Samelia's Mum

Mug Rugs: Sent and Received

2012-05-18T01:00:00.000+10:00

It was a happy mail day last week. I haven’t had a chance to post this yet as I’ve had a lot of reviews and giveaways to post lately… plus a few more to come.

I received this absolutely yummy mug rug from Sharon at Lilabelle Lane. This photo really doesn’t do it justice.

The piecing is perfection and the quilting is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Can you believe that this is Sharon’s FIRST mug rug?

Along with the mug rug, the parcel contained a matching blue mug (which is already in use) and a packet of white chocolate tim tams (which were eaten before I could take a photo).

Thank you Sharon. I absolutely love it!!

In return, I made this rainbow, semi dresden mug rug.

I must stop with my Dresden obsession. Perhaps if I make a Dresden Plate quilt, I’ll get it out of my system once and for all.

Do you have a quilt block that you love and can’t help but keep going back to?

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows {Giveaway}

2012-05-17T22:21:00.001+10:00

Robert Downey Jr is like a fine wine… he keeps gets better with age.

I’ve now seen Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows quite a few times, both at the cinema and at home, and love it. Action packed with some very captivating characters.

Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most famous detective,
Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns as his friend and colleague, Dr. Watson, in “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room…until now.
There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris)— and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

Now as a rash of murder and mayhem breaks out across the globe, only Holmes and Watson can stop the cunning Moriarty from completing his ominous plan and altering the course of history.

To celebrate the release of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which is now available on DVD and Blu Ray, Roadshow Entertainment are giving two (2) Samelia’s Mum readers the chance to win a copy of Sherlock Holmes: A game of Shadows on DVD.

To enter, you must first “Like” Samelia’s Mum on Facebook.

Then leave a comment here telling me:

Which other actor (other than Robert Downey Jr) would make a good Sherlock Holmes? Why?

*** If you do not have a blogger account, you can enter the giveaway by sending your answer to sameliasmum@gmail.com with “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” in the subject line. ***

Terms and Conditions

1. Open to Australian residents only.

2. Giveaway will close at 7pm on Wednesday 23 May 2012.

3. Be Creative with your answer. The judge’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered upon.

4. Samelia’s Mum will take no responsibility for any delay, loss or damage to prizes sent to winners.

5. Winner/s will be contacted by email and announced here on Samelia’s Mum.

LEGO® DUPLO® {Giveaway}

2012-05-17T11:23:00.001+10:00

As you may already know, my kids love Lego. I’ve written about it a few times in the past. It provides hours of enjoyment, for both the child and the parent (who wins by getting some peace and quiet).

My nephew Jeremy is almost 2. When he comes over, he wants to play with Sam and his Lego… but it usually ends up in his mouth. You know what this means… when Jeremy comes over, Lego is packed up and put away.

When I was asked if we’d be interested in reviewing some Lego Duplo, which is designed for the younger, budding builder, Jeremy instantly came to mind.

Playing and having fun is a child’s way of learning and developing skills. LEGO DUPLO bricks are twice the size of ordinary LEGO bricks, making them perfect for small hands, growing minds and budding imaginations.

LEGO DUPLO Building Plates and LEGO DUPLO Fun with Bricks are perfect for little hands to grasp and offer broad play versatility. These items are a great
introduction for children into the fascinating world of building whilst teaching important motor skills.

Here is my gorgeous nephew Jeremy in action. Don’t mind all of those people in the background. We were at the local leagues club for Mothers Day lunch when I gave him his new Lego Duplo to play with.

The new LEGO DUPLO Creative Sorter is a bucket full of fun and playful learning, developed to embrace three of the most important play types that stimulate both hands and minds: sorting shapes, making a simple puzzle and building with bricks.

Duplo is big and chunky - great for little hands to manoeuvre and manipulate.

Of course Sam saw Lego and felt the need to get involved. Here is Sam, helping Jeremy put it all together.

Looks like Jeremy is actually giving the directions :-)

Another action shot – J pulling the pieces back apart. Look at those big brown eyes. Too cute!!!

LEGO DUPLO Creative Cakes offers first person role-play for preschool girls and their friends where they can pretend and interact together.

