March FNSI is here already!

Happy St Patrick's Day!  A little belated but still, let's extend the shenanigans!🍀🍀

This year, like last and the one before, is just flying by.  I don't know what it is....is it technology taking over our 'free' time?  Being bombarded with information constantly through our phones and computers?  I don't know what it is, but I'm aging faster than I'd like....but I guess that's a bonus not afforded to some, so I shan't complain.

Are you ready for our FNSI this Friday?  What are you planning on working on?  I have just finished a swap gift that hopefully will be delivered before then so I can show you.  It was to be a pattern from one of our favourite designers made in Tilda.  I found it really hard to send it off....I loved it!  But I can make another one so I'm not too worried.    My only hope is my recipient loves it too and can use it.  I love practical gifts, not just dust collectors.  What about you?

I've also just finished a top for a quilt as a gift for my neighbours who are overseas at the moment getting married.  I'm waiting for the backing to arrive and I have two weeks to quilt and bind it before they get home.  It has been a fun one to do.  I've used blocks that were spare ones sent in the Little Box of Creativity from our beautiful sponsor, Kitty Rose Cottage.  We were sent two strips of Tilda fabric, one patterned and one coordinating solid each month for a year.  Sewing these together to make a 16 patch block made a rainbow of blocks and I knew I just had to make something special with them.  I got inspiration from an email I received expressing interest in a quilt a long for valentines day.  

I saw it and thought, "Ooh, this will be perfect!"  So I played around with some graph paper and drew a block and subsequent quilt design.  So each block became a heart!  I had to make an extra 9 or 10 blocks to make my quilt top and I'm super happy with it.    Here's some of the blocks....(I haven't taken a photo of the whole top yet as it's been wet, overcast and windy on and off over the past week or so...very unpredictable weather for taking photos!) 

I'm not sure what I'll be working on on Friday night but it will be something, that's for sure! 

I made a heart to commemorate one of FNSI's stitchy sisters who passed suddenly recently.  Our friend Catherine Doust had been ill but passed suddenly...she was only 53 years old and gave so much to our group as well as many other online groups.  She will be sadly missed. 

The hearts (which are one of my favourite symbols as you can tell from my blog insignia and the blocks I make) were made by many and sent to adorn her coffin so that we could express how much she meant to us all....tell your loved ones (end even those who are just friends) how much they mean.....it can all be gone in an instant.  Just know, I love you all. 

Thank you all for all you give to our little group.  It fills my heart every month knowing we can be together doing what we love best, even though we're miles apart.  I sincerely can think of nothing better.  Now saying that, I'd love to thank Dawn for supporting us with a prize each month for one lucky, randomly chosen FNSIer.  Have you been to visit her online shop lately?  There's some beauties there - the new Tilda Songbird, which I love, and the Brie Basics which I love even more!  They go with everything and are so beautiful...I think I need to buy yardage! (don't tell my husband!)  I think I might have to even order some poppyseed basics....they are cute!

So, our February get together had 23 beautiful ladies stitching.  I popped everyone's names into the wheel of names and spun to find our winner.  Congratulations to our February winner who will receive a prize from Dawn at Kitty Rose Cottage.

CONGRATULATIONS Dianne!!!!!

Now make sure you sign up below or on the facebook group page.  If you're not a member yet, press the 'join' button and I'll be sure to add you!

looking forward to stitching along with you all

Enjoy the rest of your week xox :o)

November FNSI sign-ups

....were supposed to be last week but it was a crazy week here and I completely lost it!  I won't go into details yet but just know this week is better!
But without further ado......

and with a thousand apologies........ here are the sign ups for November.    Link in and join us for a belated but well deserved and NEEDED stitch in.....perfect for getting things finalised for Christmas gifts and swaps or just 'because'!

xox Sugary hugs :o)

A blog makeover for a small donation?

This Mother’s Day… Something BIG Is Happening For  Bloggers!

