I would like to thank...

I was very excited over Christmas to receive a present I was not expecting - two awards from blogs I much admire:

Firstly, Andrea of 'Fabric Epiphanies' nominated me for the 'Premio Primavera' award for commenting on her blog. This actually happened over a month ago, but I only just discovered it as I was so busy sewing for Christmas that I haven't had time to read blogs. Thank you Andrea and apologies for not even knowing about the award. Andrea's blog is an interesting and entertaining read about sewing and life in New Zealand.

Then, a few days ago, I was given the 'One Lovely Blog Award / The Very Inspiring Blogger Award' by Adrienne of 'Stitching on the Edge'. Adrienne has a lovely blog and said lots of nice things about mine, so thank you Adrienne :)

So, for the 'Premio Primavera' award, I have to pass it on to people who have commented on my blog. I LOVE receiving comments and feedback, so thank you to all those people who make the effort, firstly, to read my little old blog at all and, secondly, to leave a comment. It makes my day.

I pass the award on to the following lovely, recent commenters:

Judith of 'Made by J'
Twotoast of 'Spotty Dog Social Club'
Carolyn of 'Handmade by Carolyn'
Jenny of 'Byrdie Couture'
Adrienne of 'Stitching on the edge'
Marianna of 'Sew 2 Pro'

The 'One Lovely Blog Award / The Very Inspiring Blogger Award' requires me to follow these rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Add The One Lovely Blog Award / The Very Inspiring Blogger Award to your post.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Pass the award to 10 nominees.
5. Include this set of rules.
6. Inform your nominees by posting a comment on their blogs.

I've already got points 1 and 2 covered, so I need to share seven things about myself. Hmmm...

I began sewing when I was very young, making doll's clothes and then clothes for myself and my friends in high school. My favourite subjects at school were art and science and they still are! After veering quite precariously off the straight and narrow during high school, I got myself back on the rails and, after repeating my final year of school at evening classes, went to uni where I ended up spending nine fabulous years completing a Biology degree, honours and a PhD in the biochemistry and pharmacology of parasites (interspersed with much partying!). The science then took me to Montreal, Canada where I emerged from the plane into knee-deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. I went there alone and knew no one (except my sewing machine who came with me), but I ended up having the time of my life and meeting my husband. After that I worked for a Pharmaceutical company in England for a few years and had both my boys there. I gave up science at that point and trained as a breastfeeding counsellor. It was around this time that I moved home to Perth and began to pick up my sewing again after a few years of not doing it due to cramped housing and small children! Now I have a fantastic sewing room full to the brim with more fabric, ribbons, buttons and art supplies than I could probably ever use. I wander in there many times a day to ponder, dream and create. I am so lucky :)

Some of my favourite bloggers have also recently received this award so I would like to pass the award on to three, rather then ten nominees and these are:

Melanie of 'Seamstress Poppykettle', who somehow manages to create the most gorgeous and beautifully made clothes even though she works full time as an Industrial Engineer. Nothing seems to faze her and her posts are always inspiring, whimsical and entertaining.

 

Marianna of 'Sew2Pro', who always inspires me to challenge myself and explore new sewing frontiers. I especially enjoyed taking part in her 'Pattern Magic Challenge' recently. Marianna makes beautiful clothes and crafts and occasionally includes an interesting link or tidbit from the UK, reminding me of my own time there.

Katherine of 'Bloom's Endless Summer', who I found via her incredible (winning) entry in the 'Sewing Pattern Review' swimwear competition. I love reading about her exotic life in the wild and remote top end of Australia and all the sewing she does for herself and her family.

 

So thank you to Andrea and Adrienne for these awards and for the opportunity to talk sewing, science and great blogs :)