My First Build offers pre-schoolers a unique way to play as they build a model from an image on a card teaching them invaluable lessons in hands-on/minds-on learning whilst developing spelling and counting; a great first build experience.

Lego have kindly offered to giveaway the following prize packs to two (2) very lucky Samelia’s Mum readers.

The Prize packs include:

1 x LEGO DUPLO Creative Sorter RRP $39.99

1 x LEGO DUPLO Creative Cakes RRP $49.99

To be in the running, leave a comment telling me:

What is your child’s absolute favourite toy?

*** If you are entering as an anonymous commenter or if you are a no-reply@blogger, please include your email address in the comment (so that I can contact you, if you win) ***

Terms and Conditions
Open to Australian residents only.
Giveaway will close at 7pm on Monday 21 May 2012.
Be Creative with your answer. The judge’s decision will be final.
Winner will be announced here on Samelia’s Mum.

Making Quilts… the promise of joy

2012-05-16T22:13:00.001+10:00

I may or may not have just ordered this book from Material Obsession.

My dearest husband, if you’re reading this post, look away now. Thank you x

I’m a big fan of Kathy Doughty’s quilts and have both Material Obsession one and two in my quilt book collection… Or perhaps it is quickly becoming a quilt book library. Making Quilts… the promise of joy, is Kathy’s first solo book.

I was going to be good and not buy any more books… at least until we move to our newer bigger house, with more space… for more books…

I heard that it was coming soon, but didn’t realise it was available until I read Rachael’s post this evening. I blame you Miss Blue Mountain Daisy ;-)

I will be stalking my postman regularly - from now until it’s in my hot little hands.

I got these screen captures from the publisher website, Quiltmania. Doesn’t that quilt on the right look absolutely delicious??

Are there any quilt books that you want &/or need?

Do you have a quilt book collection, or is it more of a quilt book library?

Sneeze Season… Share a Tissue (and you could win $$)

2012-05-16T13:01:00.000+10:00

Okay, that title may sound a little gross… but it’s not. Really.

Kleenex want to encourage Australians to Share the Softness and show someone special how much they mean to you.

The Share the Softness program is designed to make it fun and easy to Share The Softness with someone special.

The simple notion of being offered a tissue is enough to make us feel just a little but better. So this winter Kleenexis offering a sample box of ‘free’ tissues for you to send to the person you choose with a personalised message about why you want to “Share The Softness” with them.

Not only will the person you send it to feel good, but you will also get the warm fuzzy feeling of sharing something.

The person you send the softness with also has the opportunity to do the same thing. The really interesting part of this concept is that you can go back online and see how the love of a soft tissue that you have is spreading.

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Are you ready to Share the Softness?

Here are the SIMPLE steps:

1. Log into Facebook and head to facebook.com/Kleenexau

2. “Like” the Kleenex page and click on the “Share a pack”. Do you love my BIG RED ARROW?

3. Choose who you would like to Share The Softness with.

Notice my BIG RED CIRCLE? If your friend isn’t on Facebook – you can still send them some love, by heading over to the Kleenex website to participate.

4. Pick a message by clicking on the numbers (just like you’re dialling an old phone) or create your own message.

I’m sending a packet to my sister, so I’ve created a little message for her. Too much you think?

If you know your friends address, this next step is where you enter it in – otherwise you can share a virtual pack of tissues with them.

I have Shared the Softness thanks to Kleenex: Australia’s Softest Tissue

What special message would you send on a tissue box, to a friend?

Kleenex are choosing three participating bloggers, who will win a night in a swish hotel. Nice, yes?
Kleenex are also awarding a reader (of one of those 3 blogs) a $50 Westfield voucher for their favourite comment. Keep your fingers crossed. Mine are crossed too.

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Play School “Arts & Crafts” {DVD Giveaway}

2012-05-15T14:14:00.001+10:00

Art and Craft is a big part of daily life in the Samelia’s Mum household.

I play with fabric and Mr tinkers away on this wood lathe. Both our children also have a crafty streak and I love to encourage them to pursue it and express themselves.