Blogelina is planning to makeover 1,000 Blogs – for an amazingly low donation – and ALL the donations they receive are going to Cure.org!

Yes, you read that right.

For a $10 USD (min.) donation, you get a brand new blog makeover – AND 100% of the donations are going straight to cure.org, an amazing organization that helps to provide healing to children who are in desperate need.

How To Get Involved:

• Donate now and have Blogelina make over your blog with one of her beautiful new WordPress themes!
• Help to get the word out!  Blog about #1000MomBlogMakeovers, share her post on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc..
• Keep spreading the word!  Remember – the more donations that come in, the more they can pass along to cure.org!

For all the info on the #1000MomBlogMakeovers project – which starts now and runs until May 10th – click here.

Remember – there is only have 1,000 slots open!  Let’s get the word out and Fill Them Up!

PS….this is NOT an affiliated link……just want to share the

xox Sugary hugs :o)

A free Valentine’s pattern PLUS a giveaway!

I just had to give a shout-out when I saw this gorgeous Valentine’s design….

It’s in one of my favourite fabric designers’ prints……Lulu Roses byTanya Whelan for Free Spirit *swoooon*

Seeing as it’s only a small table topper, you should be able to finish this off for your special someone by V-Day?  I’m going to give it a try, that’s for sure!

Melissa over at 100 Billion Stars is the fabulous designer of this beauty so if you would like to download a copy, you can visit her HERE. 

And whilst you’re drooling over her site, make sure you leave a comment on her blog….you might even be the lucky duck who wins this delectable prize..

..that’s 4 and a quarter yards of Tanya’s Lulu Roses yardage….9 fabrics…..yuuuuuuuuuum!

better’n chocolate for Valentine’s dont’cha think?

and yes, it is open to international readers, so I definitely have my entry in!   Good luck …. (NOT! *hee hee)

xox Sugary hugs  :o)

*PS….all photos have been used courtesy of Melissa’s post….thanks Melissa! *mwah*

now it’s my turn to ‘Blog Hop with a Difference’

You’ve probably noticed a few bloggers  participating in the Blog Hop With A Difference lately.

It's almost like a relay, passing the baton from one creative blogger to another three creative bloggers, and the plan is that it continues on and on.

The purpose of this blog hop is for each blogger to tell their readers a little about their life as a creative person and what makes them tick, so today it’s my turn.  You’ll find out a little more about me because I got tagged by my nearest and dearest, Jenny from Jenny of Elefantz

So….here’s me……I’m Wendy Bertello of Sugarlane Designs (who’da thunk!)

I’m going with the questions Jen asked of me …. here goes…..

What am I working on right now?

hmmmmmm….I have a number of irons in the fire……I’m not one to just be doing one thing and finishing it totally before I start another…..that’s my worst trait I think….or perhaps it’s just a quilter’s trait?  At the moment I’ve started the Let’s Start Christmas Stitch-a-long with 6 stitcheries that I’ve designed, stitched up and made into a table runner for Christmas.  So at the moment, I’m finishing the runner and writing the patterns hurriedly, for the release of the next stitchery block on Thursday over in my Craftsy shop.

I’m  drawing up some extra stitcheries to add to the table runner and I’ll be stitching them up this week too.  When I’m not working on my own designs, I’ve been working on the gorgeous Plates Stitchery BOM by Nikki Tervo of Brandy Gully Patchwork

 

How long does it take to create a project?

It really depends on what it is…..some are quite quick and some seem to take forever.  Mostly though, I can create something in a week or so, if I’m designing from beginning to end…..something like my Christmas Stitcheries only took a couple of days each but my “I’ll be Gnome for Christmas” Lap quilt took a couple of weeks.

It really depends as I have to fit it into my schedule of volunteer, Association President, mother, wife and crafter…….I’m sure you understand what I mean!?

What are my favourite things to create with at the moment?

I’ve had a real hankering for working with paper pieced hexies…you can see these in my Love Life bag….

