To join in the celebration of the launch of SEWN, I have joined the the Blog Party Giveaway and I am giving away this:
In honour of the fact that SEWN has talented Aussie girl Sarah Fielke at the helm, please leave a comment & tell me something that comes to your mind when you think of Australia - something you love (or hate?!) about my country, or for overseas visitors, a question you've always wanted to know but haven't had an Aussie on hand to ask! Just any random reflection about Australia that you feel like sharing.
My giveaway will be drawn at 8pm on Monday 8th June, 2009.
Please ensure I am able to contact you if you win!
The bag is made from Amy Butler's 'Midwest Modern' fabrics and the pattern is called 'Fat Quarter Bag' by Melly & Me.
The side panels of the bag are in an Urban Chiks '1974' spot, and form a cute little pleat.
I have used bag rings & magnetic clasps from Nicole Mallalieu Design for this bag. I can strongly recommend Nicole's business - really high quality product & fast service.
I love the colours of Australia, and I love the bag - it looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI have some fabrics put away to make one of these bags, (one of these days), because Melly is such a fab designer.
What a lovely giveaway.
There is so much to love about Australia - but I hate the flies in Summer!
ReplyDeleteYour giveaway bag is gorgeous Ros
Janelle xx
I'm such a long way from Australia (France)...but after seeing the pictures from my friends who were lucky enought to visit ...It's look like a huge wild country ...
ReplyDeleteThe bad is fabulous ...and this new site seems very promising !
Would love to visit Australia someday...my husband just had a whirlwind 3-day business trip there all the way from NYC. So, needless to say, I wish Australia wasn't a 24 hour trip away. Your bag is adorable and thanks for the heads-up on SEWN.
ReplyDeleteThe fabrics you have used in the bag reflect the colours of the vast Australian landscapes, forever changing and always bright.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag! I just love it. Please count me in on your giveaway. Off to have a look at SEWN thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bag! I hope you have checked out (and entered my SEWN giveaway), I hope I win yours!! Ok, as a fellow Aussie I think I can say what I love and hate...love the lifestyle hate the Sydney traffic...
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Australia is the movie "Priscilla, Queen of the desert" ^_^ And ofcourse the fabulous Nicole Kidman... And that Australia is VERY far away from where I live (the Netherlands) And that there are a LOT of creative people over there, because i read a lot of blogs from Australian fellow quilters.
ReplyDeletehi, love to be in your wonderful giveaway for such a lovely prize! I LOVE your brilliant sunshine! hate ours, rainy now. yuk! sue~ n.z.
ReplyDeleteI love the light and the smells of Australia.....
ReplyDeleteFor me, Australia is family, friends, safety, comfort, home!!
ReplyDeleteAndi :-)
I'm an Aussie and I love our sense of humour - I like it that we're not serious - I like being able to share a corny joke with any Tom, Dick or Harry. We're a fun loving bunch with the best lifestyle!
ReplyDeleteI love the poem......I love a sunburnt country etc.....
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I've never been to Australia. So, what do I like about it? My mother and father in law have been there a few years ago and they showed us the pics - it's a wonderful country obviously. But I'm very afraid of all the animals around there - kind of scary for me.
I really would like to see the outback though - sometime in the future :)
And also - i love Melly&Me and all the things I see on your blog, i think it would absolutely be worth a visit!
Yours, Karin!
What is australia's favorite snack? I've always wanted to visit australia too.
ReplyDeleteHope you count me in your gorgeous giveaway. Thank you so much!!
i love the weather and all its extremes...i hate the mozzies and flies, and that we dont have our own version of Etsy! Love your babg!!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best bits about Australia is that most southern State (Tasmania!).
ReplyDeleteLove the bag and yay for the impending launch of SEWN!
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Australia is cute koala bears! I am in love with tat lovely bag! Have a wonderful weekend and love to you!
ReplyDeleteI love the diverse culture of what it means to be Australian but most importantly the enormous talent of our craft designers. We have the best! Caroline
ReplyDeletewaiting with so much anticipation for SEWN to launch too! i have to say that i am adoring so many aussie artist blogs!! one of my son's friends is going this summer and i'm so green with envy! i'd want to call y'all all up and go visit! of course, my first thought of australia is kangaroos and all the odd animals-so amazing! thanks for the chance to win such a fabulous bag!
