Monday 14 July 2014

It Started With a Stitch

…..  just a cute cat that took my fancy in a craft magazine (Australian Homespun);  I really didn't know what it would become, which is not unusual for me when starting into these little stitchies …. so after I had worked this cute pussy cat onto a piece of linen my brain began to work overtime, just a little bit quicker than usual, you know, and I found myself looking again at the lovely piece of fabric Gilly included in my package along with the giveaway Kate pattern. 

It just came to me - "Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?" I'm sure you all know the nursery rhyme …. "I've been to London to visit the Queen", and so on …. so then I stitched a wee chair and mouse into the picture, added the lettering, and started to frame the piece with that lovely London fabric. Then of course came the quilting. Thanks so much Gilly! By the way I used back stitch for most of this, apart from the butterfly's head and the cat's ears and cute little nose which are done in satin stitch!



As you can see in the above left pic, I've stitched a sleeve through which a rod will fit in order to hang the piece. I'm really happy with how this has turned out and do think that that cat has the cutest face …. oh, and the piece measures about 18 x 20 inches, not big, just nice!



So, what else have I been busy with? Well I thought it would be a good idea to make a few little things to put away for gifts so I now have a few pincushions and a couple more lavender hearts in the stash ….


…. those pincushions with the ribbons around are inspired by Helen Philipps' books 'Simple Sewn Gifts' and 'Pretty Patchwork Gifts' - both lovely publications - and the others are just patchworked scraps from other recent projects that have kept me busy and out of trouble! 

You want to see more? Well, I made a couple of fabric storage bags which should be really handy to have - in fact the giraffe one would be nice for a child - and might encourage tidiness from an early age …. !!! I interfaced the fabrics and backed them with wadding before lining, so they are standing up quite firmly. I have some ideas for more of these so I may keep going with them for a while.



I have been making cushions as well, but haven't photographed those yet so they'll keep until next time. I know, it probably sounds like I do nothing else but sew these days but I actually have been busy with the crochet hook too - another thing for next time - but we have had a few days in a row when the weather was so bad the only sensible thing to do was lock myself in the sewing room and keep stitching, and boy did I have some fun.


But of course we are fortunate that we have pleasant weather in among the bad and so we have been out and about a couple of times so let me show you some more of our local countryside, all within less than ten minutes drive from home.


These pretty scenes are from up Mount Shadforth Road - and there's some old farm machinery for you to peruse again, just for a bit of variety.


And our local walk down by the river always presents a few opportunities for the odd pic or two ….


Nice and peaceful, take it easy, enjoy a leisurely stroll just as it takes your fancy ….


Last but not least, a pic from the garden - these gorgeous leaves are the new growth on the Lilly Pilly tree, the colour is out of this world; and the bottom pic you would recognise as a daisy - please don't ask me which one - I just enjoy them, isn't it so pretty!



Thank you so much for visiting me again and leaving your lovely messages, and special welcome to my new followers. I trust that life is treating you all well, and for those of you with kiddywinks at home during school holidays, enjoy the special time with them for they grow up much too fast - and if you don't have opportunity to blog as regularly as usual don't concern yourselves about it, we're a loyal bunch and I for one, and surely most others', will still be here when you do have time to share again.

Wishing you all good, happy, and healthy times!

With my love,

Joy xoxo

89 comments:

  1. You have been so busy!! Everything that you made is beautiful, and it was lovely to see where you have been on your journeys out and about! xx

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    1. Thank you Amy, lovely to have your message! xoJoy

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  2. Loving all your sewing projects Joy, I am cooking up a new swimming bag idea because ours has gone mouldy and the zip broke and I think those simple bucket bags are great. I always get lots of inspiration visiting your blog and that I look forward to the little fix of photos from your garden. We re in full veg production at the moment. Jo x

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    1. You're so kind Jo, thank you! Possibly this type of open bag would be good for wet swimming gear rather than closed with zips, do you think? I saw your very inviting veg and berries on your latest post - wonderful! xoJoy

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  3. Love your very "English" wall hanging. One day I hope to visit W.A. and we've always said that the southern part would be at the top of the list and after seeing all your lovely photos, it surely will be. The daisy is an osteospermum (hopefully correct spelling) and are from South Africa.
    Take care.

