neenies garden update

This may be my last post before leaving on Sunday as I finish the packing, printing, pricing and preparing for our big trip to HMQS and Quilt market. It is all very exciting but as always a little scary and nerve wracking.... Thankyou for all the lovely messages of support and good luck you have been sending.
I resigned myself to the fact a couple of weeks ago that my new BOM was not going to be ready for release in the USA but as I still want it ready for release in June in Sydney I have been stiching in the wee hours and am getting close. I will have just enough stitching left to do on the plane trip there and back. It is coming together nicely and I am really loving the softer fabrics again.
a few more peeks for you to keep you drooling.... start collecting those pretty fabrics girls...and I just looove the pink spot... hugs, Helen

busy busy

Sorry for my absence from blogland, I am still preparing for the big trip, leaving in 5 days time. I feel very unprepared but I am sure everything will turn out okay in the end. I have had so many people sending me photos and emails so I am going to mention just a few here to say a big thankyou to them all. It is so nice to get photos and emails regarding patterns that people have finished, it doesnt happen that often and I can understand why but I think blogland is making things easier for people to share. So please feel free to brag and send in your pics. You are very clever and special to finish a project and we all love to see your efforts.

So Jenny from Country Blossom Patchwork in Queensland has used every Huggette in this gorgeous wallhanging. She has made up a pattern for it and has the fabric kits in her store. It is so cute, don't you think?

Wendy from Iddy Biddy has finished her version of Nice People Nice Things. I just looove the soft colours, just my style..

And Aldona from Germany who recently won one of my new patterns quickly made up the little extra suprise I put in her packet. She has many more pics on her blog, I wish I could read German but I am sure she has said 'nice' things. Her work looks beautiful. And she is obviously a big fan of Aussie patterns.Thankyou so much for sharing,

hugs to all

Helen

quilting in the cold....

We have been having a cold snap here over the weekend yikes.... we had snow in our yard! For some of you I know that is not unusual but here in Hobart it is the middle of summer and it is very rare for us to get snow (maybe once every 2-3 years) in the middle of winter.....

The girls also lost Television priveledges over the weekend (for reasons we shall not disclose) and its amazing what is achieved without a TV on and the weather too ugly to venture outside much.
Miss M practised her recent scrapbooking class by making a birthday treat for her Grandma's 70th tomorrow. She chose antique colours - not because of the age but because of Grandma's taste and decor... Using just what we have here she did a great job I think and Grandma will love it I am certain. I have spent several hours on the Black and white quilt. Why did I decide to go so big?? It took me about a week to transfer the design. I think I have probably quilted about 1 /20th of it so far... And I am not sure if it will be good enough - I may have to colour the whole quilt to hide my quilting imperfections. From a distance though I am very happy how it looks, the bridal satin gives a real trapunto look to the quilt.

So I am thankful for a few days of chilly temperatures so I can stitch to my hearts delight. I will certainly notice the difference next week however when I go here, here, here and here.... then I am sure I will be posting on the 'warm weather'. Can't wait. Karen has a few spots left so give her a call if you are near. We are doing the Blessed beauty wallhanging.

hows the weather in your home today?

hugs, Helen

new things....

I have been running a giveaway over on my NPNT blog for a new product I am working on. Lots of things being planned and worked on at once here for 2008, I think I actually need to write a plan and a to do list each day as I seem to be dabbling in too many at once... Anyway, as I said at the top I have been running a little giveaway....

mmm. what is this you ask? well its a new box, actually about 50 of them, they are the cutest little noodle boxes and I have them in four delicious colours so far... They are going to contain a selection of designs from the Nice People Nice Things kits - just one in each with the preprint, pattern and a needle, all you need when you go away on holidays without a project and are having stitchers withdrawal.... my problem is, I dont know what to call them. Now I have had Huggettes, Tempters, Little Love Notes etcetc..... So the competition is, to name them - you can see some suggestions on the NPNT blog but I am not completely sold on one yet....(but blog friends who gave suggestions, you are still in the running to win so dont panic!)

Want to see some more peeks on new projects? Look at these gorgeous threads which arrived today to go with these to die for fabrics I have been drooling over for a few weeks now waiting for thread..... the designs are done, I now need to get to stitching...

