Willowberry Designs

this week's quilting and doings....

I searched all day and finally found a spare 38 seconds to quickly scribble a message and show some photos

If you're looking for a sweet baby quilt contact Mary at Fresh Hope - mary@freshhopepatterns.com

These are some of the little bubby rugs I recently quilted for Fresh Hope - Mary will now bind them and have them ready for sale in the wink of an eye....  all of these little quilts have poly wadding/batting

'Up up and away.... Teddies in the basket' - 100% cotton

'Garden Party bugs' - flannel

Blue alphabet - flannel

Sampler throw - 100% cotton

What else has been happening?  Some needle turn applique beautifulness.  Do you like the chain stitch finish around the leaf?  Just for something different... this is a sneak look at a new project for Creating Country Threads.  I'm so pleased with the finish and I can't wait for you all to see it too!  That will be in a few months time.........  :-)

 

and this one is just delicious!  But only a little peep of it because it's not finished yet...  beautiful threads on fabric as soft as silk.... tactile loveliness :-)

Remember Eva?

Well, it's just hanging around waiting for it's turn to shine... :-)

And last of all..... did you see Dawn's christmas freebie design under the gum tree?  Go have a look, it's so sweet!  It's the sixth freebie and that means there are still three more to come... and they're all GREAT - especially because they're FREE!

Actually that was second last of all..... I hit the quilting studio most mornings by 8.30am.  Normally I'm all tizzed and tarted up ready for whatever the day brings.  As you can see, my hair is coiffed and curled and primped .... (I've retired the silver bulldog clips in favour of these, apparently they actually ARE for hobbling wayward fringes...)

I slip into my stilletos....

and trundle off down the back stairs to go to work for the day....  (purple tracky dacks* hide the hairy legs... did you know that?  Well, now you know....)

What adventures did you trundle into today?

Hope you had fun, wherever you went :-)

seeya

Cheryl xx

*FOOTNOTE:  For the non-Aussies.... 'tracky dacks' are the bottom half or 'pants' part of a 'track suit'... fleecy lined, they should only EVER be worn in quilting studios and sewing rooms....never in public  :-)   AMEN

Creating Country Threads Magazine goes to......

Tine in Copenhagen!!  Tine's comment was the lucky one drawn from the pink bucket

 

 

Tine, I'll need your slow mail address so I'll contact you by email soon.  You very own copy of 'Creating Country Threads' Magazine will soon be at your door :-)  I know you'll love it, it's full of heaps of fun stuff!!!

What else have I been up to?  Gettin' up to no good, let me tell ya

Dawn's cute little 'no fat chocolate cake' design - it's available on her blog for free!  I've completed the stitching but not sure how to finish it off....  If it were a real piece of chocolate cake there'd be no problem - straight down the hatch..... :-)

So what should I do.... Maybe a panel on a mug bag?  Or a pretty mat for the table?  Let me know what you think......

Happy Anniversary to me and the Funny Little Man.... I baked a roast dinner tonight and we had choc mousse for dessert... yum.   Thanks for all the sweet messages and nice wishes, I'm pretty sure we'll last at least another 31 years.  I'm worth it..... 

wii fun

Bloss bought a wii.... here she is with her Dad playing tennis in the cave.  Did we think in 1989 that in 20 years time we'd hold onto things that look like cordless phones and play tennis in the lounge?  Nope!! 

No stitching in my fave stitching chair while that pair are jumping around the room !!  Blossie won and yes, there were tantrums from the loser....

Just a peep at one of the gifty bits I made for my Stitcher's Angel partner.... cute little buttons... and lovely rosey fabric from Fiona at Mothers Cupboard

Thanks for entering the giveaway, if you have trouble finding the magazine and will simply collapse if you don't get one, let me know and we'll see what we can do.... :-)

seeya next tomorrow

Cheryl xx

Not sure what's happened with the text tonight.... mad!!!  Hope you can read it properly :-)

Sharing stuff - and a giveaway

In the last story I mentioned that I had a project in the new issue of Creating Country Threads.  This is the cover.... Vol. 10 no. 3

 

And here's my project - a set of co-ordinating cushions named 'Primrose and Passion'.  Seeing them in print is a bit like introducing your newborn babe....  makes me smile like a new mum  :-)

 

 

They're quite the show offs....

