The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

The Christmas Challenge, Show and Tell for October part 2.

You wouldn't think there could be so much more than last week but there is! Thank you to everyone for your emails and photos!

Firstly we have Joanne R. She has made pillowcases and this has immediately convinced me to make some myself from the vintage sheets I have saved up. This could be good for in the hot weather that we will no doubt have pretty soon.  I love these! What beautiful gifts. (and lovely colours)


Joanne also worked crochet edge on kitchen towels...


Your photos are beautiful Joanne thank you!

Debbie completed an amazing rug. It says "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." which I find you cannot think without singing the words! 


This is for someone who loves that song as it was sung to them as a child.  What an epic project Debbie it is wonderful!

Rosanne was crocheting. She made this rug as a gift. The pattern just amazes me and I would love to learn this!  I have a lot to learn yet!


Patsy has been practicing both crochet edgings and grub roses!  Well, she has them mastered! Take a look over at her blog post on A Working Pantry. I am s proud of you Patsy! Considering all the things you have taught me I am so glad I could help you with something!

Leigh made gorgeous earrings and a pendant using little shells. I think these are beautiful.. 


Melissa K made Christmas cards... reminding me I better get going on some too! These are stunning...


Rachel is stitching the Song of Moses from Deuteronomy. She will know this by heart after this! Beautiful stitching Rachel.


Jane achieved many things. This is amazing...


A lot of us could use this idea on an old cushion or chair!
She also made a bonnet for her Grand daughter and bunting for her room. And this Angel which went to hospital with Bluey! I hope this reminded him of all the prayers that were going up for him and the angels watching over him...


Jen in NC knitted socks...


And made mittens for her daughter. Look at the detail in these!  Month by month I can see Jen's present cupboard is full of lovely things!


Stunning work as usual Jen!
She also made Roseship Syrup from the British WW2 Ministry of Food Brochure called Hedgerow Harvest. This is full of vitamin C. Jen I would love to hear how you made this! 

Thank you all so much!  I am terrified I have forgotten someone... I am feeling rather disorganised. If I have it is not intentional.  All the beautiful work that you do is amazing. 

As we have been talking about alternative incomes we have a lot of examples of skills here that are both money savers and also potential earners. If we think about it we may well have skills we don't even use that we could revive. I think we need a change sometimes too but it is worth thinking about what are you really good at and yet haven't used that skill for a while? 

Today I am off to see Hilde, shop at Aldi and go to several op shops. Also go to a wonderful fruit and veg shop on the way.  I am hoping for a good day and great finds!  This will also keep me from watching the election coverage and having potential heart failure!

Cookies husband is home and all is well! 
Patti asked for prayers for her brother Billy. Patti if you are reading this is a message to you from Cookie. She says many states have a programme run by DAV (Disabled American Veterans) where they will pick up and take veterans to medical appointment and bring them home again. She thought she would mention it in case this could help. Thank you Cookie! xxx
Patti I have been praying for Billy. xxx







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42 comments:

  1. Jennilee8 November 2016 at 15:16

    Such talent and wonderful gifts! I know the recipients will love everything :)

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  2. patsi @ a working pantry8 November 2016 at 15:55

    Annabel, these projects take my breath away, they are so beautiful. I have planned to stitch up some pillowcases and add an edging, these pictures make me want to drop everything and do them now. I too have some thrift store sheets that would make up into some beautiful pillow cases. So much beautiful inspiration! Also, thank you for the mention, my work is not near as beautiful as everyone else's but I am going to keep learning and doing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:31

      Dear Patsy, I love sewing and crochet with cotton in the summer months. I have a fair few vintage floral sheets right for this! So pretty!
      Your roses are beautiful! I love what you have made! There is a lot of happiness in learning something new and "getting it".... now I wonder what next! Well done! Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  3. Leigh8 November 2016 at 17:31

    Once again everyone has done such beautiful work. I'm always impressed by you ladies who do needle crafts. I knit soooooooooo sloooooooowly and often get frustrated, so to see your magnificent blankets/rugs/throws and those snuggly-looking socks is marvelous! Thank you, Annabel, for showcasing everyone's talents.
    Blessings, Leigh

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    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:32

      Dear Leigh, Thank you! Thank you for contributing too and I love you idea! Many thanks! Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  4. Tania8 November 2016 at 18:00

    Dear Annabel,

    I thought it was about time I caught up with what has been happening in your world. I have missed out on so much by the looks!

    Such beautiful things pictured in this post. So many talented people!

    Joanne R's pillowcases are adorable! I too have many vintage sheets (probably too many). I have been wondering what I would make with them. I thought pretty aprons, but those pillow cases are also a great idea. I probably have enough to make both.

    Also the beautiful crochet work from Debbie, Rosanne and Patsy. I can see I have a lot to learn if I want to get making items like these ladies have done. Simply gorgeous.

