July Giveaway & a Very Happy Camper

Love at first sight!

I'll be stitching here...

I can't believe it is already July. I have to say I am a very happy little camper (please pardon the pun) as hubby and I finally bought our campervan. Because I was so stubborn and wanted what I wanted we were having difficulties finding 'the one' But "TA DA" We found it this weekend. I am so very excited....it's not new (4years old) but very well kept and lots of extras thrown in and the model I wanted. So I am starting to believe we may actually get to the 'Alice' & Sth Aus. All we can think about now is "Where first???" We had so many great times in our old ones and driving holidays are what we really enjoy.

July Giveaway: because July means lots of special things to me......like my sons Birthday, My Birthday and ****Christmas in July****I have a 1st draw with 2 Christmas patterns "Down Reindeer Lane" quilt & "Christmas at Ann's" Banner, a piece of fabric and some Christmas ribbon. Draw 2 & 3 will be a copy of "Christmas at Ann's Banner each. Just leave me a comment to be in the draw and I will draw it Monday 11th July, 2011.

July Giveaway

Happy 4th July to all my USA friends.
I hope everyone has a terrific Monday,
Blessings Michelle xxx

FTF, Floral & Colourful Friday

Well I am posting early again as I am being given short shrift again tomorrow as hubby is working from home *smiling* It would be ok if he didn't get up with the chooks and start so early. Anyway......
All of the above are rolled up into the one theme this Friday. I am sharing a very favourite quilt of mine that I made in 2006. It was a BOM by very talented Aussie designer Leanne Beasley ( I am a huge fan of her work). As I had made her previous BOM in pinks and greens I decided I would make "Journey of a Quilter" in my most favourite colour theme...Green and Burgundy. This quilt is one of  my most favourite things. It spoke to me from the minute I saw it and I knew I just had to stitch it. I loved every minute of stitching and quilting it. And  while I was stitching it I was constantly reminded that I feel so blessed that I stumbled upon a local quilt show and was smitten enough to begin the 'Journey' of being a stitcher and quilter.It has taken me to places I never dreamed I would go and given me so much.....like confidence in myself, I have stitched things I would never have believed I could of, enhanced my creativity, allowed me to share with  and admire other stitchers and most important of all....I met the most wonderful, supportive,giving and caring women I have ever been blessed to know. My quilting group friends  are favourites all on their own. I love the central panel and the sentiments expressed in this quilt and it has certainly rung true for me. Since beginning my designing work I have met the most wonderful and encouraging people....'Stitchers' are indeed amazing people. Leanne's work has truly inspired me and I love that she's an Aussie. Our Aussie designers are truly unique (I know I'm a tad biased) and something to be very proud of. So there it is my FTF.
I think I have covered everything....A favourite thing, lovely flowers stitched on my quilt and it's red and green. So you can visit Shay for FTF at http://fairybreadmusings.blogspot.com/ and Bronwyn for Floral Friday at http://korumburraquilting.blogspot.com/ and last but not least Robyn for Colourful Fridays at
http://diasyquilts.blogspot.com/ I must really learn how to link with a single word....still out of my expertise at the moment. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and I will catch up with you all later in the day.
"All you will ever need is within you"

Blessings Michelle

Thursday's Teddy Bears Picnic with Melody

Today I have The Raggedies who would love to come on the picnic. Andy has his hobby horse to share so everyone can takes turns. I told Sheila (of Sheila's quilt world) about my Raggedies and she expresssed an interest in seeing them...so here they are. I bought the pattern and the fabric to make them at a gorgeous patchwork shop in Cobram in Victoria while on holidays. I don't know if it's still there but they had beautiful country quilts and dolls and gifts and I was totally smitten with this shop. I remember I bought loads of fabric there too.
Raggedy Ann was a big part of our life as my daughter had one and wouldn't go anywhere without her. She still has her after 32 years. Her husband bought her a limited edtion anniversary Raggedy Ann but I think the original is still the most beloved.

Visit Melody at http://thehouseonthesideofthehill/ to see who else has their picnic rug.

Today is the last day to buy "Shades of Audrey" at the special price of $12.00 AUS
I will have some Christmas in July specials for you once we are into July.
Make some time to do something nice for yourself today,
Happy Sttiching,
Michelle

Tuesday's Treasure with Melody

Well it's Tuesday again and today my treasure is two beautiful little spode sweets dishes (in cranberry & white of course) given to me by my Goddaughter Sheridan. I am sharing them today because tomorrow this lovely young lady is having her 18th Birthday. Sheridan's existence is a complete miracle and I can't believe it was 18 years ago that her Mum and I peered into her crib at the hospital with tears in our eyes that she was here. I am also sharing a photo...not a very good one of Sheridan and myself at her big sisters wedding.
So Happy 18th Birthday Sheridan and lots of love.
Visit Melody for more Treasures today at http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com/

"Be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else" - Judy Garland.
Blessings and have a great day,

Michelle xx

Block 2 finished and Down in the Man Cave

I have finished stitching Block 2 of "My Country Garden". I am enjoying these blocks so much. I'm already thinking about border fabrics etc.....and still so far to go. I think I am a lost cause.
Just a quick reminder that this is the last week to buy "Shades of Audrey" wall hanging  (photo on my sidebar) for $12.00 AUS Friday it returns to $14.50.

Lastly I just wanted to share this photo of my Grandson with my Son (his Uncle) on one of my husbands (note I said one of) motorbikes. When Grampy and Uncle Lucas disappeared downstairs into the dreadful "Man Cave" he was after them like a shot and as you can see by the grin on his face he's in danger already of becoming a full fledged member. The must be hardwired this way.
Have a great Monday and remember to -
Treat yourself as your very best friend
Blessings Michelle xx

Favourite things Friday and Floral Friday.

Well I have had a challenging little morning having discovered a tick on my body no doubt a visitor from the weekend.  And yes  I have had many showers since then so don't know why it went unnoticed. I had been feeling a little off this week but didn't pay it too much mind until the reason became obvious today. Thankfully it fell out of it's own accord but huge doses of metho were administered to the spot. YA Gotta Love the Aussie bush! Soooo! My FTF is very simple today ( I'm too shaken up to think about anything else) it's a comforting cup of lemon and ginger tea from my very favourite "Peony" cup that I use for every hot drink I have. It is so pretty but seems to have the right shape or something to make the perfect cup of tea or coffee. I would take it with me where ever I went if I didn't think people would call the "strange" police. So if I am blogging away or answering emails you can be sure I will be sipping or supping something from this sweet cup. To see more FTF's visit Shay at http://fairybreadmusings.blogspot.com/

Now I also have several floral photos from my sojourn to Springbrook....a lovely pink azalea, rosy pink camelia, I think a type of begonia, yellow daisy and an orange something or other (hoping Bronwyn will know what it is). The gardens are very much informal but these lovely shrubs were everywhere.
Visit Bornwyn for my floral fancies at http://korumburraquilting.blogspot.com/

I think this is some sort of begonia??

What is this ????

A BIG THANK YOU to Tarnyia

Well this afternoon the postie bought me a lovely parcel and it had come all the way form W.A. Tarnyia and I agreed we would make each other totes so we could have an 'all the time' memory of our swap in Cherylls Santa Sack swap. at Gone Sttichin'.
Sooooooooooo!! My lovely tote arrived along with 2 mystery parcels inside (this is going to be harder than I thought and some squeezing did take place) along with a gorgeous post card featuring "White Everlasting Daisies" from Western Australia. So thank you so much Tarnyia. I love my tote and am very excited to see the pressies pile up in the bag (a real little gimme pig aren't I).

Michelle