ABC for Kids have released themed series on DVD. Today, we watched (while colouring, gluing and stamping) the Play School Arts and Crafts DVD.

This series aims to encourage children to develop self expression, creativity and an awareness of the world around them using a range of activities, stories and films that are enjoyable and informative.

Justine, Andrew, Jonny, Teo, Leah and Emma, paint and paste, pour, squish and squeeze, as they have fun exploring all sorts of ways to create pictures and sculptures.

In this series Play School visits some well-known artists and watches them work, and sets up its own gallery. There are also great games, stories, songs and your favourite Play School toys.

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Thanks to Roadshow, I have 2 (two) copies of Play School – Arts and Crafts, to giveaway.

Back in the 80’s

2012-05-15T10:11:00.001+10:00

It was around 1987 ish. Madonna, Dirty Dancing and Neighbours were of high importance… and friendship bracelets were all the rage.

I remember helping myself to my mothers embroidery threads to make bracelets. She wasn’t impressed. Especially when I used up her pretty variegated threads.

Well fast forward 25 years (ish) and I’m making these little lovelies again. Did you make these friendship bracelets too?

And while I knot, I’m reminiscing about my life back then. It was simple - though I probably didn’t think so at the time.

Boys, school, boys, homework, oh and did I mention boys?

Reminisce with me - where were you 25 years ago?

Pink Week at ASWC

2012-05-14T22:22:00.001+10:00

It’s pink week at And Sew We Craftwww.andsewwecraft.com.

I made this bag, which is pink, for my pink loving ballerina.

It is going to be used for her Ballet bits and pieces.

It’s reversible – the inside is purple – which is lucky, since purple is her second most favourite colour.

What is your second most favourite colour?

Sew Many Choices on eBay {+ $50 PayPal giveaway}

2012-05-13T15:58:00.000+10:00

Sewing – one of my favourite things.

Shopping – another favourite thing.

Shopping for Sewing Supplies – way up there on my top 10 list of favourite things to do.

I love shopping for patterns and fabrics and notions and quilting supplies and all of those things which make me happy.

Unfortunately, I usually have 2 kids with me, who think walking into a sewing shop is the highest form of torture. Eating Brussels sprouts is preferable.

If I need something, it’s usually a run in, quick search for what I need. While I have snacks available in my handbag – all is okay. The queues at the checkout are usually long, so I need to make sure I have enough food to keep them bribed for that part too. It’s a mission.

eBay is the answer. After the kids are in bed, I can browse and shop to my heart’s content, in all of the gorgeous eBay stores.

Have you checked out eBay recently? It used to be all about auctions, and selling unused items from around the house, to make a few extra $$$.

The nature of eBay has changed a lot in recent times. Today:

- 83% of all items available for sale on the eBay.com.au site are new.
- 74% of all consumer electronics sales on eBay.com.au are for new products.
- 68% of all parts and accessories sales on eBay.com.au are for new products.
- And 64% of all goods sold globally on eBay are at a fixed price not at auction

In October last year Fashion Gallery at eBay launched. The Fashion Gallery gives consumers direct access to a wide range of both new and discounted stock. Fashion Gallery showcases the most recognisable Australian and international fashion brands, all in one place.

Today eBay has more than 30 brands on the Fashion Gallery. The success of fashion on eBay, including the Fashion Gallery is demonstrated best by a fashion item now selling every 8 seconds and a dress every minute.

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I was given $100 to buy something nice for myself, and to experience this new and growing side of eBay.

I started researching. Researching is fun. So many stores. So much to buy. The possibilities are amazing!

With so many options and so much for sale, I’m going to share some of my top tips, for buying on eBay.

1. Compare prices: Compare prices before making your purchase to ensure that you get the best possible deal.

2. Do your homework: Make sure you read the item’s description carefully and be aware of any measurements and size differences if buying from another country.

3. Get to know the seller: Check their feedback from buyers they’ve had previous transactions with and check their pictures and descriptions.

4. Pay safe: Make sure you pay with a safer payment method, such as PayPal.

5. Leave Feedback: If you had a great transaction, be sure to shout it from the rooftops (or click the positive button).

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Okay, I think I’ve decided what I’d like to buy, for myself:

I’ve been eyeing off this pattern by Leanne Beasley for a while, so I look forward to hitting that “Buy it Now” button.

