Monday 2 February 2015

Let's Try Again!

Hello to each of you and can you believe we are already into February 2015! Time as we know it is passing so quickly and it seems like one can hardly pause to take breath and there's another day gone!

I have been missing you all whilst not blogging even though posting quickies on Instagram has kept me in touch with a few of you lovelies. Anyway, I am very happy to be once again feeling inspired to open up my little space and share with you just a few of the makes that have kept me occupied and out of trouble of late . . . .  yes, well, you know what they say about idle hands, and mine don't like to be without some sort of crafty project on the go!

I am really looking forward to seeing what you've all been up to in my absence, even though I have caught snippets here and there in the IG world. I should say at this point that I'm sorry if some of the info here is doubling up a bit on the IG scene!

Let's begin with the little creatures I made from patterns bought from aliciapaulson.com


I am so thrilled at the clear and precise way Alicia goes about sharing her information regarding making  Mr Fox, Miss Doe, and Miss Kitty and would encourage any of you who feel inclined, to go ahead and give these a go! They really are a lot of fun and I enjoyed every minute of putting them together!


I have also made up (twice) one of the lovely patterns from the beautiful Susannah of verityhope.com fame; meet my version of the gorgeous Pipi Lapin and her sister/friend/double - they have absolutely stolen my heart! Here they are all done up in their silks - little bits of stash that I've been saving for sooooo long ….. Here again, the pattern and method for bringing these sweeties together is so well written up and explained by Susannah that really, you can't put a foot wrong in the making of these little darlings!



Of course there have been practical makes too over the past weeks - bags of varying styles and shapes in the 'quilt as you go' method. Generally, I cut out the backing of heavy-duty interfacing and sandwich that between layers of iron-on wadding to give a bit of extra body, padding and softness, and then start stitching on little strips of fabric which gradually have to grow to quite long strips before completion of the bag!

First we have these two made with Japanese cottons, which I just love - the top two pics are the fronts and below those you see the back views . . . 



. . . and then we have three others made from a variety of quilting cottons. Again, on the top row of pics you see the fronts, and the back views on the bottom row!



Oh how could I nearly forget to tell you about my little coverlet which was included in the Readers Page of the latest issue of Australian Homespun! There it is and that's my little moment of fame! Seriously though, I was so surprised and excited to see it there when I picked up my mag from the newsagent a few weeks ago ...



I'll finish now with a little bit from our garden - and in case that painting on the wall has raised your curiosity, it's of the harbour in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, from whence I hailed a long time ago, and miss it still!!! 



  

It's been so nice putting together this post, just like old times! I do hope you decide to leave a little message for I love to hear from you, but in any case, please know that I appreciate you being here with me and taking the time to browse through my meanderings and show and tells!

Sending each of you my very best wishes,

 Joy xo

61 comments:

  1. How lovely to see you back Joy :) Looks like you've been very busy, your animals are adorable, and how exciting to be featured in a magazine!
    Jillxo

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    1. So lovely to hear from you Jill, thanks so much for your lovely message! xoJoy

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  2. Beautiful work Joy - exquisite little creatures not surprised you are delighted. The building in the painting - is it the art gallery? Coz I was in it last summer when we spent a happy holiday staying near Auchencairn x Well done for being featured in a magazine - again beautiful work x

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    1. Thanks so much lovely - and isn't it so nice to have little bits of connections here and there … what a small world we live in … that little painting was done so many years ago so the building could well be an art gallery now! xoJ

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  3. Joy, this was a wonderful post! So many lovely bags you have made, and the animal dolls are so awesome. I love all the details. You make them seem so easy, but I can't imagine that. The top most fox, kitty and mouse are my favorite, you did a beautiful job. AND now I know someone famous!!! Congratulations on your magazine debut, it's lovely1
    See you soon, here or IG xoRobin

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    1. Aw Robin, thanks so much for your lovely message - foxy, kitty, etc. really are easy to make and allow plenty practice at blanket stitch!!! Have a lovely day xo Joy

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  4. Fantastic, so beautiful creations!!!
    Happy week.:*

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    1. Thank you so much for your kindness! Wishing you happy days xoJ

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  5. Hello Joy! How wonderful to hear what you have been doing! Your projects and photographs are, as always, beautiful and your certainly haven't had idle hands! Lovely post! :) x

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    1. Hello Christine and many thanks for your kindness, I do so appreciate your lovely message! xoJ

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  6. Hello Joy, I was wondering how you were. I can see you are still enjoying crafting! The coverlet was so lovely I'm not surprised it was featured, well done! stay in touch, Heather X

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    1. Heather - how lovely to have your sweet message, thank you! I will try to balance things a bit better …. xoJ

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  7. I'm sure you must miss Kirkcudbright, Scotland. It's not that long since I was there - less than a year ago. It's a lovely place. I love all the things you've made, both practical and simply beautiful.

