Sunday, November 8, 2009

My 50th Post and a Spring Giveaway

I have to say that Spring is one of my favourite seasons, one of the reasons being, I just adore the Jacaranda trees. I just love the confetti of petals that form a lilac carpet.
This driveway caught my eye this morning and thought it very worthy of a photo.
The abundance of roses this year is also a joy to behold, we have had some fantastic rain after many many years of drought.


I only hope the intense heat we can have here in Sydney remains at bay for a few more weeks so we can enjoy the fruits of spring, Gardenia's are so delicate with an intense perfume that fills the evening air but can quickly turn brown with such intense heat.

This past week I had a class at Material Obsession and couldn't resist this piece of fabric, imagine the possibilities for fussy cutting, it also came in a terracotta colourway. I think some of the girls imagined making a piece of clothing (not for me I don't do clothing :-))


This is what I have been up to this past weekend, remember it is only 7 weeks until Christmas.
You maybe wondering what it is , stay tuned and I will reveal in a couple of weeks.

I think I have mentioned in previous posts that I have a passion for stitching samplers, I have many that have remained unframed and when I read on Alma's blog that she photocopied a sampler to line a fabric covered box , I rummaged through some of my unframed samplers for some inspiration to use as a box liner.





What better way to celebrate 50 posts than to make a fabric covered box and copy a sampler I have stitched in the past to line the box .
I am giving this box away as well as some cards to use a trim winders, along with some photocopies of my stitched samplers .


I have been inspired by so many blogger's during my first year of joining the blogging community, so many of you are so generous and sharing of spirit.
Leave me a comment and tell me who or what inspires you. I will draw a name via the google random number generator on the 14th November.
Until next time happy creating
j






50 comments:

Janet said...

You have lots of lovely photos to enjoy today. Congratulations on 50 posts! It's a milestone. Your samplers are so wonderful, it was fortuitous that they weren't framed so you could copy them. The sneak peek has me intrigued, it looks like fabric spaghetti.

antique quilter said...

Congrats on 50 posts!
Your yard just looks beautiful I love lilac bushes and wished they grew all year round
a beautiful picture.
Oh my would love to win your box and have your sampler as the lining of the box, so creative!

hope your email problems are resolved soon
Love the fabric , clothes no way! I am always inspired by antique quits! and I love seeing pictures of quilts other bloggers have made or are working on.
I am inspired by pictures of nature, I always find color ways for quilts in them !
can't wait to see what your yards of ribbon (?) will be...
Kathie

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Oh congrats on your 50th post! I simply adore your garden pics, we used to have the purple panic jacaranda (so name because it always flowered at exam time) in Bris, I really miss them. Your giveaway is simply gorgeous, I love those boxes, but don't have any samplers to copy!!! I agree with Janet, your sneek peek does look like spaghetti, can't imagine what it is! I'm inspired by other bloggers (like you) who show wonderful quilts and ideas, and are so generous in their comments and help if you need it. xo

Miriam said...

Congratulations on your 50th post!

Jacarandas are beautiful trees. I can almost smell those Gardenias!
That fabric has huge potential for fussy cutting!!! I used to do clothing, but not so much these days.
Only 7 weeks till Christmas!! Eeeeekkk!

I am inspired by fabric; all aspects of a fabric. Its colour, hand, print, weight..etc. I am also inspired by anyone who is passionate about what they do.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

What inspires me - reading blogs and thinking about all the wonderful things I could be making if I wasn't tied to the computer! I just made a post on my blog about my to-do list being way too long.

I found your blog from Blackbird Designs, and I check everyday to see if you have something to share. Congratulations on the 50th, and please continue to post.

Sharon P said...

Congratulations on 50 posts, love your photos! I am inspired by antique quilts and lovely blogs like yours. Beautiful work! Sharon in Sydney

Margaret said...

I found your blog from Alma's BBD blog as well. I love your spring pictures - and I love your giveaway as well! Congratulations on 50 posts!

Vintage Sandy said...

Congratulations....love your unique way of using something so beautiful on something that someone else can share in I'm inspired by many different things the way photos are framed so lovely using photoshop, things like you doing with your samplers there are many talented bloggers that give me inspiration! Would love to be the new owner of your box...thanks!

Nedra said...

So many things are inspirational right now, but #1 seems to be looking at all the wonderful creations on quilt blog sites. I wish I could join everybody and do them all.
Congrats on 50.

Annette said...

I am in love with your boxes and want to try them. I am inspired by others who create. But mostly inspired by my mom who is always sharing her creations.

Catherine said...

Your pictures of spring are beautiful - we are entering late fall here, getting ready for winter. Your box is lovely and I would love to have the chance to win! My family is my biggest inspiration!

ranette said...