As well as this Matilda’s Own Imperial 14” x 18” Quilting ruler

And maybe this Sassy Sewing Set pattern...

With thanks to eBay, I have a $50 voucher to giveaway to very a lucky Samelia’s Mum reader. Are you ready to shop?

1. Firstly you must have a PayPal account. If you don’t have one yet, visit www.paypal.com.au and set one up. It’s quick and easy.

2. Visit the eBay Stores and tell me what NEW item, you would buy if you won the $50 prize. Copy the URL of the item and paste it here in the comments.

3. Share the love. Blog, tweet or like this post on Facebook for extra chances to win. Just leave comments with the URL. I will check ;-)

4. Giveaway closes at Midday on Sunday 27 May 2012 (Australian EST).

*** If you are entering as an anonymous commenter or if you are a no-reply@blogger, please include your email address in each comment (so that I can contact you, if you win) ***

My Top 5 for Mothers Day

2012-05-13T09:35:00.001+10:00

It’s Mother’s Day and while I’m sitting and drinking my 2nd cup of coffee for the morning, I’m thinking about being a mum… and what I love most about it.

1. Cuddles – Those special cuddles which only your child can give - complete with sticky fingers, elbows or knees to cause some pain and the smear of snot over your clothes as a finale.

2. Pride – I made these kids. Well, Mr Man did have a little bit of input, but mostly, I made them. They’re awesome little people with fantastic personalities.

Sam is loyal and affectionate with the heart of a lion. He’s the man of the house when daddy is away for work and he takes his role seriously (well most of the time). Amelia loves to dance, so when anyone is feeling down, she’ll prance around in front of them with ballerina arms, to cheer them up.

Image from Pinterest

3. Joy – Just about every day, there is laughter in the house. Usually it comes from something silly they say or a crazy question they ask. Kids make life fun. And unexpected. And random. And they manage to make most of my schedules go out the window (though I’m not a schedule person, so this part is easy).

4. Handmade – cards and letters from my little man. My little girl loves painting so everyday I get pictures of rainbows and butterflies and flowers and pictures of me, with long long hair. I love them!

5. Future – I love to imagine what road my children will take. I envision Sam as a tradie. He’s a hands on boy and I can see him fixing or making things. Amelia is a little mother hen and super creative – I imagine her as a pre-school teacher.

As a special Mother’s Day treat, I was serenaded while eating breakfast this morning. Oh and entertained by the dance show too.

What are your favourite things about being a mum?

What do you want for Mother’s Day?

2012-05-12T20:58:00.001+10:00

I came across this opinion piece on the Sydney Morning Herald website (www.smh.com.au) and felt the need to share.

It made me laugh… because it is SO true!

MOTHER'S DAY is looming and I would like to give you all a little heads-up on what would make the day truly special. It is a simple request and it won't cost a cent.

Please don't ask me any questions on the day. That's it - the key to a perfect Mother's Day. I do not want to have to make any decisions.

Don't ask if I want breakfast in bed. Don't ask if I want to have a brunch, lunch or a special dinner. You all decide.

If you’re a mum, I hope you have a fabulous Mothers Day.

Enjoy the cuddles.

Enjoy the hand made cards.

Enjoy the burnt toast and luke warm tea while you eat it in bed.

I hope your children and husband totally spoil you!!

I’m in Handmade Magazine

2012-05-11T10:21:00.000+10:00

My latest project to be published is my Dresden table runner. It will be in Handmade magazine and available for purchase on starting Wednesday, 16th May 2012.

Issue number: Handmade Vol 30 No 4

And not only is it published, check it out on the front cover!

Inside the magazine, you’ll see my project, plus my photo. Eek!

I remember when I took this photo. I was at a local tourist attraction called the Kiama Blowhole. I was trying to get a photo of me, in front of the blowhole, while the water was “blowing”.

Hub tried, but didn’t get one that I liked, so I took charge and got lucky with a shot at the right time.

Now back to the project - I love this runner.

I love the Dresden plate blocks.

