One Day In May, Creations by Melissa Grant

She's here! Introducing our little Hannah...

We have been truly blessed...

On the 24th of October,

our little girl was born.

...a very special addition to our family and little sister to Asher and Lydia. 

She's a little dot of a babe.
at just 2.850 kg / 6lb 5oz.

Our first 10 days together have been spent taking in and celebrating the little things...
trying to commit these precious moments to memory in all their detail and wonder.

As you can imagine, I have so many photos that I would like to share... too many in fact. So, I have simply chosen a few of my favourites.

Some final bump photos on the 23rd, the last day of my pregnancy.

Early morning, Wednesday the 24th of October, we finally meet Hannah face to face...

Sweet sleep...

Hannah's first bath. Such tiny toes...

All rosey-cheeked and happy to be dry again.

We quickly discovered that the 0000 sized clothes we had organised were going to be too big for our little girl, so DD (doting Dad) headed to the shops to find a premmy outfit for her to wear home.
Didn't he choose well? So sweet! Tiny booties, hat, suit and jacket... a perfect fit, but we still had to roll up the legs! : ) 

On Monday, we headed home to begin our life together.

For now, that means little sleep, endless loads of washing and hours of lovely cuddles while getting to know each other.

A blessing indeed.

Just one more, that I simply must share. One of my favourite photos was taken by our 17 year old daughter.

... a special moment between sisters.
(It's a little hard to see as it was taken in low light, but priceless nonetheless.)

Until next time,

Melissa  x

One of my favourite photos was taken by Lydia, our 17 year old daughter.
Lydia and Hannah... a special moment between sisters.
(It's a little hard to see as it was taken in low light.)

I'm sure they're still there...

Did you hear?

There are strange things happening in Upper Ferntree Gully! ; )

We are experiencing a full eclipse!

And such a long eclipse.... in fact it's been weeks... my total eclipse of the toes! : )

Just 3 more sleeps to go.

Melissa  xx

For the Love of Violets...

Isn't it funny, how we sometimes don't notice things until we see them in a new environment!

Just after my 15th birthday, I travelled to Germany to spend a year on exchange.
The family I lived with had a lovely home with a large semi-landscaped meadow and pond at the rear of the house.
At the time, I was completely amazed at the array of "new" flowers that were completely different to what we had in Australia!!!
I eagerly picked and pressed many little flowers, taking note of their English, German and Latin names. I couldn't wait to speak to Mum and Grandma and share my exciting floral discoveries with them! 

Well it was a little embarrassing! It turned out that most of my "amazing discoveries" were also growing in our very own back yard!
The Crocus, Queen Anne's Lace, Forget-me-nots, Snow Drops... and even Violets.
It would seem that this whole new, exiting world of botanical discovery, was only new to me! Too, too funny! But still, it was a new love that still hasn't waned.

One of my very favourite blooms is the violet! Such a fragile little flower, springing from a bed of heart shaped leaves.
From white through to a deep purple... big 1 inch beauties to tiny, two toned native varieties. I love them all!  

This week saw the release of a new, violet themed One Day In May pattern!

For the Love of Violets ~ Hexagonal Pincushion

This sweet pin cushion celebrates the humble, but "oh so sweet" violet.

The top of this pincushion features simple embroidered motifs, and a dimensional cluster of double-sided, fabric violets, felt leaves and leaf curls.
The techniques used to create the leaves and blooms may also be used to embellish many other projects... quilts, bears, dolls and more.

A decorative piece, this design is also functional... with 3 small pockets, to store your packets of needles, embroidery scissors, threads and other notions.
Each pocket is embroidered with a rather round and happy bumble bee, created with just 3 stitches... back-stitch, satin stitch and French-knots .

The other 3 sides feature lovely, gathered fabric to add texture and compliment the fabric used for the violets.

The back of the pin cushion is pieced with triangles and pulled in at the centre with a coordinating button.

“For the Love of Violets” is a small but fun project full of technique variety.
For those who like to combine their love of embroidery, patchwork, dimensional embellishment...
... and of course violets.

This new pattern is available for stores to have shipped now.
So please check availability with your local store or the stockists listed at the top left of the blog to purchase.
The patterns are also available to purchase online, on the One Day In May page of the Hugs 'n Kisses online store.
You'll find "For the Love of Violets" towards the bottom of the page. Hugs 'n Kisses ship both within Australia and internationally.

Hoping your day is a happy one,

Melissa  x

It's time...

Hello everyone... it's been a while!

