Wednesday 19 March 2014

One Whole Year and a Giveaway

Yes, it's difficult to believe but it was a year on the sixteenth of this month since I did my first ever post on this little blog, and what a year it's been! I want to thank each and every one of you for your wonderful kindness,  your interest and uplifting comments/messages - you have encouraged and inspired me so much I can't even begin to tell you!

When I first decided to try my hand at blogging it was with a great amount of fear and trepidation but I did so want to share and talk and join in as I'd already spent time on various blogs where I had been greatly impressed by the content, as well as the general friendliness of everyone. And what a lovely enthusiastic bunch you've turned out to be - I just love the communication that goes to and fro among us and all the inspirational crafts I've been privy to since my quiet beginning twelve months ago!

Anyway, as a little celebration and thank you, I'd like to offer a little giveaway: if you would like to be the new owner of the table runner which I spoke about last post, then please leave a comment and you'll be in with as good a chance as anyone else. A name will be drawn out of the hat on Saturday 28th of this month. That's not far away, so don't be slow! Oh and of course I'm happy to mail to any part of this wonderful world of ours!

This is the runner, and the second pic lets you see the back.




Now don't rush off for I have some other things to show you! First up an update on the disappearing four-block/patch quilt top - this was it laid out on the carpet complete with webbing and backing fabric, before beginning the actual quilting. What a job having to put it together on the floor, especially considering my knees don't allow me to get down there - I really could use a new pair of knees!

Since this pic I have done most of the quilting, but that can wait for another post because I'd rather have it completely finished before showing again! What do you think? Gee, that second pic looks a bit pale and wan doesn't it, I don't know what happened there …….!




And I've just crocheted a beanie for one of my grandsons as part of his birthday pressie - gosh, I hope he likes it - I am a little bit concerned that he might think it a bit 'girlie'! A well, I can always do him another one!

Do you like my model - beautiful Peter Rabbit - you know I'm a huge Beatrix Potter fan!




The sewing machine has been having another workout and this time we produced a couple of quilted bags which I'm rather happy with. I saw the video for these on YouTube (Jenny at Missouri Quilts) again - I do learn such a lot from Jenny, who does a marvellous job at getting the info across!


 

And one more look ….. here they are on the Lillypilly tree …..



And that's it for now folks - thank you so much for dropping in again, and please let me know if you are interested in being in the draw for the table runner!

I'm wishing for sunshine in your lives, and heaps of happy days!

With my love,

Joy xoxo

92 comments:

  1. My goodness you have been busy. I would love to go in the draw to win that fabulous table runner.

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    1. That's wonderful J - all the best to you! Joy xo

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  2. Hi Joy, a very happy first bloggy birthday! Wow, that really does encourage me to keep going with my blog. I have so much to learn...
    Yes please, I would like to enter for your gorgeous giveaway too. The colours are lovely.
    Tracey xxx

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    1. Thanks Tracey, yes, it's a very worthwhile and enjoyable activity and we learn as we go, especially with so much encouragement offered so readily by fellow bloggers!
      You're 'in' and all the best! Joy xo

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  3. So thats what you did with that cool elephant fabric and the other gourgeous fabrics.Your little bag are so good.I think your grandson will love his new hat its very boyish, not at all girly. Your latest quilt looks so complicated, yet you have made a jolly good job . lastly I would love to be entered in your draw, you table runner is beyond gourgeous.if I won it I would literally be doing cart wheels x

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    1. Ah you're so sweet Joy - let's hope then that you are doing cartwheels! BTW, my grandson absolutely loves his beanie - he was so excited to get it; it's lovely to have a good outcome isn't it! Joy xo

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  4. Well " Happy Blog Birthday" Joy! I am so glad you decided to take the blog adventure because it lead us all to you....you are such a sweetheart!!!!!
    I would soooo love to have my name put into the pot and will be crossing my fingers for the win.....
    xx Shari

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    1. Hello Shari, and many thanks for your sweetness! Your name is in - all the best! xxx

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  5. I can't believe how productive you've been, Joy! I do love Peter Rabbit and yours is so sweet with his little cotton tail! I love that quilt with the embroidery of a little girl on a swing in the middle! Well done for all your work! Had you ever thought of a little gardener's pad for your knees to give them more comfort when you're working on the floor?

