Bloglovin.

I have finally got myself sorted - you can now follow my blog on bloglovin

Sam xox

1 Pattern, 7 Bloggers - The Reveal!

This has been such a fun challenge to be a part of again! Here is my take on the Macaron pattern. I decided to make a dress that was a little bit alternative; long, flowing, something a farm girl would wear (think The Princess Bride). I decided against the contrasting top, and decided to fit the bodice to a full length gathered skirt. If I was to make this pattern again I think I would make some adjustments to the neckline, as it gapped a little on me. I decided to omit the sleeves, though I am not 100% sure I like this. Also, the hem line gets damp easily when walking on wet grass.

I am really pleased with how my dress turned out. I can imagine wearing this dress around the yard, to the farmers market or when milking my cow (not that I have one). Maverick was pretty impressed with the dress too, though he was a little photo shy.

And in case you hadn't seen yet,here are the winners of the giveaway thanks to our fabulous sponsors (winners will be contacted via email).

Lil - 1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Colette Patterns 

Josephine - 1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Guthrie & Ghanie 

MaciNic - 1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Stitch 56

Elizabeth - 1 x Pattern of your choice thanks to Sew Squirrel

Kathleen S - 1 x Colette Pattern of your choice thanks to Indie Stitches 

Joanne - 1 x Colette Pattern of your choice thanks to The Haby Goddess

Amy - 1 x $20 gift voucher thanks to Fabric Worm 

Sew Charleston - 1 x $30 gift voucher thanks to A Fashionable Stitch

Sam xox

1 Pattern, 7 Bloggers Inspiration Post

First and foremost I must apologise for the tardiness of this blog post. A week ago Jamie and I moved into our new house (!) and this was soooooo much more work than I had anticipated. I am not exaggerating when I say that we have worked non-stop every day since, from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall back into bed exhausted. We bought a house on almost 10,000 square meters of land, and whilst this is an absolute dream come true, it also demanded all of my attention this past week. Here finally is my 'inspiration post' for this challenge, and tomorrow I will post my big reveal. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

The Macaron pattern has been in my pattern collection for a while now, but I never got around to sewing it up. This was because I wasn't so sure about how to contrast look would suite me. So I left it aside. 

That's the great thing about challenges like these, they push you to put your own spin on a pattern that you might be unsure about.

As we are now entering Spring here in the Hunter Valley, I want a dress that I can wear during this time of year when the days temperatures can be a bit hit and miss. I also love cotton so this is a must. Without giving away too much more, here are some images that have inspired me...

Image from here.

Image from here.

Image from here.

Image from here.

Don't forget to visit the other girls who are part of this challenge:

• Marie from A Stitching Odyssey
• Reana Louise from Reana Louise 
• Kat from Petticoats and Peplums
• Jen from Jennifer Lauren Vintage
• Amy from Sewing Through the Motions 
• Rachel from My Messings

Sam xox

1 Pattern, 7 Bloggers take two!

Just over two years ago, 6 fantastic sewing bloggers and I collaborated for the One Pattern Seven Bloggers challenge. The idea was that we would each sew the same Burda pattern - but put our own twist on it! It was so much fun and something that we all enjoyed! Rachel was kind enough to give our little group a nudge recently with the idea of doing it all again, and the ball quickly began rolling for round two. 

This time we are taking things to another level. We are sewing up Colette Patterns Macaron dress, and hosting an amazing giveaway!

The lovely sewers I am teaming up with are...

• Marie from A Stitching Odyssey
• Reana Louise from Reana Louise 
• Kat from Petticoats and Peplums
• Jen from Jennifer Lauren Vintage
• Amy from Sewing Through the Motions 
• Rachel from My Messings

And onto the giveaway!!!
 

  

 The Prizes
1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Colette Patterns 
1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Guthrie & Ghani 
1 x Macaron Pattern thanks to Stitch 56 
1 x Pattern of your choice thanks to Sew Squirrel 
1 x Colette Pattern of your choice thanks to Indie Stitches 
1 x Colette Pattern of your choice thanks to The Haby Goddess 
1 x $20 gift voucher thanks to Fabric Worm 
1 x $30 gift voucher thanks to A Fashionable Stitch 

To enter, all you need to do is comment on this post before Saturday 31st August with your email address!
Make sure you head on over to all of the other participants blogs for up to 7 chances to win!

Terms & Conditions 

• Prizes will be randomly allocated to each of the 8 winners across all seven blogs. 
• One entry per blog. You can comment on each of the 7 blogs for 7 chances to win (!). 
• The winners will be drawn and contacted by email on the 2nd September 2013.

So, keep an eye out on the blogs of the other ladies over the next day to see their announcement posts, and remember that you can comment once on each blog for up to 7 chances to win one of the giveaway prizes.

Also remember to come back on the 26th of August for Inspiration posts and then on the 2nd of September for the big reveal!

Sam xox

The new man in my life.

I have been missing from this blog for over two months now, but I have a very good excuse...

I bought a horse!!!

His name is Maverick - and he is just delightful! He is a six year old Australian Quarter Horse with a personality that is the sweetest. I have been spending almost all of my spare time with him - riding him, training him, brushing him, cleaning his feet and washing his coat.

This photo below is from the day he arrived. It was absolutely bucketing rain and it was the first time he had ever been in a horse float. However, within ten minutes of arriving he allowed me to halter him and lead him around. An absolutely perfect horse.

We are fast becoming good mates! I have never been a morning person but, now I have him, I jump out of bed and am in the paddock with him as the sun is rising. So wonderful for the soul :-)

He has such a cheeky personality too. He loves to give kisses...

And pull faces at the other horses...

Can't imagine a better day, then being in the paddock with him.

But I have also been sewing - I've made a few new things that I need to take photos of, and some up coming projects to share with you all!

Sam xox

Liberty stash.

I have been meaning to blog about this Christmas gift for weeks now. My sister in law gifted me her stash of Liberty off cuts from all the sewing projects she has made using Liberty tana lawns. She must have known I dream of making a Liberty Dresden quilt... It is so nice to look through the pile, as I can remember most of the garments she has made from these prints.

Such a thoughtful Christmas gift, I am very appreciative of - thanks Ally!!!

What is your favourite Liberty print?

Sam xox

p.s thanks so much for your sweet comments on my previous post, it means a lot xox

Hiatus.

I'm back from my hiatus. It wasn't planned. To be honest I have had a topsy-turvy couple of months. My world has turned upside down and up again, and it took me some time to regain my footing. Some personal challenges, thrown together with a promotion at work and the commencement of studying a Masters degree at Uni while working a 40 hour week has taken its toll on my crafting among other things.

Sometimes we need to step back and reassess our priorities. For me, surviving the last two months has meant letting my garden fall by the wayside. Not touching any crafts. And being okay with this. Not feeling bad about it. Not worrying what others think. Being honest with myself about what I am able to achieve at the moment, and knowing that this is good enough.

As a mental health worker, who works daily to support those living with mental health issues to overcome stigma, I would feel hypocritical if I didn't acknowledge that I have been struggling with my own mental health issues. I have made an effort over these past few weeks to just focus on my job, my education, my health and most importantly my marriage. And I have turned a corner with the help of supportive relationships, medication, and self care. I can concentrate for longer periods than I have been able to for a long time. My anxiety has settled and I sleep so well now. 

I am feeling happy again,

calm again,

motivated again,

 positive again. 

So on the the fun stuff...

Sam xox