'As Sweet as Cinnamon'

Let's get together at....

2012-01-30T20:23:00.000+10:30

Oh how I love sewing with friends,

like-minded and chatty,

laughing and dreaming of lovely things we can make....

the love of sewing...& friends & chats...

oh the laughter and giggles....I can't wait

Sew and chat and eat some yummys too..ooohhh

But best of all a getaway with some gorgeous bloggy friends...

'Lets get Stitched' is a getaway that will get you a great

weekend away with like-minded ladies (men are welcome...LOL)

We will be doing some amazing things, touring and shopping

and sewing and laughing....

Do you want to join us!

Click HERE to get details...

Only 38 sleeps to go.

OH the fun it will be!

Back to sewing those little designs for

those that come away with us...LOL

Happy Stitching and Dreaming....

Hugs

Dawn x x x

Holidays are almost over....

2012-01-24T14:34:00.001+10:30

Holiday's had overtaken our house the last few weeks
and sad to say only this week to go!

My DD have been on school holidays for almost 7 weeks

and it's been a blur of cooking, gluing, play dough, painting

dollies and dress ups and lots of mess!...

So much fun has been had and I am a bit exhausted

We have been to the movies,

done many a day of home cooking, made some felt creations

and also done loads outdoor activities.

The weather has been wonderful most of the time
and when its been hot...I mean hot sunny hot

we have splashed in the wadding pool....with lots of fun and laughs

Yep me too on the odd occasion that it has been
almost 40 degrees C..hot hot hot...I hate being too hot so a pool

is a real nice way to cool off.

One day I would love this type of swimming pool above
but for now the little kiddy wadding pool will do!

With only one week to go - this week will be
school preparation week.. eeek the holidays are almost over

School uniforms are fitted and shoes are all polished...
the sun hat's are ready and bags almost packed.

Then next week my tissues will be out and I will be

returning home to a quiet house.
No more of those noises from little girls laughing,
or asking questions from Mummy...
Cos my baby is going to school....
Now with no children at home I will be have lots of time
and hopefully I will be doing loads of sewing .....
I can hope can't I...he he

I have 4 cut out and ready to sew projects.....patiently waiting

and one BOM 'Pretty Charms 2012' almost ready to reveal.

So in the next week or so look out for some more sneaky peeks....
How are your January plans turning out????
I am now planning February!

Happy stitching

Hugs Dawn x x x

Dear diary winner!

2012-01-23T16:42:00.000+10:30

My Diary's, Journal's and Appreciation Diary...

are all being written in so far.

The first month of the year is easy for me to remember to write in them...

Its the consistency of the next few months that gets me down...

especially when I am busy...

But so far so good....I am still on track!

I loved reading about your diary writings

in the previous post comments...

thanks for entering a comment those who did

and as promised we have a winner....

drum roll please.... dum de dumm dumm dumm dumm

and the winner is Marilyn...... CONGRATULATIONS Marilyn.....

When Mr RNG picked Marilyn I was excited...

Marilyn and I met in Qld when I went for morning tea with the amazing

QLD ladies for the Gum Tree meet up....

it was a fun morning (afternoon)...it spilled over..LOL

Marilyn could email me with your snail mail details

I will pop in the post your goodies below....

thanks for entering ... be back soon...

Happy Stitching!

Hugs Dawn x x x

Holidays over, the year begins!

2012-01-08T21:57:00.001+10:30

Yeah.....

I am poooped out...

need a holiday to get over the holidays!..LOL

I've had some very busy busy days

and not much sewing for me done...

Christmas was wonderful with my Family

and my parents and grand children...they are such a delight!
I received some lovely gifties from my treasured friends...

I felt truly spoilt...I love you all and your all so precious to me..

then came Boxing day.... of this was a funny ha ha day for me...

My Girls asked Why? is it called Boxing day?

well I told them what my mum had told me...

It's to box up all the unwanted leftovers from

Christmas and give to the poor..

Miss K the next day decided she would box up

in her spare toy storage box some of her sisters

unwanted toys...LOL...to give away to the poor

Miss J was so distressed that she was loosing toys

from the year before, because she had new ones now....

Had to Promise the girls this coming Boxing day 2012

we would Box up some special things for the poor.

We have truly enjoyed our Holidays and seeing in the New year

surrounded by friends and family.

We had planned to visit family members interstate

but that didn't happen these Christmas/New Year holidays...soon I hope.

Now for my Yearly plans.....

I was gifted twobeautiful Diary's for 2012

and also had bought a 2012 refill diary for last years too.

Now what does a girls do with 3 Diary's and new Phone book???

Well the Phone book is easy...rewrite all the phone numbers

from the old book into it and toss the old one...DONE

Now the Diaries..... well the new one on the left from

sweet Joy with the gorgeous fabic is for my sewing goals and to do's.

Then the refill one( behind that) is for my desk

with all my families appointments in it.....

Then Charming Chatter diary (Rebound Books diary)

is for my '2012 Appreciation Diary'.....

everyday I write in something from that day which I appreciate.

Todays Entry is" Thank you for tea in china cups,

friends and laughter, and stories of old"

Today we went to a High Tea today for a

dear friends 70th Birthday

and it was devine..... we loved every minute of it.

Great memories being built for my girls.

The Rebound Books diary has a blank page every two

or three pages, in these pages my girls will be able

to draw a picture or two for me to treasure..

and appreciate in the years to come!

So in appreciation to you all for reading my blog

and reaching 300 posts we'll have a giveaway!

A pattern or two and some crafty fabric and and and.....

What are your plans for your Diary? or Diaries?

Leave me a comment with your answer

and I will draw a name at 8pm on the 22nd of January....

and show you what your prize looks like...

Here's to New years plans and attaining then!

Happy New Year to All

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x x

From our House to yours....... Merry Christmas...

2011-12-24T21:39:00.000+10:30

Wishing everyone a Merry Merry Christmas

and a Blessed New Year from our house to yours.

May you be surrounded with the Love of Christ and

His abundant Peace this Christmas Season!

May the joy of the little childrens faces warm your hearts...

and the memories of the days gone past fill you with joy....

Merry Christmas

Warm Cinnamon-y hugs

Dawn x x x

Ho Ho Ho It's Christmas I know....

2011-12-21T19:43:00.000+10:30

cos I have no sewing projects to share and

Christmas shopping is not done yet,

no presents to put under the tree..

and driving in the busy-ness of traffic to get anywhere is awful

finding a car park even worse....let alone shop for gifts..

Hubby's now gone out for take-away tonight

cos I just destroyed our dinner...not sure what I did but

it doesn't look good..tried to rescue it and yak yak yak...

sloppy Tuna Mornay and rice... not very appetising...

The worst thing is I have made it dozens of times in the past.

so I asked very hungry Mr Cinnamon to taste test

and he said "eeek its awful"..I thought so too

Takeaway will do much better tonight...

Then I'll relax and recoup from the last few weeks.

Been to busy to even think straight...

Ever get that way that your exhausted???...

This years been my busiest year for a long time.!

Chat soon...

Cinnamony Hugs

Dawn x x x

Oh my time sure does fly..... too fast

2011-11-30T21:00:00.001+10:30

Speaking of Flying...he he

Hubby celebrated his 50th birthday last week

and hence why I have been a bit quiet around here...

We had 30 guest including family over for a BBQ

some family and friends travelled all the way from Victoria

to celebrate his BIG 50 with him....He was so pleased.

Here he is below whispering sweet words to me for getting his present.

I had been saving like crazy to get him his dream present....

DH had said for such a long time he wanted

a flight in one of these.....HERE

So that's what I bought him... something to remember his turning 50..

We are going on Saturday this week and he can't wait....

He's like a little boy waiting impatiently for his day to fly..LOL

walking around dreaming of the day..he he

ME...well I will keep my feet firmly planted on the ground Thanks.

He was booked for the actual day of his Birthday but it

got cancelled cos the plane was broken...

It didn't give me much confidence in flying....but glad it's now fixed...

We had some gardening to get ready for the big 50 Party too...
I don't like weeds around the place trying to look pretty..

So our DS Matthew, DH and I weeded and updated the mulch

the week before the party.....

in the wretched hot weather...35 degrees plus each day..

It looked fabulous and now with our trees growing madly

I am happy with the garden... tiring work but so worth it.

I did manage to plant a few annuals to look pretty

for the girls and they love them..

On the sewing front, I only managed to

get a swap finished before we started gardening

and nothing for the weeks before and one week after...

I needed to recover...lots of work to do for a home 'Party'

I am having restaurant Party for my 50th

that's a few years away though...LOL..

Now to madly sew a block or two tonight...he he

Yesterday I did sit and put the finishing touches on my

Home Sweet Home block...now finished and sewn

Dear friend Jude stitched the doggy block for me...

Thanks Jude...it will be forever special.

Tonight I am sitting stitching this block...

A Giveaway happening real soon too...300 posts...woo hoo

never thought I would get here...

Hugs Dawn x x x

This week I, I, I.... need a good plan... So plan Be! it is

2011-11-11T14:34:00.002+10:30

Lots of things start with a plan....

actually everything does......

It is possible to not plan to do something...and fail by not planning
read that again as its confusing....he he
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

If we don't plan properly to start with - we are planning a fail!

I am so like that....I don't plan well enough...

or stick to the plans I have made either... I need to allow enough time as well.

I am always known as a creature of comfort/ habit to my family...

"all my ducks in a row" as my husband says....

but stress when they are not working out that way.

I am very unorganised of late (I blame my age)

and leave things to the last minute...

then wonder why I am rushed and run of my feet

WELL today I have had some time to revise...

mainly cos I have had to rest my sore feet...

(I have planter fascitis)

I now have Plan Be......

Being Organised with my time

Being Prepared and ready

Being Ahead before anythings due

Being Healthy and cooking and eating well

Being Smart with my time

and Being Calm and Relaxed

This last one excited me...

having a prepared time for me to go to the hairdresser each 6 weeks is good

- not like now I go at the last minute when the grey shows through

or grab a home kit and do it myself and then stress cos I don't like it...

or have a regular pedicure and not the day

before I am going out for a engagement.....

and then find the Podiatrist is booked,

then I do it myself and my feet look terrible...eeek

I mean being prepared and scheduling

regular times so I am ORGANISED... and feel in control.

(source- google images)

Oh then there's the sewing organisation....

I won't talk of UFO's at this time....LOL

I need to have presents that I want to make in a list in order of need

and having them ready to do and made well ahead of time...

Not 9 months late with apologies...Sorry Jude.

I want to accomplish things and not put off...till its a mad rush..

Sorry Chookyblue... almost done..Promise!
So for me, from today I have made a few plans and
Now need to get my new Diary ready......
Ready for a new ORGANISED me...
2012 here I come...ready and armed...
Have you made any plans?....
If not! Try it it's fun! I will show you what I have started to do a little next week!

Happy Planning

Hugs Dawn x x x

I'm still here!

2011-11-01T19:47:00.001+10:30

Thanks you for all the kind emails the last few

days on where am I ....I am ok and I am still here...

