my grandbug....

Just a quick post.
Hope you all had a great weekend and enjoyed time doing what you love.
We had the family over on Sunday afternoon and I snapped these of my darling Khye-bug, did I tell you he was walking!!?

Don't you just love his Led Zep t-shirt!

Don't forget to leave a comment to win the wall hanging, will draw it on Friday!

I will also be having a de-stash soon, I am 'bout overflowing with fabric and some needs to go ;)!

Have a great night!

Hugs! Jen xoxo

My new bathroom mirror... Oh, and a new giveaway!

Hello my lovelies!!!

Hope you are all well and have had a wonderful 'end of the week'!

Things here are busy as always.. but it is good to be busy, keeps me out of trouble ;)!

I wanted to share these pics with you..

My darling Mr Deekie Belle bought me this beautiful mirror for Mother's day! Isn't it pretty, I love the little venetian panels!

I am a total mirror nut, and have 8 around my home!

As I have said before, our home is only 'cottage size' so they serve to not only add beauty and character but they also work to make the rooms look larger. See, two mirrors in this bathroom,

...the one on the left you can only see into if you are getting in and out of the tub!
We painted the bathroom this colour a few months ago, hubby usually makes me match and pick colours, but when we did this room he chose this darker colour for the walls. It is a dulux colour called 'Yardbird'. We wainscoted the room so it is white gloss around the bottom and the dark colour is only up top. I am still not sure if I like it, maybe when we get a new vanity and tiles I will like it more. Until then I will just enjoy my mirrors ;)!Now onto the giveaway!

This little Amberworld redwork embroidery wall hanging is up for grabs!

Sorry the pics (as always!) are not very clear, I hung it against some white styrofoam packing as I just could not get a clear shot of it... hmmm, still no good.

Anyway, the embroidery is done on a gorgeous linen look cotton and I used a sweet Sandy Henderson henna fabric in pink/red as the border and bound it with a red swirly fabric that has a slight silvery sheen.

It is much prettier in person than in the photos, I will try and get a better shot of it tomorrow in the daylight.

Do you like the kitty hanger!?

The words are by Mary Ellen Chase.

"There is no substitute for books in the life of a child"

(I should have written in there somewhere, there is no substitute in life for a bad photo, except a good photo ...so help!!)

If you would like a chance to win it for yourself or your little reader, just join my blog and leave a comment!

I will draw it next Friday.

Back soon with more!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs! Jen xo

Just a quick post!

Just a quick post as I am working hard on a couple of things at the moment including a giveaway for you all tomorrow!

Until then, please enjoy these photo's!

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Firstly,

I put so much of my heart into my sewing and I just adore it when I get photos from my customers!

It gives me such joy to know that I have added something special to their Christmas!!

Here is a photo I got in January from a sweet customer in the US.

She ordered four quilted Sox in cute Riley Blake "Be Merry" fabric last year.

I was thrilled to see them hanging in her home over the fire place,
such a warm and welcoming room!
I am so glad I could add to their Christmas fun!

Here's a little close up, ....they look so much better in her home, than they did hanging from the curtains in my studio ;)

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Also, I recently saw this picture on a website, needless to say my Alora has decided that she wants me to replicate a set for her room!
(as if she doesn't have enough in there already!)
They are kinda funky though!

Back soon! Jen xo

Saturday afternoon quilting and a lovely blog award!

I bought this cars panel a few years ago with the intention of making my gorgeous nephew a quilt, but as happens quite often it got lost amongst my stash fabric. I found it the other day and decided, as Cooper has outgrown cars and is more into Ben 10, to make a play quilt for Khye with it.

It will be just the think to keep the biscuits off the carpet ;)! and here is the new redwork that I started on Friday. I love this little quote from May Ellen Chase and thought it would go great with the design...
Also, I have been honoured with a bloggy award from the gorgeous Donna of Rosebuds and Bluebells.. Thank you so much Donna!

Here are my list of 10 things that make me happy

.... and if you follow Rosebuds and Bluebells, (and you should!) you will see that Donna and I are totally kindred spirits!

1. My family. My hubby, my kids, my parents and my sisters, my nieces and nephews and even my bros-in-law!. I adore them, they are my world... 'nuff said!

2. My Friends. I have been blessed in my life to have some amazing friends. Honestly and truthfully they don't come any better! Or any smarter, my Cherie!! Without their advice and support in my life I know I would crash and burn. I just wish I was wonderful a friend to them as they are to me!