 

 

 

Some fun reading as well .... look at that chubby smiley face!

 

 

The Country Threads team have presented these projects in such a fabulous environment.... I love the photo of the very formal medallion quilt just hanging around in an old tree in the country.... and 'Parterre' the red green and gold needle turn quilt looking completely at home draped casually across a paddock fence...  It's like they were meant to be there :-)

To Danielle and the team - a big thank you for making them look so great!

 

I'm thrilled with the profile story so I've decided to have a giveaway..... AND a pattern special (read on to the end)

 

If you'd like to be in the draw to win a copy of the latest edition of Creating Country Threads, leave a message on this post and I'll draw a winner at noon on Wednesday 4th November my time - that's Qld time!  

 

Hmmmm - 4th November.... that's our anniversary!  The funny little man has been putting up with my nonsense for 31 years this week.... does he deserve a medal?  Yep, you betcha!!

 

Now I also mentioned that Primrose and Passion would make perfect companions for 'Rosebud - the bluebird of elegant song'

 

Soooooo...... how about a special price for the 'Rosebud' pattern for the same period as the giveaway?

Normally $8.95 USDfor the printed pattern, you can purchase one during the next four days for just $5.00 USD and pay only $2.00 postage!

 

You'll find it in my Etsy store by clicking on the link

 

The funny little man and I have just spent a dreamy weekend up at the Bunya Mountains for a bit of R & R... ahhh, the serenity...  I'll tell you more about that next time because I have a secret to share.....

 

I keep thinking of things I want to tell you!  There are two parcels on the way to my house which means I'll be having a date with the mailman again.  A fabric bundle from Fiona at Mothers Cupboard and another fabric bundle from Quilt Fabric Delights - a whole bunch of Rosalie Quinlans fabrics... can't wait!!!  How pretty are they????

 

 

but Holy Dooley!  tomorrow is another Monday and that means ANOTHER free design from the Gum Tree!!

Go visit the Gum Tree Designers blog to catch up on all the gossip from the Gumnut girls - there's a lot happening at the moment and so much more to come :-)  The girls and I are all busy creating new things to share with you all and there are lots of exciting things planned for 2010!  Some really super happenings are being cooked up..... 

 

have a lovely stitchy day,

Cheryl xx

 

 

Creating Country Threads

The newest issue - Vol 10 No 3 - is about to arrive and in it you'll find another of my projects.  Let me introduce you to 'Primrose and Passion' - a duo of delectable proportions :-)  This is the front cover....

I can see you Primrose, you're looking all gorgeous....

The cushions feature two different embroidered panels with roses, vines and whimsical birds, using colour shading to highlight the designs.  They also have simple patchwork piecing to frame them and make the perfect companions for 'Rosebud'.....   Remember 'Rosebud'?

She's so sweet and has a superb trilling voice.... Can you see her backup girl?  That's Bev the Butterfly.....

 

You'll be able to read a little story about me in this issue...

Now I've been thinking today.  I really love craft magazines and I read them from front to back and top to bottom... and then I read them again :-)

They are a treasure box of information, fun, projects, giveaways, resources and loads of other stuff.  I even love the adverts..... Mags are great value when you consider just how much you get for your money!!  Do you have a favourite craft magazine?  Or do you graze through the shelves at the newsagent like cows in a paddock, nibbling at different ones each month?  I love them all.... and the shelves in my sewing room are proof of that pudding!

have a fun stitchy day

Cheryl xx 

Are you participating in any advent or christmas swaps?

