FNSI, OPAM and Stitch-a-long

Happy Australia Day

On Friday I joined Wendy and 63 others for the first FNSI for 2015. It was a great night stitching with everyone all over the world. I finished the stitching on my January challenge for the Stitch-a-long and today I finished the binding. Which makes this my first finish for 2015 (feeling quite proud of myself). 

That brings me nicely to OPAM. This is the first year I'm joining in. Peg and Kris are the wonderful ladies who keep everything in order. If you want to join in you need to be quick signup finishes 1st Feb. 

Hugz
Melanie
xxx 

Meeting a bloggy friend.......

I met a bloggy friend today - Jo. We were partnered in Cheryll's Santa Sack Swap and have got to know each other a little over the last 6 months. Jo and her friend Victoria came over to SA for a short visit so we arranged to meet for lunch. We had a great time getting to know each other a bit more (very delicious food and coffee). Such a warm, bubbly person, full of fun. We visited Lincraft and Noni B where some bargains were found before I had to go and collect children. 

I didn't take any photo's but Jo did and I'm sure she'll post them when she gets home. A new friend most definitely - I'm sure we'll meet up again...

Hugz
Melanie
xxx 

Something different.....

I've been making bags lately. Can't say I've enjoyed making them as I found the vinyl a tad challenging (any tips greatly appreciated) ..... We were asked to make these for the Strathalbyn Community Craft Market - hoping they will sell after all my struggles...

So today I set out to make something completely different blackboard rolls but as I hadn't used this type of fabric before I was a bit nervous. I changed my mind and made a noughts and crosses board instead. I will definitely make more of these way easier than vinyl..... plus the fabric was free :)

I will tackle some blackboard rolls tomorrow or maybe some more microwave bowls as I enjoyed making those.
Hugz
Melanie
xxx 

A pledge and some sewing for others....

My swap pledge for 2015.....

MAKE THE 7 STEP PLEDGE

I Melanie Keen will try my utmost...

·        To always swap on time.

·        To always email a THANK YOU to my partner.

·        To be considerate and thoughtful when choosing a gift.

·        To give my partner the quality of gift that I would like to receive.

·        To communicate when it’s required.

·        To NEVER over commit and let a partner down.

·        To advise the swap mama when I receive my gift.

This I sewomly pledge....

I did some different sort of sewing this week..... We've had some horrendous fires here in SA not too far away which are now controlled thanks to the wonderful volunteer firies. Their work is not over and they'll be here for a while yet. A call went out on FB for some "care bags" - these are just small fabric bags that "Shoe boxes of Love" fill with bits and pieces (toothpaste, hand gel, tissues, pack of cards and other essential and not so essential items). 

The other items needed were for koala's. Many have burnt paws from the fire which will require frequent dressings for many months. To keep the bandages in place the carers put mittens on their paws.... 

Sewing for me tomorrow.....

Hugz
Melanie
xxx 

Stitch along

I'm joining in with Chooky, Susan and lots of others to do the 2015 Stitch a-long. We're all going to stitch Anni Downs new pattern (not yet released but will be soon) Natures Journey. This is the first stitch along I've joined in with and could be a bit of a challenge as I'll have to learn new techniques but it's good to stretch yourself once in a while isn't it?

http://stitch-a-long.blogspot.com.au/

Hugz
Melanie
xxx 

2015 is here...

Happy New Year everyone. 

Wishing you all a year filled with health, happiness, friendship, opportunities and bloggy love xx

My resolution for 2015 is to follow my heart and do what I enjoy and to make some changes so the first change is here on my blog with a new look; needs a bit of tweaking...

Hugz
Melanie
xxx