The Janelle Wind Collection

I had a little update...

Over the past week or so, I have been stitching as much as I could, busily making more goodies for my etsy store, The Stitched Bluebird. Tonight I uploaded everything that I had finished into my store and was once again humbled and thrilled that I sold out of almost everything within 1/2 an hour.

I made and sold some of these - Blueberry Pie Pinafores...

And some Pink Daisy Chain Blythe dresses...

And a little batch of Navy Floral Pinnie's with matching headbands as well.

At the time of writing this blog post, there was one Navy Floral Pinnie and headband left too - just one, here.

I also sold a 25 sm bundle of gorgeous fabrics from my personal fabric stash as well as a custom made 'Girl Friday' bag made out of some meadowsweet fabric, with coordinates that I love.

A HUGE thank you goes to everyone who stopped by my little store and for those who support me, I am so very very grateful.

I am VERY happy to say that I have designed a gorgeous range of Christmas dresses for Blythe dolls, that I will be working over during the coming weeks. Emily and I will be putting a Christmas look book together too to give you lots of sneak peeks as well. I am VERY excited. I will be sure to give you plenty of warning before the update as well.

I hope to have a few small non Blythe related gift items to pop into my store between now and early Dec as well. I will just have to see how fast I can stitch. Thank you again to everyone who supports me and my etsy store, I am so very grateful... xx Janelle

Etzcetera Magazine - Issue 2 out now...

In case you missed it, Issue 2 of the lovely new magazine Etzcetera is available now.

It is full to the brim of gorgeous inspiration from so many talented people. You can read all about Mixed Media Artist Kate Mason and even learn how she creates her amazing art canvases, Tamar Bostock shows how to style using blackboards, Mardi Winen shares her talents by showing how to make 2 gorgeous library bags and there are some great book revieves from Editor/Art Director Kim Archer as well as other avid readers, and so much more. If you haven't already subscribed or purchased your copy, then I can highly recommend that you do - click here for details...

I am also excited to share part two of my 'Sew Lovely' series. In Issue Two, I share my hints and tips for choosing and combining fabrics as well as rotary cutting basics.

If you are new to patchwork or wanting to brush up on your skills, then Etzcetera is the magazine for you. I start at the very beginning and show all t he steps needed to rotary cut your fabrics ready to begin this and any patchwork project. As well as lots of step by step photos, I hav also made an 11 minute movie where I demonstrate how to rotary cut, both right and left handed too!

I have designed a gorgeous simple but effective tablerunner exclusively for Etzcetera magazine as well and in Issue Two I walk you through the cutting all the pieces ready to construct and finish your runner over the next few Issues of Etzcetera.

I just LOVE the Etzcetera runner and proudly use it in my home. So if you are keen to try patchwork, come join me in Etzcetera magazine for all the steps you will need to begin to make gorgeous patchwork pieces of your own too...

I hope you will join me in this very special patchwork class through Etzcetera magazine... x Janelle

Stitching Bliss...

I am very excited today to share with you a brand new pattern release called 'Stitching Bliss'. For those of you who are regular blog readers of mine, you might remember this sneak peek.

Well I am VERY happy to reveal my design with you. This stitching themed project has three parts - the first is a gorgeous sewing machine mat, perfect to place under your sewing machine or as a wall hanging in your sewing room. Featuring pieced cotton reel blocks and an appliqued dress makers model, this sewing machine mat is the perfect addition to any sewing room.

And here is the sewing machine mat on my hall table - it looks great on any colour table!

To compliment this runner I have made a matching thread catcher - perfect to sit next to your machine to pop your threads in as you are stitching. Or make a set and sit them on your shelf to house lots of sewing bits and pieces.

And no sewing set would be complete without a matching pin cushion. Therefore I have made a cute pin cushion - complete with an appliqued sewing machine.

If you are keen to make the 'Stitching Bliss' sewing set for your sewing room or as a gift for a stitching friend, then you will be happy to  hear that this pattern has already been released. So have a look at the stockists on my sidebar to find the pattern or whisper in the ear of your patchwork store, I am sure they would be only too happy to order it in for you.

I hope you love my 'Stitching Bliss' pattern as much as I do... x Janelle

(J059 - Stitching Bliss)

Stitching at the Water's Edge - Part Two...