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    1. Oh yes, this is a wonderful area to visit and very popular with tourists Susan; I hope you make it here one day. Thanks for the name of the daisy :) xoJoy

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  4. Dear Joy
    Wow - busy again! I love all your projects especially the cat wall hanging. You are so talented. The daisy is an osteospermum, I think - gorgeous colour!
    Have a good week
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Dear Ellie, thanks so much for your kind message and also for the daisy's name. I will keep a record of it this time! xoJoy

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  5. Some truly wonderful projects, the cat wall hanging is quite inspirational. Some really delightful fabrics. Some beautiful places for your walks, the weather has not been kind to us here either a lot of rain which is keeping me indoors. Not good when you consider this to be the height of the summer. Have a great week.

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    1. I am glad you like my goodies and thanks so much for taking time to message me. I'm sorry to hear you are having bad weather when you should be enjoying summer - at least we can expect it here and indeed, are thankful for the rain to help us through the hot summer that will be here again before we know it! xoJoy

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  6. Oh Joy, you've been making some wonderful things! This post is so lovely. The kitty is so cute, the London fabric is so cute, the quilting is so cute!! The fabric storage bags are gorgeous. They would be perfect to use as yarn storage :) Did you use a specific pattern for them? Your garden is looking very pretty at the moment, the leaves are such a great color and that Daisy is beautiful. Have a wonderful day! xx

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    1. Dear Elisabeth, thank you! I didn't actually use a specific pattern for the bags but had seen various samples here and there - the two main parts measured 12(deep) x 17 inches, and the handles were 2.5 x 10 inches - so straightforward and simple. Let me know if I can help :) Wishing you happy days, xoJoy

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  7. You have sewed some lovely things and I love the British themed wall hanging. I also love the little pin cushions there so cute. Your flowers in your garden are cheery x

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    1. Hello Joy, I'm glad you like the projects - that is a cute fabric that Gilly sent me and I'm just happy to have made something worthwhile with it. Take care now, xo Joy

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  8. Hi Joy, What a lovely post! So many lovely photos and my do you live in a beautiful area. So many creative projects, love the kitty and the way you incorporated it into the beautiful wall hanging. So clever to add the nursery rhyme. Pin cushions, hearts and totes oh my!!! You are quite the seamstress! I love Helen Philipps, all her books and style.
    I hope you have a wonderful week. Thank you for your last paragraph, sometimes in the summer it is hard to keep on top of things and we bloggers hopefully ALL understand. I think we should all be a thoughtful bunch, xoRobin

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    1. Hi Robin, many thanks for such a lovely message! You'd love our countryside, I'm sure of it, and I'm glad you like the projects that have 'kept me out of trouble' this past week or so.
      I also love Helen, her books, and her light and fresh blog.
      Sometimes it is a bit difficult to keep up with things at certain times and I appreciate your thoughtful response to my words Robin! I hope your week is just as you want it to be:) xoJoy

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  9. Wonderful, Joy! I love the very British quilt with the fun embroidery in the middle! It doesn't look like winter at all where you live right now! Lovely scenery!

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    1. Dear Sandra, thank you - I'm so glad you like the quilt, it really was a fun thing to do!
      If you were here with me right now then you would certainly believe that it's winter - the wind is howling and the rain - and hail - pouring down, and yet in the daylight hours there were periods of sunshine so bright one could be tempted to think it would never rain again; that's Australia! I hope you are enjoying some nice warm, and not too hot, sunshine. xoJoy

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  10. Hello Joy! What a marvellous blog post so full of all your beautiful creations and then those fabulous photographs of the area where you live and the flowers in your garden! I loved reading it as I am sure many others will too!! I also have the two books you mentioned by Helen Philipps and I feel I need to go and browse through them now to find a project to make!! :) xx Christine

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    1. Hello Christine, and I'm so glad you enjoyed this post for I enjoyed preparing and putting it together - and really loved working the projects!
      Helen's books really are inspirational - a lovely choice of easy and quick projects to bring feelings of satisfaction - yes, go browse and then show us what you make, please:)
      Happy week to you, xoJoy

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  11. Good morning Joy! Love the Pussy Cat wall hanging :) so cute! You've made some lovely things recently ... great choice of fabrics on those pretty bags. Thanks for sharing your drive out to the countryside and down to the river. It's nice that you have these places so close at hand to enjoy throughout the day with no bother in preparations to get there! Enjoy your day! Wendy x

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    1. And good morning to you too Wendy! You're always so kind - thank you:) We have a walk by the river most days - weather permitting - and there's always something different to see; and driving round and about is always so enjoyable too, we are most fortunate! xoJoy

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  12. I love the pussy cat wall hanging Joy it's beautiful and a very clever idea, and yes you are right the cat has the cutest face. Your bags are lovely too and your little gift makes, they all look so professional. What a beautiful place you are living in, lovely scenery and the walk by the river is lovely, thank you for sharing your photo's. Your garden is still looking lovely and that daisy is such a pretty colour. Have a great day. xxxx