I have had some crazy weeks with State Dinner's for Archery,

Masters games for Archery for Mr ASAC,

sports day for DD1, quilts to do, patterns to write...

and general life keeping me time poor...

These are a few quilts I have been stippling for

others this last couple of weeks. sorry about the photography...

not a good point for me...

An amazing jelly roll quilt... they look fabulous

and both are so different....but equally gorgeous

This is a Bargello quilt, that blew me away...

I must admit I have never liked a Bargello but this quilt...

WOW factor for sure...all those tiny pieces...

wonderful and fabrics that I would not normally put together...

I also had the privilege of stippling a

Baltimore quilt for a friend. It was gorgeous and

I certainly took my time with her precious quilt.

I have now got to catch up on things for me...

Off to stitch while watching some X-Factor....

I am almost done another block Chooky!

Sweet Hugs

Dawn x x x

Dear Jane too????

2011-10-23T10:00:00.003+10:30

Over the last few years I have been stitching

away at these few blocks from Dear Jane.

I have another 12 or so done too... BUT

I am not even liking the color I have chosen anymore.

Do you do that???? change your mind,

change you choice of fabrics.

I need to get organised and make it, not let it be a UFO...

While talking with Vicki on the phone the other night,

she too was slowly plodding away at her Dear Jane.

We discussed the idea of doing our quilts together,

not in the same room sort of sewing....

just encouraging each other to do so many a week or month.

Thats when the idea of a shared blog together

and for others also to be encouraged ...

Those of you who have started their Dear Jane quilts

or want to start and to keep the excitement going

We can finish that quilt, together..

Sharing and plodding through the Dear Jane journey together.

Janiac's Unite was decided upon.

Why that name? We all need a name for our blogs

that reflects us and what we are about.

We are about uniting in the journey together with our Dear Jane quilt.

Would you like to join us on our Dear Jane journey.

If so visit HERE, leave a comment and Vicki or myself

will send you an invite to join the Janiac's Unite blog.

One thing we ask is you post once a month at least.

Post about your progress and blocks you have made.

Encourage others to keep journeying.

You can post more often if you want to, its up to you.

We need to Unite and get those Dear Jane's finished.

Below is the button for your blog sidebar if you'd like to use it.

Right click and save to your computer.

Then add the address link below

to your picture once it's on your sidebar.

http://janiacsunite.blogspot.com/

Vicki and I would love you to join us on this journey,

we look forward to sharing it with you,

and seeing your fabulous quilt come together.

Happy Janiac Quilting

Hugs Dawn x x x

Chiselled Runner....

2011-10-20T16:11:00.000+10:30

I so love my Go Baby....it is amazingly quick to cut out with

and makes quilting so much easier.. not fiddly cutting.

I have used 26 colored chisels and 26 white background chisels.

The finished table runner.... nice and bright and scrappy...

was made in about 2 hours all up including quilting and binding.

I straight lined quilted it... so simple yet so effective.

scrappy is so nice when you don't look and just sew together....

especially when using Kaffe Fasset fabrics.

That was a hard lesson for me... just sew, don't look...

I find that really really really hard cos I like matching...Do You?

I have just cut out another 40 or so chisels for my lap quilt...

can't wait to finish that....

But first off to stipple quilt some other peoples gorgeous quilts...

If you want some Free Accuquilt patterns

you can get 22 Free patterns if you sign up for them Here.

Happy Quilting

Hugs Dawn x x x

A little bit of.....

2011-10-14T20:32:00.001+10:30

Stitching.... it's my kinda therapy..

For those times I just want to not think about things...

I grab a stitching project,

(Only 3 stitchery blocks to go on my Gardeners Journal..)

A good old movie or two and

sit and stitch....

so that's what I am doing tonight.....

not thinking about any kinda stuff.....

Have a great night....

Hug someone!

Love someone!

Hugs and Blessings

Dawn x x x

GO Baby - winner.

2011-10-11T00:13:00.002+10:30

Thanks you all for you lovely comments,

I would recommend purchasing one of these babies

do try to purchase one its so worth it.

I am having lots of fun with mine.

And the Winner....drum roll please.....

..... dum dum dum dum dum ....

NO 58 is the winner of a GO Baby

58. Larissa said...: I am loving the fabrics you've chosen in each of your items!! Especially the half hexagons!! And those layouts for the quilt and table runner are perfect!! I think if I got the chance to own one of these little "Baby's" I would use the Tumber 3.5", Chisels (yes, looking at yours is inspiration enough!), and the apple core. Thanks for the chance to win one!!; October 2, 2011 12:10 AM

yes Larissa that's you....

and just looking at the time you commented

you may still be awake.

Email me with your snail mail details.

And BIG Thank you to Accuquilt for an amazing giveaway and product.

Happy days to all!

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

More What's your Name?

2011-10-10T11:25:00.000+10:30

I have thouroughly enjoyed reading

all of your Blogs name inspirational stories.

Have you visited some new blogs and read about

how they came to pick their name?

I thought that as its been so much fun I would keep it going,

so if you still want to keep reading 'What's your Name?'

I have added a page at the top of my blog

( just under my blog header picture)

Just fill out the linky and we can read your Blogs Name Story...

Then we can visit and read new blogs as they come up...

I have drawn the winner for the Charm pack with Mr RNG

and the winner is.....

I couldn't beleive it.... Mr RNG is having one of those days today

He picked No1 after me saying to a friend recently
he nevers picks the first or last numbers...LOL

He has this time, so could 'Mice in the Mix' send me an email

with your snail mail address so I can get a charm pack out to you.

Thanks to all for particiapating it has been so much

fun reading your Blog name stories..

Remember the fun continues, look for the page at the top

Happy Stitching

Hugs Dawn x x x

'What's your Name' and join in the fun.

Sunshine Melody

2011-10-05T23:59:00.002+10:30

Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun

of finding 'Whats your name'.

I so enjoyed reading many of them and how your blog got it's name.

I am keeping the fun open till the 10th so others can join too.

Don't forget also to enter my 'Go Baby' give away HERE

That means 2- Mr RNG draws on the 10th and

announced on the 11th... exciting stuff.

Got to be in it to win it!

Back to the title 'Sunshine Melody'

sounds like I want to break out in song and sing

maybe even dance and twirl around...

Oh I do at times... it's fun being silly.

'Sunshine Melody' is my latest quilt

pattern and it's in Homespun this month, Vol 12:10

I so love this quilt, the yellows and the prettiness of the flowers.

I used a charm pack that was a favorite of mine.

'Spring Magic' by April Cornell for Moda...

It's a pretty and sunshiney....

