Friday 11 October 2013

Giveaway and Latest Book Purchases

Is time really speeding up or what! I intended to do this post early part of the week but here we are and it's Friday again - I can't believe it! Anyway, welcome to you all and I trust that the week has gone well for you - I've been trying to keep up with all your posts that have been happening but I think I'm a wee bit behind again - so much time spent on the computer but I do get a kick out of seeing all your pics of wonderful makes and lovely blooms and places, and I love hearing of your adventures in daily life, thank you for sharing! I also thank each of you for your lovely messages - you know I thrive on them!

I have had a couple of lovely surprises in the past week or so - I am very fortunate to have won two lovely giveaways - the first surprise news came from Judy   and her lovely gift is 'winging its way to me' even as I type, but it does have a long way to fly - and then a day or so ago I heard from Deb regarding a gorgeous pattern that will also soon be mine! I can't show you these yet but will do when they arrive; thank you so much lovely ladies, I feel very blessed by your kindness!

At the weekend I was taken with an urge to knit something for a little girl, and at the same time thought it would be a nice thing to do for a giveaway, so I did! There's love in every stitch of this little garment for I really wanted to do it and really enjoyed the whole process!



I think that most of us have a little girl in our lives somewhere - whether she be daughter, niece, grand-daughter, friend or neighbour ... ...  so if you feel you would like to have this cardi for your little sweetie then you are welcome to join in the fun. Just leave me a message and I'll draw a name from a hat, on say, Sunday 20th of October at 5.00 pm Australian time! I'm happy to mail this off overseas or locally and will notify the winner and ask for mailing address when the time comes around.

The yarn used is 100% Australian pure wool in 8 ply, and is machine washable (gentle of course) and measurements are: 54cm chest; 32cm length; 20cm sleeve length (underarm). It's supposed to fit a 12-24 month child but I'm sure it would easily fit a 3-year-old. Of course children vary in size too so - who knows!


Right, what's next! Ah yes, I haven't shown you any of the book purchases I've made in the past few weeks so here we go - I know it looks like a lot of money has been spent here but not really, I did find a couple of bargains among the bunch:

You probably know by now that I have an ongoing love affair with fairies, and, as I'm also  interested in trying out ribbon embroidery, (sometime when I can find more hours in the day), these two books looked like a good idea. I'm not disappointed in the least, they are really lovely and will be very beneficial when I can set the time aside to concentrate on them. Front covers in first pic and below that you see the back covers of both.






I also found a Cath Kidston book, which a lot of you will probably be familiar with already, as well as a lovely publication by Alice Butcher and Ginny Farquhar:






I'm not doing 'real' reviews of these as it is easy enough to look them up on Google if you are interested in learning more about them, but I did just want to say that each of these books is full of inspiration and could be most helpful, especially at this time of year when we are looking for ideas with Christmas gift making.
 Having said that, I am showing you quite a few pics of 'Little Sew and Sew' by Christine Leech which I found only yesterday, and which I absolutely LOVE! Inside the covers of this lovely publication are  quite a few ideas that I'd like to adopt for the Sunday Stitchalong which I've been so enjoying, along with Chrissie and other friends. This is a very very sweet book!!! 




Alright, that's the books done with and now for a couple of little blooms to cheer you on your way! We had an empty pot that was crying out for a new plant so Hubby went off and bought a lovely new rose  aptly named 'Blushing Knockout' - and isn't she sweet!



And this bloom is the Clematis, but, although she gives us a beautiful bloom once or twice in the season, she just doesn't seem to grow or make any other progress, so we are always excited to see her showing off. This gorgeous flower has actually got bigger since I took the pics, but she was past her best before I had opportunity to snap her again - mainly due to the weather! Enough said on that subject!



Have a lovely weekend all you lovelies out there, and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you again soon.

