~ Shabby Raggy Roses ~

Time Out!

2009-09-01T18:21:00.002+10:00

I've taken some time out from all the packing, cleaning and house inspections to make this queen raggy quilt for an Ebay order.

It looked rather nice on my bed...maybe I should make one for myself too!

Only 6 more sleeps, and we'll be moving. I'm looking forward to the new start, but dreading unpacking all those boxes. I've also decided to change the kids school to the one closest to where we're moving to. So I've also been arranging this too.

Too busy! I'll be looking forward to some relaxing...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

I'm back

2009-08-28T12:15:00.002+10:00

Well I'm back...

We had a lovely few days in Sydney. It was nice to get away, although it's a hectic and busy city. I think the next trip will be somewhere a little more relaxing!

We did lots of walking, our hotel was right in the city so we walked to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. We found a great Irish pub where we had a brilliant dinner and a few drinkees!

Surprisingly, my children were so well behaved for my sister. She doesn't have kids of her own so she was able to stay at our house. I think we missed the kids more than they missed us!

We said next time we'll take them with us, it's all good in theory to have some quiet time away, but when you spend that time wishing you were with them, it kinda defeats the purpose!

We're moving house on the 7th September, so it's all busy, busy at the moment with packing.

I'll let you know how we go...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Off we go...

2009-08-19T14:16:00.003+10:00

We're off to Sydney early tomorrow morning, for a lovely few days away. The kids are staying with my sister (OMG hopefully they'll be ok!)

My hubby booked this trip for my 30th birthday (which was last Tuesday 11th Aug)

So we'll have a lovely child free, relaxing few days...

Hopefully I'll have some nice holiday snaps to share when we return.

Best wishes,
Jenelle

Yes I'm still here...

2009-08-09T08:32:00.002+10:00

Sorry I've been absent for so long. So much has been going on right now...

I've only had the time for a little sewing, the above pink Raggy Runner...

Raggy U pillow covers - I'm currently in the middle of another 2 for an order...

And this pink and green raggy quilt that was a custom order.

I've been mostly busy with cleaning and tidying of our house, as we sadly have decided to sell.

We have not had the best of times in the last year since we bought our first home. We have a neighbour who has created such a bad situation for us that we have no option other than to move.

It's so very sad that one person can create so many problems and conflicts, and we now have to sell the house we've worked so hard to make into our cosy home.

But my childrens, and our happiness must come first, and of course a house is only a material thing.

I must thank Tammy for her concern, and I think she's just amazing for somehow being able to know I was having some problems from so far away!

I will keep you updated on what happens...hopefully our house will sell quickly and we can move on. Cross your fingers and toes for me!

Best wishes,
Jenelle

Finally getting busy!

2009-07-21T13:42:00.003+10:00

Yes, I'm finally getting busy sewing again...Slowly though! My hubby's aunt from Scotland wanted a couple of bags sent over along with some of my ballet slippers, so she has the choice of these bags. Drawstring, quilted ones as I just love them at the moment!

I've just received the butterflys in pink so I'll be making myself another bag with that lovely fabric soon...

I just love this pears print from Alexander Henry.

And Joyce is madly into cupcakes, so I thought she'd love this one above!

I've also been busy making a few more raggy runners. They're selling really well at the moment, and I can't get them made quick enough! Another one (Pretty pinks!) is in the wash now getting ready for Ebay tonight.

Mary from Sew Hot Mitmot received her parcel I sent her as part of the Polka dot swap. Here is a photo of what I included... A quilted patchwork drawstring bag, a quilted doorstop, a handbag notebook, a bookmark, and some sweet polkadot fabrics. She has posted pic's of the doorstop in use so that was lovely to see!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Lovely Blog Award...

2009-07-13T12:14:00.003+10:00

It was just lovely to be tagged with this award from Antique Rose Designs. It's nice to know that others think that my blog is lovely...

So now I have to pass this award on to another 10 lovely blogs...

1. Sew Hot Mitmot

2. For A Stitch In Thyme

3. Anna Rosa Designs

4. This That And The Other

5. Shabby Roses & Pretty Things

6. The Pink Princess

7. Chic Little Shop

8. Shabby Art Boutique

9. Pepperberry & Co

10. Sew Fantastic

Here are the rules of this award :

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I finally sent off my swap parcel last week for the Polkadot Swap, to Mary from Sew Hot Mitmot. Hopefully she loves all her goodies...

I've had a few custom orders to complete... A bright & colourful raggy cot quilt and cushion, and a few more Raggy Runners...

The kids have just returned to school today after two weeks holidays. We managed to get a few things in before Breanna got sick with a virus which turned into an awful ear infection which burst her ear drum as the fluid build up was huge. She spent the remainder of the holidays with cotton wool in her ear, and resting. Luckily she's all better now in time for school.

I'm currently working on another Name cushion for Oz Handmade...

Well until next time...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Spoilt again!

2009-07-06T16:22:00.005+10:00

I recently joined another swap - this on was a Polka Dot Swap! And who doesn't love Polka dots...

My partner was Mary from Sew Hot Mitmot. Look at the amazing things she sent me!

Everything was wrapped in georgous Polkadot wrapping paper...

A polka dot Marks & Spencer mug, Cath Kidston tissues & a red wrist band...

And a Kath Kidston zipper purse - Love this!

A button heart...

A notebook cover with a sweet little bird - Mary must have known how much I love birds...

Some vintage english polkadots, and some swedish polka dots...

An adorable fabric bucket - just love this fabric!

A Kath Kidston carry bag in polka dots of course!

And probably my new favourite fabrics - georgous English Polka dots. I was eyeing this off on Mary's blog post recently - Yay, I got some!

Kath Kidston Stars and polkadots...

Look at all my loot! I'm such a lucky girl! Now I'm just hoping Mary loves my parcel just as much...

Ooooh, the coffee was great in my new mug! I think Mary is my new Best Friend!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Just a few bits...

2009-06-24T11:12:00.002+10:00

I've finally put down the books long enough to make a few things... Above is a new Raggy Runner. I used to make these all the time, but I haven't made one in ages, so I thought it was about time. I'll be putting this one on Ebay tonight...

A couple more Heat Pillows for Etsy... Finally had the courage to use a little of this Barkcloth that I've been hoarding for over 1 year...

And a few Raggy cushions which have been missing from my Ebay store for a while...

And this is our Connor! He was being a bit silly on Saturday night. We told him he looked like a vampire (My little Edward...Lol!) in this Batman costume. So he was trying his hardest to show off his 'fangs'...

When he was about 3 he fell and broke his four front teeth in half! Down to the roots - which was not nice to see, believe me! So he then had to have the remainder of the 4 teeth removed. So he's been without top front teeth for about 2 and a bit years now, everyone comments on how cute his grin is... All he does is grin at everyone! We're just wondering when those teeth are gonna come down, and what he'll look like. The dentist is hoping they'll come down a bit earlier than normal, but he's probably got at least a year still to wait.

It has never fazed him though, he can still eat corn on the cob - although it's funny to see. He's such a clumsy boy. He broke his leg on the trampoline when he was 4, and there's been so many more injuries invloving Connor. His teachers have been warned that he's a bit clumsy as he just jumps into everything! Yes, he would jump off a bridge if someone told him to lol! I'm hoping one day he'll just slow down a little bit.... Yeah right!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

9 Patch Quilt finished!

2009-06-15T14:43:00.002+10:00

I finally finished my 9 Patch quilt. I'm so pleased with the way it turned out. I've backed it in flannelette so it will be lovely & warm for these cold nights we've been having!

