Hello to everyone !

My name is Florence and I live in France.

We have been very shocked these last days…so much hate and violence….

That's why I'm here.

We, women of all the world, with needle and fabric, are building a world of creation and friendship !

No more to say…

I'm happy to be here for my 3rd SAL !

Florence

We are all Charlie !

Christmas Wishes Decoration

I'm happy to have finished off this little stitchery for January and have made it into a little hanging Christmas decoration .... my first decoration for 2015 .... and I plan on making one decoration each month so at the end of this year I will have 12 new handmade decorations for the tree !!!   Thanks Anni for the cute design and I'm really looking forward to playing with my Natures Journey pattern and fabrics soon !!!   Fiona  @ peaceful threads xx

Helloooooo!!

Hi.  I am Michell from New Zealand and I have decided to join in on the stitch-a-long this year after watching from the sidelines for the previous ones. I have ordered my pattern, but as I just did not order the pattern but other things, I have to wait for it to be delivered as one of the items ordered is not yet in stock.

But until then I have this to fill in time.  I will look in my stash of Cottage Garden threads to see which one I want to use for it.

I still have not chosen my fabric to use for the stitch-a-long but have some Blueberry Crumb fabric in my stash, so will wait to see what the fabric requirements are then decide.

Progress skofw....

ok when I left Miss Suze had 2 rows pinned to join.....and she had one row together......so hoping to see more progress very soon.... I left her chained to the machine......
Chookyblue

More whip cracking.....

Let's see if this can become more then gorgeous blocks.......
Chookyblue......

Hello ,i am christin live in switzerland in the middle of europan,this is my first SALm,i like the australien quilt and embrodery designer much,for a couple of years i have participatet in each choockys santaswap,looking to join me, the pattern is ordered, January i sewed   greeting  Christin my blog is chchris

Whip cracking......

Not much progress from Kate so far so I had to crack the whip.......

Happy stitching  

Chookyblue 

PS she doesn't look very scared does she......but she was just sitting around chatting til I got her on the job.........

One down not sure how many to go

1st Challenge met

Finish Christmas Wishes before the SAL Quilt pattern arrives... DONE

 

I used my leftover threads to complete the picture using DMC, Cottage Garden Threads and Silk colours a little "mishmashed" but I'm using my stash.  The 2 1/2" Squares are Moda Christmas Countdown pack that I have in the shop and decided it's a good as any...not sure if shop stock counts as my stash but I'm using it.......

 

Now to wait impatiently for the pattern to arrive - thinking brights to take me outside my square but really not sure.



No whip cracking for me….I hope

Hi everyone…..I am the Peg mentioned at the top of the SAL blog….I sometimes fall into a bit of a heap and get a little side tracked with other projects….      Here is a photo of my completed Gardeners Journal…

And this is my version of Tis The Season…..

But sadly after that I did start and I had some mighty big plans,…. then falling into a  heap and being what one may call a slacko…but this year, the girls have wiped my slate and I must prove myself….(Please cross you fingers for me…LOL)

I am hoping my Christmas Wishes will be finished tomorrow, once again fingers crossed…

Happy stitching Peg x

Christmas Wishes Finished!!!

 

January project finished.

 

Added some beads

 

 

And made a Bag!!!

Now onto the fabric sorting for the quilt!!

 



Introducing myself.... "Dawnie"

I have been enjoying reading about each of you and thought perhaps I should also do a post. I started in blog land in 2008 and have since  had the pleasure of meeting many of you, ... Who would have thought that possible not knowing any of you previously!!   It still continues to amaze me the we have only met  only blogging  and from sharing  the same "stitching" interests.  The funny thing is that when one does meet in real life it is like one has known each other a lifetime , so,,, having said all that what a wonderful thing it is that we can all share a new stitching journey together and get to know more of you out there.

 I am a big "Anni" fan so found this one hard to resist, even though a lot on my plate.  I first joined Sal for the first "gardeners journal" and it was lot of fun, the 2nd one "Tis" I got up to border stage so I must really get back to it, and ""skow" was left way behind, so have put it into my "retirement" catch up pile for one day!!  So...... I will be relying on all your posts to help keep me on my toes.


Dawnie

Gardeners Journal

I'm so close I can smell it !!!

The next picture I post on here will be my completed quilt top :))

road trip...........