Joy xo

46 comments:

  1. Congrats on winning the pattern, I can't find an email address on your sidebar so can you email me please at tinkhickman@blueyonder.co.uk. I just need your Ravelry name and Mel will gift it tio you.
    What a generous giveaway you're having, that little cardi is so sweet, my little niece would adore it such pretty colours.
    Those ribbon embroidery books look exquisite, I like the look of the other books too. Have a great weekend. Deb x

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    1. Hi Deb, have emailed you with info, and thanks so much once again for the lovely pattern - another project to keep me busy and out of trouble!
      I'm glad you like the little cardi - you're in the draw and I wish you all the best; wouldn't it be funny if you were to win it now - stranger things have happened!
      Joy xo

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  2. Joy you are too generous - that little cardigan is just so pretty, I can't believe you are willing to part with it! That being said, please put my name in the hat for Little Flower! I love your new books, I spy a few to add to my wish list...I really enjoy ribbon embroidery, but like you find that I'm wishing for an extra hour in the day for it, so why don't we try some for Stitching Sunday in a week or two? We don't even have to have a "proper" project, let's just play with ribbons! Chrissie x

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    1. Ah Chrissie - darn - it doesn't fit me so it's easy to part with, haha! Seriously, I will be most happy to know a sweet little girl is wearing it, so good luck for Little Flower!
      It would be great to work towards ribbon play in a couple of weeks, I would really enjoy that thank you - and that'll give me time to buy in some ribbon too, maybe you can give a few tips in that direction please?
      I hope you have a great weekend,
      Joy xo

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  3. Dear Joy

    Thank you for the book recommendations - I shall go and have a look. Unfortunately, I don't know any little girls who the cardigan would fit, so I'm not going to enter the giveaway this time - it is gorgeous though and I hope the recipient loves it! I'm looking forward to seeing the ribbon embroidery!
    Your new rose is beautiful too.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hello Ellie, I hope you're impressed with the books when you find them. Pity you don't know any little ones to fit the cardi but I'm glad you like it anyway. The ribbon embroidery will be very interesting, I've been keen to get into it and now Chrissie has kindly offered to cover it in a couple of weeks so that is exciting for we can all do it together.
      Wishing you a happy weekend,
      Joy xo

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  4. What a gorgeous little cardi. For some reason I always have the urge to make things for little girls too. Wishful thinking perhaps??????

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    1. Thank you JaB! Perhaps being in the draw for it will bring more widespread luck??? All the best to you!
      Joy x

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  5. The sweater is gorgeous Joy, any little girl would be thrilled to wear it. Love all your books, I find do much inspiration from book and when it comes to knitting or crochet books I love to just pick them up and browse through them. I can't see downloading this type of book, it has to be in my hands where I can flip forward or backward as needed. Love your beautiful new rose, and of course love my visit with you.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Hello Meredith - I'm glad you like the little cardi and the books. I too find it so much nicer to have this type of book in one's hands, especially if following instructions for a make!
      The rose is lovely isn't it - we seem to have now collected a few single/open blooming type bushes to blend with the more traditional roses that we've had for a while, and it's so nice to have a variety.
      Happy weekend to you Meredith,Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  6. Joy, I always enjoy your happy posts so much. The little cardigan is just beautiful! Love the look of your new books too, I have had my eye on the home sweet sewn one for a while, maybe on to put on my Christmas list! Have a great weekend.
    Marianne x

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    1. Oh thank you Marianne, you're lovely! 'Home Sweet Sewn' was one of the bargains I found and it is a very sweet book with lots of interesting makes that I'm sure would suit you well.
      Happy crafting, hope your weekend is a really good one.
      Warm hug, Joy xo

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  7. Hello Joy, It's such a pleasure to read your posts. The little cardi is stunning and I love your little detail of the flower and back strip. Unfortunately, I don't know of any little girls so I will have to pass this time. Thank you so much for your book reviews they look so interesting. And wow, what stunning flowers, ours in the UK are looking so sad for themselves right now.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Hello Irene and thank you! So you don't have a little girl in your life either - my grandies are all boys - all six of them - and I love them to bits! Glad you enjoyed the books and flowers too - this is a good time in the garden for us but before we know it ours will be looking sad too with the hot sun beating down on them!
      Have a great weekend, luv to you too,
      Joy xo

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  8. Good Day JOY,
    I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry your pressie still has not arrived.. The one to Switzerland made its landing early this week which I thought was very quick.. I thought for sure your package would of arrived by now.. One can never understand the postal systems.

