Treann's Place

On a cushion of air...

2011-12-30T20:08:00.000+10:30

I hope everyone had the best Christmas, as one year finishes another one starts and for me it is a new beginning. I was offered a job as a Reception teacher for 2012 and I took it, which meant I had to leave my job as a Children's Librarian....which happened all so very quickly.

So now thinking, golly what will my classroom need?......a 'Reading Corner' of course! Fortunately I had already started making up these quilt tops, which quickly turned into cushions, some are made using the lovely fabric called 'Ruby'.

Wishing everyone a terrific 2012!

Tart Making....Part.2.

2011-12-10T17:13:00.000+10:30

Well...this afternoon the kids made another tart, this time its a freckle tart. My son wants to make a 'Jaffa' tart for his class party next week. Would love to hear other suggestions for toppings for another tart? What do you think?

Anyone started their Christmas Shopping yet?

2011-12-04T19:07:00.000+10:30

image

Smarties Tart!

2011-11-22T19:59:00.000+10:30

My daughter has just finished decorating her smarties tart.....I got the wonderful recipe from this blog, she will no doubt be taking some to school tomorrow!! YUM

Ninja class anyone?...

2011-10-29T13:37:00.003+10:30

I know playing with my toys again!!!!..... but here is my ninja class that I have created....

ok....who let out the sheep?

2011-10-24T12:39:00.001+10:30

Tic Tock......

2011-10-09T10:46:00.002+10:30

My holidays are just flying, one week down, one week to go!. I finished this clock by Ric Rac last night, hoping for more hours in my day....don't like my chances though!

Some serious Lego building....

2011-10-05T19:34:00.009+10:30

Lots of Lego building is occuring at our house these school holidays....

Now I've got to get this right (as I so, do not understand the names of these creations).....

my son says that.....

This one is called 'Clone Speeder and Mandarlorin Speeder'!

this one is called 'V-Wing Star Fighter'!

this one is called 'Star Wars Star Fighter'

Sewing for market....

2011-09-19T10:27:00.004+09:30

Busy sewing for Mathildas Market in Adelaide on Saturday November 26th.......

one suitcase already full!!!

Retro Readers Book Club

2011-09-06T19:34:00.005+09:30

I know , you say, another post on the same day!!! Yes, unbelievable isn't it. However I have just discovered this fabulous book club that I have decided to join. I just couldn't resist as we are reading a children's book 'James and the Giant Peach' by Roald Dahl. The lovely Pip from Meet Me at Mikes is hosting this book club. So for the month of September we are reading this book. You should join....

Jenny Gillies Parade @ the show...

2011-09-06T15:14:00.003+09:30

On the weekend, we went to the Royal Adelaide Show and we saw the Jenny Gillies parade, we actually saw it two years ago at the show and it was wonderful. This year the parade was called 'Naughty by Nature'

Jenny Gillies put together another wonderful show....

This is my daughter standing in front of some her costumes......

Super excited!!!!!

2011-09-05T16:20:00.003+09:30

Wow my Janome and Bernina are in for a workout!!!.......

I have just been accepted to do a stall at www.mathildasmarket.com.au in Adelaide on Saturday November 26th at Burnside. My first ever market in Adelaide selling my softies!!! I will be selling lots of items like these from my website www.madeit.com.au/suchasoftie at the 'Special Christmas Shopping Market'.

If your in Adelaide that weekend, pop by and say 'hello'!

Another whale made....

2011-08-21T13:38:00.002+09:30

yes...another one made.

This whale is going off to a new home for a little boy.

I hope he can swim a long way!

Meet Rocky the Rock Lobster...

2011-08-17T20:47:00.003+09:30

Hello, my name is Rocky,

I fancy myself as a bit of a dancer and my favourite band is the B-52's!

My owner is entering me in the Whyalla Show this weekend.....see you there!!

A new estate....

2011-08-13T13:44:00.003+09:30

Did you know there is a new housing estate just developed?....... it's actually mine!!

All houses are very cheap and homemade?!?!?

(inspiration from http://www.syko.com)

A Ninja for my Ninja....

2011-08-11T17:24:00.001+09:30

Just finishing making a ninja for my ninja!!!