Hi Everyone...........going on a road trip................back in a few days..............

I do hope I see lots of Christmas Wishes popping up here while I am gone............

Might need to do some whip cracking while I am gone too so will report back in when home..............

I'll respond to things when i get home

Happy Stitching............

Chookyblue..............

A Decision

Hi Everyone, I am Fee from Designs By Fee (www.designsbyfee.com)  I am starting university on Monday as a mature age student to study nursing and want a few major sewing projects to sew in my down time to keep me sane so hence the reason I have decided to make this quilt along with you all.

 

Last year I pre-ordered a range of fabrics designed by Sue Daley called Raspberry Parlour.  Once they arrived I stashed them onto my "Special" shelf where I thought they would sit for a very long time until a project came along that was worthy of them.

As soon as I made the decision to join in the Stitch A Long for 2015 and saw Anni's gorgeous design I knew that this special bundle of fabric was perfect for it.

I have ordered the pattern and can't wait to start.

Thanks for letting me join in the fun Chooky & Susan.

Hugs - Fee x

Introduction from Canada, Quebec, Canada that is.

Peggy from Peg's Place: 

I'm Peggy from Quebec.  An anglophone living in a predominiately francophone part of the province.  That means I live 600 kms from Montreal.  I belong to our local quilt guild and have been a member for at least 10 years.  Quilting has become my main focus but I love embroidery and that is why I am here, to really, finally make a quilt including embroidery and applique!  I am in awe of all the Australian stitcheries that I see and we don't tend to do this in Canada so getting my feet wet here. I did make a stitchery a few years ago and I enjoyed it: 
 

I ordered the pattern last night and I hope that it gets here before February 1st! In the meantime, I will get my current project, a mystery quilt, off the table and live vicariously through all of you who are posting colour choices and pattern ideas! I can't wait to have my first homework deadline Chooky! ;).  In passing, I a teacher ;)...apparently I love homework.

Nice meeting you all!

My January project....finished!!!

So here it is... 

I used blues and browns from Blueberry Crumb Cake to make the stitchery into a pillow! I hope you like it!

I have my pattern

 I was so excited when I went to work this week at Hobbysew (in Canberra) and the pattern  for Nature's Journey was in stock. I have lots of other stitching to do but had to fiddle with fabrics for this. I do like Anni's colours so will try to be a bit similar but use some of the stash (will probably buy lots too!)

 I bought a few blues yesterday for backgrounds. Not sure about the front stripe. It might be a bit bright.

I must trace Anni's little stitchery and get going on that.

Fabric Decision

I've been toying with the "what fabrics???" question since Day 1.
I wanted to try to use some of what I have but my stash is mainly small pieces - fat quarters or so...But after a lot of debating with myself and a friend, I have decided to use some fabric that I've had for a while that was going to be a table cloth.
I pulled out some browny beigey bits to go with them.  Since I was having a sewing day at a patchwork shop yesterday I added to the collection.... I now have this collection - half stash - half bought.  I will add some  more - especially some darker ones - but this is my starting point.  
I have no idea yet how much the pattern says but I'm sure this will get me through . . .

Now to wait for the postie!!

The Introduction

Since we have encouraged others to introduce themselves I thought I should do the same.
Hi - I'm Susan.I am the deputy whipcracker- just trying to help Chookyblue keep you girls organised.
My blog is Susans Sewing Space and you will see I generally go for bright clear colours, not the usual Anni style, but I have always regarded patterns as a guide...and they should be open to personalisation.
I've been patchworking since 1987 and now that my children are grown up - get to spend a reasonable amount of time sewing.  Since my eldest got married I have been able to set up the physical Susans Sewing Space - that has helped enormously.
I'm a bit of a "groupie"  -  I have 3 groups that I go to - that just leads to even more projects on the go - but I love them all.  (the groups I mean!!)

I am so happy to be part of this group, I first joined in for SKOW (2012) and then in 2013 for all the small projects (well, I did all but one).  The "deadlines" and commitment of belonging to the group means that I do finish these projects.  And after all as the deputy I have to practice what I preach!

Welcome everyone!
Yes I will constantly remind you about labelling your posts, and other housekeeping issues - but that's my job!!! LOL

Chooky's options............

the other day I was out in the Chookshed.........