If you're stuck for ideas, you might like this one.  I showed it way back in July as part of my gift for my Christmas in July partner.  It's a bit cute...

Joy.... that reminds me... Happy birthday for yesterday Joy!!!!

These little stitcheries that sit beautifully within a 2" square are available for free, just click on the design below and print.... I used three colours only - DMC 498, 680 and 934

and you'll find the instructions for the fabric basket here.  Maybe you've already seen it, they are popping up everywhere! 

And don't forget the Christmas freebies from the Gum Tree Designers blog!  There are already four available and another five yet to come.... all for FREE!  Just make sure you have the latest version of Adobe reader - you can get it here for free

Vicki's is the latest, a gorgeous christmas themed door stop so go visit Among the Gum Trees and save your copy 

Do you like my Christmas themed Embroidery Folder?  It's a simple and quick project which I designed to really show off a gorgeous christmas print fabric.  That little cardinal resting on the front cover is so beautiful!

 
 
The e-pattern is available from my Etsy store ($4.95US) or you can purchase one right here in Aussie $ by clicking on the 'buy now' button.  It's only $5.50AU and includes a free pincushion pattern!  The pattern (in pdf format) will be emailed to you within 24 hours of notification of payment and you won't have to wait for the postman...  Just open your email and print the attached file, how easy is that!

And I've finished my gifties for the Stitcher's Angel swap - they're in the post winging their way across the oceans to a new home in the Northern Hemisphere.  When I know they've landed I'll show you some 'real' piccies...

We baked last night.  Choc chip cookies - lumps of chewy deliciousness

these guys were just hanging around waiting for their turn in the sauna

HURRY UP BROWNIES!!!  I can't wait another 21 minutes....

this is what a plate of yum looks like

now go away.... I don't share this stuff

cya next time

Cheryl xxx

Stitching and Crafting

at the Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show yesterday... you know what this is?

Dear Me... it happened

and so did all of this

 boxes of candy

findings for a new bag

who loves scissor fob kits?   mmmmmm...  moi

oops, bought two of them...

maybe a bag might happen here... dreamy deliciousy

a long day but a fun day :-)

Moo arrived home for the weekend bearing gifts

cupcake earrings - how cute!!

meet Norma the chook

 

Norm, she's not real you know.... she won't kiss you back...

seeya

gotta go plan with my new friend Jane

have a lovely stitchy day

Cheryl xx

There are angels out there... and they stitch :-)

Norman couldn't contain his excitement

 

because the mailman delivered delicious things again.....  How sweet is this little angel?  No, not the furry one above, look at the next photo....

It's an angel from an angel....  she now watches over my doings in the sewing room :-)  Just hanging around with the pink stuff....

And she arrived with more beaded pretty pink things - Illene spoiled me with this sweet bag designed by Helen of Hugsnkisses

and a fab pincushion with the most luscious ribbon rose.  How very clever!

and my very own rosey bookmark - just for c-h-e-r-y-l

Can you see the shelves in the distance?  It's been 10 days and they're still tidy.  Miracles.....

Illene made some gorgeous things for me, how spoilt!!!   Illene, I know you have lots going on in your life right now so I feel very lucky.  Thank you my lovely new friend :-)

Oh yes... and there was chocolate... once upon a time there was chocolate...

the funny little man thought he was going to have some..... how rude... hell hath no fury like a stitcher who believes she's about to be deprived of HER OWN chocolate.... 

I've also been busy making things for my partner who lives in a place I'd like to visit.  It's a long way away, much too far to walk, and I'd probably have to swim some of the way....  One more thing to finish and then they're off to the post office.... 

My friend Jenny sent me a little parcel and inside I found this

it has my name on it :-)  AND the most gorgeous vintage button....

Look at that cheeky rattycat squishing all the flowers down...  and look at those sweet pink embroidered daisies....

and look inside!  It's my very own vis arts diary in it's very own carry tote.  Perfick!!  :-)

Just waiting for some doodlings and scribbles....

