The Janelle Wind Collection

thinking, deciding, stressing, wishing, wondering.......

That was my status update on facebook VERY late last night. There is a lot of thinking, deciding, stressing, wishing and wondering going on in our lives at the moment. All of this is consuming my thoughts most of the time. With this in mind, I am going to take a little blog break for about a week.

And while I am here 'keeping it real', I thought I would share a photo with you that I took yesterday afternoon of my sewing room. I have been chained to this room for about 16 hours a day for the last few days working on something that I can't share until next year! I wish I could, so for now, I will share my mess. This photo pretty much sums up my mind at the moment too!!

Off to think and clean up my messy room - maybe the cleaning will bring some clarity to my mind too, who knows.

Back next week x Janelle

A very special weekend...

This past weekend, my family and I made a whirlwind trip (by car) to Queensland for my cousin Laura's wedding. Our weekend was made even more special because Emily had been asked by Laura to be their flower girl. To say she was excited was an understatement. She was thrilled...

So bright and early Friday morning we set sail for Stanthorpe in Queensland. It is about 3/4 of an hour past the QLD border, so it took us about 8-9 hours to get there. Although the trip in the car was cramped etc, we had a lovely time chatting, watching DVD's and singing Mamma Mia songs together too.

When we arrived we dove straight in to help. Setting up tables at the reception and doing lots of little jobs to help. At this stage I was also asked to be one of the main photographers for the wedding, a very daunting task but one I was happy to do my best at.

Saturday morning arrived and a very excited and nervous Emily went off to breakfast with the bride and bridesmaid, then off to the hairdressers for her very first time at having her hair done in such a special way.

Emily was VERY nervous so wasn't too keen on eating much breakfast, so I think she was relieved when I arrived to start taking photos - nothing like having Mum nearby.

Here is the back of Emily's hair - isn't it beautiful! She was SUCH a good girl and sat patiently for the 2 hours it took to do her hair. I couldn't have been more proud. After the tough year she has had, I think this special day was just what she needed.

And here she is with her hair all finished - looking beautiful and SO excited and happy. The tummy butterflies had started to settle down a little by now too I think.

While the bride was having the finishing touches added to her hair and veil, I headed back to the house to lend a helping hand and ready myself for taking more photos. The girls soon arrived back and we sprang into action getting everyone ready for the 2pm wedding.

Emily was so excited to have a little makeup applied too. She felt so very grown up.

After the girls were all dressed and ready to go, we headed outside for a few quick photos before heading to the Church. 

Laura had her best friend Mishele as her bridesmaid and her nephew Cooper as page boy. And can you see her gorgeous dog Millie in the photo, well she was the ring bearer. I think she matches perfectly!

We headed off to the Church and we were only fashionably late. Laura's father passed away when she was very young, so she asked my father if he would give her away, and he accepted with pride. I was proud too, to see my Dad walking her down the aisle.

It was a VERY hot spring day of over 30 degrees and being an outside wedding we were all quite hot. Laura and Andrew didn't notice the heat at all - it was very obvious to us all how much they love and adore each other. I took this shot after I took the photo of 'the kiss'. I love the look in Laura's eyes.

Being one of the main photographers, I spent the ceremony popping into lots of different places to capture as many of the moments as I could. And as often as possible I snapped shots of my gorgeous girl.

It was a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony where Laura and Andrew exchanged vows and promises and shone with pride as they became husband and wife.

After the ceremony we headed off to take some photos of the wedding party. I was relieved to have Laura's brother in law and Andrew's nephew taking photos as well. Together we took a LOT of photos. Here are a few favourites.

Laura's mother (my Aunty Dorothy) is an avid patchworker and very talented seamstress. She made Laura's dress, Emily's dress, her own outfit and handbag for the wedding. I think she did an absolutely amazing job. And I was SO very thrilled to capture this shot of Laura and her Mum (Aunty Dororthy) together. It is easy to see the special bond that they share.

After the ceremony we headed out of town to the reception that was held at a beautiful vineyard. It was late in the day and the lighting was spectacular. We quickly took as many photos as we could while the light was there - group shots, family shots. Lots of capturing of memories and laughing too. This is one of my favourites from the day.