I was putting things away and quickly grabbed some fabric choices...........

Gardeners Journal I did in blue stitchery and blue and green fabrics...........

Some Kind of Wonderful I did in 1930's plus others thrown in..........

SOOOOOOO..........

Mine won't be the same an Anni's............I like to make my own choices............make my quilt look like it's mine.......individual.....

&&&&

Option one...........

brights, some Denyse Schmidt, randoms ones I have collected........

not sure as some are bigger prints and there are not many bigger pieces............

The other options of course is blues............

What do you think Emily..............

I just quickly grabbed these and most are from my Blue Lanterns EPP quilt..........need to find some more light ones to add in but sure I have some just need to locate them in the shed...............

there is a hexagon and a 6 pointed star in the blocks so I just had a bit of a play with the blues................not sure if I will use these yet or even if they are the right size............but getting an idea of the colours together..................I will use them in another project if I don't go with the blues for this one anyway...............

I was thinking of asking Anni for the fabric requirements to share (private email not on the blog) with you but after sleeping on it really we can all wait patiently for our patterns to arrive in the mail.........it's not going to kill us waiting..............

the requirements as I see it...............

lots of scraps for all the applique bits and little squares.........lots of lights, mediums and darks..........the more the merrier.......

several background pieces..............

one piece for the inside border............

What are you thinking? 

raiding your stash, Kits, BOM...........

&&&

How is everyone going on the January project............3 are finished now.............

Catch you later

Chookyblue

Popped in to say Hi.

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. My name is Noela and my blog is called Quilty Bits from the Blue Room. So glad to join Chooky and friends in another SAL. Have been in a few and must admit without encouragement from Chooky and Susan, wouldn't have finished a couple of my quilts.

I've ordered my pattern from Anni and when I receive it, will then go and sort through my stash to find some fabrics to use. I am having a clean-up of my sewing room at the moment and I must admit I do have lots and lots of fabric, some I had completely forgotten about.

My stitchery for January has been traced and I hope to start on it today so will post a photo later. Can't decide whether to use blue or red thread. It will definitely be a Cottage Garden one as they are some of my favourites.

I am enjoying reading all your posts. A big welcome to the new members. I'm sure we will have a wonderful time as we stitch together through the year.

Hugs Noela (quiltybits).

Hello from Norway

Hi. 

I'm Laila ,Tonjes ( Nemo) mum. I live close to the Swedish border at a little town named Trysil. 

This are my first SAL, but I have been a part of all of Donnas SSCS. I have also been so luckey to be able to be in a class with Anni , and a lot more of the great Australian designere.. 

I love to stitch and sew quilts..

Now the little Christmas Stitchery are almost done,and I know what to make from it. I will show you later. 

The pattern are ordred to day,so now I have to wait for about a week to start keeping an eye on the poatmann.... 

This will be soo fun.. 

As the stitchery not are ready I add a photo from my garden to day. Enjoy your summer days :-)

Very excited....

Hello fellow stitch-a-long ladies.

I posted this on my blog and not on the stitch-a- long blog. Fingers crossed it works this time.

My name is Simone. I live in central New South Wales.
I love Anni Downs patterns and have completed a few quilts.

I am joining up with this Stitch-a-long in the hope of finishing what looks like a great quilt. I haven't done an Anni Quilt for a while.

I participated in the stitch a long two years ago making all of those great small projects.

I am looking forward to watching everyone do this quilt.

I have ordered my pattern and have begun searching for fabrics.
I am away at the moment so don't really know what goodness I have.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Yessss!!!!

What a great day!!! It's cold outside, but the sun is shining.

And I ordered my pattern for the SAL!!!

I can't wait!!!

Have a nice day,

Martine

My way of coping!

I took my Master 16 off to Vic Roads this morning for his Learners Test.

He passed!  I am so not ready for that so my way of coping .... retail therapy.

So on the way home I stopped in at one of my Local Quilt Shops and sitting on the counter was 

Annie's "Natures Journey" pattern.

They also had some fabrics kitted up for a starter pack.

Looks like I am ready to start.

I'm interested to see how you break this one up for us Chooky.

In the meantime I need to work out what to turn this into :o)

I'm looking forward to stitching this one with everyone and seeing everyone's fabric selections.

hugs, Sharon

Lilabelle Lane Creations

Purchasing Natures Journey

Natures Journey pattern is available at Hatched and Patched

There are probably other locations but you can check the stockist page for that...........