I've included alot of my favourite fabrics in this one... Very soft and pretty colors...

I've not been sewing much else... Too busy reading still!

I did pick up this adorable fabric from Craft Pudding on Etsy. It might have to be the cutest fabric I've ever had!

Just a quick post today! Off to get the kids from school now.

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Too much reading and not enough sewing...

2009-06-11T14:48:00.003+10:00

This is what arrived for me today from the lovely Corinna at Crazy Quilt Girl Fabric Shop. I searched everywhere for one shop I could buy all 3 different varieties of charm squares that I've been wanting... I found them all in Corinna's shop, and at a fabulous price too I might add!

I can see the quilts pictured in my head that I plan to make with these pretties, lets just hope they turn out that way!

These are: Candy Kisses, Sorbet & Glace...

What a lovely stack of squares these are...

This is my newest bag - all for me - I refuse to part with this one! My last one I grudgingly passed on to my Mum, who is addicted to bags, so I've made myself a new one, and it's quilted at that! I just loved this fabric!

And I even made myself a little mobile phone pouch to match...

Above is my 9 patch quilt top all done. I wanted this one to have the palest pinks, greens and blues. I'm looking forward to getting it finished, but I've been so busy reading that not much sewing has been getting done!

I'm a huge Twilight fan... as alot of you are! I've just finished reading the House Of Night series, and they are just brilliant! I couldn't do anything else at all until I was done. Now I'm just looking forward to the next one... Hunger Games was another on the list that I've read - it was also very good. I feel like all I've done is read for weeks now, when I get in the mood I just can't stop! Sewing will just have to wait for now...

I have a pile of books a mile high to read, plus more in my Amazon Cart to order... I don't think I'll ever be done! But it's what keeps me happy! I pass on all of my (suitable) books to my son Jay to read - he's just as bad as me, lol. My hubby says we've forever got our heads stuck in a book!

Best wishes, and happy reading, sewing or whatever it is that makes you happy!

Jenelle

Feeling sorry for myself...

2009-06-04T16:34:00.004+10:00

I've been feeling awfully sorry for myself the last few days... After having that terrible tummy bug a couple of weeks ago, then a cold for a week, I came down with a really bad flu (Not the Swine flu lol) Shivers and body aches, not to mention a terrible cough. Hubby and my eldest son Jay, have also been ill along with me, so it's been a very icky household lately! Thankfully after a few days spent in bed, I'm starting to perk up again.

Above is a picture of my daughter Breanna after a birthday party. The party was at a lovely little place called 'Dolled up' in Geelong which is like a mini salon. They get their hair, nails & make-up done, and get to make some pretty sparkly things while dressing up. What a brilliant idea! The girls all had a ball. Breanna just loves this blue hair peice...

I did manage to finish this quilt today though, it's been sitting for so long waiting to be quilted... I love the colors... I think I'll make a larger one using just 5" squares with the one outside border...

This one is a cot size, and it will be heading for my Oz Handmade store soon...

Yesterday I had some fun making these cute headbands...

And before getting sick I made some key rings with the hardware I told you about in the last post...

And some quilted doorstops... Who doesn't need a doorstop or two? I know I've got them scattered through my house... I've made a few different ones, also listed on Oz Handmade...

Well sorry for all my complaining... I kinda missed Sew Mama Sew's huge giveaway event. I managed to see about 3 different blogs, but I just wasn't up to sitting at the computer... Maybe it's time for a laptop...

Terri from Sew Fantastic, who is the host for our Kitchen Swap, and also my partner, received her parcel that I sent. I included a table runner, coasters, tea cosy, trivet, and a wine bag. She has just posted about her parcel, and said she loved it all - thankfully - sigh!

I hope you are all happy and healthy!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Look what I got!

2009-05-26T10:27:00.006+10:00

Look what I got when I opened the door to the postman this morning! 3 fantastic parcels!

The box was from Terri at Sew Fantastic, who was my partner in the Kitchen Swap I joined. This was my first swap, and I had such a good time!

Terri has spoilt me badly! It was to be a minimum of 3 items, but I got heaps! Every item was individually wrapped with a cute little card on top.

This is what was included...

A lovely reversible flower bowl, which I've been meaning to make for ages, and now I don't need to!

A heart cookie cutter, pink chip clips, and some pink sponges...

3 crochet dishcloths and a cute flower scourer... I sooo love these!

3 glass magnets which have the matching fabric from the other items, these look great on my frigde Terri!

2 butterfly plates...so cute

And 2 amazing dish towels. One with a flower, and the other with a cute little birdy! I don't think I'll ever be able to bring myself to use these. I love them... Display towels I think...

Close up of the bird...

Terri, you are an amazing, talented & georgous person! I can't believe how much you've spoilt me! I love everything so very much! I hope you get yours soon, although it's nowhere near as good as the parcel you've sent me... Thankyou sooo much!

My other two parcels were my recent orders...

A lovely fabric stack from Fabritopia...

And a key and lanyard fob set from Mama She Crazy on Etsy.

Here's another two name cushions I've made this week...

And yesterday morning was spent making these cute 9 patch block for a quilt I'm making. Hopefully I'll be able to show you some pic's soon...

Well my day has been utterly brilliant so far! I hope yours has been just as good!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Finally some slippers to sell!

2009-05-24T13:03:00.004+10:00

I've had a busy few days sewing. Below are some passport wallets I've made. Most are now listed through Ebay, Etsy & Oz Handmade.

I sat Friday cutting our fabric for 10 pairs of slippers. Yesterday I managed to sew 4 of them together. Below is a cute Barefoot Roses pair I've listed on Etsy... look at those cute little yo-yo's!

These pair are a little different from my normal, but I love them just the same! They are in my Oz Handmade Store...

And these cuties are made with some linen & lace. So much cuter than the photo's... Also on Etsy.. All have been made in a size 7 - but custom orders are offered for different sizing.

And this sweet pair were my absolute favourite! Well I just couldn't part with them so they're now on my feet! Lol! I couldn't be expected to make all these slippers without keeping any! I'll sew the rest up over the next couple of days...

A while ago Jodi from 'This, That & The Other' mentioned she had bought some iron on labels from Monkey Graphics. Well I've wanted some for a whil so i headed on over to her Etsy store and grabbed my self some. I got some large and small ones for different types of projects. Shown below is one of the small labels on my slipper. She done such a good job designing them! Wonderful price too! I'll definately be back when I run out!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

The Birthday Girl!

2009-05-18T07:17:00.003+10:00

Breanna had such a nice day for her birthday! Cute little friends from school and lots of yummy food! Here she is above blowing out her candles...

And conducting our Happy Birthday singing... See those cup cakes... I was rather proud of myself - I'm not much of a cook, but managed to make quite a few yummy things for the party. Cup cakes, Mars bar slice, Mini Quiche's, Chocolate dipped marshmallows, pikelets... A huge accomplishment for me!

This is breanna struggling to get her new quilt out of the gift bag, with some help from Connor..