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit!!
ReplyDeleteYour bag is beautiful!
Thank you for the chance to win!
I would love a chance to win your bag it is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about Australia, would have to be.......... Everything!! I'm an Aussie through and through!
I don't know what it is about Australia that seems to foster creativity and a love of craft -- I love visiting the blogs of my Australian crafty friends!
ReplyDeleteYou did such a wonderful job on the bag - I really like the colors and fabrics that you chose. And your photos show it off so nicely.
ReplyDeleteI love the Australian accent. For me it represents what I imagine Australia to be - upbeat, lighthearted, and welcoming.
Our 19 year old daughter just got back from a trip to Australia with a friend. She said that people were overwhelmingly friendly and helpful and that she noticed they seem quite happy! She said that the news didn't go on and on for hours about politics and that's why she suspected the people she met were so happy!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful bag!
I've never been to Australia, but the country looks beautiful in pictures. I've met many Australian quilters and each one was just delightful.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is lovely!
Bloom, it's a truly beautiful bag with all my favorite colors. Thank you for your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought of Australia? Heath Ledger...I adored him! Second thought? In fifth grade I did a huge project on your country including drawing maps. I got an A.
ReplyDeleteTerrific bag, now how many hours do you have for me to tell you about my love of Australia? Like the song, no matter where I live I still call Australia home. I love the beautiful white beaches, the gum trees, parrots the warmth of the sun. Like most Aussie's I hate the flies and mossies. I love the diverse variety of people and foods which I now miss, and most of all I love my kids.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty bag! I'm looking forward to seeing what SEWN has to offer us all. Very Exciting!
ReplyDeleteOK. So I didn't do that right. What do I like about Australia? The people, the freedom and open spaces. The fresh air. Just about everything I guess.
ReplyDeletea) that is an absolutely LOVELY bag
ReplyDeleteb) when I think of Australia, there's one movie that has really shaped my view... The Man From Snowy River. I don't know how authentic it is, of course, but those landscapes!! and the way they portrayed the people - independent, strong, resourceful.
I love the placement of that flower on your gorgeous bag. Also love our Australian sunshine in winter. Please count me in!
ReplyDeleteI love all the Australian Designers. The designs are so different that what we have here in the USA. Espescially the hand embroidery designs. I have a good friend that I met through a redwork group. She and her family are living here for 3 years while her husband in working for the Aussie Air Force. Sadly, she leaves at the end of this year...
ReplyDeleteand we will miss her...
i have always wanted to go to australia. the pictures of your country are always beautiful.
ReplyDeleteyour bag is also beautiful. great giveaway!
When I think of Australia I think of generosity of spirit. I have "met" so many lovely quilters from the land down under and it really makes me want to come for a visit. I also think of blue skies and beautiful waters. Now I am off to visit the new Sewn site. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Australia.....where to start...but sunny weather,beautiful beaches,fantastic flora and fauna come to mind....however the laid back,easy going inhabitants are best
ReplyDeleteLove that bag! What I love about Australia? I love to visit all other countries, meet folks from all other countries, and to know Australia is 'home'!
ReplyDeleteHugs - Lurline♥
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat I heard about Australia and wanted to ask...is there really a problem with the number of kangaroos on the railroad tracks across the country?
ReplyDeleteLove the bag style and the fabric. I will be making that bag even if I do happen to win the one you made!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnnie FlowerGarden asked me a question like that about 12 months ago (ish) I gave her this answer - http://trashaloucan.blogspot.com/2008/02/poetry-plans-pacification-pals-and.html
ReplyDeleteI may be disqualified now for having too long an answer but I do love, love, lovetty love that bag :-)
As a kid, I always wanted to live in Australia. It was sooo far from NYC. Just seemed like a great big adventure. Now as an adult, I love, love all the Christian music coming from Australia! Hillsong, etc.
ReplyDeleteBTW, lovely bag!
I've never been in Australia... I used to have some neighbours here in Spain that emigrated to Australia long time ago, and they never came back... I imagine they were very happy there...
ReplyDeleteI love your bag. Good job!