    WOW what a nice posting.. Those wee Knock Out Roses are truly gorgeous flowers and are loved a lots here in the USA... I have 2 of your lovely assortment of new books. Ribbon Emb. and The Wonderful Flower Fairies book.. Love them both..

    The Wee Sweater you knitted is most magical looking.. The colors are yummie..You are a very talented lady indeed.. Some little girl will look most beautiful in it.

    Have a great weekend.. Hugs Judy

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    1. Lovely Judy, Hello! Yes, I'm a bit disgruntled with our postal service here as it seems to get slower and slower the more they put the prices up!!! Your lovely parcel will most likely turn up next week Judy - it's usually about ten days or so from US, so don't be concerned about it, and I will let you know as soon as it arrives.
      I was pleased to read you have the Ribbon Emb. books - isn't the fairy one wonderful!
      I'm glad you like the little cardigan - you're in the draw so you never know, you might see it first hand yet - good luck!
      A lovely weekend to you too Judy,
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  9. What a lovely post. The books all look fantastic, I can see where you'd learn something new from each and enjoy them immensely. Congratulations on your giveaway wins; that's really exciting. The sweater is beautiful. I would love to enter but I think my daughter at five might be too large for it. I am sure the winner will love it for the little girl in her life. I hope you have a great weekend.

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    1. Welcome back Jennifer, and thanks so much for your lovely message - such a pity the cardi is too small for the little girl in your life but there will be other times.
      I hope your weekend is a really good one too.
      Warm hug, Joy x

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  10. that is such a lovely jersey...all in my favourite colours. Such a pity the sweet girl in my life is already 12 :-( I am sure it will be much loved by the little girl who wins it. Thanks for all the other lovely news -I love the book reviews and think I could never own enough crafty books so love seeing what is out there.

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    1. Hello Leeanne - and I'm sorry that your sweet girl is also a little bit too grown up for the cardi; we might have to start shrinking kids, haha! Thanks for your lovely message - I have a 'thing' about these books too and am slowly gathering .. .. it's such fun isn't it!
      Warm hug, Joy x

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  11. Hello dearest Joy, what a fabulous post. I agree that time seems to run out so quickly, like you I am full of ideas of posting all the time and then I wake up and days have gone by! Joy I adore the little jacket and know someone who would love it so please can I enter? The blooms are just stunning, especially when we are going into our winter - thank you for cheering us all up with the fabulous colours. I love your books Joy and am seriously considering looking for a couple of them for myself as a little treat. Dear Joy I love your blog and always look forward to reading your news, thank you so much, it means more than you think.
    Big hugs
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Dear Dorothy - how are you! I am very happy to enter you in the draw for the cardi and wish you the best! We are so fortunate that there are so many craft books available to us - something for everyone, always, and I think you should go right ahead and treat yourself for you deserve it xo Thanks so much for taking time to leave your lovely message, and I hope your hubby is feeling a bit better these days.
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  12. Hello Joy,
    Been busy again I see. The winner of not one but two giveaways lucky you! a deserving winner I'm sure.
    Absolutely stunning cardigan there any little girl would be delighted with that such cute colours. It is unfortunately *sigh* too small for my daughter but, your right everyone knows a little girl and my friends daughter would love it so count me in your giveaway...if your sure you want to give away something so lovely, must have been a lot of work.
    Your new books look great. My Grannie used to have flower fairy plates that always fascinated me as child. I have the CK Sew book and I find it a very useful go to book.
    Your new rose is lovely and has a great name too. I have never had much luck with clematis...the bloom on your is beautiful.
    Hope that you enjoy a lovely weekend.
    xx

