I can't believe that I have been doing this now for one whole year! This time last year was one of the hardest weeks emotionally that my little family and I have ever faced. So what did I do ... take on another project! Thinking back I must have been delirious!
I never could have realised how much this little space would enrich my world. I've made some good friends who have opened doors for me I never believed possible. I've gotten to know some amazing women from all around the world and it's been so nice to share little bits of our lives and our passions. You guys are pretty cool!
This little corner of the web has driven me creatively ...
And I can thank you all for that!
So what was I working on last week ....
It's a Puppet Theatre. I first made one of these for Megan for her 5th birthday and the kids have all had so much fun with it over the years. It hangs above a door jam on a couple of hooks. The kids hide away behind the theatre using the stage to present their latest hilariously, ridiculous production. Once you remove the dowels it packs away to nothing.
I have driven myself loopy over this for quite some time now ... I have finally decided to take the dive into the retail world. Today I am officially launching Don't look Now! patterns ...
well actually it is only one pattern but providing I sell more than one ... there will be more :).
Of course with every new pattern and blogaversary there must be a giveaway!!! I didn't intend to have three giveaways in a row so I hope that you aren't 'giveawayed out' (OK ... I know that's not a word).
If you leave a comment here between now and mid night Australian EST on the 17th of January you will have the opportunity to win either one of two patterns or a Puppet Theatre. Anyone who has left a comment here on my last 10 posts will get an extra entry.
For the time being I intend to only sell my patterns from an online shop. They wont be available until the 18th ... no point buying one until you know for sure you haven't one one! :) This will be all up and running on the 18th of January after the winners are announced.
Thanks for your support over the last 12 months! I hope you keep coming back ... you guys literally have made my year!!!
And just so you know I haven't been sitting around doing nothing all week...
Have a great weekend!
Kellie
PS. The latest copy of Homespun found it's way onto the newspaper stands this week! Our Miss Megan took the prize of runner up in her age group of the Homespun Young Designer of the Year Award. She won a magnificent Brenina sewing machine plus over $3000 worth of other amazing prizes! This really is a spectacular competition for young Australians and incredibly well sponsored!!! Thanks Homespun from a very overwhelmed little, big girl :) ...
This is where her design began.
Congratulations my girl!
Congratulations! On the blogiversary and the new pattern! What a wonderful idea that puppet theater.
Posted by: Pikku-Kettu | January 10, 2009 at 02:22 AM
Congratulations Kellie firstly on the 1 year mark and on the pattern launching, and oh Miss Megan. How excited your household must be, and I'm sure you must be a very proud mum.
Posted by: Linda | January 10, 2009 at 02:28 AM
Congratulations on turning one! And Congratulations again on your pattern designing business. Love what you have been working on this week too! Is this going to be your next pattern?
Posted by: Jackie | January 10, 2009 at 02:50 AM
Hello! I love these "year in review" picture posts. I love love love your puppet theater too.
Don't enter me in the drawing though, you have given me enough. :)
I just wanted to celebrate a bit with ya!
Congrats on EVERYTHING.
OH and everyone who comes over is AMAZED with the quilt you made me. My mom looked at the quilting in the white part for like 20 minutes. I can't believe it's MINE.
Posted by: Erin K | January 10, 2009 at 02:53 AM
Love the puppet theater ! Congrats to your girl (lucky lucky) both of you !
Here's to a new year full of great things!
Posted by: monique | January 10, 2009 at 03:18 AM
Congratulations on turning 1! Your blog is a great inspiration for me and I just love reading it. I made a pillow usuing your pattern and love love love it! I am so happy you are making patterns for sale now as I NEED more!
You must be a very proud mom having a talented daughter like you have! Congrats on winning wonderful prizes! A bernina is my dream machine!
Thank you!
