Sunday Stash & Giveaway Winner!

A funny thing happened early last week..... One of my Melbourne MQG friends posted in our FB group that Spotlight was stocking some gorgeous Cloud 9 canvas.  And said canvas was from the Koi range by Rashida Coleman-Hale!  What is funny?  Well, when I receive my Spotlight catalogues in the mail, I usually don't need anything, so I just throw them in the bin (gasp!). So on this day, I had to go rummaging through my garbage bin to find the catalogue!  And when I did, I knew I would be hot-footing it down to Spotlight on Wednesday, when the sale began.....

I was there right on opening time, and whizzed down to the canvas section, and found these delightful pretties!  I promptly purchased the three prints on the right, and then exited the store.  That same afternoon, I pulled out my 241 Tote pattern pieces, and got started on my new handbag.

And by Friday afternoon, I'd made not only one, but two!  I changed a couple of things.  You see, these are my 6th and 7th 241 totes, so I am learning each time what works and what doesn't.  This time around, I added a zipper pocket to the outside that has plenty of room in it.  Although I love the look of the two little zip pockets on the original pattern, they aren't really that useful!  I have also enlarged the pattern, to around 110% when printing it out.  You'll see further down in the post a comparison photo with my original bag.  And lastly, I'm using the 640 fusible interfacing from Spotlight, which is a little more sturdier than others I've used.  Gives the bag much more body and strength.

And just for your amusement, I took this shot and shared it on IG so everyone could see just how big this yummy bag is!

Size comparison!  The top bag is the first I made, and as you can tell, is a little floppy due to a thin interfacing.  Can you also tell I have a thing for Rashida's fabric designs??  :)

And just in the interest's of honesty.....I actually went back to Spotlight on Friday - mainly to get more interfacing - but also to see if they had the Koi print for my Mum.  I found a couple of other prints too.  So - I grabbed myself the dragonfly and grey crosses too.....

If you're looking for some lovely quality canvas, then you should pop in to Spotlight (if you're in AUS) and check them out!

NOW - on to the giveaway from last week!  Thank you to everyone who entered for the chance to win a mystery pack of fabric from my stash!  With over 200 entries, it was really interesting to see who everyone's favourite designers and colour were.  But as always, there has to be one winner - and thankfully, Rafflecopter chooses for me!

A big congratulations to Suesewstoo!  I shall email you shortly and get your postal address.  Then send a mysterious little something out to you!

Thanks again everyone! 

xxx

3000 - A Facebook Celebratory Giveaway!

A very exciting (and sneaky) number crept up on me.......I was doing a little makeover on the FB page today, when I noted that my number of "followers" had clicked over the 3000 mark!?!?!  What the!?!?!?

So, in the spirit of celebrating, I thought how about a little old fabric giveaway???

I have a tonne of fabric.  Literally.  I have no idea what I'm going to give away, but it will be at least a few fat quarters, some scraps, maybe more!  If you'd like to be in the running, just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below - it's easy peasy!

Thank you to EVERYONE who has been following my FB page - whether you've been there since it all began in 2010, or whether you only just clicked on this week.  I truly appreciate you all!

The giveaway starts now and ends 12am Sunday 25th January.  I will announce a winner here on the blog later that day/night!

GO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bonnie & Camille Charm-Along Linky is OPEN!

I may be a couple of days late - but the Bonnie & Camille Charm Along Link up is now OPEN!  Unfortunately, I did not finish my quilt!  You know the excuse I'm going to use - Tokyo.  I'm looking forward to getting around to basting and quilting this baby, but it may be some time before I get to it!

Now - it's your turn!  Remember - your projects don't have to be completed!  Just link up what you've been able to achieve!  I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's goodies!

 I have rounded up these amazing Australian sponsors, with fabulous prizes for some lucky charm-alongers!  All you have to do is link up your project at the bottom of this post before 4pm TUESDAY THE 28TH OF OCTOBER, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA TIME, and the winners will be chosen and announced that night here on the blog.

The lovely Camille Roskelley has offered FIVE lucky participants their choice of ONE PDF pattern from her amazing range - including a couple of stunning new patterns!

A $50 voucher to spend on the amazing range of Quilter's Solids at The Oz Material Girls.  
(Part of voucher is to cover postage costs).

Live Love Sew has kindly donated a Scrumptious Layer Cake AND a copy of her X's & O's quilt pattern!

Sponsored prize description coming soon!

Machine embroidered Towel, hand towel & face washer set, made to order, kindly donated by one of our charm swap members - Meg Pease.