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    1. Oh Gillian, I wish I could have come to KBT with you - how I miss it and the beautiful surrounds! I'm very happy to have your lovely message, thanks so much! xoJ

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  8. Dear Joy
    As ever, you have been so busy with some beautiful makes. Congratulations on being featured in the magazine.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hello lovely Ellie, and thank you so much for your kindness! Wishing you the best, xoJ

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  9. So wonderful to hear from you! I do think about you and pop by from time to time in case I have missed a post - I am always hopeful there will be some news! Congratulations on being in the magazine!! That really is wonderful! I hope that it isn't so long until the next, but I will be here eagerly waiting your news! xx

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    1. Hello lovely Amy - you are so kind, thank you! xoJ

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  10. Such beautiful makes and how exciting to be featured in a magazine :)

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    1. Ah Mel you are so sweet, thank you! xoJ

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  11. Joy... Wonderful to see your post. Lovely,lovely makes and pictures xxx

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    1. Hello lovely - it's been a long time hasn't it! Thanks so much and I'll try to keep my equilibrium a bit better ....... xoJoy

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  12. Lovely to hear from you again. What lovely makes, such adorable little creatures. x

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    1. Thanks so much for popping in with your kindness - it means a lot xoJ

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  13. You've been so busy making so many beautiful things. Your coverlet is gorgeous and I love the Pipi bunnies xx

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    1. Hello again Cheryl, I trust you and yours are well! Thank you so much for your sweet message! xoJ

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  14. Joy!!! You are so aptly named. You bring me joy. Thanks for posting and showing some of the wonderful things you have made, photos of some of the gorgeous flowers around you, and a photo of the painting of a location in Scotland that is dear to you. I am so glad your lovely coverlet was featured in the magazine so that many can enjoy viewing some of your creativity and be inspired by it as I am. I am still poking along with various little creative projects, and blogging when I can. Wishing you and yours blessings. xx

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    1. Ah Gracie, you're always so beautiful and bring your lovely energies to work their wonders in your kind thoughts and words: a big thank you! I hope to catch up real soon and in the meantime wishing you and yours blessings also xoJ

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  15. Hi Joy what a post! We have been treated to some of your fantastic crafts once again. You really are an all rounder your toys are marvellous has are those gorgeous bags. Im so happy your work was chosen to be in a magazine well deserved indeed!

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    1. Hello lovely and a huge thanks to you for always being so sweet and kind. I'll be catching up! xoJ

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  16. Joy it's a visual feast! Love it all, and those wee bunnies are so adorable. I see a few bags made now, are you selling these soon or are they being gathered for gifts? I love the use of the scraps and varied fabrics, right up my alley!!
    You don't write with an accent....do you talk with a Scottish lilt? Lol. WA must be such a contrast to those misty places with high rainfall.

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    1. Oh thank you my lovely! I would like to sell the bags but haven't made any plans as yet …
      You are so funny - ma Scottish lilt is definitely still quite strong ma wee lassie, an' it can get stronger as the nicht wears on - if ye ken what a mean!!! Dinnae you fash yerself aboot that! LOL !!! xoJ

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  17. Wonderful to see you back, you certainly have been busy! love the little creatures so sweet and cute..

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    1. Hello Zana, and thank you so much for your kindness! xoJ

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  18. Beautiful, beautiful makes, those little creatures are stunning and the bags are a real delight.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely message - I look forward to catching up with you and your makes soon xoJ

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  19. Hello darling Mum!
    Again what lovely comments you have from your gorgeous friends. Each one a little blessing!

    Gracie Saylor - yes, my Mum IS a Joy - her Mum (my Nana) called her "a little bundle of Joy", which is so apt!

    Now, Mum, you forgot to tell everyone that the dashing & suave Freddie Fox in the red pants lives up here in Perth with me now. He loves his new house, pool and convertible and is quite the Fantastic Mr Fox (aka George Clooney!).

    Keep up the beautiful work!