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    1. Linda, thank you so much - the cuteness of the cat's grin is what attracted me to it in the first place …. those bags are so easy to make once you've accomplished the first one, and it's exciting to choose the fabrics that 'go together' - I'm glad you like them :)
      I wish you a wonderful week, xoJoy

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  13. Your work is as happy as you. It shines through in every picture. I love visiting your blog x

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    1. You really are a sweetheart Linda, thank you so much - you put a big smile on my face and in my heart! xoJoy

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  14. I just love visiting you Joy!! It's always full of such lovely inspirational things and BEAUTIFUL scenery!
    xx Shari

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    1. And I'm always happy to have you here and to enjoy your sweet messages Shari, thank you so much! Have a wonderful week, xoJoy

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  15. Hello Joy.
    Hope your well?
    Wowee you've been so busy! Your quilt is stunning and it has a lovely stitched kitty too! Your very organised making lavender hearts and pin cushions I must make an effort to make a few things fr gifts.
    Your putting your new camera to good use! The lily pilly tree looks interesting. The colour on your photo of the daisy is so vibrant.
    My daughter breaks up at the end of week, I will enjoy having her home.
    Have a lovely week xx

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    1. Hello FB, good to see you here again and I'm glad that your new computer is obviously doing the right things for you; what a relief for you!
      I think you're probably too busy preparing for your lovely wedding to have time for filling a gift box at the moment - but maybe afterwards …. :)
      I'm sure you will enjoy having your girl at home for a while without the interruptions of school and all that that entails - happy holidays and thanks so much for your lovely message once again! xoJoy

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    2. Yes Joy I think your right, the gift box may have to wait till after the wedding. Yes I like having her home she's all done now until September hooray.
      Hope your weekend has been restful so far xx

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  16. I love what you have done with the London fabric. I particularly like the writing! very clever X

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    1. Thank you Heather, I'm happy with how it worked out and glad you like it! xoJoy

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  17. I love that cat - what a clever way to really make the most of that piece of London fabric, and it's such a fun and whimsical piece, you can tell you really enjoyed making it.

    I have to say I really, really like those fabric bags. What a good idea! I like the way they stand up on their own, how perfect for storing a WIP next to the sofa, or similar. x

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    1. Gillian, thanks so much - I had kept looking at the London fabric and turning things over in my head regarding a way to use it to its best advantage - I'm glad the cat thing worked out for it!
      Those bags are so straightforward to make, Gillian, and are sure to be very handy - why not give them a go! xoJoy

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  18. Fabulous garden photos Joy - beautiful colours! I imagine you are enjoying your new camera? I really love your fabric bags, they look practical and pretty and if they encourage tidiness then they must be magic bags, he he. Good to be able to see around your part of the world, take care Sam xxx

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    1. Hello Sam, thanks so much for being here! I am enjoying the camera, or should I say I'm enjoying the challenge of learning more about it as time goes by. Yeah, those bags are magical, of course they are, and I bet if you make one or three you will see 'things' just jump up and land in them all by themselves :) Have a lovely week and I hope it's not TOO busy for you - and be well, xoJoy

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  19. What wonderful projects Joy! I have also been very inspired by Helen's books-your patchwork gifts are adorable, what a good idea to have some at the ready for when occasions arise. Your little cat embroidery is great-what a lovely idea for the little vintage poem matched with the London fabric! Love your pics of the old farm machinery, so well preserved, these look lovely walks. Best wishes Alison xx

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    1. Thank you Alison, I'm glad you like them! Most folks appreciate hand-sewn gifts and the love that goes into them and Helen's books are full of great ideas for such.
      We do enjoy our lovely countryside and there's alway something new - or old - to find along the way, I'm glad you enjoyed the pics, thank you. xoJoy

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  20. That is just too too cute! I love combining stitcheries and fabric. I know all about the weather because after it has swept along your coast it travels onto us here in Victoria. Brrrrrr, good stitching weather I say! My children are too old for school but have had daughter on a university break does that give me a good excuse? Hehehehe. Your chats are always so sweet, and refreshing to my tired old soul. It's lovely to be able to chat it makes me smile as do your photos and crafts. Xxxxxx

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    1. Hello Susan, I knew you'd enjoy the cat and its fanciful trip to the other side of the earth :)
      So sorry we keep pushing our bad weather onto you, but we can only take so much torture then it must go …. hopefully by the time it reaches you it has weakened somewhat, but perhaps not!!!
      No, your daughter home from Uni does not give you an excuse to slacken off, she is old enough to entertain herself so I expect another enjoyable and enlightening post from you soon and will be looking forward to it, so please keep feeding me the good stuff :) In the meantime, while you're working it all out, do enjoy your week and keep warm! xoJoy

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  21. Such cute projects and the scenery is spectacular!

