So, October 29th 2013 I composed my first post and hit publish!!
It was all about my brand new sewing machine that I had recently upgraded to and how excited I was to have her.
I was encouraged by the lovely Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts to take a leap of faith, and I'm soooo glad I did!
So what's happened in a year? It's more a case of what hasn't happened since last October!!!
I lost this beautiful man on New Years Day while out diving and suddenly I was made a single mum of four and life changed irrevocably.
So in order to keep myself from falling into an abyss of grief I have filled every waking moment outside of my job and Mum responsibilities....why are there so damn many????...with sewing and quilting and all the fabricky goodness that the online community has to offer.
There is ALOT!!!
I completed my first online miniquilt swap through Flikr and in the process gained the most gorgeous online friend for life .
And this is what she made for me just because she wanted to...still love it xx
I joined Stash Bee 2014 and have not missed a month...so proud of myself..... and subsequently because of the awesomeness, have signed up for 2015 also.October is my month as your highness aka Queen Bee and I'm stupidly excited to have the workers send me their blocks.
I did an Improv teeny little house swap through Swapbot, a new to me forum, and this was run by the awesome Angie of Gnome Angel fame....another lovely new friend!!
Through the New Bloggers Quilt Hop I met two other amazing groups of uber talented ladies!!
First up Jane of Where Jane Creates invited me to join a Round Robin Quilt of 3 NZers and 5 Aussies.
This is my centre and it's just finished it's journey here in NZ and is off over to Aussie.The ladies in this group are FREAKIN amazing and I'm having such a good time.There's only 8 of us and it gives us 6 weeks to work on each border....which of course you all know I leave to the last minute everytime...sheesh
The 2nd group are the Compass Quilters which is an International Stash Swap and once again full of really talented ladies.I had the first month as Queen and am only waiting on one more set of blocks but there has been an issue with printing accuracy for paper piecing so no quilt yet.But a lesson learnt on my behalf....keep it simple stupid?
I have also joined Instagram and become a complete overgrammer...but it satisfies my need for instant and efficient gratification.
Through this I scored some DS destash from Sarah Fielke...I have quite a crush on her so I will not say if I swooned a little when I saw her name on the back....weird geek that I am...actually I don't swoon I said "F*&%$ it's from Sarah"
I joined the Little Quilts Swap...also run by Sarah, and the FSBS11 "Holiday Theme" run by Amanda @whatthebobbin and Ive also just signed up for the #Bitchesgetstitches swap.
The last one I had to sign up for as it's a profanity swap and what made me laugh even more is that two people tagged me for it while I was still thinking about it...I'm so transparent?
Since last October I have watched this wee girl blossom and grow into a very free spirited almost 2 1/2 yr old who is adored by all and comforts us all everyday with her presence....trying at times without a doubt LOL
I
She lights the room up and makes her big brothers play....which makes me happy.
BUT MOST OF ALL I have discovered a world online that has counselled,massaged my ego,distracted and by default looked after me in my time of need and all without even knowing it!
So girls and guys I wanna share the love and give you stuff...kinda rhymes.
Just leave a comment and tell me which offer you would like.
Denyse Schmidt Picadilly 7 Fat Quarters in Blue/Green
Denyse Schmidt 7 Fat Quarters in Pink/Yellow
Denyse Schmidt Out Of Print Mixture of Katie Jump Rope, some fat quarters some across the width and some large scraps
High Tea Baby Quilt pieced and quilted by Moi as a pattern test for Adrianne @onthewindyside
Scoot over to her blog for a look.
I will pay for postage so comment away...and Thankyou my lovely peeps xxxx
linking up the love with Heather and Megan
And of course Alyce....my first comment
Visiting for the first time after following you on instagram. Had a quick look at your Flickr page and found a churn dash block with a skull in the centre, Nice!!!
ReplyDeleteMy friend Lara was talking about Katie Jump Rope fabric on the weekend, i had never heard of it. Would love that or any other fabric! Congrats on a year. i will be back to read more about your quilting :-)
Wow Rebecca - what a huge year. After such an awful start to 2014, I'm glad you've found your tribe in the quilting community. What an amazing giveaway - my pick would be the Katie Jump Rope fabric, because I'm a huge DS fan but wasn't quilting when it was released. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteWow what a roller coaster of a year for you. I am glad you have found comfort with sewing. I had lots of fun with stash bee this year as welll - I popped your blocks in the mail the other day so hopefully they will arrive soon! Congratulations on your year of blogging - loving those blue and green fabrics :)
ReplyDeleteYayayayay!!! Happy Anniversary! :D Your little girl is adorable! And how can you part with any of that delicious fabric? I think I would have to go for the pink bundle, because I almost never buy pink, and my husband has now challenged me to an all pink quilt... Oh, and I'm so excited to see how the Possum Magic quilts turn out!