And this is her loving her new quilt!

Lol! These were the night before preparations, rollers in the hair cos she wanted curly hair for the party. Unfortunately they didn't work and we had to use the curling tongs on the day! But it's a cute pic anyway!

She was up at 5.15am, ready to open her presents, and hubby told her she just needed to wait a little longer... So 6am came around and she wasn't waiting any more! She got her new DS, which she has been waiting so long for!

This is a new Name Cushion I had the pleasure of making for a Customer on Oz Handmade. I love the way it turned out! Lets hope she's also pleased!

All in all a wonderful weekend! Now it's back to school today!

Today is actually exactly 1 year since our family left for out holiday to Scotland! So it's a little bit sad too - how we'd love to be taking off there again. We had the most brilliant time ever!

A holiday like that is something you can never forget. We stayed for 6 weeks, and I could have stayed for another 6 easily! We're currently working out when the next trip will be!

I'll leave you now with some of our lovely memories...

Ooooh I just couldn't get enough of these castles!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Breanna's Quilt...

2009-05-15T11:24:00.002+10:00

Well Breanna's quilt for her birthday on Sunday is all done! Washed and dried and ready to be wrapped.

I'm so pleased with the way it turned out - perfectly girly to suit her...

I decided to add a scalloped edge. Not bad for my first effort, although sewing the binding on was a little hard. Practice makes perfect though hey!

I added all my favourite fabric's in pink and it's just about got a little of everything...

I had so much planned for the last few days, but just after my last post, I started feeling unwell. It turned into a nasty tummy bug, and I've done nothing but lay in bed or on the couch for the last two days. It's been a while since I've felt so very ill. Lucky hubby had a few days off work so he could help me with the kids - otherwise they wouldn't have even made it to school!

I woke up this morning feeling so much better - thankfully! I now have to catch up on a few orders, and still try and get Breanna's party organised.

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Breanna's Tutu

2009-05-12T08:44:00.004+10:00

I've been wanting to make my daughter a tutu for so long now. I've had the tulle sitting for about 3 months waiting...

Well I finally made it, and she just loves it! She pranced about all weekend, dancing and leaping all over the place!

I've also been busy sewing up a few bits for Etsy and my Oz handmade store. Above are some sweet telephone & address book covers, notebook covers and another pin cushion...

And some cute lavender sachets...I've also done some in linen and lace which look great! These are offered only in my Oz Handmade store due to the problems with sending lavender overseas...

I had a nice relaxing day for Mother's Day. I was invited to a friends house for breakfast since hubby had to work. The rest of the day was spent doing what I love best...sewing! Hubby bought Chinese home for dinner which was just lovely!

My children had a fete on their school on Saturday. So off we went, the kids had a ball. Fairy Floss, pony rides, jumping castle, fire engines...

A lovely weekend!

It's Breanna's birthday on Sunday. She'll be 7! How quick they grow... I'm madly trying to finish her quilt to give her - she's been asking me for so long for one of her own. She also wants new pillow slips, so hopefully I'll have time to get them all done.

She has 5 school friends plus family coming over for a little party - we're thinking PINK! Of course I'll have to make the boy's something blue though...

I've decided to make cup cakes for her birthday cake, and display them in a "7" with pretty pink sprinkles.... If anyone has any more idea's for me, let me know!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Attempting new things...

2009-05-05T16:35:00.002+10:00

Don't cha get bored with making the same things sometimes... As much as I love what I do, a change of scenery is fantastic!

I've been making some different style cushions, cute coasters and pin cushions...

Above is some sweet cushions - log cabin style in the prettiest pinks ever... The small one has a hanging loop & and has lavender inside. The cushions are listed in my new store on Oz Handmade...

And once I started making these adorable pin cushions I just couldn't stop! The blue one at the back is now with my Mum (She's just not a pink person!)

~Hanging Lavender Cushion~

This one and a couple of others are listed in my newly opened Etsy store...

And soon a few will also be on Ebay too...

Just a quick post today - I really have to get on with my sewing for the kitchen swap...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

More Cute Stuff!

2009-04-26T08:18:00.004+10:00

Vicki from Tozz's Corner received the slippers she won from my competition. She chose the above sweet pair.

I've yet to sell any slippers as each one I make, I love them all too much and put them straight on my feet! I posted 2 to Joyce in Scotland (My hubby's Aunt) who made me fall inlove with these style of slippers to begin with. Maybe I'll get some more done this week... to sell, not to wear!

I did make this sweet pair with a little adjustment of my pattern - they are an infants size 6. How cute are they! They have Minkee on the base so they are just so cosy for little feet. I really should put them in the new store but the are just sooo cute I've not been able to part with them!

I've still been busy making a few new things for the new Store on Oz Handmade. More Heat Pillows and adorable baby sets of a blanket, burp pads & a quilted bib.

It's going to be a cold & windy day here in Geelong today! Looks like it's a day for staying in and sewing - that's no surprise though! Hubby is a player / coach of a Soccer team here, and it's their first game today - unfortunately I won't be there as I just can't stand the cold weather! So me and the kids will have a quiet one at home with the heating on!

I'm experimenting with a new project at the moment - 4 finished ones so far, but I'm still not 100% happy with it! So hopefully it'll be 5th time lucky! I'll show you when I'm done - but not before in case it doesn't turn out well :)

I've got 3 quilt tops all pinned and ready to be quilted - hopefully I'll get around to finishing them soon too.

Best wishes,

Jenelle

I can sew again!

2009-04-21T17:53:00.004+10:00

Well the kiddies went back to school yesterday... Whoo Hoo! I know that sounds terrible, but I was just stuck in a rut of not being able to sew much at all! Now look what I've done in the last few days... A handbag for ME! Although my Mum has already spotted it.. so I don't think I'll get to keep it for long!

Also some things for my New Store on Oz Handmade! Notebook covers, pencil rolls, book bags...

A set of two pillow slips for a friend! Her second set! She now has about 8 pillows all piled on her bed - and it looks so sweet!

A Chenille Raggy Quilt for the new store too...

And I finally finished one of my 'Stacked Coins' quilts. This one is baby size, and I love it, looks so sweet, and I've backed ot with flannelette so it's sooo soft!

So many of my favourite fabrics feature in this, I still have two more to make almost the same, another one for the store and one for Ebay I think!

Well I'm just loving the last few days - Connor came home from school yesterday and promptly fell asleep! What a hard day he must have had!

Caiden is missing them, but he has me to annoy lol! Constantly by my side asking many questions! I wouldn't have it any other way though!

I'm making another charm square quilt - in red, pink & aqua - it's nearly done and I love the colours! I'll show you soon...

I hope you've all been having a great few days too!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Check out Oz Handmade!

2009-04-19T10:23:00.003+10:00

Oz handmade is a brand new site, dedicated to all things handmade. I've just finished setting up my store 'Shabby Raggy Roses' for the release at midnight tonight! There are adorable baby, gift and home handmade items already listed with all the different stores.

I hope you'll come and visit!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Giveaway Winner.....

2009-04-18T10:05:00.002+10:00

Ballet Slippers Giveaway Winner...

Thankyou to those who entered my giveaway, and those who left some lovely comments. This was my first tutorial, I'm not one for patterns so this was new to me! I'm so glad you all liked the slippers! Can't wait to see some finished - be sure to send me some photo's.