\

Chookyblue

Introduction

Hi my name is Joan and I am new blogger from Ontario, Canada.  I have decided to sign up for the 2015 Stitch-A-Long, Nature's Journey with my daughter Lori of Lolastitchida and my granddaughter, Emily of stitch1-purl1,  So excited to get started! I have started the January stitchery to keep me going until the pattern is released for the stitch-a-long.

I Have Started....points for me!!!

 

Hi I am Kerrie. I live near Griffith NSW. Married with 5 children, raising our 10year old granddaughter, trying to sew, knit, crochet, garden and generally lead a simpler life!! This is my first year being a part of Chooky's SAL - I have probably bitten off more than I can chew - but hey I HAVE started the January stitchery - that has to be good.....right????

 

 

I have already sewn the bag fabric to the stitchery - just going to be a little different to the usual Christmas colours - because I feel like being different. Some beads and some gold thread will also be added.

That's all - have a great day!! (I am a bit contrary today - operating on no sleep for the last 30 hours courtesy of one snoring husband and 2 barking dogs all night!!! Contrary is sliding into snappy and snarly at the moment!!!



January Project Complete.

Hi my name is Jeanette, Nette's Quilting Nook, i'm in Ipswich Qld, Australia. This is the 3rd time i've joined Chookyblue for a SAL. The first was Tis The Season & the 2nd was in 2013 when we did projects from 3 books. Can't wait to get the pattern & get started.

I turned my stitchery into a little wallhanging. I used a Cottage Garden Thread called Plum Pudding. The fabrics were a line from Lynette Anderson a few years back & had been given to me in a swap & worked out ideal for my hanging.

Happy Stitching,

Hello another 'newbie' and THANKS SO MUCH to Susan for answering my pesky emails tonight

Hi

I'm Nay and this is my first SAL - I have been a closet stalking for the last 4 years from the Gardeners Journal Quilt and last year bought my own copy of the Red Book and Anni Downs book to tag along myself with a few of the stitcheries and smaller projects.

 

So after sorting out profiles, no reply accounts, google plus accounts etc I am now on board and once again a big thanks to Susan for staying up and helping me through everything.

 

My very first workshop was with Anni Downs with Tricia DeCaux at Almond Grove in Loxton many years ago and have followed her designs and fabric and journey every since - she is such a lovely lady.

 

I work full-time at our local bank and with 3 kids and a poor suffering husband and also have my own home based business Nays Place where I have started selling fabrics, notions, patterns etc from home after our local fabric shop closed down.

 

So to make sure I start the year rolling I have decided to use what I have and get through some of my 'tangled threads' and scraps/stash to do this quilt....a photo of my progress so far.

 

Its lovely to meet you all and finally be part of  SAL 2015.

 

 

 

 

Nay

January Project

Loving all the finished January projects we've been seeing. Very inspirational.  Some of the colours are so fantastic. I think I'm having colour envy. I'd never have thought to use them!  I have mine traced and ready to stitch. I have to take my father for some. I or surgery tomorrow so hope to get some done then. My eldest son's 21st is next weekend. So it's busy, busy, busy until then.  But after that we hope to have a few days away before school starts. There's going to be some serious sewing happening then. 

January Project complete.

Hi my name is Maria,  Life on the Block,  I live in a small Cray fishing / Tourist town 400 North of Perth, Western Australia on 5 Acres between the bush and the sea... 

 I  joined Chooky for SAL in 2013 and loved completing a project every month. I am really looking forward to stitching along for the SAL 2015 and working on Anni Downs new quilt “ Nature's Journey” .. Can’t wait for the book to be released and buy it…

In the meantime  Chooky  invited us to Stitch this cute Angel you can find  HERE to keep us busy in January..






I used some Cottage Garden Thread in variegated purples for my Angel and found some suitable fabric for the borders in my Christmas box……

Maria     http://maria-lifeontheblock.blogspot.com

Marlene in Brazil

Marlene posted this comment so I am just re posting so you learn about Marlene.

Hello everyone
My name is Marlene Carpes and I live in Brazil. My blog: http://marlearteira.blogspot.com
It is the first time I join a SAL so I have no experience, if I commit some mistake please correct me, because I am using Google translator to communicate, which can cause some misunderstanding in translation. I am very happy with this new experience and eager to get started.

