I am excited! Front cover!

I am totally over the moon with delight!

My bag I made for Down Under Quilts is on the front cover of the magazine and all by itself…Wow!! How excited I am!

When the lovely Deborah from Down Under Quilts asked me to make a bag in pink I just got all excited and sewed my little heart out and this is what I came up with.

I called it Pink Passion.

Its a great magazine and you can get an online version of it too…you just have to register with your email address…great for those overseas.

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Also all the fabulous Gum Nut Girls are having fabulous giveaways and soon they will be ending so hurry and get your name down for your chance to hopefully win.

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Did you see Joy’s from JoyPatch’s? She is having 4 of her quilt-as-you-go patterns - "Diamonds and Braids", "Dragonflight", "Jelly Charm" and "Slice and Dice" also be including some gorgeous charm squares to get you started from the Moda Fig Tree Quilts range - "Gypsy Rose"!!! Like Wow!!! So pop on over to her blog.

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And Judith from Creative Studio has some lovely goodies too! Go and have a look at her blog too and enter for a chance to win her goodies..

Her Giveaway will be ; a pattern by Australian Designer 'Lynette Anderson' and a packet of Lynette's handmade wooden buttons to use in the pattern, 3 fat eights to start you on your way with the delightful stitchery cushion in the pattern and; one of her pieces of hand work; a calico baking throwover cloth, with a prim design.

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I have finally worked out how to link a URL to a picture so click on the picture and it will take you to their blogs :)

Oh how I wish I could enter these giveaways…its killing me not being able to!

Hugs to all…….Vicki

Tutorial on how to do Scallops

Quite a few have asked how do I make scallops. Well I finally got my act together and did this tutorial for you.

They really are very easy to do and are very effective on Table runners and quilts.

First of all you work out how many scallops will fit around the quilt or table runner. To do this you need to measure the outside area. Then halve that, then quarter it and keep doing this until you have the size of the scallop you want. This will give you an correct measured amount of scallops.

Then find something to trace around to give you the size of half circle you want. First of all draw a straight line along the length of paper. Then draw around to get your half circles.

Measure 1/4 inch from the first straight line and rule another one below this (this is the cutting line). Measure 1/4 above the half circles and draw in the second set of half circles (this is the cutting line).

Trace this onto cardboard.

Place the cardboard template along the edge of the fabric (on wrong side) with straight edges together.

 

Trace around the half circles with a HB lead pencil or your choice of quilting pencil. Keep moving the template along until you get the right amount of scallops you want.

Cut above the half circles but in a straight line the full length of your traced scallops. Cut another piece of fabric the same length and width. You should have two lengths now but you only need to trace onto the one.

Pin together with right sides facing.

Sew along the inner circle carefully, and trim the top above the half circles.

Carefully clip into the points making sure you don't clip the stitching.

Then turn it out to the right way and finger press to bring the points as flat as you can.

You will have to give it a gentle push and pull to bring the points flat. Then gently press with an iron and trim the straight edge to a 1/4 inch from the points and sew onto your Quilt edge or Table runner or what ever takes your fancy.

Hope this has helped and made it easier for you to have a go at doing these. I love doing them!

hugs to all……Vicki

~Spring Flowers Stitcheries~

I love Spring and the thought of spring’s lovely warm weather and gorgeous flowers blooming everywhere made my creative juices flow.

I made 5 different pretty flowery stitches that can be stitched onto any thing your heart desires.

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I have decided to have these available on here to purchase in Australian dollars and if you want to get them in US dollars then they are available thru my Etsy store. Just click on the BUY NOW button under the little Spring Flowers button (on the right of my blog) or go to my Etsy Store by clicking on the Etsy button on the right of my blog.

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I will email a pdf to you once payment is verified by Paypal.

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I have made these into a couple of little ??? and I will show you these a little later on.

But for now do enjoy sewing them.

hugs to all…….Vicki

Just another update and a giveaway

I wanted to say thanks to those who are letting me know that they have posted thier gifts off to their partners for the Hugs swap and its great for me to keep a record and it will help me keep track of it all. So can everyone else please let me know when you post so I can put your name in 'green' on the list and once your goodies get to thier destination and I have been told of this I will put your name in a pretty purple. All colour coded :)
The list is a little way down my blog...just scroll down and see it on the left hand side.
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My dear friend Jenny of Elefantz has some awesome goodies for her giveaway she is having to Celebrate the launch of the Among the Gum Tree Blog, so pop over to her blog and enter for a chance to win some fabulous goodies..

so go and check it out

Hugs to all.......Vicki

How’s your Mug Hug swap going?

 

It’s getting close to posting time for your Mug Hug and Mug Mat swap items.

Have you finished yours?

Hhmmm…I am working on mine today and will have them ready to post tomorrow to my partner.

