I'm back......

Well I would like to say that I will return to posting more regularly, but I have learned not to make promises I may not keep. BUT after bumping into Ramona AGAIN, and her questioning my lack of updates AGAIN. I thought I really should post an explanation of sorts.

Firstly my husband relocated to Tasmania for almost 4 months to work. He came back on the odd weekend, but I think over that 16 weeks he came home about 6 times. That of course left me in charge of EVERYTHING. Not a bad thing being the only grown up in the house, except when you have 4 teenage children & YOU are the only one with a license!! LOL I spent so much time in the car over that time.... especially once child 3 (no 2 son) got himself a girlfriend!! I was very very time poor!!

In general, Life has been challenging for me for the last couple of years, that is too a long a story to go into right now! (Come for a cuppa & I will tell you ALL about it) But anyway, anyway, ANYWAY! Over that time I have progressively put on more & more weight & in June this year I decided it was time to do something real about it! I have made half arsed attempts over the years & only gotten bigger. In fact I remember writing a self indulgent post on a quilting forum the day I saw 99.9kg on the scale. The thought of hitting triple figures threw me for a loop, but was still not the catalyst I needed to put a stop to it. I got bigger.... 10kg bigger in fact, topping the scales at 110kg on the knocker.

Thankfully I stumbled across a program by Michelle Bridges the female trainer on Australia's Biggest Loser. Called the 12 Week Body Transformation program it is an Online Exercise & nutrition info & most importantly it was affordable. With husband away it needed to be something that I could manage from home without adding gym visits or meetings or consultations into my already overloaded schedule. The program is run in 12 week blocks & I signed up 24 hours before the 2nd round for 2010 started. It has been without a doubt the best thing I have ever done. In the first 12 weeks, I lost 11.8kg which bought me back under 100kg. We are 6 weeks into Round 3 & I have lost 4.6kg so far. That gives me a grand total of 16.4kg lost! It might actually be more than that as tomorrow is weigh in day......eekkk! My goal for this round is to be under 90kg... I am closing in on that and feeling very confident of getting there.

Sooooo...why does that stop me from blogging.

1. I have started another blog to track my weight loss journal
2. The 12 Week Body Transformation website has a forum, I am there often contributing etc
3. I have joined Twitter to stay in touch with other participants around the country & the world
4. I am exercising up to hour every day.....

So most of that basically means, something had to give! It has been an almost all consuming process. The timing has been right for so many reasons and I owed it to myself just to run with it! With the kids so grown up & far more independant I am more able to work on me, as in I can go for a walk & leave them home for example. In fact my eldest daughter FINALLY got her license just last week and although she still lives at home, she is now pretty much independent of us. My son is in the middle of his VCE exams as I write this, so our family lives will change again over the next few weeks as he enters the next stage of his life.

Once I am closer to my goal, I expect to be back blogging more regularly, well probably about as often as I have in the past which at best would be called spasmodically!!! I already have more energy & hope that this will translate into an increased output! SO watch this space.....I am not far away.....


cheers

Time for a Sneak Peek....

My the year is flying by...it is just so hard to comprehend that we are almost at September. I know I have been absent from my blog, been feeling like I am spreading myself a bit thin lately. Although the blogging has fallen off a bit, I am still busy creating AND this was the first place I wanted to reveal a peek at my latest project.




As usual I am making 2 versions, mainly as I just cannot decide between fabrics. LOL it also helps to cement the process in my brain before I write the pattern. I am very excited about this one: so simple. ESPECIALLY the cutting. It takes 10 cuts if I am counting correctly! So a bit of ironing, sorting and cutting maybe 30-45 min and you are ready to stitch!!! Gotta love that!! watch this space for further previews.

Just something for fun.....

I know it has been such a long time since I posted ANYTHING....and I thought I would get back on the horse with some sillyness.....

I sent some Tim Tam's to my friend and faithful follower Gene, as he had seen someone do a Tim Tam Slam on the Graham Norton show. I asked him to make a video...and he has just posted it on his blog. So go have a look at Gene's Tim Tam Slam!

Cheers

What a day......

......and it is not over yet.