A SIX MONTH subscription to Make Modern Magazine! Please note: You will receive access to the next three Make Modern issues published after you subscribe. If you subscribe after Issue 1 is published on 1 September, you will receive Issue 2 onwards

What are you waiting for?  Go forth and link up!

Link up your Bonnie & Camille Charm Projects HERE:

An InLinkz Link-up

Winner Winner - Tokyo Dinner!

I know, I know - It's supposed to be winner, winner, chicken dinner - but I couldn't help myself!  You see, whilst this post is popping up on my FB page, your inbox or wherever else you read my posts - I'm in the air on my way to Tokyo!  I am currently sitting here on the computer at home, having just finished my lunch after a last minute dash to my son's high school to - ahemmm - sort out some "stuff".  Kids.  Anyway - I digress!  My suitcase is sort of packed, the house is sort of clean, I have written a plethora of phone numbers and instructions on the fridge for the kids and the husband.  I've weighed my suitcase, then edited it heavily.  It's still rather hefty though.  I'm blaming all the stuff I'm taking over for my Tokyo BFF and her kids AND a couple of realllly heavy magazines for Alyce!

I've booked my excess baggage for my return, and went and exchanged the cash my Mum gave me yesterday to purchase her fabric.  I've transferred money to my credit card to pay for the fabric I will be purchasing for myself.  I think I've got the fabric funds sorted....

Japan must be very excited about my impending arrival, because they've scheduled a SUPER TYPHOON in my honour!  Woohooo!  Ummmmm.......

I think I'm prepared.  I hope I'm prepared.  Nine days away from my family, in a foreign country.  I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous.

Soooooo - I'll see you on the flip side!  Be sure to follow me on Instagram - because something else I've pre-arranged is portable wi-fi!  I'm gonna instagram the s*it out of Tokyo!  And you know I'm going to have some of the most epic Sunday Stash posts in history when I return......

Back to the winners......  Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter my little giveaway for a copy of my Charm Dash Pattern!  Random.org tells me the winners are:

Check your inbox ladies!  There's a little old pattern awaiting your attention!

And to everyone who has already purchased my pattern - THANK YOU!  I seriously want to email you all individually to say how much I love you and your faith in my ability!  I look forward to seeing a whole bunch of Charm Dash quilts popping up!

Have a fabulous week everyone! xxx

Charm Dash Pattern Testers & A Giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who gave me such wonderful feedback and encouragement on the release on my first ever quilt pattern - Charm Dash!  I was a little overwhelmed by everyone's kind words and even more overwhelmed that some of you actually bought it!  Hoorah!  If you missed my post last week, then you can check it out HERE.  And just because we all love pretty pictures, here is the pattern cover photo....

Now, in case you don't know, getting a pattern ready to be released to the world is rather time consuming!  It is also a little stressful, and comes with a little lot of self-doubt.  Well, this was my experience anyway!  A few things made the process a little easier for me:

1.  Supportive quilty friends

2. Understanding husband and children

3. Chocolate

Some of my supportive quilty friends offered up their time to test the pattern for me.  Others proof read it for me, and gave me incredibly constructive feedback to make the pattern more user friendly and in turn, better.  I could not have asked for more!

So today, I am sharing with you some of their fabulous work!

My number one cheer leader, Angie from Gnome Angel, took my first draft written instructions to see if they made any sense whatsoever.  I was beyond thrilled when she sent me through a photo of her finished block.  Angie used some much loved AMH and Cotton + Steel.  I am so looking forward to her finished quilt top!

Emma Hill was one of the first to throw her hand in the air when I put the call out for pattern testers.  And, I kid you not, she had four blocks done a few hours later, and ten days later, her quilt was finished and I had this amazing photo to drool over!  Emma chose to make a baby size quilt, using a 3x3 layout, which I think works beautifully!

The lovely Lea actually offered to pattern test for me before I was even looking!  She didn't let me down, with this delightful fussy cut version.  I love the colour palette she has chosen.

Kelli has started her quilt top, using these beautiful fabrics!  I love the mix of teal, green and purple!

And this amazing piece of work is from the lovely Katrina!  She has switched around the rectangular print block placement, which gives it a whole new look again!  

And a close up just so you can see exactly how yummy the blocks are!

And last but not least, the lovely Susan purchased my pattern to use for her Bonnie & Camille charms!  I was so thrilled when she showed me this photo!  Perfection!

So - there you go!  Some beautiful versions of the Charm Dash, which gives you an idea of just how versatile the pattern is.  If you would like to grab a copy for yourself, you can find it in my Craftsy Store or Etsy Store.

And to celebrate the release, I'm having a little old giveaway!  I have two copies ready to email to two lucky readers.  All you have to do to be in the running, is tell me which charm packs you would use for my Charm Dash pattern?  The giveaway starts now and closes 8am Thursday morning.  The two winners will be announced later that day!