September 25th is the day that you are to post so they receive them by the 5th of October 09. 

Just remember to give them a quick email telling them that you have posted yours to them and when you receive yours from them, email them again and let them know you have got it and to thank them.

We would love it if you put up a picture of yours and let either Jenny or myself know so we can link it back to you. How exciting this is…Hugs all around the world :)

There were a couple who sent me pictures in an email and for some reason they didn't save properly and I have lost them….could you please email me them again and after the ‘Opening’ day I will put them up on my blog because I do remember you all didn't have blogs. So sorry about that..*sad face*

Hugs to all……Vicki

~Roses are Blooming~

This is an easy design that I enjoyed doing and I thought you would like it too. If you click HERE a pdf will open for you and you can save it to your computer and print it out.

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Of course the design can go on anything you like but it is my original design so it's for personal use only.

Enjoy and happy sewing ♥

I am still reading all your fabulous blogs and I am still being amazed at all of you and what you all get up to. It has been great reading and I do read all your comments and if I don't get to answering yours you know I have read it and as I said before there just isn't enough time to answer all of you. ♥

Hugs to all……Vicki ♥

Giveaways are such fun!

Have you been having fun looking at all the giveaways all us Gum Nutters are having. Hope your fingers arent worn out from typing up all your comments hehehe. I am still reading each and every one and am loving hearing from you all. I havent answered each individually as I just wouldn't be away from this computer.

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I want to tell you about Fiona's giveaway she is having on her blog Mothers Cupboard she has a complete kit to make her "Family Love" wall quilt. The kit includes :- stitchery fabric, border and binding fabric, backing fabric plus easy to follow instructions and a pack of Madeira Variegated Rayon Thread. so go on over and enter :) Sooo many goodies ......

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I have done another item for my Stitchers Angel and I do hope she likes it. Its a bookmark and I thought it was a good idea as its flat and doesnt weigh too much to send. My partner is in Spain so its rather exciting knowing my goodies are going all the way to Spain.

I designed this little bookmark and I will have the pdf available soon for you to download very soon. I just got to write it up etc.

Have a great day or night where ever you are

hugs to all.......Vicki

Stitcher's Angel goodies.....

I have been a little bit busy making my Stitchers Angel's goodies. I really loved this little Needlebook by Natalie Lymer. It's so cute and well... I couldn't just make one..I had to make two! One for me also.

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I wish I could enter Dawn's giveaway she is having cause I love what she has put together to give some lucky winner for the special launch of the Among the Gum Trees blog.

I especially love the pegs! But look what else she has got - A 'Millies Market Day Bag' pattern by Janelle Wind, 1/2 mt (.45yd) of blue floral fabric, 2 fat quarters 1pink spots, 1 blue allover paisley, 3 skeins of DMC vareigated thread, 1/2 doz vintage wooden pegs, 2mt (1.8yd) of blue ricrac + a few little surprises because she loves surprises ...

Well..don't you! I know I do and who ever wins this is going to be wonderfully surprised.

Have a look at her giveaway on her blog Dawn Hay Designs and leave a comment telling her how much you want to win all her goodies :)

How have you all been going with leaving comments on all the Among the Gum Tree designers blogs? I bet your fingers have been going flat out! I hope you have had fun hopping from one blog to the next and seeing what we all have and I cant wait to tell you what we are all going to show you next...its so exciting!

Have a fun day or night....Hugs to all.....Vicki

A Giveaway over at Cheryl's Blog

Have you gone over to Cheryl's blog Willoberry Designs to see what she is giving away in her giveaway? I wish I could figure out how to be an alias!! I would go and sign in for it....

Look at what she has...

2 x Willowberry Designs patterns - 'Christmas Treats' and the 'Sampler Embroidery Folder', a bundle of gorgeous vintage print fabrics in muddy mauves and pinks, laces, buttons and other bits n pieces of mushy stuff that's just lovely to look at....your very own personalised needle book.... it's almost finished, just waiting for her to stitch your name on it :-)

So hows that for a great giveaway?? Absolutely gorgeous things....go and have a look as there are more pictures of all the things she is giving away.

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I have been rather busy doing some sewing but I wanted to tell you about Cheryl's giveaway and soon ...maybe next week I will have a pattern to show you all.

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I got the latest Handmade magazine today in the mail and I was flicking thru the pages and came across Judith's gorgeous Christmas bag and then my Angel wall hanger!! I didnt know they were going to publish it...nice surprize. The magazine had it in there for over two years now and I didnt think they were going to worry about publishing it...Gee...my sewing has improved lots since then hehehehe..

It's funny looking back on your things you make...

Hugs to all......Vicki

Sew Useful Designs Giveaway!!

