Wednesday, August 27, 2008

About the little giveaway...extended

I had intended to close the giveaway of some of these delightful angels (even if I say so myself) yesterday....but I have just been having a play with my blog settings and have realised that some people may have been unable to post a comment or contact me....so, I will extend it until this coming weekend just in case there are a few of you who have been unable to comment....so very sorry....I am still getting the hang of how this blogging thing works....
Looking forward to hearing from you...and hoping that you are having a good week.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Finishing projects and a "Gift"

I have had a fun day today making a few ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) for a couple of swaps I am in.

The first is one with the theme "from the attic/garage". Given that I have never lived in a house with an attic, I decided to raid my Dad's garage for some rusted nails etc and tried my hand at rust dyeing...I am quite pleased with the result.






Then I made the next two ATC's for yet a different swap...





















After finishing the ATC'S I have been busy making a couple of projects from Rosalie Quinlan's gorgeous new book..."Gift"


There are some really lovely projects in it....so I framed this stitchery....don't you just love IKEA? and ric rac....I bought a whole card of ric rac from a local offcuts shop for the grand sum of $3.00....I just had to buy it coz it was in my most favourite colour.....








As well as the stitchery, I have also been making some little Babuschka Angels....and because Rosalie's book is called "Gift" and I have only recently started my blog, I would love to give away a few of these little gems...so leave a comment by this coming Tuesday...and they will be winging their way to a few of you....(I haven't yet decided how many I can bear to part with!!!)

Monday, August 18, 2008

Sheep....an explanation

I collect sheep...yes you heard correctly....and this is alo why I named my blog "Just for Ewe Designs". I have been collecting ornamental sheep for about 25 years....no real ones as yet though. It started after some of the people I was hanging around with at the time tried to insult me by calling me a sheep....because I tended to be a follower rather than a leader.....but what was intended as an insult, I grasped wholeheartedly and somehow started collecting the cute little animals. After I became Christian I sort of thought it was quite meaningful....except that I was now following the great Shepherd...Jesus...my Saviour....who saves the lost "sheep"
Sheep aren't as stupid as the general public think...I took some photos on the way home from work today...I love this time of year when all the little lambs are being born...they frolic around their mothers and play together....I tried to get some close-up shots but as soon as they all saw me, they ran away....and the mothers seem to be quite protective of their lambs...besides...they also provide us with lovely wool and yummy meat....yes I do eat lamb...it is my favourite meat (shocking isn't it!!!!)


.......this photo is of just a part of my collection...these are displayed in an old printers block tray...(it was really hard to take a photo where the glare of the flash didn't take over!!!)














This quilt top is one which I have put together from blocks from a swap I participated in a couple of years ago through Southern Cross Quilters....each month for 12 months a different person made a block according to my chosen them....now all I need to do is quilt it.....






"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay lown my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)

Thursday, August 7, 2008

A surprising and interesting find


It is amazing where one finds treasures...I had to attend a meeting in Fitzroy (an inner city suburb) earlier this week. Unable to find a parking space in the street the meeting was, I ended up driving up some other side streets. Thankfully there was a spot in the next street. So, with about 45 minutes to fill before the meeting I sat in the car wondering what I might do to fill the time....a coffee?, listen to the radio? read a magazine?....I decided I might try to find a coffee shop....Out of the car I hopped, and facing me on the other side of the road was...no not a coffee shop....but a huge sign on this warehouse "Jimmy Buttons: Australian Button Co"....so like a moth to a flame...I got very excited and went over to check if they were open to the public and not just a wholesaler....they certainly were open to the public....so in I went.....ooooooohhhhh......
aaaaaahhhhhhh....I've not been so excited in ages....it was a treasure trove of buttons, buckles, laces, ribbons (including grosgrain), braids, leather....all the things I love for making bags and and just generally collecting....so, as it happens, I just had to buy a few things didn't I?
If you live in Melbourne, I highly recommend a visit to this wonderful place....they also custom make covered buttons...the girl who helped me is the daughter of the owner...she proceded to tell me that there were more buttons upstairs....but mainly the large buyers go up there....The prices were also very reasonable.
The photo above is what I bought.....

Sunday, August 3, 2008

My day and another softie!



Here is another of my wildlife friends....I would have posted this photo yesterday but it was a surprise for a good friend of mine....I gave it to her today....so now it can be seen in public.

It is one of "Melly & Me's" patterns....I just love their softies....

I had a lovely day today celebrating the baptism of some good friends 2 eldest daughters....it is wonderful to see these 2 girls growing into beautiful young women seeking to follow the Lord...God Bless you both Tilly and Hayley.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

A few little projects finished!!



You may recall my Christmas Tree Wallhanging which I started a few
weeks ago...well, I have finished quilting it!! and I am quite pleased with it....all it needs is a hanging sleeve.











I then made a mug bag for my secret mortal in the Scquilters
(Southern Cross Quilters) Angel/Mortal Swap....I have also bought her a lovely mug set to go with the bag.....







......and finally, my friend Amy inspired me this week to make a bib
for my nephew....you can see the ones Amy made for her new Great
Nephew on her blog: asnipofgoodness....hers are so inspiring and they
are very easy to make...the most difficult thing is deciding which
fabric to use!!!