I love what you say about bloooms, I am hopelessly lost to both as well - my wild cottage garden and my wild sewing studio; they are so alike! Australia? Hmmm...I wonder about the travesty of the lost half-caste children, the sadness of all that. In America, I am of mixed descent; and I wonder how people of aboriginal and mixed parentage are viewed now. How beautiful are the children of mixtures! Thanks for this chance to win your well-made bag.
ReplyDelete~anna in Maryland, but right near my hometown of DC
annafogg1@aol.com
What beautiful bag!
ReplyDeleteI think Koalas and eucalyptus trees...warm and dry...the drawly accent. ;0p
Meg
mvansciver@gmail.com
That is a gorgeous bag! I just love how you put the fabrics together.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of Australia, I'm so in love with koalas. Good thing I live in the US or else I'd be chasing the little guys all over the place :D
I have never been to Australia but I am determined that one day I will get there! It looks awesome. The purse is beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win it
ReplyDeleteI forgot to leave my name on the last post! I have never been to Australia but I will definitely get there one day. It is on my list. Thanks for the chance to win that beautiful purse.
ReplyDeleteAustralia....beautiful landscape, lots of water, a place I would really like to see in person.......(*sigh)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bag!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit Australia, ever since I was in grade 4 and my class did a Theme Unit on it. I fell in love then and someday I will see it!
Hello - I always wondered about aboriginal people in Australia. Do they live alongside the average Australian or do they live in more rural/outback areas? Just curious. Thanks for hosting. Your bag is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Hi, your bag is gorgeous. Thanks for your generosity with the giveaway. I'm in the US and have always wondered why the colors of your country (gold and green) are not the colors of the flag? Seems most nations' official colors and flag colors coincide. I always wonder about that during the Olympics. I'm looking forward to your answers to all these questions. I'll hope you'll do an "all about Australia" post!
ReplyDeleteThe bag is gorgeous and I didn't know about SEWN so will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteAustralia. Wow! where to begin....I've never been and even if someone were to give me a plane ticket tomorrow, much as I would love to go, I don't think I could hack the long haul flight.
Things that come instantly to mind are the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, sun, sand, snakes, fabulous restaurants, the Thorn Birds and fabulous crafting magazines!
Margaret
Are you serious? You are giving this away? This is the cutest bag... cuter than any bag I have ever made. Oh thank you for having this giveaway. I have checked out SEWN and I am excited about it.
ReplyDeleteOh and I am in the States... so I would love to know about the food in Australia. What is something that is a go to favorite in Australia? What is your specialty dish?
Thanks again! Hoping I win!
the thing that comes into m mind about your beautiful country? that is was and in my heart still is my second home. I lived in Sydney with my husband for 3 years starting in 1993, and we have been longing to go back ever since. And I dearly hope that our wish will come true one day, but we want to go for at least a month and with 3 small children it is either too expensive, or if we leave them home with my mum, they have to be old enough to bear it without us and to ensure that my mum can cope with them.
ReplyDeleteBut we WILL go back, we WILL! :-)
Kristina
The first thing that comes to mind is...well... kangaroos. But then I think of all the talented women I have met online that come from your fascinating country. Some of the most beautiful quilts and sewn items come from down under. My life is definately richer now that I have some friends from your neck of the woods!
ReplyDeleteI'm from Auckland, and I've been to Australia twice :). It's a lovely place, but the heat can be unbearable at times! I visited Brisbane + Gold Coast during spring 08, and Perth when I was a child. I enjoyed myself immensely, and I have been thinking of going to oz for a student exchange. Perhaps sydney or melb - two places which I have not been to, and unsure which to pick. Any thoughts? :)
ReplyDeletezlyn88(at)gmail(dot)com
I LOVE this bag!!! I live in Florida - but the one thing I think is so neat about Australia is that the seasons are totally different than mine - so cool to think that's possible!
ReplyDeletecontact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com
I love the fact that Australia has the most dangerous animals in the world! Think about it! The first 3 deadliest snakes, the deadliest spider, the deadliest jellyfish, the deadliest crocodiles, the only carnivorous marsupials...lol I just love that anything can and does happen here! You need to go out and get the book "See Australia and Die." I bought it from Big W so it shouldn't be too hard to find. It has the most amazing stories, not only of tragedy, but of survival! I'm so proud to be Australian!!