Have you seen the gorgeous Vikki's giveaway she's having on her Sew Useful Designs blog? If you havent pop on over and have a look...its awesome!

She is one generous lady and we told you that there was going to be lots of fun with the new blog..Among the Gum Trees.

Go on ....go and check it out as there is lots of yummy patterns she is giving away...Awesome!!

Thanks to everyone who has left comments....I have read all of them and had a very fabulous day visiting your blogs....so many delightful blogs!! I didnt have time to leave comments but I will be back again as this day was a busy one with family and here and there.

Have a great day

hugs to all......Vicki

*A Giveaway to Celebrate*

I am having a giveaway to celebrate two things..

The first is my 200th post! and I want to thank all of you for reading what I get up to and keeping me going, as without you all, I wouldn’t have the desire to tell you things and show you things.

The second reason is the launch of the Among the Gum Trees blog. That was so exciting yesterday wasn’t it? Lots of good things coming your way.

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So for my giveaway I would like to give one lucky winner this bundle of goodies. There are 5 FQ’s in different prints and a little pin cushion I made, a Christmas table mat with cinnamon inside so that when a warm casserole is put on it, it lets off a lovely aroma (I made this also). Also two Australian magazines and if I find some other things to add to it then I will put them in the bundle.

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Ok….Now what I would like for you to do to enter in my giveaway.

One Entry - put the Among the Gum Trees button (& link it to the Among the Gum Trees blog) on your blog’s sidebar. The button is at the top of my blog.

One more Entry -  become a follower of Among the Gum Trees blog.

and another Entry - become a follower of my blog.

Please leave comments for all of these so I don't have a hard time to count them up.

For those who don't have a blog please leave me an email address so I can get in contact with you if you are the winner. If I don’t hear back from you in a week of the draw then I will draw another one.

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Also as you would have read yesterday on the Among the Gum Trees blog that the other 8 girls are having a giveaway to celebrate the launching of the blog so pop on over to their blogs too and enter their giveaways. Oh what fun!!!

With 9 of us all having giveaways we will all be having a look at who has put the Among the Gum Trees button onto your blog, so if you have already put it on please say so in your comments to get your entry.

So spread the word and tell everyone you can and on the 30th of September 09 I will draw a winner.

Hugs to all…….Vicki

Exciting launch of Among the Gum Trees!

         This exciting day has finally arrived!

Yay…yay…\o/\o/\o/\o/ I am doing the happy dance!!!

It’s the day for *our* big secret to be revealed and *we* can share with you our fantastic new blog entitled

Among the Gum Trees.

 

In a (gum) nut-shell, this is what we’re all about:

A merry band of Australian designers sharing a few of our original and varied designs freely for your personal use.

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Among the Gum Trees is the brainchild of Jenny of Elefantz, who has brought together nine established and emerging designers to offer something new and exciting to the world - their own original designs – to download free of charge!

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Free of charge?! Are we mad?! Well, no we’re not insane, but we do affectionately refer to each other as “the nutters”, and we look forward to sharing our designs, our news, and our ‘nutty’ journey with you along the way, and among the gum trees!

So when is all of this happening?

Pop over to the Among the Gum Trees blog and have a read of what we are all up to.

It’s sooooo exciting!!!!

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Because we are a generous bunch of nuts, we are EACH HAVING A GIVEAWAY to celebrate the launch of Among the Gum Trees blog. And you can enter them all! But because we have become so good at teasing… we will be launching our giveaways tomorrow!!!

So in the meantime please start spreading the word and add our ‘Among the Gum Trees’ button to your blog! (The button at the top)

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With a free Christmas design offered to you weekly you will have your handmade Christmas all wrapped up with time to spare!

I look forward to launching my giveaway tomorrow; and if you become a follower of Among the Gum Tree’s and my blog I will give you an extra entry!

Until then… embrace the gumnuts!

Hugs To All………Vicki

A new project & my Aunts goodies

I have finally got to taking some photos so you can see what I am working on at the moment.

I love flowers and stitching them has been a delight.  Still some sewing to do and so cant show you the finished piece…

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In the next issue of Down Under Quilts is a lovely bag I designed for the magazine. Its mostly pink to go with their theme they are having for the October issue Number 137.

So there’s a few sneak peeks at things to come. I still get very excited seeing my ‘ideas’ in the magazines.

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Oh Yes!! My dear Aunt’s goodies she sent me….I did say I would show you….there is heaps and heaps of laces….I just love it all. And she is going to send me another bag of goodies soon too…I feel so privileged to have these from her.

Lots and lots of goodies *Grin*

Soon there is going to be a big reveal of the secret that's going on. Not long now

It will be worth the wait :)

Hugs to All…….Vicki

A Fabulous Parcel and 9-09-09

I had to do a post on this day as it will never be this date again for a long long time. It’s rather scary thinking about when it will be this date again…9-09-2109? I wonder who will look back at this post I am making now and think about who I am and what I liked and loved and did and all that?

