whataya waiting for?!  Thank you for all your words of encouragement so far - don't forget you can have up to 3 votes, so use them wisely.

Zippity-doo-dah!

Today I seemed to flit from one thing to another without any discernible 'results' for a while, so I thought I would battle those niggling fears and go for the zipper!

I bought a couple of 4" zips the other week, and reckoned I would try to make a lined purse, just to see if I could. 

I could.

So I made two...

These are both made from charms from Cindy's Japanese Fabric Swap, and lined with some left over Just Wing It.  I wanted to keep the first attempt small and simple, so I didn't go for the fancy zipper-ends.  I used Ayumi's tute for the zip bit - and I will definitely be making some whole fabulous pouches once I get some longer zippers.

I am pretty pleased with the results; I still need some practice, but I don't think the recipients will be too critical on their 5th birthday.  I think bigger will definitely be easier, and to be honest, the zip bit was the easiest part.

Before I forget, in the turmoil of school runs, ballet, Beavers and parent's evening, trying to find a birthday party venue and remembering to have cup of tea, I received this parcel from Pink Castle Fabrics...

... some great sale bargains and more Little Apples.

I also decided on the man-quilt pattern, but as the 'man' keeps a beady eye on this 'ere blog, I will show you, and him, this one picture and no more until a birthday in a months time!

Time to cut all the other pieces now!