I managed to get in a few photos myself - here I am with Laura.

And again with Laura and her sister Susan. I was mistaken for their sister a lot throughout the day, and I loved it! It is lovely to feel like you belong. There is nothing more special than family I think.

Jasper had a wonderful time at the wedding too - playing with his cousin Cooper. They were inseperable and needed NO encouragement to have their photo taken together either. I am so glad Jasper has a little boy cousin close in age to him too.

It was an absolute honour to be a part of and share Laura and Andrew's day. It was a magical day filled with love and family. We didn't want the day to end. However one little girl fell asleep in the car on the way home from the reception - it really was a BIG day.

Back soon with a few more photos from our trip home and a few other bits and pieces. Thanks for sharing this special day with me too. x Janelle

I know, I'm late...

I am late with announcing the winners of my last two giveaways!! I am so sorry. I have had such a busy week, that getting a chance to print out all the comments and choose the winners (with the help of the random number generator) hasn't happened until today. Thank you for being SO very patient with me. We have a HUGE weekend ahead of us that I can't wait to tell you all about - Monday I will be back with lots of photos and a big share.

The two winners of my 'Poppies for you' bag pattern are...

Janelle Giblin

and

Alison M

Congratulations girls, if you would like to email me at thejanellewindcollection@westnet.com.au with your postal details, I will get your patterns in the post to you.

AND the two winners of my 'A Penny for your Thoughts' pattern are...

Sue - 4/10/09 (I love that you have kept a journal for so many years Sue, what a wonderful memory and keepsake for your family)

Gerda Hartman

Congratulations girls, I hope you enjoy making these projects. Please email me on the above email address with your postal details so I can get your patterns in the mail to you.

Back Monday with LOTS to share. x Janelle

One of the reasons I have been so quiet...

I just HAD to come and share one of the things that has been keeping me quiet (and super busy too). I have been busily stitching and making my class sample for this super exciting retreat that is only 17 days away now. I can't WAIT...

Here are some more details from Kim Archer, who has meticulously planned every part of this amazing retreat. It is one not to be missed.

no frills saturday

Seventeen days until the @Home|Away Weekend retreat.

Two of the additional workshops on Saturday are at 90% full. And the third class is not too far behind with bookings. And I want to fill those last few spots.

Sooooo, I have decided to announce NO FRILLS SATURDAY for local girls or anyone interested in travelling up to Salamander Bay (north of Newcastle) for a workshop or two or three! No extras. Just the workshops.

• All workshops are $45.00 each.
  
• Includes tuition and full kit.
  
• DOESN'T INCLUDE: meals or entry to our Saturday night party crop night.
  
• Bring or buy your own lunch (wraps, salads, breads, pasta etc available for purchase at the alfresco coffee shop within the Sunsets At The Bay resort)
• Workshops on offer are: MOVING RIGHT ALONG with Mardi Winen. LITTLE BOOK OF TEXTURE with Kim Archer and CELEBRATE THE SEASONS with Janelle Wind.

WORKSHOP ONE - Moving Right Along with Mardi Winen

8.30-10.30am Saturday 7 November '09

PRICE: $45.00

{more sneak peek photos coming soon}

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WORKSHOP TWO - Little Book of Texture with Kim Archer

Saturday 7 November 2009 11am-1pm

PRICE: $45.00

 

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WORKSHOP THREE - Celebrate the Seasons with Janelle Wind

Saturday 7 November 2009 2-4pm

PRICE: $45.00

 

 

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More winners and an exciting share...

Yes, I disappeared for a little while. So sorry - school holidays and a HUGE to-do list kept me away longer than  planned. I have been stitching up a storm but not anything I can show you just yet. Lots of it have to do with this event - if you are coming, I can't WAIT to see you there. It is getting SO very exciting...

Thanks to the help of the Random Number Generator, I have chosen the two winners for 'Suzie's Sweet Shoppe'. Again a HUGE thank you to all who entered - I loved reading each and every one of your comments. The two winners are...

