Friday, September 10, 2010

More denim and more things

You have probably seen those adverts that want to sell you something, then they say “but wait there’s more!”

I’m going to tease you and do that right now.

Firstly, you need to see the view from my sewing room window at the moment. Isn’t it beautiful?

Secondly, I mentioned the “ah huh” moment I had after notification of the position as school chaplain, how I still having left over denim to use up and that I could make a journal cover. Well here it is. Can you see the “splotch of paint” on the denim? which is the reason these denim jeans were no longer wanted.



Well you can’t see it in the finished product!!!

Thirdly, I had a swap with Cyndi from blue bird swing, after she made a lovely comment on Sue’s blog "The House That Love Built" when I made and sent Sue a crocheted hat pincushion. I offered to make Cyndi one, so she offered to make something as a swap. I had wanted to make the wallet tutorial she had, and so she made it for me using denim fabric. Here is the gorgeous parcel.

But here are the special contents!!

Fourthly, I had contact from the editor of HOMESPUN after seeing the mug pouches I’d made. I was asked if I’d like to submit a “Readers Letter” sharing why I made the mug pouches, any changes I made and so forth, after using the pattern from their magazine. That was a real surprise!!!


Finally, the winner is…………


But wait there’s more………….


I decided, because I can, that I would make an extra couple of mug pouches. I knew it would be sad, when so may entered the giveaway, that I couldn’t make one for everyone.

So I decided I would choose -

Number 1 – Jeannette , because number 'ones' don’t come up often in random number generator’s, also because Jeannette has just started a new position in a school situation, in New Zealand. A similar story to me!!

Here are the next two winners, by a random number generator:

Number 92, which is Darlis, one of my anonymous entries. So Darlis, I need you to email me your email address. If I don’t hear from Darlis, by Monday Sept 13th, I’ll draw another number.

And

Number 18 which is Marianne. I shall be emailing you shortly.

I had 154 entries into my excel document, accounting for those that in one comment were a follower, or blogged etc. Thank you all so much for entering and for the increase in followers.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

“Thank You, Sarah Tobias”

Blackbird Designs released a x-stitch book in 2008, titled “Thank you, Sarah Tobias”.

I found out about it from Kaaren, as she told me of the gorgeous needle case in it. So I was able to get my own copy, and indeed, it was just beautiful and I had to “have it”!! Kaaren completed hers last year.

I was able to obtain the Crescent Colour threads at Janine’s shop, Colours Downunder, that I spoke about here. Then commenced the x-stitching, enjoying any and every moment. I bought the most gorgeous “olde world” rose type fabric, done on a black background.






I also found in a second-hand shop a beautiful piece of rich gold heavy lace (for $1), and knew it would look just right with the rose fabric.

This is the completed x-stitch, folded to form pockets and bound. The felt is sewn on the bottom on the inside. The black and gold button, just made for it!!


My finished version of “Flowers for Sarah Needle Case”!!
















Monday, September 6, 2010

"Giveaway" Housekeeping

Thank you so much, to so many wonderful ladies, who have entered into the giveaway. There is still time to enter, as the draw will be on Friday, September 10th.

I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and well wishes on the new position as a School Chaplain. I will slowly get to visit each of you.

It's interesting, one of the comments made by the school principal at the interview, that they required of a chaplain, is that the office is warm, inviting and welcoming - to put the kids at ease.

I've put some thought to this. I've decided I'll take two crocheted blankets I have, one made by my Nanna, who is now 96 years old, one I made when I was 14 years old. I have a framed stitchery that reads "If friends were flowers, I'd pick you." I'm thinking of having a few soft toys they can cuddle or just hold, to do something with their hands. What ideas can you think of?

***************

Just some housekeeping. I now know how sad it feels when Anonymous comments come in and I can’t reply back. So could Cheryl Camp, Darlene N, Darlis, two different Denises, Dot (I have two close Dot friends, so can’t tell if they are playing a friendly trick on me!!!) and Stephanie – please email me your email address. I can then respond back to you.

By the way, through my giveaway I have had Pilar from cenefas de flores, visit from Spain and she is having a giveaway that you’re welcome to enter.


Thursday, September 2, 2010

"Mug Pouch" GIVEAWAY

I decided I would have a giveaway, a first for me!! to celebrate the School Chaplain position, that I posted about earlier.




Therefore . . . . I'll make one of the mug pouches, I blogged about previously.



WHAT TO DO?

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. I'd love for you to become a "follower" of my blog. Leave a second comment if you do.

3. If you want to blog about this giveaway on your blog. Leave a third comment if you do.

I'll draw the winner on Friday, September 10th. I'll then be in contact, to find out your favourite drink, ie tea, coffee, chocolate ......, your favourite colour/colours, and favourite flower!!

Now I know you'll all want one, I'd love to be able to do that!!! I'm one of those very unsuccessful blog giveaway winners....yes, entered many, but sadly my name jumps away from random number generators or out of the bowl!!!

But I hope you'll have fun trying!!!!

School Chaplain

In the 52MMMC, mentioned here and here, I had down as item no 7:- Get a part-time job – after being out of the work-force for 7 years.

I applied for a position as a School Chaplain, in a District High School, in a nearby town. I went through the stages of the Vocational Assessment, the interview process which involved two stages. The second stage held yesterday, with a panel of four at the actual school. In the afternoon I had a phone call, offering me the position as the school chaplain.

Yes, I was successful and thank the Lord for it all. It was a situation that arose completely “out of the blue.” Honestly, not a position I’d ever thought of doing, let alone applying for. So through the whole process I was praying about it and leaving it in the Lord’s hands, as to what He’d have me do. If it’s what He wanted then it would happen. I commence in term 4 - October.

What does a school chaplain do?

Chaplains provide general personal pastoral care and spiritual advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious denomination, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

However, I’ve yet to learn and walk the path of this position to see and understand fully what it will involve.

I’m a little nervous as it’s something very new. But again with the Lord’s guidance and help, I know things will unfold and I’ll find my place and abilities within this position.

Edit Note: I did this post about an hour ago....walked away and did a few things. Then had an "ah huh" moment!! I know what else I can use some of the denim for!!! I need to buy a good diary now - a day a page with time break-up's in it - so I can make a diary cover for it!!! Like Jenny did to her "brown expenses" book!!