Catching up....

2011-07-11T13:05:00.002+09:30

I have been trying really hard today to catch up on my efforts with the Stitch-along that I am involved with. I have now done 7 blocks......but I am still not finished!!!!

I will get there.....I hope!!

Put your glasses on Mum!!!

2011-06-25T11:40:00.002+09:30

I don't know how many times my family tells me to put my glasses on....(I am still trying to get used to the idea of wearing glasses, despite having them for a while now). My kids thought it was amusing to model my glasses.......I think they might actually look better on them, then they do on me!!!

Whale of a time....

2011-06-20T10:20:00.004+09:30

Ok, yesterday I should of been doing the housework, I should of folded my washing and completing my assignments........instead I made a whale.......as you do?!?!?!

Meet Moby the Whale....he was in last months Homespun Magazine.

Today is my.......

2011-06-11T11:15:00.001+09:30

and it is meant to say 30th(?!?!?!?!)................

that's what I think anyway!!!!!

More baking....

2011-06-05T12:29:00.002+09:30

Today we made choc chip lemonade scones.....and lots of them!!! I go the recipe from one of those wonderful '4 ingredients' recipe books' and let the kids whip them up, they did such a great job!!

Every Saturday morning when I do my food shopping, it has become a bit of a tradition now to pick up two choc chip scones from Bakers Delight before coming home and so

here is a picture of our version of Bakers Delight Choc Chip Scones......

Books, books and books...

2011-06-02T16:34:00.004+09:30

There is so many new books to buy just lately.....everybody is launching all these books which I love and so I have to buy them all!!!! Today my copy of this book arrived....

and then a copy of this book arrived today....

Monday finds.....

2011-05-02T17:41:00.005+09:30

Check out this link as my two little bluebirds made it to the Monday Finds Newsletter

at Made It .......

Two Little Bluebirds are now sold.....Thank You!

a biscuit and a cuppa...

2011-04-30T15:30:00.006+09:30

Did you watch the royal wedding? I love Weddings!! and wasn't that dress just gorgeous!!

This afternoon, my little masterchef (who by the way can't wait for Masterchef to start tomorrow night) made good ole Milo Biscuits. I only came across the recipe a few days ago, and do you think I can remember whose blog it was on.......nooooo!!!! But thank you to that person whoever they may be. Here's the recipe you want to have a go.

EDIT: I just remembered I read Chookyblue's blog and the link is there.....

Milo Biscuits

125g butter

1/2 cup sugar(white)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1 and 3/4 cup of SR Flour

1/2 cup milo.

Beat the butter, sugars and vanilla until light and creamy

Beat in the egg

Fold in the flour and milo

Roll into balls onto a greased tray and flatten with a fork

Cook for 12-15 mins at 180 degrees and makes approx 24.

And here is our result......

something sheepish going on here....

2011-04-22T14:13:00.007+09:30

sheep, sheep and more sheep!!! I have been making some new items for my online store 'Such a Softie'. First there was this sheep......awwwww

Then came this sheep.....awwwww

THIS SHEEP IS SOLD.............THANK YOU!!

THIS SHEEP IS SOLD.....THANK YOU!
Then came this sheep who was feeling the cold more than the other sheep!!!!

These guys are all available in my new store, the first two are for AU$20.00 each + p&h and the last sheep is for AU$25.00 +p&h.

I hope everyone is having a 'Good' Friday, and I wish everyone a lovely Easter and may you all get lots of chocolate!!!!!

Elephants are marching in...

2011-04-14T21:54:00.007+09:30

Elephants have started making their way into my new store 'Such a Softie' on Made it. They are selling for a ridiculous introductory price of only $15.00 each + p&h.

More are marching in.......very soon!!

THIS ELEPHANT IS SOLD....THANK YOU!

First three blocks....done!!

2011-04-09T19:04:00.002+09:30

I have finally finished the first three blocks of the Stitch Along that I am participating in this year. And I was mean't to have them finished at the end of March. So I am now a little bit behind but have actually traced the next lot, so I like to think that I am progressing?!?!

I would recommend anyone to do this project called 'Tis the Season' designed by Natalie Bird, the little stitcheries are really cute to do.