Actually, it's been almost 3 months since I've dropped into the blog, and I must apologise for keeping some of you wondering.
I've been taking a bit of a breather to rest and to deal with a few tricky but maneagable pregnancy issues. It's been a little hard, putting most of my work and stitching goals aside for a while (it's not easy to resist the stitch!!!). But, Baby and I have had to come first, and I know my health and stitching days will return shortly...
... very shortly in fact!
I'm booked in for a c-section in just over a week, so you can imagine the anticipation and excitement we are feeling as we count down the last few days.

Little socks make for a happy washing day! : )

But first (partly due to my overwhelming urge to nest and organise), I MUST draw the winners of a pattern giveaway.
The winners were meant to be drawn in July I'm afraid, and I'm feeling pretty neglectful of you, putting the blog on hold for this long. But, better late than never!
So here goes...

Congratulations to Sarah Scott and Susan N.! You've each won a copy of my "Sweet Roses" pattern.

Sarah Scott said:
Hi Melissa I've only recently discovered your designs through the Hugs n Kisses website! I really love the Sweet Roses design it has a lovely vintage feel to it.
Can't wait to see what you design next.x 

Susan N said:

'Sweet Roses'...so elegant & timeless! Lovely! Thankyou for the opportunity to win Melissa.

 

Congratulations to Marina and Gayle Allen! You've each won a copy of my "In a Pear Tree" pattern.
 

Marina said:

Have just found your blog after purchasing your waterlily dreaming pattern. Can't wait to make it. I love your partridge in a pear tree stitchery and would love to enter your giveaway.
Am off to see what other loveliness you have created.
 

Gayle Allen said:

Hi Melissa, I have had fun doing the Waterlilly, and am now working on the roses, so would love to win In a Pear Tree, after that the birdies are next in line.
Many thanks for your fabulous talented designs, Gayle Allen
 

I'll email you all shortly for your addresses and send hubby down to the post office! : )

While stitching has been in short bursts, I do have 2 new patterns to release that were designed for special online events earlier in the year.
So, stay tuned as I'll tell you all about those in the next few days!

If you follow One Day In May on Facebook you've probably seen these new designs already... I tend to loitre in the land of Facebook more frequently at the moment.
Pop on over and join us for a bit of fun and if you'd like to keep up with the very latest updates.
 

To purchase the above patterns or any of my designs, please visit my stockists listed at the top left of the blog or check out the Hugs 'n Kisses online store.
You may just find a brand new One Day In May pattern down at the bottom of the page!

A special thank you to those who have sent well wishes and enquired after our "baby bump progress", and to all of you for your understanding and patience with my time away.
Melissa xx 

Time for a giveaway or two!

To celebrate the recent release of my 2 latest patterns, I'm hosting a giveaway!
One of my favourite things to do!!

I have 2 of each new pattern to send out. You just never know, one may soon be on it's way to your place!

The first pattern up for grabs is "Sweet Roses ~ Brooch and Framed Display".

I've taught quite a few "Sweet Roses" workshops this year.
Everyone seems to love the dimensional roses and leaves... and how useful they are for embellishing all manner of projects.

This One Day In May design includes instructions for the brooch and a pretty framed display panel. As well as the roses and leaves, the brooch also features lovely ric-rac loops and a sweet felt heart. The appliquéd and embroidered display panel is suited to a 5” x 7” standard sized frame.

You can see a 2nd brooch at the bottom of the next photo... a pretty dusty blue and green!

And a 3rd... this time in gorgeous pinks and greys from the new "Life is Beautiful" fabric range by Helen Stubbings of Hugs 'n Kisses.

 

Do you have a favourite fabric or two that you would love to be able to wear?

How about combining them to create a brooch? And when it simply doesn't match your outfit, pop it onto it's frame to create a decorative piece for the home.

The second pattern is "In a Pear Tree ~ Wall Hanging".

This design can be created with Christmas themed fabrics to add to your festive decor, or in softer tones for “all year” display.

The central panel features a pretty, embroidered partridge nestled in it's tree with chain-stitched pears and fabric leaves. The small wall hanging (approx 10" x 20") is completed with the addition of some simple patchwork and a semi-circular panel. The panel features a large pear with dimensional leaves and a well known line from a much beloved Christmas carol.

I've loved designing this project. The combination of embroidery, patchwork and dimensional fabric leaves celebrates the charm of the humble pear... and these soft tones seem to be my favourite right now. Are you drawn to particular colours for a while, only to discover a new love of something totally different just weeks later?
The flavour of the minute fo me is muted greens!

These two new One Day In May designs are already available in some stores.
Please check the stockist list at the top left of the blog or ask your local store to order them in for you.

So, which pattern will you choose?
Which one would you like to stitch?
Leave me a comment and you will be in the running to own the pattern you mention.
Entries close midnight AEST, July 24th. Winners will be drawn shortly after.

Good luck! Please feel free to share the link to this post with a friend, so that they can enter too!