First Timer

Hello from not so sunny Queensland, Australia. Not that I will complain about rain...ever!...because we've just been through the worst drought and not calling it over just yet. My name is Narelle and with my hubby, we try and make ends meet on a cattle property.  I'm afraid my sewing mojo also 'dried up' so I'm looking forward to getting back into it in 2015.

This is my first time participating on this SAL blog although I did make 'Tis The Season' the following year it featured. I've always looked on, admired and even purchased a book or two :o) Looking forward to this journey with you all.

Hello there

Hello !!!! I'm so excited to be part of the 2015 stitch-a-long. I love the motivation and support the group brings and I can't wait to make another of Annis gorgeous quilts .

My name is Khrissy or Khris and I live in central west NSW with my brood of children and foster children and of course  my darling husband . 

I previously have taken part in A Gardeners Journal and Tis the Season Stitch-a-long .... 

During Gardeners Journal I lost my motivation and just didn't get it finished ... I'm determined to finish it now though and have been working on my last stitcheries and am down to the final one ... I'm nearly there ( finally ).

Hello

My name is Lynda (bettsylyn) and I live in Queensland Australia. I've been around with this group for a while but not always finishing things.

I see a few people commenting about what fabrics to use for this quilt, and what amounts. I wanted to comment not to stress about using your stash. I have been working on the previous Anni Downs Quilt - Gossip in the Garden. The picture I have included here is not my quilt. This quilt is a quilt by a friend of mine. She made it as a gift for a special friend. Just about every fabric came from her stash, there was no major theme except that she wanted to make it for a friend who liked blue.

If you want to use your stash, just pick out fabrics, fat quarters, colours you like. It will work.

I am still working on mine and will post pictures in a little while. I have done most of the handwork but need to do some machine sewing to get it together.

I have really enjoyed making this quilt so am looking forward to the new one.

 

My Second SAL With ChookyBlue

Hello my name is Sharon

I live in Far North Western Queensland,  Australia, on a cattle station. We hwve been in severe drought,  but I think the drought may have sort of broken in the last few days with some rain. Yesterday we 30mm, Friday 31mm. So now there are green shoots of grass peeking up through the red dirt. Which equates to happy bovines and equines,  and native wildlife.

As the heading states, this is my second Stitch-A-Long with the amazing Chooky and equally amazing Susan. I am excited to be undertaking an Anni Downs quilt, I love Anni's work.
I am going to mostly use fabric from my stash for Nature's Journey, so my quilt maybe a little bit "out there".
My Granny taught me to sew when I was eight years old, so I have been sewing the best part of fifty years almost. I used to sew my own clothes and clothes for my children,  but lost interest in that many,  many years ago!
How I got involed in quilting is a tale in itself, when I was living in Mossman in FNQ, I was in the paper shop one Saturday back in 1999, and a friend said oh I must come along, I would enjoy it sew much (at the time I was heavily into fold art), basically since that day I have never touched a paint brush!
So that is me in a nutshell!  

Can't Wait To Get Started!

Hi, I'm Kristen and I blog at Meadowbrook.  I live in Minnesota, USA, and right now it is freezing (-25 degrees Fahrenheit)!  I spend a lot of the winter months indoors trying to stay warm stitching.  My mother taught me to embroider when I was 5 years old and I've loved it ever since.  I basically love thread, fabric, and yarn.  I'm so excited to get started on this year's project and have printed off the free pattern for this month.  I'm hoping to have it finished sometime this week.  

Happy new year, happy new SAL

Hello,

this is my first time or maybe the second one, because the first was a test when my blog was created, writing in a blog...

I'm so excited .. then please apologize me if I make mistakes or just its difficult to understand me, English is not my mother language, but I will try to communicate with you ... 

oh my God, I forgot to introduce myself ..

My name is Ester, I am mother of 2 daughters (5 and 9 years old), wife of my husband (he doesn't understand so well why I'm mad about a needles, pins, fabrics and threads)  and daughter of my mother that she never imagine I can sew .... 

I live close to Barcelona, in Spain, nice weather and an awesome place for the life! Don't hesitate to contact me if you want to visit my country.