    The Christmas cards made by Melissa look fantastic! A good reminder to get moving on mine.

    Rachel's stitchery is a great idea and looks lovely. Something else to keep in mind for gift giving.

    Jane's chair looks so nice with a new cover. I have an office chair that needs a revamp.

    Jen's mittens and socks look toasty warm. I love the work done on the mittens. I admire anyone that can knit that type of pattern.

    I have to admit that I haven't been very good at making things for the gift cupboard. It appears that my life is filled with too many other things that distract me. I am having a declutter in the hope that I can free up more time (in blog post today). Our son is looking at moving out soon so I will have no excuses then.

    I must away now and catch up on your other inspiring posts.

    Thank you for all you do.

    Lots of love and God Bless,
    Tania xxxx



    ReplyDelete
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    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:34

      Dear Tania, Thank you for commenting on everyones work! I can see you have achieved a lot at your place and have been very busy! That is awesome!
      Thanks so much for commenting. I hope your week is going well. With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  5. Anonymous8 November 2016 at 18:35

    Everyone has made beautiful items ! I love them all! So much patience and perseverance Im in awe :-) well done ladies.
    Good to hear Cookie's husband is home! and sending all the best for Patti's Billy x love Maria

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    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:35

      Dear Maria, Thank you! There are so many ideas here. It is really lovely to see! And we have had good news all round with husbands returned home and good recoveries! Much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  6. Precious People Preschool8 November 2016 at 22:00

    Ladies the work is beautiful as always! Such talented women.
    I am in Aww of all the lovelies.It has been so fun seeing all the wonderful gifts. Thank you for the prayers for Billy and
    The info on (DAV) I will check into that.It would be very helpful.Thank you for your kindness. I wish I had an update to share. His phone has just had a busy signal for the last couple of days. He is learning to use his phone. It is new to him. Cookie that is such great news about your husband. I will continue to pray for him.
    Much love,
    Patti

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous9 November 2016 at 03:06

      Hi Patti,
      Just to let you know that the DAV in our state offers this as a free service to all wounded/disabled veterans. They are a wonderful group to work with. I'm praying that there is a chapter nearby Billy that could assist him. He need not be a member to qualify. Thank you for your continued prayers for my husband. Blessings. Cookie

      Delete
    2. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:38

      Dear Patti, I hope you hear from your brother and he is doing better. Also that Cookies information will prove to be very helpful and I hope that veterans will now get looked after much better as that was in the new Presidents speech right away. That would be wonderful! That would be an answer to prayer!
      Lots of love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    3. Precious People Preschool9 November 2016 at 22:28

      Thank you so much Annabel.Yes I am hopeful :) I am so grateful for the prayers for Billy! I am sure God is moving in his life. His phone still seems to be out
      of order. I hope it is working soon and believing for a good report from him.
      Much love,
      Patti

      Delete
  7. Jane8 November 2016 at 22:15

    Hi Annabel and Annabel's mob, aka Bluebirders,
    What an amazing talented bunch we all are. I am going to have to find the pattern for the 'You are my sunshine' rug. I sing that to little Miss Tilly Bear every time we speak on the phone. She giggles her little head off.
    The chair recover photo I sent in, was actually done my DIL, Tilly's Mumma. I had made the bunting years ago for my sons first Wedding, It seems it was something he got from the divorce. Clever DIL decided she could do something with it and pulled it apart and sewed it together again to make the chair cover. Her Gran had gifted her the chair when Tilly was born. The rest of the bunting has been cut up and remade into a rail cover for the cot. I am very proud of this young lady as she only started sewing about two years ago.
    We had a quick trip to Nambour and back again today(600km). This was a surgical followup for Bluey. He was feeling that he wasn't getting better and that he would end up in hospital again. He felt this was going to happen and packed a bag. Well I'm happy to say that the Drs told him he looked great for someone who had had the major op that he'd had. He is just going to have to let time be his healer.
    I feel richer for seeing all the talented work produced. We all are looking for ways to live a beautiful life with less. Some of my family(siblings) wonder why I make when I can buy. I point out that what I can make costs about the same or less, and the product is of amazing quality. One day they might appreciate what I make for them. Until then Myers always has the best, or so I'm told.
    Thank you to all for your sharing and Annabel for hosting this challenge.Life is good. (It's also very, very hot. A cool change would be very nice)

    Patti your brother will be in my prayers. My son is a current serving member of the Australian Air force and has served overseas on the front line twice. Support services for these wonderful people needs to be a given. Thank him for his service for me please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:42

      Dear Jane,
      I am amazed by that chair cover and its more amazing knowing how it was made!
      I don't shop in Myers. I always fall over by the price and not necessarily great quality either! I would rather hand made any day!
      I am glad Bluey was reassured.... truly I think he is doing really well. I have had surgery and nothing so major as him and it took a long time to get back to normal.... ( like a year!) so he is doing great!
      I agree about support services for people who serve should be an absolute given! It can't be easy when you have a son serving overseas Jane! My hat off to your family! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Precious People Preschool9 November 2016 at 23:04

