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, 23 January 2018

Our present making Challenge. Show and Tell for January, 2018.

We are heading toward the end of our first month of working towards re filling our present cupboards.  I think a lot of us are off to a good start!

First we have Jane.  Jane, I think you are capable of anything!  She regularly sews, bakes, crochets... but she decided to try embroidery...


This design is from Jenny at Elefantz.  You can find this on the right under favourite blogs.  She has many free designs to download.   This is so lovely!

Jane also finished a baby rug...


A very good start to the year!

I wanted to show a gift from Bridge. She made me a photo album with bluebirds on the front...


I love it!  

Mary made her husband a shirt...


Beautiful sewing Mary and it is good to include some mens gifts as I think they are harder!

Also Mary and her husband re covered the headboard on their bed...


Just beautiful Mary!

Phyllis sent me a lot of wonderful photos and some good stories!  She can make anything!  

She made her Grand daughter doll clothes. 


She made a second identical set so her Grand daughters best friends doll could be dressed the same!  😍



These are so cute, the dressing gown linen matches the pyjamas! 

A baby quilt...


Phyllis says she goes with the "more is more" way of thinking! This is so cute.

Janine made pillowcases.  These are a great gift. Patsy and I have also been making pillowcases and I am building up a supply.  


Janine has shown an idea for a boys pillowcase as well which is great.   Beautiful work!

Marilyn trimmed towels for gifts...


This is a very versatile idea as you can do any colour scheme, theme, or any size towel, face washer, hand towel etc.

She also made the most adorable doorstops...


This is a great idea for small amounts of material.  I love them!


They are like little door guardians and she puts a note with them that they have to be given a name.  So she keeps hearing back the names people have given them!  

This will do for this week and we will do more show and tell next week!  If you would like to share what you have been making just email me at brinkzi21@hotmail.com  I love to see what you are making and if we share our ideas it is really helpful. 
I always end up with ideas and some inspiration!   I think my next direction is making things for Harper's dolls as she is very keen on dolls and has a baby pram...  she would love little sheets, pillows and blankets etc.  I have small bits of material and odds and ends of pretty trims so I am set! 

I hope your week is going well!   I have been picking peaches!  Last night I got a huge basketful and then could hardly carry it home!   
What are you working on just now?  During the day I get a little bit of sewing done. In the evening I work on a cotton baby rug.  (while watching the Australian Open)  It all adds up! xxx














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38 comments:

  1. Cheryl Kimbley23 January 2018 at 15:10

    Everything is so lovely. There sure is a lot of very talented women represented!

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    1. Anonymous24 January 2018 at 19:18

      Hi Cheryl,
      Just wanted to let you know I have been following along on your blog. I just can not leave a comment unless it is under Anonymous.My Google account is broken.
      Blessings,
      Patti from San Diego

      Delete
  2. Anonymous23 January 2018 at 17:22

    Love it !! What cute ideas! Well done ladies ! Would love the pattern for the door stops too where did you find the pattern for those Marilyn.? I did the towels for for this last Christmas they were a hit! Super post. .. Thank you Annabel for sharing ...Gaila in the NW

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  3. Fiona.23 January 2018 at 17:57

    Beautiful items there Annabel. Lots of crafty people. I’ve made a lovely Best Friends for Life, Husband and Wife bathmat for my son and his wife to match the bathroom in their new home as well as just married foxes on a moped with bride fox throwing the bouquet. And I’ve made them a dozen new tea towels using my new overlocker I picked up yesterday. I did a nylon rolled hem, it’s very neat and super quick. I’ve also done some bibs with baby names embroidered as gifts for friends babies and made six large bunny rugs, you guessed it, with rolled edges. So feeling very happy and productive. This is also a grain free week for us. We did the first full week in January and are in the middle of another week. Jury is out so far, I think I feel better but my other half is not sure.

    Have a great week everyone and Annabel. Fi xx

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  4. gardenpat23 January 2018 at 18:05

    Wow, just wow!!! What a wonderful variety of gifts!! What clever bluebirds!!!

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  5. Cozy Thyme Cottage23 January 2018 at 18:18

    Everyone is so talented and ambitious! Cute owl idea for doorstops. Nancy

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  6. Anonymous23 January 2018 at 18:21

    I love everything, but those little owl door stops are just too adorable! The idea of a note asking for a name is precious. I read an article once that stated that everyone who owns a Roomba (robot vacuum) has named it. I always called mine by name, but I thought it was only me! I guess naming things is just appealing to people.

    I also think I'm going to start making doll blankets. It won't take any time to crochet a doll sized blanket. Keep up the good work, ladies.

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    Replies
    1. Mary24 January 2018 at 15:16

      Amy, we named ours "Effy", like a French maid ;)

      Delete
  7. Anonymous23 January 2018 at 18:30

    Dear Annabel,
    Wow, such lovely things! Well done, Jane, on the embroidery! I especially love the baby quilt Phyllis made, too. Everyone has done so well, I am amazed at all the variety we get with each show and tell.
    My latest project is a nightgown. I like the pattern but I made it a size too big, oops! I altered it to where it will work and it is still very pretty, but next time I'll know. I'm glad I decided to trace an extra copy of the pattern before I cut it out.
    I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! I didn't get a chance to comment, Annabel, but I love the post about the handmaidens. Each morning I think, I better get my handmaidens working!
    Love, Kelsey

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  8. Holley23 January 2018 at 19:40

    Everything is just beautiful!!!! I made four decorative kitchen towels today to give to my girls and my best friend for Valentine's day!