GO!

Bonnie & Camille Charm-Along!

Now that the Bonnie & Camille Aussie Charm Swap has wrapped up, I had to find something else to do with my time!  So I've managed to round up some fabulous Australian sponsors with some fabulous prizes - and have created the Bonnie & Camille Charm Along!

WHAT?!?!?  I hear you say....

Well, I want you to go forth with your Bonnie & Camille charms and CREATE!  It does not have to be a quilt, it can be whatever your little heart desires, or whatever your charm squares tell you they need to be - BUT they have to be Bonnie & Camille charms!

Do I have to be an Aussie Charm Swapper to be involved?

NO!!!  This Charm Along is open to EVERYONE around the world - BUT you have to be using Bonnie & Camille charms and you have to agree that if you win one of the lovely prizes and you live outside of Australia,  you will pay for shipping, direct to the sponsor.

So - how is this going to work?

Go and find all your Bonnie & Camille fabric and turn it in to charm square heaven.  Then turn those charm squares in to something you truly love!  You will have FOUR weeks from today, and I will then open up a big old linky for you to join in and show me your projects!  The linky will open on Monday the 20th of October and will close on Monday the 27th of October.

What's in it for you?

Well, I have a few little prizes up for grabs.

The lovely Camille Roskelley has offered FIVE lucky participants their choice of ONE PDF pattern from her amazing range - including a couple of stunning new patterns!

A $50 voucher to spend on the amazing range of Quilter's Solids at The Oz Material Girls.  
(Part of voucher is to cover postage costs).

Live Love Sew has kindly donated a Scrumptious Layer Cake AND a copy of her X's & O's quilt pattern!

Sponsored prize description coming soon!

Machine embroidered Towel, hand towel & face washer set, made to order, kindly donated by one of our charm swap members - Meg Pease.

A SIX MONTH subscription to Make Modern Magazine! Please note: You will receive access to the next three Make Modern issues published after you subscribe. If you subscribe after Issue 1 is published on 1 September, you will receive Issue 2 onwards

AND - if that wasn't motivation enough - getting involved in the charm-along means you get to use all those beautiful fabrics you have just been staring at!  Win win!

Looking for charm inspiration?  Head over to my Charm Square LOVE Pinterest board and check out all the amazing projects.  You can also see all of the Kate Spain Charm Along Participants HERE.

So - what are you waiting for?  Grab the button below and join in!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.msmidge.com" title="Ms Midge"><img src="http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/Melissa_Gottliebsen/bccharmalong.jpg" alt="Ms Midge" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Kate Spain Charm Along - Progress Report!

Wow!  There have been some very busy bees this past week!  Here are some fabulous progress photos from some of the members of the Aussie Charm Swap.......  I'm sure there are some others of you out there who are participating in the Charm-along as well, and I can't wait to see what you're all making with your Kate Spain charms!  There's less than two weeks left until it's time to link up your projects and be in the running for all the AMAZING prizes from the sponsors!  Now - two weeks is a long time in my world - so if you've been under a rock and haven't heard about the Kate Spain Charm-along, then you need to READ THIS and get started STAT!!!!  Make sure you also go and check out all the fab sponsors and see why I chose to work with wonderful Australian peeps!

On to the pretty pictures.......

Clockwise from top left:  Bridie has started with something simple (!?!?!?), little old hexies!  Molli is throwing a plethora of ideas around as he battles it out with his head on which one to go with!  Susanne's crosses mixed with the low vol prints are just divine!  And that other project there - well, that's mine!  I pulled out some templates for half hexies I bought last year and gave them a crack!  I finished a little quilt top today.....

Clockwise from top left:  Jill has been tumbling.  Emma has her quilt top well and truly on its way.  Sandie will now be known as the HST Queen.  And Chrissy is making bags!

Amy has well and truly got her entry sorted, with this gorgeous Honey Honey quilt!  Love!

And Alyce has made this gorgeous table runner from some of her favourite KS prints.  

As of this afternoon, I now have TWO quilt tops made from my Charm Swap package.  TWO!  I am hoping to have them basted and ready to quilt for a sit and sew day on Saturday (my first ever time at a sit and sew day!?!).  Wish me luck! 

If you're participating in the Charm-Along, be sure to let me know, and send me some photos of your progress!

The Kate Spain Charm-Along

Now that the Kate Spain Aussie Charm Swap has wrapped up, I had to find something else to do with my time!  So I've managed to round up some fabulous Australian sponsors with some fabulous prizes - and have created the Kate Spain Charm Along!

WHAT?!?!?  I hear you say....

