1st SAL.....Peg, Dale and I committed to stitching Anni Downs - A Gardener's Journal in March. I blogged about this on my blog thinking maybe one or 2 others may join us and lots of girls indicated an interest so I decided to start this blog where we can all encourage each other to meet the goals set along the way....March 2010 -March 2011...........
2nd SAL ......well so many of the girls wanted to continue on with another project and some new girls joined us and now approx 91 girls are stitching Natalie Bird's Tis the Season. March to Sept 2011...............
3rd SAL....many girls want to stick with the SAL so now we have moved onto Anni Downs Some Kind of Wonderful - My Favourite Things Quilt.......Oct 2011-Oct 2012.........
Where are we now.....
4th SAL 2013...is numerous smaller projects from the previous 2 books Tis the Season and Some Kind of Wonderful plus some projects from Red Home by Natalie Bird approx 60 ladies stitching together.........
2014 we had the year off..............
5th SAL 2015..........inspired to continue we are doing another quilt project.....Anni Downs newest quilt Natures Journey.....
6th SAL 2017.............A Holly Cottage Christmas by Michelle Ridgway.......once again the pattern is in an affordable book so it is easy for everyone to join in...........and you can raid your stash for the fabrics........or lash out and buy a the whole lot........this SAL will be run by Fiona aka Bubz Rugz and Raewyn........
Chookyblue........

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Fiona's SKofW quilt top.............

Well it didn't happen overnight but it finally happened. I've finished my Some Kind of Wonderful Quilt.
I started it December 2011 and finished the top December 2014.



Not sure when I'll get it quilted, we can't rush these things :)

Friday, January 2, 2015

So Exciting…..

Here it is the second day of a new year….and we have this great new adventure…

Massive big thank you to our amazing organisers Chooky and Susan.

So much fun ahead, how lucky are we…!!

Woo Hoo …!!

I am excited….

Peg xx

SKOW...Believe It Or Not - Progress!

I have been quietly working away on Some Kind of Wonderful over the last few months finalising the applique/stitchery blocks in small increments as time permitted without bothering to blog as I went...I had even put one strip together - but it was a whoops so let's not go there - anyway, yesterday afternoon, to celebrate the 1st day of the New Year, I wrapped my head around two little inescapable facts - 1. I had to wield the rotary cutter and cut 2 1/2" squares I had somehow missed preparing at the outset, and 2. I had to employ the quick unpick *sigh*...

By the end of the day...
2 full and 9/10ths of the 3rd, strips pieced...it would have been three if I wasn't one 2 1/2" square short and it was too late to be wielding sharp objects of the rotary cutter variety and I did have to get up for work this morning, so I went to bed.

Still a bit to go, including finishing off the applique on one block, but you never know, it could happen...

Happy Stitching...
Annette - Jindi's Cottage

Yes......

Hi Girls,

I was 2 hours in the new year when I signed up!!!
I can't wait to begin this new SAL!!!
Are you all as impatient as me???

Have a nice day,
Martine

Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015 SAL..............

Who knew we would be back here for 2015 when all this started with a couple of friends in 2010............but wow we sure do have lots more friends now all around the world..........
its friends that keep us going........
Many quilts and small projects have been made just because friends got together online and supported each other..........I am so pleased we are able to sew together once again in 2015...........
I did have a plan for 2014 but it was just not possible for me to run a SAL in 2014.
For those of you wanting numerous small projects you may not be happy............for those of you wanting one project right now you will be cheering and very happy as we are going for one big project..............
Any ideas yet????
It will run from Feb to Sept
What I have chosen is yet to be released but I know it will be released VERY VERY soon...........
It involves appliqué (machine, hand, needle turn,  or blanket stitch), English paper piecing, machine piecing, stitchery
Any ideas yet????
The monthly plan will go upon the side bar...........
also there will be a logo as soon as I get a photo........
I had a photo but I want something better to use for the logo.............
I will email it out to everyone once I make it.............
Any ideas yet?????
So I know you are all dying to know what we are doing.............
Really wanting to see the project.........
What have I chosen.............
Will I ever announce this new project.............
Have I enjoyed teasing all of you..........
Yes of course..............
Lol..............
Any ideas yet?????
Ok wait a minute as you need time to fill in January as I know you will be “chomping at the bit” (over seas girls translation =  very excited)  to get started on something I need to tell you what we will do in January first.............Anni Downs Hatched and Patched released a free Christmas Stitchery on her blog/newsletter http://hatchedandpatched.typepad.com/hatchedandpatched/2014/12/a-free-pattern-for-christmas.html
.........it’s optional but if you would like to get started on a great little project go ahead.....
Ok
The
Project
For
2015
Woops some more info for you............
You will need to get a new pattern.............the cost is approx $40 AUD............this is not available yet as you have to wait until it is released which will be very soon as I have been speaking with the designer and she is very happy for us to use this for the 2015 SAL...............
I will do another post here once it is released............
Any ideas yet????
If people want to they can sign up for a BOM but I will be using my stash and I encourage all of you to use your stash......pretty sure no one could tell me they don’t have enough fabric in their stash..........I will only need a bit more in the background fabrics............
Any ideas yet????
Basically to start with you will need to do about 1 block a week............gosh I hope I can manage that.............
Everyone is welcome to join us..........but you do need to be a blogger ( NOT fb or ig)............there is a limited number able to join the SAL blog.........as I commit to run the blog and Susan has committed to help me you need to commit to posting your progress each month and participating in the blog by posting at least once a month and commenting to encourage everyone else who joins in......you don’t need to comment on every post bit it would be supportive if you commented on some.............otherwise we are just wasting each others time.............
I will have a list of participants on the sidebar and will update progress as we go along.............
I picked this SAL as soon as I got a sneak peek at it about 6 weeks ago..............
Any ideas yet????
Ok
So
the
Stitch-a-long
For
2015
Is
Designed
By
Anni
Downs
Hatched
And
Patched
And
It
Is
"Natures  Journey"



