my creative space...

These cute little elephants are part of a collection of  Hope Softies heading off for an interstate trip soon....

A few little cuddly toys ready to find a new owner.....

So my creative space has been full of stuffing, stitching, cutting and threading....

 I still have a few more softies to go (a new design and very cute!)  But these little Elephants will wait patiently until their travelling partners have packed their bags.

So - not long to go Steph - I promise they will get to you soon!

So whilst' these little elephants play around in my sewing room, I'm going to check out what other crafty things have been made - join me.....

Pay it Forward (with a twist) - Adopt a softie

Ok - so a few days ago, I was lucky enough to stumble onto one of my favourite bloggers for her daily post, when I noticed that she was offering 5 lucky commenters the chance to receive a little handmade gift from her!  Whoo hoo - I was number 2 (or maybe 3) - Anyhoo I made it in....

And now I get the privilege to make the same offer - to Pay It Forward to 5 people!!!

However, there is a twist (I'm not sure if I'm allowed, but try and stop me!).  Given the current situation going on in Queensland and all that is going on in blogland to help out - I thought about my Pay It Forward contribution as another way to help!  Some of you know there is a Hope Softie Campaign going on and lots of people across the country are stitching up Softies including myself.   All the softies that are made will be given to children who have lost everything in the recent floods.

The idea came from the very blogger that I received this PIF from as she commented that she wished she could make a Hope Softie.  I told her that I would be making a few, so consider it that one of them will be made on her behalf.  I then got a heart felt message that read

"I will make a $20 donation to the QLD Flood Appeal given you are making a Softie for me"

I was so touched... I began to think.....


So This is my PIF -

• You adopt a softie by making an official donation to the QLD Flood Appeal (I don't care how much or little) and come back and post your receipt number.  
• Only the first 5 people will be able to adopt a softie.
• I will make a softie on your behalf and and send to Steph who is campaigning for Hope Softies.  .  
• You then, have to pay it forward to 5 people in your own way (make something for them) etc. 

xx

*ps - for those 5 adoptees i will post you out a little handmade something from me - to say thanks xx

M.I.A {missing in action}

My sewing machine is currently in for repairs - It's 12 years old, and well, I use it all the time, but just after a Christmas sewing spree it was really clunking along and I could no longer ignore it....

Sad fact is I miss my trusty little Elna and wish her a speedy return so that I can get to making all the Hope Softie patterns I've cut up ready to sew, fill and post to this lovely Queenslander.

But not to be detered, I've managed to make one little hand sewn Elephant softie in the mean time.  He's rather cute with felt ears and eyes and bright contrasting orange blanket stitching.

xx

I'm grateful for.....{the spirit...}

Oh what a week...I returned to blogging this week after a little time off over Christmas and New Year.  The emotion that is engulfing us all right now is so raw and heavy....

Joining in with Maxabella Loves...the Queen of Grateful-ness.  Right now, I am grateful for...

The Spirit.....

The Spirit to help

to endure

to lend a hand

an ear

a voice.

To put your hand up and say

"I can help...in this way or that"

I am awe struck by the amazing Spirit that is my Fellow Australian's at this time of need. 

To join in go here

***

And - if you can help out in a small crafty way - by making a Hope Softie for the kids in Queensland who need a little comfort.

Click here and email Stephanie - every little bit helps!

*hope softies*

My bestie bloggy Steph has started up a little campaign to help the smallest and vulnerable victims on the tragic floods that have gripped Queensland.  Steph contacted me yesterday to see if I could jump on board and help out by making a few softies for children and campaigning to see if others can do the same.  I jumped so quick my mind has not stopped racing.....

So I'm singing out to all your crafty types - we need softies!

If you can make just one small little softie (or more) and post it to Steph who lives in Brisbane, she will ensure that it gets to a small child in need and who possibly has lost everything sentimental. Steph and I are stay and home mumma's of small children, so instead of feeling helpless, lets use our maternal understanding of the importance children place on a toy that comforts them and provides security and allows imagination to flow.

Here are some links to some free downloadable patterns for softies to get you started;

Mooshy bear

and for those that don't have a sewing machine (or like me, mine is in for repairs!)  click on this link and click on the elephant softie - it is hand sewn!

free softies

and for the more advanced crafter, try this great pattern!

Oopsie the octopus

So if you think you can help - pop over to Stephanie at Mon Petit Poppet and send her a message so that you know where to post your softies to.  Such a small gesture but will warm the hearts and instill hope again for the future of one little child.

xx

hope

It's raining here in Melbourne and it's humid too.  I'm not complaining.  I don't think I would even dare.  there is something quite reflective about the weather and it's hard not to think about what our fellow Australian's are experiencing in Queensland.  My heart goes out to all that are suffering, have lost, are uncertain, afraid and at a loss to comprehend it all.

I've seen so much amazing generosity from around the blogging community.  If you aren't sure how you can help, check out links from Lexi, Sophie  and a great collective auction at Make it Perfect - some great ways to spread some love!

And to all the lovely bloggers in Queensland - hang in there, stay safe and know that we are all thinking of you xx


(image)