Thursday 17 May 2012

FNSI ands Mothers Day



I've decided to sign up for the FNSI tonight.  I am committing to spending some time on my apron for the Alphabet Challenge.  Every night this week I've been going to bed really early, trying to get over a rubbish head cold, so progress has been rather slower than I would like.  I hope I can get it finished tonight - that is my goal anyway!

There's still time to join up with tonight's FNSI - head on over to Bobbi's blog to register.  There are heaps of people participating - I'm number 72!


Changing the subject ever so slightly :-), look what I got for Mothers Day




Mmmmmm!!  Banana and lemon pancakes - delish!  And Little Miss chose the words for the card - so precious!  I am one lucky mummy!!

Monday 14 May 2012

Catching up

There is so much to catch up on... where to start??

Well, going back a wee bit, I won this amazing pattern from Shabby Fabrics.  Isn't it stunning!  The pattern is called Vintage Rouge by Bloom Creek.  There is no way in the world that I am ready to tackle anything like this, so it is going into my 'One day...' pile.



And a week or so ago I received this bundle of goodies, having won a giveaway from Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches



A set of her Market Folk gift cards.  (Please excuse the cat's tail!)

Here is Flower Girl


Berries Girl


Apple Pie Girl


and Flutterby Girl


Plus this Owls on a Wire card


 Just as Natalie has done on her blog, I am going to frame these lovelies in simple white frames.  They are too cute to send to somebody else.  They're mine, all mine!


In other news, I have joined up for two new swaps, both being run by Cheryll of Gone Stitchin'.  Firstly the Alphabet Challenge - I think there is probably still time to join this one.  Here's the link with the details http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.co.nz/p/alphabet-challenge.html. Here are the basic guidelines I've copied straight from Cheryll's blog (I hope that's okay!)

 A partner "post finish" and a secret swap too.
I will issue a challenge to come up with 5 items, each one starting with a specific letter of the alphabet, suggested by me each time. Items can be purchased but some will be handmade. Some will only be small while others more thoughtful. You will have 3 weeks to complete the challenge and after you have all the items together, you MUST post a pic on your blog to enter (if you don't own a blog-email me a photo). .. and then email me.  I will then allocate a partner for you to mail to.
* Unknown partner at time of challenge... allocated AFTER finish.
* Challenge issued several times thru the year on the 1st of the month.
* Handmade and purchased items will be needed.
* Challenge completed within 3 weeks... ie... by the 22st of relevant month



 This month's letter is A.   I'm not quite done with my challenge yet -my apron has a little bit of detail on it, which is taking some time.  I'm happy with how it's coming along, I think it will look great when it's done.

The second swap is a 12 inch Mini Club, details here: http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.co.nz/p/12-inch-mini-club.html.  The first mini is due 15 June and the theme is WELCOME.  I have chosen the fabrics already, but I can't start until the apron is finished.  Ooh, the pressure is on!!

Last, but not least, I can now show you what I sent to Shez of Enjoying Life.  I hope Shez doesn't mind me 'borrowing' the photos from her blog, but I forgot to take photos before I sent the parcel.  So here is what Shez received:

This stitchery was a freebie from Hugs and Kisses.  I just love it!


A couple of egg cosies



A couple of fat quarters and a metre of gingham ribbon/trim


I so enjoyed this swap.  Thank you again Shez for my wonderful gifts, and thank you to Kathy for organising the swap.  Great job!

Are you still here????  Wow, that was one monster post!  Sorry about that.  I'll try to spread things out a little in future.

Have a great week!
Helen



Thursday 10 May 2012

A technical Glitch

I'm just doing a quick post to apologise to everyone who has commented on here for not replying earlier.  The power cord for my modem had been chewed through so I have had no internet for about a week.  I'm up and running again now so I will spend a bit of time tonight catching up on all my emails and I will get back to you asap.  Your comments are truly appreciated, so please keep them up!

Back soon
Helen

Thursday 3 May 2012

Friends with Benefits Swap

I was lucky enough to be paired up with Shez for the Friends with Benefits Swap organised by Kathy at Sew-Happy House.  Here is what Shez sent me -


A beautiful wall hanging which I love, love, LOVE!!!






This is so pretty and the stitching is perfect!




Some lovely soaps - I've never seen these before



A stitchery guide book - I've always fancied having a go at ribbon embroidery.  Shez, how did you know??





This is the parcel I sent to Shez - it's still winging its way to her.  I forgot to take photos of the individual items - duh!!!!



I have really enjoyed being part of this swap, so a big thank you  to Kathy for all the effort she put in organising it, and to Shez for being such a wonderful and generous swap partner.

I have plenty more to blog about - another just-completed swap, and a couple of wins, plus two new swaps that I have just signed up for - but that will have to wait for another day.   It's way past my bedtime!

See ya!