New Store....

2011-04-03T13:30:00.004+09:30

I have taken the plunge and indulged in what I love to make and that is softies!!!

I have opened my own store on Made it .It is an Australian site for all things handmade. I will be listing lots of new handmade softies over the coming days.

Visit my store called 'Such a Softie'

Scandinavian Stitches

2011-03-26T13:48:00.008+10:30

I ordered this lovely book called 'Scandinavian Stitches' and it was on my doorstep yesterday......

so as to not waste time, I had a go at doing something small and simple like a house. I raided my scrap box of fabrics and came up with this lovely house which is being carefully modelled by my daughter.

but my favourite project that I have already found is this one on page 88 & 89......'One two three four five' once I caught a fish alive' quilt......this would be a good opportunity to practice my free motion stitching and quilting on.

Pete the Cat...

2011-03-23T12:36:00.006+10:30

For all the wonderful educators and families out there that are looking for a fun uplifting book to read to your class or children who are basically in kindergarten, reception and Year.1 & 2. This book is just brilliant!!!!!It's called 'Pete the Cat' by Eric Litwin (aka Mr.Eric).

It's about a cat called 'Pete' who keeps getting his shoes dirty and keeps stepping in different large piles of things like strawberries, blueberries, mud etc. But it has a great message reminding children that is is ok to make mistakes and to not worry. There is also a free download from the publisher Harper Collins Childrens to accompany the story.

And to add to my excitement there is another book being released in July/August this year called 'Pete the Cat rocking in my school shoes", so I have already pre-ordered this one!!!

Olivia the Pig...

2011-03-21T11:41:00.003+10:30

I know two posts in two days.....but I have finished my softie. Meet my version of 'Olivia the Pig'. She is a very popular children's character who has her own television show and books.....and her favourite colour is red!!!

I used a Melly and Me design and changed it slightly to look hopefully a lot like Olivia. What do you think?

Gertrude and Gilbert

2011-03-20T16:30:00.003+10:30

We have had lots of rain so far today so as it was definately an inside day. I decided to tackle some projects that needed finishing and these two giraffes were on my hit list!!! They are called 'Gertrude and Gilbert'. They are a design from Audrey and Maude and they have been sitting on my sewing desk cut out for ages and today they are done. I had a lot of fun making these two giraffes and stay tuned as I am making another softie which some of you might well know, especially if you have very young children........mmmmmmmm!!!

finally some finishes....

2011-03-13T18:39:00.005+10:30

wow....it has been a while since I last posted, however I do have a few finishes to share with you... firstly do you remember that Matryoshka Doll panel that I bought and couldn't wait to make, well I did make them and here they are all lined up.

and do you remember when I said that I have joined the stitch along group organised by Chookyblue well I can say I have finished my first block as well....

mind you I need to finish another two by the end of this month...how many days???... 18 days whose counting?!?!?

I'm doing the happy dance....

2011-02-21T19:28:00.005+10:30

I am bursting at the moment....cos on the weekend I went to Adelaide and brought home a box..

and I opened the box and look what was inside......

ta-dah a new machine!!!!

but wait there's more......what am I going to try with this new machine?

however do not expect anything created for a while yet as I haven't even had a chance to turn this baby on yet!! So if your wondering where I am you'll know.....

Stitch-a-long....

2011-02-13T11:04:00.003+10:30

I have decided this year to join in the 2011 Stitch-a-long organised by Chookyblue . This year they are stitching Natalie Bird's new book 'Tis the Season', which I thought would be really nice to do and I have my book, my threads and fabric and I am ready to go....

Happy Fish...

2011-02-07T21:33:00.002+10:30

Aren't these the most happiest fish you have seen?.... I was inspired by this French designer/illustratior Flora Douville who designed these funny happy fish. So I had a go at making some of my own 'happy fish'. I really like their big smiles and eyes....

Your hot and your cold...

2011-02-05T18:58:00.004+10:30

I wanted to share you my progress of my blocks so far that I am making for Corrie from Retromummy for Quilts of Queensland, I am using up a heap of scraps and doing log cabin style blocks.