ReplyDeletelovely bag as per usual.........lol......
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag!
ReplyDeleteOh Australia....being an aussie girl and being truly blessed to live in this gorgeous country I would have to say the thing I love the most is it's ever changing landscape. Gorgeous beaches, glorious country sides and then the red hot dirt in the outback. Love it all....and I am more than aware of just how lucky I am to be an australian and live in such a unique and special place. Jo xox
I visited Australia about 15 years ago and some of my most vivid memories are of the fantastic birds. While walking in Port Arthur a huge flock of what I think were bright green and blue budgies flew and circled - it was breath-taking. And the gallahs... just gorgeous, especially for this Canadian girl used to much more sedate birds. Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeletekareno369(@)hotmail(dot)com
Wow you have a lot of comments!!! What I think of now when Australia is mentioned are you my blog/quilt friends down there ;)
ReplyDeletethe lucky country, where I live we have 4 distinct seasons. The beach one way, the bush in every other direction.
ReplyDeletecome and see what I'm giving away. Love, love, love the bag.
ooooooh, I LOVE this bag! The AB fabric is awesome! Thank you for the opportunity to win. YAY! I'm super excited about the launch of sewn. Woo Hoo!
ReplyDelete~Nicki
kirkfamilycndatsbcglobaldotnet
I love this bag. I'm not from Australia, but I love all the talented crafters that come from Australia. You definitely have a style of your own and I love it. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThe bag is a seriously great giveaway !!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite area in Australia is the stunning creek leading out to the beach & a track through rainforest where I walk at least once a week.
There is much more to love but that is just my little
bit .
That bag is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIve not been to Australia, but my step-nephew just moved back there, and the photos he sends are just amazing. I love the landscapes, and how very different it is from here (Canada).
heidig@gmail.com
i've never been to australia, but i like wallabies. and dr. chase from House.
ReplyDeleteThe bag is absolutely darling!! Australia is a place I've always wanted to visit. Especially when we watched the olympics a few years back!
ReplyDeleteI've not been to Australia yet, but when I think about it the first thing that comes to mind is how BIG it seems and the gorgeous, colorful skies.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is lovely and an extremely generous giveaway. I would love to win it!
Please come visit me and see what I'm giving away.
Gosh I love this bag!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat do I love about australia???? hmmm I could write an essay, but I wont... but I do love how giving we are and how it doesn't get too darn cold!!!
Lissa
The thing that I love in Australia has to be the sunsets. The colours are just wonderful. All those colours - orange yellow and then the black country. Wow it makes you want to start on a quilt.
ReplyDeleteAustralia is the BEST country in the world. I love to travel, but home is always best! I'D LOVE THAT BAG!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why exactly, but when I think of Australia all I think of is a huge rather dry area with some livestock. I'm sure that all of the country isn't like that, but that's what comes to mind.
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti@yahoo.com
Since it is the first time I visit your blog, I just discovered it, I prefer not to participate. I'd rather let win someone who often comes here.
ReplyDeleteBut, I'd like to tell you what comes in my mind when I think of Australia : Friendly people (I've never been in your country, but recently, we were in the US. We met there several Aussies, and they were so friendly !!), sun, beaches, a very big country, but in the middle of it, there's nothing...
And of course, when I think of Australia, I think 'Home and Away', 'Neighbours', 'Flying Doctors', 'All Saints'...
As I said, it's the first time I visit your blog, but I'll be back !! It's so beautifull here !
Hi Ros, The first thing that comes to mind about Australia is that I am fortunate to have been born & bred right here. I've only been overseas once and don't look to going anywhere but here.....
ReplyDeleteLove the bag and the fabrics you have used. Fee xx
To travel to Australia is one of my BIGGEST DREAM. To see your nature and wildlife... it differs so much from finnish nature. Maybe someday my dream will come true... Oh the question, there is so many... because I live here in northern part of the world, do you have any snow in wintertime?
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that comes to my mind about Australia is the great weather and kangaroos! It looks like a great place to live.
ReplyDeleteThat bag is gorgeous!!! Wow! I love it!
Thanks a lot and please count me in.
