1500 visitors giveaway!

Visitors from an amazing 57 countries as well! I'm just astounded by that, as I wouldn't call myself a very regular blogger, and I really only offer up to the world what I make for myself and others, bee's and swaps. So, it really does deserve a giveaway, and well, tis the season!

Here's what you can win:



A gift for you, your children, or another special friend this Christmas?

It's my own softie pattern which I named, Huggle. I designed them with the youngest of children in mind, nothing sharp and nothing small that with come off! They are made to be hugged hard and dragged around. You'll be able to chose for a girl or boy or opt for my choice if your unsure, and I will make it especially for you. I'll also include a 5" charm pack made from my stash, plus some other little gifts I'll choose to tie in with the Huggle I'm sending. This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere.

Okay, to win, easy peasy! Leave me a comment about who you'd give the Huggle to...... yep that's it! If you'd like an extra entry, become a follower! The giveaway will close next Sunday midnight Australian eastern time.

Thank you for visiting!
Cheerio for now,
x Mandy

my list of WIP quilt shame....

I do not have a quilt in my home that I have finished!! There, it's out!

True, my ORBC big pinwheels quilt just requires binding, and I will finish that before my Mum arrives, so it can go on her bed while she's here. But the rest on the list over on the right, are ALL uncompleted!!

So, this is what I've decided to do to remedy it. The 1st 6 months of next year I am going to concentrate on getting them finished. I WILL not be starting a new top until from Jan 1 throught to July 1 2011, oh, except for Dee's ORBC quilt-along, I can't miss a quilt-along by a flickr mate. Plus, it was originally going to start this year. BUT, that's the only one. I cannot truly call myself a quilter, until I have done more quilting!! I want to quilt them, I want quilts I have made scattered throughout my home...

Join me if you'd like, I know I'm not the only one with quilt tops hanging around, I'm just the one with the most!!!

Some photo's of the quilts in waiting....











Cheerio for now,
x Mandy

What! More fabric!!!

Parcel #1:

My first Kona Cotton Solid fabric purchases, that arn't Grey! I narrowed my choices by matching some of the colours to Denyse Schmidt's elusive oop Flea Market Fancy. Wow, that's a mouthful!
I decided I wanted a quilt, even if it's a small one, using the scraps I have of this line. I haven't quite decided on the block, but I think it'll have to be somewhat wonky due to the odd sizes of fabric I have. I'm looking forward to the puzzle piecing.

Parcel #2:

Browsing on Etsy, as you do, I had a visual light bulb moment! How fantastic does Nicey Jane and Dolce look together! Mr Mandalin just happened to be walking by during this moment and the rest is history, as they say! I'm toying with the idea of a Bento Box quilt. I've always wanted to do one and if I throw a Kona Grey and Aqua in the mix.......

Parcel #3

I'm not a big Heather Ross fan, but I do very much love this Sleeping Beauty and Roses print on Linen, from Far, Far Away II. They are destined to be zipped purses and notebook covers for 'The Nook'. More on that next post.


Parcel #4:

Hasn't arrived yet, lol!! It's a couple of Tula Pink charm packs. A Neptune and Plume. Sooooo excited about the Neptune one!

Cheerio for now,
x Mandy

Retail Therapy

much needed Retail Therapy
Originally uploaded by mandalin18

ahhhhhh......what it is to stand in a quilt/patchwork/fabric shop........









I like buying online, the whole not getting out of the chair and buying at any time of the day/night thing, really appeals to me! But, there are times, when you just have to go touch and absorb!!

These beauties all came from the 'The Vintage Patch' in Springwood. There's always something in there that grabs my attention. I was so thrilled to find Wee Woodland, the dots just screamed Christmas tree ornaments to me. Very hard to pass up on Heather Bailey bargains, one more to add to my French General collection, plus another which I hope might blend in well too.

I've just put in a small order at 'Hawthorne Threads' for some Far, Far, Away 2. Sleeping Beauty in natural and dusk, plus Roses in the same two colours. Can't wait for them to arrive. Plus I've been given the go ahead to buy a decent stash of Kona Cotton Solids, woo hoo!!

Cheerio for now,
x Mandy

Lovin' my Daisies

Lovin' my Daisies
Originally uploaded by mandalin18

You can take the girl out of England, but you can't take out her Englishness!!

Scrappy Mug Rug Swap

Mug Rug
Originally uploaded by mandalin18

My first Mug Rug! Trial or the one to send? Not sure yet.
Such a great way to use those oddments of wadding.

Swap catch-up #1

Mini QT Swap on Flickr

This really gorgeous quilt came from Amy, of AFriend2 on Flickr.

These swaps are not secret, we are paired up by the swap mama, and it is up to us to contact each other and discuss our hopes for the quilt coming to us. The theme was beach/underwater, and I'm sure you can quess which way Amy and I decided to go! There are many aspects to Amy's quilt that I adore. I really think she has managed to give that underwater, gentle current sway feeling to her quilt.

The quilting on the clam is stunningly accurate.

The disappearing mermaids tail adds just the right amount of whimsy.

French knots and squealy fab quilting on the outside of the tentacles.

More french knots on a completely darling starfish!
Plus button seashells. *sigh*

The label! Too, too cute!

Amy also sent me an, oh to die for, pincushion! Which she printed herself! And we are doing another one-on-one swap. I get to have more of Amy's adorable prints, and I will send her a 'My Hugul', plus something else.....not to be revealed here....yet!

Darn, thought I'd taken photo's!

Be back in a couple of days with Swap catch-up #2 post, 'The Doll Quilt Swap', your in for another treat people. I have been so very fortunate lately, very, very fortunate!! Of course you can always nip over to Flickr and check out my photostream there!?!

Cheerio for now
x Mandy