Miss Jessie celebrated her 7th birthday in style with her three very best friends last Sunday. This year she had a baking party ... for four hours they measured, weighed, stirred, rolled, baked & giggled while preparing all of the food for the party!
It was a great party theme and they really enjoyed the novelty of baking then eating all of the yummy treats. I made each of the kids apron to keep from the gorgeous cup cake fabric I showed last post. We also put together a little bag of baking tools as favours and they each took home some samples of the treats they made.
Happy Birthday yet again my dear sweet Jessie!
It has been an eventful couple of weeks which sort of explains my absence ...
My very first workshop came and went and I enjoyed every minute of it ... mind you I couldn't have chosen a better place or group of women to begin this whole teaching adventure with! The day before the first class I designed a new pillow .... Love Grows Free ...
I intended it to be a gift for the students in the class ... but as I was putting it together it dawned upon me that it would be an excellent project to use for practicing raw edge applique & the free motion stitching detail that I use in most of my designs ... so that's what we did on the first day. On the second day the some girls came prepared to get stuck into their Sweet Little Garden pillow ... and others decided to further perfect their newly found skills finishing off their practice project ...
These hands and this project belong to Christine who is now the proud owner of a Bernina 440 from Kates Sewing Centre. Enjoy your holiday Christine!
Debbie put together a lovely version of the practice project on the first day and then wrestled with her sewing machine that went a little feral on the second day ... I hope you have tamed that savage beast Debbie and enjoy your weekend of sewing bliss!!!
Esther focused on the practice project and was sewing up a storm without her stitch regulator in no time! Don't forget to wear your gloves Esther!!!
Kirsty picked it all up quickly ... and managed to even make a start on her Sweet Little Garden pillow!
Jane, a lover of all things blue, also picked up the technique quickly and managed to work on both projects ... don't the blue and green look a treat!!
Last but not least was Anita ... who is also in the middle of putting together Rainbow Lollipops ... make sure you take a peek it is looking fabulous!
Thank you guys for making this new experience a good one! I was lovely getting to know you all! You can see some more photos of the classes here. Next Saturday I'm off to Ballarat Patchwork for a one day class .... brace yourselves girls I intend to work you hard!
Tomorrow (correction today ... it was tomorrow when I started writing this!!) I am spending the afternoon at the North of the Yarra Quilters Guild meeting ... well to be more accurate I am going to be their guest speaker .... I am not quite sure what I am going to be talking about just yet but I'm sure I will think of something. Gorgeous blogless Debbie (featured on the guilds home page) who roped me into this suggested that I should tell a few funny stories ... my husband thought that I should tell that one about the Rabbi, the Catholic Priest & the Buddhist Monk .... but I don't reckon that's quite what Debbie had in mind! If you are a local and would like to come along I would love to see you there! The group gathers from 10am and the meeting starts at around 1pm. I will be talking from around 1.30pm until about 1.35pm ... no only kidding!
A month ago Marie form Moon Daisy emailed me a picture of her version of the Flower Garden pillow... isn't it lovely?!!!
... I feel embarrassed that it has taken me this long to share it with you all ... it has made me realise, though, that I really need to bite the bullet and start up a Don't Look Now Flickr Group ...this will be my job for next week ....
But until then you really need to take a look at Quilts & Threads ... Marie has managed to finish Meg's Garden ... already!!! It looks fantastic Marie ... thank you so much for sharing!
Last week my new edition of Homespun arrived in my letter box ....
Love Birds has managed to find it's way onto the cover!
... and I even have a Melly and Me moment with a half page Patchwork Angel ad featuring my patterns!
Penny still has a collection of my things on show in her Sunshine Coast store if you are holidaying in the sun and are hankering for a bit of fabric shopping!
You may remember me mentioning the Silver Thimble when they began stocking my patterns ... a couple of weeks ago they had a Stitch the Don't Look Now way afternoon .... I wish I could have been there, looks like it wood have been a lot of fun!
I have had several more retailers start stocking my patterns over the past couple of weeks ...
Cow Paddocks is another Queensland store that sounds quite amazing ... it is owned by Julie Latcham. The shop is located on their Beef Cattle property off the Warrego Highway. She runs classes & has a coffee shop on site! She also offers a roaming service to those truly rural women. Julie specialises in mail orders!