Day one of our weekend of stitching arrived, and after a yummy hot breakfast we headed into the classroom once again. Because of the Friday night introductions, all of the ladies had had time to decide which project they wanted to start on, so everyone began stitching straight away. The room was buzzing.

I just loved walking around the room and feeling the excitement in the air, it makes me really proud to be a teacher, and share what I love.

There was LOTS of laughter, fun and lots of stitching happening too. Here is Kelley, whom I met when I taught for Kim 2 years ago. Kelley always achieved SO much in her weekend. By the first afternoon, Kelley had already finished my Cherry Lane bag and was moving on to her next project - she made something from each of us 3 tutors in two days - amazing!

We shared a yummy lunch of hot soup and wraps for lunch, then headed back to stitching. I helped lots of girls make the most beautiful fabric flowers throughout the two days. Here is lovely Judy and her gorgeous flower. Judy already has plans to make some more too.

Kate and a group of her beautiful friends travelled over from Orange to attend the retreat. Here is Kate stitching my wristy, using a special piece of fabric that was given to her by a friend. You can see some more pics of Kate's writsy here.

Here is Natalie and I with some more of the gorgeous girls from the retreat. From back left is Karen, Sylvia, me, and Kate. The front row left we have Fiona, Natalie and Shirley. All gorgeous girls who made the weekend super special.

During the weekend, we had a very special little guy who popped up all over the property. I was so very excited to get so close to him too. We nick named him fatso, after the wombat off 'A Country Practice' - a great Aussie drama that used to be a regular TV series here in Australia when I was a little girl.

While outside taking some pics of fatso, I snapped this shot of the view. If you look very closely, you can see another wombat down eating grass. I have never seen wombats in the wild so was thrilled to see these little guys for sure. Isn't the view spectacular too.

After a big day of stitching together, it was time for dinner. We headed into the dining room to see a lovely candle lit dinner all prepared for us. We shared a LOT of laughs over dinner - thanks Sandy N for your funny story telling, you kept us all in stitches.

After dinner we had the MOST amazing show and tell. I can honestly tell you I was totally blown away by all of the beautiful quilts that were shown to us. What talented stitchers we had. I will tell you all about the show and tell in another post. Back soon xx Janelle

Stitching at the Water's Edge - Part One...

This past weekend I was super excited to once again head to Nowra in NSW to teach at the 'Stitching at the Water's Edge' retreat for the lovely Kim of Jukejema Quilting Barn. I had the most wonderful time teaching alongside my lovely friends Natalie Ross and Anni Downs. I thought I might share my weekend with you too. Here goes...

Friday morning saw me up bright and early and heading down to Thelma's house (Natalie Ross) for another one of our Thelma and Louise road trips. We traveled together to teach at Nowra with Anni in 2009 so were very excited to head back together and see old and new friends alike.

We transfered all of my belongings into Natalie's car and headed on our way down the highway, arriving at the retreat at about 4pm in the afternoon. Natalie did a wonderful job of driving us through the city traffic - something I was happy to let her do, I am not a fan of city driving, call me a country gal for sure.

Upon arrival, we headed into the classroom to take a look around and see all that had been set up by Kim and her wonderful team of helpers. The room looked AMAZING!

Here are Kim and Carol (Kim on the right) - these two beautiful girls worked tirelessly all weekend, making sure everyone felt spoiled and loved too.

(photo courtesy Anni Downs)

Each attendee had a gift bag and special pink gift box at their spot on one of the round tables. The gift bags looked SO very gorgeous decorated with a handmade owl using Natalie's pattern too.

I found out later that inside EACH of these pink boxes was a handmade phone pouch, either my design or Anni's design - and each handmade by Kim's beautiful Mum. I can't believe she made over 60 phone pouches - amazing! This was just the beginning of the spoiling.

Here is one of the phone pouches that she made...

And here I am with Mum - Kim's Mum that is, although I called her Mum all weekend, she just made me feel so at home and welcome. I hope she didn't mind too much.

Kim and Carol had set a shop up at the front of the room and let me tell you, we were all drawn like magnets to the gorgeous books, patterns and fabrics that were for sale - all weekend!

I was very proud and excited to see my book in Kim's shop set up too...

After all of our oohing and ahhing over how beautiful everything in the room looked, it was time to set up our samples. This is always a fun part, working out just how we would display everything. Here is how my display looked...

