frog cottage designs

My garden continues to grow...

2012-02-18T17:21:00.001-08:00

Just a quick one to say yes my garden is still growing, Im still addicted to paper piecing. The Vignette Hexagon quilt is for a single bed, I love how its progressed that I decided to make mine for a queen size bed.

Ive used three jelly rolls for the flowers so far, and I think I will buy just one more! Sadly im making this quilt for myself, therefore its not a priority. Im working on it between projects or whenever I need a break from what IM working on. Am loving watching this garden grow.

A little bit of this...

2012-02-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Tis been a busy week with a swimming carnival, where Miss 8 won a medal YAY!!, two days of sewing with g/fs, another YAY!!
I have another deadline looming and only started the project two days ago lol (as always)...heres a little sneek peek.... this block grabs me.... chook chook...

I also received my February hexagons from "The Inchy Hexagon Swap" this week. Doris thank you sooo much for lovely hexis they will make a wonderful addition to my garden ...

DH is in Sydney this weekend, meaning not much daytime sewing for me the next two days, but hello late nights so I can catch up, not only with sewing, but a new movies I havent watched as yet...

Have a lovely weekend

Deb :)

Name Game Swap sneek peek

2012-02-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

I promised a sneek peek of my swap item for the Name Game Swap. It is being held by Samelias Mum , check out her blog for details or just plain creative inspiration!! I am madly trying to source more of the tangerine dot fabric for my stars....planning a trip to Orange early next week to Orange Patchwork to check out their Amy Butler fabric....if I cant find the fabric I will redo the palette of colours.

My secret partner had a few stars in her mosiac pics...psst secret swap partner...are you thinking...ohh wonder if this is for me???? Love the anticipation of swap!!

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Charlotte the Shopper

2012-02-10T21:41:00.000-08:00

I completed my next block in 'An Angel Story' quilt last night, called 'Charlotte the Shopper'. That's my February commitments on this quilt up to date. After my morning chores, Ive been busy with 'A Christmas Story'.I have cut out the rest of the applique for block A all ready to needleturn. The kids are calling for me to watch Scooby Doo with them. Should I tell them its my favourite cartoon show of all time!!! Heheehehehe.....Off to needleturn, enjoy your Saturday!!!

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

I finished!!!

2012-02-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

I worked all day and tar dar Im finished my train quilt top. I have named it Alphabet Train. It still needs borders, but Im happy to do that tomorrow. This quilt will also have a matching pillow, still to be made but IM sure I will get it done in no time!!!!

It feels sooo good to finally finish something as I usually have lots of things happening at once.

I guess tomorrow Ill be basting and will try and quilt it over the weekend, then its on to pattern writing...ohh yay me!! Have a great weekend!!

Working away

2012-02-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

Its Thursday night and Ive stopped sewing, Im starting to make silly mistakes and my back is starting to ache...ohh the pleasure of machine sewing. Im pushing to finish my train quilt. This is all Im up to, DH had to go to Sydney for two nights so limited my time sewing ( bad man lol).

A big thank you to Joanne from Possum Blossum for this months hexagons. Lovely reproduction fabrics that will go well in my garden. I had Joanne as my swap partner last month and oops didnt take a pic of my hexagons...I am enjoying this swap, tis soo nice to get a little surprise each month and seeing my garden grow.

I have also been working on my 'Name Game' swap and 'Once a Season Swap'. Both are secret swaps, will post a sneaky pic in the next few days. I am feeling this short month, have soo much to get done. The countdown has begun for the 'Girls Day in the Country' in Nundle. Am getting very excited, not sure what I will take for show and tell, as most of my hard work has been for others. Could pull my finger out and finish my Vignette Hexagon quilt.

I have heaps of flowers ready to be sewn into another row.... but then when would I sleep lol

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Wait a minute Mr Postman!

2012-02-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

The Postman was quite kind this past week. I received the latest issue of Creating Country Threads and yay another 'frog cottage design' has been published. One of my prim dolls Miss Rosie is featured on page 42.

I also received my first block,'Civil War Journals' from the fat quarter shop. Am loving the darker colours of this quilt. Its a huge quilt, but lucky Khris and I are doing this one together. Nothing like sharing the passion!

I also received block 3 of "Love Letters" as well. The colours in this quilt said "BUY ME". This was an easy purchase as it only runs for six months ( justification lol). I love BOMs from the FQS as you always have enough material left over to make another quilt. Our lounge room is cherry red so this quilt will look nicely hanging over the lounge next winter!

See I am realistic...I have to finish a few projects before I can even look at starting these two quilts. I might allocate a sewing day to cutting all the blocks out, that way when I do make a start on them, it wont take as long to complete.

On a productive note, I am 70% complete on block 3 of my choo choo train quilt. So hopefully I can get the applique completed by tomorrow night leaving me a few days next week to patch/piece it all together for the Friday deadline...

