HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Happy Christmas everyone. I know that most of you will not be reading this on Christmas Day but my best wishes go to you all anyway. Firstly I would like to show you what my lovely Spirit of Christmas swap partner gave me....

They all blend lovely with our Christmas decorations. I love the coasters and they will be put to good use. I also love the dish cloth with the coffee cup pattern. I had seen these on her blog and hoped one would find its way into my package. Blossom also has such beautiful stitching that is so neat and even and the Santa hanging is lovely and finally the little angel which is so cute is hanging up in the lounge room. Thank you so much blossom your gifts are truly appreciated.

These are the gifts that I sent to her...

The small round one is a pin cushion that has steel wool in the top to sharpen her pins and needles. 

And some things for her girls...

These are little post-it note pads and chocolates.

I really had a lot of fun putting this together.

Well we are about ready to go to our families house for lunch so I had better sign off. 

Here's hoping you all have a lovely day and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

8o)

What I've been Up To

Look at what I got a couple of weeks ago....

Yes the next installment for my Pincushion of the Month, and no I haven't made the last one yet but I had decided that I would save them for the holidays as I have 4 weeks off, although the first week is Christmas week so I won't have much time for making things for myself.

We started our Christmas shopping yesterday, yes I did say started, and we got most of it done. I am having difficulty in coming up with something for my sweetheart but I am sure I will think of something. My 11yo son and I are going to be doing the Christmas cooking tomorrow, we are going to make Almond Cresents, Malto Balls and Gingerbread men. I will post photos of the finished products. These are things that are only made at Christmas time so as to make them special and things to look forward to having.

I may not have a chance to post again before Christmas so if not I wish you all a very happy day and would like you to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Last Day of School & a Sick Little Guy

Yes, today is the official last day of the school year. No more school lunches for the next 6 weeks. Wow six weeks sounds great. I wonder how long until I hear "I'm bored! There's nothing to do!" I actually have 4 of the 6 weeks off myself so it is going to be a great summer break.

My poor little guy (11) is home with a bad case of gastro today and he is terribly upset as he has had to miss out on his last day of school Christmas party, Kris Kringle (Secret Santa) and may even have to miss out on the special graduation event tonight. We are hoping that he may be better by then. He is currently having a really good sleep.

I also thought I would show you a picture of my very first blog prize.

Yes it is a wonderful stitchery from Janet at Wildcraft Farm. I am going to add it to my collection.

Also, do you remember this?

It has now turned into this...

A very cute camera pouch. I quilted it to make it a bit more bump proof, and I really love the way it has turned out. I am actually waiting on a new camera that will fit into it from Fly Buys. It should be here in about 6 weeks (at the end of the holidays).

And here is the Thank you card I made for my 11 yo's class teacher to go with her gift which I had to give her instead of him as he is home in bed.

I gave her the current issue of Handmade magazine, a box of Cadbury Favourites, one of my Needley Bit Stitcheries and a Hand Towel like this one but it has apples on it...

These hand towels are really fun to make and they are great to have on hand as they are a suitable gift for all types of occasions. The Pattern came from Homespun Magazine No.32 Vol.6 No.6. and I have used it a lot. You buy one hand towel and you make it into two because you have to cut it in half. It really is great value for money and they are so handy. I have previously made some for myself and I really do need to do some more.

Christmas Has Come Early

Look what arrived today...


Well actually it arrived yesterday but I wasn't home so I picked it up from the post office today. All these lovely gifts are from my lovely swap partner Blossom and are now sitting underneath my Christmas tree. I am looking forward to Christmas morning to see what surprises are inside, they all look and feel rather interesting.

Here are the gifts that I sent to her...


And these are for her girls...

I really had a lot of fun putting these together. I can't post photos of the actual gifts until Blossom has unwrapped them so when I find out when she has (probably not until after Christmas) I will show you what I sent. I know that one of the gifts really has her puzzled it is the little round one in the middle. I can't wait for her to see what I sent.

8o)

Can't Believe It's Christmas...