Just perfect for a little girls bed...or a big girl like me...LOL

For my overseas readers, the pattern is available in my Etsy Dec 2011/Jan 2012

``````````````````````````````````````````

For those who visited Peg's blog and saw the F.R.I.E.N.D.S

pressies I sent her as part of the FRIENDS swap.

Here they are again....(picture from Peg's blog)

I had a few people write me about the Iron caddy and Peg bag Pattern.

The pattern is now available in my Etsy Shop.

All my patterns in Etsy have all been updated

and are at the low price of $4.00 US..

Happy Stitching

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x

What's your Name????...

2011-10-04T16:02:00.004+10:30

After having a conversation with Lucky and Amanda today
about how we choose a blog name and what it is.

I have always wondered when visiting blogs

where did they get the name for the blog.
We had a laugh at a few...he he

What's the reason behind the name???...

Some are quirky and some very cute, some just roll off the tongue,

some make a statement, some are just because.

I thought it would be great to find out.
Why?? What's your name!

Want to win a Moda charm pack??? lets have some fun...
Just because!...
As well find out what motivated you to name your blog what it is.

I would love you to join me and explain

"What's your Name and Why"

My reason for 'As Sweet as Cinnamon'

- Its the meaning of our youngest daughters name.

We love her name and the meaning is so special...

She has the sweetest temperament and is even sweet to smell..

her name also means Most Beautiful...

actually both our girls names mean most beautiful

and they are to us just that... he he...we are very biased.

I also love, love, love Sweet Cinnamon Scrolls

and have made them every Christmas for ages..

so it just was fitting to be a blog name.
How to win!

Join in by the Link below.
(Here's How)
Put the title of your blog post... not the URL
then your email address
then your blog address
eg: - http://dawnhaydesigns.blogspot.com/

Do a post on your blog on how you came to have that name.

I will visit your blog along with others who will too
and next week will put all the links into Mr RNG again and draw a winner

Hugs Dawn x x x

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

2011-10-03T16:54:00.002+10:30

Peg and I are friends... we sort of new each other before,

we would comment on each others blogs...

......as you do when you like the blog look! he he

and are buddies on a couple of joint blogs.

So when Khris put us together in the Friends Swap,

I jumped and said yippee, yippee!

I know Peg....

Peg is an amazing stitcher and quilter,

she also is a fantastic encourager,

just to see her amazing work is delightful.

You inspire me! Thanks Peg!

Where am I heading, well on Friday

My F.R.I.E.N.D.S. swap parcel arrived....

Wow, I had sent mine to Peg the same day

so Peg will be getting her parcel this week.

I offered to wait but as it was so tempting and

Peg was ok with me opening them, so I did... Wow..

Wow ....WOW...I was blown away with the

amazing generosity of this beautiful lady.

Every Gift handmade and so so beautiful...

F ....For the Future Christmas wall hanging...

R ....Rotary Cutter holder.... Oh I needed one of these hey Jude..LOL

I ....interesting table runner.... very and in my favorite fabrics-Fig Tree

E ....every day armchair caddy - just what I needed

N .... notebook.. just perfect for my secrets...LOL

D ....designed by Peg, Mug rug...

and its fabulous as a little doily on my dresser.

S ....shoe bag.... just perfect for my very special wedding shoes.

And now they are hanging on my wardrobe...

THANK YOU so so much PEG

You have truly blessed me with these very special gifts.

I will treasure them and smile each time

I look at them and remember you.

Your parcel will be there soon. x x x

It's on it's way....

Happy Days All

Dawn x x x

I think its going......

2011-09-30T23:00:00.002+09:30

to be a huge time saver/consumer for me...

I am so loving my Go Baby Chisels die...

I have now made about 100 or so

blocks and I am currently sewing the blocks together.

I decided on two different versions..

This one below for a table runner...yummy

And this one for a quilt... can't wait to get it finished.

Hopefully I can this long weekend in South Aus....X X fingers crossed!

I also cut out these for a friends quilt this week and

I want to make it very soon...

but I didn't use the fantastic Go Baby......

Wish I had as it took a lot longer to cut 80 half hexagons...

Do you take forever cutting out the peices for your quilt tops

then you need to sew and quilt it....time...more time and more time again!

Now you too can have the chance to own a 'Go Baby' and save time as well as

be totally inspired by all you can make with the amazing dies available.

I have been given the opportunity to offer a Go- Baby

to give away..... wow isn't that fabulous...

I am excited as you too could be having some

fun playing with this fantastic Go Baby ......

Visit the Accuquilt shop HERE

and look at/dream about the dies you would like to play with

Then let me know which 3 you choose to go with the 'Go Baby'

This is open to everyone worldwide....

But please only one comment per person.

I will take comments up until Oct 10th and

announce the winner on the 11th.
... COMPETITION NOW CLOSED....

Would you like to have some Free patterns also
Sign up HERE for their free patterns...

And if you have Facebook you can LIKE them too...
you then get to here all the news on new stuff as it happens,
like patterns, dies and give-away's too.

Happy Dreaming

Hugs Dawn x x

'Out of the Box' is finished.

2011-09-27T19:02:00.002+09:30

Vicki and I have had so much fun doing this BOM.

The results are amazing and I have the

quilt hanging proudly in my front entrance.
I have a favorite block but when I look at it another time
I love a different block....
What is your your favorite block on your quilt???

The instructions to finish it are ready for you to puchase.

You could do it anyway you want though and

use them on anything like a bag or folder or cushion.

I must say take a look at Vicki's finished quilt Here

It looks fabulous and I just love the little details Vicki added to the finished quilt.

I would love you to show your quilt in our Flckr group.

If you have missed the opportunity to download this BOM

it will be available as a pattern from my Etsy site

as of the 1st of October for $6.00Aus.

I also have a newsletter coming out in October so join up now
to receive my newsletter with exciting tips, reviews, free patterns,
giveaway's and also with links to great places to shop as well.
Guest shop news too. So sign up today top right hand corner.
I do not share your email address's with any 3rd party,
so your private information stays that way...Private.

Happy Stitching

Hugs Dawn x x

Chisels, Chisels...Go Baby

2011-09-25T22:55:00.001+09:30

I have been playing with my Go-Baby from Accuquilt and the

Chisels die and having a absolute ball.
Thanks Accuquilt for making such a wonderful much needed quilt accessory
To say its amazingly easy to use is not always convincing

enough when reading from a blog

but believe me, it sure is easy to use,
just like child's play as Miss K shows you.

The die is so easy to use in the Go Baby.

Just place your fabric on the die cutter

place the cutting mat on the top

and put it through the Go-Baby and perfect chisels turn out,
it even has no dog ears to trim, all done for you.

and how easy it was, so easy in about half an hour
I cut about 80 of them out, so simple and quick

I had a little play on my cutting board with some

then I cut out some white Homespun for contrast
and stitched them together ....perfectly matching the corners.

real excitement, to see them come together as this

was usually where I get a bit miffed with my piecing.

I want perfect accuracy in my piecing, and I hate it

when sewing a 45 degree angle or any angles at that,

it goes a bit skewif (crooked), I then get a little annoyed

well not a little a LOT annoyed..Do you??

I hate to unpick, but will do it if needed, as I have get it right.

Well this is the best part of the Go-Baby...

NO NO NO crooked pieced blocks...Perfect every time...

all perfect YES just perfectly matched and all dog ears gone too.

So that's how my pile has grown to many, many, many chisel blocks...

then some more arranging them in whatever way I like...

and I like it lots of ways...LOL...you see this one die (chisels)

can make many different quilt arrangements.

all one way...

butted up together....

this way and that way.....

two rows together.....

Now I am going to have lots of fun deciding which way to sew these

I think this die will get a work out for sure...

and also to play with the two other dies,

Ribbons and Twists and Aeroplanes that I had sent me

I think also some pressies for Christmas might include a die or two.

Please Mr 'Sweet as Cinnamon'.... x x x

GO Baby Hugs

Dawn x x x x x

What have I been doing this week...

2011-09-21T17:15:00.001+09:30

bessides suffering from pulled muscle,
It ahs been quite sore...

but that doesn't usually stop me much...

I just take some pain relief and carry on as normal..

well sort of... an ooh and arrhhh here and there...

Hubby said I have kept him awake cos
I groan in bed at night when I turn over..
Ooh arrgghhh...oh arrrghhh...he he

but I am on the mend thanks to some medication and
a few back masages and.......

a shopping trip today with heavy shopping bags

filled with goodies to make PRESENTS...yep pressies for someone..

Heavy shopping is good for stretching a muscle out...LOL

YEP shopping can be good..he he..that's my excuse for now...

I made this today with Khris and will be making some more soon.

Sorry can't show you all of it, as it a surprise gift for a friend
who will show you real soon....
Did you guess what surprise I was keeping from the last post???....

Well this week one of these little Baby's arrived at my house.
he he, mums the word....I kept it well
I have been excited for a few weeks now...
so so so excited...

And all for me to play with, aren't I lucky?????...

so I will be back in a few days to let you know how it all Go's..

keep watching this space for more excitement...

Happy sewing

Hugs Dawn x x x

Look what I discovered!

2011-09-15T00:43:00.000+09:30

I needed some threads for a project I had started

and ordered them from a local shop.

So on Monday I went to visit HERE and WOW WOW WOW..

I was amazed with the gorgeous hand-dyed

threads they made in the shop...here in Adelaide.

and just so close to home....they are 20 mins away.

Primke threads...

68 different colors and they are adorable..

They can be ordered via their website and paid for via Paypal.

Variegated and lots of color ranges, in Pearl 5, 8 and 12ct

and also in a stranded cotton...

They are just so lovely to feel and look at...

I bought a couple to try.. the colors are so vivid

These are what I bought home with me..

I will be back to the shop to get some more soon...

What I like about them is that the color changes
on the variegated about every 1 1/2in to 2in and that's great
when stitching...not like the 6in in some threads...

I have traced a stitchery from the latest Vignette
to have a try...will show the progress soon.

Also I have some fabulous news to share...
I am so excited about it.....Mums the word!

Happy Stitching

Hugs

Dawn x x x

Pray for Freedom

2011-09-11T21:45:00.000+09:30

Sept 11...2001

A day I will never forget,

I remember where I was, what I was wearing

and doing at the time I heard of this tragedy unfolding...

Today I remembered them!

I now Pray for those that fight for our freedom.

and never forget what happened.

I pray for those soldiers and the freedom that they fight for us now.

After reading HERE....

I am reminded....

reminded to constantly pray for those

who are continually effected by 2001.

Lets unite and pray for one another.

God Bless

Hugs Dawn x x

Boiled Lemon Cake.

2011-09-10T09:33:00.001+09:30

Lemons, lemons everywhere.....

When I want some they are expensive

when I don't I get buckets of them given to me.

I'm not complaining though...I do love getting them for free.

Wish my lemon tree would grow some... it is dormant I think

Not like this lovely Lemon Tree above.

Now I made some very tasty lemon cake this last week.

In fact I have made it a few times in the last few weeks

It's a hit......so deliciously tasty!

Boiled Lemon Cake!

2 medium lemons

130gms soft Butter

1 1/2cups Sugar

2 Eggs

1 cup Wholemeal Self Raising Flour

1/2 cup Plain White Flour

1/2cup Dessicated Coconut.

Lemon Syrup!

1 cup sugar

rind of one l Lemon

3/4cup lemon juice ( 4 small lemons)

1/3 cup of water.

Place two lemons in a pan of water

making sure they are covered.

Bring to the boil and simmer for half an hour

Then replace the water with cold water and bring to the boil again

and simmer again for half an hour.

This helps take some of the bitterness away.

Drain the pan and cool them for an hour or so.

Preheat oven to 160 degrees C

Next cream the Butter, Sugar and Eggs until light and fluffy.

Cut the lemons in half and take out any pips