I also have a very exciting blog project in planning stages with some wonderful talented designers from across the globe, it will be a little while before we get going as you can see I have my brain going in many directions just now, but it will be worth waiting for...

now what else, I think thats enough for me and you to handle for today.... please keep me in your thoughts as I take on far too much and stretch myself far too far because I love it and just cannot resist!

oh, the giveaway - I will send out two noodle box kits - yet to be named to two lucky commenters - not necessarily the final namer but you do need to give me a suggestion...

hugs for today

Helen

book update

For those who have been wondering and asking here is an update on 'the book'. Unfortunately its release has now been pushed back to Fall (meaning Fall or October in the US being a US Publisher). The Editor has just looked at the manuscript which was there as you may know by end of July last year and would like some 'extra' projects to coordinate... So below is what I have been working on very quickly (they have to be quick or it gets bumped to 2009 and I just cant wait that long -and dont want you to have to wait any longer:) ) for the book... pinned but not quilted yet....

So It will still get there eventually but self publishing is much more 'instant' and satisfying than this waiting waiting.... by the time I have to proof it I am sure I would have forgotten it all, ahhhh the perils of 'proper' book publishing I guess.... Sorry for those of you who are waiting, be patient, I still hope and trust it will be a wonderful technique book for you on ColourqueR when it comes..
best get back to quilting it....
hugs
Helen

more snuggles

thankyou thankyou again to my wonderful Snugglybugglers. The quilt below was delivered today to the Royal Hobart Hospital for Ricky, a young boy experiencing trauma and struggles in his little life.... I hope and trust that it gives him some comfort and wraps him as 'snug as a bug in a rug' whilst he is undergoing his treatment.... thankyou to the 9 wonderful block makers, Kim for assembling and Bronwyn at Esmes for quilting once again.... you are all wonderful sharing women and the world is a better place for having you in it!

all our love and strength goes to you Ricky....(not his real name) remember, hug your kids today, they are very special and are irreplaceable... even when they dont want their photo taken - and she looked so pretty!

hugs,
Helen

Colour me please?

I am supposed to using my 'holiday' time to work on some quilts for our Tasmanian Quilters Guild exhibition this year and also to take to the US for my classes. This is a test or practise piece I have been playing with using some new pencils which I've actually had for 12months but havent had much of a chance to play with. Tilly thinks it 'beaufidul' but I am not yet convinced. Do you think I should colour the whole quilt? - that wasnt my original intention... I wanted the black and white allover with just splashes of bright colour. I will keep playing before moving onto the real thing perhaps...

a little more practise on my free quilting skills (black thread on white fabric gives you no room for error!) and a lot more practise on my photography skills needed...

what have you been doing today?

hugs,

Helen

Happy Christmas

as we wind down for a family Christmas break I have been attempting to catch up on a few long unfinished items. So first finished was Stars for Henry which was for his birth. Now Henry turns 2 on Jan 6th 2008 so Im not too late!!! I also shipped off Clancy's quilt with his Christmas present - it was the blue version of Skinny mini, now he is only 4 months old so I was good there wasnt I?
Stars for Henry was made using my blue stash = my first collection of fabrics was always blues, not sure why but I had heaps including many handdyeds from my dying days. Seem to have more blues than anything. I also used six star blocks which were given to me as my first and only birthday block swap. The colours were great, I'd always liked them but had never had time to make more to have enough for a quilt. I think it looks pretty good dont you. It is single bed size and he is still in a cot so it is perfect timing to give it to Henry anyway... reading about everyones beautifully decorated homes I took a look at ours. We proudly get the boxes down at the beginning of December and all take part in putting up the tree. This year Tilly was the best tree hanger, her patience lasted longer than everyones. Our new 'piece' for the year was our Advent calendar. I made this in 2007 for the Homespun Christmas in July magazine from lovely hand dyed wools from Highland quiltworks. Gee they were nice to work with. It took a lot of filling with three things each day for the children to seach for. This year we went for pens, stickers, scrapbooking items etc instead of sweets and chocolates every day.

as we unpack our boxes of decorations many memories come flooding back of the different places we have lived in Australia, the different schools and kindys they have attended and the many beautiful decorations brought home. All are stored carefully and hung each year which doesnt make for the most attractive tree but the most meaningful to us. We seem to have quite an assortment of angels over the years. I have posted just a few... arent they special?

mmmm angel or ghost?

our tree of memories...

notice that all the crisply wrapped packages are well poked, crumpled, prodded and peeked into... three girls and one dad.... patience is not a virtue in this household...

so to you and yours, with only 4 sleeps to go

have the most wonderful day of memories on Christmas day, spend it with special people, think of the special meaning of Christmas or what it means to you and thank whoever for being lucky enough to experience it this year.

hugs to you and yours

Helen

and the winners are....

Friday was the day for the drawing of the Stitching in the Valley raffle quilt. First prize was the queen size 'Sweet Charity' quilt made by all of my wonderful friends on our charity day and kindly quilted by Esmes of Launceston. The Fabric was donated by Lloyd Curzon Textiles.