      Dear Jane thank you so much for for your prayers. Thank you son for his service and I will be praying for him.I used to sing "You are my sunshine to my
      daughter when she was a tiny girl and have such wonderful memories of that sweet little song. I am glad that Bluey is getting better day by day. I will continue to pray for him.
      Much love Patti

      Delete
  8. Anonymous8 November 2016 at 22:17

    Everything is just lovely! I really love seeing what everyone is making each week! keep up the good work ladies!
    Cookie so glad all is well!
    Prayers for Patti!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 13:43

      Dear Vicky, Thank you for commenting on everyones work! I hope your week is going we'll, what a big week! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Precious People Preschool9 November 2016 at 22:32

      Thank you Vicky for the prayers.
      Much love,
      Patti

      Delete
  9. Mimi8 November 2016 at 22:43

    Okay. Mind officially blown. My goodness! The talent in these projects is astounding! From Joannes pillowcases and crochet edgings, to Debbies knitting (crochet??)...oh my goodness Debbie...to Rosannes crochet, Patsys Grub Roses, Leighs' jewellery, Melissas cards, Rachels glorious embroidery, Janes chair (!!!), and Jens stunning mittens. What fantabulous inspiration for us all, and a lesson in what we can achieve with perseverance and practice! Thankyou for this glorious feast for the eyes everyone! Mimi xxx

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    1. Annabel10 November 2016 at 02:58

      Dear Mimi,
      Thank you so much, on behalf of everyone. It is a joy to see! Its impressive how everyone has busy lives and they still get all this done as well!
      I hope your week has been good! The next show and tell I think will be big as we get so close to Christmas! Much love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  10. Anonymous9 November 2016 at 04:10

    Did you see all that, Annabel?!!!!

    It's stunningly beautiful!

    Joanne, sometimes we've got to see something to really get the idea! I love your pillowcases, and I get the lovely idea! They're sweet, and just the thing to go with sweet dreams! It's a great picture, too!! I am also admiring your crochet edgings, as our summer (& my crochet lessons) draw closer!

    Debbie, I repeat - "stunningly beautiful!" The bright, pretty colours; the words; the associated memories; the warmth; and the delicate edging are all wonderful. I'd like to know what kind of knots/stitches you've used for the writing and decoration.

    Rosanne, your crochet throw is incredible in its design, and beautifully stylish! What a gift!! Phew!!

    Patsy, I still love your crochet edgings! I'll be peeking at your grub roses! Now I'll really have to watch that I don't call you Annabel!! I know you won't mind!!

    Leigh, I just love looking at those cute little pieces of jewellery!! They are really sweet!

    Melissa K, your work sure is stylish! I think you have a good eye for piecing things together!

    Jane, that chair cover made by your daughter in law is really good - colourful, practical, comfortable and homely! I was also admiring the crochet mat beneath the chair. What I have learnt, you might tell Bluey, is that there are droopy eye days along the way. I hope that, after that hiccup, Bluey finds himself more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!! I thought of you both when I made the last pie. Your barbecue cooking sounds soooo lovely - lamb roast, zucchini slice AND banana cake! I take it that Bluey is not yet up to the 'scorching the cooking pot' stage'!!!!!!!!!!

    Jen, I don't think I'll ever tire of hand-knitted socks! I still love your socks! I think, too, that your daughter will have the prettiest mittens in the whole wide world!

    This Show has been 'home beautiful'!

    Thank you, all contributing Bluebirders from Annabel's Mob!! (That's just so much fun to write!)

    You've excelled yourself, Annabel!

    With very warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. Annabel10 November 2016 at 02:56

      Dear Rachel, Thank you! And thank you for commenting on everyones work!
      I hope you've been having a wonderful week! I have lots to report and it has been great so far! Thanks so much! Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10 November 2016 at 03:12

      Dear Rachel,
      I was hoping at some time you would share your embroidered "Song of Moses", and now you have. You're stitching is beautiful. I can just picture it hanging in your home in the glow of the oil lamps. Blessings. Cookie

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10 November 2016 at 03:59

      Oh Cookie, the stitching is not there yet! Only the first section is done - work in progress! I don't stitch to impress. It is simply the story of a people that was always meant to be passed down through the generations. I have found that it is better known in the US than Australia!
      I love writing with you!!
      Rachel

      Delete
  11. Anonymous9 November 2016 at 05:51

    What a wonderful display of goodies! I looove those pillowcases...the fabric is divine! And for some reason, I've been a little scared to sew a pillowcase...dunno why. I need to get to it! Love the blanket with the lyrics and the beautiful lacy one. The jewelry is very unique, and I love the idea of Bluey having that angel to watch over him while in hospital! So glad to hear Cookie's husband is home, and best wishes to Patti's brother.