Totally spoiled...  And unashamedly deservingly so :-)  I am quite special you know....

Jenny's a fellow Gum Tree Designer who makes the most delicious stuff.  But then again, all the gum tree girls make the most delicious stuff.....!

have a delicious day.  I know I will because

~ Blossie just made cupcakes!! ~

Cheryl xxxxxxxx

The next photos are some of the quilts I completed for Lisa at Precious Time.  She's at the Brisbane Craft Show this week and has all of these quilts available in kit form

The Bali quilt - quilted with swirls in variegated king tut

the Ric Rac quilt - quilted with separate borders and some ditch quilting

this one is a new pattern by Majella of Kookaburra Cottage... very clever!  Covered in quilted caramel feathers :-)

Had enough??

One more.... so cute!  Happy Campers, with bumblebees floating around in a lemon daze....

Pretty backs.  They look nice with pretty backsides...  :-)

ENOUGH OF THE PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!

seeya next time with more quilt piccies...

Christmas Freebie design

Good morning everyone :-)

Today it's my turn to share the Freebie Christmas pattern from the Gum Tree Designers.  You can go here and download the free pattern in pdf format

a cute mini wallhanging with little tinkle bells and featuring a topiarized christmas tree with a big luscious bow.... how gorgeous!

The design would also work well as a stitched panel on the front of a gift bag - maybe a bottle bag?  Maybe if someone wants to give me a nice bottle of bubbles? 

Today is a day of rest... well almost... Mum has an appt with the skin man to have yet another cancer removed.  Apparently she has a black eye from the last one, maybe I need to take a photo :-)

Yum bundle - destined for some needle turn applique

 
 
 Later on I'll show you all some quilts.  Last week I completed the quilting on 8 quilts for Lisa at Precious Time... they are delicious!  Ok - here's one of them...

 see ya then

have a lovely stitchy day

Cheryl xx

 

Ratty has been busy

Creating his first tutorial.  It's very well written with lots of photos

and I'm getting all trendy with my pink IPOD with pink leather case and pink headphones EXCUSE ME!! ... look out young people

Today I might learn how to turn it on.... Be handy for when I'm quilting :-)

seeya

me

The doings.... prepare to be amazed

Who'd have thought that under all of this...

I'd find this lovely wool berber carpet... and so clean looking!!

Everything went out - then came back in again.  And how good are those shelves from Ikea!!  That was the Shaz and Chez road trip on Friday... what fun!

This is about as organised as it gets... and it won't stay like this for long so enjoy it while you can :-)

To those lovelies who have visited the inner sanctum of my messy office/sewing room/design studio - you know who you are Bloss, Moo, Chriss, Shaz and Rosie... not mention the funny little man - may I present the photo evidence...

Pretty things at my fingertips - glassy rattly button jars... a bag of teeny seed beads for no reason at all... a smiggley pink folder to hide secret doings... 

Oh!!  a pink iron!!  I still hate ironing though...  :-)  Cats should learn how to iron...

Precious playthings and Velvet Pears

All my treasures -

a decoupage box made by Blossie in year 4.  Perfect for basting pins!

and Moo's little clay bowl from year 5.  Designed specifically for paper clips...

 

There's a place for every single thing that needs a place

even some things that might not happen for a while ...  but we can have fun collecting :-)

That's how I spent my weekend.  Today I rest.

I found a photo, it's one of my fave's.  Christmas 1989 at Aunty Bevvie's and the skinny little herbs are wearing their Pizza Hut sunnies from Aunty Nisey... and sporting their 'home made' haircuts, looking like super cool dudes.   Precious memories :-)

Over at the Gum Tree Designers blog there's a new christmas freebie for you to download

It's from our lovely Joy who does the best pencil drawings!

have a fun stitchy day...

Cheryl xx  (who might just give Theodorus Smarmypants a few more stitches today...)