Monday saw the return of my two monkeys back to school.....on a scorching 41 degree day and the week just stayed hot and now we have had heaps of rain and its cold and right now there is thunder rolling....4 seasons in one week!!!

Monkey one & Monkey two...

I made a dachshund...

2011-01-25T16:16:00.003+10:30

This is the first time I have made a dog softie....I think he turned out rather cute. He was made from a pattern from Bit of Whimsy Doll and his name is 'Little Louie'. I think I will have to go and make up some more so he's got some mates to play with...

Today we are also celebrating our 14th Wedding Anniversary with a job each and 1 house, 2 kids, and 3 cars later.....time has gone so quickly!! I hope the next 14 are just as good, hope you are all having a great day...

two by two hurrah hurrah...

2011-01-23T09:59:00.004+10:30

I have finished my softies and they are ready to be posted off to Steph and Jackie . The dollies are going to the Dolly Drive organised by Jackie and the monkeys are off to Steph for Hope Softies. These guys are girls are looking forward to meeting their new little friends...

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.x.

ok, and I will make some softies as well..

2011-01-19T18:50:00.005+10:30

I am a sucker for softies and couldn't go pass making some to help. Check out these links you want to help....

visit Jacki @ http://monkeymoomoo.blogspot.com/

and Steph @ http://monpetitpoppet.blogspot.com

Quilts for Queensland...

2011-01-18T16:20:00.003+10:30

I've decided to help out for Queensland by participating in the 'Quilts for Queensland' project organised by the very inspiring Corrie from Retromummy I am no way an expert quilter but will attempt to put together some blocks to send to have quilts made out of them...every little bit helps!!

I hope to show you my blocks to you all very soon....

QLD Flood Appeal

2011-01-12T09:09:00.003+10:30

what a great way to help our flood affected australians...toni coward from

Make it Perfect is running an auction with lots of wonderful people coming on board to help raise money for the people of Queensland. Check out her blog....

Matryoshka Doll Panel and my new kitchen...

2011-01-06T16:22:00.004+10:30

I received my parcel from Kristen Doran Designs today, I ordered the Matryoshka Doll panel from her store and I cannot wait to make these cute little dolls...I really love russian dolls!!

and yah!!! all the tiling is now finished in my new kitchen, I realized I hadn't taken a photo of it all yet as I am very happy with the results...now to keep it like that?!?!?

That could be tricky!!

I am also stitching....

2011-01-03T15:54:00.005+10:30

Today and tomorrow my kitchen is being tiled so whilst I cannot use my new kitchen at the moment, I thought I would start this....I bought a copy of this book ages ago by Natalie Bird with great intentions to start it and obviously didn't....... but decided today was the day and this is where I am up to.... only 13 more blocks to go!!

Hello 2011...

2011-01-02T15:49:00.007+10:30

Happy New Year to everyone!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful year ahead. I am now officially on holidays for two weeks which I am loving....I have been getting back into my sewing lately and I am really into softie making at the moment and have been making lots of fun stuff. Mr Seahorse is a design from http://www.liaspace.com/ I made him as he reminds me of the children's story Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle...so cute!!

I then made two more owls a design from Melly and Me and I then I got a little creative and designed my version of a russian doll...

I hope everyone is enjoying the new year and I will promise to blog more this year as I am really a lousy blogger and then be able to show lots more of my sewing...that's the plan!?!?!

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-24T15:50:00.001+10:30

This free digital greeting created with Smilebox

Go see Retromummy....

2010-12-19T15:50:00.002+10:30

You have to visit http://retromummy.blogspot.com/ she has the most awesome giveaway with not one but two fat quarter packs with 20 fat quarters in each!!! from the new Flower Sugar Range from Lecien.....golly I can imagine so many softies made with this fabric!!!!!!!!!

Summer TCCT items...

2010-12-11T14:15:00.007+10:30

Here are my summer items for the next edition of The Chocolate Crow Trader which will be available for purchase as of December 15th.

$14.95 each + p&h

Set of 3 for $16.00 + p&h

$16.95 each + p&h

Christmas Baking.....