My son Connor had the honour of drawing the winner this morning.

He drew Vicki from Tozz's Corner! Congratulations Vicki - now you just need to email me to let me know your choice of slippers and your postal details! I'm heading over now to let her know the good news and to enter her Giveaway too!

Now off for some sewing....

Best wishes,

Jenelle

A very slow week...

2009-04-17T13:17:00.002+10:00

This week has been a very slow, unproductive one for me. With the kids on school holidays till Monday it's been slightly hectic! As much as I love the part about no rushing around like mad in the mornings getting 4 kids ready, getting to stay in my PJ's till lunch time :) and of course spending more time with my kids, I will be relieved when school starts back next week. I've not done much sewing at all! My daughter had a birthday party sleepover this week, so I made the above pillow for the little girl. I think it went down ok, some appreciate the thought of a handmade gift - but some don't.

I made this bookmark for myself - I'm such a mad reader. I'm absolutely lost if I don't have a good book to read, and I've been like that since I was about 10 years old. My son Jay is the same as me, we always have our heads stuck in a book. The best thing is, is that I love the young adult books - so much more fun than adult ones, so he nearly always reads everything after me. Unless it's girly - then he won't even pick it up!

This is a stacked coins quilt I'm in the process of making, although a little different - I'm using all pink scraps with white between each. I have the coin strips all done, just need to add the sashing now.

And I finally got my Kath Kidston mag in the mail. It's such a joy to look through, and making my dream list of everything I want - which is nearly everything in there!

My long awaited (About 1 week - lol) order from Amazon - containing the book 'Stargazer' has finally arrived with today's courier - so I'm not sure anything else will get done now cos I'll be reading that till it's all done! Then watching the 'Moonlight' season one DVD that arrived with the book!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

TUTORIAL ~ Make your own Ballet Slippers & A Giveaway!

2009-04-12T14:42:00.014+10:00

Ballet Slippers

Here's an easy way to make some really cute slippers! Hopefully my instructions will be easy to understand! There are other ways to make these, but this is probably the easiest way. Make any changes where you prefer.

I'm a size 7.5 ( My foot measures 24.5cms) so the pattern is to fit me - please adjust to fit.

First of all, download 'Slipper base' template & 'Slipper top' template. Print, this will be your template to cut your fabic. If your foot is larger, I would say adding the extra length of your measured foot to the tails of the slipper top and to the sole would make for a perfect fit.

I'm using a cute print form Moda's Wonderland Bloom! Along with Moda Essential Dots for the inside fabric.

You will need to cut:

Base ~ 4 from wadding, 2 from interfacing, 2 inside peices and 2 bottom peices - You may want to find some non slip fabric for this, or something a little more durable.

*Make sure you flip your template so you have a left & right foot peice!

Slipper top ~ 2 from you feature fabric, 2 from wadding, 2 from the medium interfacing & 2 from your inside fabric to match the base.

Once you have all your peices cut, assemble them as shown below -

Base: Bottom peice, Interfacing, 2x wadding peices (for extra padding) and then your inside peice.

Slipper top needs to assembled - wadding peice, Inside peice (facing up) and the feature peice (facing down) so fabric is right sides together, then interfacing on top.

Once you have pinned them, stitch around each base holding all 5 layers together

Then sew around the inner curve of your top peice

Unpin the top peices, and you will need to pull the top fabric around to the other side ~ wiggle and press till nice and flat.

Topstitch around the inner curve...

Pin the tails of the top peice with feature fabric (top fabric) right sides together, sew along the edge securely - here I've added a binding to hide the edge or you can leave it raw.

Pin the top section to your base with your feature fabric and outside of bottom peice to the inside.

Carefully sew around the outside edge ensuring you're sewing through all layers really well, overlock or zig zag around the edge too.

Turn inside out - and you have a lovely pair of Ballet Slippers

Now embellish! These ones got a little bow on each side.

These got some cute crochet lace...

Again some crochet lace with some little buttons!

And finally some pink Ric Rac! Yo-yo's would be a great idea too!

Well I hope that was easy enough to understand - a bit confusing when I read back through it afterwards, but I tried.

I'd love to hear your feedback, and see pic's of finished slippers! Please feel free to email me at charjen1@optusnet.com.au if you need any further info.

As an extra bonus - A Givaway!

** Giveaway is now closed - Congratulations to Vicki from Tozz's Corner! She picked the middle pic slippers with crochet lace & buttons! They've just been posted off to her. I hope you like them Vicki!

If you blog about and link to this tutorial you'll get added to the draw to win one of the finished slippers pictured in the last 3 photo's! Winner gets to choose which pair they want. Simply leave a comment on this post to let me know that you've posted & linked to this tutorial. One entry per blog.

Entries will close on Friday 17th April at midnight Australian time. I'll let you know a winner on Saturday morning. Please ensure I can contact you. Slippers are size 7.5 (UK size 5) so if they are not quite your size they would be perfect for a gift.

Best wishes everyone - have fun sewing!

Jenelle

A lovely fabric package!

2009-04-07T20:24:00.004+10:00

Look what I got in the mail on Friday!

Lots of yummy sweet fabric's from Fabritopia! What a perfect shop!

I have wanted some of these fabric's from Annette Tatum's 'House' for soooo long! And they are finally here...I'm so excited. I've already made a few things with them.

And this one below is a bit out of my normal range of fabrics... but I do have something in mind for it...

Look what I made today! I'm quite excited with these. I have a huge 'thing' for cute little ballet slippers... My husband's Aunt usually brings me about 6 pairs every year when they come here from Scotland...but I've already worn them to death, and was not looking forward to finding some here. So I unpicked an old grotty pair (I am sooo not showing a pic of them!) and got cutting and sewing these sweeties. I absolutely love them! Super comfy and just sooo cute. I can just imagine what my slipper collection is going to look like now.... :)

And these Paris Bebe ones will be on the way to Joyce in Scotland tomorrow, I swear I was only modelling them for the pic's... :)

I also finished my 'Charm square quilt'. It was a bit harder to do the quilting due to the size, I've tried to keep them small till now, but I felt it was time to move up in size. I think it's turned out really well. I have another two quilt's to do the quilting on this week, I'm just lovin' this!

Here's another A4 Notebook cover I've also made, something a little more simple.

I had an email on Sunday night from a lovely lady I made some Raggy quilts for. You can see that post here..

She was pregnant with twin girls, and I made her matching quilts and name cushions. She sent me a little note telling me she had her two little girls 5 weeks early on the 29th March. I also got an adorable picture of the sweeties, still in hospital for a few more weeks!

I thought it was such a nice thing for her to do. We make so many great friends through the things we make and do.

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Lavender Heat Packs & Pin cushions!

2009-04-02T19:32:00.002+11:00

I've been busy making these heat packs above. These are patchwork raggy edge style! There's so many variations of these (We had a 'hot dog' once!) - and I've never seen a raggy quilted one so I thought I'd attempt one. I've also added just a touch of lavender, so that when you heat it up, you get a nice soothing fragrance. They will all be available in my Ebay store soon...

Above is a cute little baby boys quilt I've nearly finished and will be posted to a friend tomorrow!