On another note I got a fabulous parcel in the mail today..My lovely Aunt sent me it and its full of her collection of laces, laces and more laces, needles and fabric and even a wonderful Thimble! It looks like it is bakelite but I am not sure. I will take a photo tomorrow as I have had a busy day today doing some sewing and other things. I can’t show you what I have been sewing as its not finished yet.

It feels good to be sewing again and I want to thank all of you who asked how my wrist is going. The break is all healed!! But rheumatism has set in and it is giving me a fair bit of pain now and again. But I will overcome it…Got to think positive!!

Hugs to All…..Vicki

Sweet Nostalgia BOMs and something*

I just wanted to tell you about Dorothy's gorgeous Sweet Nostalgia BOMs she is going to be giving away each month very soon. They are going to be lovely to stitch and I am sure you will enjoy collecting them. Dorothy is also having a giveaway so pop on over to her blog and have a look.

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I hear there is *something* in the air?? Mmmm I wonder what that could be.

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Do you like secrets? or are you one of these people who go mad with wanting to know what is going on?

I can usually wait to know what the secret is and not get too curious but I do know there are some who 'just' have to know what its all about.

Well there is definately something in the air and soon all will be revealed. *grin*

Hugs to all.......Vicki

*Hugs Swap Names have been drawn*

Today has finally come and everyone should have received an email saying who your partner is. If you haven’t received an email check your Spam box as it might be in there. There was one email that bounced back to me so please email me with your email address so I can let you know who your partner is and your partner can contact you too. Please DENYSE CARVALHO reply to my email or this post.

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The list of names that are on the sidebar of my blog is the half that I have and Jenny has the other half. So if you are not listed on my blog check out Jenny’s blog.

Also Paula has so generously given another gorgeous design for the Hug Swap if you want to use it. Just pop on over to her blog and download the pattern. Too cute!!

I hope you all have lots of fun sewing up lots of hugs to send all over the world :)

hugs to All…….Vicki

* Its very close to beginning *

It is very close to beginning...

that is the Hug Swap that Jenny and I are hosting.

You have until the end of today to sign up and then tomorrow the draw will begin :)Just send Jenny or myself an email to sign up with your details.

Do pop over to Jennys blog as she has a tutorial on how to make a Mug Hug and the Mug Mat and also has a gorgeous design that you can download to use on your Mug Hug and Mug Mat.

You can also use my Angel On My Heart BOM

for them too as the theme is sending lots of hugs around the world...how good is that :)

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Also Paula from Sew much time, Sew little fabric blog, is so very generously giving a gorgeous fairy design that you can use if you want to as well...

Too cute! So go on over to her blog and download it and tell her thanks very much in her comments :)

Hugs to All.......Vicki

I am excited!! Wooo…hooo!!

Today I got my fabrics that I ordered from America!! I lurve them all!!! Oh oh Oh!! pure delight!

They came in this neat box!

 

They didn't take that long to get to me either which I am even more thrilled about…Oh just look at them :)

*Doing the happy dance here*

I have fondled and I have drooled and fondled again. :)

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I am afraid Bec…I blew my fabric diet!

You did say if I fell off the wagon and got back on that it would be ok didn't you? I needed a big pick me up after I broke my wrist..*whine*

But now I will try to stay on it as I am going on a Chocolate diet too now…no more choccie for me until I have lost several kilos!!

Ohhhhhhhh…..Chocolate!! Oh well I will just drool over my new fabrics…..yummmm!

I think I am getting to be nearly 200 posts..

so you all know what that means don't you?

Means I talk alot!!

Nah…soon I will have to have a look and see what I can have for a giveaway :)

I know everyone likes them, I know I do :)

Take care and hugs to All…..Vicki

Well I couldn’t just make one!

I really loved these little bags and so I just had to make 3 of them.

Helen Stubbings has her Stitchers Angel swap going and this was the first design to be released for it.

I haven’t started the next one by Natalie Lymer yet but now that I have a few things out the way and my bung wrist is coming good I can finally get stuck into what I want to do.

May Britt has her design up now too so there’s lots of stitchery's to fiddle around with.

I had some of the waffle fabric that Helen used so I was totally thrilled to use it to make it look pretty similar to Helen’s one. Don't know if I will send this to my swap partner yet but probably will…decisions decisions!! I know I want to keep at least two for Christmas pressies.

Hugs to All……Vicki

Hurry over ...It ends today

Mama Spark of Mama Spark's World is having an amazing giveaway but you better hurry as it ends at noon today....

Hugs to all......Vicki