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!
Aaaah! Such a gorgeous post! Lovely photos of your trip (we're heading off to Eilat in a couple of weeks!) and that quilt is just stunning!!! Can I have one for my birthday please??
Posted by: Lisa | July 15, 2009 at 04:52 PM
It's been several years since I visited Fiji. Isn't the water beautiful? Love your quilts!!! You're so talented!
Posted by: kazz | July 15, 2009 at 05:24 PM
That gorgeous sunshine is making me envious, so cold here today! Enjoy! Love the Love Birds quilt. Pillow patterns almost all gone in preparation for our stitching afternoon Sat. week, they have caused quite a buzz!
Posted by: Sandy Gray | July 15, 2009 at 06:48 PM
I love your patterns. Do you have any North American suppliers who carry your patterns? I'd really like to win.
Posted by: Gail Mitchell | July 15, 2009 at 07:16 PM
Oh bad me - I'm insanely jealous - a lovely family holiday with hubby and kids in the sun. Do enjoy yourself! It's my birthday next week, I wish someone who loved me was making me a gorgeous quilt full of beautiful flowers.
Julie-Anne
Posted by: Julie-Anne | July 15, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Oh WOW!! I love your Love Birds quilt! and Fiji looks amazing! Enjoy your holiday!
Posted by: Kelly | July 15, 2009 at 09:02 PM
How exciting to have a vacation in Fiji! I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing time! Love Birds is gorgeous. You never cease to amaze me.
Posted by: Trisha | July 15, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Thank you for sharing Love Birds with us. It really carries your signature mark!
The new one with baby blue and light pink looks lovely.
I hope you enjoy your holiday. The place looks amazing!
Take care.
Posted by: Irene | July 16, 2009 at 03:45 AM
I wanna go. Next time invite me!
Posted by: Sam D. | July 16, 2009 at 04:39 AM
What a superSTAR! You clever, clever thing whipping up those delish quilts the way you do!! I'm glad you have your bas back, what a bummer to be wearing jerseys when its so damn hot!
Thank-you thank-you from the bottom of my heart for drawing me out for your give away. I have NEVER won anything in my life, and now I've won something truly worth waiting for. so worth the 40 year wait!!
Have fun enjoying that fabulous family of yours! Kids SO love it when they have your undivided attention.
Posted by: Terri | July 16, 2009 at 05:05 AM
So So Jealous!
Posted by: Tania - jetbeadscraft | July 16, 2009 at 06:44 AM
I love your patterns!! Your color sense in very inspiring to me, so bright and cheerful. Have a wonderful vacation.
Posted by: Lisa | July 16, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Love your style and went to SEW Bright in Bright only a few weeks ago, what a gorgeous place to visit in a gorgeous part of the world. Went with my gorgeous MR so made for a gorgeous weekend.
Posted by: Karen C | July 16, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Jessica is one lucky birthday girl to be getting the Love Birds quilt. I can't decide which quilt I love the best - the Circles Quilt or the Love Birds. They are both fantastic!
Posted by: Laine | July 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I can only imagine what Figi will conjure up in your creative mind. I'm sure t!he resulting quilts will be fabulous
Posted by: shelley | July 16, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Oh Kellie - your "love birds" quilt is scrumdiddlyumptious!!!
I so want to do a workshop with you. Pleeeeeease can you pop up to Queensland to teach? In the meantime, I know I will be picking up a copy of the Homespun Magazine for a closer look at this gorgeous quilt. The combindation of colors in the bundle of fabrics you took away is so pretty. blessings from Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | July 16, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Hi from Spain.
A wonderful quilt.I love your work.
Enjoy your vacations!!
Posted by: Maribel | July 16, 2009 at 05:09 PM
I dont think anyone would be able to choose one design over the other as far as your quilts go. Your holidays seem to have gone on well despite no luggage!
Posted by: Mystica | July 16, 2009 at 05:51 PM
wow wow wow I think that is all I can say your work is amazing
I am glad you are having a fantastic time away
hugs Beth
Posted by: Beth Dasecke | July 16, 2009 at 06:15 PM
I know you are super busy (always!) but i was wondering if you were going to join the DQS7? Sign-ups are going through this weekend over on FLickr
Posted by: Norma | July 16, 2009 at 11:28 PM
I love your designs! count me in for the pattern giveaway!
Posted by: Anne | July 17, 2009 at 04:09 AM
I want to be in Fiji. Instead maybe I will win a pattern. I would just love to have one. Your blog is so inspiring
Posted by: Angela | July 17, 2009 at 06:05 AM
Your new quilt is just gorgeous. So is the waether in Fiji by the looks of it. Enjoy your family time.
Posted by: Lauren | July 17, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Oops, Should be "weather" in my previous post. That'll teach me not to preview.
Posted by: Lauren | July 17, 2009 at 10:34 AM
So pleased you are all able to get away and have a fantastic holiday in the sun!! Your kids will be having the time of their lives. Hope you get a break yourself and have some "feet up" time too.We may see a whole new slew of designs come from your holiday. Have a great time.