Wish me luck, have a great weekend

Deb :)

Another block finished

2012-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I would start my 'An Angels Story' February commitments early. One block down and another is appliqued and ready for stitching BUT!!! Tis time to move back to frog cottage's 'My choo choo train quilt'

IM on my final block although its 20"plus long... and I still need to finish the numbers etc on the other blocks...sigh...but on the home stretch. I need to have the quilt finished by the end of next week to meet a photography deadline.Wish me luck!!!

Taylors First Day

2012-01-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well this day has come! Taylor is starting school, she is soo excited!!!!

Actually all the kids are excited, Mum is too shhhhhh

Wishing all the children starting school this week a great new school year, and to all the Mums happy sewing !!!!

Angel Story

2012-01-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

I promised a pic of my first An Angels Story block...the pic doesnt do the Ruby Fabric justice. I am enjoying the buttonhole applique on this quilt and loving the colours. I have prepared blocks for Feb and March and hope to complete the rest of them within the next week, that way I can pick up the block allocated for each month and just sew.

I finally started Block A of 'A Christmas Story' which IM doing with Khrissy this year. Khris has completed two blocks of the four in 'Block A'. Although Im a tad behind, IM up to date for now! I do need to get the DMC threads for the quilt, so will a good excuse to visit the Home Patch on Friday ...hehehehehe

Only a few more days till school starts!!! Am looking forward to getting the kids and myself back into a routine. I have a lot of projects and UFOs to complete but I love the new Sue Daley BOM 'This goes with That'. Quilt Fabric Delights have the BOM in three colourways...and being a Libran, Im still yet to decide which one I want to do...Im about to clean my sewing room...that might help me decide. What are you plans today?

Happy Stitching

Deb

Young Rocketeer

2012-01-23T05:29:00.001-08:00

What's that? Look!!! Up in the sky? Is it a bird?? A plane??? NOOOOO tis Maddis Amazing Water Rockets!!!

The kids have had a lot of fun playing with Maddis new rocket launcher. They spent the morning with DH painting water bottles and adding fins and tails, whilst I was off on a sewing date!!!!

Tis easy for the kids to load, DH uses an air compressor ( is quicker than the foot pump) to build up pressure in the bottles and gives the ok for the kids to pull the cord to launch their rockets high in the air.

The kids lined up patiently ( cough cough) and took turns setting the rockets off...thank you to my step dad for building the launcher!!! If you look close at the following pic, follow the water line and you can see the red rocket almost in line with the tip of the tree...

Over yonder at the end of the drive is the Chook Shed. Four little chickens have hatched since yesterday, two black and two cream. There is six or more eggs still waiting to hatch....Wonder how many we will find in the morning????....Tis late, its 12.50am here. I just finished stitching the applique on one of my angel blocks from Anni Downs "An Angels Story". Will post pics tomorrow, as my bed is calling me...

Happy Stitching
Deb :)

New addition

2012-01-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to show you our new addition to the family. A gorgeous Dalmation called "Kelly".

DH travelled to Wollongong to pick her up as her owners were unable to care for anymore. She is settling in nicely and even went for a drive to Grandmas yesterday.

Name Game

2012-01-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

I have signed up for Samelia's Mum "Name Game Swap" Its an international swap and is based on the idea of making a mini quilt for your swap partner, using their name / blog name in the quilt. The size is approximately 10” x 12” .

We each had to make a mosiac as inspiration for our partner. Took me ages to make mine. I kept to the frog cottage colours as I want the quilt to hang in my sewing room to compliment the frog cottage range. Although I am loving all the gorgeous modern colours that are around at the moment. Our mosiacs are posted on flickr.

Its a blind swap therefore our partners identity is hidden until we receive our mini quilts!! I have my partners name and have until end of February to complete it. This is going to be fun!!

Quiltscape quilting giveaway

2012-01-17T21:13:00.001-08:00

I won!!!!!! I was lucky enough to win a thread catcher kit from Quiltscapes quilting blog giveaway.... thank you to Deonn Stott for the lovely prize.
Check out Deonns blog.

Hmmm I took this pic off my phone... thinks its time to buy a new camera.. cest la vie

New design

2012-01-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

What a lovely Sunday this is today, overcast with a tease of light rain. We had homemade soup and bread rolls for lunch, definately not a mid summer menu!
DH has taken the kids for a 4wd drive along the river and given me an hour or so to catch up on some of my sewing.
This train is a new design for that special boy in your life...which I have a few **smiling**. I am madly trying to finish the needleturn blocks, so I can get it moving along. Love the reds and neutrals...

I have FINALLY prepared block one of An Angels Story to be sewn. I will buttonhole applique this quilt as I have lovely Cosmo threads to compliment the gorgeous Ruby fabric.

My camera still is a little sick,pics are still a little dark... maybe the fall at Christmas has taken its toll. I am nursing it back to health thou....fingers crossed...

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!!!

Angel Story

2012-01-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Ive been busy working on Anni Downs an Angels Story. I decided to do mine in the 'Ruby' fabric line and I am really happy with the results.. I cut out the whole quilt the other day and have now sewn all the borders to the angel blocks...