Congrats on 50 posts Jean!!! 50 posts and think of all of the new people from all over the world that you now know and can call friends....Amazing!

Fabric inspires me and Janet does too...lol

wishes, true and kind said...

Congratulations on 50 posts. I really enjoyed your beautiful pictures today, especially the one of your driveway :). I am always so inspired by blogs and quilts posted on Flickr. There are so many talented and creative quilters, and I am always stretched by looking at their work and "talking" with them online.

Daniëlle said...

Congratulations on 50 posts!! but .... you call it a spring giveaway and here in Holland it is autumn!! Leaves are falling, winds are blowing, lovely time to stitch hihihi!! simply love the sampler you used, wonderful colours. I am inspired by both of my grandma's who both liked needlework. The oldest passed away 11 years ago at the age of 102!!! when she reached 100 years she started a new hobby: braiding pillows with ribbons. The only thing she could see by then! So ..with 50 years ... I am not yet halfway hihi! Tks so much for the opportunity to share this with you. Lovely pics by the way! XXXD

Brandie said...

I just love reading your blog. You are an inspiration. I would love to have a fraction of your creative talent. I can't wait for 50 more posts.

Solstitches said...

What a beautiful picture show.
The Jacaranda tree is glorious.
I'm usually mostly inspired when I see the fabulous work on display at a quilt or needlework show but I do love looking at what everyone is making on their blogs.
So many ideas so little time!
I'm a huge fan of Blackbird Designs and love all their samplers of which I've stitched a fair few in my time :)
Margaret

Chocolate Cat said...

I love Jacaranda's too! Lots of lovely photos today. What a great idea to copy your samplers. Each and every blog is my inspiration, whether it is a new recipe, a philosopy for living, garden ideas or beautiful creating. Only problem is that my 'to do one day' list is getting out of control!!

Sipiweske Quilts said...

What a wonderful giveaway! You are very generous and it looks like it would fit quite nicely into my sewing room. My inspiration comes from designers like Cinderberry Stitches, Three Sisters, Blackbird Designs and Fig Tree - their use of color and design is fabulous. Congrats on your 50th post and keep up the great work. - Marlene

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your 50 posts. I am being so hopeful that I get chosen for the giveaway. I beyond love it...it would be perfect for me. I am a cross stitcher and a quilter and it would go anywhere in my home. Kristy in Ohio

Chookyblue...... said...

gosh I LOVE jacarandas ..........mine are flowering beautifully at the moment.......
what a great idea copying the sampler..........
congrats on your 50 posts.........

cathie said...

Congrats on 50 posts - you are really good at Blogging I would have thought you have been doing it longer. You do wonderful work and love all the lovely things I do like - hexagons, fabric and gardens - Please keep the blog coming. Cathie

Cardygirl said...

Gorgeous garden pics. Happy 50th post Jean! Love the fabric from MO...nice to see what you do with it! What inspires me...hmmm...the sharing of ideas & support through blogging is pretty inspirational. thankyou for being part of that!

cathie said...

Things that inspire me are:-
Blogs like yours
Wonderful Photos of flowers, gardens
Fantastic Fabrics
and to see the Lovely Work that others do.
Looking forward to your next 50 Posts - if they are like the first 50 they will be wonderful. Cathie D

vivian said...

Congratulations! I am inspired by pictures and posts in blogs I read, by work my friends are doing, and what I read in books.
Jane

Anonymous said...

I love that it is spring in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a beautiful day here in Iowa, USA. One of the last to be savoured before the ice and snow come of winter. I am also inspired by the blogging community. I have been a small part of it for a short time but it is great to see all those that love needlework and samplers like I do. Thank you for the opportunity for the box and tags. They are beautiful. I would love to know what sampler they are stitched off of. Enjoy your spring and summer. I look forward to warming my winter via your posts.

Julia said...

Congrats on 50 posts!
Your yard just looks beautiful I love Jacarandas they are beautiful trees.
I am always inspired by antique quits and what others are making!
Julia ♥

Joni said...

Congrats on your 50 posts. I found your blog from Blackbird ladies. They just inspire me all the time with their projects they do and the new blog sites that they give info on. The Blackbird site introduced me to the Needleprint site and I did the Mary Wigham SAL this summer. What is the name of the sampler you photocopied. It looks wonderful. Thank you for blogging.

chrise said...

Fabulous site ,I read it a lot and the site is on my favourites.

Love the box and am going to make my very own
Chrise

Deb said...

What absolutely beautiful photos of your garden. The jacaranda is stunning asare the roses.
Gosh I looked twice at the fabric you have been working with as I thought you had done embroidery of some sort on it, it is so lovely.
Congratulations on your 50th post, its such a wonderful world blogging isn't it and we make so many friends. This is my inspiration, my friends and the world around us is such a beautiful place.