Leone (30/09/09)

Princess Martha

Congratulations girls!! If you would like to email me at thejanellewindcollection@westnet.com.au, I will pop your patterns straight in the post. I hope you enjoy stitching these projects.

Now onto my exciting share. My lovely new friend Ally, has been SUPER busy and finished her quilt top for 'R is for Robots' and it looks sensational! I have been bursting to share it with you. Here are some shots before borders were added.

Ally is sending it off to be quilted soon, so I will share more photos when the quilt is complete. I think this range of fabrics suits the quilt perfectly. Thank you SO much Ally for doing such an amazing job of pattern testing my quilt - I LOVE it.

Back soon with more winners and more to share... x Janelle

More Robots & some winners announced...

Thank you ALL for your lovely comments about my Robot quilt and cushion, I am so thrilled that you like them and some of you are super keen to be making them already. How exciting!! The pattern is on its way to the wonderful team at Creative Abundance so should be available very soon.

Today, I am super exited to share the matching Robot pattern called 'Robots @ Play'. This is the companion pattern to 'R is for Robot...' and includes full instructions for an A5 journal cover, a toy/library bag and framed stitchery. Featuring different Robots and projects makes this pattern perfect as an companion to the quilt and cushion. These projects are perfect gift items for little boys too!

Here is 'Robots @ Play'...

And a little close up...

 

And if you have a little girl that loves Robots, just add a love heart instead of the heartbeats in the chest and a bow on their head and you have a girl Robot - easy!!

As soon as I have these patterns in my hands, we will have to do another giveaway - they are just too much fun!!

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Time to announce the winners of my first giveaway - for my 'Audrey' pattern... Again another HUGE thank you to everyone who took the time to comment and enter this little giveaway. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment. Without further ado, the two winners are...

Shiree Johnston and

Fiona Rayner

Congratulations girls! If you would like to email me your snail mail addresses, I will pop your patterns in the post tomorrow. Make sure you share your Audrey bag with us when you make one too!!

R is for Robots...

It is FINALLY time to reveal my brand new patterns, just for boys! At the beginning of the year I wrote a big list of projects just for boys - enough to fill a book. I just LOVE designing projects for boys, so have had an absolute ball making my Robot themed projects. I am even more excited to share them with you too.

I have designed and made a range of projects with a Robot theme, so that you can decorate a whole room based around this theme. The first of these two patterns is called 'R is for Robot...' and features a single bed quilt with appliqued Robots and a cushion to match - with a stitchery Robot in the centre. There is a bonus quilt label stitchery design included as well.

I have used a jelly roll and charm back for the majority of the quilt and cushion with the remainder of the jelly roll strips being used in my second pattern (that I will show you soon). You do not have to use a jelly roll or charm pack for this quilt however, and I have given requirements based on pre cut or off the bolt.

So without further ado - introducing 'R is for Robot...' Featured on Jasper's bed (as I have made this quilt as a gift for him)

And here is the full quilt - beautifully quilted for me by a wonderful quilter, Louise Baker who fitted me in. Thank you SO much Louise - I am thrilled with the quilting, I just LOVE it.

And here is the cushion to match...

 

I have kept the pieceing and construction of these projects relatively simple as I want even beginning quilters to be able to achieve this quilt. I hope you love them as much as I do.

The gorgeous Allison Nicoll is already busily pattern testing this quilt for me using a perfect range of fabrics called 'Traffic Jam' - you can see the full range HERE at Blueberries. I will share Ally's quilt with you very soon too.

I will be back tomorrow to show you the matching pattern called 'Robots @ Play' and to announce the two winners of my Audrey pattern. x Janelle

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In case you were wondering what fabric range I have used, it is an older range called 'Wee Play' by American Jane. There are still some jelly rolls and charm packs available however there are also LOTS of gorgeous boy themed fabrics available too, such as Traffic Jam or you may consider using Happy Campers which is the new range by American Jane. Be brave and try choosing your own combination of fabrics too - mix your ranges or use just spots and stripes...

Another giveaway and a sneak peek too...