I love the Trapunto which makes the Dresden’s “pop”.

I love the fabric prints (it is mostly Flora by Lauren + Jessi Jung for Moda Fabrics).

I love the colours.

I love the hand quilting.

Mothers Day is here on Sunday, so my mum may just receive this runner and a voucher from Good Return.

Do I sound proud? Yes, I admit that I am – just a teensy bit.

Dresden Plate blocks – love them, loathe them, or never tried them?

Meet Disney on Ice Superstars!!

2012-05-10T21:30:00.001+10:00

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! is bringing their Disney On Ice superstars to Australia to meet their fans! With only about a month to go, until Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! opens in Australia, Disney On Ice is starting the festivities early, giving you and your family the opportunity to see stars from the show on Saturday, 12th May 2012 in Sydney.

Appearing at Warringah Mall in Brookvale from 11am and Canterbury Ice Rink in Canterbury from 2.30pm, do not miss this rare opportunity to see Disney superstars in person.

With a little bit of luck and our plans falling into place, I hope to take my kids to see the Disney on Ice stars, at Canterbury. Super exciting for the kids - and for me too ;-)

Help celebrate these superstars’ visit by gathering friends and family of all ages to enjoy a FREE meet and greet with these beloved Disney superstars. Get the family together for a great outing and create those unforgettable memories.

What: Meet & Greet with Disney On Ice Superstars

Who: Everyone is invited!

When: Saturday, 12th May 2012

When/Where: Warringah Mall Shopping Centre, Brookvale from 11am-noon

Arena Cove – Level 1 (near the food court)

Level Cnr Old Pittwater Road & Condamine Street

Brookvale, Sydney

Canterbury Ice Rink, Canterbury from 2.30pm-3.30pm

Phillips Avenue

Canterbury, Sydney

Web: For tour dates or further information on Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! visit www.disneyonice.com.au

Have you got plans on Saturday? If not and you’re in the area, come along and be inspired by the magic of Disney.

Berry Quilt Show

2012-05-09T13:45:00.001+10:00

Last Sunday we went to the Berry Markets. You can read about our day here.

On the same day, about 100 metres down the road, was also the Berry Quilt show. What are the chances, right?

I left Mr and the kiddies outside - eating cakes as it turned out, while I went in to have a look at the beautiful quilts on display.

Here are a few happy snaps. Sorry I don’t know all of the quilters names. If you see a quilt which you recognize, please let me know.

Also, I discovered that Sarah Fielke will be teaching at the local patchwork store in September. I love Sarah’s work and will be trying my best to go to the weekend retreat.

Here are a few of Sarah’s quilts which were on display – the projects appear in her book, “From Little Things”. Love, love, LOVE them!

My photos do not do the quilts justice. Seriously!

The Night Garden

I really wish they’d given the quilts more space, but I guess the room wasn’t big enough to display everything.

Peaks and Troughs

A Step Down

The Woodpile

So, who wants to come to the quilting weekend? More information can be found HERE on the Berry Patchwork website.

Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater

2012-05-08T21:34:00.000+10:00

Mama Said Sew is the exciting new range my Sweetwater. It is due for release in August.

It started as a few weeks ago, with little sneaky peeks on the Sweetwater blog, with their beautiful pictures to whet the appetite.

Images are courtesy of the Sweetwater blog

Mama Said Sew celebrates everything we love about sewing. The black, red and grey go wonderfully together, but we are most excited to make two color quilts- red and white, black and white, or gray and white quilts that are amazing, timeless and so striking.

I am lucky enough to have some pre-release precuts of Mama Said Sew in my little online store, Fabric Buzz.

Before I even wrote this post, half of my supply was sold – it’s going to be a popular line.

I have ordered some of the black & white newsprint yardage, but that won’t arrive until August. D’oh!

And dont’ forget, for the month of May all Layer Cakes and Jelly Rolls in my store are $30 or less.

Time to grab a bargain don’t you think?

Scrappy Zig Zags

2012-05-08T07:37:00.000+10:00

It’s yellow week over at And Sew We Craft, so I set myself the challenge of using some of my scraps to make something new.