…and on another upcoming design…..

I am also always strongly drawn to stitcheries…..I think a project feels a bit ‘naked’ without even a little bit, and I’m quite fond of applique too.  I’m a true Gemini…..always drawn to the next style, never wanting to settle for just one!

How does my creative process work?

Generally, I’ll come up with a design idea, and jot it down quickly in my drawing folio….I roughly sketch the idea out….and when I say roughly, I mean ROUGHLY!  (I really am not talented in the drawing aspect….I’m comfortable with a needle and thread but pencil and paper threaten me no end!)  I’ll then jot down any requirements I think of that I might need, work out sizes and grab them out of my stash (or organise to buy some more….that’s ALWAYS an option, right?), along with fabric choices and thread choices and bundle them all up in a plastic container so I can find them again.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have a bit of a cluttered brain (and work area) so keeping it altogether is definitely a good start!

I’ll draw out a couple of ‘takes’ in pencil lightly, using Google images as a reference point (like I said, I’m not an arty person….I’m crafty *wink* but not arty) then finalise it in a Sharpie or black Artline fine point marker.  When I’m creating it, I have a notepad by the cutting table/sewing machine so that I can jot down notes, such as measurements or steps in the process as I go along…..I did say I have a cluttered brain?  It’s far easier for me to refer back to notes than to try and remember what I did at step 47 out of 101 steps.

Lots of the processes are trial and error too….if I try something new, I will visualise it in my head, step by step, but as I’m more of a tactile learner, I tend to like making that section up in paper first, if I can (I don’t like wasting my fabric stash!).

How do I become inspired and stay inspired?

I know it sounds a bit cliche, but I get inspiration from everywhere!  I’m a words-type person…..I absolutely LOVE words and inspirational quotes, so often a stitchery design will come from that.  Being a ‘glass half full’ gal, I believe that you should never leave feelings for someone unspoken…and as not all people wear their hearts on their sleeves, a stitchery design can often convey how much someone means to you.

Sometimes it’s something I’ve seen in the garden, or a colour palette that twigs an idea in my head.  Even just thoughts of a season or event bring ideas flooding to mind.  Situations, such as the illness of my father in law earlier this year, inspire me ….and which gave birth to the ‘Love Life’ bag.

I stay inspired by being aware of being open to new designs……having that ‘sense’ of designing switched on at all times……(you really NEVER know when it’s going to strike)….I visit sites like Pinterest (but you knew that already) and that’s always a great inspirational minefield…..I get lost in there for hours…..my hubby’s even banned me and limited my Pin-time!  Also by visiting other designers and bloggers and looking on websites selling quilting fabrics, because often a fabric line will bring ideas spilling out of my head.

What is my signature style?

yep….that one I’m not sure of yet.  I think I’m still evolving.  Jen and I have discussed this one in depth and she thinks I may have an eclectic style….perhaps it IS the Gemini in me, I don’t know.  I guess mine is a positive, inspirational, words-based style that’s sometimes modern, sometimes not, sometimes shabby, sometimes not, sometimes girly, sometimes not, sometimes traditional, sometimes not.  Maybe you’ve spotted a ‘style’ that I’ve missed?  I’d love to hear your thoughts?!

So now it’s time to pass on the baton…….these three ladies are ones I admire greatly and I know their stories will inspire you too…..

Vicki of The Pickledish Patch

Allie of allie-oops sweet happy life

Marilyn of Mardi Meanderings

Pop on over to their blogs next Monday 8th September, to see what makes them tick!

Just a reminder……pinch and a punch for the first day of the month!….and the first of spring here in the southern hemisphere! 

Sugary hugs xox  :o)

Stitching with friends and FNSI sign ups

Thanks so much for all your positive comments about my hoarding......I just felt that sometimes, even though it's not intentional, we don't see the 'real' person behind the blog and find out that they're just like us when you look behind the pretty things they make and share and all the pressures that brings along with it.....we all have a human side  despite what our blogs might appear to show....and yes, I'm as real as they come........just ask my Monday sewing buddies???   (Now be nice girls!!!!)

