Honeysuckle Cottage

Bag Ladies gather here...

Yes, it's Monday again.  This week I thought I might seek out all the Bag Ladies and encourage them to share their stash.  Some woman have a thing with shoes, some with jewellery, some with clothes, well you know what I mean.  So tonight I am going to tantalise the bag collectors amongst us.  I personally believe a quilter can never have too many bags, (quilts, projects, fabrics, patterns).  I am guilty of having just a couple of bags myself. 

At Honeysuckle Cottage we have a wonderful assortment of bag patterns from all of your favourite designers.  Let's take a moment to indulge the little woman in our lives with some designs created with them in mind.  From Melly & Me comes Books & Pencils.  This very versatile set would look fabulous in any fabric combination to suit even the most particular young miss.  Next I think a visit to music class is in order.  Just the thing to take along is Matilda'a Musical Tote from Anni of Hatched and Patched.  Can you imagine the delight on the young woman who strolled into music class with this pretty on her shoulder.  Mmm, made especially for her in her favourite fabrics.

To finish off tonights show is a little something for the more mature young woman.  I wonder which special young woman Rosalie Quinlan had in mind when she designed Sweet Sixteen.   I have seen this bag made up in so many different fabrics.  They all look divine.

So whether you are young or simply young at heart, can you ever have too many bags?

Happy stitching ladies... 

Monday again, already!

Can you believe it?  It is Monday again, already!  And as I have done on previous Mondays, it is time to revisit things you may have forgotten.  Sew many things to choose from...

Okay, I have had lots of ladies stopping by to say hello and share what they like.  I have decided to revisit books from your favourite Aussie designers.  Let's start with Living the Dream from Leanne Beasley.  When I first saw this book the title created all sorts of thoughts about living the dream, and here I am doing just that.  Then of course Leanne followed it up recently with Road Trip.  In Leanne's own unique style she has certainly produced something packed full of many happy stitching hours.

Another recently published book I just have to mention is from Wildcraft Farm.  Make your own Lanyard has some really clever ideas and great projects that you can put together quite quickly.  Just in case you are not really sure what a lanyard is, here is a pic of one of Janets creations.   Now you know it is one of those thingy's you hang things from.

Who else has a fabulous range of books?  Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly has released quite a few books.  The most recent being Miss Millie's Flower Patch.  This book contains all we love of Bronwyn's work, stitcheries galore and lots of projects to make.

So many wonderful Aussie designers.  We are so fortunate.  Natalie Bird from The Birdhouse has a couple of treats in the form of Fairyland and The Gift of Friendship.   Both of these books are full of lots of things loved by girls of all ages.

How could I possibly mention all of these books and not remind you of the wonderful publications from Anni of Hatched and Patched.  Anni's latest release, 'A Christmas Story' has been very popular.  We are running this as a BOM.  Let's not forget Anni's other books, An Angels Story, A Gardener's Journal,  and A Family Gathering.   

Any one of these fabulous publications, from some of our favourite Aussie designers, will be sure to provide you with many wonderful hours of stitching.  Maybe you could start up a group and stitch your way through with a bunch of friends, or build new friendships one stitch at a time.

Now I think I need a latte and a little bit more stitching in my day.  Bye for now....

ps  Have you left a comment to be in the drawer for our surprise giveaway?

Revisiting and renewing

I was having a look through the shop today, and decided it was time to revisit some favourites.  Where to start, where to start?  Still as popular as ever is Leanne's House BOM  .  This has proven to be very popular all over the globe.  And why not, it beautifully combines all the things many of us love - piecing, stitching, applique and fabulous romantic fabrics.  Just as popular is Leanne's 2nd BOM A Quilter's Journey.  Leanne has a unique style that fills so many with utter delight.

Rosalie Quinlan is another of Australia's most popular designers. Rosalie's Love is has proven to be a much loved quilt.  One of the things I love about this design is how versatile the blocks are.  Individually they can be used for bags, cushions, mini quilts or look stunning framed.  Rosalie faced quite a challenge last year, living with cancer.  The strength gained through that experience led Rosalie to design and share with us The Joy of Life.  As I sit and stitch with Rosalie, well she is in her part of Australia and I am in mine, I am aware of the connection through heart and hand so many of us share.

Gail Pan has delighted many with her BOM's Angel's Sewing Basket and Home Sweet Home.  Both featured fabulous stitcheries, that can be used over and over again in many other projects.  Gail has recently released her latest BOM Seasons.   Combining piecing and stitcheries, Gail has provided us with with many hours of enjoyment.

So, you may be wondering why I am revisiting some favourites.  Well, this weekend I am off to Sydney to the Quilt & Craft Expo.  It is a fabulous opportunity for retailers to have a glimpse of what's new.  I will get to fondle fabric, have my breath taken away by amazing designers with their new releases. Meet lots of people who are involved in bringing all that is delicious to you.  I look forward to getting my hands on the new book from Hatched and Patched 'A Christmas Story'.  Anni's work is so unique and fun.  For all of you that love her designs, you will be able to purchase her new book next week.  Yay!!

I am off to finish packing, checking lists and to give my Darling some overdue attention.  I will be back Monday with all the news of what's to come.  I hope your weekend is full of all you love....