Another week down and now it is only 28 sleeps till christmas. We will be keeping to the Riches Stitches tradition of putting up our tree and decorations on Monday 1st December we feel that 1 month is long enough for having these things around. Quite a few of the decorations are handmade by me and have become favourites. Up until last year (when we got a new and bigger christmas tree) nearly all of the tree ornaments were handmade. I used to put on christmas bears, which I remember making I think for No.1 sons first christmas and also plain gold and red tartan bows. I must admit that I think it looked pretty nice... I managed to dig up a photo.

Now it is covered with coffee, latte and purple coloured baubles and coffee coloured tinsle. I had thought of making some cappuccino cup ornaments but they were going to be too heavy so still have to think that one through not to mention the amount I would need to make so that it doesn't look tacky. The only "odd" ornaments are the baubles that are for "Our first Christmas" and "Baby's First Christmas", I really like to have a neat and coordinated tree otherwise I think it looks messy. I also made a Christmas tree skirt for the bottom to hide the stand. It is a Bareroots pattern that was in Homespun No. 30 Vol.6 No.4. I think it looks lovely under the tree. 

The kids favourite is the advent calendar. This was also from a craft magazine but I  can't remember which one it was. I did change it from the original as I didn't like santa on it as we believe that Jesus it the reason for the season. It is hard coming up with new ideas to put in the little stockings each year but I think the last year was a hit with using Cadbury Favourites.

And lastly (for now) is the angel wall hanging that hangs by the front door. For the rest of the year it hangs upstairs in the foyer to our bedroom.

It is kind of sad that we put in a lot of work and effort on these projects and they only get seen for such a short period of time. But I guess thats one of the things that make the season special.

8o)

Spirit of Christmas Swap

Well I found out who my swap partner is and because she has me also I guess I can tell you. I was given Blossom so am looking forward to sending a special package her way. I really need to get busy with this as it needs to be posted by next week. I found out that she is very fond of purple, mauve, lilac violet lavender as well as pretty greens like sage and pinks. She likes just about anything except orange and yellow (that is fine by me). Like me she is not that fond of prim but likes brights and florals. She also doesn't mind a bit of shabby chic. Well armed with this information I think I should be able to russle up a little something from my stash as it seems that I have a bit of all of those things in there. I have already chosen the things I am going to create and put together so I will quickly do my chores and then maybe I can get started. It is amazing how quickly the housework can get done when there is a carrot dangling at the end of it (ie crafting time). As this is a surprise meant for Christmas I will not be able to post any photos until after Christmas day as Miss Blossom may be checking out my blog. I am truly looking forward to sharing the Spirit of Christmas with you Blossom.

8o)

Love Ikea

Last Saturday we met up with some great friends at Ikea for breakfast. If you haven't been there for breakfast before you don't know what you are missing out on. We got all of this

tomatoes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, baked beans and toast for just $4. A very affordable morning out for the family. We also paid $1.50 for bottomless cup of "real" coffee. We sat talking with our friends for 3 1/2 hours so had quite a few coffees then had a browse through the store. I truly recommend this outing to anyone as it is a value for money day out for the family.

I bought some great Heidi Swapp papers and rub ons at Spotlight a while ago and finally took the plunge and used it to make this thank you card for the lovely lady who co ordinates our Friday Craft group. I think I will have to make another one as it turned our really cute and I absolutely love it. 

I also love to decorate the envelopes as well especially on cards that I don't need to post as it covers up those lovely orange post code squares.

8o)

When a Handbag is not a Handbag (but something way more cute)

Look what arrived in my mail box today....

Isn't it wonderful? I love everything about this kit and the wonderful thing is that there is enough materials to make both the pincushion and the needle case. Notice the needle topper, it has a little house on it and is really cute. This was one of the sneak peeks that made me sign up for the pincushion of the month club in the first place. I can't wait to get making this one and will hopefully have a finished product to show you soon.

I also wanted to show you what I get to play with every Friday morning at craft.....