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    1. Hello FB,
      Yep! Been busy again, just like you! Thank you for your congrats - it's an absolutely new thing for me to be winning giveaways and I feel so blessed.
      I thoroughly enjoyed knitting the cardi FB and am very sure about giving it - all the very best for your friend's little girl.
      I'm glad you like the books and the lovely rose - we have had clematis plants a few times and they never survive for long, so at least this one puts on a lovely flower or two each year. They need warm sun and cool roots so it can be a bit tricky finding the right spot, but always such stunning blooms when they do the right thing for us!
      I hope you have a nice weekend planned, but there again, sometimes spontaneous happenings can be a lot of fun too - enjoy!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  13. Hello lovely Joy, what a wonderful post filled with wonderful things. I love your pretty cardi that you knitted, it is so so pretty and I am sure it will look gorgeous on any child. What a sweet giveaway. I am feeling a little speechless about the fairy book as I get a great deal of my inspiration for my fairies from Cicely's flower fairies and I haven't seen this book before, so I am going to go on the lookout for it. I have done another fairy this week with some sweet ribbon, which I will share on Sunday. I love my Cath Kidston book too and the Home Sweet Sewn looks great too, so thank you for sharing it with us. Your garden looks beautiful and your clematis is looking blooming marvellous. It is so lovely to see all your beautiful flowers in your lovely garden. Enjoy your weekend and looking forward to seeing your stitching on Sunday. Much love xoxo

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    1. And hello to you too, lovely Hannapat! Glad you like the cardi and all the best with the draw! Cicely's fairy book was first published in SA by Metz press; the issue I have here was pub. by SEARCH PRESS in UK in 2010 - maybe that will be of help in your search for it. It is such a wonderful book Hannapat! I'm looking forward to seeing your new fairy - especially with ribbon again - you may have noticed Chrissie's message suggesting we could do some ribbon work together in a couple of weeks - yippee!
      Thanks once again for another lovely message, I do enjoy them so much, and you have a wonderful weekend too. Loving thoughts coming through to you and yours, Joy xoxo

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  14. Beautiful cardigan, I wish I knew a little girl to give one to. I love to look at craft books, the ideas, the photos. Have a lovely weekend :) xx

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    1. Hello Cheryl, and thank you for your sweet words - I also wish you had a little sweetie in your life who could wear the cardi - never mind. We are very fortunate aren't we, to have so many beautiful craft books available to us - it makes the choosing difficult sometimes though, doesn't it! You enjoy your weekend too, whatever you choose to do.
      Warm hug, Joy x

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  15. The little cardi you made is precious, and a most generous give away! Some little girl will be so blessed to wear it. What fun that you have found a collection of new books that inspire you, Joy! They are all new titles to me and look like they are full of lovely ideas. Thanks for giving us a peek at your beautiful blooms as well. I am so glad you have won two give aways! You are such a generous encourager it is delightful to know you are receiving some reward.
    Gracie xx

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    1. Hello Gracie, I trust you are well and enjoying your crafts. I've entered you in the draw for the little cardi and wish you the best - it could be coming to a little girl in your life - one never knows! I am very grateful for your lovely sweet message Gracie, thank you so much, you always brighten me!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  17. What a lovely post of so many beautiful things. First let me say "congratulations" on winning not one, but two giveaways! How wonderful is that ? !

    I do love the look of all of your books. Though I'm not familiar with any of the authors, the pics and information you've shared whets my appetite. They look like just the thing to while away hours just enjoying looking through the books, let alone learning new patterns. ;-)

    When you say you want to try ribbon embroidery whenever you find more time, I think to myself, that it can be a little difficult when we have so many things we want to do and not enough time. On the other hand, we are very blessed when our days are filled and when we can look forward to new things to try.