Blueberries is located in Wyong on the New South Wales coast they now have a little Don't look Now on their shelves! After lurking around their site for a bit I am convinced that they have a very beautiful looking shop ... which I am going to get to visit next year because I am going to be holding some weekend workshops there!!!! YAY!!!! The dates are still to be confirmed but if you would like to come along please give Jackie a ring or send her an email to let her know you are interested.
Patchwork House in Hawthorn have new stock of all of my patterns too if you live locally ... they are also stocking Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 if you are searching for it.
... there are some more to list ... but I will wait until next week to mention them as the patterns have a long journey ahead of them before they reach their final destination.
I am offering a free copy of How Does Your Garden Grow to the first person who contacts me after buying one of my patterns from any of these three stores ... you will need proof of purchase.
Last but not least the winners from my last posts giveaway ...
First up we have the lovely Linda form All Stitched Up who left the 17th comment ... I love stopping by and seeing the lovely things that Linda is dabbling in!
Blogless Carrie L who left the 31st comment ...
Blogless Anne who left the 70th comment ...
Kim from All things Mum who left the 74th comment ... have fun at the show next week I wish I could be there!!!
Blogless Louise who left the 106th comment ....
Blogless Beate Teale who left the 185th comment ...
Peta from Milly Molly Mandy Loves to Quilt who left the 193rd comment ... gorgeous banner Peta!
Congrats guys I will send each of you a How Does Your Garden Grow pattern next week.
There will will be 8 patterns up for grabs this post! This giveaway runs until I publish my next post. Just in case you are new here and haven't a clue about this giveaway ... you can find the details here ...
Thanks for hanging in if you managed to make it all the way through this post ... which I had the pleasure of writing TWICE ... thanks to our crappy wireless router!!!
Enjoy your weekend guys!
Kellie
I just love your work! I still haven't started the valance for my daughter's bedroom. I'm hoping to get going on it in a few weeks when she goes back to school (yeah, me!).
Posted by: Anita | August 15, 2009 at 02:54 AM
I love your new tree project and the heart motif that makes the outline. So cute.
Posted by: Sue Bone | August 15, 2009 at 02:55 AM
What a great birthday party, I bet everything was a hit!!
I love the new pillow Love Grows Free - it is darling.
I so wish I could take a class with you - it would be fabulous.
Posted by: Heather | August 15, 2009 at 02:59 AM
Your kids get the best birthday parties EVER!
I got my how does your garden grow pattern in the mail this week and thank you SO much! It is like Christmas to win a giveaway! :0)
Posted by: Lisa | August 15, 2009 at 03:11 AM
Great aprons, so pleased that your first workshop was a big success, woaw those ladies were very talented. Wish I could attend one of your workshop. Congratulations with your quilt in homespun, love your love birds. And one question, which fabric did you use for meg's garden?
Posted by: Marie-Jozé | August 15, 2009 at 03:13 AM
Oh, my. Your work is just so beautiful. I love applique, and have made a couple of quilts using raw-edge applique, and they have taken a long time! So I am amazed by how quickly you make these stunning pieces. And the colors you use are so happy.
Posted by: Holly | August 15, 2009 at 03:14 AM
Oh so much fun you must have had at the class.. I know I wish I could have joined you all.. that would have been sooo much fun!!!! Love the tree...:o)
And I long for Homespun to arrive!!!! :o)
Posted by: Stina | August 15, 2009 at 03:34 AM
Ohmygosh Kellie, can you BE any busier!!! Those little aprons are adorable! I'd think I'd died and gone to heaven if I could be in one of your workshops!!!
Posted by: thimbleanna | August 15, 2009 at 03:45 AM
Thank you for your long post, it was nice to read about what you have been up to. Jessie's birthday party looked like a lot of fun. Is it easy to throw a party for only the closest friends? What I am asking is whether it is difficult not to invite all friends and classmates etc.
Your new design was really cute!
Congratulations for making the front cover. You deserve it.
Take care (and please do not exhaust yourself).