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    1. Thanks so much Joyful, we enjoy our countryside. xoJoy

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  22. You're so talented, Joy. I'm always excited to see your newest creations. Those lambs are cute and what a beautiful place to visit!

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    1. Many thanks Jennifer, I'm glad you like them! We really are blessed with our beautiful scenery and try to make the most of it, xoJoy

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  23. Such lovely creations Joy, you new camera is being used well!

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    1. Thank you Joanne, lovely to have your message. xoJoy

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  24. Hi Joy loving all your new creations! Especially the cat....you know I am partial to a Fatcat myself😉. Nice to see the sun out- hope you have a good week- and can't wait to see the cushions. Take care xx

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    1. Hi Leeanne, I'm glad you like my latest projects, thanks so much! The cushions are waiting their turn - may have more by next post, can't seem to stop these days … xoJoy

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  25. Hello dear Joy! Such a wonderful and creative post! Your embroidery is absolutely enchanting, that lovely cat is just perfect in the centre of the fabric! I am so inspired by your stitching...your sewing machine has been so busy! The bags are beautiful, and as always, your garden is breathtaking! Chrissie xxx

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    1. Dear Chrissie, thanks so much for making time in pop in again at this busy time - it's always so lovely to hear from you, and thanks also for your kind and encouraging words - I am happy that you like my latest makes and wish you could take a walk/drive with me around our local areas! xoJoy

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  26. Bonjour Joy! so lovely pictures! My son will be happy to see your so beautiful country!
    Do you live near Maffra?
    Lucie x

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    1. Bonjour Lucie, merci beaucoup! I am sure your son will be very happy where he is staying! I do not know Maffra - I live in Western Australia and Maffra is in Central Gippsland in Victoria, which is East from us. I have included a link for you to copy and paste, xoJoy

      http://www.maffra.net.au/commserv.htm

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  27. that little wall hanging is very sweet! Love the little baskets too, they're so useful

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    1. Thanks so much Wendy, I'm glad you like them - I'm enjoying converting fabrics into various shapes and sizes of 'things' :) Enjoy your days, xoJoy

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  28. So many lovely thing you've made! And you haven't even shown us them all yet. I had a bit of a spurt at sewing yesterday but nothing like what you've acheived.

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    1. Hello Gillian, and thank you! I'll have to get cracking and show the other projects before the list gets much bigger …. this is definitely craft weather here! I hope you continue to enjoy your sewing. xoJoy

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  29. You live in such a gorgeous area Joy, I love traveling around with you. Also love everything you have made, the stitching, the sewing and I am sure to love the crochet too.
    Hugs to you and have a blessed day,
    Meredith

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    1. Dear Meredith, thanks so much for being here again and for always leaving such lovely messages. I'm happy to know that you're enjoying getting around and about our area and will try to vary the outings as much as possible …. but I don't think you'd ever get bored around this beautiful countryside. I hope your week is going well for you and yours, xoJoy

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  30. Sooooo wonderful to visit you through this post, Joy! The wallhanging is precious :) and all your projects and photos worthy of praise! Thank you for sharing your creativity so beautifully and for being such a dear encourager. xx

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    1. And so wonderful to have you here dear Gracie! Thank you so much for your kindness, I really enjoy our interactions! Blessings, Joyxo

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  31. Lots of beautiful makes Joy, what a wonderful idea the 'pussycat' embroidery is with the London fabric, an absolute triumph. I love your storage bags, especially those teapots! Have a lovely week.
    Jane xx

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    1. Thank you so much Jane, I really appreciate your sweet thoughts :)
      The teapot fabric is designed by Kaffe Fassett and is a Liberty print - I made my daughter a cushion from it a couple of weeks ago (it's in a previous post which I think you saw anyway) - and guess what …. that bag is now at her place too and she loves it. It was meant to go away for her for Christmas but I thought she could enjoy it now rather than wait! xoJoy

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  32. A lovely post as always, Joy - and what fabulous makes! I love what you've done with your London fabric, that little kitty is too sweet :-) And I love your fabric storage bags too - I wonder if I made one if those for Ben & Jerry, if they could be trained to put their toys away too! ;-)
    Hope you're having a happy week,
    Hugs xx

