FREE STITCHERY FOR YOU WITH THANKS

So much is going on, I don't know where to start.  First of all I should mention to all my lovely foreign language reading friends, check out the Translator on the side bar to get my chatter in your own perfect language (well as perfect as I can be) - my friend Darlene came through again for me (I'm not that good with internet techno jargin), she suggests that you select the World Lingo option after selecting your country - I had a play, wanted to see what I read like in Swedish ...... confusing, so I think I'll keep to English (or at least my Irish/Australian version of it).  Tonnes of thanks Darlene xxx.

Okay, my Post Master at the Post Office must think it's my birthday.  Packages are arriving every day, huge and medium, all needed to be signed for.  It doesn't help that I shriek with excitement as he passes another treasure across his counter - I know not one of these is for me, but it is such as buzz to be the "middle gal" in all this.

It is my intention to show you all absolutely everything that is going on.  So imagine my delight in opening a package from the lovely Elizabeth from The Berry Patchwork Shop, to be found in Berry, New South Wales (open 7 days if you are travelling past and want to pop in and say Hi).  In total I have received 10 finished quilts .... I know, it's amazingly generous of this lovely person.

This was the first to get it's picture taken.  I really love it, I found it quite symbolic as these quilts will be for people who have lost their homes to the devastating bush fires, and here are all these lovely little houses and trees, I wonder who will get this one?

 

Plans are already being made on how we will give away these quilts, as so many will be for children, I thought this quilt was gorgeous, and again I thought it had another little story behind it, here's Noah and the Ark and starting all over again.  I'm sure one of the first group of children will love this one - not sure about the elephants, maybe a couple of horses (that's Jessica's input!).

 

There are many more items to show you, I'll spread them out over the next week, and of course I'll be taking lots of photos of the busy workers on Friday, remember, anyone who can make it is more than welcome, and if this Friday is a problem, don't worry we have more sewing days in our future.

Speaking of the big sewing day, to keep my mind off my first appointment on Friday morning (one hour in the dentists chair, at least 4 needles will be needed to take away the pain), Jessica and I plan to make some of our WORLD FAMOUS "YUM BALLS" to take along for the stitchers.  And as this is an adults only event, I suppose I'll just have to add some Bailey's Irish Creme to the mix, my friend Sue (who is also coming along to stitch) calls them "Bailey's Balls".  Just as we have popcorn and movies, I wonder who was the wonderful woman who realised that chocolate and stitching go together perfectly, she should be Sainted.

Orders are still rolling in for the Angel Kits (see posting last week), only a few days left to buy directly from me at a little less than normal retail, with 100% of your money going to the Volunteer Firefighters in the CFA - they already know the money is coming and are extremely grateful.

Do you remember that I promised some of you a stitchery before Christmas, for those who put a note on their blog about the Christmas Tips?  Had a bit of trouble getting it together (I told you I was Internet Challenged), and while I was wrestling with it all I decided that there were just too many people to thank in blogland.  All of you who have cared so much about what has happened in our beautiful little piece of this world, who have sent wonderful thoughtful emails, offered help, ordered kits, are making blocks or binding, sending quilt tops or quilts ... I can't thank you enough, and I truly know that you aren't doing it for the thanks, but in the words of the gorgeous little stitchery that Simone sent me after our  Christmas Swap ... 

 Your random act of kindess helps many feel good about themselves.

So here is a little stitchery I designed back in 2002 that I thought said it all.

It's quick to stitch (I tea stained mine after stitching it gives the cut edges a real aged look).  Two strands of your favorite coloured thread (I chose brown), iron some pellon to the back of some calico or homespun, stitch up using back stitches, running stitches and the odd french knots.  Then attach some more calico or homespun to the back by using little running stitches in cream thread into the back of the pellon.  Cut a length of fabric, tie a bow and top with a button.

You can either make as the centre of a cushion top, or as I did, cut around the finished stitchery, about 3/8" from stitching lines, soak in a bath of tea for awhile, press out the dampness with an old towel and lay flat to dry in the sun or in front of the fire.  I used one of our Wildcraft Farm "Not So Wee Wire Hangers" to use as a hanger, with a bell, some raffia and more strips of the fabric print tied to the side of the wire - display for all to see.

Please feel free to print off this pattern and use to spread "The Good Word" for your own personal use - all I ask is that you leave a comment to let me know that you have taken it.

 

 

I hope this little Angel inspires you and yours to step outside your comfort zone and continue performing random acts of kindness.

Talk to you tomorrow, more pictures to share .... Hugs and Kisses Janet xxx

Comments

[Karen Beigh]

The little angel is as cute as can be.

[Elizabeth McMahon]

Thank you for your 'random act of kindness' giving this lovely little angel stitchery, I shall get much pleasure from making it for some very special people, Lizzie. xoxo

[Judy Johnston]

Janet
Thank you for the stitchery, I have saved it to do ....
I am spreading the word about your orphan quilt blocks, good luck and thank you from all of us
Judy

[beth]

Janet thank you for the stitchery she is very cute
hugs Beth

[Foothills Fabric and Threads]

Hi Janet, We have been spreading the word about the working bee. A few of our girls will be up on Friday. I've also posted on our blog. I wasn't too sure if you wanted the contact numbers advertised I can add them in later if its ok. Good luck tomorrow
Sandra

[cathy]

Hey Janet - I will be there on Friday during the day shift during school hours - looking forward to it ;-) we are gonna have a great time - I think it will be one of those days that you remember for many many years to come.
Not sure if I can make it back pm - depends on hubbies work load that day...
xooxCatbay

[Barbara]

Janet,
Thank you for the little angel.....she is so sweet, just like you. I will have a package off to you in tomorrows mail ( I hope!! ).
Hugs, Barb

[Joy]

Oh Janet your little angel is so adorable!! Thank you so much for sharing her with us :o). I'm going to print mine straight away - she'll be a reminder of all the 'random acts of kindness' we've seen since this awful disaster began.
The quilts that have been donated are gorgeous ... that's so generous of them :o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)

[Darlene Carroll]

Awww sweetie... for you anything to help spread the word. I'm only to happy to help! That stitchery is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for thanking all those wonderful, beautiful & generous stitchers/crafters/quilters in our world!

take care.. have a totally gorgeous day full of inspiration!!

hugs
xoxo

[Jeanette]

Thankyou for the stitchery Janet. It's very cute. I've printed it out.

[Terry]

Thank you for the free stitchery Janet! The quilts you have shown so far are just beautiful! I'm sure someone is going to love them very much! :0)