ReplyDeleteRebecca, I get so emotional when I think about all you've been through~I'm so happy you've found joy in this forum. There is still beauty in this world, in your little girl, in creating. Thank you for your generosity~I'm not picky :)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary. I'm so sorry your year has been so shitty, but glad if the quilty/bloggy world helps even a little bit. I would go pink, because I hardly ever do!
ReplyDeleteWhat a year you have had. It's lovely to hear that you've made some connections through this quilting community and found a way to help you through the dark times. x
ReplyDeleteWow, what a year you have had. May the next year be so much better for you. My thoughts are with you and your family. The online quilting community is lovely, I have made some great friends both in NZ and overseas. I would pick the OOP pile - cos I have just bought the others. Take care and Kia kaha.
ReplyDeleteWow Rebecca, you're right - what a year you've had. I'm glad you've found comfort in the online quilting community. I've really enjoyed getting to know you, and being part of Possum Magic with you. You always have something witty to add to our online conversations. Although I've already got my fair share of the DS Picadilly, I'd like to win the blue bundle because you can never have too much blue fabric. hugs, Wendy
ReplyDeleteYou have been through a lot, my dear! Every struggle makes a person stronger...just wish there weren't so many struggles to go through.
ReplyDeleteMy choice of the bundles would be Picadilly in blue/green.
Congratty on your year mark -- I am so happy to be your friend for life and do so hope that one day we will get to meet in real life. I am starting to think that I didn't get into the profanity swap -- as I haven't been notified yet, nore have I heard from the stash bee, but I know that your partners will be thrilled with all that you make and I look forward to seeing your progress. If I were to be selected I would pick the pink bundle.
ReplyDeleteWow you have had one heck of a year! You are one strong woman.
ReplyDeleteI would pick the jumpin rope bundle.
What a ride! I'm amazed at your attitude through all of it! I'm having a hard time deciding but my best friend is having a girl in January and that quilt would work perfectly in her daughter's bedroom :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what a tough year it has been for you. I'm so happy to have met you online. You are so inspiring! No need to enter me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI was widowed 2 years ago (with 4 teenagers!). It's.a very tough road. I'm glad you are doing well. Thanks so much for the sweet giveaway. Mi love the pink & yellow.
ReplyDeletewhat an incredible journey you have been set on. At least you have found an outlet and what a wonderful one at that!
ReplyDeleteI would love the Denyse Schmidt Picadilly 7 Fat Quarters in Blue/Green. Simply stunning. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to hear of your difficult year. My choice wold be the Katie Jump Rope bundle. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSorry about your loss. I can't imagine.
ReplyDeleteI would like the green and blue fabric.
kdavis1@centurytel.net
Wow Rebecca, you are an inspiration. Also a very talented patchworker/quilter. I am saddened by your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I have met you throughout Compass Quilters and the round robin, matter of fact I am finishing off your border at present.
If i was lucky enough to win i would like the Katie Jump Rope Bundle.
Thank you for a chance to win such a great giveaway.
Congratulations. I am sure you have made it one day or even one minute at a time. Moms just do what they have to do for their children. I'd be happy with any fabric but don't forget to take care of yourself. You too need time to grief.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all your accomplishments you have been so busy and creative! It has been so lovely to have met u and to follow along on your journey. As the green/blue has not been offered in the states I would just LOVE to win those!! Here's to many more artistic days. Muah!
ReplyDeleteGiven the overall tone and positivity of all of your posts, it's easy for me to forget that your life had such live-altering change. You are an amazingly strong woman and I feel so blessed to have met you through the online community. It's surprising what can help push us through the pain of loss, whether it be quilting or home improvements projects - nothing like demolishing an entire house. I think your focus on quilting was much cleaner with less sawdust. :) If I were to win, I'd opt for the blue and green bundle. Congrats again on all you've accomplished this year.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog and admire your strength and creativity. It would be easy to stop sewing with the loss of your sweet husband and four children to care for, but I am glad you kept sewing and blogging. I am not picky, I would love anything from your giveaway! Take good care! carolann427@aol.com
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing, positive person you seem to be! I hope you have a great last two months in 2014 and an amazing 2015! I´m not picky, I would like anything from your giveaway, though I live in Germany and I´m not sure if I´m eligible. In any case I wish you all the best, always.