2010-12-01T08:16:00.002+10:30

This morning my daughter is putting the finishing touches to our little christmas tartlets as I have storytime christmas parties at the library for the next two days. This recipe can be found in the latest Masterchef magazine and is so easy.....

Christmas offerings on TCCT...

2010-11-13T14:38:00.004+10:30

Yes... Christmas is fast approaching and once again I have made some items which will be listed on the bumper edition of the http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ from November 15th.

Bargains on eBay!!!

2010-11-08T10:43:00.003+10:30

I have just listed a whole heap of bargains on eBay left over from my stall. There are dolls, bags, cushions and loads more...I will still be listing more over the coming days.

http://myworld.ebay.com.au/countrygal.088

I'm in the Homespun Magazine...

2010-11-05T08:17:00.004+10:30

Image: from 'Retromummy'

Homespun have released their 10th Birthday Celebration 'Special Collector's Edition'. I am just a wee bit excited as I have my little piece published of my thoughts of this wonderful magazine as I have been a subscriber since day one. You will find me on Page 97.

To Market, to market...

2010-10-30T18:20:00.004+10:30

Just sharing photos of my stall that I am doing this weekend...to my surprise I have sold lots of primitive and country items despite there being lots of rain. Hope tomorrow goes just as well.

Getting ready for Market...

2010-10-17T09:11:00.002+10:30

I have been spending a lot of time over the last 6 weeks getting ready to do a market. I haven't done a market for well over 3 years and I am a bit excited about it all. October 30th & 31st will be a Medieval Festival here in Whyalla held at the Tanderra Craft Village and I will be setting up a stall with all my handmade primitive and country wares....these guys are ready to go!!

October offerings on TCCT

2010-10-10T11:53:00.005+10:30

Here I am again....time flies....here is a glimpse of my 3 items which will be available to purchase on October 15th at http://wwwthechocolatecrowtrader.com/ I hope you are all having a lovely weekend we have been blessed with beautiful weather at the moment...

Pussycat Bags

2010-09-25T15:38:00.002+09:30

who let the cat out of the bag????......ok your right, bad joke... but just wanted to show you all my pussycat bags I have finished making by Melly and Me, a really simple bag to make for your little friend.

September edition of TCCT - Halloween...

2010-09-06T09:59:00.004+09:30

Here is a sneek peek at what I am offering for the next edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ which will change over on September 15th. This months theme is Halloween.....

Tally and Tripp

2010-09-04T08:51:00.003+09:30

For those of you who follow my blog would realise I am a total http://mellyandme.typepad.com/ fan and I couldn't go past making one of their latest designs 'Tally and Tripp'. I used contrasting colours to make the two turtles, although one ended up with a larger house than the other.....oh well more cleaning for that turtle!!

Meet Miss Annie Pumpkin...

2010-08-16T13:43:00.002+09:30

'miss annie has just finished baking her pumpkin pie'

I have just finished making Miss Annie Pumpkin and thought I would show you all, she's a design from Kentucky Primitives but I added my own spin on to her. She has a friend 'little mousie' by her side....

Spring Time on The Chocolate Crow Trader...

2010-08-10T15:14:00.005+09:30

Here is a sneak peek at my offerings for the next edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ last month I took a break as I had a new kitchen installed and it was also school holidays.

Witch Hat and Boots

2010-07-19T10:07:00.003+09:30

I realize it isn't Halloween just yet...but just wanted to show a peek of a custom order I have just finished for a very patient lady. I hope she likes it.........

Papercraft

2010-07-17T16:01:00.004+09:30

During the school holidays my daughter tried her hand at some papercraft workshops which was happening at our public library. She put together a 'Strawberry Lollipop Basket' and 'Gift Box'. We think she has done a wonderful job with her creations.

Holly's Bouquet Bag

2010-06-18T13:15:00.002+09:30

I just wanted to share a photo of a bag which I bought the pattern for early last year, had the fabric cut out early last year and today it all came together.... why rush these things? The beautiful designer Janelle wind http://www.thejanellewindcollection.typepad.com/ and one of her many designs called Holly's Bouquet, was really so easy to do, even for me!!

New offerings for the June edition of TCCT...