Next is to actually applique the first block. This year Khrissy and I are working on an Angels Story and Annis Downs Christmas quilt. Each month will have allocated blocks to work on so at the end of the year YAY we will have both quilts finished. By working on only one or two blocks a month, will help manage ALL the BOMs I have in progress...

I have my daughter and two grandsons visiting this week!!!! Excited!!! DH picked 8kgs of plums the other day and made this huge stack of plum jelly... tastes yum

My camera is still playing up and I cant transfer the rest of my sewing for you to see....but I will keep trying....and theres only two more weeks of school holidays, time is just flying!!!

Swap Updates

2012-01-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received my gorgeous hexagons from Alberta all the way from Georgia US. Thank you Alberta they will look lovely in my garden!!

Now that both my partners have received their pressies in the Christmas Swaps. Ill show you what I made.This is the parcel I sent to Andrea in the UK in the Chookyblues SSCS...

and this is what I sent Barbara in Texas...

I received my Chookyblue Secret Santa Christmas Swap parcel from Nancy in Philadelphia; a gorgeous bag, needlebook, drawstring bag filled with truffles, quilt notepad and a lovely chrissy card. I will use my new bag as my 'Monday Sewing' bag...its lovely and spacious and will fit in all my sewing and tools. I love my little hexagon needlebook too!!! Just love it!!! It fits in my 'needleturn box perfectly'...

A big thank you again to Nancy for her gorgeous pressies!!! You can check out Nancys blog to see whats happening in Philadelphia USA. Must show you again my Christmas decoration that Nancy sent that I was allowed to open before Christmas. My favourite shop hehehe....

I had a wonderful time participating in the Christmas swaps and as always my monthly hexagon swap.

Happy Stitching
Deb

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go. Its already the 4th of January. I havent been able to blog as I had a corrupt sd card in my camera grrr... but after days of being unable to blog any pics, DH suggests I just take the card out and put it back in and tar dar...it works... beware I have a few pics lol

Christmas this year was spent in Sydney at my DD house. It was hectic we took the caravan with us but we survived....Christmas Eve Santa and Mrs Claus walked the streets meeting children, taking pics and handing out candy canes. This year we waited almost 90 minutes for him to walk the circuit...Santa finally arrived around 9pm...this pic was taken early in the wait...of course my camera's battery died when santa arrived...sigh

The next morning the kids woke to a sea of presents. I love this pic of my grandson checking out his "thomas" lounge...

The kids had a great time on the gigantic jumping castle Uncle Paul bought over to occupy the kids... It had a basketball court and slide in it...Even I went down the slide lol

After lunch we always get a surprise visit from a true aussie blue santa lol

He arrived with his golden reindeer ( labrador) and summer santa suit ( short sleeves and no beard)....Even Nanna jumped on Santas lap to receive her Chrissy present...

We had a wonderful Christmas in Sydney with all my children and their families. We will have visitors for another week or so, then it will be back to my sewing deadlines. I did receive my SSCS chrissy present ...wooohooo loved it. Pics to follow.

Now that 2011 has gone, I would like to wish everyone and their families a wonderful 2012.

Happy Stitching

Deb

Harry Potter

2011-12-17T03:48:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my daughter took me out for my belated birthday pressie. We had yum cha in Chinatown, Sydney; then to the Powerhouse Museum for the Harry Potter Exhibition....

The only thing I was disappointed with was 'no photographs' rule. I took this one when we were lining up...it was huge!! It is a must see for all the die hard Harry Potters fans like myself and my daughter Taz. We made the mandrakes scream, sat in Hagrids chair, patted Buckbeak. We saw Dobey and Kreacher close up, the dementors, some lucky kids met the sorting hat who sorted them into the various houses of hogwarts. We hurried by the foggy station where the Hogwarts express was waiting to leave. We chose the audio tour and listened to the costume designer give her reasons for choosing the fabrics and colours for each character,or the producer and the reasoning why Scotland was first choice for Hogwarts. Even Mr Weasleys flying car was there ...

I had a great day and left the exhibition with a few of Bertie Botts Every Flavour beans, which made a good laugh. Flavours included rotten eggs, earthworm, boogers, earwax and vomit ( no vomits in our packet) ...we tasted them all and the rotten eggs flavoured beans made my daughter almost hurl lol.... There were some nice flavoured beans too blueberry, tutti frutti etc...I also picked up a chocolate frog with a wizard card...my wizard was dumbledore ... And a film cell; a bookmark too ....

Ahhhhh to spend the afternoon in the imagination of another, thank you JK Rowling.......

Chookyblues Secret Santa Christmas Swap

2011-12-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Its arrived!!!!! Last day before I go on holidays!!! Was sooo worried it wouldnt arrived before we left. What a wonderful surprise!!! You can tell Im excited. This was my first Christmas Swap and Ill definately be in it again next year. Here's my gorgeous christmas decoration I received. The picture doesnt show the intricate stitching. I would like to thank my secret partner for her beautiful work. Also with my pressies I also received a lovely drawstring bag with truffles.