Elisa said...

Congrats...what a super giveaway...I would love to be entered :)

gill said...

hi
congrats on 50 posts
i'm inspired by my wonderful family - always and for ever
gillwatson@mailbox.co.uk

broderie said...

love the look of your sampler and it is a great idea to make paper from our stitching! all sorts of ideas and inspirations running through my head. i heard a story last night of an 86yo who wakes each morning excited by the things she is going to make that day! at that age, that is inspiring, life is inspiring!

Taryn said...

Congratulations on reaching 50 (posts that is)! What a great idea to make the most of a yet unfinished project. Hmmm, the possibilities. And, that's what inspires me...all the creative and talented ladies who have taken up blogging to share their thoughts, ideas and creations.

Susan said...

Congratulations on your 50th post.

What inspires me? The wonderful talents of so many creative people. Seeing wonderful expressions of each ones talents, like yourself.

I just love the look of the sampler you copied. Cross-stitch is one of my passions also.

Regards,

Nyla said...

Jean, my family enjoyed jacaranda trees when we lived in Southern California, so pretty! Fifty posts is something to celebrate! I certainly enjoy them. I think your covered box idea is great, being able to share something of yourself. What fun!

Deb said...

Well done on your 50th post! My inspiration is my dear friend and mentor Di Ford. She taught me everything I know about patchwork. She is generous, patient, funny and loyal. Not to mention a creative genius when it comes to quilt designs. What more could you ask for? Well actually she's a fabulous cook too!

Anonymous said...

YOU are an inspiration! I never thought paper piecing was anything I woudl ever wnat to try --- 'til I saw your fussy cuts! Just wonderful!!!

barb's creations said...

Congratulations on your 50th post.
What inspires me is sitting down with a cuppa and flicking through craft magazines,gets my creative jucies going no end :)Barb.

Sue-Anne said...

Congratulations on your 50th post. I really enjoy reading your blog. I would love to win the giveaway but more importantly I would love to see a photo of your entire sampler. It looks fantastic!

Sue-Anne said...

Oops! Forgot to say what inspires me. Seeing other people's work, particularly applique. Like you, I love Blackbird Designs and now I really enjoy reading everyone's blogs.

Doina said...

Beautiful work! Congratulations on 50 posts! I am inspired by others who create.

Library Gal Quilts said...

Many Happy Congratulations on your 50th post Jean! We have some wonderful Jacarada trees in Chico, California as well. They are mostly in the old neighborhoods. We have a Persian Lilac in our yard that I have never seen anywhere else! What inspires me? Quilting with other friends and seeing their efforts. I love the sharing that happens between quilters. I am also inspired by the quilters that have gone before us. The vintage designs, the cloth, and the effort it took to make such beautiful work. Would love to win your box and the lovely sampler! I still cross stitch some. Mostly Blackbird Designs and Prairie Schooler. Take care! Pam in Chico

Karen said...

I have recently moved to a new town and am feeling a little lonely. I have just discovered blogs, and find reading about and seeing pictures of projects done by lots of ladies who like the same things as me very inspiring, and I feel like I am amongst friends again!

AnnaVallance said...

i have just been outside chipping the ice out of the birdbath so it was so nice to visit your blog with your spring photos. i get my inspiration from my grandmother.

Anonymous said...

I just love seeing your projects in motion! What beautiful colors you use...It inspires me to see what others are doing..I don't have many close to me who enjoy all my addictions so to be able to see what others are doing inspires me to continue what I do! Thanks for the inspiration and congrats on 50 posts!
Kristen

Nyla said...

I'm going to leave a second post. I forgot to say who inspires me. I must say recently all of the quilting blogs have been incredibly inspiring for me. I had been in a little of a quilting funk with no time and discovered these wonderful blogs and got going again. Thanks so much for taking the time to share, it's very much appreciated!

Christine said...

the box is beautiful...I'm inspired by the beautiful photos...congrats on 50 posts

Hennie Schutter said...

Waauuuw what a beautyful box, my inspiration is nature.

edie said...

Congratulations on 50 posts, and I look forward to at least 4,050 more as they are wonderful. I am inspired by blogs, books (Barb and Alma books are my favorites), fabrics, magazines, song lyrics (they dance in my head as potential verses on future samplers), and many more things -- inspiration is all around. Your giveaway is most generous and truly lovely, and I covet it!!!!!

Lissa Jane said...

congratulations on 50 posts.. the weather has been awful and I too love the Jacaranda's.. ours hasn't flowers this year (it hasn't had flowers at all to be honest) but its only 2 years old..

I love samplers too, and I have a few unframed ones!

Lissa