I love this machine it is so easy to use and is so much fun, it makes me feel as though I am a real barista. I find it a real joy to serve the ladies at craft each week and it is a real privilege to make them cafe style drinks. I honestly enjoy doing this as much as making craft items. I guess it is a craft in itself anyway. I guess that one of the things that God has gifted me with is a passion to serve people and I just love doing things for others. It makes me feel good to know that I can use this gift each week and put my whole self into it.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I am looking forward to hearing from Janet at Wildcraft farm to see who I am partnered with for her "Christmas Spirit" Swap. Entries are now closed.

8o)

Christmas Swap Open

Janet at Wildcraft Farm has opened the Christmas Swap till the end of the week as she was inundated with response from blogland (over 50 people). Because she can't possibly swap with everyone she is going to be pairing people up, so if you would like to join in, just jump on over to her site and sign yourself up.

8o)

Day After Craft Fair

I made it to the craft fair yesterday although I didn't really get to stay quite long enough. I was on a bit of a time schedule as I had to be back to help with Cafe Church. I ended up going with my lovely mum which was really great as we haven't been able to spend much time together lately. I only made a few purchases ....

I bought this lovely pattern for a Quilters Pocket from Blue Willow Cottage. I also bought some pretty Ric rac and three lots of cute buttons. I am looking forward to using all of these items. Unfortunately I didn't get to buy any fabric as I ran out of time. I did get to meet the lovely Sarah from Quilt Fabric Delights. It is really quite strange to meet people in real life that you read all about in blogland, you feel as though you have already met before as you have been reading all about their lives over a long (or short) period of time.

On another note, I have joined a one on one Christmas swap with Janet from Wildcraft Farm. She was so busy with life that she didn't get to sign up for the Secret Santa Swap held by Chooky Blue this year so sent a call out for someone to swap with her. As I didn't get to sign up either (I thought about it for too long and left it too late) I volunteered to swap with her. It seems that she had a few responses so she will now be very busy. I am looking forward to sending off some special gifts to her and hope that she likes them.

Dorcas Day & Slipper Night Done and Dusted.

Well I had Dorcas day today and I made another two teacup purses and a thread bin. I labeled and priced everything and managed to sell just one item which was one of my "Needley Bit" stitcheries. All I can say is that I am a step ahead for next craft camp where they have a craft shop and I may have more success there. 

Tonight we had a craft night which is called "Slipper Night". We have "Slipper Night" once a term and each one has a theme. The the idea is to come in your slippers which match the theme. Tonight I ran the cafe and I made Vanilla Slice and Jelly Slice for supper and I think they turned out pretty good. 

I am hoping to go to the Adelaide Craft Fair on Sunday so can't wait to see what is there and hopefully will be able to spend a little bit of pocket money there. I will let you know on Monday how it went.

I am guessing that Sara at Quilting Fabric Delights is very busy with the craft fair so has been unable to send our new Pin Cushion of the Month as yet. I can tell you that I am eagerly awaiting the next one and can't wait to see what it is.

8o)

Getting Busy

I woke up feeling very blah today so I took the day off work. Instead I worked on this...

at least now I have something to sell at Dorcas Day on Friday and with any luck may get a few more bits and pieces done.

8o)

Craft Camp Projects Complete

Another week since my last post. I do think in my head that I want to post more regularly than just once a week but the days just seem to go too fast.

Well I am back safely from Craft Camp (which I can't believe was a week ago) and managed to complete all of the projects that I took with me except for the Size 1 pyjamas as the pattern that I was using started at size 2. I think that they turned out really well.

The pincushion was quite fun to make. I did however have a few issues with the pattern as it wasn't really clear as to which embroidery stitches to use or give any directions on how to do them. Fortunately I was sitting next to a wonderful lady who is a whizz with a needle and she clearly explained to me how to do the stitches I wasn't too sure about. I wasn't going to do the beading but I think it just finishes it off. I am now ready and looking forward to next months Pin cushion.

I finished another Pencil Roll but I ended up giving it to my 11 yo son to use in his Shoe Box of Love and to be given to Samaritans Purse for Operation Christmas Child. I will make another one for my nephew for his birthday. I am actually thinking of making him one of these as he is going to be a full time kindy boy next year and he might find this more useful.