The beautiful queen sized quilt with crazy patch blocks was won by Barb Phillips of Glenorchy. I hope this quilt wraps her in warmth and comfort as she struggles with some life challenges at this time - a more charitable and sharing person you could never meet.... I am so glad she won..

second prize was an Ottlight desk lamp valued at $369 donated by SSS - Sydney Sewing Supplies. It was won by Eileen Wilson of Murdunna..... a very happy recipient. Thankyou to SSS.

I havent yet tallied the final total but I think it would be around $400 raised for the Snugglybug project and local charity. This will be more than enough to keep us going.

This week also saw the presentation of Paddy's Snugglybug quilt. Paddy (not his real name) is a 9year old boy who was recently diagnosed with cancer and has a long struggle and lots of treatment ahead of him. The 9 block makers from across Australia, the assembler Pamela Jones of QLD and Hilary of Fairfield Quilting Old Beach Tasmania all gave their time and materials to make a difference and offer some comfort to wrap Paddy 'as snug as a bug in a rug' in his footy teams colours.

Now while I am being in such a giving mood I will draw the lucky two winners for the Homespun magazines so they may have a chance of arriving for Christmas. The two drawn numbers are 3 and 7 so that means commenters Janellybelly and Judy B of California (Judy, sorry dont think yours will make it in time.)

So please send me your addresses and I'll get them in the mail as soon as I can.

are you in a giving mood today? What nice things can you do today to make a difference? It makes you feel 'good' to give something back so I am having a great day here.

hugs to all

Helen

its in the mail!

Corinna, Mary Jo and Beth, watch for the postie who is bringing you a little suprise for Christmas!

I have received another pic of a finished skinny mini. This time from Esmes of Launceston. It uses the Moda Fresh Air fabrics and the free cut version of the quilt. Lilian has added her own applique design to it to finish.

I will have another giveway soon, when I get time to put it up. I need to clear out my office a little!

hugs

Helen

Jen's skinny mini

hi all, (yes I am still packing orders!)
I recently released my new 'Skinny Mini' pattern at Quilt market in Melbourne, carrots and all.... Now Jennifer and Terry Minchinton have just bought Patchwork by Sea in Brighton, South Australia - right on the beautiful Brighton beach (well a couple of stores around the corner) and are full of enthusiasm. Look at the wonderful sample Jen has already finished and sent me a pic of. I love to get pics of projects made by others in different fabrics etc. Jen has already kitted this in this green colourway, pinks or blues. The beauty of the 'Skinny Mini' is that it uses just skinny quarters and the top can easily be finished in an hour. These are the three versions I made for the booth in Melbourne. The blue one also doubled as a long overdue baby gift for 'Clancy' - hopefully he'll get it by Christmas.

hugs for today

Helen

time is ticking....

I havent forgotten, I know you are all waiting in anticipation (well I'd like to picture you all checking in on my blog every half hour:) ) -but I did say when all the orders are done from market. Unfortunately I worked my poor little printer (well its actually quite a big unit) a bit too hard and he has gone out in protest. So whilst a new part has to come from who knows where I cannot do anything about sending out the rest of the Boxes. Won't be too much longer though hopefully.

However, whilst having 'nothing else' to do today hahahehe... I have designed my next quilt for you. Actually all the block drawings have been done for a few months, I have just been waiting for the right range of fabrics to use and today they have been ordered and hopefully are winging their way through the skies as we speak (or type). I am supposed to be having down time over Christmas now for a few weeks and getting my chops into some competition and class sample quilts but I dont think I'll be able to resist starting this when the fabric goody bag arrives. I will have to be very strong. I have so many bday, wedding and christening presents (quilts) to finish and present - I have warned them they will come one day but I am sure my friends and family are wondering what 'one' day means... I used to be so good....

anyhow, enough chatter for now, off to finish colouring my mini lace sample.

one last thing, It is so exciting, my 3 year old today for the first time has let me wash her hair and brush it without a tear!! Those of you who know her and the hair she was born with will understand this dilemma and the dramas it has brought. Are we starting a new phase in life??
I am certainly hugging her tonight.... go hug someone you love

hugs
Helen

home again

Home from a big few days in Melbourne. Yes its only an hour away by plane but a few long days of wonderful meetings, friends, new and old, and family.
Miss Molly came with me for the first time to experience the world of quilting and begin to 'learn the ropes' - well it did mean a couple of days with Grandma being totally spoilt and lots of shopping - she takes after her dad, a real bargain hunter but managed to buy a present for everyone...
I had the loveliest time teaching at Michelles Sewing Basket to 23 talented women who all achieved wonderful results. I'd like to think that has something to do with my teaching but I know they all had a lot of natural talent which shows in the results dont you think? With the sudden warm weather in Melbourne it was a hot and stuffy day in the classroom but chocolate from Michelle helped! I hope you all enjoyed yourselves if you are reading and have managed to finish your wallhangings. I'd love to see pics when you do..
Thanks so much to Michelle for hosting me and inviting me over.