Until next time,

Melissa  x

PS. Do you facebook? Did you know you can find me there too?
Come on over and join our little commuity... for sneak peeks, fun links and general stitchy goodness!

A stitchy, Christmassy surprise!

I've been keeping a little stitching secret... don't you just love those?

As you already know, I just love the online "Christmas In July" event over at Quilt Fabric Delights.
Well guess what! I've been secretly stitching away on a surprise project for "Christmas In July" members.

I had some gorgeous ingredients to design with with... two tones of lovely linen, beautiful French General fabrics, pretty felt and variegated threads... PLUS my own unusual addition of household STRING!
Thought that might get your attention. : )

I've been taking a few progress pics along the way... trying very hard to keep this little secret and to resist revealing too much.

For now I can show you a little embroidery with "Running Postman" hand dyed, stranded cotton from Cottage Garden Threads...

... and just what have I been doing with all that string? Here's a little peek.

Since taking this photo, lots of lovely, dimensional goodies have been added to this "stringy" backdrop. Can you guess what it is yet? It's looking much more Christmassy now that it's almost finished.
Can't wait to show you the completed design!

But, wait I must.... just a little bit longer. The pattern for this project will be available for download very soon over at "Christmas In July".

Click HERE to read more about this fun event.
And if you like, why not join in!
The event lasts all month and is filled with Christmas flavour. There are lots of Christmas patterns to download, competitions, online chats with designers and more. Being an online event, you can join in from anywhere. So far, there are members from Australia, Portugal, France, Norway, USA, New Zealand, Spain and the Netherlands. How wonderful for quilters to be able to gather from across the world and connect in this way.

There are projects from Rachael Measham-Pywell, Amanda Bergamin, Cheryl Goss and Gail Pan. Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches, Janet Rowe of Wildcraft Farm, Janelle Wind and myself... along with many more from the wonderful QFD Creative Team. You can find lots of peeks on the Quilt Fabric Delights blog.

Here's just a little look at Natalie Lymer's (Cinderberry Stitches) project. Isn't it gorgeous!!

All featured projects can be downloaded until the end of July, so it's definitely not too late to join us.

Happy stitching... and "Merry Christmas"!!

Melissa  x

 

My "Little work in progress"...

Firstly, thank you for all your emails... to check on my health and to pass on gorgeous words of encouragement and well wishes. What a lovely bunch you are! xx

I've been taking it a little easier over the last month. Baby and I are both doing wonderfully, but under doctor's instructions are having to spend alot of time in bed. I'm more than a little sick of the bed rest, but am trying to stitch, design, knit and read to keep it interesting.
(How very thankful I am to have a laptop right now...hehehe!)

I decided today, that despite feeling decidedly round, I should document this little bundle's growth and make myself get in front of the camera. Boy, do I loath having my photo taken... but these precious moments in life are quickly forgotten and are wonderful to look back on. I thought you might enjoy seeing my "Little work in progress" too. : )

Wow, what a bump for 23 weeks... and sitting much higher than my "previous bumps". : )

I've released two new patterns over the last couple of weeks. You might recognise them from the recent gathering at Country Hart Designs. Well, now they are ready for general release.

"Sweet Roses ~ Brooch and Display"...

... and "In A Pear Tree ~ Wall Hanging".

I hope you enjoy them. I love the feeling of completing a new design, and the feeling of finishing the writing of a pattern is even better!! These new designs have begun to arrive in stores. Check out the "One Day In May" stockist list at the top left of the page or ask your local store about ordering them in.

I also wanted to let you know about one of my favourite, annual events... Christmas in July at Quilt Fabric Delights, a Christmas flavoured online retreat! This was such great fun last year. As it is an online event, you can join in no matter which corner of the globe you are in. How great is that! Members enjoy an abundance of Christmas patterns, games, competitions, making new quilting friends and catching up with other members in the chat room. Christmas In July began July 1st, but it's definitely not too late to join in. It runs over the entire month of July, filled with Christmas themed fun with the QFD Creative Team and guest designers Gail Pan, Janelle Wind, Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches and Janet Rowe of Wildcraft Farm.

The first project was The Jolly Elves by Rachael Measham-Pywell.  So cute.

 
Here are a couple of peeks at the Christmassy fun to come...

You can find details about Christmas In July and how to join in... HERE.

Until next time,

Melissa  x

PS. I'll be back soon, to celebrate the new patterns with a giveaway... just can't resist!

And the winners are...

A big thank you to everyone who entered my "faux-doily" pattern giveaway. It was lovely to read everyones' comments, especially from those with a special love for doilies!
Now onto the winners... (imagining a little drumroll!)

The winners of an "A Doily for Annabelle" pattern are...
Michelle Watt and Cate Gibson!!