Lovely bag. Please put my name in the hat for a chance to win. Everybody is talking about SEWN so I can't wait to see how it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure most people, at least we Americans, think of movies like Crocodile Hunter, Mad Max, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert first. I heard that no one can become a citizen is that right? You have to be born there or something? Perhaps I'm thinking of another country. Also that the toilets and drains drain the opposite way of America which I think is clockwise. I was going to ask about spiders but I saw someone else mention them in their comment.
galaxie_bleu(at)yahoo(dot)com
I just discovered your blog and I love it! What a gorgeous bag for the giveaway! Thanks for the chance to own it! I always think 'beautiful, creative, colorful quilts' when I think of Australia. They are inspiring to me when I live in an area in the US (Amish country) where traditional is more the norm. You are ahead of me in the grandma department. Isn't it glorious?!?
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for a while now but this is my first comment. Not because I hope to win the bag ( although that would be nice ) but because it was a wonderful Australian girl who first introduced me to the joys of patchwork and quilting. We were both teaching in South East Asia and if I hadn't have met her my life might not have been on the path it is now as the craft has become very much a part of it. So thank you Australia.
best Wishes Deborah
what a nice bag to giveaway. How generous of you. Australia, oh how I am cast in it's spell. I think it is amazing how big it is and how different the areas are. I guess I'd like to know what the main areas are, Queensland, etc and how far apart each area is and finally what's your favorite quilt shop in Australia.
ReplyDeleteRobin in Virginia, USA
When I think of Australia, I think of the Opera House, beaches, Ayers Rock, wallabies, and a LONG flight to get there!
ReplyDeleteOh I love so many things about Australia, but if I had to pick one thing it would be stitchery and pattern designers! It seems I just love most everything that is desingned down there for some reason! Great giveaway too...thanks! :0)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bag!
ReplyDeleteHaven't visited Australia - yet - but my husband's been several times on business trips. One of his favorite places is Cronulla, he gets to watch surfers (he surfs, too.) I read Bill Bryson's book "In a Sunburned Country" and loved it - both the subject matter and his style. So, hopefully, one of these days .....
That bag looks fantastic! Will be keeping my fingers crossed all week!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Australia I think of sun and warmth, plus my favourite animals - koalas!
Your blog is wonderful, keep up the great posts!
Wow I just love your bag, it is just gorgeous. We have family in Australia so are regular visitors & I love how it feels like a second home for us.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit Australia, and though I've gotten close (Indonesia) I've never quite made it there. Perhaps sometime in the future.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag!
Oooh, what a beautiful bag! Australia? Well, I'm going with the obvious -- kangaroos and koalas. And, now, since I've been reading blogs, TimTams. Our Target stores here briefly carried them -- I sure wish they'd bring them back -- I love them!
ReplyDeleteI love the beauty of Australia..the whole country. I have always wanted to visit...one day *sigh* :D
ReplyDeleteThe bag would look beautiful as a part of my wardrobe :)
What a gorgeous Bag!
ReplyDeleteHmm, Meat Pies and Tomato Sauce? Hee Hee.
One of the things I lvoe about living here in Aus is the diversity, we have it all - Beach, Rainforest, Desert. Such a beautiful landscape and we have some of the most interesting animals in the world!
Hi! that bag is GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to Australia!! the first thing it comes to my mind when I think of Australia is... sharks!!! I saw a documentary in discovery once ^__^
Love!
When I think of Australia, I am always reminded of a woman I encountered at a convention in 1985. She introduced herself to me, saying she was from New Zealand. And THEN she asked if I knew where that was. All I could say was it was either off the coast of Australia or off the east coast of Canada. Her point was perfectly clear: Americans (ME) are clueless when it comes to geography! Since then, I have always tried to maintain some semblence of intelligence when it comes to geography outside the United States! If I win your bag, I will study a map of Australia close up, so I can identify where it came from!
ReplyDeleteTo draw on today's experiences, I love the fact that my fellow Aussies (like you) are so ready to come together and offer support and kindness when someone is having a bad day!! I love the Aussie sprit, I love the way we help each other in a crisis, our honesty! And I LOVE YOUR BAG!! I would definitely wear it with pride it if I won it!!! (do I count to be in the running since its my pattern????!!) =] =] Melly x x Thanks =]
ReplyDeleteLove the bag, and something I love about Australia is the friendliness of people and the diversity of our large country.