I will post some pics and news of Quilt Market soon

hugs

Helen

snugglybug rugs

Did you know that I have an email list of the most wonderful group of women who put their hand up whenever I ask. They are my snugglybug ladies who volunteer to make a block, assemble or quilt when a new request is made from the Royal Hobart Hospital. Above is a newly presented quilt for "Quinn" (not his real name) who is a 9 year old Carlton fan with two years of treatment ahead of him in hospitals, day treatments and surgeries. Many thanks to the nine blockmakers, to Kim for assembling and to Bronwyn of Esmes for quilting it.

Lilian - owner of Esmes in Launceston had a busy week for me also having Bronwyn quilt 'Sweet Charity' - the quilt made by all the ladies at the recent charity stitching day - Stitching in the Valley. This quilt is very large and would have been quite a challenge to get through my little Bernie... It will be raffled with proceeds funding backings for Snugglybug rugs for the next 12mths and then the rest donated to charity. I have also patterned this with a portion of sales going to charity each year. It does feel good to give something back when one can so this is my little contribution to the community I live in and to those less fortunate than me.

now I tried to upload a pic of it for you but it turned green??? will try again later - probably not until next week as I leave for Melbourne Quilt market at the crack of dawn Thursday. If any of you are attending please come say hello...My eldest daughter Molly is coming for the first time to help me out on the booth so say hi to her also to make her feel welcome..I am sure I am going to be very proud of her.

Im teaching two classes in Colourque at Michelles Sewing basket, they have been so excited and are so organised, I love to meet new stitching fanatics and see how they interpret my projects so will be a long but great day after a 4am start!

and before I go, did everyone see the gorgeous owl bunting on the Last Minute Christmas Gift blog - I just have to make them...they are by Alex Rasmussen of Moonstitches.

hugs

Helen

the quilt pic as promised

Nice people Nice Things quilt will soon be available. Here is the finsihed pic of the front. It measures 81" x 63" so is quite large but remember it is a Block of the week, so only one little 5" stitchery plus a verse to stitch each week - just enough to feed your addiction but quite doeable in a busy lifestyle or amongst other projects. It is put together in a Quilt as you go method so again easy to grow as you stitch or spend a week or two before Christmas putting it all together. It took me 4 full days to piece it all so I dont actually reccommend leaving it to the end. I prefer the idea of watching it grow. Of course the cards can be used for anything, even just cards to give away to special people in your lives or for many other projects. I am getting onto the blog which goes along with it where I hope people will share their projects and Nice stories. I will be featuring a different block from the quilt each week for 2008 as we stitch along.... I have used my favourite Presencia Finca #16 thread to stitch all the blocks. I'll show more about that later....Now I just hope the boxes arrive in time (slight problem with cutting dye today), the stickers from the other new printer, the card is delivered today, the printer holds out to print and cut them, and I get the brochure artwork finished and to the printer in time...! oh, so much to do... hope you like it, fingers crossed and everything else I can possibly cross
hugs, Helen

the back view, with 52 sayings or verses, I cheated and used fabrico pens to write instead of stitch them all in 3 weeks!

youtubes....

Tracey and I and our 'webguy' have been discussing putting you tube videos on her site to demonstrate 'in movie style' how to use her rulers for longarm machine quilting. I have stumbled upon a couple of wonderful videos Patsy Thompson is trying out as a tool for her students. She didnt think the quality was great but I think they are wonderful. If you let the whole clip run first - it may break up a bit depending on your download speed, then go back and play it again, the second time it will play perfectly. She has DVD's available, I think I will have to search for them. mmmmm I may have to think about doing some of these, do you think it would be useful??
on another note, it has been a beautiful sunny day in Hobart today (I didnt say warm) so after a nice drive out to Richmond to the Christmas in July craft fair, lunch at the Brighton Bakery and them home to plant my winter vegie crop, whilst the sun was still shining I took my camera for a walk at the Cornelian Bay Cemetery. A feast of design ideas waiting there. Whilst I always get a little emotional I love looking at the headstones and trying to imagine the stories behind the people here particularly in Hobart where we have so much history.
here are some pics I took of iron lace 'tops', just think of the quilt ideas....
hugs, Helen