Lynn Soukies.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lynn T | January 10, 2009 at 03:28 AM
Ohhhhh Kellie! I just want to give you a great big hug! You're such a sweetie and I'm so excited for you! The big top is super fun -- what a fabulous idea. Congratulations on your anniversary -- I'm so VERY VERY glad you're blogging!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 10, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Wow!! What a post. Happy Blogaversary for starters. I truly enjoy what you share regularlly. OH, I am SOOOO happy and excited that you will be selling your patterns!!! I just love your work. I will be purchasing for sure.
Way to go Megan! That is just an awesome recognition and start for who knows what kind of path for her creativity!
Posted by: Kristin | January 10, 2009 at 04:10 AM
Happy Aniversary!! Good Luck with your new venture, with all your talent you will do wonderfully. I love your work!!
Posted by: Jane | January 10, 2009 at 04:33 AM
I love the puppet theater. You have great tallents. Thank you for sharing them with us
Posted by: Bec | January 10, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Your designs are stunning. I intended to make a puppet theatre for my children for Christmas but it wouldn't have been nearly as pretty as yours!
Huge congratulations to Megan - what an achievement!
Posted by: dottycookie | January 10, 2009 at 05:08 AM
Big wows for EVERYTHING on this post! The puppet theatre is amazing - truly gorgeous - the pattern news very exciting, and Megan's win and sewing machine the best news yet! Congratulations to you, and looking forward to many more posts and inspiring art from you.
PS. Though I adore your work, no need to enter me into the draw this time. I don't sew and my kids are too big for a puppet theater, much as I love it. Thanks anyway, just wanted to congratulate you. I'll let another lucky person win :)
Posted by: Lisa | January 10, 2009 at 05:24 AM
I'm so glad you are publishing, your designs are so very appealing and different to what's out there. Congratulations to Megan too, she's a star! how thrilling for you all, thanks for sharing over the last year, your blog is an inspiration.
Posted by: Janet | January 10, 2009 at 05:32 AM
wow, what a news filled post! congrats to your daughter she must be so thrilled, and you must be so proud!!!
and great news about your pattern business, I hope it is a great sucess for you. happy anniversary too. xx
Posted by: driftwood | January 10, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Congratulations to you both! I love that puppet theater idea. My son loves to put his socks on his hands and say "I'm a puppet show!" Guess mommy should get busy and make him some real puppets.
Posted by: Netter | January 10, 2009 at 06:55 AM
Kellie Kellie Kellie!!!!
What an amazing project. It's a perfect one for a first retail offering. So unique!!!! And so very gorgeous, as usual.
I got my copy of Homespun yesterday and was so excited (but not surprised) to see that Megan was a winner. I'm so glad she's been well rewarded. She deserves it.
And happy blogiversary to you too. What an amazingly creative year you have had. It's been a pleasure reading along with your journey.
Mazel tov on all fronts.
Andi :-)
Posted by: Andi | January 10, 2009 at 06:56 AM
WOW, that's really nice news, being able to sell your patterns soon! I must admit, I keep falling in love with every single thing I see on your website. and those colours *sigh..*
Will the patterns be PDF's or on real paper? ;)
Congrats on your 1-year-anniversary!!
Posted by: Ilse | January 10, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Congrats to you on the one year mark, and congrats to Megan on winning that wonderful prize! My goodness. Love the circles, too.
Posted by: MichelleB | January 10, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Congratulations on your 1year anniversary! Your blog is always so inspiring, I love dropping in to see what you are up to. Sure your new business will be very successful. I have just purchased my new Homespun (gosh I love that magazine) and saw Megans photo in it - Congratulations!
Posted by: The Chocolate Cat | January 10, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Happy Blogaversary Kellie. I'm so glad you started blogging - your blog has been inspirational, and I so admire your work.
Huge congratulations to Megan - that is brilliant. Mind you, so was her design.
x
Posted by: Kitty | January 10, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Congratulations to you both! I'm so glad you're blogging - I love reading and seeing your distinctive style developing :)
Posted by: Leah | January 10, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Congratulations on your first birthday! Your creativity is amazing. I don't know how the audience could concentrate on the puppet show with such a gorgeous theatre in front of them!! (Pity my boys are well past the puppet theatre stage... it's a guitar hero and ipods now.)