.......................... Look at the mess I have made......I had 2 big orders arrive (that needed to be unpacked, checked, priced, listed online and then packed away), I am in the middle of making a quilt (that is part of it sitting on the ironing board) and I had 15 parcels to get shipped today.......some how in amongst all of that I also went to the high school 4 times, took my daughter to work, visited the video store, the supermarket and of course the post office.....oh and I cooked tea. I am yet to do the dishes....blah.....I had the dishes.
It is bin night, so I guess I better cleaning it up or I will have the rubbish hanging around for another whole week.

Product Review - Easy Grip

I was visiting with June at Lilly Patches the other day and as usual we discussing many things. Some how rulers and their tendency to slip when making long cuts came up and June gave me a packet of Sew Easy Clear Grip to try at home. I have done a lot of reading about the various prevention options that are out there, even tried a few, never been happy with anything. Soooooo I was more than happy to give this one a burl.

I have to admit I was skeptical, I mean how can some plastic firstly stay in place and secondly stop the ruler slipping?? I was also seriously concerned about the application process, would I end up in a mess as I often do with cling wrap. LOL I needn't have been concerned, the plastic has enough rigidity to be easy to manage, and it was actually not sticky as I had expected it would need to be. Should have worked that out when I read the word electrostatic, use the plastic just somehow stays using static electricity. The pack contains a piece that is 31.75cm x 91.4cm (12.5" x 1') I decided to use it on my largest ruler which is 20.5" square as usually I wish I had 4 hands when using it, 1 for the cutter and the other 3 to hold the ruler steady. Obviously I had to use a couple of pieces in a jigsaw puzzle manner, but I got the ruler covered and even some left over to a smaller one. I had 9 very large stack and slash blocks to trim up: the perfect test! WORKED A TREAT!! I really cannot get my head around just how much difference it made. My only other question is how will it stand up to use? Only time will tell so there may have to be an addendum to this post.

cheers

Facebook....

Just wanted to check that the import is working correctly!!! Is it???

Look at THIS......

Here is my quilt, displayed with pattern and fabric bundles in the Lilly Patches Shop. Just a little bit excited!!!

Patterns posted....

I have posted patterns to Anorina and Alison...Still have not heard from retdairyqueen......Let me know when you get them Ladies.

And the winners ARE......

Samelia's Mum

retdairyqueen

and

alimwatson


Congratulations to the 3 of you.....could you all email me at patchworkpromises@people.net.au with your postal address and I will get your pattern off to you before the end of the week.

Thanks everyone!

The DRAW IS CLOSED

Stay Tuned for the WINNERS!!!

Another give away....Butterfly Square Dance Quilt Pattern

I have just released a new Pattern.....my first QUILT


To celebrate I am giving a couple away...... If you would like a copy, leave a comment. I will Draw some winners on Monday night at 9pm (Aust. Eastern Standard Time)

Good Luck

In my Garden.....

Every Autumn I get these.....


Don Burke describes them like this.....

"For dramatic autumn colour, tree dahlias are hard to beat. They are giant plants with huge leaves and stems, and shaggy, lavender flowers resembling ballerinas' tutus. It's not only the appearance of the tree dahlia which causes drama in the garden - so do the very brittle stems. One minute you can be proudly showing your tree dahlia off to the neighbours, then before you know it, a sudden gust of wind has blown the whole plant over! "

All I know is I love them......

I have been Shopping.......

....another bitter sweet experience. One of my Local Patchwork Shops is closing, so there is a big closing down sale.....it is always exciting to get a bargain but the thought of the shop not being there is just so sad. This shop has been open for around 30 years, initially as a general craft store, providing supplies for macrame, embroidery, tapestry etc. Over time it morphed into a patchwork store with a reputed 5000 bolts. Here is part of my haul. Here is my 25 FQ's from Robyn Pandolph's Somerset Cottage Range!! The 3 packs should have cost $140 but at 40% off I got them for $84 making them $3.36each!!! I am pretty happy with that. I got some meterage too which was really much better value at $10 a meter. I also bought some things that I needed ie backings for quilts all ready in the works. But that being just a little too practical the splurge on the lovely soft Pandolph's was a must!!