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    1. Thanks so much Sandra, I do enjoy all the crafts - and I love P.R. too!
      I am grateful for your thoughtfulness in suggesting the knee pad but afraid the knees are beyond even that now - I was using a nice fat cushion for a while but now have to work around those jobs as best I can - it's a painful nuisance! Joy x

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  6. Happy blogiversary Joy! I would love to enter your giveaway - I loved that table runner when you first showed it off and it would be great to have a chance at winning it :)
    Your quilted bags are really lovely, the photos on the tree are so pretty. I think a bag like that would be perfect as a WIP bag and I've just had a look at the Missouri Quilts channel on YouTube. I'm going to try and have a go at making one. You've really inspired me!
    The beanie you've made is so neat and the model is very cute. I am a big Beatrix Potter fan too. I have a set of all the books that has been my pride and joy since I was a little girl.
    Have a wonderful day! xx

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    1. How lovely Elisabeth, you're in with a chance and best wishes too!
      I'm so glad you feel inspired, I love watching Jenny, she makes things look so easy, and they usually are too - enjoy the making!
      My grandson was so surprised and loves his beanie, and looks great in it too. You are so fortunate to have your original copies of the books; a few years ago I bought the set from the Folio Society, just had to have them - they are beautifully bound in a lovely linen fabric and will be nice to leave for the younger members of our family one day - a long way away hopefully!!! xx Joy

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    2. You need have no fear or trepidation about your blog Joy, none at all. It is great, and I love reading what you have to say. Your words and pictures are beautiful, as are the things that you make. I love to read what you have to share and I look forward to reading lots more from you! Thank you for such a great blog. xx

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    3. A big thank you to you Amy, I really appreciate your lovely message! I'm looking forward to much more blogging and interaction! Hugs, Joy xo

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  7. Congratulations on your blogs 1st birthday. I am so glad you decided to start blogging as I love your friendly posts filled with all the wonderful things you make. Your quilt is looking awesome and I can't wait to see it finished, and the quilted bags are wonderful! Have a lovely day Joy, Sam xxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Sam, I have really been enjoying the blogging and interaction between you and other beautiful people, thank you for being such a blessing to me! Hugs, Joy xo

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  8. Hello lovely and HAPPY Birthday to you and your lovely blog. It has been such a pleasure to find this gorgeous space and I ALWAYS enjoy my visits here. I am just a little amazed at how much you have done on your gorgeous quilt, it really is coming along beautifully and I really love the colours together. It is going to be a stunner when it is done, well done you and much the same for those spiffy bags, now aren't they fab!!! Can't wait to see what you throw together next, there's no stopping you now! Here is to another fabulous year of blogging and I am sure you grandson is going to love his gorgeous beanie!! Sending you much love xoxo

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    1. It's always such a pleasure to read your lovely messages Hannapat, thank you so much for your good wishes and sweet and kind comments once again! I am rather happy with the quilt but really needed a break from it as it turned out to be a lot bigger than those I've done before and was becoming a bit tricky to handle at times! It's all good experience though, that's how we learn, right? Finn does love his beanie, so that makes me super happy! Will talk soon! xx Much love coming your way, Joy xoxo

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  9. Congratulation on your 1st year of blogging. You have a lovely blog and I always enjoy my visits.. I am sure your hat will be treasured. And you tote bags are beautiful and they all look wonderful hanging on your Willypilly Tree. Love that tree. Hugs Judy

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    1. Hi Judy, and my thanks for your kind message, it's always so lovely to see you here! You really have fallen for the Lillypilly tree, haven't you - I wish I could send you a few berries over, they really are so lovely and pleasant to eat too! Hugs, Joy xo