    It is so great that you're having a draw of such a cute little cardi. What a generous offer. Good luck to all. xx

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  18. Thank you so much Joyful, you are very sweet and I do agree with your sentiments re new things, I find it to be such a nice feeling knowing that just over the next little hill there's something else new and exciting to 'get my teeth into', so to speak! We are indeed blessed!
    Your name is in the draw too, so good luck to you also!
    Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  19. Hello Joy, I do agree with you, the time just slips away from us without us realising. I made myself sit down and take the time to do a little blog hopping this morning and I'm so glad I did because I found your delightful blog. I love the little jacket it's so sweet, I love making little girl things but unfortunately have no little girls in my life at the moment so they usually go into the granny draw (I live in hope haha) or I give them to charity, but good luck to whoever wins. Your books look interesting too, I do love to browse through any book of a crafty nature. Have a great weekend. :)

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    1. Hello Linda and a warm welcome to you as you become my latest follower! I've noticed your presence on some of my fave blogs and been meaning to pay you a visit - and I certainly will soon! Keep putting little girly things in that drawer Linda - wishes can and do come true.Thanks so much for your lovely message - see you soon!
      Joy x

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  21. Hi joy, love the clematis in your garden, its a really rich purple.I see you have been treating yourself to books good for you. I think I have the Cath Kidston book you have shown, its a really good book.Finally your cardigan you have made is so, pretty.I dont have any young children, but the colours would have suited my daughter when she was three, have a great weekend Joy x

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    1. Hi Joy, always lovely to hear from you, and thank you once again for your sweet message. Our kids grow up too fast don't they - lovely to see them come on and progress through the various stages but don't you wonder where the years have gone!
      Have a lovely Sunday!
      Joy x

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  22. Lovely flowers Joy x

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    1. Thank you Rachel - I love my garden!
      Joy x

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  23. What a fabulous giveaway Joy!
    My niece had her first baby last week -a daughter, Isabella. This cardi would be perfect!

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  24. Hello Gill, welcome, and such a lovely name for your Great-Niece - my elder sister is also called Isabella. All the best to you!
    Joy

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  25. Hi joy, may i leave a comment to be in with a chance to win the lovely little cardigan you've made? My youngest is almost 16 months old so it would be perfect for her. You've got some great books there - I feel like going shopping! Sam xx

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    1. Hi Sam, you certainly may leave a comment and you're definitely in the draw - good luck! Is there anything better than going shopping for lovely craft books - apart from yarn? Go for it Sam!
      Hugs, Joy xo

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  26. Oh Joy...I've been sitting here trying my hardest to think of a little girl I could possible give this beautiful little sweater too, and can you believe I can't come up with one! No relatives, no friends, no neighbors...the only little girl I can think of is one who walks past my house sometimes with her dad. I don't even know her name! That little sweater is sooo precious with it's sweet stripes and little flower...and those buttons too! I can't believe you knitted that in a weekend! I'm still racking my brain for a little girl as I write this.......hmmmmm.....but still no little girls anywhere! How depressing. :(

    Your collection of wonderful craft books is growing! That fairly book looks amazing!

    I had a clematis a long time ago. It never really took off the way some of them do. later I read somewhere that they like lots of sun, but you need to keep the base of the plant cool where it goes into the soil. They don't like hot roots. Some mulch or groundcover around it's base makes them happy. Maybe next summer I'll try to grow another one on my mailbox.

    Have a great weekend sweetie!
    xo Paulette :)

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    1. Oh isn't it sad that you have no little girls in your life Paulette - our grandies are all boys but we do have two gorgeous little neighbour girl friends and enjoy them a lot. You still have till 5.00pm Ausie time Sunday to be in the draw - keep thinking!
      Re clematis - we have tried all the hints and tips given out about their growing needs but still don't get very far with them, which is sad for their blooms are magic!
      So lovely to hear from you again sweet P - take care of yourself!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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