 

Michelle Watt said:

I recently "tripped over you" on Pinterest. I was straight up a fan - ordered my waterlilly needle keep pattern from Hugs'n'kisses and have now made 1 each for my sister and myself plus a few larger lillys for lilly loving friends :) I love all your designs and would love to win one of your patterns. Hopefully you might make it to our craft fairs in Brisbane one day.

Cate Gibson said:

Love these doiley's they remind me of my Mother and the only thing she had of her Mother a Nightie Case in what she called "White or Mount Mellick Work " from her homeland of Ireland. I am trying to copy one each for my sister, but my stitching is not like my great grandmother's it is a work in progress.

The winners of an "A Doily for Bessie" pattern are...
Sharon and Heather Porritt!!
 

Sharon said:

I absolutely LOVE your new doiley designs and would love to win such a special project. I enjoyed stitching your Christmas design and gave it to my mother for Christmas. She absolutely LOVED it:) Here's hoping...
 

Heather Porritt said:

Wow these are simply beautiful They certainly would make a great gift... and still lots of time to make them for Christmas!!!!
 

Congratulations to all of you, I'll email you shortly for your snail mail address.
I hope you enjoy these little designs!

 

 

If you haven't been lucky enough to win this time, both patterns are currently available at the following stores.

 

Hugs 'n Kisses ~ click HERE for the direct link for online purchase.
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QFD - Quilt Fabric Delights ~ click HERE for the QFD site. Type "One Day In May" into the search bar at the top right and you will find the patterns listed for online purchase.
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Mallee Country Crafts ~ click HERE for the direct link for online purchase.
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The Patchwork Teahouse ~ The doily patterns are in stock but aren't yet listed online. You can find other One Day In May patterns HERE. To order the doily patterns, please email Marilyn at thepatchworkteahouse@bigpond.com
or ph/fax on (03) 59662400.
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Country Hart Designs ~  The doily patterns are in stock but aren't yet listed online. You can find other One Day In May patterns HERE. To order the doily patterns, please email Robyn at robyn.welsh@bigpond.com
or ph on (08) 86323172.
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Just a quick note for those of you who are new to the blog...

Did you know I have a free stitchery pattern available to download?

You can find the giveaway post HERE.

Jeanette recently sent me a photo of one of her newly completed projects... this lovely pincushion, created with the above pattern. So very pretty Jeanette! Thank you for sharing your finished project with us. Be sure to pop over to read Jeanette's blog.

Thank you again to everyone for reading and to those who entered my little giveaway.

Until next time,

Melissa  x 

The 2012 Waverley Patchworkers Quilt Show...

This weekend, the Waverley Patchworkers are holding their annual quilt show.

Each year they raise funds for the community. Money raised from this year’s show will go to Bestchance Child and Family Care to help buy a new playground.

There are an abundance of stunning quilts to behold. It is always inspirational to see the creations of others, their fabric choices, quilting style, and chosen theme.
(I will do my best to take some photos tomorrow.)

And what is a quilt show without the opportunity to shop? There are several stores in attendance, with a great assortment of patterns, fabrics, "tools" and notions to tempt.
Today I was able to spend the afternoon on The Patchwork Teahouse stand with Marilyn and Annemarie.

I spy a new quilt from Libby Richardson of Artsmart Craft Cottage, and a lovely new jungle themed quilt from Liz Stanway of Teddlywinks, amongst the array of patterns available...

...and some One Day In May designs too!

It's always a fun day when quilters gather.... a great time to catch up with friends, to admire the work of others and to chat about favourite techniques.
Here are some of the other stores at the show.

Threadbear Patchwork and Quilting from Castlemaine, Victoria...

Lilly Patches from Boronia, Victoria...

Foothills Fabric and Threads from Tecoma, Victoria...
I spy some beautiful projects from Gail Pan and Natalie Ross! 

OzQuilts with a huge assortment of thread, templates and tools!
Just look at all those lovely spools!

And Missy Moo from Croydon, Victoria... with a beautiful basket of batiks that I may just have to revisit tomorrow! Oh, and I spy some lovely designs by Kay Renn of We Can Quilt It Designs.

If you feel like a day out to admire the quilts, have a bit of a shop or both... we'd love to see you.

The Waverley Rotary Club’s Quilt Show continues tomorrow (Sunday 27th May), 9.30-4.00pm, at the Mt Waverley Community Centre, Miller Cres., Mount Waverley, Victoria.
Entry costs $7 for adults, children under-12 free.

Don't forget to enter my "faux doily" pattern giveaway. Entries close on the 28th May.

Melissa  x

Rose coloured glasses...

Today we are celebrating,

and are beginning to see all things

through rose coloured glasses!
 

In happy anticipation,

Melissa  x