Last Friday we packed our bags and traveled all the way to beautiful Fiji
Sadly Air Pacific decided that our luggage wasn't really necessary so it spent a couple extra days in Australia ....
... luckily this is a beautiful place otherwise I doubt I would still be smiling! It's quite amazing the impact that not having luggage can make ... I had not really realised how valuable a clean pair of undies would be to me or just how much I would long for a t-shirt in 30 degree weather when all we had were jumpers.
Still ... we have been reunited now and really how could one not be happy to be in this place???
The weather is amazing, although it's too sunny for Joshua to smile with his eyes open! The accommodation is total luxury and the food is not only delicious but bordering on being healthy! The kids are loving having us on tap and as for the swimming .... well, all kids love 'summer' holidays!
Lots of excellent cultural experiences too!
Thank you to everyone who joined in with my last post and shared their favorite things. I thought I might list a few ...
Robin from RSislandcraftspointed out how useful it is to have a stash of rulers! Nanann from Nanannwoogies loves her 20 1/2" ruler ... I also bought myself one of these a few months ago and absolutely love it! It is so great for cutting large blocks and extra large strips of fabric. If you have the space and the cash to spare get yourself one, you wont be sorry!
Miriam from Yellow Roses loves her needle threader among other things ... make sure you pop over and take a peek at her beautiful peacock .... amazing! I also have a needle threader but I haven't persisted with it ... I must get it back out once we get home!
Lynn from Soukiesloves her Bernina 440 ... and who wouldn't really!!!!! I also know that Lynn loves her 1/4" foot as does Bec from Bec Clarke. I also find this tool invaluable ... those of you who know me know I can't sew a straight line to save myself ... my 1/4" foot helps to keep me on the straight and narrow!
Tess from Driftwoodloves variegated thread. It most certainly is beautiful to look at and lovely to use!
... there were heaps more! I will gradually list them all over the next few posts. If you have any that you would like to share I would love to hear about them!
Now for the winners from the last post ... who will all have a How does your garden grow? pattern arrive in their letter box once we get home from Fiji ...
First up is Barb from Quilting Barbiewho left the 19th comment ...
then Lisa from Git down kitty! who left the 23rd comment ....
my dear bloggy friend Lisa from Upstate Lisa who left the 117th comment and last but not least was ....
blogless Terri who left the 136th comment ... as Terri already has one of the How does your garden grow patterns owed to her from a preorder she made this week I will be sending her a Jessica's Garden quilt pattern make up for the double up!
Thanks to everyone who has left a comment & congrats to those of you who have won so far! Next post there will be 5 patterns up for grabs .. just leave a comment between now and midnight Australian EST, Tuesday the 21st of July to be included.
A few people asked about the quilt that was under the new patterns from my last post ... well now I can tell you ....
photo courtesy of Australian Homespun Magazine.
this is Love Birds. I made this quilt earlier in the year for Jessica's seventh birthday ... which just happens to be this Thursday ... of course it is also Ben's birthday as well but I don't have a quilt for him this time :( ... You will also find this quilt in Homespun next month ... I hope you like it ... Miss Jessie certainly does!
Before we left last week the circles quilt was finally finished and sent off ... this quilt will be in Homespun later in the year.
together with another small project that I just love! You will have to wait until next year sometime to see this one though ...
Before I go I also need to let you know about a new retailer who is now stocking my patterns ....
Angela from Sew Bright Alpine Quilting in Bright, Victoria now not only has a shop that looks like it stocks some pretty beautiful and fresh fabric ... she also has some of my patterns! If you happen to be over her way make sure you stop by and if you happen to be the first person to contact me after buying one of my patterns from Angela I will send you one of the How does your garden grow patterns!
While we are here in Fiji I am receiving emails and I can reply with a little fuss through Yahoo so if you are waiting on a reply from me ... I am not ignoring you ... I am just relaxing in the sun! Enjoy your week guys!
Kellie
PS. A few of my bits and pieces are visiting with Penny from Patchwork Angel on the Sunshine Coast at the moment so if you are around that way pop in an say hello! Penny is also taking them with her to the Caloundra Quilters Quilt Showon the 25th & 26th of July & Angel's in Teacups Day Long High Teas & Stitching on the 8th & 9th of August if you are looking for something nice to do with your free time!
Oooh, your new birthday quilt is stunning - your children are very lucky!
Thank you so much for How Does Your Graden Grow - it arived yesterday (in record time!) and I can hardly wait to get started!
Posted by: dottycookie | July 14, 2009 at 09:16 PM
How wonderful to be able to just pack up and head off to such a beautiful destination. Hmm no fresh knickers for a few days would bother me too. Love your new quilt, just beautiful and the sneak peek of what looks like a tree. Enjoy your holiday the sunshine and that special time with family.
Posted by: Linda | July 14, 2009 at 09:31 PM
even on holidays you are still managing to astound! The Love Bird quilt is a stunner. I'll be sure to buy my copy of that magazine!! (the twins must be wonderful kids... their birthdays are just one day before mine...)