I had to bring some of my 'girls' with me on my weekend away too, so chose Fawn and Bluebird to join us. The ladies didn't mind my girl coming along for the ride too.

Just before the ladies started arriving I popped outside and was greeted with the most BEAUTIFUL full rainbow. It was hard to capture it on my camera as it's beauty was brighter than you can see here, however here is the rainbow. What a beautiful way to start a very special weekend.

It wasn't long until the lovely ladies started arriving, all excitedly ready for the weekend to begin. After sharing dinner together, we headed into the classroom for introductions and a meet and greet.

Here are all of the projects that were designed especially for this retreat, by Natalie, Anni and myself. 

Natalie designed a gorgeous retreat seat with pockets on the side to hold your retreat goodies, as well as a matching block keeper. Anni designed a pair of gorgeous bags made from wool felt as well as some little Christmas cones and matching table topper. And my project was a pair of bags called 'Cherry Lane' featuring zig zag piecing and both embellished with a gorgeous fabric flower.

Here are some close up's of my projects - Cherry Lane...

The Cherry Lane bag -

The Cherry Lane wristy -

And a close up of the fabric flower -

The ladies were thrilled with all we had to share and were super keen to dive straight into stitching, so Friday night was full of excitement and lots of stitching. The stitching, chatting, and nibbling on choccies went on into the wee hours of the morning. We teachers headed off to bed around midnight, so we were ready for our big day of teaching...

I will leave part one here, on Friday evening. Pop back tomorrow to see my 'What I wore Wednesday' post as well as part two of 'Stitching at the Waters Edge' retreat too. x Janelle

Orange blossom...

Would you like to see one of my super secret squirrel projects??

I thought you might!!

Ok, because I can't contain myself and because I love sharing things with you and because I got the go ahead from Sarah, I am super excited to show you one of my latest designs - 'Orange Blossom'.

I designed the 'Orange Blossom' table runner as a brand new design for Quilt Fabric Delight's online event - 'Let's Stitch'. And I must confess that when Sarah sent these fabrics to me, I just carried them around for a while, admiring them and loving them so much. They remind me of Nanna's table cloths and all those special feelings of being at Nanna's house when I was a little girl.

Featuring circles, that I love, and some blanket stitch applique, this tablerunner is easy to make yet super effective when finished too. And a whole lot of fun!!

And because I LOVE to make my designs have more than one use, I made 'Orange Blossom' reversible too. I love the back almost as much as the front.

If you like the look of my 'Orange Blossom' runner it is not too late to join 'Let's Stitch' over at Quilt Fabric Delights. Let me tell you, there are SO many gorgeous patterns on offer over there too. I am working on showing you how to use this very pattern to make something else, just using a charm pack and a small amount of additional fabric.

Sarah is also selling fabric packs HERE as well. So if you want to join in the fun, chat, make friends and have LOTS of brand new patterns, some before they are released for sale, 'Let's Stitch' is the place for you. Hope to see you there... x Janelle

little dolly quilt...

I am back to share some photos with you of the little mini quilt I made yesterday, just for me and just for fun. It is a mini version of some 'just for fun' stitching that I did last year, just for me as well. You can see some pics of last years stitching here...

For this little quilt, I just chose my fabrics, made all the measurements smaller and stitched to my hearts content. Unlike my quilt from last year, this one is quilted and bound = finished! I hope to find a pocket of time very soon to finish my quilt as well.

This afternoon I took my girls outside to do a little photoshoot with my mini quilt too, the girls seemed to enjoy their little rest on the quilt in the setting sun too. I wonder what they were whispering about??

It is fun to do a little bit of stitching, just for me every now and then. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all of the stitching I do, but some without writing down measurements or deadlines is just that little bit more fun! I hope you have been able to enjoy a little 'just for fun' stitching just for you too!! xx Janelle

A year of design...

I thought it might be fun to look back over 2010 and take a month by month look at the patterns I designed and released - who knows, there might be something you missed too.

January...

My first pattern release for 2010 was 'Latte Delight', my coffee plunger cover, fabric doily and table runner.

Also in January, my first of three blocks was published in Australian Homespun for the 'Life is a Celebration' block of the month. I was so excited to be first too!