Puree the boiled lemons to pulp, skin and all.

Add the puree to the creamed sugar and butter mix.

Stir in gently.

Next place the sifted flours and coconut into the mixture.

Mix together gently

Place the mixture into two lined loaf pans in the preheated oven

for about an hour.

Cakes are cooked when slightly browned and a skewer comes out clean.

Lemon Syrup.

Place all ingredients in a pan and simmer gently for an hour.

Pour boiled syrup over cake and let cool slightly

before serving with cream and a strawberry.

Delicious.....

Hope you enjoy making this.. My friends did..LOL

Now I thought you might like to hear a Lemon-y song...HERE

Did that bring any memories back...it did for me.

My Mum used to sing it all the time...

Oh sweet memories.

Happy weekend

Hugs Dawn x x x

Exciting news.....

2011-09-09T17:34:00.000+09:30

MY favorite craft magazine Homespun has just

launched their digital subscription...

Yeah now you can get a copy digitally

That means no more hassles for those of you overseas

trying to get a copy...no more postage costs, instant download..

Zinio is the way to go for digital subscriptions.

I receive a few from English magazines.

I find them extremely easy to read.

If you want a copy go HERE

You may have to wait a couple of days for this months issue

but last months is available or buy the subscription....

This month is the Romantic issue and its just that..

Romantic and girly...shabby-ish ( is that a word)

Now just a peak of one must do project...

I am so excited about this month...

I think I say that every month....LOL

There's an adorable bag by dearest Joy...sweet and dreamy...

Then there's another little sewing wall hanging

which is a must for me to make for a friend...

I have bought nearly all the ever published copies...lots

I just love to sit with a cuppa and my copy and devour each page...

reading and making some of the gorgeous things..

Guess what I will be doing tonight....

Yep sitting, reading and drinking tea!

Dreaming of course of what to make next

But I should be finishing some

projects before I start anymore...he he

Happy Reading

You won't be dissapointed....

Hugs Dawn x x x

Resilience Quilt.....

2011-09-08T09:49:00.001+09:30

Last night Judy, myself and my girls went

to the Adelaide Convention Centre for the launch

of 2011 The MHS Conference Adelaide.

To see the visual arts display at the conference that

we were part of...
The Quilters Guild of SA asked for volunteers to help
assemble a quilt for the MHS conference.
I put our hand up as I am all for helping
our wider community in quilty projects.

We as a group of ladies/friends made a quilt of their story.

In a nut shell the quilts( 6 of them) were made by patients,

children of patients,and carers of people

with mental health issues. They have a story to tell.

They made the block while Judy, Janette, Khris and I were one of the

many ladies that put a quilt together (we did quilt no 3),

We set the blocks, quilted it and bound it.

Must say there was many cups of coffee made

while making it work.... and chatting of course.

They all looked amazing hanging up... Amazing.

Here are my girls in front of the one we made

with flat Stanley for a friends grandson... he he

I was so proud to be involved in the 'resilience' project

and to think that each block told a story of their life....

A story on 'Resilience in the midst of Change'

To think that these people lived such a different life to me

they struggled with things I have no clue about

They are people all the same and have a life to live

like we do, they have a story to be told too.

If you know anyone who struggles with mental

health issues, love them, care for them as they need more than most

to know we love and care for them. They cannot control it

more often it controls them.....

but they need our LOVE and care.

Many Blessings

Dawn x x x

Oh don't you just.....

2011-09-07T16:01:00.001+09:30

Love different fabrics and I just love this Newspaper fabric,

I won it from Shabby Fabrics...sort of I won a voucher to spend

I just loved this Annie's Farm Stand fabric

reminds me of the song by Peter Combe

Oh my Boys loved Peter Combe.

My DS no 1 got to sing with him Peter years

ago in a Boys Choir concert...Memories...Newspaper fabric does that

Brings back nice memories and I love reading it too..LOL

Where the Wind Blows...adorable fabric range by Melly and Me...

I bought these fat quarters from Under the Mulberry Tree

and they are a fab price.....

And a yummy fabric for a baby's quilt...

little windmills....

cute bugs.....

Adorable.....so cute is this fabric too from Melly and can be bought at

Under the Mulberry Tree too... pop past for some yumminess...

Happy Stitching

Hugs Dawn x x x

Blackberry pies and ...........

2011-09-06T14:59:00.000+09:30

Oh how I just love blackberry pies..... so yummy yummy.

All kinds but especially the fabric kind.

This was a birthday present from the sweetest...our Joy

My own fabric Blackberry Pie pot holder...

Its adorable and I had to make a real pie

once I opened this fabric one...yummy...

Along with some other special pressies...I was blessed

THANKS Joy your super special...

Our Tuesday group of friends had a swap last year.

We swapped a fat quarter of our choice,

each person had picked one out and made

a gift with it for the owner of the fat quarter.

To be given whenever throughout this year.

I used a fat quarter Fee had given me for a present and

Khris picked my fat quarter out....

And she made me a matching Holder with 6 coasters

to sit on my table with the lovely Lorraine's Flowers

table runner Fee made for me..

Thanks so much Khris for making it for me

and Fee for the matching fabric and the gorgeous runner.

Must make myself a few runners for my gift box...

After I have finished the binding on a little girls gift quilt..

Off to stitch

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Miss J wants to quilt...

2011-09-05T20:30:00.001+09:30

and she is going to be a natural...
when she can stand a bit taller...LOL
She barely sees over the bars... he he

Miss J decided she wanted to make an eye' spy quilt

for one of her teachers who had a baby...

So I helped her cut it out and she sat happily on her little machine

making some of the blocks...we perservered over a few weeks

Miss J managed to get them done this last week.

I then helped sew the borders on and then loaded it on my Quilter.

not the best way to load but as its very tiny and

she was leaning against the quilting frame I just pinned it on...

She was thrilled to be able to help quilt..

I held the leaver and she wiggled the machine to where it needed to go...

I am so proud of her and she loves to QUILT

yes I have a little quilter in training.....

Now I am going to bind it and have it ready

for her teacher next week.

I hope she likes it!...I do!

Happy Stitching

Hugs Dawn x x

What Good is God?

2011-09-04T15:26:00.002+09:30

Last night a friend and I went to hear

Philip Yancey talk about his latest novel

'What Good is God'

It was a most interesting night with short skits from

an acting troupe that travelled with him.

I came away thinking about deep and meaningful things.

Questions about my life that I had wanted answers too

seemed to be answered indirectly.

I now have a sense of peace that I can't explain.

When we heard Philip talk openly about his

experiences as a journalist/author....I was listening intently.

I was contemplating many questions..thinking thinking!

The question foremost for me was....

Why God? Why me?

I got my answer.

Why not me!

and with that I felt much peace.....

Its not an issue, just one of those things

that nagged me over the years.

Why...without gettignt o personal

I have not had the easiest life at times

but NOW I count my blessings and I am in truly

in the Summer part of my life...
everything is a blessing to me..

I can now smile with a peace in my heart...

My husband, my family, my children, my grandchildren

my friends, my craft, my work, Life in general is wonderful....

God is so good...

If you can get to one of the venue's that

Philip is talking at...it's worth your money.

Book HERE

Philip talked about Seasons of our Soul...

Autumn Winter, Spring and Summer...

photo courtesy of Season Stock

The season of Autumn when things look wonderful

but also when times are changing...

it's getting cooler..Winter is on it's way

The Winter when things are looking barren

but much is happening underneath....we just can not see it...

Spring when new life is bursting forth...new things happening

Summer when things are at its peak... warm rays of hope...

Its exciting to enjoy!

I pray no matter what season you are in

you feel God's never ending love for you!

Many Blessings!

Hugs

Dawn x x x

Spring Glorious Spring....

2011-09-01T09:42:00.000+09:30

Don't you just love Spring Days...

The warm sunshiny days with lovely new flowers appearing.

The smell of the Jasmine bush in full bloom....

'oh how sweet is its smell '

The Roses, bulbs blooming and blossoms everywhere...pure delight..

Like the saying 'get out and smell the Roses'... LOL

I love Spring after Winter....

I love Winter too but Spring is refreshing.

I invites me to get out in the garden and enjoy the sunshine...

I will today its inviting me out....

But before I disappear into my garden to sit

and enjoy the sunshine.

I thought I would share the last block for Vicki's and my

'Out of the Box' BOM

This is the last block and in two weeks we will

reveal the quilt with instructions for finishing it.

Both look very different, but so amazing....

I can't wait to show you!

Download Block 9 HERE

It's exciting when we finish a BOM.....

It can be quilted and hung or given as a lovely gift.

What are you doing with yours???

This one is going to be hung in my entrance way....

for all to see... he he

Hope you enjoy your stitching today

and the warm Spring days if the have appeared

in your part of the world.

If not, enjoy the last of the Autumn days

before Winter sets in for you!

Sweet Cinnamon Hugs

Dawn x x x

after gardening....

2011-08-29T11:18:00.000+09:30

I did manage to get some sewing done last night....

My fingers were a little sore from pulling weeds,

planting lavender and herb seedlings but I managed

to sew the binding on a table runner for my SIL.

It's a late Birthday present and is winging it's way to Perth.

I just love this coffee fabric....its the one before Java...

Now to finish some applique on a .......!

Sorry can't show more as its a surprise....

I can hopefully show you the finished ???? tomorrow

as I will give it to it's recipient in the morning... he he

'Happy Sunshiney Monday'

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

To market to market... flowers, herbs and sticky rice

2011-08-28T11:10:00.001+09:30

Flowers are always a favorite when I go on a Sunday
to the Fresh Produce Market's near me.

I picked up these for $2.00 a bunch and they smell divine...

Next I buy some fresh bakers buns for Hubby and the girls for their

mid morning-tea...which is usually when I get home about 8.00am.

Hubby has custard Berliner and the girls an iced donut...

I should have taken a photo of them eating it...

they take all the icing off as it's really sweet

yet they don't want me to buy un-iced ones...strange habits...LOL

I this week decided to try a 'Sticky Rice' with my morning coffee

Have you ever tried this?????

It's sticky rice wrapped in Banana leaves which you peel off

and has a creamy coconut centre..yumm yumm

I eat it warm as that's how it is when they sell it to us.

Different yes but so so yummy.

I love trying different things...some I like, some not, but this was a good try

A couple of Vietnamese girls make them

and they are always busy selling...you have to cue up sometimes

they are so popular....and cheap too.

Bought myself some Parsley, Coriander and Sweet Basil

to plant in my garden this morning while its sunny

and a Springy kind of weather day.

Had to show you the best flowers Miss K bought to me yesterday

Our wild daffodils(sour sob weeds) in an old children's welly boot...

Don't you just love the face and I was so thrilled... made my day..

Off to plant some herbs in my garden and

then I can sew this afternoon....

I'll be back later with some stitchy progress.

Have a great Sunday!

Praying still for those effected by 'Irene'

BIG Hugs

Dawn x x x

'Irene'

2011-08-27T18:35:00.000+09:30

Praying for the USA and those directly

affected by Hurricane 'Irene'

This is a picture from space where even

the astronauts are saying it is not looking good.

This year Qld was serverly effected by a Cyclone - Yasi

and we know the devestation it had on our country.

I pray this gets down graded to a severe storm

and that no lives are lost and that people stay safe.

Thinking of you all my friends.

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x

Mrs Tabitha Twitchit

2011-08-26T21:19:00.001+09:30

is one of the characters in a Beatrix Potter

book Tom Kitten. She is Tom's mum.. and a cute little Kitty.

DD Miss J decided this would be her dress up for Book Week.