I am so sorry that this post took so long to put up but I was having a few problems with blogger not loading my photos and realised that I had saved them in the wrong format (won't do that again!).

I am now in the process of putting together a few items for 'Dorcas Day' which is what we call our craft stall day at Friday craft group. It is being held next Friday morning and I am hoping to get a few things together for it this week. As we have to man our own stall I will have to try and juggle myself between my stall and the cafe, I may have to combine them. It is named after a woman in the bible who was known for her fine dressmaking skills. Her story is found here.

Well that is all for now. I am hoping to get a bit done this week and hopefully have something to post later on.

8o)

Treasure Tuesday

I know that I haven't posted a Treasure Tuesday for a while but I couldn't come up with anything. Not that I don't have many things that I do treasure but I like to post the thing that just springs to mind when I think of it. 

Well today I am posting about my 'Fabric Stash'.

My stash is contained in a wardrobe drawer. It is not a very big stash in comparison to some but it is well loved. There are some pieces in here that I haven't found the perfect project for or that I can't bear the thought of cutting. Upon reading some other blogs out there I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. Sometimes I love to pull the drawer out and just sort through them all, just touching them and smelling them is quite therapeutic. I do have another drawer that has some of my plain coloured fabric and a plastic crate that contains my plain calico, wadding and Vlisoline however, I don't classify them in my stash. I must admit that a majority of my stash is made up of fabrics purchased from Spotlights remnant basket. They used to have a basket with plastic bags for $5 filled with fabric remnants and I used to love buying these and bringing them to a home where they would be loved and appreciated. I remember one time I brought the bag home to find that one of the remnants was nearly 2m in length and felt that I had really got a great bargain.

8o)

Merry Christmas Table Runner - Lynette Anderson Designs

Lynette Anderson wants us to show some of her projects that we have made from a while ago. I made her "Merry Christmas Table Runner" in 2003. 

I think I should have ironed it before taking this photo but I am a bit impatient sometimes.

This pattern was in the Christmas in July 2003 issue of Homespun Magazine. I wanted mine to look exactly the same as Lynette's but I couldn't find the bauble buttons that she had on hers, so I made my own using Sculpy clay. I think that this would be one of my favourite patterns that I have made and I think the end result was pretty good. I did leave off the Merry Christmas on the ends as I wanted to be able to use it all year round.

8o)

It's On Its Way

Here is what I have sent to my Stitchers Angel in Germany, although I had to take out the magazine as it was going to cost a fortune in postage to include it. 

There is my Armchair Caddy, Blue Wren Tote Bag, Thread Bin (pattern by Leanne of The Stitching Room), Covered Tape Measure (pattern by Lisa of Spoonful of Sugar)  Australiana Print Fat 1/4's and some handmade cards with matching envelopes.  I also added some Cadbury Furry Friends Chocolates which aren't in the photo (hopefully they won't be all melted by the time they arrive). I had great fun being involved in this swap and am looking forward to what will arrive in my own mail box sometime soon.

One week till craft camp. I think that I will make the Christmas presents for my nieces and nephews and also I will take my pincushion. I should be able to get these finished. I am so excited. 

Jane 8o)

I have made another baby gift this time for our Youth Pastors wife who had a baby boy on Friday. 

There is only one bib but it is reversible.

I also bought some fabric to be made into pyjamas for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. The first fabric on the left has coloured crayons printed on it so thought it would be ideal for some  pencil rolls.

I also received my next pincushion project from Pincushion of the Month club. 

This one is going to be interesting as there are a few techniques that I haven't done before. The first being a self covered button and the next is beading. I will post a picture of the finished project hopefully before the next one arrives.

8o)

We're Back

Back from a SA Short Break feeling refreshed. We spent a lovely couple of days here.

South Shores at Normanville. 

It was only an hour and a half drive from home so really was a short break. Ideal for those who hate long traveling. The accommodation was really nice as it isn't even a year old and there was so much room. As you can see we enjoyed some really great weather and it was ideal for flying our kite which was a lot of fun.

I have also finished my first pincushion of the month project. 