ReplyDeleteSorry, i don't write in english very well... For me Austrilia is ths symbol of freedom with very big areas...I mean threre are lots kangaroos ! It's not original but i don't know this country...
ReplyDeleteYour bag is wonderful !
Coucou from France...
Oh I do love the bag and the fabrics you've chosen. As a Kiwi living in Aussie, I love the ethnic diversity and the food available that comes with it. I love the colourful bird life Australia has.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bag! I would love to wear this around town! I'm really excited about the new SEWN website.
ReplyDeleteThat bag is beautiful, great work and thanks for the heads up on Sewn will have to check it out. Now about Australia, I think of drop bears and rugby, which an Aussie introduced me to. Australia is top on my list of places to go if I had the funds, that and Scotland.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag. I would love to visit Australia...what are the best places to visit and when?
ReplyDeleteI am in a unique position in that I have a "pen pal" that I have had for 50 years (yes, 50 years) as of July, 2009. Amazing to keep in touch that many years. One day I hope to visit Australia and get to see my dear friend, Helen, in her hometown. We met in Hawaii in 2002 when my son got married there. WHAT FUN WE ALL HAD.
ReplyDeleteSo you see, I have a very special link with Australia and always think of her fondly.
Jackie
San Antonio, TX
Oh my gosh ...another beautiful bag made by you.. cant resist...so add me please!!! :o)
ReplyDeleteAustralia.. this is a country that have facinated me for so many years.. hope to be able to visit someday... and Im so happy to have the blogging now.. have learned to know so many wonderful peole! . I think you Aussies are one of the most friendly and giving people... Always something nice and kind to say....So my questions is.. Are this true ??? ... Think I know the answer... :o)))
What a lovely bag!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about Australia, but think about koala bears when I think of it.
I think of my grandmother (who lives in WA) and I picture sand and blue and lush green when I think of Australia. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow - what a gorgeous bag!! I've never been to Australia, but it from what I've heard, the people are so nice and the weather is great! Hope to visit there some day!
ReplyDeleteOH SO ADORABLE! I would love to carry this bag everywhere and tell everyone that my lovely Aussie bloggy friend Ros made it. LOL! Beautiful job! I think I would have to say that when I think of Australia, I think of my two favorite people there, Sarah Fielke and BLOOM, of course!!:) I also think of the adorable shows that my kiddos watches from/about Australia, The Koala Brothers, Finding Nemo, The Wiggles.
ReplyDeleteI always think about all the amazing crafty people.....There are tons!! (ie YOU, Ric Rac, Melly and Me, The Umbrella Prints ladies, etc etc etc!) I am so jealous and want to visit! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win your delightful bag.
ReplyDeleteI love that we have some of the best pattern designers right here in Australia. You only have to click on the overseas blogs and online stores to see how popular they are. Also love that we live in a conflict-free country.
Christine
I think of two things...make that three when I think of Australia..I think of a book I read called "Rabbit Proof Fence" which I thought was amazing...I think of another book/travel guide called "Sunbaked Country" (maybe Im missing part of the title, but it's written by Bill Bryon) and I now think of amazing quilters! My eyes have been opened to the outpouring of talent found in Austrailian made quilts! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteJenny
FOrt Wayne, IN
krousegirl2 (at) aol (dot) com
I love the accent! Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteChristina
cmatthies@hotmail.com
hey I love this bag it is so georgeous,
ReplyDeletewhen I think of Australia I immediately think of my youngest daughter who lives in Perth, and who I do not see as her anywhere near as often as I would like....
What an amazing giveaway!! Those fabrics are some of my all time favourites!
ReplyDeleteAustralia is my home and always will be. I am extremely passionate about everything our beautiful country has to offer, from the gorgeous beaches to the beautuful countryside
I love Australia! I love the beautiful country, the lovely people and most of the time - the weather.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag! I will be praying I win!
The bag is so awesome! Super cute!!
ReplyDeleteHave never left North America, what are some must do's if and when we ever get to visit Australia?
sarajolee@gmail.com
Visited Australia for a month in college. Always thought I'd live there for a while...Sidney seemed the best of city life and beach life. But I fell in love here in North Carolina and got married instead! I love my memories of Australia!
ReplyDeleteI love the bag! My mother has always wanted to go Australia. I have always loved the accent!
