Wanna see something gorgeous?

Sorry, but no, it isn't a photo of yours truly ;)

I have been apprehensively excitedly awaiting my parcel for the cushion swap. The last swap I participated in didn't go so well - I didn't like what I was sent and considering the resounding silence from my recipient I figure the feeling was mutual... Back to my parcel. I knew when it arrived this morning and saw the beautifully decorative label that I was in for a treat.

I had to force myself to pause for this photo!

The accompanying bookmark reads:

"I hope you like it! The 4 chicks are symbolising your 4 kids and the chicken theme is a nod to your natural, organic life!"

The girls were all over the cushion, each trying to claim it for their own bed!

 The back was finished with an invisible zip (oh boy, I wish I could sew in a zip like this lady!)

I can see how much time and thought went into this cushion and I'm really touched and honoured to be in possession of it. The quality of stitching is just superb. It is now sitting on the couch and makes me smile when I walk past.

Naturally, you want to know the talented artist who made this. Her name is Anna and she a website and a blog.

Shiny Happy Art and the blog.

THANK YOU SO MUCH ANNA!!! 

Today is..

Admiring pretty new blooms in the garden.

Looking forward to picking our very first lemon. 22 isn't bad for a first fruiting!

Working on the machine and with a needle for a certain swap.

Love my bias binding maker!

I'm also quite excited that we're traipsing out to the country on Monday to view some properties. The weather is fabulous here today - I hope the sun is shining wherever you are.

God bless and keep smiling!

Rip or snip?

Hi all! I'm back from a wonderful Easter with a little gripe. Now, perhaps I'm a little bit precious when it comes to fabric but considering I don't buy beautiful new fabric all that often maybe I'm justified.
I hate it when the sales assistant rips the fabric instead of cutting! There, I've said it - I positively cringe when I see my newly purchased fabric being torn.

Grrrr!

How messy is that?!

 

Most of my internet purchases have arrived perfectly cut, folded, pressed and packaged - even tied with ribbon sometimes - love it!

What do you think? Does ripping stretch or otherwise damage the fabric in anyway? Have you ever asked a sales person not to rip?

BTW, these fabrics are part of my design for Vic's cushion swap - more details later!

Happy swapping

I love a happy swap. You may recall I received some beautiful wool from Nell last week. She has her parcel from me now, so I can show you what I sent. I used a few different techniques for the fat quarters above.

The pink and purple playsilk was painted with stripes and then sprinkled with sea salt (in honour of Nell's pink and purple princess!)

Nell mentioned water play, so the idea for the blue playsilk was born. The silk was dyed using a shibori technique.

And last but not least - a little play doll for "the baby", knowing how much my "baby" loves her doll that is similar.

It's Saturday

And a glorious Saturday it is too.

I was the lucky recipient of these gorgeous hand dyed, hand spun yarns in a swap with Nell. Aren't they beautiful, especially the rainbow one. I feel like I did when I was a girl and received a special soap or something and was too afraid to use it. I'd just admire it for a long time!

Nell kindly included an embroidery book (here's a girl after my heart!) and even a pack of lollies for the children! I can't show you what I've sent her yet as it may not have arrived.

We're headed into the city today for the Freedom to be Born March, it should be a great turn out on such a nice day.

All the best for the weekend, God bless you all.

Heart swaps and op shops

I sent off my offering to my swap partner in the US for the Share the love heart swap over at Natural Suburbia. I can't show the whole thing until it reaches the intended destination - lets just say it's something that every creative soul needs!

I finally got to the op shop today to look for some drawers for the girl's room. Although sadly lacking in the furniture department I found a lot of clothes for me so all was not lost. One thing I love about being able to sew is knowing you can alter clothes that are too big, that's a huge bonus if you're an opshopper!

Husband has taken 3 of the children out mountain climbing (it's a small mountain!!) and baby is in bed, so it is wonderfully quiet and full of possibilities here.

Hope you're all having a great day, I'm off to explore those possibilities!

Crafty Mamas swap

Thankyou Tas! So many little buttons and ribbons, she even included a fabric book for the new baby.

These are my favourite, crocheted flowers, just gorgeous.

I also received a little package from Stokesay mohair Farm today, some beautifully soft mohair I intend to use on dolls. So, its been a good day for me so far :)

Chocolate swap

I received this lovely parcel in the mail today, what a treat! Thanks to the lovely Cinn over at Crafty Mamas. You can check out her blog here.