I think it turned out OK but as I had never actually worked with felt before there are a few things that I would have done differently. I think I should have done it all by hand  and not used the sewing machine as I couldn't sew an accurate seam. Well I guess you always learn something. I am now looking forward to what the postman should be bringing this week I will also be posting my Stitchers Angel project this week as well.

8o)

On holidays

I'm currently enjoying a short holiday in Normanville. Will post pictures when I get back soon. 80)

It's Finished

I finished my Angels Arm Chair Caddy yesterday and I must say that it has turned out better than I hoped. I really like the colour combination that I chose and hopefully she will like it to.

I have also made good headway with my pincushions from "Pincushion of the month club" and they are looking really cute. I am looking forward to collecting these and having a lovely display of different pincushions in my sewing room.

Also thought I would share with you about a Spring Craft camp at Wellington (near Murray Bridge) South Australia that I am going to at the end of October. It is a really great time to get away for a whole weekend (Friday night till Sunday afternoon) of uninterrupted craft time. All meals are provided and are always absolutely delicious and all for the really low cost of $75.00. If you would like any more information or an enrollment form just leave me a comment and I can get one sent to you.

8o)

The Quilting Class is Finished

Today was the last day of my quilting class and my students did a fantastic job, they all look so different because of the fabrics that they used. The first one is in blue/green fabrics and looks very floral.

This was made by Margaret and she put the applique bees on.

Mary used a feature fabric for her large snowball blocks and the rest of the the fabrics revolved around it to make a very 'girlie' quilt. I think that she did a fantastic job and you would never know that this was her first quilt.

There are still two more quilts to come and I will hopefully get some photos at the beginning of next term.

Have a great weekend.

8o)

A Special Softie for ME?

This arrived at my house yesterday.

 His name is "Stitchy". 

He was made by my 14yo son in his Textiles class and I think he did a pretty good job. He had finished his term project, which was a pair of boxer shorts, and had some spare time so decided to whip this up. I would claim him for my own as I really do appreciate the effort that has gone into it but my son really wants to keep him.

Here is a sneak peak at the stitcheries that I have completed for my Stitching Angels Armchair Caddy. I just need to put it all together and I will have completed two of the projects. 

As school holidays start next week I will have a bit more time so am hoping to complete all of the required projects and hopefully get my gift sent off to my Angel all the way over in Meldorf, Germany (this is a big clue as to who I have if she ever has a wanders into my blog). I would have loved to have sent lots of little treasures her way during the swap but as postage to Germany is so expensive I am going to have to put everything together in one package. I really do hope that she likes my gifts to her. 

I am really looking forward to seeing what comes my way, as I have been looking at other Angels blogs and there is some pretty impressive work being done out there.

Enjoy your Friday, I know that I will as we are looking at a day of 29 deg C. What beautiful spring weather we are having right now.

8o)

Treasure Tuesday

Book of Faith.

This was my introduction to scrapbooking. I don't think it is too bad considering... I must admit that I have learnt a lot and come a long way since first starting this. I must remember to take some photos of my most recent scrapbooking which was my Mum & Dad's 60th Birthday album.

It is my neices 2nd birthday tomorrow and this is the card that I have made for her.

My 11yo son also made a card for his special cousin who just loves him to bits.

He designed it all himself as well as choosing all of the papers and embelishments I really like it.

Well have a good day and I may catch you all later in the week.

8o)

Treasure Tuesday ......on Wednesday

Yes I know it is a day late but you know how it is. 

Todays treasure is the mothers day gift that my 11yo son made for me. 

It is a mothers day card with beautiful words inside and a tissue purse that he stitched himself. I think that he did a brilliant job with the button hole stitch and he said that he really enjoyed making it. His school teacher loves craft and enjoys getting the kids to make things for their parents for mothers and fathers day although she calls them Wonder Woman Day and Super Man day.

I have also made this for my niece for her 2nd birthday. 

It is a pencil roll for some pencils that I have to buy still. I am going to make a little bag to put these in with a note book so that she can have something to draw with when they go out.

Have a great rest of the week. I know I will be enjoying our lovely spring weather.

8o)