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Australia.
ReplyDeleteMy husband did a work-related project there about 5 years ago. He was in paramata for 10 weeks. Even though (he said) he missed me he would have loved to stay.
this is a beautiful bag
I hate to say that I know very little about Australia, but I've always wanted to visit! P.S. Your bag is lovely!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeletelove the bag.. Really love the bag. I also love that Australians are just as patriotic as the people in my country (USA). It's you and other like you that make your country so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAustralia has always been at the top of my list of places to visit! Probably will never make it but a girl can dream can't she? I think that the native animals are some of the most interesting of any place in the world and I would love to see some of them up close and personal.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is absolultely lovely and I am crossing my fingers that I have the lucky number!
I would love to visit some day and wonder what is the best time of the year to visit?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag!
Everytime I think about Australia I remember the opportunities my son had to visit there. He enjoyed himself very much. I'm curious about the wild and open land there.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is beautiful! Thanks for sharing the SEWN info with us.
Love the bag, please count me in.
ReplyDeleteLove your bag (s). The fabric is beautiful! I would love to visit Australia or New Zealand. Such lovely countries. Lovely people.
ReplyDeleteMy children and I love to read Mem Fox books...especially Koala Lou...this it what I think of when I think of Australia.
ReplyDeleteBrina
blrohloff@aoldotcom
Lovely, lovely, lovely...simply fabulous!
ReplyDeleteDeborah
comfortjoydesignsATgmailDOTcom
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! LOVING YOUR HANDBAG!!! Ok, as for the random though, its easy.... I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT!! I have never been 'down under' (do aussies say down under or is that an american thing?), but I want to oh so much!! THanks for the chance!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a DELICIOUS bag !!! It is simply stunning.....
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Aussie, I love our diversity....I live and love our cattle station and living remotely, but I also love a city fix (particularly if it involves fabric shopping)...Australia is filled with diversity.
As a foodie...I am also a huge fan of our beautiful produce...
Thanks for the chance to play!!
I just joined the giveaway madness today. love your bag, I would carry it PROUDLY!
ReplyDeleteDoris
auntiedart(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the gorgeous bag, Bloom! The design is so cute and your fabric choice, just perfect.
ReplyDeleteOkay at the risk of sounding silly here, I'll take you up on your offer of asking something in relation to your wonderful country... I've wondered about Vegemite sandwiches. I had an Aussie friend at college give me one - supposedly, Vegemite is popular in Australia? I had no idea how strong tasting Vegemite was - I couldn't seem to drink enough water, it made me so thirsty. So, is Vegemite really an Aussie favourite? If so, is there a secret to loving that salty taste?
your curious Canadian friend, who one day would love to visit the land down under,
Katherine
Love the Bag! Very cute! I've been reading more Aussie quilting blogs then USA..you have very talented people in your country. I've also learned that a chook is a chicken.Do you have another word that means something different that USA words?
ReplyDeleteHow confusing was that question! Ugh.
Happy Sewing!
Laurie
benjean90 (at) comcast (dot) net
When I think of Australia I think of the Great Barrier Reef.
ReplyDeleteBTW, what a beautiful handbag!
This is a great bag! I have never been to Australia but am always so impressed by all the sewing/designer blogs from Australia. I would love to come and see all that creativity and the beautiful country in person!
ReplyDeletehi!! for me Australia is............ a travel dream :))
ReplyDeleteI loved knowing that continent, is one of those desires that I hope achieve:)
hugs from Portugal, Europe :)))
I absolutely loved Steve Irwin and his animal shows! You have some really eccentric animals in your country!!! I always wondered why Australia got almost all the unusual ones!!! I would love to have kangaroos or kookaburras or koalas. And, the Australian accent...I could listen to that all day! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to enter your contest!
dfuller55 at verizon dot net
Thank you for a lovely opportunity at a giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI must confess that the only things I "know" about Australia are what Hollywood puts in movies. It looks hot, and all the men look rugged (in a good way). And you know Hollywood is never wrong. ;)
jessierey(at)msn(dot)com
I have never been to Australia, but know quite a few folks from there, including a very dear friend I haven't seen in 50 years or so. We stay in touch via email, and one of my favorite fantasies is that we could get together again. Hopefully in Australia!