My final stitched project for January was my block that was part of Quiltaid 2010 Block of the Month program. I was happy once again to be involved in this worthwhile fundraising venture too. My block is sold through the lovely store at Wong NSW called 'Blueberries'.

February...

February I revealed my super exciting secret on my blog - and after a fun guessing game shared the news that I was working on my very first book. SO exciting!!

So February saw lots of sneak peeks while I worked busily behind the scenes to finish all of the projects in my book and take the photos as well.

 

March...

March was all about my book. The patterns and pattern sheets were handed over to my wonderful Graphic Designers and while I took a little 'book' stitching break I taught myself to crochet again and made some clothes out of vintage sheets = fun!

 

April...

My book went to print - YIPEE. It was super scary and super exciting all rolled into one. After stitching, writing instructions and drawing pattern sheets and diagrams for all 18 projects included in my book, I was VERY relieved to finally hand it over to be printed too.

 

May...

My contribution to Quilt Fabric Delights 'Bagalicious' club was revealed with all participants being sent the kit for my 'Girl Friday' bag and glasses case pattern.

Also this month, I released another pattern for a handbag style journal cover set called 'A Bluebirds Welcome'. I just adore the colours in these two as well.

AND super duper exciting - My book, 'Pieces of Me' ARRIVED!! There was lots of pinching going on that day as it didn't feel real and was a very BIG dream come true too.

Also this month I designed and completed the quilt top for Quilt Fabric Delights finishing kit for their version of 2010 Quilt Aid Quilt. I was really happy with how simple and classy the finished quilt looked too.

June...

This month saw me designing and making my contribution to Quilt Fabric Delights 'Christmas in July' online event. I had a LOT of fun with cardboard, glue, felt and tearing fabrics too.

 

July...

During July I hosted a mega week of giveaways here on my blog - I confess it was SO much fun I am planning another mega week soon, so keep popping back to be a part.

My pattern release for July was a sister pattern to my popular 'Frilly Dilly Bag' pattern called 'Frill Seeker'. I was SO excited to release this one.

I love this bag so much I even made another one in a different colour way!

Also during July we shifted house back to our own, old little house. This move also saw the end of a very stressful time in our lives and a big change for us, but one we were ready to embrace too.

 

August...

August saw me turn another year older.

Also in August, my second block in the Homespun 'Life is a Calebration' BOM was published - this one was called 'Baby' and was celebrating the children in our lives.

I also made a second version of 'Bagalicious' this month when it was launched for sale. I love to show how different my designs are in other colour ways.

I said goodbye to my teaching studio this month as my parents shifted house so lots of adjustments to my classes were made too. Lots of home decoration and sorting was needed in August too as we were trying to fit back into our tiny home.

 

September...

September was a BIG month for pattern releases. Here we go...

My first pattern release for September was my 'Christmas Wreath'. This pattern also launched a new feature to some of my patterns, containing lots of step by step photographs to aid in construction, something that I am sure will make it even easier for beginners to create projects using my patterns.

My second pattern release for September was my 'Tree Top Tote' pattern. This pattern features the fabric tree brooch that I made for my students and some friends for Christmas gifts too.

The third release for September was my 'Little Tree Fabric Boxes'. I just ADORE these boxes and love dispalying them in my home too. This pattern also contains LOTS of step by step photos to aid in construction as well.

And the final reveal for September was my new bag pattern called 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'. This bag featured the brand new fabric range by Melanie Hurlston and I love how well they worked for my bag too. Thanks Melly.

 

October...

During October there was lots of behind the scenes stitching but no pattern reveals. This month I pattern tested a brand new pattern called A+ skirts by Toni Coward of Make it Perfect.

I also finished piecing a quilt, totally for fun and for my home.

And I started LOTS of stitching on my soon to be released patterns - revealed in November.

And my final contribution to Homespun's 'Life is a Celebration' BOM was revealed this month. My block was called 'Celebrate' and was all about celebrating the birthdays of those we love.

November...

In November  my ever patient husband helped set up an outdoor bedroom in our backyard for a photo shoot for TWO new patterns.

We also hosted the first meeting of the Blythe Craft Club at our house. I know the girls are itching for the second meeting to happen and SOON.

And then it was time to reveal two brand new pattern releases, designed as a set but work equally as well on their own too. Introducing my two dashingly patterns - 'Dashlingly Dreamy' - a single bed size quilt featuring the 'churn dash' block and my favourite frills as well as a decorated pillow case to match.

