Slow and steady wins the race ...

"It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop".  - Confucious

I love this quote.  Makes me feel better about my 'go slow' I'm going through at the moment.  Slow with everything - blogging, my dream, work, gardening, school holidays.  BUT - I am being kind to myself and know this is merely a lull before I get my energy back and go at everything at full steam again (then tire myself out, and so the cycle begins again!)

Enjoying the last few days of spring - summer is on its way! :)

And the winner of the spring giveaway is ...

Hello! I've had a bit of trouble getting back into routine, forgot what date it is and so I've drawn the giveaway winner a day late - lots and lots of apologies.

Here is my sophisticated drawing system:

And here is the lucky winner:

Virtually Sally!
Yay!  Sally please e-mail me your address so I can post the lovely dolly to her new home!   Visit Virtually Sally's blog for inspiration - she's one creative lady!

Thanks to all the lovely people who left comments and to my fantastic followers - I'll be having another giveaway around Christmas time so please try again! xxx  If you would like to make a Kokeshi doll for yourself, remember to go to the Melly & Me website where they provide the pattern for free (lovely people!)

Last calls for my spring giveaway!

What - you mean it's nearly the end of the giveaway?

I've still got one day to register?  Brilliant ...

What could I win?

A softie Kokeshi doll made with tons of love from a brill pattern by Melly & Me?   Count me in!!

PS - We're going home today - yippee!!
And yes, these are photos of THAT cable car outing - terror as the cube starts swaying in the wind, and then me looking ahead and seeing the oncoming storm!!

Crochet doesn't stop for holidays ...

When I go on holidays I always take a small plastic lunchbox filled with crafty activities just so I can get my daily fix!  This time I took 2 balls of wool and a crochet hook to complete some squares for an afghan for the 'granny-a-day' challenge, a small cross-stitch I've been working on for some years now (!) and a freeform bracelet kit I bought at this year's quilt and craft fair.

The bracelet is from a pattern by Prudence Mapstone, and as I wanted a flower for the wedding it seemed perfect.  You start by making 3 cords, which are sewn together, then you make a pretty flower to attach to the bracelet.  Simple but effective!

Spent today touring around Langkawi.  Part of it absolutely terrified as we were travelling up the side of a mountain, dangling from a thick string in a storm.  The famous Langkawi cable car that is - and it had just started raining and blowing a gale as we approached the summit.  And yes, some mean person did take a photo of me looking ABSOLUTELY PERTRIFIED!!!!  Now back on terra firma and deciding I like that best thank you very much.

Creative activity of choice at the moment is photography - and this is a great place for it.  Even, smelly, busy old Penang gave us some fantastic photo opportunities.

View from 7th floor of our hotel

Down the street from our hotel

And on Langkawi ...

Happy hour ... :)

Watching the world go by

Next time I write I might, only might mind, delight you with photos taken from the mountain (including one where I look like I might faint with fright).  What fun ...

Waiting ...

Presently waiting in Penang airport waiting for a flight to Langkawi Island, hoping to have a relax and get over a very hectic week.  We've been over here to attend a Malaysian friend's wedding, which was lovely.  I've been keeping a diary on my laptop so I can paste some interesting bits into my blog when I get into a wi-fi zone and have time to upload my photos.  So watch this space!! 

Don't forget my giveaway - grab yourself a couple of chances to win a handmade Kokeshi doll made with love by moi xxxxx

Spring giveaway! ...

'Spring is sprung - the grass is riz,
I wonder where them birdies is ...'

(passed on from my mum xx)

Completed gift bag (smocking detail in yesterday's post)

A cute Kokeshi doll - could she be yours?

It's the first of September and officially the start of spring in my part of the world.  To celebrate the first day of my favourite season I'm giving away the delightful Kokeshi doll I made for the August sewing challenge as a gift to you.  She's small but perfectly formed, approx 15 cms high, and the embroidery is handstitched on hemp fabric.  As with all my creations she has been made with lots of love and care.  All you have to do to have a chance to win is sign up as a follower of my blog - automatically giving you entry into the draw and making my day!  If you leave a comment on this post as well, you get two chances to win!  Simply leave the comment by noon on Tuesday, 21st September - I'll draw the name the same afternoon.

Back of the Kokeshi doll - a lovey batik fabric

I promised links as well for the projects - the Kokeshi doll is from a pattern from Melly & Me - it's free to use, they just ask that you don't sell the pattern or the products you make from it.  They have such lovely designs - check out their site.  The smocking comes in two parts - instructions on basic smocking techniques with a link to the gift bag smocking project. 

So, now to think over the September sewing challenge!

It doesn't matter where in the world you live - I'm happy to post anywhere.  Good luck! 

Just one more look ...

p.s. If you're a follower already you have 2 entries into the draw. xx