Show and Tell.. part one
Lets start with a disclaimer. Although this may appear to be me showing off, it really isn't. And if it was? Well, c'mon, this stuff is worth showing off about.
Also, I just want to make it clear that the thanks in my last post were aimed at all of you. Everyone that reads this blog. Because I gain support from all of you, it doesn't matter which way you show it. Whether it's just being there on my Stats, or emailing me personally, or sending a gift. It's all good and all appreciated.
That said (and very much meant), lets get on with looking at the goodies shall we?
These are the hand embroidered mini cushions that Kristy's girls made for me and M-P2. I can't show you Bella's cushion at the moment because she's carrying it around with her and I can't get a photo!
The book is by Kristy's 13 year old, Lily, and was written for Jim.
You can't really tell in the photo's, but the illustrations are part drawn, part multi-media collage.
Lily's not only used a wonderful combination or paper, fabric and trims, she has also written a really good, morality tale - and believe me, if anyone needs to read a good morality tale, it's Jim!
Oh and she's bound it herself!
Contrary to how it appears, Kristy hasn't been quilting for very long at all. Which is why I'm asking exactly how she's gotten so much better than me at hand quilting already??
She has however been doing embroidery for a lot longer than I have, so I don't feel too bad about how much better she is at that than me too!
When she showed a glimpse of this quilt on her blog recently I secretly hoped it was for me. And I'm not even going to admit how disappointed I would have been if it had been for someone else, because it would not show me in a good light at all!
I was so excited when I opened this parcel and saw the wonderful elephant pillow that Jhoanna sent me, M-P2. Isn't she gorgeous? And don't you love that plate? Jhoanna sent it for Bella. And Bella shall enjoy it - whilst it hangs on the kitchen wall ( I know, I know, I'm a complete meanie).
Beki made this beautiful Kimono top for M-P2 from a pattern that she drafted herself. I absolutely adore the simplicity of it and am still debating whether or not I can allow it to go anywhere near an actual baby!
The button brooch is for me (I'm assuming so anyway and if I'm wrong, I don't want to hear it!) and is one of my favourite colour combinations of red and aqua. And finally, that gorgeous vintage pillow case. I am often green with envy at the vintage sheets and pillow cases that you have over in the US. Over here patterned bedding never really seemed to catch on to the same extent, so it's not easy to come by. And when I see all the pillowcase dresses and summer bags that get made out of them, I do so get jealous.
Leya of Curious Bird fame, sent M-P2 this wonderful owl, which makes me very happy, because Bella received another Owl 2 years ago, almost to the week, and I love the fact that the girls have now got an owl each.
The tiny t shirt is hand printed with an orange lion and is going to look perfect on M-P2 - although I can't imagine her ever being big enough to wear it!
I'm lucky enough to have lots more to show, but it's just too much for one post, so they'll be lots more next time.
We had another scan today and M-P2 is now 6lbs! And I'm only 34 weeks. No wonder I hurt. And no wonder I have no idea how I'm going to get her out! Eeek.
Hi
You have had some lovely things. They are all very nice and I am sure they will all be appreciated. I am glad you scan went well today.
Best wishes
Sarah
Posted by:Sarah Smith | January 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Oh such beautiful things!! The cushions (those dogs!), the elves story!, the elephant, the ducks, the owl, the fox and that quilt - oh my goodness it's stunning! Such lovely things to celebrate such a lovely time for you :)
Posted by:Rebecca | January 30, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Wow! What wonderful gifts! You must feel overjoyed with all that love coming your way.
:)
Posted by:carrster | January 30, 2008 at 11:29 PM
OMG
What lovely friends to have made so many gifts. I don't really have any sewing friends but, I wish I did because then I could receive lots of treasures too.
I recognize Wee Wonderful's Elephant and Molly Chicken's lavender toy in there.
The kimono is lovely too. I know MS has a kimono top that I want to try once my little one arrives. I am almost 37 weeks and I am walking around at 4 cm - still crafting too... although not as much as I want since I'm house hunting as well. We need to find a new place and soon as our current home is sold (AHHHH!)
Posted by:Nancy Cook | January 31, 2008 at 12:45 AM
What a wonderful treat for you. I know that everyone that submitted something did it out of love for you because you inspire so many people with your blog.
Elizabeth
Posted by:Elizabeth | January 31, 2008 at 02:00 AM
Incredible gifts! You, I mean M-P2 is so lucky to have such beautiful presents from so many talented people. I felt like throwing away the quilt I'm working on after seeing Kristy's amazing work! Has Lily thought about getting published?