3. My home. It is not grand and fancy, it has a long way to go, but I love, it. and I love, love, love to decorate, fuss and froof it!! Sometimes I will just stand in the doorway of a room, look around and say to myself "I love this room!.... now what else can I do to it ;)"....

4. CANADA!!!! (are you getting it Donna!!!) I emigrated from England to Canada with my family when I was 3 and lived there till I was 11. There is nothing that I don't love about Canada!... The seasons, the snow, the lakes, the autumn leaves, the chipmunks and squirrels that live in your backyard trees, the Rocky mountains, the candy, the Baseball, the history, ....Niagra falls, ...I could keep going on... It has been many years since I was there but it is my childhood home and one day I will take my hubby there and enjoy it all again with him!

5. Sewing and crafting. I love it, I do it every day and all day if I can!! Any day that I don't sew feels like my day has was not complete ;)!

6. Thrift shopping. I love going to thrift shops and rummaging through to find the hidden treasure of yesteryear... or this year ;)! Fun with a capital F!! Another thing I could do all day long!

7. History. (I promise Donna, I am not making this up!!) I love history with a passion! Old buildings, old photos, old homes, old dress patterns, old jewellry, old crockery, old movies - I am fascinated by anything that has lived a full life long before I was born and has a story to tell. And most things do.

8. Romantic evenings with my darling hubby. I don't care where we are, but being married to a baker who spent the first 20 years of our married life working nights in front of a hot oven has totally made me appreciate every single evening I spend with my hubby, whether we are just watching an old movie together or we are painting the town red...

9. Blogging. I love the blogging world!

I love that with the stroke of a key I can be in a friend's kitchen in America sharing a recipe,

or in a friend's backyard in Queensland watching them re-design their patio.

I love the ladies I have met, and the friends I have made,

I love that I can see what is happening at Quilt Market without having to spend $3000 on a ticket.

I love the kindess of the human heart, when a sweet sewer from Brazil sends me her embroidery designs, for free.

I love that the blogging world allows me to walk around this big, wide world every day, learning, creating and being blessed!

10. My Lord. ... For God so love the world (me!), that he gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believes in Him (I do!) shall have everlasting life! (Yippee!)

... now that makes me a very happy girl :)!

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Back soon with more!

Hugs, Jen xo

Finished Redwork Pillow .

Another quick post...

I finished the little redwork pillow this afternoon. I used Patty Young Andalucia range 'Moorish Tiles' in fire for the sashing and binding.

I am pretty happy with how it turned out, and am working on another one, with a different design from the same Amberworld range.

Put this little bird on the back - thought it was cute ;)!

Back soon! Hugs, Jen xo

Redwork embroidery..

I did this little redwork embroidery last night - I saw it on flickr and fell in love with it!

It is called 'Ambe's World Redwork' and you can find it at Bunnycup Embroidery if you are interested!

The pics are a bit bright but I kept getting a big dull spot where my giant head was blocking the light, you can see it if you look for the shadows :-)

I chose the wording myself and was a bit worried when I finished, it was supposed mean that no matter what rain comes into your life, God is always there loving you and seeing you through.

...but does it look to you like God is there causing the rain?? I hope not!!

Oh well, Alora saw it on my cutting table this morning and has laid claim to it as a pillow so she knows what it's supposed to mean - next time perhaps I best choose my words a little more carefully ;)!

Back soon!

Hugs, Jen xoxo

Anatomy of a Baby Pillow

Hello lovely ladies!!

Hope you are all well and that you have all had a good start to the week.

I am making another embroidered 'baby name' pillow for a sweet young family's little boy, Taj. I thought I would go through the process as I do it.

I am hoping to add a little something special to the back and am just waiting on the mama to get back to me!

1. Pick a few fabrics that I think the mama will like, I usually try and have a look at either facebook photos of blog photos of the nursery colours - Danielle was very happy with these!

We chose a calico for the centre and I teamed with some Michael Miller frosts and a super sweet vintage look MM fabric called 'In Transit'..

2. I choose matching embroidery threads. I used Robison-Anton rayon thread, I find it sews out beautifully and is a very good price.. I get mine from Cockburn Sewing Centre, they have every colour of the rainbow, (and Lyn & Angie are always there with lots of helpful and friendly advice ..!)

