tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post6294203857753686753..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: The Christmas Challenge. Week 2.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-1831295803471925542016-01-24T17:44:05.040-08:002016-01-24T17:44:05.040-08:00DearAnnabel and all here, well somehow I missed th...DearAnnabel and all here, well somehow I missed this entry ,just found it while looking back on craft ideas.I just love everything here your photos lovely labels made for you , materials , ideas , everyone's input , just lovely!<br />I have just sorted my yarns into same ply and here's where I get stuck, as Im not that crafty ,as in I have had sporadic periods of making things and then big gaps.<br />Annabel ,you encouraged me to pick up crocheting again,and as you know I have tried making a few things over the last 3 years .A thick rug for hubbys flat.Lots of beanies/hats ,and a few small items of clothing for my little grand daughter. I seem to come stuck matching my yarns to patterns, perhaps that is the perfectionist coming out in me.Also I try to do too much at once and go around in circles , I need a lot of encouragement to focus so I will be keeping up with all everyone writes in and make a plan to start one thing this week. <br />Wonderful crafty ladies here, thank you, with love, Maria xxx Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-28079108408899037502016-01-14T16:06:58.519-08:002016-01-14T16:06:58.519-08:00Dear Ginger, I really love your "keep warm in...Dear Ginger, I really love your "keep warm in winter" baskets. This has my mind going overtime as it is such a lovely thought and I think ooh a warm rug, hot chocolate mix, warm socks and a heat pack etc... I could do that!<br />Thank you!<br />Also I would just love to see the doll house banner. And flour sack towels! I hope you will consider sharing how these look at the end of the month! <br />With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9876466695190631172016-01-14T07:27:07.530-08:002016-01-14T07:27:07.530-08:00Wow so many great ideas my head is starting to sca...Wow so many great ideas my head is starting to scatter LoL... I must just keep reading for now till I share all my ideasAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06447133944172668925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-42348338339057238802016-01-14T07:12:29.264-08:002016-01-14T07:12:29.264-08:00Annabel(and everyone else)
All the ideas mentioned...Annabel(and everyone else)<br />All the ideas mentioned here are great. I have mostly been working on Valentine gifts but did some toward Christmas. For Valentine's I made a simple but very cute banner with reproduction vintage cards, tulle, and miniature clothespins. Then I cut all the pictures out from the back of the package, that most people would throw away, and made a tiny banner for the dollhouse. My daughter and I also made cards. <br />I bought beautiful wintery jar candles for 50% off and smaller candles in mercury jars tied with silver snowflake charms also 50% off. The candles will be used in "Stay Warm" type gift baskets. I have some cotton scraps and burlap pulled aside to make banners. I've been handsewing catnip bags for my cat and her cat friends. And I have some recipes printed for special dog treats that I will make closer to Christmas. (Yes, all our pets and their friends get presents.) I have flour sack towels that I am hand embroidering that will be used in kitchen type gift baskets. I plan to work on cards this weekend. And dear Annabel my daughter and I so love glitter!<br />GingerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-40980441380841373102016-01-14T07:09:12.371-08:002016-01-14T07:09:12.371-08:00Thanks for that tip if I can make soap with out he...Thanks for that tip if I can make soap with out heating that would be great considering the lovely little hands that go wondering around my house lolAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06447133944172668925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-83377385786699714332016-01-14T03:05:44.099-08:002016-01-14T03:05:44.099-08:00I haven't worked out all my gift giving yet, b...I haven't worked out all my gift giving yet, but I am definitely making 2(possibly 3) travel bags to include a documents folder, bag tag and eyeshade. I may include a makeup /toiletries purse but that will depend on any leftover fabric. I have a number of lengths of curtaining that will be perfect for the travel bag and I'm pretty sure I'll get at least a couple of matching accessories.<br /><br />I still have some handtowels leftover from this year that weren't embellished, so I'll also get to them.<br /><br />I've already made a couple of gifts (one has already been given). I have a pattern for a tiny bag to carry computer paraphernalia or manicure kit etc. I've made 2 and as a friend had been having a bad time, I gave her one - she was thrilled, and said it had cheered her so much. <br /><br />I found some knitting cotton during my tidy up and I know a friend would really love a crochet vest, so that's something else to consider.<br /><br />There are so many ideas here already (and it's only week2). Janinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13540554274755499923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-54570493486236061862016-01-14T02:59:32.925-08:002016-01-14T02:59:32.925-08:00Dear Teri,