Well, I want you to go forth with your Kate Spain charms and CREATE!  It does not have to be a quilt, it can be whatever your little heart desires, or whatever your charm squares tell you they need to be - BUT they have to be Kate Spain charms!

Do I have to be an Aussie Charm Swapper to be involved?

NO!!!  This Charm Along is open to EVERYONE around the world - BUT you have to be using Kate Spain charms and you have to agree that if you win one of the lovely prizes and you live outside of Australia,  you will pay for shipping, direct to the sponsor.

So - how is this going to work?

Go and find all your Kate Spain fabric and turn it in to charm square heaven.  Then turn those charm squares in to something you truly love!  You will have FOUR weeks from today, and I will then open up a big old linky for you to join in and show me your projects!  The linky will open on Sunday the 3rd of August and will close on Tuesday the 5th of August.

What's in it for you?

A $50 Voucher OR a Kate Spain Solstice Jelly Roll from fabricgarden.com.au

Mystery Bundle from Gnomeangel.com

$20 Voucher to spend at Patternsonly.com

FQ bundle of Daisies 'n such from katequilts.com

12 FQ Solids bundle from kelliottmagic.com

MerlyLou Designs Spring Cushion Pattern & Woollen Felt Kit

AND....... Drum Roll..........

A very special prize for one of the Aussie Charm Swappers - from Kate Spain herself!  Horizon charm pack, Kate Spain Journal and Playing Cards!

If you are looking for some Pinspiration - my fellow charm swappers and I have a fabulous Pinterest board - Charm Square Love.

So - who's joining in?  What are you waiting for?  Grab a button and GO!

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<a href="http://www.msmidge.com.au" title="Ms Midge"><img src="http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u472/Melissa_Gottliebsen/charmalong.jpg" alt="Ms Midge" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Giving & Receiving

{GIVING}  Back at the beginning of this year, I made THIS wedding cushion for my brother-in-law and his wife to be.  I had such beautiful feedback from everyone, and one of my bloggy friends in particular - Cornelia.  In her email to me, Cornelia said she wishes she could make something like that for her own wedding.  I said I'd be happy to make her one.  And from there, I got colour scheme, names and date.  Fast forward a few months, and I have finally gotten around to finishing the cushion top and posting it - to Austria!  I didn't make the complete cushion cover, as I was trying to keep the postage costs down (damn you International postage rates!), but Cornelia said she was more than happy to put the actual cushion together.

The feature fabrics are from the Flora range by Lauren & Jessie Jung.  Perfect for the green and yellow theme.  Lots of little Aurifil pebbles in there to make everything pop!  I hope you love it Cornelia!

{RECEIVING}  On Tuesday, whilst minding my own business and checking my mail box, I was VERY excited to see an envelope with an international postage sticker on it, and the sender being "Spain".  I ripped that baby open and found the most delightful little wrapped packages and gift card.....

 

I am always, but shouldn't be, so totally surprised and floored by the generosity of the quilty community!  I feel so special, that Kate not only sent me a little gift, but that she knew it had been my birthday and that I'm heading towards that big number 4-0!  I decided then and there that these mini charms would become a cushion - for me!  And today, with the couple of hours spare time I had, I did just that....

 

How fabulous are those colours??  Drool.....  This new range from Kate is called "Horizon" and will be available in September I believe.  Check out Kate's blog post HERE.

 

This very simple, yet stunning cushion, was put together simply by working out the arrangement of the charms (I am sticking with my gradient colours obsession), then chain piecing myself silly.  Sewing all the rows together and then cross hatch quilting each row diagonally.  I used beautiful turquoise Aurifil #2810 and lengthened my stitch to 3.4 on my machine.  This cushion used two mini charm packs and ended up being 18" square.  Perfecto!

And I backed it with this gorgeous print from Spotlight!  I have only ever made myself a couple of things, which is quite absurd really when you think about it?  But this one?  Well, it's already living on the lounge and being lounged on.

{GIVING}  And lastly tonight, Cornelia has just released her first ever quilt pattern!  It is called "Every Which Way" and is so pretty! 

 Cornelia is giving back, by offering one of MY lucky readers a copy of her pattern for free!  All you have to do is leave me a comment here on the blog, telling me which fabric line you think would work well with "Every Which Way"!  If you follow my blog, leave me an extra comment for an added entry.  And if you follow my Facebook page, another comment for a third possible entry!  Entries close Monday 4pm Melbourne time.  I will announce the lucky winner on the blog Monday night!  You can also grab another chance to win by heading over to Cornelia's blog HERE and entering her giveaway!  Win win!

Happy Happy Friday Everyone! xxx