I have to be very strong!!! As waiting has never been my forte. Ill show everyone what I received when I open the pressies and card christmas morning!!! Check out Chookyblues site for pics of all the decorations received so far and the final presents from the swap after chrissy. I will post mine Christmas Day on my blog, so I can thank my wonderful swap partner!!!!

Merry Christmas
Deb xo

Im soo lucky...

2011-12-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

In the last three issues of "Creating Country Threads" Ive made the front cover!! Tis an exciting experience to see your projects in a major magazine.

This issue is my folk art bag 'Bye Bye Birdie'. I have a few others drafted in the pile of things to completed.... I have a few more projects scheduled for the magazine next year as well yay!

My main priority is to complete the new patterns for release late Jan/ early Feb. With only one toddler at home in the day time, my focus will be on trying to get to the Darling Harbour Quilt Fair in June...fingers crossed!!!

Make it Perfect

2011-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

Dont you just love Toni Cowards kids patterns. I was the lucky winner of her two latest patterns...Soo excited...cant wait to make the sunhats for the kids....thank you Toni for the giveaway!!!!

Here is a book I just had to buy " Bag Making Bible". I have seen it on a few blogs and must admit theres is always room for improvement when making bags. Tis a must have for bag making, gives lots of technical info.. I bought it from the 'Book Depository'. I love this site as there is NO POSTAGE COSTS. I have found heaps of quilting books at really good prices.

Ive also given you all a peek at what Ive been working on this last week. Christmas sewing will resume as soon as I finish the first block of a new design for Frog Cottage to be released January ... love the colours..choo choo!!!!!!

back to sewing
Deb :)

Celebrate the Season

2011-12-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year!!! Time to 'Celebrate the Season' and I AM!!!!

This quilt has been in the works for almost two years....very sad!!!...so as soon as I pieced it together this morning, my DS helped me take some pics. Now its just needs its inner and outer borders (after lunch) and thirteen random placed stars... I am even thinking of sending this quilt off to the quilters to be basted and quilted to ENSURE its finished for Christmas...

A lot of my close friends will be cheering on this one. Especially Shelley who did all the buttonhole stitching to help it move along....We agreed to share the quilt. One year it will hang in her house and my house the alternate year.. Better get back to it ...wish me luck!!!! I can almost cross another quilt of my UFOs...

Back to my addiction

2011-11-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

Yay finally back to my hexagons...ohh how I have missed you!!!!I am on my last row...but may add more as I would love a big quilt, shall see how it looks when the last row is on

Heres the last row, section two almost finished...have to do some housework today but when the cherubs go down for their afternoon sleep...watch out fingers its sewing time!!!

Cant wait for this quilt to be finished, as I have a huge pile of reproduction fabrics waiting for another paper pieced quilt. Khrissy and I will be attending Kerry Swains 'Girls Day Out' in Nundle, March 2012. Guest tutor is Sue Daley!!!! EXCITED!!!! Might have to wait till then to start a new quilt.......hmmmm.......

A little planting

2011-11-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

We have finally planted the vegie garden. Its a large garden and now we are ready for late summer/autumn. We planted corn, tomatoes, eggplant, lettuce, beans, capsicum, cucumber, herbs and zuccs...

We already have spinach, rhubarb, carrots, chinese veg and berries growing.

Lots of additional hands helped but this little one said 'she needed a rest'. Next year she will be off to big school with her big brother ... Shes excited!!!!

On the way home from sewing yesterday I NEEDED to go to the 'Home Patch' to pick up Block 4 of In My Garden BOM and since my kit for the Noelle Table Topper wasnt ready I found this kit instead to keep me busy ( add to my work in progress pile lol).

We have already been on a tractor ride this morning. Im about to make the little ones some lunch then its onto my hexagon addiction today... Poor hexagons have been neglected the last few months.

Happy Stitching
Deb

More hexagons received

2011-11-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

I love receiving my hexagons once a month. This month I received my hexis from the lovely Jane who organises the Inchy Hexagon Swap. Check out the lovely 1930s charms squares too ...spoilt!!

I have received eight hexagons soo far and will start a garden for them soon. Not sure if I will set them with a white background or sew them together like the vignette hexagon quilt...decisions!!! My hexagons this month are headed to Oklaholma USA. Hope my partner likes them. She wanted fussy cuts and stripes...

Now I have completed all my Chrissy swaps and quilts for grandsons, I will now concentrate on some UFOs. Today I will prepare my Chook Shed Christmas Cards quilt. I will organise the blocks, wadding and backing so I can piece and baste the quilt tomorrow at my weekly sewing day ..Yay!! The yay is that cause I love my sewing days and the that I will be able to cross this quilt of my to do list. It has been waiting for a year or two to be complete ....ahhh the life of a quilter!!!