PS I know it has been a long time since I posted, I have pictures of the quilts I completed at camp. I got ALMOST 3 bound!!!

Did I tell you.......

.....it is only 5 sleeps till quilt camp. Here are the quilts I have ready to bind.

New Bag....

I have been making a new bag......I was very excited about it, but feel a little let down now. I think it is the fabric?? I guess I have proved the pattern works, maybe it is time to go shopping for something nicer to make it up in, and I must remember to make the handles shorter.

They are ready.......

This is a pic to warm the cockles of any Patchworkers heart. LOL 3 tops, all bundled up with batting & backing ready to be delivered to Mary the Magic quilter tomorrow!! I am very excited........lots and lots of binding to do.....I have 2 here already, and these 3 will make 5!! Might start getting the bindings ready while they are away!!

Night night!!

It has been one of those days.......

I have been trying to get to the machine all day........but a list of must do things got in the way. Some domestic, some business.....but all not sewing!! I have just managed to get the sashing cut!! I am itching to stitch, but bed is calling. I am not sure when tomorrow I will get to sew. I SHOULD go watch my boys, one is playing tennis the other baseball, competing for their school against other schools in the area. So maybe a little mum duty first thing in the morning, then home to the shed.

My parents dropped in tonight, and once again had to come find me out in the shed. My dear dad said....do you live out here???? LOL I think it is the reason my husband would not put a bathroom out here.....I at least have to go in for that!!

Night night

Just a peek.....

Here are my 9 FQ's, all cut up ready to be stitched BACK into a quilt......I have started stitching, will show you once it is a little more together!!

What a weekend!!!

So busy, and productive and fun and frustrating ALL at the same time.

I started the weekend, on Friday, by buying some lovely fabric, which I chopped up Friday evening. In between other commitments over the weekend I have started putting it all back together.....as we do! This is the 2nd sample of a quilt I made a while back. I am hoping to take them both to the quilter by the end of this week. (Pattern coming soon)

We celebrated my 2nd sons 15th birthday with a family party on Saturday night. These days, with just the family that live in Melbourne we have 15 for dinner!! The boy himself spent the afternoon with his mates at the local skate bowl on their bikes, teaching themselves tricks I do not need details of! This was an outing they planned together to help him celebrate, and it gave the rest of us time to prepare for the party!

Throw in, about 6 loads of washing, lots of dishes obviously...LOL. Then church this morning AND a church meeting this afternoon......man I need a weekend to get over my weekend.

Sneak peak of the new quilt coming soon!!

And the winner is........

The Random number generator says that the winner is comment 25 of 40...... CONGRATULATIONS to

DONNA WELCH!!!

Well done, Donna.....I guess it is time for YOU to go shopping!!!!

Another give away....

.....but not me this time.

I have a lovely friend, whom I have NEVER met in person. But we have chatted, played scrabble and generally shared our lives ONLINE for longer than I can actually remember. Well darling Jas is celebrating her 1st blogversary and is having an AWESOME quilt giveaway to celebrate! Why not visit her say congratulations for your chance to win!!

Lets Celebrate........

Today I FINALLY not only reached but surpassed 100 Facebook Fans!!

So to celebrate I am giving away a $50 voucher for my online shop, to be spent on WHATEVER takes your fancy!!

You know the drill, leave a comment to be in the draw and don't forget to tell all your friends.

Once you have done that, head on over to Patchwork Promises and start planning what YOU will spend the voucher on!!

Oh and entries close WEDNESDAY 10th of MARCH AT MIDNIGHT ready to be drawn Thursday morning!!!

Did you notice????

I hope you did, but most importantly I hope the changes I have made so far didn't make it hard for you to find me. I will probably change the address soon, so if you ever cant find me search for Patchwork Promises.

I started this blog as a personal one, and wondered if I needed to start one for the business. BUT I am hardly disciplined enough to keep this one going so 2 would be a nightmare!!! So re-branding seemed the logical step therefore naming every facet of my business identically.