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  10. Joy. Your creations have filled me with Joy! You always leave such kind and encouraging comments so it's no wonder everyone enjoys visiting you. I would live my name to be popped in the Giveaway hat.
    Linda

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    1. Aha, I'm happy you're happy Linda! Thanks so much for always being so kind, and all the best in the draw. xx

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  11. Dear Joy
    Please enter me for your giveaway - how generous! You have made some really beautiful things (as always!). Congratulations on your first 'blogversary' and here's to many more!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Dear Ellie, many thanks for being here - best wishes too! xx

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  12. Happy Blog Birthday, Joy! I am so glad you decided to blog and that we found each other in cyberspace :) Your quilt is shaping up beautifully...but I am sorry your knees protest as mine do at the thought of kneeling. The patchwork bags are sure to be treasured, and I love that you hung them on your pretty Lillypilly Tree [such a great name!] to show us. I am glad your grandson is enjoying the handsome hat you made for him. Well done, Joy! Your BP bunny is so precious, and I love her work, too. And how lovely of you to offer your pretty patchwork table runner as a giveaway. You truly live up to your name, Joy, and bless me each time we interact. Thanks! XO

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    1. Thank you Gracie, I'm very glad too - and I take note that we have another thing in common - troublesome knees, so you have my sympathy! Your lovely messages alway warm my heart Gracie, thank you so much - blessings on you and yours and all the best in the draw! xo

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  13. Ooh please count me in Joy!
    Love all your lovely makes and I am in awe of so many bloggers who are such brilliant crafters.
    P.S. I love Peter Rabbit too, but then I like bunnies full stop!

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    1. You're in Anne, and all the best! Thank you for being so kind and I do hope your garden is thriving beautifully for you with lots of sunshine! xo

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  14. Oh my dear Joy, you have made some beautiful creations since your last post. I think your disappearing block quilt is especially nice. You already know (from earlier comments) that I love the fabrics in your table runner and I must say you have done a very fine job of picking out lovely fabrics for your other projects as well. Have a wonderful rest of your week :-)

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    1. Hiya Joyful, and so many thanks to you for your lovely comments and observances. I trust your week is travelling at a nice relaxing pace - enjoy! xo

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  15. Wow Joy your beanie has such an even tension and I really like that shape for a boy. I admired those table runners when you first posted them. They are fabulous riots of colour. Congratulations on your blog, I always love calling by because it feels calm and focused and not intrusive. I LOVE it! Jo x

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    1. Aw Jo, you are too kind - thank you so much and I'm very happy we 'got together'! xo

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  16. Happy blogging birthday. That quilt is delightful. I didn't quite understand the block at first but now I see it in all it's glory, it's very pretty! I think you are really hitting your straps now with your output, do you ever sit still? Lol. Well I hope your knees don't give you too many complaints, another reason for me to keep up my yoga. Maybe we could introduce yoga for quilters. Contratulations again, here's to many more years and projects to come.

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    1. Hi Susan - my hands don't like to be still but it's a pity my body can't always keep up with them, haha! I'm very happy that you like my makes - the quilt has turned out to be a fair bit bigger than my previous ones but nearly finished now. Keep up with the yoga as long as you can Susan - I've always had muscle problems so it never quite 'fitted' for me unfortunately! Always lovely to have your messages, thank you and all the best! xo

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  17. A year goes past so quickly doesn't it? Happy blogging birthday! Wow you have been busy Joy. The wee beanie hat is just lovely and not at all girly, I am sure your grandson will love it. The bags you have made are so pretty too. I would love to be part of your giveaway, thank you very much for the chance to enter! Wishing you a great rest of the week.
    Marianne xx

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    1. It does indeed, Marianne, in fact it seems like no time from one week to the next these days! Finn is delighted with his beanie so I am very happy, thank you! You're in the draw with my best wishes m'dear and many thanks for your kind message once again! xo