Her school celebrated 'Book Week' with a parade,
for all the children to dress up in their favorite book character.

So out came the fabrics and trims,

lots of Mums sewing skills used here...LOL

And voila.... cute as a button

My Miss J looking very much like Mrs Tabitha Twitchit

Oh she was so thrilled and proud.

Dancing around in the morning with

a grin as big as the chesire cat!

Now she has a nice dress up outfit.

Now to go stich this while I watch

"Escape to the Country"- my favorite TV show...

or one of my favorites...LOL

Happy Stitching

Hugs

Dawn x x x

How tweet it is!

2011-08-19T11:00:00.000+09:30

I purchased the 100 blocks magazines when I saw Issue 2

and then

had to buy Issue 3 after my friend Wendy

encouraged me to get it... he he,

she made a gorgeous block twice into a mini quilt..see Here

I fell in love with this block from Issue 3

by Lynette Anderson.

called 'How Tweet It Is'.... block No 227 Issue 3

I made this block into a cushion for a dear friend Judy..

she is my number one fan,

she encourages me when I am down,

gets my design brain working clearly at times...

and even tests all my patterns/projects that I need proof read.

Love you Jude!

Is that enough reasons for a gift... he he...

Well the story goes like this.

I was making a mug mat for the said Judy and another

friend Heather last year when we had a discussion at sewing

about Mug-Rugs...LOL... they both said "ooh yak.. what for, why use them"..

I was in the process of making them a mug-rug

for their birthdays the next month....

so out the window went that idea of making them one

(now they do like them by the way)...

OK maybe this year girls...LOL

After agonising about other handmade gifts,

and listening to some hints and loves I made

Heather a heat pack (see here) and Judy the cushion...

and I rang Judy yesterday and said "I think I better

bring over the late birthday pressie I made you

or I'll keep it as its so nice and I love it,

it matches the quilt on my chair, and and, its just nice...

so off I went for a cuppa, a chat

and to give a present a wee bit late.. he he

I think I better make another one for me,

but first I shall finish some

other gifts that are way late too..

Happy Stitching

Sweet (better late than never) Hugs

Dawn x x x

Vignette...oh how I love you how I love you ...Vignette....LOL

2011-08-18T21:41:00.001+09:30

I am so loving this magazine 'Vignette'

by Leanne Beasley...

Issue 4 is out soon...

It is so lovely, full of recipes and sewing inspirations..

like the hexagon quilt, Vignette in Stitches quilt.

And it looks like a few pictures of the retreat

up near dear friend Wendy...far Nth Qld

Ooh oh maybe your famous Wendy?.. he he

anyhow I have preordered my copy HERE

and you can too...

The Pickledish Patch are super in their deliveries,

fast efficient and great prices, Vicki gets the goods delivered.

Overseas customers are welcomed too.

The magazine will be posted the day its released,

so get in quick...before they run out.

You also can also get back issues too.

It is so worth it, the quilts are amazing

as well as all the other projects to do too.

Back tomorrow with a surprise present that was bit late.

Hugs Dawn x x x

Holly Berry .....

2011-08-17T14:56:00.000+09:30

I promised a quick and easy project to make for Christmas.

Holly Berry can be

a mug rug or

a candle mat

or whatever you want it to be......

Whatever you choose,

maybe even a small wall hanging or small runner.

I made this to sit on my little table at Christmas time

so I can put my special little cup and saucer on.

You can download the pattern HERE.

Please send me some pictures when you have made yours...

I love to see them.

Happy Stitching

Hugs

Dawn x x x

SURPRISE SURPRISE....

2011-08-14T21:46:00.003+09:30

It's time to announce the giveaway...

I had so much enjoyment reading all the

amazing gifts given to you as a surprise!

From airline tickets to marquisette necklaces and

sewing machines to dreamt about rings

and wished for reunions, surprise birthday parties,

and baby girls, copper fish and chocolate blooms...

All given with love and intended to bless.....

I read each and everyone of the comments

and thoroughly enjoyed them...

A few even made me cry...happy tears though...

And I decided to choose this comment

that summed up all of the comments....

Surprise Gifts are given with the intention

of making someone you love happy!

Quiltin' Sandy said...: Hi Dawn! Congratulations on your many followers which is over the 800 mark now. :) I started thinking about your question, and kept remembering so many little unexpected gifts that I have received, and could not pick just one- a gift given from the heart for no other reason than to make someone happy is such a beautiful thing! Hugs, Sandy.

Sandy, please email me and I will organise your surprise...

Oh What is it you ask????

Surprise Surprise.... he he

If you pop over here and choose a

book that suits to the value of $25.00...

And then pop over here and

choose a charm pack that suits your taste,

then lastly pop past here and choose a button/s to the value of $10.00

I will then organise the delivery of them to your door...
Also to Lois (comment 99).... I will be sending you a little surprise too
as you are a great proof reader.. and I always can do with one...
yep its the 14th today..not the 15th... he he..
otherwise it would be drawn next year or is that last year
and wow how many comments
would I have/ not have had by then..LOL

Thank you to all for joining in and

sharing your surprises with me...

Here 's a little sneak peek of my new Christmas design
I have been having fun with....

I hope to share it in a day or so...

just a little to finish on it first...

quick and easy to make and so sweet..

Until then......

Happy Stitching

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

More Birthday Blessings.

2011-08-11T18:45:00.001+09:30

Oh my I feel so blessed... the gifts just keep arriving

I am so blessed with sweet lovely friends..

Girlfriends are the most precious thing a girl can have.

We share the laughs and tears over many cuppa's

or the many emails...

Here is some more pictures of my sweet birthday blessings.

An extra large light box... thanks Jude...and Carey for making it...

Fig tree cream fabric and some delightful books... Thanks Forum girls...

I was talking with Shiree the other night and had said

"I wished I had bought a Park Avenue
charm pack when they were available"....

Thanks Lucky....your a blessing to me,
I love the charm pack...will it breed LOL....

and more patterns of my favorite kind by Fig Tree... thanks again girls...

Thank you Thanks you girl-friends.... I love each and everyone of you!

You have blessed me so much this birthday...

I love our times together even if their few,

our chats, our emails across the miles...

You bless me so much and I appreciate you all.

My life is so much richer for knowing each and every one of you.

THANKS for making my Birthday extra special.

Now off to finish my Christmas pattern to share....

I have been a bit slow in making it...

Got to get it just right...

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x

Happy Day Giveaway!

2011-08-08T16:05:00.003+09:30

I did say the other day I would show you pictures of my gifties

from my Birthday but I have split the posts or they would be to to long....

So here...800 followers and I am so blessed

So Blessed that so many of you want to read my goings on...

to share this creative journey with me

and bless me with your kindness. Oh Happy Days!

I thought for days about all sorts of things for a Happy Day Giveaway

and have decided.. he he... well to ask you all a Question

and give you a surprise that I will, share when I draw it...

Do you like Surprises???... I do... nice ones though..LOL

they make my Day Happy....

Happy Day's SURPRISE! SURPRISE!

Hint: It will be a craft-y, fabric-y sort of Happy Surprise....

How to Enter!

Answer this Question:

What was the biggest surprise present you have received???

It can be a weird one or a sweet thoughful one...

the kind of present that you maybe thought...what the?

Or the kind of present that made your day's happy...

Gifts from Friends-pt 1!

2011-08-08T15:48:00.000+09:30

I promised I would show some absolutely beautiful gifts

from some wonderfully dear friends...

Thanks for blessing me so much

From my bestest friend in the whole world.

My Darling Husband bought me some gorgeous Dusk candles...

If you have never had some, they smell absolutely divine

and are just the nicest candles.

A snuffer and wick trimmer from Hubby too....

This gorgeous hanky pouch, hand embroidered with my initail,

a lovely ceramic plaque with lavender scents and

a notebook and pen made with gorgeous cutglass and jewels...

all this from my darling friend Vicki ...

thanks Vicki I am blessed cos your my sweet sweet friend

Fee sent me a choose yourself gift and I bought this amazing book...

I have wanted this for so long...ever since it came out.. he he

and now its on its way to me...yippee

I will think of you when I make it up Fee...which will be soon I hope...

the title reminds me of you...

some kind of wonderful dear friend... Thanks x x x...

Heather gave me a choose yourself gift too x x x x and

I am going to get the Annie Downs fabric when I find it.

I will show you as soon as I find it...

Another dear friend ( Hilary-no blog) gave me a voucher for the local Quilting shop...

Quilters Odyssey at Modbury has a lovely range of goodies

and I purchased the Pom Pom de-Paris jelly roll,

some needle turn circle shapes

and a 1/2 mt of Max and Whiskers striped fabric.... so yummy

From the Forum I am in, the gorgeous girls Thanks Girls x x x x

gave me some Birthday spending money..thinking thinking

I purchased some lovely things.... The pattern above from Broderie

Some lovely bright paisley fabric 4 mt from our local Spotlight..

I have a pattern in mind for this... 'One Block Wonder' yum yum yumm

A wonderful Jelly Roll...Little Apples...so not me but so lovely...

Christmas Fat quarters form Khris, with a little bit of yummy chocky's of course

and a coin purse for my spare change...Thanks Khris x x x

And there's more which I will save for later this week....

Happy Hugs

Dawn x x x x

Amazing Quilter...beware long post.

2011-08-06T17:12:00.000+09:30

Thursday night I had the honor of sitting with 250

or so other quilting enthusiasts

(mainly ladies but a few gentlemen were there too)

at the Quilters Guild of South Australia, Burnside SA.

There to watch a trunk show with Sharon Schamber...

WOW oh WOW oh WOW... I was gobsmacked.

Sharon allowed us to fondle her gorgeous works,

as well as get up close and personal

with the quilts and see her amazing stitches.

She was such a delight to listen too along

with her husband Gene (hope that's the correct spelling).

I was intrigued at her wonderful stitches,

so so small ( 22 stitches to the inch)

and her techniques are so foreign to me but they obviously work

Below are some Photo's of her amazing award winning quilts....

Enjoy pursuing.....

above hand painted and quilted

Lady in the green dress remade, slightly different to the first

and such an effort, shame about the first quilt.

Check out the quilt behind Sharon above

Here it is close up...amazing...black stitching on white.

incredible!

Knotted piping to hold it together...fabulous work

Me next to it

K for Khristina... thinking of you.

Amanda's hand close up to see the intricacy...

I just love circles and this was similar to my Blush quilt pattern...

different technique but same effect

amazing quilting on it...

What did I glean for Sharon's advice and chat.

1. Take as much care with each item as required to make you satisfied.

2 Explore other mediums with each new project.

eg: silk threads, beads and piping.

3. Every persons project is a work of art to them.

Appreciate it with them even if I don't like the design or color!

They love it and are so very proud of their work.

4. Go to as many trunk shows and classes

as I can to learn new techniques.

Sharon spoke on many of her gorgeous quilts

and the inspiration and technique of each,

It was a wonderful way to spend my Birthday evening

One thing Sharon said she did when doing needle turn applique

'the Sharon Schamber way' was to use a muslin as the background,

washed once and hung on the line to dry....yep got that!

Then for the applique she used 100% cotton,

washed and dried it in the clothes dryer

and repeated this last step 3 times.

I wondered about WHY???

and on Friday I realised that by doing this

the fabric would definitely shrink

and therefore the count would be higher,

The higher the count the softer and more pliable the fabric.

Don't we all love 12,000 count sheets on our bed to sleep within.

Like sleeping among silk, nice and soft and luxurious.

That's what our fabric will feel like to sew with.

Next time I needle turn applique I am going to try this.

Hope you've liked being part of the trunk show too.

Happy Stitching

Off to sew as my machine is back and waiting for me to play.

Back tomorrow with some Birthday pressy pictures