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  9. Lana24 January 2018 at 06:57

    Great work everyone!

    Yesterday we canned fresh pineapple and it is so beautiful in the jars that I am thinking they can be little gifts throughout the year. It was also very easy.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous24 January 2018 at 19:27

      Lana
      How do you can fresh pineapple? They are on sale all the time here.
      Blessings,
      Patti from San Diego

      Delete
    2. Lana25 January 2018 at 06:01

      Sterilize pint jars, 3 per pineapple. Cut the pineapple in chunks and fill your jars. Cover with water or a very light syrup. Water bath process for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the jars in the water with the lid off for 10 minutes to prevent siphoning. Remove and allow to cool. I did a very light syrup and the fruit is delicious.

      Delete
    3. Lana25 January 2018 at 06:08

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. Precious People Preschool26 January 2018 at 20:59

      Lana,
      Thank You so much! :) I will be doing that this week end.
      Blessings,
      Patti

      Delete
  10. Joy24 January 2018 at 07:02

    Great ideas here. I'm wondering what is used as weight for the doorstops? I am continually crocheting dishcloths (they always work great teamed up with dishtowels) as we also watch the Australian Open! I was thinking of you Annabel--wondering if you were watching also.

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    1. Annabel24 January 2018 at 15:30

      Dear Joy, I know Marilyn used kitty litter as the weight. It works as a filler plus is heavy. Yes I have been watching the open every night! I was sad Raffa went out! Happy Roger is in! South Koreans must be very excited too! Loving it! I miss a bit to go peach picking then rush back... Love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  11. Little Penpen24 January 2018 at 11:56

    Such pretty things! I'm very impressed with the one making the man's shirt! And those doll clothes... they are the sweetest. That's something I want to do for my granddaughters before they grow up!

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  12. Mary24 January 2018 at 15:35

    So many lovely pieces of art and ability...I love Jane's embroidery of Jenny's pattern. And the baby blanket is just gorgeous! Your beautiful birds photo album that Bridge made is like jewelry, Annabel. LEt's see, who's next? Phyllis's granddaughter's doll clothes are so darned cute and you know they will be oohed and aahed over. Her baby quilt makes me really want to try and make one. I saw the adorable ballerina pillowcases you made for Harper, Annabel, and love them! Janine's are so cute -- I image the recipient will feel extra special getting their own made-for-them pillowcase. Marilyn could sell her doorstops on etsy. I love that people tell her what they've named theirs ;). Hope I didn't leave anybody out, cuz they are all inspirational. Thank you for all the work you do, Annabel, to give us such good inspiration. xx

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  13. Jane24 January 2018 at 16:09

    I love how Phyllis has made a set of dolly clothes for her Grandie and a second set for the Grandie's BF. How wonderful! Our little boofhead of a Granddaughter would rather be outside making mud and mess. Maybe she will settle down, but I dont think so.
    Marilyn I have those owl door stops on a pinterest page. On the one I looked at they were filled with rice to be used as bed warmers. Naming them is a wonderful idea.
    Mary I can never get the stripes or checks to match up like you have. The shirt is wonderful. The bedhead is a pretty bit of colour.
    Janine I trimmed up a couple of towels last week as well. Must have been the week for it.
    Bridge I think you know our Annabel very well with the gift you sent her.
    I have taken notes of ideas in my little book and will be getting that gift cupboard up and running in no time at all. I do want to add a couple of things for the new baby. I still have time.
    Have a wonderful crafty week everyone.
    Bluey update - He is getting better but lucky to be alive. No the virus wasnt going to kill him but with me it was a close call. So that tells you he is much better.
    Life is good.

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  14. Susan24 January 2018 at 17:23

    I am still curious about men's gifts that you gave this past Christmas that were purchased as a bundle
    and you divided. You could not show them at the time for fear for revealing them. Could you share now?

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    1. Annabel24 January 2018 at 21:09

      Dear Susan, I hope I have a photo and if I do Ill put it up next craft post of my own things. I had seven gifts. Aldi had a special buy of German quality kitchen knives but they were larger knives for various jobs including a meat clever, carving knife etc. They were really good and great price but in terrible plastic packaging. I got them and removed this packing and re packed them then presented them in heavy brown paper gift bags with black ribbon. It looked stylish! And so I had most of my mens gifts done at once. It was great. I have always liked getting something in bulk then divining up to make many gifts so I always look to do that... this one was really that the deal was good but the presentation needed work. I will be looking for something similar this year as Aldi has a lot of things kind of like this! Thanks for reminding me! With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  15. Anonymous24 January 2018 at 19:11

    Such lovelies! So many talented blue birds.
    Blessing,
    Patti from San Diego