Jenny

 



Michelle 

and Heather

 

 

It was sooo good to get back to our every-second-Monday routine together yesterday.....I've seriously missed our madness and banter.....so many endorphins fly around that day, I'm sure we're all giddy by the time we leave!

After a serious fuel issue (I really MUST remember to fuel up the car BEFORE I leave on a long road trip!!!), I got to Heather's place at about 12...well after the 10am starting time, but let's just say I wasn't missing out on my 'fix' despite doing 1 1/2 trips to get there!!!! DUH!!!!!

 

And what greeted me when I got there.....not only hugs from three very special ladies but hugs from a sparkly eyed little mouse that Heather had made for me....

Mine's the gorgeous li'l girl on the right.......Harriet....she whispered her name to me as I arrived!!!!!

Jen's is the middle one....Hermione, and Michelle is pretty is pink, but I missed her name.....I'm sure it's just perfect!!!  Isn't Heather a real sweety!!!  See what I mean about wonderful ladies!!!  Only wish you could join us too!!!!

But instead, we'll have to get together virtually, and guess what??  This Friday night is FNSI....the first for 2014!!!! Yippeee!!!! We can get together and sew to our hearts content......join along with us, sign ups are below so make sure you add your name to the list so we can visit you...... I'll look for some yummy treats we could make to keep our energy levels up on the night and post about them later on in the week and you can prepare what you're going to sew on our Friday night together!!!!

How's that sound??? 

Ok.....here's to Friday.....at least if we can't get together in each other's houses in reality, isn't it lovely that technology allows us to get together virtually....and we can have just as much fun????

Looking forward to our stitchy bliss together all Friday night long!!!!!

xox Sugary hugs

 



Stitching with friends and FNSI sign ups

Thanks so much for all your positive comments about my hoarding......I just felt that sometimes, even though it's not intentional, we don't see the 'real' person behind the blog and find out that they're just like us when you look behind the pretty things they make and share and all the pressures that brings along with it.....we all have a human side  despite what our blogs might appear to show....and yes, I'm as real as they come........just ask my Monday sewing buddies???   (Now be nice girls!!!!)

Jenny

 



Michelle 

and Heather

 

 

It was sooo good to get back to our every-second-Monday routine together yesterday.....I've seriously missed our madness and banter.....so many endorphins fly around that day, I'm sure we're all giddy by the time we leave!

After a serious fuel issue (I really MUST remember to fuel up the car BEFORE I leave on a long road trip!!!), I got to Heather's place at about 12...well after the 10am starting time, but let's just say I wasn't missing out on my 'fix' despite doing 1 1/2 trips to get there!!!! DUH!!!!!

 

And what greeted me when I got there.....not only hugs from three very special ladies but hugs from a sparkly eyed little mouse that Heather had made for me....

Mine's the gorgeous li'l girl on the right.......Harriet....she whispered her name to me as I arrived!!!!!

Jen's is the middle one....Hermione, and Michelle is pretty is pink, but I missed her name.....I'm sure it's just perfect!!!  Isn't Heather a real sweety!!!  See what I mean about wonderful ladies!!!  Only wish you could join us too!!!!

But instead, we'll have to get together virtually, and guess what??  This Friday night is FNSI....the first for 2014!!!! Yippeee!!!! We can get together and sew to our hearts content......join along with us, sign ups are below so make sure you add your name to the list so we can visit you...... I'll look for some yummy treats we could make to keep our energy levels up on the night and post about them later on in the week and you can prepare what you're going to sew on our Friday night together!!!!

How's that sound??? 

Ok.....here's to Friday.....at least if we can't get together in each other's houses in reality, isn't it lovely that technology allows us to get together virtually....and we can have just as much fun????