An along the same idea of my heat packs - I've made this cute little raggy pin cushion. I weighted it with some rice - again, some lavender - to soothe me while sewing Lol! Not sure whether to make any more, please let me know your ideas...

I've finished my Charm quilt top in the Rambling Rose fabric I showed in a previous post. I'm hoping to get it finished tomorrow! I just love the colour!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Amazing giveaway from 'Don't Look Now'

2009-03-31T18:50:00.004+11:00

One last little post...

I just had to let you all know about this lovely ginaway from Kellie at "Don't Look Now". You get the chance to win two of these amazing cushions (seen in the pic above) , Amy, Lilly & Tina monkeys and a pattern!

I've got my entry in, definately won't be missing this one! I've been a fan of Kellie's blog for ages now. It was one of the first blogs I found! Her designs are stunning. Check it out!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Quilts and other projects

2009-03-30T18:55:00.002+11:00

I just finished my Baby Pinwheel Quilt designed by Jodi at 'Simply This That and the Other'. I love the way it's turned out, those Prairie Points are just so cute!

I think I'll do another one in some soft pink and sage...

And my pink & grey quilt was finished this morning, this one measures 102cms x 116cms (40" x 45.4") so it's a great lap quilt. I also added my first peiced backing for this one as I had soem leftover strips, it just adds that little bit 'more' I think!

And below is a pic of a pencil roll I made for a present for a friend of my daughters. The party was on Friday afternoon, and it was last minute invites. I've seen so many of these floating around recently and I thought it was ideal. Combined with a receycled paper scrapbook - I'm sure he'll create many artistic pictures with this...

Finally, I picked up these sweet fabrics on Friday. I intend to use them for a new quilt I just started on today. It's from Chickpea Sewing Studio, called Finn's quilt and there is a great tutorial for it!

I hope you enjoyed the pic's...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

My new sewing desk!

2009-03-24T20:32:00.002+11:00

I've been looking all over the place for a new sewing desk. I would have been more than happy to sand and re-paint, so I've been looking in all the second hand shops near me. But I'd found nothing till yesterday when I visited the Salvo's, and there was this sweet little desk - already perfectly painted white for me! I didn't want anything too big as I've got a little corner in my bedroom (I've been sewing on the dining table till now)

I slightly distressed the corners - but since decided I'd like it a little bit more distressed... So I'm thrilled to bits, I can leave my sewing machine out all the time - and nobody can whinge at me that they have no where to sit and eat dinner! Giggle! (4 kids & 2 adults - we kinda need the whole dining table!)

So with my new found sewing freedom I finished my grey & pink quilt top. I'd seen this design on Moda Bake Shop, and thought it would be great for this quilt. Now I just have to get it quilted...

And last of all I'm doing this Pinwheel Baby Quilt. I finished all the pinwheels for the centre, and I have about a million Prairie Points to press tomorrow!

I love the retro look with the red and blue together! I'm tempted to make more pinwheels for a larger quilt to keep - I don't have any idea where I'm gonna keep all these new quilts...

I've recently found out a close friend of mine is pregnant! I'm sooo dying to make her a million things for the baby - but it's probably better to see what she has - only 29 weeks to go!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Baby quilts finished!

2009-03-22T20:45:00.003+11:00

I spent the entire day on Friday stipple quilting 4 quilts. The first one below is my 3" squares quilt. I was planning on selling it, but I like it so much I'm thinking I'll keep this one. All of the squares were entirely from my scrap stash!

And below are the three baby quilts. I think these are so cute! All of them are now on Ebay.

More of the cherry red...

And sweet Shabby ones...

As promised, I've included a picture of my hubby Charlie with 'Baby' Caiden. This one was taken when we were in QLD in February.

And this happened when I was taking photo's of the above quilts. I'd just been on the computer, so Caiden was patiently awaiting my return, when he fell asleep. I quickly snapped this pic before I moved him to a more comfy location! Notice the Rash vest - he was trying to convince me to take him swimming at the pool where my sister lifeguards - and the brown boots (On the wrong feet) which he just LOVES! He seriously has a shoe fetish at the moment - and his Thomas train in one hand. Odd combination, but that's Caiden most of the time! He He!

Thanks for taking a peek into my last few days...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Mmmm Yum! Fabric shopping!

2009-03-20T07:19:00.002+11:00

Well... I know I said I was going to be madly quilting yesterday, but I stopped in at Spotlight for some shopping. Well I got slightly carried away! I had two vouchers to get $40 off when you spend $100, so I decided I may as well use both! I bought so many sweet quilting fabrics, plus 5 metres of natural wadding, some plain quilt cotton, and some flannelette. I was quite happy to get all this for just $120. My trolley was full of fabric...and my two year old!

I wanted to get a range of grey prints, as I've been dying to make a pin and grey quilt as I think the colours go so well together. And a few more reds as I was sadly lacking them in my stash!

So now today will be quilting day! I have a few baby quilts tops to do, that I'll be listing on Ebay once they're completed. I've also got a birthday quilt to do for a friends daughter. Once all these are done, I can get stuck into all these yummy fabrics!

Best wishes,
Jenelle

Sweet little doll quilt...

2009-03-18T18:38:00.002+11:00

I finished this cute doll quilt yesterday. I think it's just so sweet, and I'll be making a larger one now in a similar design and fabrics. The cherry red just stands out great I think. I stipple quilted it, washed and tumble dried it. Now I just have to decide whether to let my daughter keep it for her little doll cradle I've pictured it with...

Do you remember this quilt that I blogged about recently. Well I found something different for my mum for her birthday, as I thought this quilt was lacking something. So I decided to quilt it all over, and what a difference it makes. It looks like a whole new quilt! So now I'm thinking maybe Mothers Day to give this to my Mum. But she was commenting on this quilt the other day, saying how much she loved this one...so she'll get one or the other, we'll see!

I've recently finished three cot quilt tops, so that'll be my jobs for tomorrow, quilting them & my 3" squares quilt! I've so enjoyed this quilting business...I've even got my sister in law, and her friend (Mad quilters!) stippling their patchwork! Something they never thought they'd be able to do, just as I thought at one stage. I'm so glad I finally tried it.

It was my husband Charlie's birthday yesterday. Yes on St. Patrick's day! He's scottish, but our family name Fitzpatrick is Irish so it's always a great day for him and his family to celebrate. He's a bit miffed that I've not added a picture of him on my blog yet, so I'll have to post one next time! Well I added one, but he was headless...so I don't think that counts!

Well I'm off to get the kiddies into bed now! Have fun girls!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Two more quilts...

2009-03-15T20:31:00.004+11:00

Four quilts all done! So far...

This is my yo-yo flower quilt I showed pictures of previously. I finished it yesterday. I quilted it, added the spotty binding, and lastly washed and tumble dried it for that lovely crinkly look. It's not a very good size for usage really... I didn't think that far ahead, so I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet.

And this quilt is my favourite. I never did show any pic's of this one pre-quilted. The top was finished last year in May, just before our trip to Scotland. Completely random scrappy. Every single bit was from my scrap pile / hoard / draw...

It measures 62" x 45"

I originally made it so I could lay it over the back of the sofa, but I wanted something comfy to snuggle into. So it's on the back of sofa, and is so soft and crinkly - I just love it.