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  18. Happy blogiversary Joy, and I hope that you have many more happy years of blogging fun, you have created a lovely space here and I do love to come and visit and see what you have been up to. I'm sorry you are having knee problems, so many of my friends are in the same boat just now, so I can sympathise because I can see what they are going through. I love those bags you have made they are so pretty and they look so colourful hanging on your lovely Lillypilly tree, I think the little beanie is just the thing for a little boy and I'm sure your grandson will love it, your quilt is going to beautiful too, but you take care and watch those knees! :) xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Linda, you're very kind! Regarding the knees - I have just found huge relief from a little 'Homecare Ultra Sound' machine that my daughter loaned me, so perhaps it may be worthwhile mentioning to your friends', just in case they haven't tried such?
      I'm so pleased you like what I've been making and wish you the best in the draw! xo

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  19. Congratulations Joy on your 1 year Blogiversary! I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing your wonderful crafts. I love the bags you made with the pretty fabric you recently picked up. I see you used those adorable elephants. I think the hat you made looks like one Paddington Bear would wear and he is a boy. I think your grandson will love it. Love the quilt too. Quite an interesting pattern.

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    1. Thanks Cathie for your kind message - I have more of that cute elephant fabric so my mind is working overtime! You're right, PB would wear a hat like that and my lovely boy is delighted with his too, thank you! xo

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  20. Congratulations, I am in awe at the beautiful work that you do. That table runner is stunning, and those bags are beautiful too. Blogging inspires me to do a better job in all aspects of my life...

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely words and I agree, blogging does inspire in so many ways; the sharing with like-minded folks is the bit I like best! xo

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  21. Wishing you the happiest bloggy birthday! This is one of my favourite places to visit, so may you have many, many more blog birthdays to come! :-)
    And my my is your sewing machine smoking with all the work it's been doing? You are amazing! The quilt, well, words can't say just how gorgeous I think it is, I can't wait to see more more more photos! And the bags are superb, so pretty and so useful, you really are so clever with the sewing machine! Of course I love the crochet hat, it will look very handsome on the little chap no doubt - but you must show him Peter wearing it first... sending you lots of love and hugs, Chrissie x

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    1. Ah there you are you lovely girl you! Many thanks for your exuberant good wishes, as well as support, encouragement, and inspiration ever since we first 'met', dear Chrissie! I so much appreciate each kind and lovely word!
      I have seen sparks from my machine, but not quite smoke yet - shouldn't be long now though!!! Lots of love and hugs coming right back to you too, Joy xo

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  22. My little girl is watching peter rabbit on iplayer as i am blog catching up, she saw yours and was so excited! What pretty fabrics, your bags are very cute. Blogging is so inspiring and yours is one of my favourite. Thank you xxx

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    1. Thank you for sharing that Grace - that's beautiful! Many thanks for your sweet message, I really appreciate it! Joy xo

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  23. Good grief Joy, you have been amazingly busy here!
    I love your latest quilt, its stunning. And those sweet little patchwork bags look beautiful, and so useful too - the fabrics are lovely.
    I'm sure your grandson won't think it girly at all - the colours and style are just right.And if it's good enough for Peter......
    Congratulations on completing your first year of blogging! It goes so fast doenst it?
    I would love to join in the giveaway please Joy, the table runner is lovely - i love those fabrics you've used.
    Have a great weekend Joy, well its nearly the weekend isnt it?!
    Gill xx

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    1. Thanks so much Gill for your good wishes and I'm happy you enjoyed seeing my goodies - I'm afraid PR is feeling a bit chilly now as young Finn is loving his new beanie! Wishing you the best in the draw as well as a great weekend too! xo Joy

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  24. Happy Blog Birthday Joy. I only discovered your lovely blog a short while ago, but I now, very much look forward to reading your posts. You have been very busy, with some lovely makes as always!! Have a lovely week, Sarah xo PS Please do enter me in the giveaway...fingers crossed.