Posted by: Frogdancer | January 10, 2009 at 08:30 AM
ongratulations and best wishes for your new venture. I love your work but don't think I could do any thing like it - maybe a pattern would make it easier.
I saw the pic of Megans quilt in the coming next section of the last mag and couldn't believe how great it is - she obviously takes after her mother
Posted by: Melissa Antolovic | January 10, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Welcome to the world of online selling! Congratulations and good luck on your new endeavor.
The puppet theater looks awesome. I don't know where you are setting up shop but I know you would have a following on Etsy. And don't worry you will sell a ton!
That is so awesome for Megan and what an awesome prize package! I'm so jealous.
Posted by: Norma | January 10, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Hi Kellie
Happy Blogaversary!! I love your latest design, it really is gorgeous and would go down a treat at our place and yes we too are subjected to many 'home grown' concerts, they are the best fun. I wish you every success with your pattern business, I'm sure the only way is up from here. Congrats to your Megan, it was lovely to see her in the magazine and I can imagine you must be bursting with pride.
Best Wishes
Tracey
Posted by: Tracey | January 10, 2009 at 09:52 AM
congrats on your huge year.........your quilting is amazing.......and congrats to your daughter..........no need to include me in the draw...........thanks
Posted by: Chookyblue | January 10, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Hi Kellie, I don't think I've ever commented before but I've been an admirer for some time *blushes*
I picked up a copy of Homespun yesterday and when I saw that your girl had won such a great prize I wanted to congratulate her. It's a gorgeous quilt she made, I'm thinking of making it for my teenage daughter's room (I am guessing it will be a pattern in an upcoming issue?). She's quite the clever clogs.
And now I find that you are having a competition for your lovely first retail pattern. It's lovely - congratulations to you as well!
Posted by: Lisa | January 10, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Beautiful mosaic, beautiful pattern, beautiful girl.
I'm so glad to have found you this year. Thanks for being so willing to share your talent.
Posted by: tracey petersen | January 10, 2009 at 10:33 AM
I just bought Homespun yesterday and saw that Meagan had won in her age division. How wonderful for her and what a fantastic prize too. I love the puppet theatre, you are so extremely creative and talented. Congratulations on your 1 year blogiversary and I look forward to reading many more with you.
Posted by: sue | January 10, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Congratulations to both of you, Kellie and Megan, this is a wonderful way to start the year.
I am so glad you have launched your own range of patterns (even if there's only 1 so far), your designs are gorgeous.
Congrats also on your blogaversary, your blog is very inspiring and always a pleasure to read.
Posted by: Nic | January 10, 2009 at 10:42 AM
No surprise that your daughter won, look at what inspiration she has from one very talented and generous mom.
Posted by: Ginny Worden | January 10, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Happy Blogaversary!! I just found your blog a few months ago. It is wonderful! You are such a talented person and your pattern business will be a huge success.
Congratulations to your daughter! It seems the talent runs in the family.
Posted by: Colleen | January 10, 2009 at 11:13 AM
OH MY how stinking cute is that. Too bad my boys are all grown now, lol!
Congratulations on one year, your blog and creativity are totally amazing to me, I stand in awe. I wish you MUCH success in selling your patterns. And congratulations to Megan, who is totally talented as well! Thank you for all the inspiration you provide, and all the glorious color - it is MUCH appreciated here in my gloomy, snow-covered town!
Posted by: Allie in MI | January 10, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Kellie you deserve all the good things to come your way! You are soooo talented, & I am sure your patterns will sell well. Your ideas are all so original & bright.
Congratulations to Megan too, for her wonderful win, & her creativity. The apple didnt fall far from the tree.
Hugs, xx
Posted by: meggie | January 10, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Congratulations Kellie, on your blogiversary, your new pattern which looks absolutely unbelievable, and of course Meg's achievement, you must be so proud of her!
Well done! It's been great to meet you as well Kellie - here's to a very successful year!
