Today, one year ago...

... I walked down the altar to find my amazing, handsome, loving and incredibly generous man at the other end.

Happy Anniversary, my gorgeous husband! I love you so much!

This is what happens when you get married...

...you get busy. And put on weight.
*sigh*

I hate to admit that I have put on 4-6kgs (ok, it's probably more like the higher end of that scale...being an 6kg addition, but that just sounds so awful,) since our wedding, almost ONE YEAR AGO! So I'm not that crazy about those extra kilos, but I am awfully thrilled about our first year of marriage. It's been incredible, and I am so super blessed by God, and by my husband!

But, back to the point at hand. Marriage is far too comfortable. Has anyone else experienced this?? Please tell me it's common and I'm not the only one. I am kicking myself with frustration though, as I had already managed to loose 40kgs some 5 years ago. And now I can see how easy it is to fall back into bad habits. Not fun.
So, a new day dawns tomorrow with another well intentioned plan to do away with chocolate and snacks. Let's hope I can slowly get there again!

Anyway, I may well have been absent from my blog, but have super busy on Etsy; have been getting distracted on Pinterest, have been sewing a lot, and working hard. Life is great, just busy!

So, I thought I would quickly share some things that have been happening. Firstly, I've had quite a few orders for my Owl Buntings, over on Etsy. They are proving to be popular, so that is quite exciting.

What is also becoming popular in my shop are the Embroidery Hoops with delightfully pretty fabrics, like typewriters and clocks.

My sewing classes are going quite well, and in a few days we start a Patchwork Cushion Cover class, so I'll hopefully have some photos to share then.

I've been buying a lot of pretty fabric lately. This particular set is awaiting approval to be made into an Owl Bunting. I think it will look rather cute!

 And, I've also been spending a lot of time with my husband. *insert silly love sick grin here.*

If you want something done...

...ask a busy woman.
Or so the saying goes.

To be honest, I don't feel like I'm getting anything done. Just staying busy.

I taught my first sewing class last week, a "Learn to Sew" for beginners. Whilst I felt there were things to improve on, there were a lot of "Ahahh!" moments from my students. So that was immensely encouraging! Of course, in my busyness to teach, I failed to take any photos of the class, or of their finished projects! Which were 4 very cute little purses.

I'm definatley looking forward to teaching my next class and improving on my first.

So I've been spending a bit of time on Pinterest lately, and cruising through lots of inspiring photographs. And all I keep doing is adding to my "Things to make" board, which in turn, makes me busier. Never ending cycle!

But oh so fun. And one thing I really would like to try my hand at is this.

Making my own Batik fabric. I'm really looking forward to playing with this someday soon. Check out the tutorial here.

And just to announce the winner of my giveaway - congratulations to Nlcalender! I did the whole, random number generator thing, and forgot to take a screenshot before I closed the window. *sigh* So you will all just have to trust me!
Thanks for entering! 

Stash busting sale and giveaway!

Giveaway comments closed. 

Winner announced soon. :)

I love fabric. I love buying fabric. I love seeing it in my stash and thinking of all the pretty things I'm going to make with it.
But one thing I don't like? Something I can't stand? To see pretty fabric loveliness go to waste!
I feel guilty. Looking at it, and knowing it could be of better use to someone else.
The fabric deserves to be loved. To be cherished and made into something of great prettiness.

Am I strange?
Probably, yes. I know.

But nonetheless, I am selling some of my 'guilty stash.' The parts of my stash that deserve to be admired and loved. And not stuck in the stash waiting to be used. (And no. It's got nothing to do with the fact that the stash is spilling out of the plastic tubs, and onto the sewing room floor. Not at all. I don't know where you got that thought from....)

To be honest, there actually isn't all that much for sale. I mean, come on! It's my stash!! I can't part with too many things at once. There's only so much de-stashing a fabric loving girl can take.
So we shall start with one fat quarter bundle and two jelly rolls.