I finished the border design and began the name, had actually chosen a different font - but after I stitched the first two letters was not happy with it. I knew I was going to stipple the panel so I thought I could risk unpicking it and 'whew' it came out very easily. 3. all stippled!! As you can see, I made another little badge for an embellishment, I liked the look of the last one I did and as I can't use bows or flowers on this pillow I needed something a little more manly... and what is more manly than a train ;) 4. I stitched on the borders...
5. I have found that the last couple of quilted panel pillows I have made had a little bit of a 'flat' look to them due to the thickness of the embroidered panel - two layers of fabric plus the batting. I decided to try something a bit different, so when I was sewing on the first (green) border I pulled the fabric a little tight hoping to give it a more rounded look. I am pretty sure it worked so (fingers crossed!) we will see when I finish it and put in the cushion insert. I sat it flat and put a lump of fabric under it and so far so good
Anyway, I am waiting for a photo from Taj's mummy and then I can finish off the back so will update this post soon!

Back soon!

Hugs, Jen xoxo

And the winner is!

Firstly I want to thank everyone who entered my giveaway - you are all wonderful, sweet ladies and considering how long I have taken to get this draw you are also all very patient!

I wish I could give everyone a prize!

My darling Alora helped me with the draw - but I am thinking that we either should have used a smaller bowl or a hat as she was a bit worried that she was going to drop the pasta bowl she chose on her head!!

She was was a bit reluctant to help at first as she had just hopped out of the shower

the conversation went like this:...

Alora: Ohh but mum, I don't have any make-up on, I haven't even dried my hair, I look like crap!

Me: It's my blog Alora, no boys read it...

Alora: Oh. right. okay.

anyhooo without further adieu and here are the results!

Congratulations Vicki! I will be in touch!
More giveaways soon!

Hugs

Jen xo

Last chance for Jingle Sox draw on Sunday!

Last chance tonight to be in the draw to win two custom made Jingle Sox ,

Please follow my blog and leave a comment to be in the draw to win!

And thanks to everyone who left me a kind comment on my 'bloggers without make up post' you were all too sweet!

I was a bit worried that my chubby mug would scare small children so it probably should have come with a warning :-)!

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Anyway, here is a much prettier sight,

Our gorgeous daughter and grandbug Khye, I snapped these yesterday of them.

Only 9 weeks till Angel and Ben give Khye a sister - sooooo excited!!!

Also, to any of you ladies out there who sell fabrics (or have a friend who does) or have stashes that you are looking to offload.

I am desperately in need of the red and white polka dot by HI-Fashion Fabrics, Inc that I use for my Jingle Sox pictured below.

I can't find it anywhere here in Australia or online and was hoping that maybe someone might know of someone who has some for sale or might know somewhere I could get some.

Thanks for your help ladies and have a great night!

Hugs, Jen xo

Bloggers without make-up, here goes nothing!!!

I have after reading Flick's post decided to join the movement!!

Flick got her inspiration from Jody at Mummy Mayhem so here goes nothing....

Oh and ladies, just a point here, it is no make-up day,

but I took it one step further and made it 'No hairstyle day also'

.... lazy? I think so!! :)

Hugs

Jen xo

finished!

I finished the cushion for my friends little girl and am really happy with it...

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Also, as they say, better late then never!

as I have been away from my blog for a bit I still have not had a chance to do my Jingle Sox giveaway - Christmas is a while away yet but I want to get these done before I get stuck into my orders for this year!

So last call my lovelies !!

For your chance to win 2 custom made Jingle Sox please become a follower of my blog and don't forget to leave a comment!

I will be drawing it on Sunday afternoon! (finally!)

Big Hugs!

Jen xo

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Just wanted to send a big warm belated " Happy Mothers Day " to all you gorgeous bloggy ladies out there. You all warm my hearts and inspire me daily..

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And to my gorgeous family, who spoilt me rotten - I love you - you are my world!

And thank you for my pressies - love them all... here are a couple of my favs which went straight to my studio :)!

oooh, a great place to hide projects on the go :)! And to my gorgeous Mama, Happy Mothers Day!
Thank you and I love you more!!

(... and Dad, it really helps if you open your eyes when someone takes your photo ;)!)

Snapped this of our daughter Alora and son Steve the other day. Steve is growing his hair back -that makes me happy! ....love you guys!

Now - onto things more crafty!
I was nearly finished an embroidery for a friends baby and my machine malfunctioned..

In the year that I have had it this has only happened once before, and it was very early on in the design - plus I think that time was my fault as I was going a bit fast on the touchscreen :-)!

Anyhoo, as I had been embroidering for 50 minutes I didn't want to just throw it away and start again .... what to do, what to do?!

Here is a close-up , you can see all that is missing is the last butterfly's wings....