Posted by: Irene | August 15, 2009 at 04:28 AM
Sweet aprons! I am looking forward to the tutorial. My 3yo loves to cook with me so I would love to make her something like this! I still need to make myself one, though, and stop using my clothes as an apron:)
Posted by: Shawna | August 15, 2009 at 04:31 AM
Beautiful! I like it,
Great! Wonderful work,
liebe Grüße
agnes
Posted by: agnes | August 15, 2009 at 04:31 AM
Congratulations for getting your quilt on the front cover of a magazine! Oh and I love the sneak peeks of that other quilt.
Posted by: Norma | August 15, 2009 at 04:59 AM
Such a great deal of loveliness here! Happy Birthday to the twins once again!
Posted by: Doris | August 15, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Sounds like a lot of fun going on with you! Too bad I live so far away (canada) because I would have loved hearing you speak.
Posted by: Nicole Gendy | August 15, 2009 at 05:25 AM
Looks like fun! I wish I lived somewhere near you so I could take a class!
Posted by: Stacey | August 15, 2009 at 05:28 AM
Cutest little aprons!! I love them!
Posted by: leslie | August 15, 2009 at 05:35 AM
you've done it yet again! Your "Love Grows Free" is gorgeous!, and the girls' aprons - how cute are they??? Love the idea of a baking birthday party - looks like they all had a lot of fun!
I just wish you weren't so far away for me to attend a workshop with you...
Posted by: Janet / What Comes Next | August 15, 2009 at 05:43 AM
Looks like you've been busy!! So, the article in the mag - does that include a pattern? I'm confused about that I guess.
I love your work and I strive to be able to take pictures like you - someday!!
Posted by: Erin in MI | August 15, 2009 at 05:51 AM
How wonderful it must be to see your quilt (pattern) in such a remarkable magazine. Congrats.
Posted by: Tammy Spencer | August 15, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Wowee, that's a lot of applique for one post! Beautiful. I think it's a real testament to your pattern that each one of those ladies' quilts looks fantastic. And of course your quilt is on the cover, it's gorgeous!
Posted by: greetingarts | August 15, 2009 at 06:14 AM
What a fun birthday party! I will have to remember that for next years round of birthdays.
Posted by: Jana | August 15, 2009 at 06:54 AM
The girls would have LOVED those aprons. Maybe I should whip up a few for my kids???
.... but then again maybe not. You've met my 17 year old.
Posted by: Frogdancer | August 15, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Your work is so inspring. I love the colors and the details. Just stunning.
Posted by: Rochelle | August 15, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Kellie, it is so wonderful to see your star shining so brightly. You truly deserve the recognition you are getting. Wonderful pics of the childrenXX
Posted by: meggie | August 15, 2009 at 07:20 AM
My granddaughters desperately need a pretty apron to wear at my house when we are 'cooking' as the teatowel (safety pinned around the neck trick) is wearing thin. I guess you have inspired me and I will have to create a couple. It is unlikely they will be as pretty as yours are. Congratulations on your success Kellie, your hard work and generosity is paying off. I am off to make Rainbow Lollipops for the said granddaughters.
Cheers
RobynK
NZ
Posted by: Robyn Kirk | August 15, 2009 at 07:38 AM
After a long, hectic day filled with chattering little voices and constant reqyests for juice, snacks, help, wipe my fanny, etc.... it is so nice to sit down and look at such lovelyness..... now if I could get my little darlings to actually let me sew, I might be able to indulge my senses even more!
Posted by: Mary | August 15, 2009 at 07:51 AM
It looks like the birthday girl and her friends had a wonderful morning! I have only recently discovered your work and think it is exceptional! If you EVER do a workshop in Melbourne then I will be the first student there!!
Posted by: Kate | August 15, 2009 at 07:53 AM
The girls look so pretty in their frilly aprons, you are a good Mum!!! Love the heart tree too!
Posted by: Michelle | August 15, 2009 at 07:59 AM
My dear! Hello from Russia! You do a great job!!! I like every things you do!!! With love from Russia Nika
Posted by: Nika | August 15, 2009 at 08:13 AM
The party looked like so much fun and the aprons are great!
I love the 'Love Grows Free' pattern. It's simple and sweet. There is not one pattern of yours that I don't like!