2010-06-12T15:51:00.005+09:30

Once again here's a sneak peek at my offerings for the June edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ it is a winter/snowman/gingers theme. I have gone with the Snowman theme.

This week I also celebrated my birthday, we won't go in the age issue, however I did receive lots of books, anybody would think because I work in a public library I love to read.....my family did a great job in selecting these books, Thanks Guys!

Masterchef...

2010-05-22T08:52:00.002+09:30

At our house we have been watching Masterchef every night....we really loved the series last year and my daughter and I have been waiting for the series to begin this year.....we found out this week the Masterchef Magazine came out and of course we had to get it!!!

May Edition of TCCT......

2010-05-14T08:14:00.005+09:30

Tomorrow will see the new edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ which is their birthday/hope edition, which is very exciting. I have listed three new items two of which are my own designs and will shortly be making into e-patterns. Enjoy your weekend!

Meet Eunice - A Chestnut Junction design

Meet Joy - A Treann's Place Original design

Meet Ruby Rose - A Treann's Place Original design

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T08:52:00.003+09:30

Wishing all the mums a lovely Mothers Day, I hope you all enjoy your day. I received a lovely homemade card and pyjamas and breakfast. Then we are visiting my mum this morning for morning tea as she will going on her big holiday next Friday to Canada and Alaska and to New York for 5 weeks for her very first overseas holiday!

My items for the next TCCT edition.....

2010-04-10T19:45:00.006+09:30

Here's a sneek peek at what I will be offering for the next edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ . It is a Mother's Day/Raggedy Doll edition. I also decided it was time to change my header. The lovely Suzanne from http://www.enchantedthingsprimitives.com.au/ made this for me last year as part of a swap, which I love to bits and have finally decided to use on my blog, I thought it would be appropriate....

Clarence the Prim Clown

2010-04-08T16:08:00.003+09:30

I had a request from one of my customers who lives in the United States. She wanted a clown primitive doll. So I used one of my favourite designers which is Renee from Crows Roost Prims to make Clarence.....he was a lot of fun to make and a lot bigger than I thought too measuring approx 33in! So off to the States he goes.........

Happy Easter...

2010-04-04T08:12:00.004+09:30

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter.....I hope Easter bunny brought lots of eggs to you all and that you are enjoying lots of family time together.

I have been busy clearing out lots of handmade primitive items and they are available for sale at bargain prices through eBay. I will be posting my items for the next http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com in the next few days as well.

Kira the Koala...

2010-03-21T12:47:00.004+10:30

Meet Kira the Koala, I have used a Rosalie Quinlan design. This was featured in a recent Homespun magazine (No.80 Vol 11.1) Rosalie designed this koala to pay tribute to all the lives lost in the inferno 'Black Saturday' in Victoria over a year ago. One shining light that came out of the devastion was the rescue of a koala; hence Kira the Koala.

I really enjoyed making this koala and I have also ordered some more patterns from Melly and Me too, sorry folks you are going to see some more creations.........?!?!?

Bunnies....

2010-03-12T08:11:00.005+10:30

It has been a long time between posts, but I thought I would show you what I have up for sale on the March Easter edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ coming out on March 15th.

Hannah Hare

Miss Blossoms Easter Bunny

Mrs Clover

My swap parcel arrived......

2010-02-22T10:15:00.006+10:30

Oh my goodness me, I am gob smacked at the moment at what I have just received this morning, I participated in a swap with the Chocolate Crow Trader, it was titled 'A Tag and a Box' and this is the box I received, isn't it just fabulous, I had a school case just like this and it has brought back so many memories!! I really love the tag too!!

Then open wide and look inside, this was all inside the case as well!!! I just cannot stop staring at all these goodies, A big 'Thank You' to Jackie who was my swap partner she has just excelled herself, check out her wonderful website, http://www.thebackshed.au.com/

We have TWO Winners....

2010-02-20T10:16:00.002+10:30

Thank you to everyone who entered my little giveaway this week, my daughter has chosen 2 winners. Congratulations goes to Wendy W for her name 'Maverick' and to Heather for her name 'Oscar'. Well done Girls, please email me your snail mail addresses and your monkeys will shipped on their way!

more monkeys and a GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-02-15T10:25:00.004+10:30

ooppss.......I have been neglectful!! I just wanted to finish my monkey story with you.......