Thank you ALL so very much for your lovely kind, and supportive comments for Emily. They mean so much to each of us. And a special thank you to the words of understanding and support for me too. It is so reassuring to know that other mothers feel the same as I do, and that it is so common to need glasses around this age. Thanks to your support Emily is happily wearing her glasses for all long distance viewing.

I also LOVED reading all of the things you would hide in the pockets of 'Poppies for You'. It seems I have lots of fellow chocolate lovers too -yum! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, I think we girls really do love bags with lots of pockets.

NOW - onto another giveaway. This is just SO much fun! I could do this every day but I have some VERY exciting new patterns to share with you very soon, so this will be the LAST giveaway for just a little while.

If you would like to win one of 2 copies of my 'A Penny for your Thoughts' pattern, then leave a comment on THIS post. Since there is a journal cover in this pattern, how about you tell me what project you are excited about right now, might be something drawn in your journal, something on your wish list or a new pattern you have. 

For me, I am excited about my brand new patterns for the boys. Here is one final sneak peek before I reveal the first of two matching patterns very soon. I can't WAIT to show you. The stitching is complete and I am just putting the finishing touches on the patterns - I am just waiting for a bright, sunny day to photograph (fingers crossed tomorrow).

I will start choosing winners for these 4 giveaways on Monday and will announce one each day. AND hopefully share the first of my two new patterns for boys as well. I hope you are having a lovely weekend x Janelle

Family news and Giveaway 3...

I thought before I announced my third giveaway for the week, I would share a little of our family news. Last week I took Emily off to the optometrist as she had been complaining that she couldn't see the blackboard at school. As she is a HUGE Elsie fan, I was thinking maybe she just wanted some glasses because she thought they were cool. Well I got a huge shock when the optometrist put up the first board for her to read and she couldn't even read the first line. After some further tests it was discovered that she is quite short sighted and needed glasses.

Fast forward to this week - we took an excited and nervous Emily off to pick up her two pairs of brand new glasses. It was amazing to hear her exclamations of delight as she discovered so many things she hadn't been able to see clearly. The leaves on the trees, the signs on the shops, even her brothers hair, were all SO much clearer. She said that the moment she put those glasses on was the best moment of her life. My poor sweet girl really DID need glasses.

So I thought I would share a few photos of Emily that we took today, to share both pairs of her glasses. We are glad that we discovered this now so that she can see the world just that little bit clearer...

Here she is in her black glasses, her first choice...

And her other choice - purple glasses...

We are SO proud of Emily and how well she has accepted her need for glasses.

Now, onto giveaway 3. I am LOVING these giveaways so much, thank you ALL so much for stopping by my blog and for sharing the fun. Please see the last two posts for the first two giveaways - and feel free to enter them all.

OK giveaway 3 is for 'Poppies for You'...

If you would like to win one of 2 copies of my pattern 'Poppies for You', then leave a comment on THIS post. This time I would love to know what you would hide in some of the pockets of this bag (there are 16 pockets, so lots of room for secret goodies!). For me, I would have to have a little secret stash of chocolate. Yum! And some stitching of course...

Back late tomorrow with another giveaway. We will have no power here for up to 6 hours tomorrow while our local power company do some alterations in our street, so I will be offline for a while - back as soon as I can. x Janelle

Giveaway no.2...

Thank you ALL so very very much for your lovely kind words about my 'Audrey' pattern. You absolutely made my day yesterday, thank you SO very much. And thank you for sharing the fabrics you might like to make 'Audrey' in too. I love hearing which fabrics you are loving too...

OK onto today's giveaway. Today my giveaway is for 'Suzie's Sweet Shoppe'. This pattern includes full instructions to use a layer cake to make Suzie's Quilt and cushion plus additional prompts to make the bed pillow as well. (note: you do not need to use a layer cake to make this pattern)

So if you would like to be in the running to win one of 2 copies of 'Suzie's Sweet Shoppe', leave a comment on THIS post and your name will go into the draw.

Back tomorrow with another giveaway AND possibly some more sneak peeks of my boy projects. This is FUN! x Janelle

EDITED TO ADD: Winners chosen and announced above...