    Annabel, the instructions for the rosehip syrup can be found online with the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/food/recipe93.shtml It's actually really tasty, and an interesting "medicine" to have on the shelf!


    xx Jen in NS

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    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 18:58

      Dear Jen, I love special pillowcases. I had a special one when I was little then made special ones for the girls. They loved them! Now I find adults love them too and they are ok to post size wise also!
      I loved Blueys angel too!
      Thank you so much for the link! I am going to check that out. I love the idea of harvesting vitamin C! Thanks so much!
      I hope you are having a good week! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Precious People Preschool9 November 2016 at 22:40

      Thank You Jenn :) I am hoping for good news soon.
      Love Patti

      Delete
  12. Jen9 November 2016 at 09:26

    What a beautiful post! So many absolutely stunning items. Congratulations everyone, in my own view these items are priceless. Imagine receiving a gift that has taken so much time and love to make, I'm sure they will all be treasured.

    Sorry Annabel, I haven't commented for ages (or sent any pictures!)
    We have been very busy, I will be able to share some good news with you very soon I hope. Throughout this busy time I have been knitting and crocheting, I find it so nice to be able to pick something up at the end of the day and relax.

    A couple of weeks ago I gave my friend who is expecting her first baby a crocheted blanket and hat. The reaction from our friends made me realise that handcrafts are truly appreciated and often admired. I tried to explain that I just 'taught myself' using youtube, but still my friends are certain they could not do the same. These show and tell posts are proof that when you try something and practice it you can make beautiful items!

    Thanks for sharing everyone
    Jen in NZ

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    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 19:00

      Dear Jen,
      I am looking forward to hearing what your good news is!
      After a busy day something peaceful to do in the evenings is lovely. This is mostly my craft time too.
      I love that your friend appreciated her gift so much! Obviously it is very special to her. This is how I felt when people made me things when I had babies! And I kept most of it until now! (which goes to show...)
      Thank you for commenting even though you are so busy! Please update me on you news asap! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  13. Debbie Lever9 November 2016 at 11:08

    Hi Annabel, I'm loving everyone's Christmas projects and Those pillowcases are beautiful and they would be lovely with crocheting along the edge. Rosanne's rug is lovely and those socks make me want to knit more socks for myself, they last forever. Christmas is getting closer and looks like everyone is prepared. Debbie xx

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    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 19:41

      Dear Debbie, Thank you so much for your contribution! Your rug is just amazing! You really have a fabulous skill and gift with your crochet! I hope your week is going well! Thanks Debbie, Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  14. Glenda9 November 2016 at 11:41

    Everyone is so talented on this blog. What beautiful creations!!
    Praising God for answered prayer for Bluey and Cookie's husband. I will add Pattie's brother, Billie, to my prayers daily. So much prayer needed and so grateful for this community of prayer warriors. He is faithful and answers.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 19:42

      Dear Glenda, Thank you! Also thanks for your prayers once again for Patti's brother.
      You are right! Maybe we should be called "The Crafty Prayer Warriors" or CPW for short! I love that! Thank you Glenda! Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
    2. Precious People Preschool9 November 2016 at 22:53

      Dear Glenda,
      Thank you for adding Billy to your prayer list. It is such a blessing to have so many Prayer Warriors and get to be part of a amazing group "The Crafty Prayer Warriors" I like it :) God is so good and so faithful.
      Love Patti

      Delete
    3. Glenda10 November 2016 at 04:29

      What a wonderful title for our group, Annabel. "The Crafty Prayer Warriors;" it fits perfectly.
      It is a true blessing to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies, who care so much for each other. May God bless all of you immensely.
      Love and hugs,
      Glenda

      Delete
  15. Leslie McKinley9 November 2016 at 13:48

    Lovely! What beautiful work. Thanks for sharing everyone.
    Will add Billie to our prayer list, Pattie.
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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    Replies
    1. Annabel10 November 2016 at 02:54

      Thanks so much Leslie! xxx

      Delete
    2. Precious People Preschool11 November 2016 at 14:32

      Thank you Leslie! hope to have a good report soon.
      His phone still seems out of order.
      Love Patti

      Delete
  16. Anonymous9 November 2016 at 16:35

    Dear Annabel,

    Another beautiful and inspiring array of talents and gifts for show and tell. Each item is so unique and made with such care and love.
    I'm looking forward to the next show and tell.Blessings. Cookie



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel9 November 2016 at 19:44

      Dear Cookie,
      Thank you so much! Yes next month should be interesting as we are really getting close to Christmas! Then we will be wrapping!
      I hope things are going well now that you are both home. One day at a time... With lots of love Annabel.xxx

      Delete

I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

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