In the end, I made this zig zaggy potholder in yellow, grey and white. Love this colour combination, don’t you?

I decided on some half square triangles.

2” squares which I turned into HST’s - which were a little tricky - but super cute.

I arranged them in a zig zag design alternating the solid colour. Can I just say that if you ever go with this type of design, take a photo of the layout. I went back to my photo soooo many times.

Straight line stitching is my nemesis. But it was the only way to go with this project.

I attached my walking foot, and just did it. Nike style.

Black and white spot binding finish it off. I love black/white spotty binding.
I made a co-ordinating pot holder which I’ve blogged about over at And Sew We Craft today.

Yellow pot holders are so happy and definitely brighten up a kitchen space.

Potholders – have you ever made your own?

And more importantly, do you use them?

I’ve got a couple which I’ve made and use all the time, but I also have some which I’ve made, but can’t bear to actually use on dirty old pots or pans.

Berry Markets

2012-05-07T20:54:00.000+10:00

Whenever I see the ad for Berry Markets, I think to myself “we should go to that”. But something always crops up and we don’t go. I saw the ad again on Friday and thought “we should go to that”. Sunday rolled around and it looked like it would be a beautiful autumn day.

After almost a week away, hubby was home (YAY!!), so we got organised and packed everyone in the car and headed down the coast, to Berry.

Berry is a gorgeous little town approximately 40 minutes south of Wollongong, in NSW. Set amongst rolling green hills with the Cambewarra range providing a stunning backdrop, the landscape is unparalleled in NSW.

The town is renowned for its pastoral setting but now, it is the gorgeous shopping and the cafes which set it apart.

It’s a place where hubby and I have talked about retiring to. It’s not too far from the city - just far enough.

Berry Market is held the first Sunday of every month and has approximately 200 stalls selling hand made / hand produced products, arts and crafts, locally grown vegetables and produce, collectables, books, plants, leather goods, clothing and many other interesting stalls to browse.

We walked and browsed and walked and browsed. Stopping whenever something caught our eye (which was often).

The boys like to taste test all of the different food samples. From Fudge to Dukkah, they’re both willing to give anything a try.

Amelia and I liked to “ooh” and “aah” at all of the pretty handmade things.

Both kids took some pocket money to spend. It was burning a hole in their pockets. Seriously!

Amelia chose this very cute little wind mill. With so many cute ones to choose from, it took a little bit of time to decide.

Sam opted to buy cakes for both himself and his sister. Awwwwww!! Yes, too cute! They ate them too quickly for a photo though.

All in all, it was a beautiful, family day. If you’re in the area or in Sydney and looking for something to do, I highly recommend the Berry Markets.

Do you love Markets?

What / Where is your local market?

Moves like Jagger

2012-05-04T21:07:00.000+10:00

Queue the strobe lights, smoke machine and disco ball…

Next up, it’s the music, with heavy, HEAVY bass…

A super hyped up DJ to get the crowd revved up…

Add to that a heap of underage kids showing off their dance moves…

No, I’m not talking about some flash nightclub in the city…

I’m actually talking about last nights school disco, held at Sam’s school.

When I picked Sam up after school, all the kids were so excited. All I heard from everyone as they raced home to change into the “cool” clothes was, “see you at the disco”.

The P & F held 2 disco’s in the school hall last night. One for the Kindy to Year 2 kids, which started at 4:30 and went on until 6:00 and then the big kids had their groove time, from 6:30pm.

The girls wore their pretty dresses and bling. So much sparkle on so many little people.

The boys, couldn’t really do the sparkle thing (to which my son was devastated), so they had a lot of hair product - to compensate.

Girls with bling and boys with big hair and their best Transformers T-Shirts.

Too soon it was all over. The kids were all picked up and gushed about how AMAZING it was.

We formed an orderly queue (out the driveway and down the road) at the local Macca’s, for our loose change meals and headed home.

My son loves to dance and told me he danced with lots of girls and some of the boys. If there is one thing he’s not, it’s being shy. Give him some space and he’ll show you his “Moves like Jagger”…

Trade Winds by Lily Ashbury

2012-05-03T20:14:00.001+10:00

Can fabric be delicious? I think so.