    Trace
    xx

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    1. Ah Trace - you're gorgeous! So lovely to get your sweet message, thank you! It sounds like George has had his nose pushed out by a 'real' fox in red pants. Tough!
      I do have some beautiful blogging friends don't I - and consider myself very fortunate!
      Love ya, Mum xo

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  20. Hello Joy it's lovely to see you back and read this post. As always you have surpassed yourself with all those lovely makes. Congratulations for having your work featured in the magazine how exciting but it's so deserved you are very talented. I hope you stay around this time we miss you! :) xxx

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    1. How sweet you are Linda - heartfelt thanks for your beautiful message! I am happy to be back and will be trying to stay 'centred' and well balanced, haha! xoJ

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  21. Wow Joy a huge congrats to you being in that magazine that is terrific. Love all you have made. I have the bunny and deer to make of that pattern but seem a bit scared to make it as my hand sewing is rubbish. So glad to see you post.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Hello lovely - and thanks once again for your always so kind words! Oh do give the toys a go Meredith, they are so straightforward and relaxing to make with mainly blanket stitch; I might add though that I've commented a few times that I'll be looking like a blanket stitch if I continue the way I'm going … but such fun! xoJ

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  22. Hello Joy, it's so good to have you blogging again! You have been so busy, I absolutely love all the soft toys you have created, they are beautful. And your bags are fantastic! Do you use them all or have you mae them for other people?
    I'm glad you have posted some garden pictures, it's so good to see a bit of colour when all is grey and dull here in the UK, I can't wait until spring!
    And congratulations on your magazine feature! Your coverlet is a favourite of mine and looks great in the photos. How exciting!
    Really glad to have you back my lovely, take care, Sam xxxxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Sam for your lovely welcome! I'm happy to be back and hoping to catch up a little bit at least …. one of these days ….
      No, I don't use all the bags and will either sell or give as gifts when the occasion presents itself - you know how it is, I just get on a roll with something and have to keep going. I loved working with all the gorgeous colours.
      I do hope the weather soon brightens up for you over there - it can become a bit depressing at times. Here we are longing for rain and really badly needing it. Funny that - opposite ends of the spectrum. Have a great weekend, xoxo J

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  23. Lovely to see you back Joy. I suppose I better do another post soon now!! It's been lovely catching up in IG but so nice to see a post too. Lovely garden photos sun hooray! Nearly remember what it looks like :) FB xxx

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    1. Hello my lovely FB - wonderful to be hearing from you over here again - I must try to do better! I enjoy IG but find it so EASY to fall behind on there cause I really love all the interaction - I have to really watch myself or else I have no crafting time left in the day!
      I'll be watching out for your post and am hoping to get around to popping in soon. In the meantime I hope the sun shines for you - I'd happily share our weather with you but it has been VERY hot and dry and we really do need rain so you may not enjoy it?!!! Keep well,
      xoJoy

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  24. Oh a Joy! What a wonderful blog post and immense gratitude for including your beautiful Pipi Lapins, much appreciated. Congratulations too on being published! What a thrill! And it was a 'joy' to read your post. Lovely blog xx

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    1. How lovely of you Susannah - many thanks for your kindness which I really appreciate! I LOVE Pipi Lapins and thank you again for your wonderful pattern; they were such a pleasure to make and to share with my friends. xoJ

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  25. Joy of Joys. Hooray! glad to see you back and well and so productive! What darling creatures with the tell tale sign s of your fine handiwork and attention to detail. It must be lovely having something in a magazine. Congratulations. Jo x

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    1. Your sweet message gave me a big lift lovely Jo - thank you so much for your kind words - YOU are a darling! xo Joy

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  26. Hello Sweet Friend! It's sooo good to see you again! xo I see you've been up to more of your wonderful creating. :) What an adorable bunch of new friends you have now! Congratulations on the magazine. How exciting Joy...but that coverlet is beyond beautiful and so deserved to be noticed!
    Hugs to you! xoxo

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    1. Hello Sweet Beedeebabee and thank you for your lovely welcome back and altogether darling message! You are a sweetheart! Hugs to you too my dear! xoJ

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  27. Hello Joy, I just bought myself a new IPad and was going through bookmarks and found the one to your page. See you haven't been here in awhile. I hope you are well. We have been having quite a bit of rain here in .busselton so imagine you are having some of the same. I am busy doing a portrait graph. It is very time consuming as there are many colour changes per row and not inspiring as it is done in a grey scale. I am determined to get it done although I am only on Row 40 of 200 but I don't think I will do another one. Just wanted to say hello and I miss your blog.

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  28. I am extremely impressed along with your writing abilities, Thanks for this great share.

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  29. Hi Joy :) I see I'm a year behind here, but wow! Your makes are absolutely smashing, as always. Hope all is going well with you and you have had a good start to 2015 :) xxx

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  30. Hi Joy :) I see I'm a year behind here, but wow! Your makes are absolutely smashing, as always. Hope all is going well with you and you have had a good start to 2015 :) xxx

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  31. Or 2016 rather! Tiny keyboard and lack of concentration combined :) x

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    Keep it up!

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