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Take a peek...

2011-11-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Since I have been busy sewing my little heart out on Chrissy Swaps, I thought I would show you some lovely pics of my two grandsons...Joshua 2 is the proud owner of the Noahs Ark Quilt I finished in Aug this year and Lachlan loves his Anni Downs " A boys story" cot quilt.

Lachlan is 4 months old in a few days! The time has flown. Im a lucky Nanna as I will be spending Christmas with them this year...sooo excited!!!

Aww Lachlan is smiling as he knows his mummy is about to ring Nanna on Skype...Must admit Skype has made the distance easier with these gorgeous boys... I keep telling their mummy she should move to the country.....

Im working on the last item of my second chrissy swap today...then I will start a new project yayayay...an overdue one for frog cottage designs...designing with my grandsons in mind.

Happy Stitching this weekend :)

New BOM

2011-11-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

I picked up my new BOM from the 'the Home Patch'. I used my birthday voucher to purchase the first three months... I only started needleturn a few weeks again and I love it!!! I didnt at first but now I have the hang of it...

I think I need a new camera!!! I took a pic of the BOM outside and this inside pic was much clearer...still doesnt do the colours justice.... Im going to be very strong and not start this BOM till next year....ok, maybe after the Secret Santa Swap...even if I prepare the blocks...thats not naughty is it?????

Deb :)

Heres a sneak peek

2011-11-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

I posted off my new grandson Williams quilt so heres a sneak peek until it arrives at its destination, hopefully Monday afternoon....I surprised myself, this quilt was finished before the baby arrived!!!! AND only took me just over a week to complete...another FIRST!!!

Im busy working on my SSCS to post off tomorrow...again no pics....SECRET lol

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Busy Busy Busy

2011-11-17T00:12:00.000-08:00

Ive been busy the last few days trying to finish my robot quilt for the new grandson. I finished the quilting, binding AND the label so technically IM FINISHED!!!!

We have had a fair bit of rain today so I will take a pic of the completed quilt in the morning. It will be in the morning post on its way to the Central Coast where my hubby is awaiting grandson no 4....hopefully born by the weekend.

I have also been madly making stocking stuffers and finishing off my christmas swaps due to be posted in the next few days... I love this phone pouch, I bought a fabric pack at the home patch. The pattern is in Annis 'In the life of a bag' book. Ok I may have bought a few fabric packs... but hey 'tis christmas time'

There will be no sewing tonight as I need to finish an assignment. I only have 4 more to do over the next 3 months and Ive finished!!! Yay!!! Im enrolled in 'Professional Childrens Writing' course with Cengage Education. For me its been easy as I can read my PDF textbooks on my E Reader (which I carry everywhere) and upload assignments all from my sewing room :)

Time to take off the sewing hat and put on the writing hat...

Happy Stitching

Deb

Another Front Cover Yay

2011-11-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

Two months in a row my designs have made the front cover of Creating Country Threads. this month its my Raggy Pin Keeper.

One of my first raggy dolly designs .... check out page 44 !

This week I also received two lovely hexagons in the Inchy Hexagon Swap from Maggie who lives in Indiana US. Maggie included a lovely fat quarter and a beautiful photo taken from her kitchen window...so jealous!!!

I also received my Cookies and Cream Scissor Keeper Swap pressie from Kat in the US...Ladybirds are the rage in the US at the moment... Thanks Kat for the lovely pressie...I love the ladybird charm on my new scissors.....Dont you just love swaps!!!!!

As for my sewing progress, I finished the nine appliqued robot blocks for my "born any day now" grandson last night...I will post pics in a few days when Ive done the sashing and borders. I also sneaked a few more needle punch chrissy decorations today, loving this new addiction. I have completed 15 more hexagons, 5 more to go to add another row to my vingette hexagon quilt... Ive decided I need more time to stitch...if you have any please send it my way...hehehe

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Chookyblue's bloggers lunch in Bathurst

2011-11-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

Wow what a wonderful day yesterday!!!! Khrissy and I attended a needle punch class with Anni Downs at the Home Patch store, in Bathurst.

I think we have found a new addiction (I stole this pic from Kates blog...Im sure I will get an email lol). We made some gorgeous designs, getting ready for Christmas!! AND of course we had to buy all the tools to keep us going....Anni also gave me a quick lesson on needleturn applique, thank you. I am loving this method!!!

Not long after the session started, our lunch dates arrived for a shopping spree in the store, there was a lot of show and tell and giggles. Poor Margaret was run off her feet. Then it was time for lunch with Kate , Chookyblue, Anita, Sandy, Alison (no blog) and Khrissy at Crepes Royale. Check out these ladies blogs, they are a great read!!

We had a fabulous afternoon talking, laughing, eating and drinking. Was soo lovely to meet everyone .....thank you Chooky for organising a fabulous afternoon...... bring on the next one !!!!!!

Have to show you .....