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    1. Thank you Sarah for your lovely message - you're entered with, very best wishes! Joy xo

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  25. Hi Joy! Happy blog birthday! Your blog is lovely and I'm glad we've connected. These are all such beautiful things you've made. I especially love the bags, they look very professional. You could open a shop and they'd sell like hotcakes. I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Thank you for the chance to win. Hope you have a good weekend. :)

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    1. Jennifer, thanks so much for your good wishes - I'm happy we've connected too and always enjoy our communications - I really enjoyed making those bags and they were so simply done; they would have been so quick too apart from the quilting part which was rather time consuming, but fun! Best wishes in the draw, and thank you for entering! J x

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  26. Happy one year blog anniversary Joy, what a super post to celebrate with.. J'adore Peter Rabbit, have exactly that same one wearing your grandsons new beanie :) how fab are the quilted bags, gorgeous colours and patterns.. Who wouldn't love to win the table runner, I've already got my fingers crossed :)

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    1. Hello Grace, and thank you for your good wishes, the year has flown by! I think everyone loves PR, he is such a darling; Jeff actually bought him for me in the Lake District, PR's own local area of course, when he was over on a trip seeing his Mum, without me - it was my consolation prize!!! That's lovely to know you have the same model! My fingers are crossed for you too, all the best! Joy x

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  27. Happy first year anniversary. I am so surprised to hear you have only been blogging for a year. I have come to your blog only recently, but you have become one of my favourites with your beautiful sewing and happy sunny personality. Looking forward to the next year. Julie x

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    1. Hiya Julie, and thank you for being so kind - I'm very happy we're getting to know each other - all the best in the draw and have a happy weekend! Joy xo

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  28. Aw one year old hooray! and haven't you done well everybody gets drawn in by your general loveliness. Now another give a way very exciting but please don't enter me this time as I would feel so guilty....let someone else experience the excitement of receiving one of your amazing creations.
    You've been busy again with your lovely bags and you quilt is fab!
    Aw peter looks very cute with his hat on he makes a very good model.
    All the best until next time FB xx

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    1. You're so sweet my friend - and very unselfish!
      I'm happy you like everything again - I'm so looking forward to putting the final touches to the quilt; this one is quite big so a bit more of a challenge!!!
      I love PR, and young Finn loves his new beanie!
      Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to of late. Hope your weekend is a good one!
      Joy xo

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  29. Well my goodness you have been so busy creating beautiful things. Happy Blogaversary Joy, you have an amazing blog that I just love to visit. Count me in on the giveaway, I am keeping my fingers crossed I am the winner.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Hello Dear Meredith, and thank you for your lovely message - your kindness is really appreciated! My fingers are crossed for you too!
      Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  30. Happy Bloggy Birthday Joy, I so enjoy reading you're blog such a happy space, the quilt looks amazing and I just love the bags all those blues so lovely. You've been so busy. Please include me in the giveaway.
    Clare xx

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    1. Hello Clare, thank you so much, and I'm wishing you the best! Joy xo

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  31. Happy Blog Anniversary, Joy! Such a cheerful, happy crafty blog too! I love your latest makes, the beanie is great, I am sure your grandson will love it! Thank you for holding such a lovely giveaway, please put my name in the draw :)
    Happy weekend!
    Helen xox

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    1. Many thanks Helen, I'm very happy to have your kind message - wishing you the best in the draw and happy days! Joy xo

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  32. Happy Bloggerversary!!!!!!! What a generous giveaway. I'm in awe of your quilting skills. Have a great weekend, my friend. X

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    1. Deb, many thanks, I so appreciate your kind words and wish you the best in the draw! I'm in awe of your knitting skills!!! Happy Sunday to you, love, Joy xo

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  33. How exciting Joy to get back just in time for a giveaway! I had lost your blog address and just remembered to find you as I was at Forgetmenot blue. You have been very busy and I must say Happy Birthday. Blogging can be a bit intimidating. I have a blog which has been forgotten and dormant for a long time. So glad that I found you again. Your blog always gives me a sense of peacefulness. Like sitting in a lovely dappled garden with a good book and a nice drink. I hope you keep it up for some time to come.