also a Giveaway for 800 followers...

Hugs Dawn x x x

This is my Song...what's yours???

2011-08-04T08:55:00.003+09:30

Today is my day, the once a year kinda day..

I made myself a cup of tea in my special extra large morning mug

and then was thinking what is my song?

...the song that describes me and my life...

how I feel in the mornings...

I have not always had things wonderful

but I have always felt wonderful...

I am an optimist through and through

I do have sad moments but I can smile at life

and always wake up to a new day,

a new chance to get it right and to smile once again...

To show the world Love... just a little

What's your song???

Here's mine and yes I have Love...

My parents have always spoken of their love for me,

that's one thing I am certain of.

My children love me, sometimes though I am sure those

teenagers didn't like me but I was assured they loved me

and I know my husband loves me,

he puts up with my fabric addiction and Internet one too...LOL

So for me my life is

Sunshine ( he he - Dawn) Rainbows and Lollipops....

What's your song???....

Blog about it and leave your link and I'll come past and have a read and maybe listen.

Now I am off to take my sewing machine to the doctors

and also catch up on some Internet...

we had an outage for 26hours..yak..

and then my machine played up so not

much done for me that last day or so..

the house is clean and I have read a few nice magazines...LOL

Have a wonderful day!

Be Blessed!

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x x

The Surprise goes to.........and Block 8

2011-08-01T17:34:00.003+09:30

Willoger1

is the winner of the surprise giveaway I ran

for uploading pictures to the 'Out of the Box' Flckr page.

Well done Willoger1

for some gorgeous blocks!

This will be on its way real soon....stalk your posty... he he

The blocks are looking fabulous and I am thrilled with how

everyone has interpreted our stitchery's for 'Out of the Box'

and added their own little tweaks...

makes them yours and different to everyone else's.

Block 8 is one of my favorites,

I love them all but this one is just me!

Cup of tea anytime if your passing by my place.....

You can download Block 8 HERE ...

I used Theodora Cleave buttons again and I just love the look.

Have you been to visit Theodora yet????

Have a look at her gorgeous buttons, especially the ones for Christmas too

They are just adorable...I am hooked on them.

Don't forget to pop past Vicki's blog for her block 8 and also her Giveaway.

Happy Stitching

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Today we.....

2011-07-31T22:14:00.000+09:30

had fabulous day out at a friends home.

The sort of day that on the drive home

we always say 'lets do that again'.

Our family spending some quality time

with another precious family who always

bless us with their hospitality, wit and laughter.

We have such a ball, sharing lunch and lots of chatting

and laughing till our sides hurt.

Sharing together.....pure bliss!

Tonight I am sewing my blocks together on this

then adding borders ready to quilt.

Can't wait to finish it ready for Christmas.

Later this week I hope to share a design for you to stitch

in time to make it for Christmas.

remember the sneak peek in this post?

Its almost done and then I'll share with you.

Don't forget to pop past tomorrow for

another block for our 'Out of the Box' BOM.

Another favorite of mine.... he he

Have you loaded any pictures of completed blocks

to 'Out of the Box' Flckr,

You still have little time and then tomorrow night

I will also draw the winner of my surprise giveaway!

Happy Hugs

Dawn x x x x

Sore back and Farmers Wife!

2011-07-29T18:55:00.001+09:30

after I wrote this title I had to laugh...

some Farmers Wives have sore backs for all the hard work they do.

They sure do need a pat on the back at times,

for the things they do that us city gals don't do...

My husband was a farmer for a long time..

grew up on the farm, a pig farm, with hay and canola crops,

and wow after listening to him tell his stories.

They do such hard work, back breaking work that can be quite tiring.

I admire anyone who lives on the land now.

This last week my back has been so sore,

to the point where sitting or standing

for long periods hurt like ***CRAZY***

So after a wonderful visit with my Chiropractor

I will never let it get that bad again..

Mel my Chiro had to massage the muscles

quite hard to release the hip joint..released after a push..LOL

and now I am just putting ice and heat on alternatively

to help it heal...

Now I still can not sit or stand for long periods of time..

and am going to be more careful

when moving furniture around the house...he he

So glad hubby decided to move to the city and stay,

cos this chick ain't cut out to be a farmers wife...

But I can Dream and pretend and maybe join in a bit

The Farmers Wife quilt caught my eye and as I love piecing quilts

so decided to dream a little..... albeit a bit late.

FWQAL can joined anytime HERE!

I have sewn about nine blocks so far and am thrilled

have a look at the first five...

I am using a fat quarter pack I bought last year and love it...

of course its a Fig Tree fabric, 'Breakfast at Tiffany's

and I love the look it creates.

Now to make some more soon to catch up.

Hope your getting to do a little sewing too!

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x x

We went to visit the Teddies

2011-07-20T17:38:00.000+09:30

School Holidays and we were stuck for

something to do this afternoon.

A Friend suggested Here....

What a fabulous idea!!!!!!

Old Highercombe Hotel Museum( about 10mins away) for a

Teddy Bear Fair...

Firstly we listened to the doorman

about what to do and look for in the museum.

We had to follow bear paw prints around the museum

so we didn't get lost...

Then we had tea and biscuits together at the cooks station...

Then to climb the very steep stairs to the top

(notice our teddies firmly under our arms

hang on Nobby and Cookie)

First stop was the Infirmary for a checkup...

all teddies checked for injuries and illness's

Ours were are all good here.... we 'Love our Teddy's'

Then to visiting the schoolhouse for some aspiring young/old Teddies

Exciting day as our Teddies were invited to a

Birthday Party...yummo.

Hip Hip Hooray...we sang too.. he he

Then downstairs we went again where we had to salute the Teddies

who'd been in service a long time...

so nice remembering those who have served... he he

We also made some crafty items...

off course we did enjoy that part of the day

When we left we went outside we saw

an old fashioned post box... so nice...

(sign on post box...not for use) ..LOL

I love these old post box's...

reminds me of England when I was little...

Hope you've had a lovely day today... we have.

Now for dinner and bed for some

'Beary' tired little girls and Teddy's..

Maybe some sewing time for mummy tonight!

Beary Happy

Hugs Dawn x x x

A little innovation goes a long way.

2011-07-18T11:10:00.000+09:30

I was amazed at a picture of this gorgeous bag

that was in my inbox this week...

Catherine from France sent Vicki and I a picture of the bag

she had made for a friend.
Using the stitcheries that are available each month

with our 'Out of the Box' BOM..... Catherine put them to good use.

You too can use them for whatever you wish

and Catherine made them into a bag..

I love seeing others make up what they want out

out of the stitcheries. Have you loaded yours to Flckr
so you can go into the Surprise Giveaway!
Be sure to get those 'Out of the Box' uploaded
to be in for chance to win one of TWO giveaways

Now just a little sneak peek...

Ooh I love holly leaves and berries!

And what might this be???

I know for sure its
of things to come for Christmas!
EEK, that word...CHRSITMAS
I so love Christmas and all its trimmings,
the love we share with each other,
the celebration of Jesus and all He
has done for us!
This year I planned to get ready early
with a few new hand sewn items.
I will be sharing one of these with you very soon..
Have you started getting ready?
Have you written the list and planned what to make?
Not long to go.....5 months, 159 days, 22weeks.
Arrhh plenty of time you say...LOL
Time sure does go quick...
Well I have more than 22 items to make.
How many do you have to make?

Happy Stitching

Sweet Hugs

Dawn x x x

A little bit of sunshine...brightens the day!

2011-07-16T10:52:00.000+09:30

Today is nice and sunny but so so cold....brr brr

But I love the sunshiney rays beaming through my windows

and the jonquils shining their beauty all around.

It brightens my whole day ...

maybe cos it's my name sake...

My dad calls me his 'Sunshine'.....

and sings it too me too...LOL...remember that song?

So what is this sunshine doing today....

besides giving her no 1 Grandson

a cuddle as their coming over for lunch..

Also maybe giving no 2 Grandson

a cyber cuddle again... yep thanks to Skype..

have a look here...

this is my cyber cuddle with Thomas last night.... oh so lovely..

I'm sure he'll get used to Nana cuddles over the net... he he

I may get to finish a few sewing projects later tonight...

so look out for a sneak peek soon of an exciting

Christmas project I want to share with you all.

But now I am off to enjoy some sunshine and

do those household chores that need the sun,

like hanging a few loads of washing to dry...

Have a wonderfully Blessed day

no matter where you are

or what the weather...

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Byebye my dear Friend - we'll meet you over the Rainbow!

2011-07-15T14:38:00.004+09:30

Yesterday I said goodbye to a very special lady.

She was such a sweet sweet person.

She loved life and all it had to offer

She loved dancing and music especially Abba...LOL
We would chat for ages over tea (in her special cups)

and biscuits (homemade of course)

She made everyone feel like they were just so special

and they were all that mattered right then and there.

Good bye my friend...

You can shed a tear that she is gone...

...or you can smile because she lived!

You can close your eyes and pray she'll come back...

or you can open your eyes and see all she's left!

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her

or you can be full of the love you shared!

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday!

You can remember her and only that she's gone

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on!

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back

or you can do what she'd want:

Smile and open your eyes, Love and go on!

written 1981, David Harkins 1959 - Silloth, Cumbria, UK

Trying to expalin death to little ones is hard.

After my girls saw me crying and sad, Miss J told me not to worry

my friend was over the rainbow....

and she drew it for me to see....

Children say the most apt things at times

and I was blessed to hear such a simple explanation from a 5yo.

I took this beautiful picture to the funeral

for my Friend, as that's who Miss J drew it for...she'd have loved it..

Miss J asked me to give it to my friend to remember

that my girls will know where to look for her...

'Over the Rainbow'

Goodbye my Friend

I so loved our times together and will miss you dearly.

P.S... Happy 84th Birthday today.

Hugs

Dawn x x x

It's a BOY!

2011-07-08T15:33:00.000+09:30

~Thomas Russell Alan~

born on Wed 6th July 2011 at 9.33pm

weighing 8.3lbs and 51cm long

He's absolutely gorgeous...but Nan can be biased....LOL

Reminds me so much of my little boy (his Dad)...

Funny how they grow up and have kids of their own..

Can't wait to give him a big cuddle.

Mummy and Daddy doing well.

Hugs

Nana Dawn x x

This, that and Etzcetera

2011-07-06T21:37:00.001+09:30

I have been in my sewing room today as

its been bitterly cold outside...lots of rain and windy too.

What a wonderful day to be had in my little cosy room

I say cosy, cos its little and full with a nice warm heater..

I did a little sewing of a UFO I had sitting here for ages

here's some progress.. LOL...I did only say some progress

and then I started to write my priority list,

(thanks for the inspiration Vicki)

it is so so needed to keep me focused,

and on track with my sewing and time.

First I needed to go through some baskets of half started,

lost interest projects.....

And this helps to see what needs to be done now or last week.

One things is for sure.....

I do not need anymore fabrics...LOL...

Well maybe just a few, just to finish off...

But buying magazines that so inspire me

is a ~~habit~~ necessity I can't resist at the moment.

They inspire and create a delight to me to get some things

finished and maybe start some more little projects.

Thats why when Jo sent me the link to this new magazine,

Etzcetera

I could not resist a look and signed up to have a read

and read I did...cover to cover...

Well done Kim.... its fabulous!

Have you visited yet...

it's worth a visit, it's a great read...

Make a cuppa and sit and enjoy the journey... I did!

Now I am off to read a paper magazine with my cuppa,
while I wait for another little person to enter my family...