2011-11-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

I have the final pics of the Cookies n Cream Scissor Keeper Swap... I had two partners and the same items were miles apart in colour...

this one was for Sandy who LOVES bright colours.....

and this one is more traditional for Kat in Oklahoma US.....Enjoy Ladies!!!!

I have a new grandson due later this month YAY. So Im making another Anni Downs 'A boys story' cot quilt. I have decided to make the 'robot' block in nine different colourways....Here are the blocks so far....Im averaging a block a day so hopefully I will finish the quilt by next weekend.

On Friday I went to Hatched and Patched to spend my Birthday Gift Voucher and signed up for another BOM ( it paid for 4 months YAY). I have decided to keep a Work in progress log, to keep me on track. This is what I have soo far...

Vignette Hexagon quilt - Leanne Bealsey

I am lagging behind on my 'Vignette' hexagon quilt and have only sewn 7 flowers in the last month. Only two more rows to go thou :) Two rows = 40 flowers lol

I blame both my grandsons 'Lachlan' born Aug and 'unnamed' due end of this month :)

Pies and Tarts- Sue Daley

My pies and tarts are up to date, only two more months to go. Need to applique the pies to the backgrounds thou, hmmm have about 80 + to do there :)

Love Letters FQ shop

Received the first block this week. This should be an easy BOM to keep up to date as its all machine piecing.

In my Garden- Anni Downs

Signed up for this BOM this week with my birthday gift voucher. Will be able to pick up the first three blocks next week!! Love the needleturn applique...

French General Wives FQ shop- starts Jan 12

Gypsy Garden- Sue Daley

Receiving monthly but on hold till 'Girls Day Out' Weekend at Nundle, March 12.

Frog Cottage - New Designs

Have two kids and one general quilt in the design stages. Will post a few pics in the coming weeks :)

Wow, when its all in print, there is a lot to do...I hope you kids are listening !!! lol. Im hanging for next year when I will only have one out of five at home in the day time!!! Psst thats my reasoning for the new BOM sign ups lol.

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Front Page

2011-10-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Excited!!! I made the front cover of this months Creating Country Threads. Teacup Teddies is on page 54.

I drafted this pattern whilst on the phone to my mum on one of our LONG phone calls...shhhhh dont tell her *smile*

Everyone loves a teddy bear!!! Today Im posting off my "Scissor Keeper" swap pressie to the US. Keep an eye out for the postman Kat..I love swaps, Im making some lovely stitching friends all over the world.

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

cookies and cream scissor keeper swap

2011-10-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Ohh its been busy here! Ive been to Sydney and back visiting my daughter and her cherubs. Holly and myself have had birthdays, Ive sent two more hexagons to the UK this time, but forgot to take a piccy!!!.
When I returned home from Sydney, there was a nice surprise waiting for me. Sandy from Cookies and Cream had posted my 'scissor keeper' from her the Cookies and Cream Scissor Keeper Swap. I received a gorgeous needlecase and pin cushion/scissor keeper ( colours didnt show up too well, sorry). I also got a card wishing me Happy Birthday ** a nice surprise**. I have two partners in this swap, so hoping to post mine on Thursday!!

Holly, Miss 3, asked for a Coraline doll for her birthday!! She loves the movie Coraline and watches it every second day ** insert eye rolling here**... I thought I would try and buy something close to the doll, before I decided to make one. I was happily surprised to find 'Monster High' dolls. I decided on the frankenstein doll, as she had fabric button eyes and light blue/black hair. Coraline has button eyes and dark blue hair so I was close. Holly loved her Coraline dolly !!!! Happy Birthday Miss 3.

Frog Cottage Designs News: The Love to Sew needlebook pattern and kit are now available for sale on the website. The pattern is $14.50 and the kit, available in red or blue is $35. All prices include postage.

Happy Stitching
Deb :)

Spring Swap

2011-10-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

In September I participated in Clares Craftroom Spring Swap. Unfortunately Aust Post took over 2.5 weeks to post my parcel from South Coast NSW to Melbourne **insert eye rolling here**. Yay Sarah's bag finally arrived ** big grin**!!!!. We both enjoyed the swap immensely and we each made a new sewing friend.

Sarah runs a busy handmade business. Her gorgeous handmade kids clothes can be found on her facebook page or her made it store. You wont be disappointed!!

This month I am busily making scissor keepers for my Oct swap with cookies n cream craft. Heres a sneek peek of the fabrics Im using...two fabrics, two items.

Will post the completed items after my partners have received their keepers. I am madly making kits for the new 'Love to Sew' needlebook pattern released this month. You can find the pattern and kits here. Kits available in red or blue.

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

My sad hexagons :(

2011-09-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

I have had this pic ready to post for ages...now I am back to my addictions ( hexis and pies n tarts) I thought I would share this pic.This is what happens when you leave your hexagons unattended so please keep them locked up!!!