ReplyDeleteMy comments keep disappearing. All of the fabrics are a delight, but I would choose Denyse Schmidt Out Of Print Mixture of Katie Jump Rope as my favorite. That sweet girl brightens up my room just thru the computer screen.
ReplyDeleteQuilting is good therapy for sure. I turned to it after many losses and it has helped a lot. Cheers for making it through a difficult year.
ReplyDeleteI would choose Piccadilly. Thanks for the giveaway.
What a big year you have had! So many big feelings and such a profound loss. Your commitment to remaining present for each moment really touches me. Thanks for your inspiration and the gift you give me through writing your blog - your joy of creating and of connection. I love it. Fiona
ReplyDeleteYou post takes my breath away. No words for how sorry I am for your loss. Beautiful precious girls too! On the quilting side of things, I adore your Christmas quilt with the Grinch! Love your giveaway. Congratulations just doesn't seem right to say on surviving your first year as a single parent... maybe just God Speed in the coming year. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi sweetcakes!
ReplyDeleteI have been enjoying your blog since February…keep it up, you are awesome!
I have a serious crush-on for the Katie Jump Rope prints…so hard to find now.
Thanks so much for the giveaway,
Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows
Wow, what a year! So happy you did start blogging so we have the opportunity to become friends :). If only we lived closer, I could totally see sharing an adult beverage with you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a year you have had. I am so glad that you began quilting, and for the community you have found online. sarah@forrussia.org
ReplyDeleteRebecca, I am honoured to have met you. You are absolutely incredible, so kind and so strong. I am looking forward to receiving your letter and getting to work!
ReplyDeleteThat really was a big year! what a nice giveaway to celebrate! i love them all but I'd have to choose picadilly in blue/green as my fave.
ReplyDeleteroseharries_06@hotmail.com
Oh Rebecca what an awful gut wrenching tragedy. Life sucks at times. You're right though, the online quilting community is amazing, and you have made some gorgeous things in the last year. I'm a big DS fan so would have to go for the Katie Jump Rope.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely post. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but am heartened to know that you are well supported and focus on the good things in your life. I love your little Christmas quilt! And I love your pink/yellow FQ bundle!
ReplyDeleteOh Rebecca I had no idea so sorry to hear of your loss. Your little girl is adorable and I'm always glad to see your posts pop into my inbox as they are interesting and inspirational :) Congrats on your one year blogging mark.
ReplyDeleteJust found you via IG - so great that you have a hobby to help you through this tough year. Any of the giveaway prizes would be wonderful to win!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a busy year. Congratulations on your blogiversary. I would love to receive the pink/yellow bundle.
ReplyDeleteHow you maintained your sense of humour through an awful tragedy is really a sign of your strength of character!
ReplyDeleteYou have a gorgeous family and your strength is inspiring! All these fabrics are gorgeous but I think my favorite is the green and blue bundle!
ReplyDeleteSitting here with a lump in my throat... what a year. For what it's worth, I'm so proud of all you've achieved and am still so glad you've found some "therapy" to help you keep going. We're all cheering for you!! xx
ReplyDeleteinspiring ... and a beautiful.. I like the blue green
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Alyce said - I didn't know about the horrible and life changing event last year and now I just want to give you a f**king big hug even more. You're amazeballs and I'm so glad to be getting to know you even more. You're killing it with the quilting thing and I can't wait to see what else you do. You're amazing. Simply amazing. (and you make cute kids!) :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your loss, but I am glad you have had something to strengthen you. I like the pink/yellow. You have a beautiful daughter. dawnm1993@gmail.com
ReplyDeletewhat a year its been for you - but so glad you found a place and a way of helping yourself through it. You are right - this community helps us keep going, even though they often don't realise they are doing it. Big hugs as you keep doing life and bringing up those gorgeous children of yours xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a whirlwind of a year for you... it is wonderful that you have found healing and learning and support through your blogworld and quilting! Your family is gorgeous and so is your work.
ReplyDeleteI would love the blue and green Picadilly DS !!
Susie
I am in tears over your deep loss. I am a hugger, so consider yourself hugged.
ReplyDeleteI found you through Alyce and I am so glad I did. I wish the best to you and your family....
What a hell of a year you've had!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you discovered blogging!
I'm a DS nut so I'd be thrilled to win any - KJR is a favourite!
I've enjoyed reading your blog. My favorite is Katie Jump Rope.
ReplyDeletePatty
paweis at yahoo dot com
You bring so much to the community yourself, I love that it can be like a hug that just goes from person to person in our online world :) hugs!! And I would love either the KJR or the blue/green DS
ReplyDelete