It was a long time getting finished...but I was a little nervous about the quilting part. Well I'm so over that nervousness now! I quilted these two for about 3.5 hours straight yesterday, and it felt like 5 minutes! Totally enjoyed it. My thumb has mysteriously gone numb, still is, but that's only a small price to pay. Lol!

I still have my 3" squares quilt to finish, and another large one I finished recently. I'm also in the process of making some baby quilts... More on them another day!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Raggy Quilt & More Bottle bags...

2009-03-10T15:49:00.002+11:00

Two more bottle bags, this time made from pretty 'Shabby' fabrics. These will go on Ebay I think. I finished these early this morning. As a bonus they turned out a little larger (certainly not planned...Lol) so they can fit 2 bottles of wine!

These are quite simple to make, I've simply used 3" squares for the front, 3 across with 7 rows. Quilted onto wadding, then sewn into a drawstring bag. I don't have a pattern...I never use them. Just make it up as I go! Your welcome to give them a go.

This is the Chenille Raggy Quilt I mentioned in my last post. So soft and fluffy. I'll be listing it on Ebay tonight. It comes with it's own cushion to match. Perfect little throw for the sofa.

I've been meaning to make myself some pillow cases all week, but when I get an idea into my head for something else to make, everything goes out the window. My daughter is still waiting on hers too!

I also managed to finish the top to my 3" squares quilt. It was time consuming sewing all those tiny bits together but it looks great. I'm hoping to have time to quilt it in the next couple of days. Each quilt I make I like better than the one before, does that mean I just get bored easily? Or is it actually better? Not sure, but it keeps me sewing and creating more. I'm never short on ideas for things to make!

Well I'm off to go blog hopping!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Wine Bottle Bag...

2009-03-09T08:09:00.003+11:00

I finished this bag on Friday, it's for my Mum's birthday on Wednesday. The wine in and out of the bag is hers too! I'm sure she'll love them...

I'm really happy with how the bag turned out. I especially love the 3" squares I used for the front, then the quilting I did on top. I've already had a few comments from my friends that have popped over so I think I'll be making more of these.

My husband's reunion was Friday night, I had a pretty good time. More than ready to come home within the first hour, but then I got to know a few people and got chatting... as we do!

I ended up having to drag Hubby out of there by midnight, my best friend - babysitter was fast asleep on the couch (I felt sooo bad) but she was just glad I had a good time! Normally I'm home about 10pm when I know someone is sitting with the kids so they can go home...

Well I've been busy making another raggy quilt, this time it's all Chenille - pale pink, sage, white & cream. It's a sofa throw or a cot quilt. I'll show some pic's soon. Last night I cut some squares for another patchwork quilt. I'm sure I'll be finished with the top today!

Well I'm off to sew....

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Birthday quilt for my Mum...

2009-03-06T06:49:00.002+11:00

I finally finished my stacked coins mini quilt. I decided to just quilt it in the ditch. It's my Mum's birthday next week so I think I may give it to her. I think it would look nice on the back of her new sofa...

This is the new bedspread I bought for my bed. Although it's a queen size it on barely covered the sides of the mattress. I was a bit dissapointed, but as I've been looking for a nice white one for a while now, I didn't want to return it.

The main problem was that I use the space under my bed for some storage! I have suitcases filled with fabric & chenille, along with two baskets full of shoes... and alot of other stuff.

So I decided to make this little bed skirt to hide everything. Now, as much as I like it, I actually think it may be a bit too much... I used the same fabric that I recovered my ottoman with. Well let me know your thoughts anyway.

The bedspread has a beautiful pattern...

I'm thinking of making a wine bottle carry bag for my Mum. Patchwork style, sort of like a gift bag & hand bag in one. She would love something like this to take a bottle of wine to a party. I'm still working out ideas in my head though so I'll let you know when I'm done...

I'm off to my husband's High School Reunion tonight. He's sooo looking forward to it! I won't know anybody so I don't exactly feel the same way. I'm actually quite a shy person, and I'm really not good at meeting new people for the first time. Well wish me luck..

Best wishes,

Jenelle

More quilts...! 1 finished!!

2009-03-03T14:06:00.003+11:00

Well I've finally finished 1 quilt. This is a wall quilt I did using some Pinwheels (I think that's what they're called!) I found it a little hard to get the points to match so don't look too closely! I quilted it around the squares, and then added some rustic hand stitching in some of the triangles.

I'm quite proud of the way it turned out, no bunching at all of the backing fabric, but then again, it's quite small so we'll see how we go with a larger quilt...Lol! I made the binding with the scrappy leftover pieces.

A work in progress...

This was my idea for a quilt which I mentioned in my last post. I've been working on this one for a few days now. Alot more hand stitching than I'm used to...I usually hate hand stitching but actually quite enjoyed it with this quilt.

I love the way the yo-yo's & buttons look in this one... I will be quilting this in the next few days hopefully. Maybe even catch up on the other quilts I've done too! I've already got another quilt in mind...will it never end? I'm addicted!

By the way, the pale green/mint fabric from my last post is called 'Sweet As A Rose' from RJR Fabrics...

Best wishes,
Jenelle

Raggy Quilt...Cover!

2009-02-28T12:59:00.003+11:00

I've been meaning to post for ages about my progress on the Calender Quilt Challenge. January is all done and February is getting there, I'm a little bit behind but I'll catch up with a little time set aside tomorrow. January is done with small squares, and February is strips. I'm still deciding on March... and suggestions??

I've been busy this week making this Raggy Quilt for an order. The difference with this one is that it's a quilt cover. A customer wanted the Raggy style, but also wanted to still use a doona with it. So she'll still get the fluffy look from the doona, but has a raggy quilt also! I love the bright pinks in this one, they really stand out against the white prints.

I just had to add this photo of my littlest one Caiden. Such a terror, but absolutely adorable. He gets away with so much because he just cracks you up! This is my headless husband holding him upside down while I was taking Ebay photo's.

I've had a ball the last few days reading everyone's blogs. I keep telling myself just to look for 5 minutes, but I get a bit carried away and find I've been reading for an hour - its just sooo much fun though! I'm sure you all feel the same...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Ottomans & Pillows...

2009-02-25T14:39:00.002+11:00

Here are some Raggy Pillow slips I finished yesterday. Already on Ebay... I just love these darker pink ones!

Some pale pink covers...

And these are some picture's of the Ottoman's I recovered. I painted the bases Antique white, and found this stunning fabric at Spotlight. The fabric actually looks quite vintage, although the photo's make it look quite boring... so much better in person. Sorry I forgot the 'before' pic's.

And today I couldn't resist a trip to my nearest quilting shop "The Blanket Box" and found these pretty fabrics I plan on using for a new quilt. I already have the design in my head...just have to make it now...

My eldest son Jay just left for camp this morning. He's getting so big, I wasn't even allowed to wave him off...how sad. I honestly felt like crying. But I guess you need to let them have some independence at some point, I think he's trying to find his feet at High School, and is trying so hard to be a little bit more grown up than he really is.

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Two Quilts...

2009-02-23T16:36:00.003+11:00

I've been so busy doing these two quilt tops the last few days. Once I started, I just couldn't stop! I think it's my new addiction...

I got the idea for the one above from Crazy Mom Quilts. This is just a small lap quilt for my sofa.