You can get a much better sneak peek here and leave a comment for Anni......... http://hatchedandpatched.typepad.com/hatchedandpatched/2014/12/my-new-quilt-winner-happenings.html#comments
2643 posts sharing
Gardeners Journals 35 quilts and 11 tops
Tis the Season 77 quilts, 3 tops, 11 projects
Some Kind of Wonderful 30 quilts, 9 tops
Mixed SAL 41 participants with approx 341 projects completed
Natures Journey how many can we complete..........
OK so who’s joining me and Susan my trusty assistant whip cracker (think she is worse then me...lol)...........
Signs up on this post...............
You don’t have to have participated in a previous SAL.............but you do need to blog.........
Leave a comment........

For the benefit of others reading the comments tell us what other SAL’s you joined in here and why you like joining the SAL.......
if a newby why you want to join in.........
Have fun
Chookyblue and Susan

STOP

*****ADDED PLEASE READ******
if you are no reply blogger we cannot contact you. 
This post may help you change it.
Also if your profile is in google + we cannot contact you or go to your blog link.
If you are new to the SAL please add your blog address to the comment and your email too. 
If you don't want to show your email in the comment there is a link on the top left of the blog to contact me Chookyblue. 
But you still need to also leave a comment on this post.
If we cannot contact you we can't add you to the SAL.
If you had not heard from us within 24-48 hours contact us again...........


new look.........

new year, new sal, new look.............like it?

under 4 hours......

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

1 sleep..........

One more sleep..............
until
so lets have some fun.............
anyone want to guess what the new SAL is.............
I won't reply to comments as I am flat out sorting a few other things online here and on my own blog but lets see what you think...............
some of you are thinking a one project SAL others numerous projects SAL.........
&&&&
Happy New Year..........
I won't be heading out............
i'll enjoy the fireworks on TV..........
The teasing is almost over.......hehehe......
Chookyblue...

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

help needed and 2 sleeps............

Hey girls.......need your help.........
one of our SAL buddies needs some support...........
just wondering if you can head over to Khrissy @ BaiSiNoLil blog and give her some serious whip cracking gentle encouragement...........her little fingers will be working overtime to get the last blocks of the Gardeners Journal done before the end of the year............
She wants to have the top together and she has about 48 hours to go..........
head over and see what she has left to do.............
Khrissy did start the GJ SAL with us but never got it finished..............
she also did the Tis the Season SAL...........
Come on team - help Khrissy get over the line...........
 
Also Miss Shez has finished her SKoW.............must be killing her though as she doesn't have very good internet where she is at the moment........but as soon as she can she is going to share a post here with us.......I can't wait.....
&&&&
Anyone else got something finished from any of the SAL's...........
not long now...........
Chookyblue...........
PS don't freak either if the SAL blog disappears just before I tell you all about the new SAL...............it will be back very soon..............

Monday, December 29, 2014

not long now...........

woops my little counter was out of whack and so am I..............
all my days are mixed together and today I realised what the date/day it was and my counter was wrong so I just fixed it................so you all have to wait another day.............well not really another day it was just 14hrs out but that clicked over to another day............
But maybe it is a chance to get some sewing supplies together...
needles, thread, fabric, sewing machine, sewing mojo.............
have you got your sewing mojo ready...........
and just as I am sitting here I have worked out a project for January while your getting your supplies together for the SAL.............
for the January project you will need your embroidery threads, cream background fabric, 
So what do you think............would you like it to be a numerous projects SAL like 2013 or a one project SAL.............tell me what you think.......don't suggest a particular project/s as I have already decided on that...............
and my criteria is the pattern/s must not cost a fortune like in a lot of BOMS, numerous individual patterns, AND it can be made from your stash
numerous projects 
or 
one project
And yes I am having fun teasing you girls..............
cheeky and wicked but not evil............hehehe......
Chookyblue

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Sunday, December 21, 2014

SKofW needlebook..................

the final album from 2013..............the Some Kind of Wonderful needlebook by Anni Downs..........
Enjoy..........
Chookyblue..............