waiting for a grandchild to enter the world is a tease for a Nan..
will show some pics soon of No 2 grandbaby...
excited Nana here... he he

Happy Reading to you too.

Hugs

Dawn x x x

Taste of Summer with Kelly, yummy yummy!

2011-07-05T22:38:00.002+09:30

Summer summer,please hurry up, its soo soo cold today....

A few months back Kelly of Cotton Charm and I did an exchange
after emailing back and forth.

Kelly donated some gorgeous

fabrics for bags/kits for Qld quilters, Thanks Kelly x x x

and I sent Kelly a small little

wall hanging and a couple of Pavlova magic eggs

Not real eggs just pav eggs,

which make a lovely yummy PAVLOVA

Then we decided to share our bakings.

Kelly has shared her wonderful creations
on her blog... take a look they look fabulous

I made a real PAVLOVA from scratch, oh so yummy,

esp when its freezing cold outside,

reminds me of summer, and tastes just divine.
That crunchy meringue and marshmallow centre

Try the yumminess of summer for yourself.

Summer Pavlova!

PDF recipe to print out HERE!

Ingredients:

2 Egg whites (make sure no yolks get in)

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1/2tsp Vanilla

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp cornflour

4Tbs HOT (boiling) water

Method:

Preheat Oven to HOT 240 degrees Celsius.

Add eggs whites to mixing bowl and on top add sugar,

them to the top of the sugar, add vanilla essence,

white vinegar, cornflour and

then having your electric mixer ready to start

as soon as you pour the boiling

water on top of all the ingredients.

Start your mixer immediately and on the highest speed

Beat the mixture, and beat the mixture

And beat it for about 5 to 10 mins

until soft peaks form.

Then place on a tray lined with baking paper.

Swirl the mixture around in a circle about 3 inches high.

Mixture will stay in place if you have beaten it enough.

Place in the HOT oven for about 5 - 8mins

THEN TURN THE OVEN DOWN to 140C

And let the Pavlova cook slowly in oven...

this will take about 1 - 1 1/2 hours

Once ready Pavlova will be firm on the outside

and the inside will be like marshmallow.

I turn the oven off at 1 hours and 15 minutes

and let the pavlova cool in the turned off oven.

Whip some fresh cream with a little sugar.

I made two Pavlova's and one slightly smaller than the other in height.

To the top of this add cream and fresh fruit.

I used fresh strawberries.

Then I placed the larger Pavlova on the top

Then add more cream and fruit to the top,

this time strawberries and kiwi fruit for me

but anything fresh tastes nice especially

peaches and raspberries...your choice.

Then dust the Pavlova with cocoa powder.

Then yummy yummy we polished it off... easy as.

and so so summer-y yummy!

Do make one if you have not ever tried one.

Don't be disheartened if it doesn't work the first time

They taste amazing and are so easy

once you get the hang of it.

Visit Kelly's blog to see

her Pavlova Magic creations too!

Happy Cooking... he he

Hugs

Dawn x x

Butterflies, a Giveaway and No7.

2011-07-01T10:20:00.000+09:30

It's the first of the month again...

We're halfway though the year already

and Christmas is around the corner..eeek!

Better get Christmas crafting soon...

I had to show you this gorgeous Butterfly

that I found at my house this week..he he

aka Miss K had a kinder face painting day...so cute.

Miss K and her big sister Miss J are so much Joy to have around

I had to have that word as inspiration for this next block!

This is Block 7 for 'Out of the Box'

Vicki and I are loving making these...

They are a great way to use those buttons,

ribbons etc that are in your sewing box

How's yours coming along???...

Have you loaded them to Flckr?????
...please do we love to see them stitched up.

And for those who have already loaded them

I'll be having a look and rewarding a little gift

to someone next month!

Yes a GIVEAWAY!

What is it you may ask.... A SURPRISE!

So be sure to get them loaded.

You can download Block 7 HERE to stitch

And don't forget to pop over to Vicki's for block 7 too

and to have a look at her gorgeous new baby she has...

Little Bella.... adorable.

Happy Stitching

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Living next door to.......

2011-06-29T22:25:00.003+09:30

Wendy...oh that would be so much fun....

we would chat all day,

drink coffee and sew to our hearts content...he he

On Monday I was having a bad day...that type of day

ever had any???

I was so so tired, I had too many 'have to' get done errands

as well as the shopping to do!

When I got home it was dark, I needed to cook tea

get the girls ready for bed and then go off to bed myself...

BUT the posty had a SURPRISE on my door step to cheer me up

and it did...

Wendy made me this gorgeous stitchery fabric painting

to cheer me up and hang on my wall...

I will admire it and think of the day

when we live next door to each other...LOL..

Thanks Wendy - tis so spesh and butiful!

Happy Stitchery Hugs

Dawn x x x

Secret little things!

2011-06-21T23:08:00.000+09:30

I finished a few little 6" blocks for a friend the last couple of days...

these Owls and Birdies are destined to be a little quilt...

so so cute...

And this gorgeous little surprise is going to winging its way to

another friend for her Birthday..

I just love the colors!

SURPRISE!

And from the same fabric range I made this...

into a Wheat Bag for another dear friend Heather..

It was going to be a mug mat but it changed to be a wheat bag...LOL

it was a few months late too...Sorry Heather...

'Happy Belated Birthday'

Hope it keeps you warm!

Many Hugs

Dawn x x

Touched!

2011-06-20T18:35:00.000+09:30

Today I started off the morning by warming up.

You know the type of rushing about

that we do first thing in the morning,

getting girls ready for school and kinder

is a rush some days esp after the weekends.

tidying up, washing dishes,

images courtesy of Google images

two loads of washing done and hanging on the line,

its was very windy and it should dry... very cold too..

made the beds, bit of exercise... I was now warmed up a bit...

then I sat and stitched a few presents

that I need to have done weeks ago...LOL.. time sure flys by.

All done and ready to be posted...yeah!

What to do next

OOh I know.... sit and read a few blogs...NEW blogs!

And was so TOUCHED...

not inspired to sew, or just looking at pretty fabric,

I read the type of post that touches your heart,

speaks to your very inner being...

a few tears were shedand some memories re-lived

and I felt Blessed because of it...

Thanks for sharing sweet J...

I Praise God for you, you made my day!

Now off to get dinner ready and sew tonight....

Happy Stitching

Hope you have had a blessed day today too!

Hugs Dawn x x

Brr Brr Brr...its cold outside!

2011-06-17T19:03:00.001+09:30

Winter has definately set in the last week or so

Its been so so cold...Brr Brr

The sniffles and sore throats that we had for the

last couple of weeks have gone for now..

Thanks for the well wishes, your so sweet to write me and

wish me well.... not much sewing was done, but lots of movie watching.

As I looked out the window this afternoon

all I saw was rain and wind, and it looked and felt cold cold cold.

A few weeks ago we were running through the leaves

in our Botanical Park and Gardens

Tossing Fig and Maple leaves into the air

It's so much fun!

Best of all is climbing on these century old Moreton Bay Fig Tree trunks.

They are so majestic...

Stand so tall and have so many a story to tell I'm sure.

If only trees could talk hey....

Tonight after dinner of some yummy hot minestrone soup,

we are going to watch a movie(finding Nemo), eat popcorn

and I am going to help the girls knit a scarf,

or should I say finish them off.....

Happy Stitching

Keep warm or cool wherever you may be, enjoying your night.

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Sniffle, Sneeze, Saturday sewing!....

2011-06-04T16:57:00.001+09:30

Today has been a dreary sort of day...

Sun tried to come out with some

patchy clouds blocking its view..

but it did manage to shine for some time..

but I stayed inside cold...

with the tissue box as my best friend

sniffle, sneeze, sniffle, sneeze.... Yep a horrible cold.

So the sewing machine got a little use in between

watching a few movies...

like the 'Bugs Life' and 'The Bee Movie'....

the girls loved it, so did I....

This is what I did sewing wise....

I pulled out this wall hanging I started some time back...
got a bit more inspiration... to finish it.... soon I hope...

I also quilted this lone block from years back for my nephew....
I think I will make it into a heat pack filled with wheat..
Do you use a heat pack???...
I need to in winter as my feet and hands get cold...
Do yours????
Hope your weekend is filled with good things...
Be Blessed and Happy Stitching

Sweet Hugs
Dawn x x

It's PINK

2011-06-02T15:35:00.000+09:30

While walking today I found this....

Gum Blossom....PINK gum blossom too

Isn't it gorgeous...

The birds are going wild sucking all the nectar from them.

I just had to bring a sprig home and put it in my kitchen window...

I love it.....

Hope your day is well?

Hugs

Dawn x x

Out of the Box No 6.... sweet memories!

2011-06-01T09:43:00.000+09:30

Block number six... almost 2/3's over...

then we can put it together...

Can't believe the year is almost half over too..

Are you ready for Christmas???... not me..he he

This block has lovely memories for me...

Stitched with a gum nut and leaves, reminds me of

good friends made and enjoyment from the Gum Trees blog.

Also a yummy Cupcake that I love to make my girls,

and a special ladybird for a friend!

Why not stitch a block or two for one of your friends.

make it into a little cushion or mini wall hanging... she'll love it...

Don't forget to personalise it with things she loves....

Download block 6 HERE....

Also Pop over HERE to Vicki's and see her gorgeous block too....

Happy stitching

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Wendy's La La in time for her Birthday!

2011-05-31T15:01:00.003+09:30

Last month I asked if anyone could send in a block for Wendy

so that we could make her a knee rug as she was

having a knee replacement and 'kneeded' chearing up... he he

And here it is....the final quilt, bound and received...

a BIG THANKYOU

to all who sent a block to me.

It has turned out lovely.....

Just in time for Wendy's Birthday.

Today is her birthday and she's having

a physio manipulation under anesthetic...

which could be painful...so....

here's where YOU come in ...

lets flood her email box with well

wishes if we can... HERE....he he

and wish her the bestest birthday...

Have a great day!

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x

Happy Birthday Vikki!

2011-05-23T13:39:00.000+09:30

Happy Birthdy dear sweet Vikki....

yes another adorable friend is

having her birthday today...

I am going to be in trouble with my

friends for telling all the time...

but I love to have fun

and to know their having the best day,

To put a smile on their faces

Pop past HERE and tell Vikki

a little robin told you to wish her the best day.

Have a great day too!

Hugs

Dawn x x x

Winter sewing and 'Sugar Blossom'

2011-05-21T10:53:00.003+09:30

This week I decided to make some heat bags for winter, filled with Australian wheat. They can be used for cold bags too.I made them for our Kindergarten fundraising ladies night we had. We had a ball and the ladies who won them were thrilled. They are so easy to make and I lined them and overstitched so they looked like they were quilted. All it took was some leftover yummy fabrics and 500gm wheat.

Sugar Blossom

This is just gorgeous and so girly. I love the range and its the latest fabric line from..... Katicupcake... and if you'd love to have a sample visit Kati's blog for a giveaway... HERE to enter. Please don't forget to mention I told you to visit. Melody told me! I just love the freshness of this range and I can imagine a few things made from it...a bag for me or some skirts for my girls and just maybe a quilt or three... he he.

No I am off to finish a quilt for a friend that I am meandering all over...LOL

Happy stitching

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Happy Birthday Dear Friend!

2011-05-18T14:29:00.001+09:30

Happy Birthday Dearest Vicki.

Today is Vicki's birthday and I know she wouldn't tell so I am letting you know so you can pop over to her blog and wish her the best Birthday ... she is the dearest sweetest lady. I love our little chats . We have such fun when we chat on the phone together.

Now I have set the table and have made some little cakes and even have the good tea set out...he he....so come share some Birthday cakes for Vicki.... we'll toast to her good health and good fortune, be blessed dear friend. Have the best Birthday day!

Lots of Hugs and wishes

Dawn x x x

Trouble with blogger?

2011-05-14T23:22:00.001+09:30

I am having a problem with blogger like lots of you seem to be as well. If you visit and get this post, I have done it in Live Writer and hoping it works.