I thought you would like the pink roses...Dear Teri,<br />I thought you would like the pink roses linen maybe!<br />I think I am making the hankies with a hand rolled hem on single thickness. I will see how I go I am up to cutting out. I will post once I am happy with them.<br />I love heart shapes! Thanks for this idea as I had discounted anything metal and yet if lined with plastic it will be fine! I hadnt thought of that!<br />I think aprons, hankies and gift bags are all gorgeous ideas. And sheeting good for all of them too!<br />I am glad you have supplies. I wish I was near by and we could sew together Teri. With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52190573237683207102016-01-14T02:24:31.015-08:002016-01-14T02:24:31.015-08:00Dear Fiona,
You have had great success with he soa...Dear Fiona,<br />You have had great success with he soap making and I know its good as I have tried it! That is a great testimony about calming itchy skin and means you always know what to make as a gift too.<br />Love your op shop find! I love days like that when great bargains turn up, just something perfect.<br />When I was mentioning crafting for charity I didn't even think of your animal pouches. I am on a website where people knit or crochet little nests for birds and bats and all sorts of things. this is my plan for some random scraps I have to use up. I thought really birds nests are my destiny! <br />Thanks for your kind words! Here I am replying to you Thursday night and I've got to get on to fridays post! I think I am lagging a bit! <br />With love and hoping oeuvre had a good week! Love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-79508554130041557942016-01-14T02:18:30.293-08:002016-01-14T02:18:30.293-08:00Dear Lynette, Thank you for your helpful suggestio...Dear Lynette, Thank you for your helpful suggestions and always willing to help everyone! <br />You are right, we can keep making and someone will benefit. A womens refuge is a good place to help. Mum makes a lot of premie baby hats and clothes. There are endless places that need help. We will never be bored!<br />Stay in the cool and pace yourself. We have had really hot weather although today is great and very mild. But it is overwhelming and makes me feel quite sick if I am out in the heat too long, usually a headache. Thats time for some quite sewing indoors. <br />Many thanks Lynette, With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-38765159727152796102016-01-14T02:14:40.015-08:002016-01-14T02:14:40.015-08:00Karen... mosaic hey... that sounds very interestin...Karen... mosaic hey... that sounds very interesting. A while ago I saw a mosaic bird house that I just loved! Pinterest would be a help here if you need any ideas. Lovely garden pots, planters come to my mind...<br />You have great supplies! I will have some yarn ideas next week! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-25267044208892135362016-01-14T02:12:47.584-08:002016-01-14T02:12:47.584-08:00Dear Wendy,
The towels are lovely and it makes sen...Dear Wendy,<br />The towels are lovely and it makes sense too towels and soaps go tougher nicely. I like your plans for the year and you are well ahead. I can see you selling quite a bit. I know you sold some soaps last year. Packaged and looking pretty they are very saleable! <br />Thank you! I also am almost ready for soap making, have been collecting everything! Wish me luck! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-56590131281090228112016-01-14T02:08:45.674-08:002016-01-14T02:08:45.674-08:00Dear Teresa,