Just 3 years sewing or "Patchworking" .. since I started with this crazy handmade hobby, I tried to challenging myself, and I can stop dreaming what I can do if I have more time ... 

I follow you since end of 2012 .. Stitched a long ... you ... during 2013 but due to I didn't have a blog.. I couldn't participate actively .. now I've created a blog ( right now I'm trying to discover how to manage it)  and now, finally I really can stitch a long ...

Thanks Chookyblue 

Ester

EDITED BY CHOOKY
Here is a link so some things Ester made before and I shared here
http://stitch-a-long.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/esters-projects.html

First time

Hello,

My name is Oddbjørg, and I live in the northern part of Norway. I live out in the country. I'm married, and we have 4 children. They all have left home, and live in other parts of the country; the eldest daughter lives in Sweden.
I have been doing patchwork/quilting for some time now, and I really enjoy it. I also like to knit and weave.
This is the first time I join SAL with Ckooky. I think this will be quite exciting, and I look forward to have a beautiful quilt in the end of the year. I do hope I manage to keep the deadlines. But with so many participants, we can cheer each other to do our best.
I'm tempted to do the free stitchery for January. But I have some (many) UFO's I want to make progress on, so may be I give 2-3 of them priority this month. We'll see.
Thanks to Chooky and her helper Susan for doing this great job!

Greetings from Oddbjørg

Greetings from Victoria...

Greetings Fellow SAL-er’s from the centre of Victoria, Australia. My name is Annette and  I blog at Jindi's Cottage. Excited to be joining in again in 2015, thanks Chooky for organising again, along with your whip cracking side-kick Susan.

I played along in 2010 A Gardeners Journal (quilt top), 2011 ‘Tis the Season (actual whole finished quilt!) and  2012 Some Kind of Wonderful (still in progress - but getting closer every day to being a top).   I opted out in 2013.  I’ve been partial to Anni’s designs since Angel Story so the temptation of her new quilt was a little too much to resist.

I can’t guarantee life won’t get in the way, as it has a habit of doing, but let’s jump in anyway.  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s interpretation of the new quilt as we cheer each other on during the year.

Happy Stitching

Annette, Jindi’s Cottage

Cant believe i have finished my SKOW quilt

Finally got my SKOW quilt finished with a little bit of prodding from chooky,lol. This quilt was supposed to be for my Grand-daughter 2 birthdays ago and it is now finished in time for her birthday on the 10th of Jan, i stitched it in the ditch and found it heavy going with the rainbow chenille Madie had picked for the back of it and cotton batting in between.
Thankyou chooky if it wasnt for you giving me a push here and there it would still be in the cupboard.
cheers shez xx

hello

hello,

I'm evelyne and I'm living in Belgium. I'm 43 , have 3 children and a wonderful husband and I go to school to become a nurse ......... so there's little "me-time" but I want to make time to make this quilt

evelyne

So exciting...

So looking forward to joining the fun of the Stitch-a -long once again. Must try and get a few UFO's finished in the next few weeks. Thanks Chooky and Susan for organising everything!

Chooky's Christmas Wishes done.................

OMG so excited..............

I am done.............it's a great little stitchery.............

used some of Anni's Christmas fabric to finish it off.............

The pressure of keeping up this pace of finishing........it's only the 4th......OMG

Happy Stitching

Chookyblue

An early almost finish....

Hi my name is Deb,  I own frog cottage designs and used to be an avid blogger until I broke my leg badly in late 2013. I didn't just break my leg I broke my sewing mojo too, so I am excited to be a part of this years stitchalong. Thank you to Chooky and Susan for your hard work in organising and for any future whip cracking lol.... can't wait for next month to get started on Annis new quilt. I live 50kms North of Bathurst so The Home Patch is my local quilt store!!!!!!

I've never completed anything this early before lol but ta dar.....

I really enjoyed stitching this one, love the CGT Running Postman, tis a new favourite now. Just need to find some fabric and make it into a wall hanging....

Happy Stitching

Deb

My January Project....

Hi! My name is Emily, I'm 16 and from Canada, so I'm probably one of the youngest in this stitch-a-long. I am also Lori of Lolastitchida's daughter if you know my mum. I'm really excited about it, and here is what I have done so far! I have done my stitchery in a slightly variegated blue. I can't wait to hear from everyone else!