Posted by: Becci | August 15, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Oh Dear Kellie... don't fail me but I won't be quilting with gloves on ... can't stand them... Really looking forward to your class though. The baking party sounds like a great idea, trouble is my daughters birthday is late January and it is usually about 40 so baking won't be such a good idea then unless we just go out and sit in the sun lol... Love the apron's
Posted by: Amanda | August 15, 2009 at 08:46 AM
I have just recently discovered your blog and I think it is just absolutely stunning! You are so creative and i want to find some of your patterns! Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: dotti white | August 15, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Every post you do is just so much fun to look at. The magazine cover is fantastic. I will have to get my hands on a copy of that one!
Posted by: kristin | August 15, 2009 at 08:46 AM
It seems like Don't Look Now has got a life of its own.
I'm glad you've managed to maintain a life of your own in amongst all the teaching and making and retailing and stuff.
Jessie's party looks like a ball. (Another Super Mum party, I'm sure).
It was lovely to run into you and Joshua at the Amitie fabric fest!!
See you again soon.
Andi :-)
Posted by: andi | August 15, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Hi Kellis sounds like the party was fun
love the cooking idea and I would love to make the apron for my dd Your calsses sound like loads of fun
please enter me in you next draw
hugs Beth
Posted by: Beth Dasecke | August 15, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Looks like everyone had a good time at the workshop. I've got to get me some of those gloves!
Posted by: Harley | August 15, 2009 at 09:10 AM
You are an inspiring person! Lovely work! It looks like your daughter had a fabulous party. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Colleen | August 15, 2009 at 09:12 AM
count me in please. I can't believe how beautiful your work is, it just keeps getting better and better.
Posted by: jojoebi | August 15, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Those little aprons are so pretty. Your little girl has such a gorgeous smile. It looks like they all had a great time!
Posted by: Carmel | August 15, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Happy Birthday Miss Jessie! Those aprons are so darling - so girly! How do you find time to make patterns? My gosh your post had my head in a whirl, and I was only reading it, lol! What lovely, lovely things you create.
Posted by: Allie | August 15, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Hm.. I like the new one. That may be my first to try raw edge applique. Hoping to win one of your patterns!
Posted by: Amy Choe | August 15, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Hi Kellie,
I just adore your designs - so fresh, colourful and invigorating - truly inspirational. Here's hoping.
Posted by: Tina Dillon | August 15, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Excellent party idea! Love the fact that it isn't 25 kids running around like wild things! Must remember that when my girls are a bit older. Love to see the pics from your classes as well, makes me excited for my own class with you in November - can't wait!
Posted by: Megan Kay | August 15, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Kellie,
So dissapointed not to be able to catch up while you are here in ballarat next weekend. I'll be in sydney...but I'm sure it will be such a success that they have you back !!!
Posted by: jodie | August 15, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I am so happy for you Kellie that your designs are all going so well and that everyone loves making them too. I still havent started mine yet but I intend on doing so very soon. Your classes look as though everyone is relishing in all your wonderful help and teaching methods. I can just see your future very bright with perhaps your own quilting book one day! Oops nearly forgot to mention Happy Birthday to your birthday girl. She looked like she had a lot of fun and those aprons are so cute!
Posted by: sue | August 15, 2009 at 10:40 AM
What a lovely way to celebrate a birthday. The girls will remember it well. Your pictures on the blog are so beautiful.
Posted by: Sylvia | August 15, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Looks like you're having a lot of fun! I just love to look at your posts...the colors of your designs just make me smile! Congrats!
Posted by: sherri | August 15, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Jessie's party looks like so much fun. You are creating great childhood memories for your children. Lovely photos of your work as well.
Posted by: Lauren | August 15, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Wow what a great party. Looks like fun was had by all, its nice to have a different idea from the normal parties. I found your blog looking for applique ideas for a boy and must say i absolutely love your rocket pillow. Boys really do not have much to choose from as i am finding out. After spoiling 2 girls with nice stuff i am really struggling with boy ideas. Your work is beautiful and i look forward to watching out for what comes next!!
Posted by: skippingdaisies | August 15, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Kellie - I was really looking forward to this post and I wasn't disappointed. So much stuff is going on in your life! Congratulations to everything. I'm just puzzled how you do it all?? Greetings from Shanghai.
Posted by: Vreni | August 15, 2009 at 12:09 PM