I couldnt find my craft 'lap' table and did a thorough search of the house. Nothing! So I decided to search outside in the moonlight, and I found the centre hexis all over the cubby house floor and these poor hexis floating in the dog bowl. My little piglets only said mummy sewing was OUTSIDE! Thank goodness I still have fresh petals and centres rearing to go...

My other addiction I should show, is my pies and tarts BOM. I am currently making Month six pies. I am as yet to sew them onto their background squares. I promise its on the to do list !!! I think I have over 120 made so far.

I was happy to be part of the 'Spring Swap' with Clares Craftroom http://clarescraftroom.blogspot.com

SPOILER ALERT...Sarah T Handmade please do not look any further or it will spoil your surprise!!!!!!!!!!!! A cute spring handbag with one of my raggy angels!!

We are still away on holidays in gorgeous Bulli NSW. The family is having a wonderful time even when the weather hasnt been so 'spring like'.

This is the beautiful view we see each morning. I guess its hard to imagine going back home in a few days....

Happy Stitching
Deb :)

September Hexagons are on their way

2011-09-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

My September hexagons will be on their way this morning, as well as my spring swap with Clares Craftroom ( will post pics in a few days). Im wide awake at 1.30am...so I thought a good time to catch up on my blog! My hexagons this month are on their way to Alberta in Georgia USA. I hope she enjoys them.You can check out all the wonderful hexagons on the blog. http://inchyhexagonswap.blogspot.com

I have also finished my new grandson Lachlans new quilt. Im eagerly awaiting a visit this week from my daughter so I can give it to her. This also means I can get back to my vignette hexagon quilt which has been on hold this past month, yay!!!

We are currently on holidays in Bulli NSW which is only an hour away from her to travel. We had two days of rain and scattered sun but yesterday was gorgeous!! The kids were all beached out fell asleep at 8pm, even the big ones. Its time for another coffee....
Happy Stitching
Deb :)

'Love to Sew' needlecase

2011-09-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have a new pattern to be released mid October. The 'love to sew' needlecase. Kits will be available in blue or red!. The release will be timed with the next issue of 'Creating Country Threads' where my pattern 'teacup teddies' will be featured as a project.

If you would like to reserve a kit or pattern, please dont hesitate to contact me, admin@frogcottagedesigns.com.

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Clares Craftroom Spring Swap!

2011-09-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the materials I will be using in http://clarescraftroom.blogspot.com "Spring Swap". The idea is to make something lovely and Springy for your partner. It would ideally fit into a A5 envelope. Im about to cut this lovely material and spend the afternoon getting started on my partners spring gift.
Check out Clares blog or facebook page
I will blog the completed item once my partner has received it....am excited!!! Hope she loves it!!!

Happy Stitching
Deb :)

Applique finished!!

2011-09-10T03:24:00.000-07:00

I have now finished the applique blocks for Lachlan's quilt ( grandson).

I will cut out the sashing tomorrow and hopefully have the quilt sewn together, ready to quilt next week...

Once its finished, I have a few swaps and my hexagon addiction to get back too!!

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Raggy Doll Kits

2011-09-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Raggy doll kits are now here. There are five available Miss Bella Rose, Miss Emily, Miss Rosie, Miss Yvette and Raggy pin keeper (not pictured).

Check out our website for all the great specials this month.www.frogcottagedesigns.com

A beautiful Spring day!!!

2011-09-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

Tis the third day of spring and that means time to get the vegie garden mulched and ready for planting.

and some played with animals and watched others work hehehehhe

This is my gorgeous little one, who had fun with all my flower pots!!! We finished the mulching added a few borders and had a productive day....

My "A Boys Story" cot quilt is almost done, I have finished 8 out of the 9 blocks. Hopefully will finish the last applique block tonight and complete the quilt top Monday. Then back to my Vignette Hexagon quilt...and the Pies n Tarts quilt...and ... and...

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

Cookies and Cream Keep Swap 2011

2011-09-01T01:22:00.000-07:00

Spring is here yay!! Sandy from Cookies and Cream is having a "Keeper Swap", Ive already signed up and have a design in mind to make. Take a look at Sandy's blog for all the details.

Sign-Ups begin now and close Monday, the 12th of September, and are open worldwide.
Happy Stitching
Deb :)

.

Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap

2011-08-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ive completed my first flowers for my partner in the Inchy Hexagon Swap. I have also included two co ordinated fat quarters and a post card. Hope you enjoy Rosalie!!!
Happy Stitching
Deb

Prints Charming

2011-08-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

I attended a Print Charming Screen Printing course on Thursday at their Marrickville studio. What a day!!! Inspiration!!! I have another addiction to add to my ever growing list. I loved how easy and quickly you can draw, stencil and print. I decided less was more with my pattern, some ladies did up to 5 colours.
On the way home I stopped at my daughters place and found a screen printing kit on ebay. Tar dar, by the time I drove the 3 hours home, I had won the kit. Yay!!!! My head is swirling with ideas to produce panels to make into gorgeous quilts!!!