...so I made this little badge using my coaster edge ... what do you think?? will it work? .... here it is on a white background, when the other piece of the embroidery is dry I will attach it to the design and see.... stay tuned!
These are the fabrics I am using for the pillow - love them!


Here is a photo of one of the walls in my little studio.. and this is after I put a pile of stuff away! Gaahhh, the whole room is like this, really over crowded!!

I need to re-organise as I have too many colours and way to much all over the place.... needs a real tidy up!
Back soon!

Hugs,

Jen xoxoxo

Enough time off, now on with the show..... ;)!

I am still having trouble with my internet service but at the moment is seems to be working okay, so fingers crossed I can get through this post without any problems! My darling Mr Deekie Belle is working very hard to fix it all up for me but I am still not on my own computer. (Iinet, can you see me shaking my fist at you !!)

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few more photo's of Danneeka and John's wedding... I have loaded some of the proofs on to hubby's laptop so here are some of my absolute favorites.


Getting Deekie ready for the biggest day of her life...

Proud daddy.., isn't she beautiful! (and look at my hubby... nearly 26 years married us, and I still get butterflies when he walks into a room..... ooh I love him so much, he is my rock!!)
To everything there is a season, and although her daddy was finding it hard (who am I kidding I was too!!) it was time for daddy to give her to another man, who will love and care for her, protect her and adore her for the rest of her life...

So Much Love Between Them. ..... You. Could. Feel. It....
You may kiss....... the bride... Signing the register
I absolutely love this..... completely overwhelmed in daddy's arms.......
Bridal Party of closest family and best friends Wonderful....
Silly girls...sisters, cousins and new sister's in law
Oh what a feeling!
Angel Ben and Khye... our gorgeous other married kids (Angel is our eldest girl). Angel was 16 weeks pregnant here with number 2, (a little Honey girl!!) and she did all the hair and helped with make-up - she is such a treasure!

Our gorgeous kids, from Left to righ: Son-in-law Ben with wife Angel, (our eldest daughter), and Ben is holding Khye, then in the middle, Danneeka and Jonathan **kissing** next is our Alora, "the explorer"hehe, and then, Steve our Rock Star Son.Our adorable Grandbug. Aaahhhh!! I love these of Khye..

Tablescapes

Favours...

My helpful brother-in law.. He was a jack of all trades.... and Master of Ceremony :)!!!

I did the cooking and catering but had some wonderful friends and family who worked so hard with all the salad prep and serving... amazing work ladies!!
Everyone enjoyed the food...( hope!!)

HOT FOOD

• Roast Harvey Beef with homemade gravy
• Spring Lamb with mint sauce
• Fried Chicken
• Kalbarri Giant King Prawns with cocktail sauce
• Honey Mustard Ham with Pineapple
• Potatoes in cream and garlic
• Spring Vegetable Au' Gratin
• Summer Coleslaw
• Dutch Potato Salad
• Creamy Egg and Red pepper Potato Salad
• Spring Coleslaw
• Pasta Salad
• Garden Salad with Avocado and mushrooms\
• Salad dressings: Nando''s spicey, Paul Newman Ranch Dressing, Cardini's Ceasar Salad Dressing, HP Sauch, Mint Sauce,

My mum's Homemade Apple Crumble with Custard -

And My Homemade Chocolate mousse with Marshmallows,

Fruit Platter,

Pavlova with fruit salad and ice cream

Wedding cake with Rasberry Coulis

wouldn't be an Aussie wedding without a pavlova.... Dessert went down a treat!!
Couple of shots of the marquee, it was very casual and relaxed just like they wanted it to be!

I made the cake (my first wedding cake ever!!) , it was White Vanilla Bean Sour Cream, with marshmallow frosting, and Rasberry Coulis. Darling hubby helped me with the frosting... oh it really pays to be married to a baker ;)!

Cutting the cake together...

here they are.... Mr and Mrs Happily Ever After.....
And they really are so happy!!!!!!!!

My biggest thanks again to the totally amazing Sharon Manning, we just love the photos - such perfect memories!

And thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers while I have been unwell, it has been greatly appreciated and I am certainly on my way back to being my old self !

Anyway, I have had enough time off so will be back soon with some sewing and crafting!

Thanks for your support and prayers..

Big, big hugs,

Jen xo
Will also draw the giveaway next week, thanks for your patience!!

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REMEMBER THE GIVEAWAY!!

Remember 2 x Jingle Sox! Christmas Stockings of your choice to be given away, to be in the draw become a follower of my blog and leave a comment about it! .. will pick a winner at the end of next week!