Pastel printed flannel sounds lovely....Dear Teresa,<br />Pastel printed flannel sounds lovely. Flannel is nice for heat packs, hand warmers and soft quilts. Maybe pot holders too. Heat packs are a lovely gift, you might have to do patchwork ones with four squares on each side! Otherwise I am thinking maybe a charity patchwork rug for a child or an older person as a gift like that.<br />I totally agree it would be lovely to have meet and swaps! And a lot of talking I think too! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-50612102739224398502016-01-13T23:25:16.094-08:002016-01-13T23:25:16.094-08:00Teresa is there a local women's refuge or simi...Teresa is there a local women's refuge or similar that you could make the baby quilts for and donate them? <br /><br />Lynette<br />XXXXXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-29373669996860392842016-01-13T22:55:13.730-08:002016-01-13T22:55:13.730-08:00Dear Annabel, I love all your linens! You are se...Dear Annabel, I love all your linens! You are set to make many lovely gifts! :)<br /><br />I have some sheets that need to be used. I will make a couple aprons but I'm thinking of making some hankies also. Do you just sew two pieces of material for each hankie? Or line the pieces first, then sew together?<br /><br />Also, another idea for soap molds: I have some old, old metal jello molds(different shapes) and small bread pans. I used them for making soap a few years back. Just line each pan with some plastic wrap so it hangs over the edge a little. When the soap is dry, remove the plastic wrap and the soap comes right out! They are so cute especially the heart shaped ones.<br /><br />I've yet to make my list but sewing aprons, hankies and gift bags are at the top! Have a wonderful rest of the week! <br /><br />Love, TeriTeri Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-88862467732330217732016-01-13T22:02:53.620-08:002016-01-13T22:02:53.620-08:00Annabel, I just love reading your posts, I really ...Annabel, I just love reading your posts, I really do.<br />Yesterday my partner took me into our little town to go to the bank and IGA. I said let's go to the op shop, see if it's open since the Christmas break, and it was. I purchased a BRAND NEW pink gorgeous sleeping suit for the new granddaughter coming soon. It is one of those thick padded suit at the top, tapering off to a sleeping bag at the bottom, with a big long zip to slip the baby into. I'm sure you know it. I just snaffled it, then had a look on eBay for the brand it is and they are selling 40-60 dollars and she said give me two dollars for it. I also purchased a nice basket and some fabric pieces to make more animal pouches when I"m back on deck, all in all it came to 9.00, i was so happy gave her $10 and said keep the change. I got such a good deal. I had to go to a doctor review this morning and we stopped at aldi on the way, they have 4 packs of glue sticks for $1.99, it is purple glue stick too, so you can see where you have glued and it dries invisible, so could be a good item for all the card makers here to go get some, same in Woolies was 4.99. Because i can't do much yet, i'm just quietly gathering and tidying, my craft room looks pristine. <br />Glad to hear you will be back into soap making, I decided that I would never buy soap again when i first started making it about 8 or so years ago. My skin is great too, as is everyone else who uses it. My partners step mum has tried every single soap known to man and my soap is the only one that has cured her itchy breakout skin.<br />Can't wait for Friday's post.<br />Fi xxFionanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-14509235871050810292016-01-13T22:02:49.433-08:002016-01-13T22:02:49.433-08:00Dear Cath,
Two dollars sounds like a big bargain t...Dear Cath,<br />Two dollars sounds like a big bargain to me! I am looking at everything as potential soap moulds at the moment!<br />The Christmas soaps sound lovely. The longer they harden the better so in theory you could make them soon! <br />I hope your year is off to a good start. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-4738655060266614732016-01-13T21:46:36.694-08:002016-01-13T21:46:36.694-08:00Annabel I have a few gift ideas on my list that wi...Annabel I have a few gift ideas on my list that will use up some of my stash of op shop sheets etc.<br /><br />One thing I spotted on pinterest was a tartan stocking with a fur cuff, went to Spotlight the other week and the price of fur is crazy so I am going to put my thinking cap on while I do some ladies Christmas Stockings.<br /><br />Another thing I want to make is the little tissue pack holders - there are times when you are out and tissues do come in handy especially when you are out.<br /><br />Our weather is hot and humid so perfect for planning and making notes, pulling apart doona covers and the list goes on.<br /><br />Loving the ideas that everyone is coming up with, I know that once I start I will be wanting to keep making so I am sure that a women's refuge or place that deals with young mum's will no doubt enjoy the fruit of my labors.<br /><br />Have a great week - I am still recovering from my day out in the heat yesterday - did manage to get just about everything for the new bathroom in the rental which was what I was aiming for.