Fixing my blog settings.

Hi Trying to sort out some of my blog issues so am posting to see if changing my settings has worked. Lol!  I'm not totally technologically challenged - maybe technologically limited is more accurate. 

Stitch A Long 2015

I am so excited to start this new Stitch-A-Long.  I completed the ones for A Gardner's Journal, Tis the Season and SKoW.  They are so much fun and stitching has helped me through a lot of hard times.  So excited to begin this new stitching journey!

I have started the stitchery in variegated red.  Will post when I have a bit stitched. My Mom, Joan is stitching in variegated red also and my daughter, Emily, in variegated blue!

We are all from Canada.

Greetings from Norway!

Wow, I'm so happy there's a SAL now in 2015. I remember stumbling upon this blog/SAL back in 2013, wishing so badly that I'd known about it and had been able to join (I ended up making the quilt Tis the Season the year after - unfortunately, I'm feeling very unhappy about the finished quilt, so I might actually make another one). I added the blog to my feed-list, and you can just imagine my surprise and happiness when Chooky made the announcement a few weeks ago.

I should probably tell you a little about my self. My name is Tonje (but I use my blogging name/nickname - Nemo - on many occasions) and I live in Norway with my boyfriend (also known as Hubby) and our almost five year old son. I've been following Chooky's blog since 2007, when she first started to run the Secret Santa Christmas Swap, and have been a participant of that swap ever since. This will be my first SAL - and I'm really excited! (At the same time I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep up with you guys, seeing as our family will be extended to four members some time in late February/early March, but I will do my best - and I do hope she'll be a better sleeper than her brother was..) Also joining the SAL is my mother Laila, but I'm sure she'll write her own introduction a little later.

I've made a few (made? more like started..) projects designed by Anni Downs, I attended a class she taught here in Oslo last May (still haven't completed that table runner, though..) and I've been working on a couple of her stitcheries/smaller projects these past few weeks. I actually started the Christmas stitchery (the project for January) two days before the announcement came, and have a pretty good idea where I want to go with that. I'm very curious to see what you guys will be making using the same stitchery - and I'm also excited to see the colours and variations that will appear when we all start the big project.

This is going to be so much fun!

Marlene in Brazil????

I cannot contact you as your name link goes to google + and won't sign up for that.
We need an email address and a blog address to be able to contact you.

Also we have not had a previous comment from you.
I do hope you see this post.
Chookyblue

It's good to be back

Hi everyone. I started blogging just in time to join in and complete Tis the Season Quilt. Loved doing that. Enjoyed the deadlines and seeing what everyone else was creating. Enjoyed completing a beautiful quilt that still gets hung every Christmas. I then made the SKOW quilt top - that was a little more challenging for me personally but I loved doing all the appliqué. Getting it together was a challenge as I procrastinated quite a bit. There is the wonderful thing about the SAL - you've made the commitment, so it doesn't go away in the cupboard!  And yes, I got over the procrastination and I have a quilt top. Not quilted yet. I've investigated a number of ways. My dream would be to hand quilt it, but the reality is that is not going to work. So one of my goals for this year is to quilt this - having received a quilting frame for Christmas there can be no further excuses. Not that this will be my first project!  Too beautiful a quilt to risk practicing on.

The projects for 2013 were so lovely and I did complete quite a few, but life's events overtook most things for me and I still have a few to go. 2014 seems to have been a challenging year for many people. And I was no exception. I have 8 children (6 through foster care) and 4 of them have special needs. And those needs seemed to all come to fore this last year. On top of that, both my parents have had significant health issues.

So 1 January this year, I welcomed 2015 and look forward to the opportunity to participate in this beautiful quilt through the SAL. I see a number of old friends from earlier SALs and lots of new ones.

Three of my children now swim competitively so this is going to be my project to take along to all those swim meets. Just need to be organised and get each block prepped and they will be very transportable. Aren't zip lock bags the most wonderful invention?

Thanks Chookie and Susan. I know with my life there will be times when things won't go as planned and I will struggle with some deadlines - but knowing I've made this commitment and that I will,have a beautiful quilt by the end of the year will enable me to regain my focus. My other resolution is to get back into my blog. Something else I've missed throughout 2014. Sharing my sewing accomplishments. And seeing what others are doing. Welcome 2015 and Natures Journey!