Now Im back home again after spending two weeks with my new grandson Lachlan, his brother Joshua, my daughter Amanda and her gorgeous hubby Carl, Im ready to get into designing and finishing off some new patterns for the frog cottage range. Before I left I joined the "Inchy Hexagon Swap". I have cut out my hexi fabric with my new 'Go Baby' ( saves soo much time) and will finish two hexis this weekend, and send to my swap partner overseas.
You can follow the inchy swap here http://inchyhexagonswap.blogspot.com/2011/08/july-hexies-have-arrived.html

Happy Stitching
Deb :)

Its finished!!!!!

2011-08-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

At last Ive finally finished my grandson Joshua's Noahs Ark Quilt...

its been quite a while, but I can now tick this project off and start on my week old grandson Lachlan's quilt. Its the cot quilt in Anni Downs "Its a Boys Story' book.

Im in Sydney for a week before I go home. So Im sure I will have it finished !!!! Fingers crossed!!! I should get it done as IM not doing any Hexagons, nor my Pies and Tarts...... but the smiles on my grandsons faces ( and my daughters) will be worth the week or so away from my "Hexi addiction".

Happy Stitching

Deb :)

My addiction

2011-07-26T03:06:00.000-07:00

Im addicted!!! What can I say. I have now added 4 rows together of my Vignette Hexagon quilt. Its looking gorgeous and the picture doesnt do the colours justice. I am "hexing" most nights now and have pushed all other projects on the back burner.
There are only a few days left for the 'frog cottage designs winter special'. Grab a cuppa and check out our website www.frogcottagedesigns.com

Happy Stitching
Deb

Making Spaces Marketplace

2011-07-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Frog Cottage Designs will be at Making Spaces Marketplace, Greenway Plaza Parramatta for the next month.....very excited to be a part of this new venture!!

For all the details head to their website

http://makingspacesmarketplace.blogspot.com

A great week away

2011-07-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

We have enjoyed a wonderful week away with a group of foster mums in Bulli.

this was the view from our cabin.

and this was our view each morning....
We also had some gorgeous visitors come and say good morning

We didnt get much sewing done. Only a few hexagons for my Vignette Hexagon quilt..will post an update soon..

"Maddi and Michelle loved feeding the parrots"

With only a few days left of the holidays..Im itching to get sewing again. I have a few projects to finalise for publication in "Creating Country Threads" later this year. Sooo exciting!!!!!

Also, excited as my second grandchild is due in less than 3 weeks yayay...I have to baste, quilt and bind 'Joshua's Noahs Ark' and make a cot quilt for the new bub in Reds and Creams from the French General range...time is ticking....

Check out the Frog Cottage Designs website, for the latest specials

www.frogcottagedesigns.com

Happy Stitching

Deb

Join our new frog cottage pattern club and receive 5% discount

2011-07-06T02:56:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time at the Darling Harbour Craft and Quilt show. Bought lots of goodies :) ...
Our new Monthly Pattern Club has started. Sign up and receive 5% discount on your next pattern purchase. For more details go to www.frogcottagedesigns.com

I have also decided to take wholesale orders for my pattern range. If you have a store and is interested in stocking frog cottage as part of your pattern range, please contact me.

Tis school holidays again and Im busy busy busy. I have helped a few friends cut out new quilts and machine quilted some completed quilt tops too. I am working on new designs to launch mid August to correspond with a full page ad in Aust Patchwork and Stitching Magazine. But for now, its time to pack as we are taking the kids to Bulli for a week. Im planning on starting and finishing a new cot quilt for my next grandchild due Aug 2nd....I think I will adapt Natalie Bird's All creatures great and small animal stitchings into a cot quilt...still debating.....
Frog Cottage will also be taking part in 'Making Spaces Marketplace' for the month of July. To see more information on this fabulous initiative for handmade marketers head to makingspacesmarketplace.blogspot.com
Enjoy the holidays and Happy Stitching
Deb :)

vignette hexagons quilt

2011-06-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

I have been a little distracted this week...as you can see from the state of my cutting table that Im a little addicted to the Vignette Hexagon quilt. I am using Moda's Strawberry Lemonade Jelly rolls. I have had the jelly rolls for at least 18 months waiting for the right project and here it is....The colours are a lot brighter than the photo. I also managed to find an additional two jelly rolls. I have to be strong and start on some new patterns for the frog cottage range. I have a 'quilt as you go' cot quilt drafted, a cute bag for the little girls in your life and a few quick and easy christmas ideas.
Happy Stitching
Deb

Winter special

2011-06-15T04:22:00.000-07:00

Brr the weather is perfect for patchwork and quilting. Take advantage of our winter special, buy two patterns and receive the third pattern free... check out the full range of patterns www.frogcottagedesigns.com.
Happy Stitching
Deb

A new start

2011-06-15T03:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog. I will update you on all the news from frog cottage designs as well as whats happening in my 'quilt' world too..
Grab a cuppa and take a look at my website www.frogcottagedesigns.com
Happy Stitching
Deb