Posted by: tracey petersen | July 14, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Your vacation looks fabulous, especially once your luggage arrived! Love the Love Birds quilt! Enjoy your day! :0)
Posted by: Terry | July 14, 2009 at 09:59 PM
so glad you got your luggage, glad you are having a wonderful time. The quilt is gorgeous.
Posted by: sue brown | July 14, 2009 at 10:01 PM
I love your quilts! They are so funny full with spirit.
Posted by: Ida13 | July 14, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I love the Love Birds quilt. Jessica must just love it. She is a very lucky girl. I think it's beautiful.
Posted by: Ariane | July 14, 2009 at 10:20 PM
bula! Looks like a lovely part of Fiji...care to share the resort name (for next year when we are back to actually having winters and will need to escape!!!)
Love love love the love birds!
Posted by: Jolie | July 14, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Your Love Birds quilt is gorgeous! Such fun colors.
Posted by: Robin (rsislandcrafts) | July 14, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Congratulations to all the winners and have fun, fun, fun on your holidays. Wish I were there.
Posted by: Dolores Sedore | July 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I love the new quilt. I'm still waiting for a peek at the one in your blog title though. I'm so jealous of your vacation! Have fun.
Posted by: Norma | July 14, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Ooooh i'm so jealous...would love to have some time in the warm.
Can't wait to get my Homespun next month. Your quilt looks gorgeous.
Posted by: Sharon L F | July 14, 2009 at 11:10 PM
I tried the Kia scissors and I LOVE them. Thank you for recommending them to us. I'm so excited to get my next issue of Homespun. I subscribed just for your quilts which are so wonderfully whimsical!!!
Posted by: ranette | July 14, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Yes, that is a lovely quilt. Your work is such a signature style.
I've had my luggage take scenic routes as well :P Looks like a wonderful vacation spot! Enjoy the ocean breezes for me!
Posted by: Shelley C | July 14, 2009 at 11:18 PM
J'adore ce que tu fais, c'est très joli et les couleurs sont très gaies ! Merci pour ton blog !
Amitiés
Posted by: Claude MUAU | July 14, 2009 at 11:22 PM
what a lovely quilt again! congrats!
last week I went home for a few days from our summer house, and as I had not seen my garden for 4 weeks, I was totally awed by a beautiful corner full of flowers which were not in bloom at the time I had left. They reminded me of your patterns, so I thought of you a lot :-) I even took a few pictures of them.
Enjoy your holiday, it sure looks a good place!
Kristina
Posted by: Kristina | July 14, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Your holiday destination looks idyllic!! Hope you have a great, relaxing break!
The Love Bird quilt is gorgeous. I bet Jessica falls in love with it immediately! Happy Birthday to Jessica and Ben for Thursday.:)
Posted by: Miriam | July 14, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Ah....Fiji...how wonderful..
Love Jessica's quilt. Such a girly girl quilt..
Posted by: Nancy | July 14, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Fiji looks like a beautiful place to create memories.
Your love birds quilt is amazing---how do you do it---four kids and all that piecing and applique. Very, very nice....
Posted by: Linda DiVall | July 15, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Lost Luggage? Yep, been there, done that! So now I never travel without a spare pair of undies and a tshirt in my carry on bag!
Love the new quilt; it's so colourful and bright. Enjoy your holidays and the kids!
Posted by: Vreni | July 15, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Figi- looks AMAZING! Maybe someday.... Birdie quilt is stunning, I love it!
Posted by: Danielle | July 15, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Me and my husband went to Maui, luggage lost somewhere between Amsterdam and San Fransisco...It´s amazing that it turned up 47 hours later in Maui ;-)
Hope your vacation will be as wonderful as it looks like!
Quilthugs, Carolina in Sweden
Posted by: Carolina H | July 15, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Oh my! How wonderful for you and your family! Have a great time!
Posted by: Loralynn | July 15, 2009 at 01:03 AM
Fiji, that's just not fair! Hope you are having a wonderful time!! And I LOVE the Love Birds quilt!! So pretty!! Hoping there will be a pattern for that. Because I'm gonna have to make it. Someday...
Posted by: Sara | July 15, 2009 at 01:11 AM
the birthday quilt is wonderful, hope it is a wonderful birthday, and enjoy the rest of your trip - it looks amazing xox
Posted by: driftwood | July 15, 2009 at 01:14 AM
Have a lovely holiday....and thank you for yet another chance to win your absolutely sweet patterns. All the best and have a great time!
Darc
Posted by: Darcey Peters | July 15, 2009 at 01:57 AM
Wow, another beautiful quilt. I am such a fan of your work. Fiji looks gorgeous too...ah nice to dream about that blue water.
Posted by: kristin | July 15, 2009 at 02:10 AM
Sorry abt. the luggage! Everything you do is lovely colorful, even your luggage!:) Love Birds is so so pretty. Have fun. Thanks for another chance to win.