And the one below from Kathryn in this post. This one turned out a lot larger than I intended...just got carried away. I don't know how I'll go quilting this one.

I'm already working on the next one. I'm going to have a dozen tops finished by the time I get around to quilting them at the rate I'm going.

Thankyou Kathryn for your help & advice. I'm sure I'll be emailing again soon when it's time to do the quilting. The next one is triangles, which I'm having some trouble with... but I'll get there!

I also painted and recovered two ottomans this morning. They have been waiting to be done for months. I'll post some pic's tomorrow of them, but I've just realised I'd forgotten to take before pic's so you'll just have to see the completed ones.

Well I'm off to squeeze in some more triangles...

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Getting back into the swing of things...

2009-02-22T08:15:00.010+11:00

Well my husbands Aunty & Uncle returned to Scotland last Saturday - what beautiful people they are! I'm now slowly getting back to routine. I have 3 kids at school now, Jay has just started High School, Breanna is in Grade 1 & Connor has just started Prep.

~ The little darlings! ~

So it's just me and Caiden at home during the day now. Poor Caiden doesn't know what to do with himself...he's just so used to having someone to play with. He's adjusting though, and I'm loving all the time I now have to spend at the sewing machine!

~ Pink Raggy Cushion ~

I took 4 weeks off from sewing while Joyce & Tommy were here, I didn't want to miss a moment of their time with us. So now I'm back in front of the machine! I've made about 12 Raggy cushions, some Mobile phone pouches, and half a patchwork quilt top... My mind is working overtime at the moment planning all my next projects.

~ Mobile Phone Pouch ~

~ Strippy Raggy Cushion ~

I already have in mind another patchwork quilt after I finish the one I'm currently working on - thanks to Kathryn from Our Shabby Cottage to passing on the quilt bug... it's just sooo much fun!

Our 'Routine' went completely out the window at the end of last year, so we're running around like nutters every morning trying to get ready. We're getting there! Connor's having a bit of a hard time adjusting to school life. He's been in trouble twice this week, just for small problems, and certain friends... He's just such an active boy, and being in a classroom for most of the day is a bit hard for him. Breanna nicely told him that she's never been in trouble..."Not Once" she said very proud of herself for being the teachers pet Lol!

Well that's enough for now. Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with some pic's of the quilt top I'm doing.

Best wishes everyone,

Jenelle

QLD was great....BUT!

2009-02-07T08:08:00.003+11:00

Well we finally arrived home from our holiday in Surfers Paradise, QLD. We all had a fantastic time. The beaches were fantastic & our apartment was brilliant, We spent a couple of days at Wet 'n Wild & Movie World, more shopping and just looking around.

We left Thursday 29th Jan, got to the airport early to avoid the heat, (40+ degrees that day) the pilot measured the temp on the tarmac and it was 49 degrees, and we had to walk in that to get on the plane! YUCK!

The night we arrived my foot was so sore, red & swollen, although I had no idea what I could have done to it. The next morning it had started to turn purple / black so we searched and found a doctor, who said I'd either sprained it, or been bitten by something (I was pruning the roses the night before we left) anyway, he wrapped it up, gave me some quick fix medication and off we went to Wet 'n Wild. Fortunately by Friday night it had improved dramatically!

So we spent some time at the beach on Saturday, where my 5 year old son was bitten / stung by Sea lice in the water.... Not fun for him! Scratching awful!

So off we went on Sunday for some shopping at Pacific Fair, fortunately everything went well! Although we needed about 3 days to look around the massive centre!

Our apartment was on Paradise Island, and was so great! We saw bats flying by the balcony at night (Kind of freaky at first!) Gecko's running around everywhere, and on the lookout for Bird Eating Spiders which a friend terrified us by telling us horror stories about!

We were down at the hotel pool by 8am every morning with the kids, and they just loved every minute of it! Here's my daughter attempting handstands in the water - it was hilarious!

So after Movie World on Monday - which was such a good day, it was time to get ready to leave. Friends came for dinner Monday night to say goodbye, and we sat underneath Palm tree's full of bats Lol!

Tuesday morning we packed the bags and headed for the airport at 10am, well the bus was half an hour late picking us up, and was so busy we stopped way too many times on the way to the airport.

Then horror of horror's, we arrived 5 minutes too late for check in, there was no staff to talk to or help us, so we had to sit in the airport and watch our plane take off without us! Well I admit I cried, my daughter cried, and my husband just had to have 10 minutes to himself lol! The boys were really not fazed!

So finally the staff came back, and informed us that all fares were forfeit, very rudely told us she could not get us on a flight home till the following night at 8pm, and wanted to charge us huge amounts! So my husband told her what he thought of that idea (He was stressing so bad about getting us and his Auntie & Uncle home) So he was asked to leave the terminal.... Oh MY!

So the only option left was to hire a car and drive all the way from QLD to Victoria...

So we got a great Tarago, perfectly fitted the 8 of us, and off we went. Stopped in Byron Bay for a late lunch, I snapped this pic as we were leaving...

This is me and 2 year old Caiden, stopped somewhere in the middle of the bush at a rest stop in NSW - so hot!

The kids were not happy with our progress, but tried to pose for this pic, Connor just wasn't having any of it though!

We drove through the night, at one point chased by a mad truck driver who seemed to think we were going too slow for him! Blinded by his headlights, and nearly crashing into him when he overtook us, then slammed on his brakes! Well we'd quite had enough, so my husband called the police, and let them know the problem and our location - Nowhere Lol! So we finally escaped the Madman!

Then it was off again, and then harassed by some drunk people in Taree when we just stopped for coffee! So we again escaped from that!

Our mobile phones had died - we hadn't charged them fully as we thought we'd be home in a few hours!

So it was then to Sydney, where we drove over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and saw the Opera House at 5am!

We then took the wrong HWY, and had to cross inland to get to the right one. We soon realised we had to drive over 2 mountains, on with a tiny winding road, up in the clouds, so steep, no guard rails, and a massive drop to the left! Well I honestly felt sick by that point! Lucky for us the 2nd mountain had a proper road and guard rails or I think I'd have gotten out and walked with the 4 kids!

After that it was pretty cruisy... just utterly boring! The kids managed to get some sleep, but us 4 adults only had a couple of hours.

We then had to pick up our car from the Melbourne AIRPORT Lol! Drop the hire car back, and drive to Geelong. It was absolute heaven to see our house, jump in the shower one by one and get some sleep in our soooooo comfy beds!

So, after all that, it took us a total of 29+ hours to get home. 29 hours YUCK! We did stop, many times as you need to do with 4 kids - ate so much Macca's and junk we felt sick!

The kids did finally make it to school the next morning after missing 3 days!

Well I think we've finally recovered from our mad trek across half of Australia. We joked that our Scottish family got to see alot more of Australia, and we now have some stories to tell! They definitely don't want to attempt to drive over to WA though LOL!

Well I hope you're all still with me after that long winded story!

Best wishes,

Jenelle - who will never leave home again.......

New Items & Painting all done!

2009-01-15T18:09:00.007+11:00

I apologise in advance for this extremely long post...in my defense, it's made up of mainly photo's. I tried to take just a few, but got carried away, and couldn't bear to leave any out!

I've been so busy the last few days, trying to keep the kids entertained, swimming, friends over.... I've also managed to get in a little sewing.