The companion pattern called 'Dashingly Delightful' features three matching cushions, all featuring the use of the 'churn dash' block in different ways and all equally as fun too!

Also during November I designed and stitched a brand new project for Homespun Magazine - so keep an eye out next year for it in Homespun. I can't WAIT to show you...

 

December...

December was filled with wreath making with my ladies -

LOTS and lots of stitching for Christmas gifts...

Lots and LOTS of Blythe doll outfits for some special little people...

Blythe photoshoots with friends and their new dolls.

Lots of Christmas preparations - more stitching and making gifts for family and friends too...

So as you can see, it was a pretty FULL year design wise - and it was such fun to take a look back at my year and my designing too. I can't wait to see what this year has in store too - It's goingto be a GREAT year! xx Janelle

More gifts...

I wanted to share another gift that I made for a special friend for Christmas. This one was for the beautiful Mel Goodsell. Our girls are wonderful penpal friends who wish daily that they lived closer together - to quote Anne of Green Gables, they are 'Kindred Spirits'. And through our girls, Mel and I have grown our friendship too.

So I wanted to make something special for Mel for Christmas and decided upon a journal cover. For this one, I chose lots of fabrics that I loved and stitched them together to make an original cover, just for Mel.

I also wanted to continue my 'tree brooch' giving, so made a special one for Mel in autumn colours to match her journal cover and popped it on the front of your journal.

And inside I popped a plain journal, ready for Mel to use for anything she likes.

And here is a little pic of the back, cause I just love these colours.

A VERY big thank you to Mel for your friendship and for your gorgeous girl Bella who has made Emily SUPER happy this year by sharing things that they love. Thank you xx

I wanted to do a little something special for Mel's gorgeous girl Bella for Christmas, so popped a little extra something in my package for Bella too. I designed and made this little outfit for Bella's Blythe dolls.

 

Bella blogged about her outfit HERE - I love that she loves it too. And we feel VERY special that Bella named her new Blythe doll after Emily-Jane (my girl) too.

Mel has blogged some gorgeous photos she took of her journal HERE - and I know Mel has great plans to use her journal in 2011 too. I am so thrilled you love it Mel xx

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I hope you are enjoying your last day of 2010 too. I am SUPER excited that we have a brand new year starting tomorrow - a bit like opening the pages of a brand new journal, feeling the plain white, empty pages and getting excited to fill the pages with LOTS of new and exciting things...

Support team gifts...

Apart from my work as 'The Janelle Wind Collection' one of my other jobs is working as a support team member for my very talented friend Kim Archer. I have been working (it should be called playing) with Kim as part of her team from the beginning of her online classes and the girls I work with have become a very important part of my life. They really are my support team. For this reason I wanted to make something special for each of them for Christmas.

After much thinking and trying to choose the perfect gift, I settled on making each of them one of Natalie Ross' owls from her pattern 'The Hooty Hoo Family'. I chose the second last size to make and got to choosing fabrics and stitching away. I wanted to choose fabrics that suited each of my friends and their tastes.

I started with two...

I kept stitching and stuffing till the little owl family grew to a total of six.

I  must say, these little guys quite liked living at my house, and could have fitted in quite easily, but I told them they had new homes to go to - and they understood.

Once they were all finished, I decided I would make each of my friends a tree brooch as well. These brooches work really well on bags, a cushion, even on a scrapbook layout, so I felt sure my friends would find a use for one.

Then it was time to get them ready to wrap. Here they are all lined up waiting - such good owls they were...

I carefully wrapped each package and finished them off with a crocheted flower - hopefully the girls can use the flower on a layout or somewhere special.

And finally I made a card for each package. Now for those who know me well will know that I don't enjoy making cards AT ALL, so these are the only Christmas cards that were made this year - sorry friends. Next year I hope to do better...

All of these owls have now made it to their new homes (I think). A BIG thank you to Kim, Mardi, Yvette, Sheree, Lisa and Mel for your friendship and support throughout 2010. I look forward to all that 2011 has to offer for each of us...

I will be back soon to share some more handmade gifts that I made for some special friends. There are also a few dear friends whose presents are not quite there yet. Soon, I promise... x Janelle