Do I Feel Lucky?

Yep, I do. What a great start to the day I've had.

I had a lovely visit from Sherrin and Zeph. We talked all things craft and blogging. It's so relaxing to spend time with people who get you. We talked about that you know - how crafty bloggers just get each other. We even laughed at the fact that she couldn't open her prize because as all us bloggers know you have to have a photograph of the lovely wrapping as well as the goodies inside. Anyway, Sherrin gave in eventually so I am posting a photo of the outside. You'll have to visit Starashan to see what's inside.

Now, that's not the end of my luck today. Sherrin brought morning tea to share and some gifts for me. People come to collect a prize that they have won and bring you a gift to swap. Where else does such goodness happen constantly? I got a lovely handmade brooch and some of her groovy envelopes that I have admired on numerous occasions. I have seen people comment on Sherrin's attention to detail with her packaging and I have to say it really is exceptional. You are one talented lady Ms Sherrin.



Wait, there's more. I got a comment this morning from Georgie Love saying that I won her giveaway. Can this day get any better? I'm about to venture out into the world so it could go either way I suppose. I am loving being on holidays.

On My Desk - Essential Tools and a Winner

Yes, everything you need for a giveaway. Paper, scissors and appropriate vessel. I can't believe how many people signed up. I even let the lovely ladies who missed the cut-off join in. It's all in fun so I figure why not. I wish that I could send something to everyone.

I had my partner do the draw cause I couldn't bear to choose. And the winner is..... (drumroll)..... Sherrin of Starashan. She's a sewer too so I reckon she will get lots of use out of these goodies. OK, I'm going to pop across and tell her the good news.

Now, I'm going to start working on my Pay It Forward goodies for Danielle and Bec which will be good fun. Don't worry though I like this giveaway business so I might have to do another one soon. And, there will definitely be another art swap in the not too distant future.

Ok, time to catch up on some of my favourite crafty blogging peeps. It's been a while.

Oh, and for another great giveaway go over and visit Two Cold Feet. She's got some super duper goodies to share.

It's Giveaway Time

I told you it was coming and here it is. I am about to embark on full celebrations for the "Festival of Cath". New outfits have been purchased, dinners have been planned and some early presents bestowed. So while I am lapping up all this indulgence I want all my lovely bloggy friends to share the fun with me. Here are all the goodies that you can win. I picked them all up at the Op Shop for bargain prices and am delighted to be able to pass some of the good fortune on.

• Some vintage Sheridan fabric

• Vintage height chart fabric - it even comes with instructions to make it printed on the fabric

• The Golden Hands Book of 80 Toys to Make for Children

• A copy of Modoc - one of my all time favourite novels which I posted about here

• And some other little bits and bobs - we'll see what they end up being when the time comes

So all you have to do is leave a comment on this post before next Wednesday lunch time and I will put all the names in an appropriate vessel and see who wins the lovely loot. I am happy to send the goodies overseas too so don't be shy if you are near or far.

I'll be back after the weekend to share tales of the festivities and my new treasures.

Lookie, Lookie

I was working from home today and the doorbell rang most unexpectedly. I answered it to find a stranger on my doorstep with a parcel for me. It was Liz of Betty Jo Designs. She makes the most beautiful jewelry out of old lino and I was lucky enough to win one of her lovely brooches on the weekend.

So, here he is - Claude's little brother and my new friend. I have to go and plan my outfit for tomorrow now as I will be sporting my brand new brooch with pride. Thank you so much Liz for such a lovely giveaway, and for making my day when you turned up on my doorstep to personally deliver him.

If you don't own one of these fabulous pieces go shopping over here.

I Win

I am one lucky lady. The amazingly talented Lino Forest was having a giveaway to name one of her new creations and I won. I love her creations so I am so excited that I get to own one.

Anyway, that's not the only reason I am lucky. I also have a new job!!! This is very exciting news. I can't say too much yet as I haven't signed paperwork or any of that stuff. I can't wait to share though because it is a really interesting job in a really amazing place. Check back soon and I will tell all.

I have finished some projects in the last couple of days so here is some show and tell.

This is a scarf that I made for myself. I started it in August last year when I was at a major crossroads in my life. It feels significant to have finished it this week when I feel like my time standing at that crossroad has just reached a conclusion. I can't wait to wear this scarf and let it remind me of that journey, of all the wonderful things that have come out of it. I could become quite mushy and philosophical about all this as it has been life changing. However, I shall leave it at that.

I finished this project last night even though it isn't finished in this photo. This is the crochet scarf pattern that I purchased from mk carroll. It only took me a couple of days to make. You probably need intermediate crochet skills - mind you I do consider myself a beginner. I found it pretty easy to follow. I had a little bit of confusion at the start with some of the turns but once you get your head around it you are just repeating the same pattern over and over again. I also made it a bit longer than the original pattern said but I like long scarves.

Big Cat seems to be feeling much better now. I think he just didn't want us to go away for the weekend for some reason. Anyway, it's been a lovely weekend. We took a day trip yesterday to Daylesford and bought some old books and bric-a-brac. Today has been a day in bed with magazines and the computer, home made choc chip cookies and coffee. Aren't weekends wonderful!