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    1. Thanks so much Gilly - and I'm very happy that you like little kitty sat in the middle of London! Re the storage bags and the lovely Ben and Jerry - I actually reckon they could be trained to do just that, they're bright enough! Hope your week is going well too lovely,
      warm hugs, Joyxo

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  33. Lovely post Joy. Gorgeous makes as always....I adore the wall hanging and the cute little embroidery just completely makes it. Hope you are having a great week!
    Marianne x

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    1. Always lovely to hear from you Marianne, thank you for being so kind! xoJoy

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  34. Hello there, I have just found your blog via a link on a recent post at Chalky's World. I love your embroidery, so pretty. I especially love the London-themed backing fabric, I have used some very similar fabric during 2012 to make lavender filled hearts for gifts.

    Really look forward to reading more of your posts!

    Helenxx

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    1. Hello Helen, how lovely to see you here - welcome! Thanks so much for your sweet message and I'm looking forward to getting to know you so, see you soon :) xoJoy

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  35. I love the pussy London thing, it´s so cute! And all those lovely photographs, pleasure to look at!

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    1. You're very kind Šárka, thank you for dropping by! xJoy

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  36. I think your beautiful daisy might be an osteospermum ... but then again, it might not. :)

    Such a perfect fabric and verse for the kitty stitchery. And those fabric bags are great - you can never have too many fabric tote bags!

    I always want to climb into your photo montages and walk around there....

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    1. Hi Sue, yes, I think you're right - others have named it the same too, thank you!
      Thanks so much for your very kind message, xoJoy

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  37. beautiful creations & photos.
    I was born in England & love your "I've been to London to visit the Queen" stitchery.

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    1. Many thanks Deb - a little bit of nostalgia there in the London project :) xoJoy

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  38. I love your new kitty and London embroidery, Joy!! Such a sweet idea, and the combination of embroidery and pretty fabric is delightful. I love all your pretty pin cushions and hearts and the cute tote bags too, you have been as busy as a bee! ( Thank you for mentioning my books, that is so sweet of you, and I am so glad they have inspired you). I enjoyed your gorgeous flower photos too, you have put together such pretty collages.
    Wishing you a happy week ahead, Joy.
    Helen xox

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    1. Thank you Helen, I am glad you like my little makes - I've so enjoyed putting them together and really appreciate your inspiration :)
      Many thanks for your ever so kind message, and I wish you a happy week also.
      Joy xo

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  39. Great post Joy I enjoyed all the projects and fun pictures.

    Hugs Diane

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    1. Hello Diane, and thanks for popping in and leaving your kind message! xoJoy

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  40. I always love reading your happy posts Joy! Such gorgeous projects, and great pics of your beautiful part of the world - so glad to hear you had some nice weather too.
    Enjoy your week,
    Amanda xx

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    1. Many thanks Amanda, I'm always happy to hear from you and to have your kind messages, xoJoy

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  41. I think that Kitty is telling you to come and visit London Joy! I do enjoy your local area pics - like a little holiday in your armchair!

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    1. Oh yes, Deb, wouldn't that be lovely - something I'd love to do! I'm glad you enjoy the pics, we are very fortunate to live among such beautiful scenery, xoJoy

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  42. Hi Joy, I LOVE your London theme quilt. It is amazing. I like how you have a stash of gifts. Good idea. Can't wait to see what you have been making recently. Kelly x

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    1. Oh thank you Kelly, I'm so glad you like it! It is handy to have a few gifts waiting in the background for just 'that' occasion and I do enjoy making these little projects. xoJoy

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  43. My lovely Joy just catching up with your news, so sorry I have been away - life is toooo busy for all the wrong reasons! What a lovely creation Joy, I adore your stitching and the London fabric is stunning - you could have given this as a gift to the Royal visitors who were in your gorgeous country not long ago - I am sure they would have treasured it. Your photographs are stunning Joy and how busy you have been with your stash of gifts - you are one amazing lady and this is why I always love to visit you. Sending you my bestest hugs and loves
    Your friend, Dorothyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Dear Dorothy, it's always lovely to hear from you, thank you for your sweet message and I do hope that circumstances ease for you soon - so you can take life a bit more slowly.
      I am happy that you like the kitty kat :) - he required something special, as did the London fabric, so I am happy with how it worked out. Sending you much love, Joy xoxo

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  44. Love the embroidery so much and the bags too...must dust off the sewing machine I think hehe
    Hugs x

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    1. Hello again Sue, I'm glad you like my goodies and it sounds like that sewing machine could be on the way towards doing a bit of work for you again :) xoJoy

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