5 cheeky monkeys jumping on the bed.......

1 fell off and bumped his head......

mamma called the doctor and the doctor said' "No Cheeky Monkeys jumping on bed"

Ok, I am feeling rather generous today, and have decided to do my very first giveaway!!!! I will give away 2 of these monkeys!!!So just leave a comment on my blog with a name for one of the monkeys and I will get my daughter to pick TWO winners this Friday evening, February 19th.

Good Luck everyone!!!

One Cheeky Monkey.....

2010-02-05T08:13:00.003+10:30

'one cheeky monkey jumping on the bed'......

hmmmm....I wonder if there are any more?

Where did January go?

2010-01-31T10:49:00.005+10:30

Ok, who stole the month of January? where has the month gone? But when I reflect on what I have done this month....it does make sense. What with celebrating my 13th Wedding Anniversary, being home with my children whilst on school holidays and attending swimming lessons, also my children entering the bottomless boat race for Australia Day and then returning to work and children returning to school and in between all that I have been doing lots of making and of course fabric shopping, this is my latest purchase from http://www.freshfabricaustralia.etsy.com/ highly recommend this etsy store, Amber stocks the most beautiful fabric.

so my thoughts for this stash of fabric is to perhaps start the russian doll quilt from my previous post, maybe this might get started in the month of February!?!?!?

Matryoshka Dolls

2010-01-18T09:20:00.002+10:30

On the weekend, I finally did a project for myself one which has been on my 'to do' list. I did a set of Melly and Me's Matryoshka dolls which was in a Homespun magazine No.64 (vol.9.9) titled 'Nesting Nellie and her girls'. I used some fabric from Tanya Whelan to complete the project and not long ago I also purchased Rosalie Quinlan's pattern 'Matryoshka Dolls' quilt which I am now eyeing off.......

February edition of TCCT

2010-01-10T13:31:00.004+10:30

I thought I would share with you once again my offerings for the February edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ this next edition is a Valentine/Teddy Bear edition. I mainly did Valentine inspired pieces, these will be available as of 15th January 2010, here's a sneek peek....

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T11:23:00.002+10:30

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope 2010 brings you loads of happiness and joy!

One more sleep.....

2009-12-24T18:53:00.003+10:30

MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

as my children keep saying 'it's one more sleep'

Wishing all my followers, visitors and their families a lovely Christmas,

Enjoy your day and eat and be merry as far as I am concerned all diets go out the window

tomorrow!!

Paper Christmas Trees

2009-12-19T14:10:00.002+10:30

This afternoon my daughter and I have been making paper christmas trees to decorate our christmas table for next Friday. I am having my family over for Christmas tea and we decided to make trees for every place setting. These trees are in this months Christmas edition of Better Homes and Gardens....so easy to make!!

Summer edition of the Chocolate Crow Trader out tomorrow

2009-12-14T10:24:00.006+10:30

Tomorrow the summer edition of the Chocolate Crow Trader will be out and I thought I would share my items with you, I normally do this a lot earlier but like everyone else Christmas preparations are taking up lots of my time.......this month I went watermelon crazy, I love making watermelon themed crafts!!!!

Teacher gifts

2009-12-10T20:52:00.002+10:30

I have been sewing some special gifts for my children's teachers this year. I did manage to make each teacher a christmas owl, a design once again from Melly and Me and I am hoping they will love them, as tomorrow is the last day of school for 2009......

Dee Dee the Dolphins.......

2009-12-06T15:36:00.002+10:30

This week the latest edition of Homespun was delivered to my letterbox and I saw this wonderful project by Melly and Me and I had to do it and I have already finished it, not one but two Dee Dee the dolphins. Both of these dolphins have been claimed by my children and my daughter insists on calling her dolphin Danielle not Dee Dee!!!

One Wise Man.....

2009-11-29T09:05:00.002+10:30

I thought I would share with you a photo of my son as one of the three wise men. He participated in our annual twilight christmas pageant yesterday and was on the Nativity Scene float and did a wonderful job.......

My Dolly Swap parcel arrived....

