March FNSI Results

** Edit: This is also my entry for this month's FMQing challenge ... I have done another square since, with all of the patterns, but this is my favourite pattern ... I didn't really like them when I was drawing them (too messy), but this was definitely my favourite ... Also, my camera is not working at the moment ... **

It's taken me so long to get this posted as I am just so darn tired, lol!!  Basically, FNSI went WAY late (4.30am) ... probably because it started WAY late (11pm) and it needed to be ready for a 3yo's birthday party the next day!!  Nothin' like starting things at the 11th hour, huh?!

Earlier in the week I'd purchased a couple of colouring books, a drawing pad, and some crayola twistable crayons (less messy fingers!) ... I mean, what 3 year old doesn't love colouring?!!!

As this didn't feel like enough (lol, I ALWAYS feel this way!!!), I decided to make up a cover to 'house' these items ... kinda like the 'Dear Diary' journal cover by Joy.  I love how easy her pattern is to follow!! And, although I didn't actually follow it, I did keep it in mind while I was making it.


The main difference was that I had to use upright pockets in both sides ... and the size was quite a bit bigger.  It took me a good 20 mins to work out all my measurements, but since I did this first ... and did all required cutting prior to actually starting to make it up ... it took quite a bit less time that I thought! ... Though, I did machine bind it, rather than finishing it off by hand as I prefer!!

Inside

The only real problem I had was that I added a seam to the 'bug' pocket (the bottom) on the right, a little too high, which meant that the colouring book sits even to the top of the folder ... I was hoping it would sit nicely inside like the drawing pad on the left (did that make sense? lol!).  

The only frustration I have now over this was ... I only bought enough of this fabric for this ... no extra!!! ... Looks like I'll have to go back to Spotlight later in the week to try to get some more!! This would be perfect in a baby's blanket!!!

This was also the first time I tried out this month's FMQing challenge pattern ... or, at least one of them ... a basic swirly.  As I chose really well with the thread colour, it actually fades away fantastically into barely noticeable unless focussed on it ... so I can only show a 'back' shot ...

This time the quilting felt a lot smoother, and more even ... not so close either!! ... I am loving this pattern, and am thinking I might use it on the Aussie Hero Quilts I am putting together.  

Oh, on that topic, thank you for those who gave their suggestions for how to frame the blocks - I am loving the (general consensus) idea of having a thin blue border between the blocks and a deep brown/mahogany fabric.  

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Must go get dinner ready, then add a 'new' movie to the iPod to watch while doing a walk on the treadmill tonight .... I've done three days of Jillian Michael's 'Ripped in 30' workout video and I am feeling great!!  A shame I'm not loosing much weight yet, lol, but I am sticking with it a lot better!!  She recommends on the dvd, to work out 5-6 days per week, with four weeks of workouts on the dvd ... I have decided to do it on a three days on/one day cardio rotation, with some additional cardio (walking on the treadmill ... my knees and lungs give out on me when I try to jog or run too long!) on the 'on' days when I can add it in.  As I have 16.5 weeks to lose 20kgs before my 30th birthday in July, I have a long way to go!!  Better start counting those calories, lol!!

Have a great week!!!

Fun, Fun, Fun....!!

Yay!  I can finally post again!!!  (I've been having a few problems composing and then posting this last week, which is why I haven't written anything since last tuesday.)


Well, this last week has been wonderful for me!  Can you guess I'm a happy, happy girl? LOL
Why's that? you ask...  Well.... I got my car back!!!!  I have been car-less for 10 weeks - yes, TEN LOOOOG weeks!  Yes, it was my fault - I was the idiot who shouldn't have been driving as my mind was not really there, worrying about my little one on her first day at childcare, but I was on the road and I was the one who ran into the woman in front.  So, then it was my fault, and mine alone.  And yet, however hard it has been, I know God has used this time to teach me that I don't always have to do this by myself - I don't always have to be independent, I can lean on others' shoulders, especially His, when times get tough. That I can count on Him when I feel I'm not coping, lean on his strength and his patience when I need to.I need to learn that.  I needed to remember that.

So, yes, I am with car now - Whoopee!!

Lol, but that isn't all!  I got F.A.B.R.I.C!!!  [Okay, a little insane too!]

A few weeks ago I ordered some fabric from Patchwork Plus and by Friday it had finally arrived - Yippee!!!  

So, what did I get?  Well, I am loving florals, for some reason, these days, so in this package arrived: Dilly Dally by Me & My Sister Designs for Moda (charm pack), Fresh Flowers by Deb Strain for Moda (cp), Dragonfly Summer by Holly Taylor for Moda (cp), some Bella Solids in white by Moda (cp), and a jelly roll of Bliss by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.

So, okay, I know it's only fabric - but this is the first charm packs and jelly roll I have purchased - ever!  I normally get normal dressmakers fabric, fabric cut to size, or fat quarters.  This is big [yes, that insanity is really showing now!]

I am planning to use the jelly roll for the Vignette Hexagon Quilt by Leanne Beasley - a favourite designer of mine.  I am also keen to join in on her BOM Mystery Quilt which is looking gorgeous, but I need to find the money for the fabrics yet, so that will be a future thing probably!  I'm not sure yet what I am going to use the charm packs for, but more likely experimenting.

But then, there's more, lol!

I received my 'Pay it Forward' gift from Jan-Maree of Cherry Red Quilter.  As she quoted of Kim who sent her a gift 

"Some in the blogging world are starting to pay it forward thru their blogs.  The theory is if you do something good for three people, and those people each do something for three more people, and this keeps on going, hundreds and hundreds will be touched.

Fellow bloggers I encourage you to join me and continue this thru your blog."

I LOVE Jan-Maree's work, eagerly wondering what delightful creation she has to show her followers next, so of course I got rather excited when I realised I would be the first to comment.  I've loved the idea of Pay It Forward since seeing the film all those years ago, and seeing it 'play out' in 'blogland' is crazy fantastic in my book!  This week my little gift from Jan-Maree arrived and I love it!  It is a pink and purple shoulder bag that is just the right size to put all that paraphernalia I inevitably find I need to carry with me for a day out with my daughter!  She also included four very cute buttons to use for something for little L, and some (yes, already eaten) Ferrero Rocher chocolates (Yum!!).  And that card & envelope set is just delightful - just like a pieced quilt!!! *heart*

  And in Jan-Maree's words:

Now it is my turn to Pay it Forward - the first three little birdies who leave me a comment below will receive a small handmade gift from me.

Please make sure I can contact you through your blog or via email to get mailing/contact information and PLEASE tell me your favourite colour(s)!!

Even if you don't continue to do pass on the Pay it Forward on your blog (and maybe you don't have one and that is okay!) I hope I at least brighten your day with my gift and you in turn pass on at least a cheery smile or a kind deed to someone in your world!

While I realise I only have nine followers, I would really love to brighten your day in a small way if you are wanting a fun little gift - for no reason, but for just being you!  If I receive no comments - or not all three, I will then pass it on to someone in 'my world' who won't be expecting it.


So that's it then.  My exciting week.  A fixed car, a package of fabrics I purchased and a gorgeous, secret gift from Jan-Maree.  Fantastic!  Hoping for more goodness this week, lol.