Trade Winds is the latest collection by Lily Ashbury. If you loved Summer House, you’ll adore Trade Winds.

Here’s just a small selection of prints available in this range. The colours are AMAZING.

Picture an ancient market in Zanzibar. Traders from Ceylon have crossed the Indian ocean braving the Barbary Coast pirates. They make their way to Zanzibar where they can trade spice for colourful cloth and other exotic treasures from far away lands.

“ Trade Winds” captures the spirit of new discovery, and historic trade. Modern designs in vivid colours mix with ancient visual flavours to create a rich and timeless collection.

For the month of May, all Jelly Rolls and Layer Cakes are now $30 or less at my little online store, FABRIC BUZZ.

Coming soon – the much anticipated range… Mama Said Sew by Sweetwater

Rainbow Star Flowers

2012-05-03T12:03:00.001+10:00

Rainbow Star Flower Block… made with THIS sizing and THESE instructions.

These 2 blocks are making their way to Sue of Sue’s Place in the Sun.

Considering we only live about 45 minutes away from each other, I’m hoping that they’ll arrive in her letter box today, but you never never know with Australia Post.

Here is another photo. This one was taken during the day with my phone camera.

April was Sue’s month in the QCA # 2 group and she requested these blocks as she will be using them to make bright, beautiful quilts for her granddaughters.

Can’t wait to see how the finished quilts look. I’ll bet they’ll be spectacular.

My month is June in the QCA swap – and it’s rapidly approaching. I’m still undecided about what block I want.

I’d love some suggestions…

What is your favourite quilt block at the moment?

Mothers Day – A GOOD Gift

2012-05-02T11:03:00.001+10:00

Blogging is an amazing thing. I am part of a wonderfully supportive and inspirational online community.

And sometimes I can use my online voice, to help spread the word about something good. About something which I support and which, I think, is worthwhile.

A couple of months ago, I posted about Good Return and International Women’s Day.

Good Return really struck a chord with me. We visited Vanuatu last year and I saw first hand how a small loan, would help these less fortunate women - immensely. Help them support their family and lift themselves out of poverty.

I had some amazing responses from readers who loved this initiative and took that step and helped another woman, living in poverty.

Good Return challenged Australians to fully fund 200 women living in poverty in the Asia Pacific. And with the help of bloggers and online media, they exceeded their target!! A total of 222 women were fully funded in March, which means the lives of more than 1,110 people were impacted, for the better.

With Mothers Day on the way, why not purchase for your mother (or ask your children to give to you), a gift which keeps on giving? Something really meaningful.

Good Return connects Australians to women in the Asia Pacific who need a small loan to start or expand a small business, grow their incomes, and lift themselves out of poverty. Good Return combines these small loans with education to empower women and create long term benefits for them and their families. Just one loan helps five people out of poverty!

Purchase a gift certificate at www.goodreturn.org, and then give it to your mum. She logs on to the website and chooses another mum that she wants to support and redeems her voucher. To see what a difference her loan makes, your mum gets regular updates, and when the money is repaid, she can chose to have the money back or re-lend it and help even more women.

Gift certificates are available at www.goodreturn.org/gifts/gifts and start at just $25.

I’ve bought one.

Will you buy one too?

Our Idiot Brother {DVD Giveaway}

2012-05-01T21:01:00.001+10:00

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend a private screening of Our Idiot Brother and the Roadshow Theatrette.

It was funny. Very funny. Paul Rudd is fabulous and his character, Ned Rochlin, is endearing and completely lovable.

Ned Rochlin is one guy who chooses to find the good in every situation and the best in everyone he meets, which often puts him at odds with the world around him – especially his family. After all, what can you say about someone who is quite easily tricked into selling pot to a uniformed police officer?

Upon being released from jail, Ned excitedly returns to the organic farm he shares with his girlfriend, Janet, to find that she has thrown him out, and more importantly won't give up custody of his beloved dog (named Willie Nelson). Without a house, a job, or a clue about how to get Willie Nelson back, Ned seeks shelter with his begrudging family.