Looking forward to our stitchy bliss together all Friday night long!!!!!

xox Sugary hugs

 



Birthday-Love Stashing

How are you going with your Birthday-Love Stashing???  I was having a chat with my good bloggy friend Anthea who pointed out to me that we didn’t have too many people linked in for this month’s draw…….she thought maybe not too many people knew about it (which is reeeeally good for her and those already entered, because there’s not too many to win this month’s prize!!!!) So I’ve put up the original post, explaining the Birthday-Love Stash, how it came about and what you need to do to enter, on a tab at the top of my blog.  Pop up there and take a look if you’re unfamiliar.  It’s good fun and you get your stash of birthday gifts ready for the year, on time or even early…..and you could even win a prize or two!!! I’ve also added a link to take you to Mr Linky so that you can enter easily on my sidebar…..just find the Birthday-Love Stash button on the right, click on it and it will take you there! I hope this clarifies things and makes it easier…..we have a few regulars but we would really love to see you join us, getting yourself organised, each month. (well, at least trying to get organised, like the rest of us!!!) I must confess, I have been a bit slack and  have not been posting some gifty links……my only excuse is my dreaded forgetfulness!!!! ….I’m so sorry!!!    Here are some goodies I found this month…..it’s not too late to start!!! *wink* Melody often has links to gorgeous free patterns and this table topper is no exception.  You can find the link to the pattern on Melody’s blog HERE If you have a phone-crazy friend or relative (generally a teen, but I know I’ve been told to put my phone away on MORE than one occasion!!!!  *eek*), this might just be the thing for you to make…. (Might even give them the hint!!!??? lol)….. Head on over to Sarah to find out how. And if you’re a crocheter…..you might want to check out the Piper’s gals for the pattern to make this sweet hat for a special girlfriend… How cute is this little fella????  So?  What’s stopping you making one for a friend????   Pop on over to Sarah for the free pattern. There’s some to get you started anyway. Looking forward to seeing you at the Birthday-Love Stash draw!  Don’t forget to link in!!!! Sugary hugs xox :O)  

Birthday-Love Stashing

How are you going with your Birthday-Love Stashing???  I was having a chat with my good bloggy friend Anthea who pointed out to me that we didn’t have too many people linked in for this month’s draw…….she thought maybe not too many people knew about it (which is reeeeally good for her and those already entered, because there’s not too many to win this month’s prize!!!!)

So I’ve put up the original post, explaining the Birthday-Love Stash, how it came about and what you need to do to enter, on a tab at the top of my blog.  Pop up there and take a look if you’re unfamiliar.  It’s good fun and you get your stash of birthday gifts ready for the year, on time or even early…..and you could even win a prize or two!!!

I’ve also added a link to take you to Mr Linky so that you can enter easily on my sidebar…..just find the Birthday-Love Stash button on the right, click on it and it will take you there!

I hope this clarifies things and makes it easier…..we have a few regulars but we would really love to see you join us, getting yourself organised, each month. (well, at least trying to get organised, like the rest of us!!!)

I must confess, I have been a bit slack and  have not been posting some gifty links……my only excuse is my dreaded forgetfulness!!!! ….I’m so sorry!!!    Here are some goodies I found this month…..it’s not too late to start!!! *wink*

Melody often has links to gorgeous free patterns and this table topper is no exception.  You can find the link to the pattern on Melody’s blog HERE

If you have a phone-crazy friend or relative (generally a teen, but I know I’ve been told to put my phone away on MORE than one occasion!!!!  *eek*), this might just be the thing for you to make…. (Might even give them the hint!!!??? lol)…..

Head on over to Sarah to find out how.

And if you’re a crocheter…..you might want to check out the Piper’s gals for the pattern to make this sweet hat for a special girlfriend…

How cute is this little fella???? 

So?  What’s stopping you making one for a friend????   Pop on over to Sarah for the free pattern.

There’s some to get you started anyway.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Birthday-Love Stash draw!  Don’t forget to link in!!!!

Sugary hugs xox :O)