I am around, just busy being Mum/Nan...LOL...and have had lots to catch up on sewing wise and am attempting to get some finishes soon. I have seen my little grandson grow in the last few weeks from newborn to little baby boy with personality. He is just so adorable, we love to have lots of cuddles with him. He has put on some weight and is alert much more now. I am hoping to get some more photo's this weekend. So I will be back with some to show you and some stitching pics too.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that blogger is not playing up for you too much.

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Happy May Day!

2011-05-01T16:06:00.002+09:30

What conjures up in your mind when you hear May day...

I always think of the May Day Festival in Cornwall

celebrating the first day of Spring.

Here in South Australia we are a far cry from Spring.

It's cold and wet wet wet... and I don't mind...

Wonderful weather for curling up near the fire and sipping hot tea...

Sewing with a little girl is on the agenda today.

She has a little bag to finish....so I better be quick.

Below is Block Five 'Out of the Box' and I love this block...

reminds me of lots of different things..

1. Front door- Our Home,

2. Spring bulbs getting ready to burst in a few months.

3. Hexagons taught to me by my dear friend Vicki...

I had not really wanted to make any for a long time

and now am hooked on them and added pearls as you are a special lady Vicki.

4. Union Jack is my homeland and Australia's stars

added as this is my home now and I love it.

Are you making the stitcheries personal to you... it's not hard to do...

Block Five of 'Out of the Box' is ready to download HERE

and don't forget to visit Vicki for her block five too!

Afriend from the Forum I am in is in a contest for the best quilt this week
and would love to win some much needed fabric for her stash...my favorite fabric too..
Here's her quilt and its gorgeous....

Fresh Diamonds...made with Bliss fabric Charm packs
Pop in HERE and help her with a vote if you like it and
can encourage another quilter
I'd love to see her win.......

Happy stitching

Sweet Cinnamony Hugs

Dawn x x

Sweet Princess!

2011-04-30T13:53:00.000+09:30

A sweet Princess and a handsome Prince

getting married and riding in a horse drawn carriage..

All things that make a little girls heart skip a beat

also in Mummy (big girls) too, I just love the whole fairytale romance

and pagentry of a Royal Wedding.

It's part of who I am and what makes me love all

the English Royals

I know it must be from the days when my

Great Nana Lucy worked for Queen Victoria

and my Great Grandfather was a Grenadier Guard.

I just love it. My Nana was also born

in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Great Nana Lucy spoke fondly to my Mum

of her days there... she adored it.

So a High Tea party for my little girls was in order last night.

complete with Royal Doulton China and little Fairy Cakes.

My little Princess's dressed up and drank tea from their Princess cups...

Oh it was so precious, the excitement of seeing a real life Princess

and they loved watching the Kiss and the ride in that ornate carraige.

Today they are still excited....playing Princess's again.

I just love to see them pretend and enjoy the fairytale.

Everyman's life is a fairytale written by God's finger.

quote by Hans Christian Andersen

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x

Sew busily quilting/sewing!

2011-04-27T20:51:00.000+09:30

Girl quilt finished and Boy version ready to be quilted....

and then to write the pattern.....

I loved making these....

a bit of patchwork, a bit of stitchery,

and then some sweet quilting.

Now they look delightful...

Can't wait to show you them.

Happy Stitching

Hugs Dawn x x

Happy Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T18:12:00.000+09:30

Arising at 5.45am with two little girls

shining new torches in our faces

(yes Easter Bunny bought them torches with Chocolate of course)

saying "are you awake Mummy"... I am now ...LOL

image coutesy of google

Then it was Cross Hot buns (as my kids call them)

for breakfast and a strong coffee for Mummy and Daddy..

I did finish the two little bags for their Easter treats, and they loved them..

We read the Easter Story and did some coloring in before

the girls and I went to the garden to do

our traditional Easter Egg Hunt in the garden.

Yumm YumYummy, lots of eggs to find and some tricky spots too..

We collected eggs, bunny's, and little chicks too.

Now all them chocolates are almost eaten...he he

and the dentist recommends it.... hard to believe,

but its better to eat it all in one sitting

than spread it out over the week...so Eat them Eggs!

We did!..and they did too!....

Lots of water to drink now though.

Hope you've had a wonderful Easter

with your family and friends.

Tomorrow is Anzac Day for us in Australia

we are getting together with some friends for lunch..

and will have a minute of silence to remember

those who died for 'Our Freedom'

Sweet Cross Hot Bun Hugs

Dawn x x x

Recipes for Friendship...perfect fabric!

2011-04-19T16:25:00.004+09:30

There are many recipes on the internet about

'Recipe for Friendship'

and I just love them.

Like this one below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A pinch of happiness

1 handful of kindness

2 spoonfuls of gentleness

1 litre of sharing

a teaspoonful of helpfulness

3 heaped tablespoons of laughter

50g of smiles

a sprinkling of cheerfulness

100g of love

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can find more recipes here, here and here......

Also recipes of the fabric kind here,

Recipes of the food kind here,

and the sweet yummy food kind here.

Which brings me to why I love Recipes for Friendship.

I have been collecting fabric by Mary Englebrit

and her range 'Recipe for Friendship' is a favorite.

I received from the Lovely Khris

a charm pack for Christmas and added

with my other stash fabrics...they look good.

Look what I happened to pick up the other day

when I was net shopping,

some gorgeous fabrics to match from

Vicki's new shop...... 'The Pickledish Patch'

They are so gorgeous and bright with

lots of design ideas popping in my head for them.

I can't wait to use them real soon...

If your wanting some drop past HERE

and be quick before I but it all...LOL

So watch this space.... another project

coming in my head for me to make!

Happy Stitching

Friendship Hugs

Dawn x x x

GT BOM Blocks!

2011-04-18T18:27:00.002+09:30

As you may have read

I have decided to hang up my boots

on Among The Gum Trees.

I am no longer living & designing in two houses.....

It was great fun but life

sometimes takes another turn in a

different direction....

Same Dawn, Same address here

just not visiting somewhere else anymore...

Made great friends but need to concentrate on

this blog some again....

Maybe my word for the year is working LOL...

I thought I'd share my blocks from the GT BOM still.

So you can still stitch them if you want too.

Here is Fee's version of my first block - Snowflakes!

and looks just adorable..well done Fee

You can download the block HERE for the 'Snowflakes'

and HERE for block 2 - 'I love the garden.'

I hope you like them and enjoy stitching them.
Visit the other GT girls for their blocks too.

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Our first Quilt !

2011-04-15T17:21:00.002+09:30

Mummy (that's me) is so proud of her two little Daughter's

enthusiasm for sewing... they just love it

...all the time they ask to do some.

As babies they loved to sit on my knee and 'help' me sew

After buying them a shared sewing machine for last Christmas,

it was all hands on deck to sew, everytime Mummy did..LOL

We set about to make them their first quilt back in January.

First we picked the fabric and then we

measured the bed it was for...LOL

It had to be for 'dolly',

and Mummy had just the perfect fabric....

A few mini charm packs from the Moda Sampler box.

we sewed and sewed and added some borders.

Then Mummy quilted it for them....

and found the nicest fabric...a stripey one to bind it in...

There we are a'Our First Quilts'

All finished and keeping our babies warm.

Now to make the real baby a quilt....

just a little more stitching to do....

Happy Stitching!

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x

Easter Treat Bags!

2011-04-12T00:37:00.000+09:30

I've been productive this last week

making Easter Treat Bags for my girls.

They so love waking on Easter Sunday to search around

the garden to find their Easter Eggs.

So this year I decided to make them a

cute little bag to carry around.

It was so simple to make and stitch, only took one night.

Do you have a little person to make one for?

I thought I'd share it with you too,

so you can have fun looking

for Easter Treats together in the garden

or wherever you search for them.

Download the pattern HERE.

Happy Stitching

Hugs and Blessings

Dawn x x x x

Out of the Box No4

2011-04-01T08:00:00.002+10:30

I can't beleive the month of March has flown by

and its the first day of a new month, April already...
Lots of happenings this last month in our house.
New baby was born and lots of stitching achieved.
I have progressed on my Gardeners Journal quilt
which was this months UFO for me to do.
Two more block finished and I am pleased as!

Out of the Box has been such

a fun BOM to make and stitch, how is yours coming along???
We are up to block 4, almost half way there.
Have you been using up those special buttons or lace
in your sewing box.
Now remember you can with this BOM
I have been using them and stitching them into my blocks.
I so love little houses and so this months

block has a little house for you to stitch
and I also added some lace daisy's
You can too if you have some.
If not use some little daisy stitching to replace the lace.

You can download block 4 HERE
and don't forget to visit Vicki
as well for her block 4 too.
(If you have any trouble with downloading
make sure your Adobe Reader is up to date,
and you may also want to try using Internet Explorer
if you are trying to download with Mozilla.)

Happy Stitching

Sweet Cinnamon-y Hugs

Dawn x x x x

I'm a Nana!

2011-03-31T14:07:00.000+10:30

I am so excited I had to share...

Jayden Eli was born today at 11.58am Adelaide time......

Mummy Daddy and Baby doing well....

Nana super excited and off to give my

new little bubby grandson a cuddle...

and two little Aunties excited too

then home to finish his quilt....

he was a few days earlier than expected...LOL

Sweet Hugs

Nana Dawn x x x x

Spare Quilt for Japan?

2011-03-20T11:04:00.002+10:30

Any spare quilts hanging around????

I love the excuse to make a quilt.Do YOU?

Send quilts to Japan

They are cold and need lots of comfort.

Here's the address to

send to Naomi

after May 1st

Naomi Ichikawa
Patchwork Tsushin Co.,Ltd
2-21-2,Yushima,Bunkyo-ku,Tokyo,Japan zip:113-0034

Make a difference today in someone elses life!

Off to sew.....

Many Hugs

Dawn x x x

Japan could sure use your help!

2011-03-19T09:30:00.001+10:30

It has been devasting to

watch what this nation has had to

endure over the last week or so..

I know no-one there or have ever

visited but would love to one day!

I have felt so numb and helpless

and wondering what I could do.

Can I help?....YES....How?

I visited this blog today and discovered this.

We can all help!

The cost of that quilting pattern

or a fat quarter you want

can make a difference to a family...

I donated to this cause will you!

Donate HERE

Are you like me and thinking of those in Japan daily....

Spread the word and help by donating!

Every little bit helps.

Hugs Dawn x x x

Sweet Red Roses!

2011-03-14T20:01:00.000+10:30

Yesterday my friend Natasha and I went to

the Sunday produce markets.

We go almost every week to

do our weekly fruit and veg shopping.

We leave when our families are in bed asleep

at 6.30am...it's still quite dark outside

and travel 20mins to the market...

Where it is usually buzzing with people and we

find the best produce straight from the growers..

This week we found these red roses

for $3.00 a bunch...

I couldn't resist a lovely bunch of flowers

for my dining table and they smell nice too.

Remember to stop and smell the roses

every now and again.

Its good for your soul.....

Hugs

Dawn x x x

Feelings!

2011-03-12T22:38:00.001+10:30

I have had a week of reflection

after coming home from a fabulous

Holiday in QLD with the nuttiest friends I know!

Feelings play a big part of life....

Now I am feeling intrigued on how to make this!

And feeling excited to be making a quilt up in this

for my little grandies arriving soon.

And feeling frustrated I haven't done any

Dear Jane for ages. But with this fabric I can see it

happening real soon.

Also delighted to be working with this fabric...

I'm going to be making some nice projects

with this as it looks so sweet together.

Now I am off to read my book that

I bought to take to Qld

The Undomestic Goddess....great read so far

and do some more reflection on where I am heading this year!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs

Dawn x x x