Above are some fabric roses I made an attempt at, no stems lol, but I think they're cute!

I've spent the whole day today working on these diary / journal covers with matching mobile pouches / sunglasses case. I think they've turned out great!

Wildflower...

Cameo Rose Stripe...

Rose Garden Tea...

These stunning retro red ones are a gift for my sister Kristy's 21st next Friday! She's gonna love them! I'm also making her a matching laptop case, still waiting to be completed!

This set I decided to keep for myself...

In a previous post, I explained that last weekend would be filled with painting, well it was! My arms were so sore I didn't think I'd be able to finish.

Below are some 'Before' pic's. These were taken by the real estate agent before we bought the house - not our furniture!

And here is how the house now looks... I'm sooo happy with the end result. Much more me! Below is the timber bookcase I just painted, it brightens up the room so much, and makes my little pretties look so much cuter! You can also see the mocha feature wall Hubby painted!

The entry also got a feature wall in the mocha...

And this is the door out of my dining room, my most favourite room in the house! I just love the white timber panels. They were just so dark before.

Now this picture is a bit dark, but I'm pretty sure you can still see the dramatic difference from the 'Before' pic's of the bathroom.

Above is my favourite shelves on the bookcase, and below is a corner of my daughters room...

And the wall behind my bed...

The soft blue in the boys rooms...

Well I hope you're still with me after all that! Thanks for looking at all my things!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Calendar Quilt Challenge beginning...

2009-01-09T15:47:00.002+11:00

Well as promised, here is the start of my quilt for the Calendar Quilt Challenge. I've decided to do a different block each month, with this month being small squares. Next month I'm thinking of strips, but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself.

Yes I cheated, and I've done the 10th square, but hey, I won't have to add that tomorrow!

I'm planning on finishing the painting in the hall and lounge tomorrow and Sunday. I've used the colour 'Chintz' (half strength) throughout the house, with exception of the two boys bedrooms, which are a pale blue. All the trims & doors have been done in Antique White enamel. I also had timber panels half way up the wall in the dining room, which I painted white also, along with the timber panels in the bathroom & toilet.

We have now been in our house for just over 6 months - which has just flown! I did most of the painting myself, (hubby did a feature wall in the lounge) all the kitchen & dining, laundry, toilet, 4 bedrooms and entry. Just the hall and other 3 walls in the lounge to go - and the timber built in bookcase in the lounge will be going white too!

So this weekend will be a busy one for me! I can nearly feel those sore arms already! Bought the rest of the paint today, so I've got no more excuses. There has been about a 3 month gap between painting as I rediscovered the sewing machine & Ebay... Lol! But with our family arriving from Scotland in 9 sleeps, I'd better get a move on.

I promise once it's all finished, I will post some before and after photo's! Looks like a different house now, one that's so much more ME!

Best wishes all!

Jenelle

Calendar Quilt Challenge

2009-01-08T08:25:00.003+11:00

Well I've just joined a Calendar Quilt challenge, which will probably be a major challenge for me! But sounds like so much fun, so I thought, why not? I joined a bit late so I have some catching up to do. I think I'll go with a basic charm quilt...

I've been so flat out since Christmas, trying to catch up on everything that I got behind on! We also have family arriving from Scotland on the 19th Jan, so there's alot to organise.

Finally got all the kids stuff for school the other day. I wanted to get it done early due to our visiters, and our trip to QLD at the end of the month. I have my eldest son starting year 7 at High School, my daughter will be in grade 1, and I have my son starting Prep.

So I was a bit frazzled with all this going on, but I think I'm in the swing of things now.

I've not had the sewing machine out - which I'm devastated about! But other things have had to come first. Hopefully I'll get it out today and finish some projects I've been working on.

As soon as I've caught up on the Calendar quilt, I'll post some pic's!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas & New Year!

Best wishes,
Jenelle

Look what I've been up to...

2008-12-16T15:33:00.004+11:00

I had the pleasure of making two raggy cot quilts and two name cushions for a lovely lady who is having twin girls. Her reaction to these today was wonderful! These turned out so very sweet, and I loved every moment in making them.

It was wonderful to take time out from all the Chrissy preparations, to make these. Having lovely feedback from the recipients is just the icing on top of the cake!

I've also been making plently of cushions, and towels for my Ebay auctions, alot of which have been snapped up straight away!

And finally this as a heart shaped Shabby Raggy Christmas wreath I've just finished. I saw on Kathryn's blog - Our Shabby Cottage, her tutorial on making these, and I fell in love with it. Mine is just a variation on the round one. I've stuck with soft pinks with some sage mixed in as well! Silver balls decorate the bottom. Hopefully I've done Kathryn proud LOL!

Well I've been so flat out with orders, and everything else to do with Christmas, that I'm so looking forward to Christmas morning so I can just enjoy! My kids are counting down the days, and just can't wait!

Graduation night tonight for my son Jay who has just completed Primary school. High school for him next year... and I'm terrified! Lol, he'll be fine, but I don't think I will!

Best wishes to everyone for a fantastic, happy & safe Christmas & New Year!

Jenelle

Shabby Bags

2008-11-25T07:22:00.002+11:00

Shabby Bags...

I've just completed these georgous drawstring bags. I think they are lovely!

Below is the Rachel Ashwell 'Wildflower' Bag, which was my favourite, but it has already sold so I think I'll have to make another!

This one I've used strips of pale fabrics, and it's just so sweet!

Well back to the sewing machine to make more I think!

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Have a Shabby Christmas...

2008-11-21T19:49:00.003+11:00

Well, the Shabby Christmas cushions turned out alot better than I imagined! I'm really pleased with them and hope that everyone else loves them as much as I do.

I've now listed them in my Ebay store, with more on the way.

I think the colours are perfect for a Shabby Christmas! I'm sure I'll have many scattered around my house by Christmas day.

New pretty's!

2008-11-19T20:14:00.003+11:00

I thought I'd share some photo's of my new cushions I've just listed on Ebay. I think they've turned out lovely. I just had to keep one for myself though!

I also had a recent order for a double Raggy Quilt by a collecter of Teapots, so I used some of the georgous 'Rose Garden Tea' fabric. She has just emailed today to thank me after it had arrived and to tell me how much she loves it. Always so nice to hear positive feedback from buyers...

I'm currently working on some Shabby Christmas cushions.... I'll see how they turn out first before I post any pics...LOL

Best wishes,

Jenelle

Boys Shabby Raggy Quilt

2008-11-10T07:35:00.003+11:00

Hi Everyone,

I've just finished this raggy quilt which a customer had ordered. She didn't have specific fabrics in mind, so just let me have the choice, as long as it had pale blue, and was suitable for a older boy.

I think this one turned out terrific! I absolutely love the soft brown/mocha that I've mixed in with pale blue, white & cream.

I think I'll have to make another one, as I just love this one. I also made a matching pillow cover for the single quilt.

Well I hope you all like the quilt.

Best wishes,
Jenelle

My Stuff...

2008-11-08T09:22:00.000+11:00

Finally...

2008-11-08T07:28:00.000+11:00

Well I've finally arrived at Blog land! Kathryn at Our Shabby Cottage asked if I was planning on starting my own, and I have finally gotten around to it! I've been so busy sewing orders this week, I've only just now had a few minutes to spare...