my baby girl had her very first dance concert today – they were just soooo cute….and i was one very proud mum along with two very proud big sisters…..
I am also proud to say that after three girls and three dancing schools I still haven’t had to sew a single sequin..thanks costume team…
hugs for my baby today
Helen
calling all angels – just to let you know that apparently we have postal strikes in Brazil and the UK so things may be slowed a little with your parcels getting through. If this is affecting you mailing perhaps now is a good time to email your partner and let her know that it is ready but cannot yet be posted. If you were expecting a parcel then just give it a little longer to get through to you.
on a more positive note:
Before Houston I was madly getting some new patterns ready for release and you have all been very patient with me on my return to let you all know they are ready!!!! so, if you have read this far, then to thank you, a giveaway……yayyy
firstly – in line with my travel hints I designed and stitched some travel bag and accessories…
so this pattern includes 12 label designs you can stitch and colour if you like (including iron on transfers), some text labels like ‘this bag belongs to…’ with transfers, instructions to make the bag tags, the market badge holders (the little bag you wear around your neck to hold your name badge plus business cards, mobile phone and maybe a bit of cash – and the travel bag - this did not leave my shoulder for the whole trip to Houston. It has two zippers (don’t worry, really easy method of putting them in) and then a large inner pocket. I had my credit and ID cards in the bottom zipped pocket, some cash and lip balm in the next one and my passport, travel docs and boarding passes slipped into the inner bag for easy access when going through security etc.And it was really an ‘extra’ bag I managed to slip onto all planes with!
Secondly, the Belle of the Ball pattern is finished and ready to go.
So apart from Zlatka’s who is on its way I have two more to give away. Leave a comment on my blog then post about this on your blog to have an entry to win either of these two patterns. I will draw the winners on Monday so I can have them in the mail before I head to Melbourne next week.
If you cannot wait you can find them here..
hugs to you all
Helen
have you heard that expression? I don’t think I've heard if for years but I do remember my mum using it when we were little.
Over the weekend to appease my guilt (at going to the Gathering instead of taking MissM to her first rowing regatta at Lake Barrington with her new club) I decided to make a start on a new MissM quilt and do the sewing for her. I managed to pick up three different fat quarter packs at sample spree in Houston for her… she loved them all thankfully but the first we chose to work with was the new range by Chez Moi called, you guessed it,,,’Hunky Dory’.
Tess is claiming ownership of this one when its done! I like it so far I think – and MissM was impressed – what do you think?
I’ll let you in on a little secret – this whole fat quarter pack (at least 2 kgs) was smuggled home in the lining of my jacket – I did tell you about those travel tips didn't I? thankfully it was too warm to have to wear my jacket as it would have looked like I was carrying an extra 10kgs on my hips I am sure!!! When flying now every pound counts and the only thing they don’t weigh is you!
hugs for today
Helen
Yesterday was the Quilted Crow Christmas Gathering, held twice yearly at Campania. Yesterday 80+ like minded women joined together to stitch, chat and eat yummy things in the most perfectly decorated country hall.. as always the girls went above and beyond in their preparations to make the day special for all…
The lovely and talented Jo helped out while I had the girls in Houston and made all the name tags and bag decorations
can you guess who the tutors were this time?
it was great to see the girls again and manage a quick chat in between their duties..
Everyone got one of these yummy Christmas hearts in their goody bags..
Ladies travelled from all over Tassie, Victoria, NSW and even WA this time, word is getting out and their was a very long waiting list this time…. all testament to the great day it is.
I had a lovely warm stitchy day and came home feeling refreshed and ready to get back into it. Tomorrow I’ll show you what I have been whipping up before Melbourne.
hugs, Helen
Dear Angels, well the time is almost upon us - your three goodies MUST be in the mail no later than this Friday. If for some reason you are going to be late PLEASE contact your angel and let her know - as long as you have communicated with her I am sure she will be fine about it. With Christmas mail almost upon us be aware that parcels could take up to a month to arrive, if after this time they haven't then you can start hassling me to chase up your angels. I would encourage all of you though to make contact with your partners now by email and either reveal yourselves or at least let her know you have posted her package. I am getting emails everyday from concerned swappers who have had no contact at all from their Angels.
As a reminder the rules of the swap you signed up for (and therefore agreed to) are:
- you must have a blog to participate (this is so we can try and find you when your halo drops, so partners can establish what you like and so you can publicly thank your angel when goodies arrive, and she then knows they have made it) (this does not apply to our 'blogless' list)
You must be willing to partner internationally
- if your packages do not arrive and we cannot locate you your name will be permanently blacklisted from any further swaps and freely given to other swap divas who ask so PLEASE only enter if you are willing and able to complete your commitment. (this does not apply to life’s unexpected happenings – we all understand things happen, but it only takes a quick email to let us know and we will then understand and/or make other arrangements).