<br /><br />Lynette<br />XXXXXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-44428021894353773152016-01-13T21:24:49.728-08:002016-01-13T21:24:49.728-08:00Annabel those gift tags are just gorgeous :) I ha...Annabel those gift tags are just gorgeous :) I have so much mosaic (stuff) its not funny, i also have lots of wool and calico, paper ( tissue and crepe) Im sorting my craft room out at the moment and packing things away that i wont need for a while so that i can unpack other things that have been put away before lol Way to many options :) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-22005893536997253972016-01-13T20:08:09.015-08:002016-01-13T20:08:09.015-08:00Annabel, I just love all your beautiful linens. ...Annabel, I just love all your beautiful linens. They'll make great presents for sure.<br /><br />I'm still going through all my card making supplies. I've tidied them up a little. I think I'll make some card making packs to give as presents. I have the Big Shot embossing machine so I can use that to make lovely papers to include in the packs.<br /><br />I've almost finished making the hand towels. So far I've decorated 40 in total. I think I have another 16 - 20 to go but I'll save that for another time.<br /><br />I did buy some white tea towels a couple of years ago. I'll use some of my scrap material to decorate them too.<br /><br />I have lots of beads and safety pins so I'll be making more Christmas angels to either give as presents or to sell.<br /><br />I bought some corded material last year to make heat packs. Darren came home with lots of free rice so I'll use some of that too.<br /><br />Pot holders or oven mitts are on the list for this year. I bought the special heat resistant material last year.<br /><br />I'll be making more rose, maple leaf and oblong bars of soaps to go with the hand towels.<br /><br />Thankyou for your post Annabel. I was really looking forward to seeing it. xoxoWendy Gowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01079131126381265901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9873889737162233342016-01-13T19:57:17.975-08:002016-01-13T19:57:17.975-08:00Now I'm busting to know your Christmassy soap ...Now I'm busting to know your Christmassy soap recipe Cath. Sounds divine. !!!Wendy Gowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01079131126381265901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-61889513821042035712016-01-13T19:45:21.630-08:002016-01-13T19:45:21.630-08:00The soap I make doesn't need heating up. It...The soap I make doesn't need heating up. It's very simple. Infact, the recipe came from Phil at House of Simple blog.<br />Wendy Gowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01079131126381265901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63718623463849588702016-01-13T19:36:46.394-08:002016-01-13T19:36:46.394-08:00Joy, op shops are great for finding moulds really ...Joy, op shops are great for finding moulds really cheap.Wendy Gowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01079131126381265901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-75056912405319625362016-01-13T19:17:40.073-08:002016-01-13T19:17:40.073-08:00What lovely ideas! I have an abundance of 4 inch ...What lovely ideas! I have an abundance of 4 inch by 4 inch squares of pastel printed flannel, which I cut up in years past to use for baby quilts. Well, there are no babies needing gifts in my family: I have mostly teens and adults to whom I give gifts. Any ideas on how to put these scraps to good use??<br /><br />Wish a bunch of us could get together (I'm in the USA, wave hello to many of you across the ocean), we could swap some of our raw materials! <br />Teresanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-23999752654029303842016-01-13T17:08:09.043-08:002016-01-13T17:08:09.043-08:00Dear Patsy, I am happy you have supplies. I should...Dear Patsy, I am happy you have supplies. I should have added lovely aprons in my list of things to do with fabric supplies. Aprons are a great gift. For children as well as adults.<br />We can use down to the last scrap too... and re using linens... I know you have been doing that isn't it wonderful? This can mean supplies are very inexpensive too. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76089973022869547502016-01-13T17:04:34.168-08:002016-01-13T17:04:34.168-08:00Dear Leigh, while you are in full renovation mode ...Dear Leigh, while you are in full renovation mode you might be too busy for crafts but be able to plan! Either way it is very productive!<br />I love the sound of the little lambs with bows around their necks! How gorgeous!<br />I am so glad you have supplies you can put to good use. Truly you will have a lot of fun. My mind has been spinning with what to do with mine. And Im cutting out some fabric today! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com