Last week I added the link to the Facebook Fan page here, and the plan is run competitions and giveaways for the business on the blog. Regular blog visitors can join in but also so can Facebook Fans by being directed to the blog. ( This has become necessary as Facebook has banned giveaways and competitions on Fan Pages......Ggggrrrrrrr)

So stay tuned......I would hate to leave anyone behind. (It would be nice some people could comment just so I know I haven't lost anyone!!)

Finished.....

Well about an hour ago actually. I have set a new PB......23 hours from purchase of fabric to completion. I purchased the fabric at 12.30 yesterday and put the last stitch in the binding at 11.25 today!! Phew!! So here is the gift for Evelyn & Michael's baby to be presented at the baby shower that is in 32min!! I had better get wrapping!!!

Doing it again......

Making ANOTHER quilt on short notice....well I have had plenty of notice and I have been vacillating. Will I, wont I, Yes, No!! Today I decided YES......too scared to tell you when it is actually for...LOL

Getting Organised!

I hope most of you know that I run a small business from my Shed. The move into the shed has of course enabled me to be just slightly more professional and intentional in my approach to my work. AND the plan is to be able to build my business. Marketing is always the important ingredient, but without the funds to market the business in a traditional sense, I am trying to take advantage of networks I already have in place. One of those is Facebook. You will notice a new link on the right of the blog....if you dare click it and have a look at the Facebook Fan Page I have created. There I can keep fans updated with what is happening in The Shed: New stock, New designs..........etc etc!!

I hope also to run some more competitions and giveaways through the blog.....so keep your eyes peeled and tell your friends........

BFN

Stack & Slash!!

I have FINALLY found another quilter. The first and only one that I have ever used had NO children when I met her....and then had 3 over the next 5 years. Needless to say since #3 she has been on permanent maternity leave. (Well she does her own quilts and immediate family, but the last time I talked to her still no paying clients!!) I have a growing a stack of tops needing quilting but I have been avoiding making any serious inquiries..........but how long to you reckon I could go on like that??

And THANKFULLY I have found a goodun.....Price was good, work is good....SPEED exceptional!! The day we (me with 1 quilt, girlfriend with 2) dropped our quilts there....Mary was loading a new one on the machine, so we were at least after that one. That was on Thursday the 28th! To our surprise we received a call on Tuesday the 9th to say that all 3 quilts were READY!!!!!

From the beginning this quilt was me trying to step out of my box, so I thought I better carry it through with the quilting! Was thinking brown or beige for the thread but went for PINK!! It is hard to see the design but it is really funky weird floral shapes!!

The Binding I am saving for quilt camp, the plan to have a stack of quilts with binding machined on ready for sitting and relaxing and hand stitching!!!

Did I tell you I am going to Quilt Camp?? YOU should come too! Visit Mrs Martin and see if she has any places left!!!

BFN

Lynda

Back to School

Well it is hard to believe that it is the eve of the beginning of the school year for 2010. It really seems like we were just breaking up for Christmas. While we had cousin Meghan visiting, we put all back to school preparations on hold so it has been a bit of a mad rush in the last 5 days to make sure everything was ready. Today the shed became the PERFECT place for covering this lovely stack of Text Books. On the right is the pile for Number 1 Son who commences his final year of High School (HS): Only 5 subjects this year....but a lot more pressure. The middle pile belongs to Number 2 Son who is entering Year 10 and the tallest pile on the left belongs to my baby girl who joins her brothers at HS this year. WHEN did I get old enough to have 1 child working and 3 in HS?????!!!???? Sigh.....trying not to think about it.

I have spent this evening giving the Shed a good tidy. (While I watch the Men's Final of the Australian Open) I have to teach my first class for the year on Thursday evening and I need to get the lesson ready! So a nice tidy work area is essential. Not sure I am entirely ready for the year proper to start.....but it will start tomorrow whether I am ready or not. I hope that once all regular activities kick in I will be able to remember to blog.....give me a kick up the butt if I don't.

BFN

Day 7 - Meg's Quilt

I put the final stitches in the label at about 10.15pm.........going to bed now!! LOL

Day 6 - Meg's Quilt

Stitching, stitching...MADLY STITCHING.....be back tomorrow with a picture of the finished thing....only handstitching the binding and a label to go......YAY!!!