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    1. Jen, what a lovely message to leave me, thank you so much! I hope you are well and recovered from your injuries too; welcome back to blogland and all the best in the draw too!
      Joy x

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  34. Please enter me for the giveaway, your table runner is beautiful! And perhaps it will give me the inspiration I need to start learning to use my own sewing machine!

    Your crochet beanie is lovely and hope your grandson will like it, I dont think it looks girly.

    Your quilted bags look beautiful, I love the patchwork in them!! Envious!

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    1. It's a pleasure to enter you for the giveaway Hazel! Thank you for your kind message and I do hope you feel encouraged to sew …
      Joy x

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  35. Darling Joy wow you have been busy, I have just been catching up with all your wonderful work, it is just simply amazing and stunning, just like you Joy. I just love your work Joy especially the wonderful colours and the way you have put all the fabrics together in such a delightful way - you really have a flair for this Joy. Please enter me in your giveway, would love to win your gorgeous prize. I am sorry that I have been away for a short time but you have been in my thoughts. Have a fabulous week Joy, sending you special loves and hugs.
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. My Dear Dorothy, thank you so much for your lovely message - I'm very happy to see you are able to be back 'in circulation' and trust all is well again! Wishing you the best in the draw and for a peaceful relaxing week of spring! Much love flying over to you, Joy xoxo

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  36. Wow Joy, getting RSI from scrolling down to the bottom of these comments to leave mine. Not surprised though as you leave such thoughtful comments on others blogs. We have been blogging for around the same amount of time, it's a great hobby. The bags are sweet and I think your grandson will love the hat, it's not girly at all. Please add my name into the give away hat.

    S xx

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    1. Oh dear, the list does become long doesn't it, but I do like to reply to the lovely comments right here! Thank you for your lovely message Sarah, and congrats on your blogiversary also; wishing you all the best in the draw! Joy xo

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  37. Oh Joy I LOVE your colour combinations. Your quilt is just stunning. I am in love with the colour combinations, and those bags! I really, really want to sew, and I would love your eye for colour too. Congratulations on your anniversary. It is a beautiful blog and you are a Joy which makes your name perfect :) xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Emma, what a lovely message to leave me! I would love to encourage you to sew - just do it girl!!!!! Take the bull by the horns and do it!!!! It's such a wonderful activity and always with interesting and mostly satisfying results! And we learn as we go too! Happy Days to you lovely, Joy xo

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  38. Hello there sweet Joy, My, my, my you have been so busy, your sewing machine is going to need some oil!! Love the runner, bags and really all your beautiful handmades. I would love to enter your giveaway, thank you so much for the opportunity : )
    Happy blogversary! xoRobin

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    1. Hello Robin, so glad you popped in and put your name in for the draw - all the best with it!
      I am very attentive to my machine, especially when it comes to cleaning up after a lengthy sewing spell, which usually includes an oil - maybe because I very much dislike the huge expense of professional 'tuneups', but my trusty Bernina believes it's because I really care about her - which I certainly do!
      Thank you so much for your sweet message m'dear, I really appreciate it - have a happy week! Joy xo

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  39. Thanks for the good wishes re my tooth Joy.. it was only because she had to do some augmentation that it became a bit more complicated, no doubt I will survive, more so than my bank balance :)

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    1. I think the hit on the bank balance is more painful than the actual dental work these days Grace, haha! J x

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  40. Happy Bloggerversary! I'm playing catch up at the moment so hope I'm not too late for the giveaway - yet another piece of hand made loveliness by your good self. Wow you've been mega busy - the bags and quilt are gorgeous and I really like the crocheted hat too (not girly at all). Thanks for the chance to win something special X