Posted by:Grainne | January 31, 2008 at 02:10 AM
Lovely stuff... couldn't have gone to a lovelier lady. So happy M-P2 is nearly here! :)
Posted by:denice | January 31, 2008 at 03:29 AM
Wow what some great hand made items.
I really love the look of the lion t shirt.
Posted by:sara | January 31, 2008 at 04:10 AM
WOW,such wonderful delights and so much lovlinness to take in.Such thought has obviously gone into all of your lovely gifts.Shows what an inspiring honest lady you are and people love you for it!
Posted by:Rachel whitworth | January 31, 2008 at 08:28 AM
What a bounty of beautiful things! The quilt and cushions are amazing! So glad you like the elephant and the plate :-) Look forward to seeing more!
Posted by:Jhoanna | January 31, 2008 at 11:00 AM
What great gifts ~ it almost makes me wish I was having a baby shower. Instead, I have treated myself (and bump) to one of those elephant cushions ~ they are so cute & my nursery seems to be developing an elephant theme. Does the "quilt maker" sell her work anywhere & if so could you post a link? I think it is absolutely gorgeous.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy ~ not long to go now
Posted by:Lynne | January 31, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Hand-quilting is a cop out for me as I find it so much easier than by machine.
I'm sure that pillowcase was meant for me! I coveted it on Beki's blog.
Posted by:Kristy | January 31, 2008 at 12:43 PM
The comment above me made me giggle.Me a "quilt-maker" does making three really make me one now? Is it like collecting things when you have 3 it can be called a collection?!
Posted by:Kristy | January 31, 2008 at 12:44 PM
How wonderful Manda. I wish I'd known about the gifts - I have a pack of tiny little pink socks in my prezzie drawer which have been there about 10 years with no-one to give them to. Email me with your address and I'll pop them in the post for you (well, M-P2)!
Sue x
Posted by:Sue | January 31, 2008 at 02:48 PM
ack woman! what an amazing pile of goodies!
Posted by:amy | January 31, 2008 at 03:39 PM
My goodness, what a bounty of beautiful things. I think baby showers are a lovely idea for celebrating a baby's arrival. I'm sorry I missed out on yours but it looks like you have plenty of handmade goodness to keep you going a good while!
Posted by:Sarah | January 31, 2008 at 03:51 PM
What fabulous goodies you got! And you'll get baby out somehow it all works out. :)
Posted by:Amy | January 31, 2008 at 04:13 PM
wow!
Posted by:capello | January 31, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Such love for you and your family - enjoy. My one daughter was 9lb and came out a lot easier and smoother than my 6lb daughter, all will be fine.
Posted by:Mrs Thimble | January 31, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Ooh they are all such beautiful presents Manda. I am sure each and every one of them will be very well loved. The 2nd time around is usually much easier than the first. My daughter was 9lb 2 when I had her in under an hour and it was so easy considering my son took 12 hours and was a lot smaller. I cannot believe that it is only 6 weeks away until you have another beautiful girl to join your family. How exciting for you all!
Posted by:sue | January 31, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I could not help but notice that you have a copy of Miss Lily's Fabulous Pink Feather Boa in your stash. As a little Aussie girl I have to say that I hope your children get as much out of this beautiful Australian book as my children do.....daily!
If you can give your children no other gift then let them see the breathtaking illustrations of Kerry Argent. Her work weaves magic in the imaginations of children.
I hope that Miss Lily's is the start of a love affair with Kerry Argent's art.
Jen
Posted by:Jenny | January 31, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Cool stuff! You hit the jackpot! Don't worry, bigger doesn't neccessarily equate to harder (not in my experience). And I think ultrasounds aren't that good at "guessing" weight either.
Posted by:Kris | February 01, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Cool stuff! You hit the jackpot! Don't worry, bigger doesn't neccessarily equate to harder (not in my experience). And I think ultrasounds aren't that good at "guessing" weight either.
Posted by:Kris | February 01, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Where's part two? (I'm tapping my foot impatiently) It's not like you have anything better to do :-)
Posted by:Grainne | February 01, 2008 at 04:12 AM
Oh good Lord, you managed quite a haul! I'm rather jealous! I only had four people show up to my bridal shower...
Your baby is going to be spoiled! And cute! And well dressed! But mostly just spoiled.
Posted by:Cindi | February 01, 2008 at 06:49 AM