Have a little look at the movie trailer:

Our Idiot Brother is one of those films you can watch, laugh and not really need to use your brain. Sure the deep, stirring films are great, but it’s good to “switch off” too. I love those sorts of films – don’t you?

Our Idiot Brother is now available to purchase

RRP: $39.95
Blu-ray: $49.95

With thanks to Roadshow Entertainment, I have 2 copies of the DVD to giveaway.

To enter, leave a comment telling me:

What weird, crazy or idiotic things has a family member (or you) done? And more importantly, did they get caught?

*** If you are entering as an anonymous commenter or if you are a no-reply@blogger, please include your email address in the comment (so that I can contact you, if you win) ***

Terms and Conditions
Open to Australian residents only.
Giveaway will close at Midday on Monday 14 May 2012.
Be Creative with your answer. The judge’s decision will be final.
Winner will be announced here on Samelia’s Mum.

Redwork Pincushion {Tutorial} + giveaway

2012-05-01T16:42:00.000+10:00

Hands up, who loves to make pincushions?

Me, me, me *waving my arms about madly*.

I made this cute little redwork pincushion last week.

I am sharing the tutorial and pattern over and And Sew We Craft today. Pop on over and have a little look.

How many pincushions do you have?

Would you like to add another to your collection? Leave a comment (until Saturday 5 May) and I'll give this pincushion away.

Tooth Fairy Cushion {Tutorial}

2012-05-01T07:32:00.000+10:00

Yesterday, he was a baby. I remember when he cut his first little toothy peg.
Well today, he lost that tooth. My baby is growing up. Too quickly!

I made this little hanging cushion with a pocket, which he can hang on the end of his bed or on his door knob.

It’s for the tooth fairy’s visit tonight (and in future). She’ll take his tooth and leave some cash in that little pocket.

Mummy (me) will them email the tooth fairy to send back that tooth so we can put it in his treasure box.

Tooth Fairy Cushion

2 x 5” squares of fabric
2” x 4” piece of fabric (pocket)
Ribbon (optional)
Polyester filling or something to stuff the little cushion

Fold 1/8” along the long side of the pocket and press

I’m sewing the pocket on the corner of the cushion (to try to keep most of the little airplane designs intact), though this pocket can go anywhere on the cushion and will probably look better in the centre. If you do it this way, you would fold another 1/8” along the other long side of the pocket fabric.

Fold in half and place on the corner of the print square. Top stitch it down to the print fabric.

The picture below will explain it better

If you’re going to use ribbon, now is the time to pin it in place

Place the backing fabric on top – right sides together and stitch along the top using a 1/4” seam.

Sew along the bottom next, making sure you move the ribbon out of the way. The stitch along one side and finally sew the remaining side, ensuring you leave a small gap to turn out the cushion.

Clip the corners and turn it out. Use a pencil or knitting needle to poke out the corners so you have lovely points.

Stuff with the polyester filling

Slip stitch it closed and then stand back an admire your work.

Show it to your toothless child and let them admire your work.

Put the tooth in the pocket, hang it and wait for it to fill with cash by the morning.

If you make a Tooth Fairy Cushion, I’d love to see some pictures. Feel free to add them to my Samelia’s Mum Flickr group HERE.

Proud Soccer Mum

2012-04-29T21:05:00.001+10:00

My boy plays soccer.

He’s not the best player on the field, but what he lacks in skill, he makes up for in enthusiasm and defence.

When I say defence, I mean he gets in the other teams way, so they run into him. He’s like a the brick wall, so the smaller kids often bounce off him. Defence. He’s good at it.

After a bye on the first week and a rained out second week, they had their first game yesterday.

Here is a rare moment when he’s actually kicking the ball and involved in the action. He’s all about defence, remember.

I sat on the side-lines, alternately cheering, taking photos or playing with my phone.

They play 4 to a side in 2 x 15 minute halves.

Really it’s not long, but when my little lady gets bored 3 minutes into it, it’s tedious. I bribe her with a sausage sizzle - which I have to say, smells absolutely divine at 8:45 in the morning.

Who won the game? Who knows!

Are you a soccer mum?

Do you love it, or would you prefer a Saturday morning sleep-in?