Posted by: Cathy | January 10, 2009 at 01:06 PM
How fantastic for Miss Megan. Please congratulate her again, what a great achievement for such a little girl. She'll love her Bernina, lucky girl.
Posted by: lisa | January 10, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Congratulations, what a beautiful mosaic to mark the anniversary of you blog! I know I have enjoyed reading about all your crafty adventures! And well done to Megan - how clever!
Posted by: Siobhan | January 10, 2009 at 02:14 PM
Amazing that you have reached ONE year, much faster than you thought, I bet. I love checking your blog to see if there are any new posts with your beautiful creations. keep up the inspiring work.
Posted by: Larissa | January 10, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Well done little one - very impressed.
And also well done Kellie! This great step will be worth it - your work is amazing (I have said that before) and I look forward to seeing more of your work. Now I REALLY need to learn to free stitch on my machine....
Posted by: Sarah | January 10, 2009 at 03:34 PM
Congratulations - both to you and Megan! You are both amazingly talented - I don't know how you achieve all that you do. The puppet theatre looks great.
Posted by: Wendy | January 10, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Congrats on your new endeavor, and also to your talented daughter. It must run in the family!
Posted by: Tina | January 10, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Congratulations Kellie,
You have amazing talent, and such a cohesive style - which is rare indeed.
You have set the bar high for all of us bloggers who have been going for one year!
I am very excited to hear that you are launching your pattern design business - and you certainly have started with a bang. What a lovely, original idea - a very fun design.
My Homespun is yet to arrive, but I will look forward to finding it in my letterbox - Congratulations Megan - I knew you would do it when I first saw your entry, it's lovely (and you are in great company says this proud mother).
Looking forward to the Quilters Companion, it must be out soon. One day we will say - "We knew her when...."
Posted by: Claire - Matching Pegs | January 10, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Kellie, this is just gorgeous! I'd love to be in the draw, you have an ispirational blog, we love it! :)Kylie
Posted by: Smileykylie | January 10, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Wow well done Megan. I will have to check that out next year for my daughter.
Posted by: Cass Ward | January 10, 2009 at 07:23 PM
Congratulations on 1 year! And congrats to Megan as well - what a fantastic effort (her work is so much better than mine!) I look forward to seeing what patterns you will have available as your work is just stunning.
Jo x
Posted by: Jo | January 10, 2009 at 08:12 PM
WOW! very creative year and congratulations too Megan...well done!! A new machine! woo hooo! That puppet theatre pattern is a winner ....fabulous idea. I agree with you about blogging...I have met some wonderful people from all over the world in the past 8 months since I started my blog..good luck with your patterns I sure they will do well!!
Posted by: Lorraine | January 10, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Congratulations, Kellie on your Blogaversary and on your pattern business. Congratulations to Megan, too, for her win. It was well deserved.
This is my first (and definitely not my last) visit to your blog. I came here from 4 Wise Monkeys. I'm impressed with your work and your blog.
Cheers!
Posted by: Lindi | January 10, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Wow didn't that year go fast. And I was one of the lucky ones to find you after only a few short weeks of blogging. Your work is so wonderfully unique and beautiful and what a lot of lovely projects you have done. I'm so thrilled to see your pattern range come to life - the first of many fabulous designs!!
Congratulations to both you and Megan - it's been quite a year all round!
Posted by: Louise | January 10, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Hi Kellie.
Just stopped by the Scrap Bag at Ballarat Patchwork and clicked on your link and WOW. I think you have inspired me to take the plunge to start up my own blog! I even went back to the start to have a quick year in review with you. I in awe of your work and finding the time with 4 kids, at the moment I am finding it hard with just one little bub!
Congrats on 1 year and good luck for the next.
brandi M
Posted by: brandi m | January 10, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Congratulations to you both, most deserving ladies. Love the idea of you selling your patterns and megan WOW lucky you! Happy Sewing...
Posted by: Leah | January 10, 2009 at 10:40 PM