Saturday, December 20, 2014

sewing case album..........

here are 33 gorgeous sewing cases from Anni Downs Some Kind of Wonderful book................
look down the left sidebar and you will find the album.............
Enjoy 
Chookyblue..........

Friday, December 19, 2014

Hexie album.......

Here's the next album.............in July we did hexie bags...........
"Chilly Penguin Hexagon Bag" from Tis the Season by Natalie Bird....
once again look down on the left sidebar..........
Enjoy.........
Chookyblue..........

Thursday, December 18, 2014

albums...........

wow............losing the plot in the second half of 2013 I just realised fiddling on the blog that I have not added the albums for the 2013 SAL June-Sept...............and going back saving the photos to the albums I realised just how good you girls are.....................
Wow you made some great projects there.............so i'll share a new album for the next few days..............
Today check out the new album - June Red Home Pincushions 
It's on the left sidebar down a bit.........scroll down and check it out.........
Enjoy
Chookyblue

Sunday, December 14, 2014

SAL planning..............

hello stitchers..........
I am planning for the SAL to start in February and finish about September..............
that gives you January to get yourself organised.........
sound ok?
is the teasing working well????
sorry I  just can't help myself............lol...........and no use trying to get info out of Susan who helps me on the blog as I am it is a surprise for her too........

Chookyblue

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Binding time....

Today I need to finish a long overdue job...the binding on my angel story quilt!!! The lovely quilting was done by the gorgeous Fiona !!!!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Finished the pin cushion for June

Just having a look at the list for 2013 and I've realised that I've completed the June pin cushion without having posted a pic. Silly me. I will have to rectify that. And now that we are finally on holidays and dance concert is finished for another year, I can have a look at where I'm at for the other projects. 

A long break for me, too

I finished the top of the Anni Downes Quilt just in the nick of time. And that's where that has stayed. I have completed lots of sewing since, but it's involved costumes, costumes and more costumes.

I've pondered several times how best to get my quilt quilted and, therefore, used. I'd love to hand quilt but know that this is just realistic.

Finally an answer - for Christmas I have acquired a quilting frame that I can attach my machine to. Can't wait to try it out. The SAL quilt won't be my first but it will be done. Hoping for early in 2015 when my son's 21st is over.

Very exciting. And looking forward to hearing Chooky's news of the new SAL for 2015. 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

cleaning up..............

Hi Girls
thanks for such positive feedback about running a 2015 SAL.......it's nice to know I will have some buddies.........no secrets revealed yet.......
will it be one project????? will it be many projects???????

If anyone would like to share projects they have finished but not posted here yet please do so ASAP.......or maybe pull an unfinished one out now that Christmas sewing is just about done and get it finished..............
In preparation for 2015 I will clear the slate and start with a new members list for 2015.........
probably wipe it clean about the 20th Dec.............

I do hope my partner in crime will support me again in 2015........so we can create mischief and merryment in blogland.......
Chookyblue..........

Monday, December 1, 2014

SAL 2015........

After a long break on here from any posts and a break in projects for 2014 if it rains here and things become sane I have a plan for 2015. I will make an announcement on the 1st January..............
Just thought I would give you a heads up if your starting to think abut 2015
Chookyblue..............

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Last project finished





I finished it! I do love my needlecase!!! Why I didn't finished it many month ago? Didn't know... but now, I've got my needlecase!!!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

i have a Flimsy at Last,lol


 Whoo Hoo for chooky's virtual sewing weekend because it was just the push i needed to pull my GD's SKOW quilt out and put the last row together.
 So on Monday and Tuesday i put together one of the side bits and the rows for the top and bottom.
 This is a Anni Downs pattern out of her book Some Kind Of Wonderful and my lovely GD Madie has been waiting for 2 birthdays now for her quilt,so i am so glad its on its way to being finished.
 Some of the blocks have been changed to suit Madie,she has her dog Boomer sitting under the tree,her black cat Rose,her favourite book the Paradise Trap,chocolate ice cream her favourite and we also did her a calisthenics block and a basketball block,her 2 favorite sports .
 Dont know how i will go with this as Madie has chosen a rainbow chenille for the backing,wish me luck,lol.
cheers shez xx

Friday, January 17, 2014

SAL 2014......

Hi everyone..............
This is not the post you want to read but for now I am unable to start a SAL for 2014..........The drought is taking up all my time and energy and until things can change there for me I cannot even think about committing to anything here. 
Sorry
Chookyblue :(