-The theme of the swap is Roses so all of the free projects will be small items featuring roses. You don't have to make the free projects but you do need to make three things of choice for your secret Stitcher. To make this fun we will keep your identity a secret! You can reveal yourselves anyway you like at the end of the swap.
-the final deadline for posting will be October 30th
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It is good manners and helps to keep track of things to thank your partner when a parcel arrives. Do this on your blog so she can keep track without revealing her identity. PLEASE PLEASE post your goodies on your blog with a thankyou there and directly to your angel when you know her identity.
Sorry if the tone of this message sounds harsh, but as many of you know a good swap is one where everyone follows the rules and joins in the spirit of the swap. As hostess I hear all the good and the bad and I really want this to be good for you all. I know I am about to be barraged about fallen angels...so am getting in early to encourage you all to make this a great swap.
hugs to all angels out there
Helen
Lots of piccies showing up of all the yummy things flying around the world to you…..
whilst its exciting to jetset around the world,gee its good to be home again. After about 30 hours of travelling we finally made it here last night, safe and sound. Had the roughest flying on our descent into Hobart after smooth skies for the rest of the trip.
a few final memories, friends and laughs…
now its back to reality and preparations for the Australian quilt market in Melbourne in 3weeks.
hugs to you all from the Hugs ‘n Kisses studio in Hobart once more…
Helen
well its day one of Festival today. Last night we went to the preview of the quilt show – some magnificent quilts but you are probably seeing them everywhere on blogs. I will show you some of the Aussie quilts – we did really well with several Aussie ribbons.
This is Wendy Tomes from Hobarts Hoffman Challenge quilt, how exciting for her to have it accepted for the exhibition and tour.
hopefully I remember these correctly, this is Beth Millers quilt
yes it is rusty corrugated iron
Dianne Firth
Helen Goddens Kookaburras (I did spot the other two sisters here today but not sure if Helen is here)
Rachelle Denneny
Jocelyne Leath – note the blue ribbon!
Ruth Bloomfield – and a red ribbon
Vicki Jenkins of Victoria
hope i haven't missed any, you did us proud girls…the quilts from all around the world are magnificent and it has been a pleasure to be a part of it.
hugs for today, time for bed now, two days to go….a few classes and a tad more shopping to be done, I am sure we can squeeze just a couple more pounds into those jacket pockets..
hugs for today from Houston still
Helen
for those of you have never been to market here are some before and after pics from setup day.
our 3 booths when we first walked in..,
we are in row 500 out of 2100
you cant believe it can go from this to…..this
after setup and 4 schoolhouses we had to head for sample spree, 2 hours of shopping frenzy.. we had a fantastic night..
by the time we got home at midnight there wasn't a thing open so we had to order in a pizza which didn't arrive until 1.30 and was the size of a truck!!! so it was a looooong day, but all is good. Day two of trading today, catching up with many but enough photos for one blog, catch you again when we have time.
hugs
Helen
hot diggity dog, its hot here…but its fun….
Helen
two days of shopping in 35 degree 100% humidity and I think we are all shopped out – well Deirdre certainly is….Halloween AND cowboys!!
some iconic Houston pics for you all…well iconic to us!
a water tower…
the roof of the Houston centre
the Halloween aisle at Walmart , they spent up big here, watch
out Tassie.
one of a string of stretch limos outside the Toyota centre last night where Kings of Leon were playing. This one was taking the parents of a band member home…
The Toyota centre
This is our hotel, and no I haven't learnt how to do soft focus on my new camera - the humidity was so high the camera fogged up with condensation
The view from the doorway – if you can see it, some US icons.
reliable Fedex truck, always on time?
not sure what this is but there is a LOT of mirrors and glass, everything is lovely and green and neat.
the old yellow school bus.
Then we had to go here, in the middle of cowboy country Deirdre couldn't wait to get to heaven..
and who should Leonie bump into but her brother in the hat section.
boots, boots and more boots…
even the cutest little baby ones…
just ripe for a bit of bootscootin..
Deirdre took shares out in the store but didn't manage to fit a hat into the bag..
she couldn't possibly carry anymore bags. and the staff loved us..
this photos is just because we have come close to being in trouble with these lovely people a couple of times now, but what happens on camp stays on camp!! and we really didn't mean it!
(notice the foggy picture – 9pm and still 30 degrees and 100% humidity! – can you tell we are hot?)
well, I am sure you have had quite enough for one post, wish you were all here having fun with us.
hugs for today,
Helen – on camp