Posted by: D Spack | July 15, 2009 at 02:53 AM
Enjoy Fiji!! You are so generous with your pattern give-a-ways. I certainly would love to win as my birthday is next month and my husband is not so good at remembering to buy me things I like and will use :)
Posted by: Jana | July 15, 2009 at 03:33 AM
Jessica's Love Birds quilt is amazing. I'm sure she will love it forever. And the Circles and other project for Homespun look equally beautiful. You are so talented to create these wonderful thing.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | July 15, 2009 at 04:16 AM
I'm so jealous, Fiji looks wonderful! And I love Love Birds! :)
Posted by: Harley | July 15, 2009 at 04:28 AM
Your quilts are so sew beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway (fingers crossed). And I just took a free photography class at REI in S. Cal. He used a fancy 3200speed camera to capture a fire throwing shot like that. But your picture looks amazing. Can you please tell what camera you are using and the setting if you remember it. Gosh, you're giving me vacation longing, but we just can't afford it right now.
Posted by: Page | July 15, 2009 at 05:41 AM
I'm glad that our visit didn't put the quilt behind time.
fiji looks fantastic... with or without luggage,
Posted by: Frogdancer | July 15, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Your quilts are so beautiful!!! Thank you so much for sharing them with us!!! I will tell you my favorite thing, besides my ruler or sewing machine, it's my co-worker that Oh and Awes over my quilts and tells me they are beautiful and appreciates all the work that goes into them. She inspires me to continue on. Enjoy your time in Fiji - and don't read your email til1 you come back!
Posted by: Linda from California | July 15, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Have an amazing trip!! (When you get back, I must grill you on your holiday details. We are wanting to plan a family holiday and this one looks like a ripper!!)
New quilt projects all amazing.
Especially loving Jessie's new (oldish) quilt!! I saw a little shot of it in this month's Homespun and just knew you had another winner!!! YAY!!
Andi :-)
Posted by: Andi | July 15, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Your work is so gorgeous it is a treat just to see your blog. I love your designs. Bulla!!
Posted by: Ruth B | July 15, 2009 at 07:20 AM
The new quilt for Homespun looks so wonderful. Must finish a few other things and then have a go at your amazing techniques. Have a wonderful WARM holiday. I am very jealous in chilly Canberra!
Posted by: Sylvia | July 15, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Bulla Kellie, Denarau Island is a wonderful place to relax and the Fijians are just amazing with kids. I am so jealous and wish I was back there too - but with only 2 weeks to go until #2 arrives I will have to suffice with relaxing on the lounge at home in Sydney with the heating on! Have a wonderful time, looking forward to the issues of Homespun featuring your amazing work.
Posted by: Cath Roberts | July 15, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Funny and how exciting. I am flying out on the 28th July to go to FIJI. I can't wait - just look at the photos.!!! I hope they don't loose our luggage!!
I love your new quilt - I wish I was one of your children....LOL
Posted by: Sandy | July 15, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Wow Fiji! That's amazing! I hope you're having a wonderful time!! I love the Many projects you have going and recently finished! Enjoy your holiday!
Posted by: Hillary | July 15, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Oh you lead such an amazing happy family life Kellie and you deserve it too. I bought Homespun this week and did see that the next issue will contain that gorgeous pattern. I am hoping to try my hand at quilting one day so perhaps I will put this on my list. I cant wait to see what the sneak peek is too, it looks very pretty. Enjoy the sunshine too, and I am glad that your bags finally turned up.
Posted by: sue | July 15, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I cant wait till homespun comes out, I will just have to come back here each day to admire, lovebirds and all your other beautiful works...ah
Posted by: Bubb | July 15, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Jessie's quilt is beautiful! Looking forward to seeing the completed version of Ben's quilt too!
PS I'm so jealous of you guys in Fiji - it's freezing in Melbourne today!
Posted by: Jane | July 15, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Your quilts are gorgeous! I am so jealous of you vacation and hope you have a wonderful time.
Posted by: Vanna Owens | July 15, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Someday, I will make it to Fiji!! It looks and sounds gorgeous. I hope you are having a wonderful time. Congrats to the winners! Drats for the rest of us. But maybe luck will shine on us this time around. Thanks for another chance to win!
Posted by: Jackie | July 15, 2009 at 11:27 AM
I think I have to move to Australia. By way of Fiji, of course. Creativity surely abounds Down Under! I love love love your quilts. I hope I can get Homespun here in the states! And I'm so glad your luggage finally arrived.
Posted by: Allie | July 15, 2009 at 11:56 AM
the new quilt is just beautiful...and fiji looks fabulous...have a great time!
Posted by: elizabeth | July 15, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Left a comment yesterday but I can't see it now :-( Just wanted to tell you I can almost feel the warmth of that Fijiian sun through your lovely photos! Ready to pounce on my copy of "Homespun" when it arrives at my newsagent's!
Posted by: Di Jobbins | July 15, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Oh how I'd love a holiday. Sounds like you're all having a great time.
I love the Love Birds quilt!
Posted by: Becci | July 15, 2009 at 12:52 PM
The quilt is gorgeous and that water is gorgeous, I love them both;)
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie St.Germain | July 15, 2009 at 01:03 PM