Posted by: chriss jasper | July 17, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Love Bird quilt is gorgeous and so are your sneak peeks... Have fun in the sun, you lucky things... Love Jo xx
Posted by: Jo from the farm | July 17, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I am envying you in Fiji....and I am sure you all will have a good time. Lots of lovely sunshine and swimming. YOur new designs look fabulous and am looking forward to Homespun next month now :)Well done Kelly ....you are so clever
Posted by: Vicki | July 17, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Fiji is a great place for a young family. We took our three there when they were 12 10 & 7 (5yr ago)
But unlike your misfortune, we had to STAY an extra day because our flight home was cancelled for some unknown reason, how inconsiderate of them lol :) I must add the resort offered freebies for the day.
Can't wait for next months Homespun so I can get my hands on "Love Birds" quilt.
Posted by: Pina Refat | July 17, 2009 at 08:43 PM
I love the Love Birds, but I am entranced by those few, beautiful leaves in that "small project" (all of your projects look Huuuge to slow, slow me) of yours. Have a wonderful vacation and return.
Posted by: Susana | July 18, 2009 at 01:39 AM
Absolutely LOVE the border on Love Birds and can't wait to see more of that sneak peek... oh how you tease us!!! Glad your bags were reunited with you! My dad traveled all over the world but learned early on to always have a shaving kit (which of course you don't need!) and a spare pair of briefs in his travel on bag! Any quilt shops on Fiji!???? and... thanks for picking my name!!!!!
Posted by: upstatelisa | July 18, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Looks like a fun time! And gosh I cannot wait to see that primary colored quilt!
Posted by: Wendy | July 18, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Love the new quilt!
Posted by: Alissa | July 18, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Your Love Birds Quilt is absolutely gorgeous - your usual standard of exquisite quilts! Enjoy your vacation and creating special memories with your family. :o)
Posted by: Karen | July 18, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Wow! Love birds looks great. The to do list is forever growing with all the wonders I am finding. The holiday looks great, not sure how I would cope without luggage thou even if it was only for a few days. Hope you enjoy the rest of the break and return home safely. Keeping my fingers crossed that I may be one of the lucky ones.
Posted by: Ann-Maree K, Highfields | July 18, 2009 at 08:13 PM
fun quilts . Linda gerig
Posted by: Linda Gerig | July 19, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Hi, I saw a tiny pic of the beautiful quilt in the 'coming next month' section of the current Homespun mag, and I instantly recognised your style! I particularly love the border- the wide expanses of white with nuggets of bright colour. Well done! Do you use white Kona-cotton-type plain fabric for the backgrounds, or are they white on white prints?
I just finished the ugliest quilt in Australia- my just turned five year old requested a quilt made with his two loves- dinosaurs and lime green. The dino print was skeletons on black and the quilt's only redeeming feature is the Michael Miller disco dots I used to back it with. Hopefully it will fall apart in the dryer and it can be relegated to the cubby house soon. So dispiriting to waste precious crafting energy on something so ugly! (although Jasper loves it) Susan
Posted by: Susan | July 19, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Home for the winter so Fiji looks great. I love the vitality of your quilts. You are very talented.
Posted by: simone mayze | July 19, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Isn't that always the way it is with flying, luggage is always late. So glad you got yours relatively quickly. It looks like a really pretty place, but I thought Fiji was always warm...30 degrees? Yikes. Have fun on vacation and enjoy the kiddies.
Such beautiful quilts! Will definitely try to find Homespun when your quilt makes it's debut.
Posted by: Carol R | July 19, 2009 at 08:17 PM
As always your quilts and designs are stunning. Your holiday looked fantastic as well.
Posted by: Tamara | July 20, 2009 at 09:44 AM
HI I LOVE TO GO IN THE GIVE AWAY AND YOU QUILT FOR BEAUTIFUL
Posted by: MARGARET CARNIE | July 21, 2009 at 02:10 AM
Love your quilts! They are very gorgeous! :D
Posted by: Taiya | July 21, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Your quilts are gorgeous, have a great trip, i can't wait to see the next quilt.
Posted by: Nicole | July 21, 2009 at 12:59 PM
What an amazingly talented person you are, Kellie! All your work is just so beautiful and I am in awe of you and what you accomplish with 4 kiddies. I have 4 kids as well but certainly don't accomplish anywhere near the amount of things you do! Have fun in Fiji, it looks lovely!
Posted by: audrey | July 21, 2009 at 02:56 PM
your work looks SOOO happy and bright. brings joy to my heart. only sorry that my machine applique is... well, not near what i hope it wil be with practice!
Posted by: Beate Teale | July 21, 2009 at 08:19 PM
What a wonderful holiday......and the birthday quilt is stunning!!!
Have a restful time.
Hugs, Barb
Posted by: Barbara | July 22, 2009 at 09:42 AM
That circles quilt is fabulous! Your work just lights up the room!
Posted by: Kelly O. | July 23, 2009 at 03:24 AM
I have just come across your patterns at Patchwork Angel. I find your work so beautiful and colorful I fell in love with them. Just amazing.
Fi
Posted by: Fiona Harvey | August 13, 2009 at 06:51 PM