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    1. No, you're not too late my friend, and I wish you the best with it! Thank you so much for your sweet comments! J x

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  41. Hello Roberta, and thank you for your very kind message! Happy days to you, Joy x

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  42. Congratulations on your 1st Blogging Anniversary Joy! I always enjoy coming by here for a visit because you just exude warmth and friendship to everyone. I love seeing what you've made, and am impressed that you make so many beautiful things in all different areas. I would be thrilled to win a table runner made by you, so yes! please add my name to this long list ;) I think I'm just squeezing in under the wire here too! I think the crocheted hat looks plenty boyish enough (depending on how fussy your grandson is), but a little embellishment on it (NOT a flower of course!) would make it truly "boy" if he had any doubts. Here the "animal" hats are very popular, and I've seen a couple of monster hats too, done in crochet with big round crocheted eyes on front and maybe a snaggle tooth on the brim. I think they're really cute. Love the tote bags you've made too. You have been one busy gal ;) Enjoy the rest of your week. Wendy x

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    1. Thank you Wendy, it's always lovely seeing you here and best wishes in the draw! Thank you for the lovely message you just conveyed and I really appreciate your thoughts on 'the hat' - all great suggestions but I'm happy to report that Finn is in love with it, as is - very much the young adult these days he likes the 'grown up' look!!! I do like the idea of the crochet eyes and snaggle tooth though …
      Happy days to you m'dear, Joy xo

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  43. I have just found you by way of blog hopping from Chrissie Crafts. I am happy to find someone who shares lots of my interests and in WA. I have a brother, sister in law and 2 nephews living in the Perth area. I have been over three times and am planning a visit next year. The last time I was over we spent some time in the Margaret River area, a little bit of heaven on earth. Your table runner is a joyful burst of colour and the beanie is just right for a boy, I am crocheting a Minion hat for my grandson and his Dad wants one as well. I am now about to find the follow button.

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    1. Hello Pam, thank you for your lovely message and welcome to you as my latest follower! Do enjoy your crocheting, sounds like you're on a run with hats! Joy x

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  44. It seems like you've been a special bloggy friend for much longer than a year! Congratulations on your first anniversary, Joy!!! I've so enjoyed reading your posts, always written with such a sweet voice, and seeing all the beautiful things you create. I also love hearing about your beautiful Australia and seeing the photos of your pretty garden. Whenever you mention your Lillypilly tree I smile just because it's such an charming name for a tree...and I wish I had one of my own. Thank you so much for the chance to win this gorgeous table runner. I'm sure all these girls who left comments are keeping their fingers and toes crossed in hopes their name will be picked, and I'm no exception! ... The little hat you crocheted for your grandson is so cute. I think he'll love it, Joy. It looks like a boy hat, I don't think it looks girlie at all. Your quilted bags turned out so, so cute! How nice to have a pretty bag to run around town with on a nice day! Your sewing makes me want to try to make friends with my own sewing machine. We don't get along at all! Have a good day sweetie...and thank you so much for hosting such a lovely giveaway. xo
    Hugs, Paulette :)

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  45. Sweet Paulette, it seems much longer to me also, and in that time I've so enjoyed your exquisite little makes, posts, and your beautiful messages: thank you! Best of all has been coming to better know you and your lovely ways! So thank you once again for another very sweet message, and I'm wishing you the very best in the draw - and, I do hope that you and your sewing machine become good friends one of these days because with all the talent and creative ability you have, you and she could be turning out all sorts of wonderful projects to add to your list of beautiful makings!
    Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  46. Congrats on your 1st anniversary and I've only been blogging for a year as well. Just taken a wee look at a few posts and what you've been working and it's all lovely. Hope you have a great break and take care.

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    1. Hello Susan, and thanks so much for your kind message. Congratulations also on your one-year-blogiversary, isn't it wonderful to be part of the blogging community! Joy x

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