There. Nice and easy to begin with Sam.

And maybe we shall add some fat quarters and some more jelly rolls at a later date. Yup. I can cope with that!

So, if you would like to pick up a bargain, and give these fabrics a nice and happy home, then please head over to my Etsy shop and have a look.

The fat quarter bundle is "Wee Woodland" by Keiki for Moda, and is just gorgeous. Each fat quarter only works out to be about $2.65 each, so an incredible bargain there. (Yep, not only am I de-stashing, but I'm also generous!)

And the jelly rolls are "La Petite Ecole" by French General and only $35 each.

Whilst you're over at Etsy, check out my cute pony quilt that I am selling. It features a beautiful Heather Ross fabric as the centre panel, and is in lovely tones of apricot, peach and chocolate brown. It's lovely and I hope someone falls in love with it as much as I have.

And just in the spirit of de-stashing and sharing fabric prettiness, comment on this post and you might win yourself 2 fat quarters of your choice (provided your choices are still available for purchase from work when you win!!) from the gorgeous "Flea Market Fancy" by Denyse Schmidt.
I just love this range!
Giveaway is open till Saturday 10th of March 1pm AEDST, and to Australian residents only.
If you want to make it super easy for me, in your comment let me know what you two choices would be from the range below if you won. :)

Stitching with Rosalie...

Most Australian stitchers, and many International ones as well, will know of Rosalie Quinlan, and her delightful designs. She is an incredibly talented designer, and also, a local to our area here, along with her sister Melanie Dekker (of Melly and Me,) and friend Leanne Beasley (of Leannes House.)

Rosalie Quinlan, and her gorgeous stitching.

I've always been a huge fan of the work of these talented ladies, and often admired their creativity. It's quite fun to work where I do, as regularly the three of them shop at our store. We tend to forget that they are rather famous in the sewing world, till a customer demands an autograph!

So my boss, Gail, treated all her staff to a (late!) Christmas break up - a stitching day exclusively with Rosalie Quinlan. Yep, we had her all to ourselves!

A busy table, and lots of talking!

Rosalie had bought along with her a gorgeous little stitched bag pattern for us all, and Gail had put together some fabric kits for the day. Of course, lollies and chocolate and scones were ever present as well, and a wonderful day was had by all.

As to actually finishing the project, well, lets just say - my stitching hasn't progressed much further, just yet!

 And for local girls, Leanne Beasley will be in store at Patchwork with Gail B, this saturday, the 3rd of March doing some demonstrating. Starting at 10am - I'll see you there!

A Melody Miller Staff Challenge

Ok, so a new range of fabric came into work a week or so back, "Ruby Star Rising," by Melody Miller.
Gail thought this would be a great opportunity to have a staff challenge. Our aim was to create a simple item using one fat quarter from the range.

I was the last to hear of this challenge, so sadly the gorgeous typewriter fabric had already been chosen. Even the funky green old clocks had been taken. So I spent some time trying to decide which fabric to choose, and what to actually make with it.

Eventually I decided upon this one, and pot holders instantly came to mind. I had seen a photo a while back of similar pot holders with a slit in the back for your hands. So, this was my result. SUPER quick and easy to make. I took them to work forgetting to take a photo, so I've snatched the one from Gails blog. I'll have to remember to take a shot of the back though, next time I'm in.

*cough* ignore the slightly wonky look on the right one. It's a humility pot holder, ok? *cough*

Fancy playing with some Melody Miller yourself? Gail is having a giveaway on her blog - so check it out! 

Flea Market Fancy

*sigh*

The new Denyse Schmidt "Flea Market Fancy" came into work the other day.

It is lovely. Just lovely.
So I got a fat quarter of all the bolts we had.
And now it's just sitting on my kitchen table, looking pretty.
I love this vintage style. Love the colours.
And now the fun begins of deciding what to do with it. But for now - I think I'll just admire it for a bit longer.

