Where have I been?

I have just in the last couple of weeks started back at work full time, after a year's maternity leave. It has certainly been a shock to the system and it is hugely busy. I haven't done any quilting and I really miss it. I have a number of blocks to do so this weekend is the time. If you are waiting for an October block from me then never fear as I will definitely get it to you by the end of October!

Happy stitching :-)

Christmas and Mosaic Swaps

I received a lovely block from Debbie in the UK today, through IFQ's Mosaic Block Swap. I was a little concerned that it got lost as it took about three weeks to arrive but here it is. It's much more orange in real life, and so lovely.

And here is a sneak peek of my September Christmas block for Rosemary. I did finish it last night before midnight, so just in time! I'll post it this afternoon so she'll hopefully receive it early next week.

Let the Sunshine In!

I was lucky enough to receive a Sunshine Award from Cathy this week! I started a blog not worrying if anyone would read it, but predominantly because I thought that if I wrote about my projects, I would feel more accountable and might get them finished quicker. Hmm, instead I discovered block swaps and do more blogging (and reading other peoples' blogs) than quilting. BUT I have made some lovely bloggy friends along the way!

So, I would like to pass the Sunshine Award onto Lizzie, Leona and Christine. All these ladies are spearheading huge projects to bring some sunshine to others, so I hope this brings a little bit of sunshine to them!

Christmas Shopping

I went to one of the local fabric stores yesterday - they had a sale on Christmas fabrics so I bought some for the swap. Time to get cracking on Rosemary's block, before I find out who my next partner is!

I also have to get the hang of posting photos so I can do it a bit more artistically next time....

Pay it Forward - Craft Style!

I've joined Crafty Pug's pay it forward for 2010/2011. This means that she has committed to making me one hand-made item within 12 months, and I in turn have committed to finding three people to make hand-made items for. Those three people need to make items for three people and so it goes on....

So, what do you need to do? If you would like to join, just post a comment below and I will get in touch with you. I will then make one hand-made item for you, and you will then need to post on your blog and find three people to join you.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping to spread the crafty love....

Happy stitching :-)

More Block Swaps

DH has been home this week, so there hasn't been much time for sewing or blogging. He's off at work tonight so of course instead of quilting, I'm blogging about quilting! I've done some more of Lesley's quilt - I now have five out of 24 blocks done. I also did most of Block 4 from the Chocolate Coated BOM, but have to revisit it. I cut 3½" squares instead of 4" squares which was slightly problematic when trying to piece them as you can imagine.

Here are some great blocks I received this week:

Terry made this Mosaic Block for me for the IFQ swap:

And here is the one Donna made for me:

Here is the block Rosemary made for me for the Quilting Block Swaps Australia Christmas swap:

I love how she has fussy-cut the stars to match the main fabric.

Sue made this block for me as my September Quilting Block Swaps Australia partner:

And this is the block I made for Sue:

Alex sent this block as my August partner:

And finally, here is my block from Cecelia who was my August partner at Quilt Block Swap:

I love how these blocks are all so different - I asked for 12" blocks in purple and orange and each one is beautiful. I have the beginnings of a very nice quilt I think! It's also lovely getting to know these beautiful women through our common love of quilting.
Before the end of September, I need to make Rosemary's Christmas block and a log cabin for Virginia. My nieces also have their 13th birthday this month, so I need to get their gifts organised. The scary thing is that I will be going back to work soon which means I will have a lot less quilting time. Aargh!

Happy sewing :-)

More Worthy Causes

One of my blogger friends alerted me to Lizzie's post. She is trying to organise a quilt for a fellow SCQuilter, Sue, who is seriously ill. How loved will Sue feel when she receives a beautiful quilt made from blocks from fellow quilters around Australia, and the world? Lizzie's email address is on her blog so you can find out where to send them....

Another blogger friend, Leona, is organising a quilt for her sister Tammy who is also ill. What a wonderful way to show her sister how much she is cared for. For more details please see her blog, which has details of how to get in touch with Leona.

If you have an orphan block or half an hour to spare to make some blocks for Sue or Tammy, please consider doing so.

Thank you :-)