2009-11-26T20:00:00.002+10:30

My lovely dolly swap parcel arrived today from Suzanne....I just love it!! 'Welcome to Treann's Place' cushion with a lovely primitive doll attached to the cushion, she also sent some seeds for me to plant and some chocolates too!

Block 1......

2009-11-16T12:03:00.002+10:30

This is block 1 of Joseph's Coat Quilt Along from Kelly at http://dontlooknow.blogspot.com/ she has put together this wonderful tutorial on how to do these blocks and eventually we will then put them all together. So here's my first block with many more to come...I am using some gorgeous fabric by Tanya Whelan for this project.

Primitive Dolls listed on eBay......

2009-11-13T08:00:00.005+10:30

Two primitive dolls are up for auction on eBay starting at $9.99 with 2 days to go....!!!

Jolly Christmas....

2009-11-11T08:04:00.007+10:30

Here is a peek at my offerings for the Christmas edition of http://www.thechocolatecrowtrader.com/ which will be available as of Sunday 15th November....

Wide Santa....................

Teeny Weeny Santas...........................

Vintage Button Tree.........

Goodies and Baddies

2009-11-02T16:16:00.002+10:30

I have just finished making a set of goodies and baddies aren't they the best.....this is a pattern by Jodie from http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/ she has some lovely work.

Meet Blossom.......

2009-10-14T08:15:00.002+10:30

I have finished yet another Melly and Me design, this is 'Blossom the Butterfly', unfortunately I cannot keep her as she is an order, but I am very happy with how she turned out and now the difficult task to hand her onto her new owner...........(sniff, sniff)

I'm back.........

2009-10-07T14:28:00.004+10:30

well we have just returned from our holidays.....we spent an awesome 9 days sunning ourselves on Surfers Paradise and it was just wonderful. The kids just loved the beach and we visited Dreamworld, Movieworld and Wet'n'Wild and the weather was just perfect......so I am now itching to get back into my stitching and sewing, thought I would share some holiday snaps.....

Halloween.....

2009-09-11T08:09:00.007+09:30

Coming up on September 15th is the Halloween edition of the Chocolate Crow Trader and this month I have made three items here's a sneak peek........

Lionel the Lizard

2009-09-08T08:07:00.002+09:30

I finished 'Lionel the Lizard' last night, which is another design from Melly and Me. This project was featured in last months Homespun magazine and is really quick and easy to make!! He is a very bright and colourful lizard!!!!

Royal Adelaide Show

2009-09-07T13:06:00.002+09:30

For the very first time we took our children to the Royal Adelaide Show on the weekend....it was fantastic...the kids had a blast!!! My favourite part of the show was watching this wonderful fashion parade of 'Jenny Gillies Wearable Blooms' it was so wonderful to see all these costumes of different flowers, I highly recommend anyone if they can to see it if it comes to your show it was very inspirational!!!

Happy Birthday to my big girl......

2009-08-31T08:10:00.003+09:30

Today is my daughters 10th birthday, yesterday we had the family around for afternoon tea and it was great....she got some lovely presents and she had chocolate mud cake with freckles for her cake......Happy 10th Birthday sweetie!!!!

My very first E-Pattern

2009-08-30T09:11:00.003+09:30

I have started to design my own patterns in the form of e-patterns. This is my first e-pattern 'Prim Crow Collector' which is a quick and easy one to make especially if you are a lover of crows.......

This pattern is available for AU$5.00

(Please read my e-pattern information before you make your purchase)

I am a bit stuffed......

2009-08-21T16:38:00.003+09:30

I have been sewing and stuffing, sewing and stuffing and sewing and stuffing. So now I think I am a bit STUFFED.......... Lots of dolly bodies ready to be stained, painted and dressed!!!

Winner @ the Whyalla Show.......

2009-08-16T16:06:00.002+09:30

I have just returned from picking up my entries from this years' Whyalla Show.....and to my surprise I received a first for my entry of Melly and Me's design 'Black Sheep, White Sheep' and I also won 'most outstanding exhibit'.....I am absolutely gobsmacked!!!!!!

my daughter also got a second for her oil pastel picture too!!!!