Have a look at Gails blog to see a little story about me and said Fancy fabrics.

And, I'm now on Pinterest, so check it out if you'd like. I'm finding it a wee bit addictive.

From,
a rather tired farmers wife, who struggles when the routine is shaken up!

A farmers wife

My hubby came home at 6:30am this morning. No, he wasn't out all night with mates. He was working hard and long hours in a tractor.
Yep, the grapes have changed colours, and it's the start of harvest here in the Yarra Valley. So for the next few weeks I am going to have to get used to sleeping alone! I don't think I like this idea at all!

Simon is now tucked up in bed, trying to catch up on sleep. And I'm trying to be quite so as not to wake him.

Of course, I don't need to remind most ladies, it is Valentines Day today. I hope you share this day with your loved ones and enjoy celebrating the love we have.
When my husband wakes up, he will find a little chocolate and a card, and some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Of course, he will also be greeted with a huge hug and a smacking great kiss!

This will be our first Valentines Day as a married couple, and for us, it's not about presents or fancy dinners. It's just about the two of us. And God. Celebrating the union we have together, and the love we share for each other.

Every day with my husband is a wonderful gift from God. I am so proud of my Mr Green and how hard he works for us. He loves and adores me, and I feel so greatly blessed by him and his kindness. And you know, it's the little things that add up. He always stacks and unloads the dishwasher. He opens the car door for me. He tidies the house and benches without asking. He folds his clothes. He puts the cereal box back in the cupboard if I have accidentally left it out. He knows how to use a vacuum cleaner, and he has no problems with washing a load of clothes. And he is always there to make me laugh, and always ready with a big hug, a smiling face or a handful of tissues when I need it most.

To my Mr Green, you are amazing. I'd be lost without you. And I love you.

Happy Love Day everyone!

Owls.

I'm becoming a bit obsessed with owls. They keep popping up everywhere, and my hands just keep making more of them.

I'm thoroughly enjoying creating these little guys and girls, and seeing them hanging on the wall.

They are just too darn cute!

I have them listed on my new Etsy shop, and so far, they are quite popular. Customized owls with children's names will be available soon too.

But for now, I'm filling orders. And playing with fabric. These fabrics are being tested for a client who requested a bright and happy bunting, and to be sent to South Africa. We have some Kaffe Fassett and Amy Butler fabrics in here, and of course, a Rosalie Quinlan piece from Sweet Broderie.

What do we think?

Something new...

I felt it was time for a facelift. My blog was in great need of something new and uplifting, so a few tweaks later, and ta-da! I like my new look, and I think it suits me and my blog much better than my previous look.

It's also with great excitement that I can launch my new direction for Missy Mack - my etsy shop! There is a blog button on the right of your screen which will take you to my new shop. It's in early stages still, but Missy Mack is now focussing on handcrafted and bespoke items for sale. I am fortunate enough to be having the opportunity to sell some of my wares through Crumbz here in Healesville, and thought I would do the same online. I really enjoy making items for other people to treasure and enjoy, particularly bespoke and custom quilts.

At the moment I have beautiful bunting, with some bunting featuring the ever popular and gorgeous Owl creatures. This is a new little design I've been working on, and I just love the owls. I have already had some orders, so am hoping they will be popular.  I also have cushions and little purses for sale. In time, many more items will be added, including bags, home wares and decor items, softies and quilts.

I also have a shop at big cartel, which has a few items on it so far. Click here to shop!

My shop will also (hopefully soon!) hold a range of other items, including my own patterns, fabric covered buttons, and even some fabric and bits and pieces from my stash.

Missy Mack is also now on Facebook, so if you are already a member, please head on over and join our page. I'd love to see you there!

In a few weeks I will be attending a stitching day with the lovely Rosalie Quinlan. Rosie is designing something for us Patchwork with Gail B girls as a part of our slightly late christmas break up. Can't wait!

Here are few of my recent purchases - just some things I couldn't pass up!