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous24 January 2018 at 20:36

    Hello lovely ladies
    Such wonderful projects you have all created. So truly talented ladies among the group. Not alot of craft happening at my end. We start back homeschooling Monday. So been busy getting things ready for the year.
    Blessings Tanya xxx

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    Replies
    1. Annabel25 January 2018 at 15:45

      Dear Tanya,
      You would be very busy with the job of homeschooling. You do so much and through the holidays and pre Christmas you made so many wonderful gifts! I am sure as the year goes on there will be times you can again too. I am on a mission to find you some camo fabric! With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  17. Anonymous24 January 2018 at 22:06

    Hi Annabel,
    I love seeing the talents of everyone here. If I'm going to give a gift I have made it is always baking or a desert. I don't have alot of gifts to buy during the year. We no longer give each other Christmas presents as we were struggling with what to get each other. Also we have no small children in the family. We focus more on each others birthday. When I do purchase a gift it is often a foodie voucher such as for the cheese shop, movie vouchers, bunnings etc.

    Mandy(NZ)

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    1. Annabel25 January 2018 at 15:47

      Dear Mandy,
      Baking is a great gift. I have found one of the biggest successes I have ever had is baking someone a birthday cake. At any age too! So appreciated! Food gifts are wonderful. With love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  18. Marilyn Bennett25 January 2018 at 01:29

    I have been having trouble answering questions about my owls, this is a trial to see if my pc is working properly.

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  19. Marilyn Bennett25 January 2018 at 02:39

    Hi everyone, I have been leaving comments on Annabelle's page for ages and could not understand why I could not see them in the comments section. It seems that my I pad is the problem and I need to sort it out. My son to the rescue. Our main PC seems happy to cooperate so here goes.
    Thank you for the comments made about the little owls I am producing like they are going out of fashion. Amy asked where I got the pattern from and I bought it online from BeBe Bold Japanese Fabrics. There are actually 6 in the owl family and I have been making the largest, to use as a door stop.
    Just a couple of little tips.
    I sew a line of machine stitching across the top of the head, to accentuate the ears.
    I sew a little button on the end of the beak and it is best to do this before you stuff your owl.
    I 2/3 stuff the owl then pop in a ziplock bag of kitty litter (for weight) then finish the stuffing, making sure there is stuffing all around and under the ziplock bag until you can't feel it from the outside.
    The gathering up of the fabric at the base requires VERY strong thread, I have been using some shoe menders thread I found in my late Mum's sewing kit. It is at least 80 years old but is still very strong. I always knew it would come in handy one day.
    I cut out a circle of felt and hem this onto the bottom of the owl, covering and making neat the gathering.
    If you cut carefully, you can get 3 owls out of 2 fat quarters, but of course these are a fantastic to use up scraps. It is a good idea to use a "busy" pattern for the front and a 'quiet' pattern for the back, as this makes the colour of the beak stand out.
    These little owls make great gifts.
    The directions that come with the pattern are self explanatory.
    Love to you all xx

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    Replies
    1. Annabel25 January 2018 at 15:43

      Dear Marilyn, Thank you for persisting! Thank you for your help on how the owls are made. I think the little sized ones would be super cute pin cushions. And maybe rice filled small ones would be good as toys.
      Thank you for all your help Marilyn. You have shared great ideas and this is so appreciated, with love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  20. Anonymous25 January 2018 at 06:12

    Thank you, Annabelle and Bluebirds! I am so grateful that I found this lovely place. Everyone is so encouraging and positive. It reminds me of the sewing or quilting circles that I heard about from older relatives.
    Blessings to all,
    Phyllis

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    Replies
    1. Annabel25 January 2018 at 15:38

      Dear Phyllis, I am so glad to have you here! Thank you so much for all the beautiful photos and stories as well. You can turn your hand to anything! With much love Annabel.xxx

      Delete
  21. DiinAus25 January 2018 at 15:14

    Great work Bluebird's, I'm inspired. I'm moving soon to a larger house .its my goal to give my sewing hand maiden a easily assessable home and then start sewing a few min/day/week.haven't used a sewing machine since I left school so trying to overcome my fear:)

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    1. Annabel25 January 2018 at 15:37

      Truly a few minutes a day and you will become confident and overcome your worries! Soon you will be sewing up a storm! xxx

      Delete
  22. Annabel25 January 2018 at 15:48

    Thank you so much for all the kind and encouraging comments to our show and tell posters! We have so much more coming next week! xxx

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  23. Anonymous25 January 2018 at 18:56

    Your readers continue to amaze me with the quality of their crafts. I would like to suggest that if someone uses a particular pattern (like the white baby blanket shown on your post) that the info be included so others can make it as well. I realize that so many are able to just put together their own creative gifts but I need something to follow. Diane

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  24. Kathy T.27 January 2018 at 11:41

    The little owls and decorated towels are so so cute! I'm going to have to search for directions. Thank you Annabel for posting these lovely ideas from your readers!

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  25. Rhonda28 January 2018 at 13:47

    What sweet and just gorgeous handwork. I’m a fan of clothes on a line, I’ll go look at Jenny’s Blog.

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