ReplyDeleteJoy, as in joyaharper@yahoo.com
Well, my daughter's (nearly 2) already pretty keen on the Australian flag and vegemite! thanks for the lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeletei love the freedom that we have in Australia, the things i love are barbeque's, beaches and rubber thongs
ReplyDeleteI adore the bag, thanks for the chance to win.
cheers....Heather
Ooooh - that bag is gorgeous! What I love about Australia - the weather :) Kat
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Australia? Sunny weather and tim tams.
ReplyDeleteRos.. love the bag fabrics are just lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bag!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Australia I think of two dear people I met while traveling.They both live in Australia now.One has a band Old Man River.He's really good if you would like to check him out.
http://www.myspace.com/oldmanriver
Thanks for the giveaway. :)
I think of Kangaroos. I know sew typical, but that is the first thing that comes to mind. I would love to explore this land some day sounds beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag!
I love your bag...the girlish charm and chicness of it is absolutely fabulous darling!
ReplyDeleteAn intersting fact about Australia to me is that the water swirls down the drain in the opposite direction than in the northern hemisphere! I've never been there, but it's on my "bucket list".
Thanks for your blog!
April
apeya77@hotmail.com
What a lovely bag...and with some of my favorite fabrics! Thanks so much for offering the giveaway. I always love how generous the crafting community is. Cheers! - Suzanne
ReplyDeleteAmy Butler is a great fabric designer! LOVE the bag. I think of Australia as the penal country for Britain so many years ago...just like the US. I think of 'widow makers' and the diverse climates from dry and arid to tropical. The coral reef would be something I'd love to see.
ReplyDeleteI love Australian accents, and I've always been curious as to why vegemite is so popular there! :) An Aussie friend of mine sent me a few samples, and I actually like it! The bag is gorgeous. Thank you for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for the chance to win the awesome bag.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the opportunity YET to come down under, but my grandmother got to spend a few weeks there when on a world tour with a group of fellow teachers. She brought back such beautiful photos and stories. It was definitely her favorite place on the trip.
I think of kangaroos and sheep stations when I hear Australia!
I use NicoleM too and agree - highly recommended for stellar service and product.
ReplyDeleteBeing an Aussie myself the first thing that comes to my mind is how beautiful and casual Australia can be. Love it so much, I would never want to live anywhere else.
Plus Vegemite ... non Aussie's just don't get it, but what could be better than vegemite on toast? :D
Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful bag :)
What a beautiful bag. I would be so delighted if I were to win it from you. I'd do the Happy Dance all day long and show it off to everyone once it arrived.
ReplyDeleteMy entire life has been spent wanting to go to Australia. I must confess that it started in my childhood with a love for Koala Bears and Kangaroos.
When I got older and learned about scuba diving, I learned that one of the best places to go scuba diving is Australia. Any recommendations as to where the best scuba diving is? Snorkeling?
I would love to know where your favorite place is in Australia and why? Also, whatt are some celebrations held that are unique to Australia?
Thanks for holding a sweet giveaway. How fun! Please sign me up.
Jody
lagitanmystique(at)q(dot)com
Violet Crumbles, Lamingtons and Vegemite these are some of my favorite Aussie treats and not always easy to find when your an expat Aussie living in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteBTW the bag is beyond beautiful.
My husband is from Australia, so I think of him. Lots of love for that country and the beautiful scenery and flowers that I've never seen anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that bag!
ReplyDeleteI lived in Lincoln, Nebraska when I was in 3rd grade & my teacher that year went to Australia to do graduate work. She was "pen pals" with a few of us from class & I vividly (and fondly) remember getting those blue airmail letters from her - the paper was tissue thin, so I had to be really careful reading her words - great stories about kind people, koals and kangaroos - visiting Australia is on my list of things to do before I die!
If you're ever in need of a pen-pal, I'm free!
my favorite thing would have to be the accent. I love to listen to an Aussie speak, it melts my insides.
ReplyDeleteJeanette
jeanettebrinkerhoff@msn.com
PS LOVE the bag!
The bag is beautiful. Would love a chance to win it. Since I've never been to Australia, I guess my only question is: Would you like a house guest? gg
ReplyDeleteOh i love Australia for its beauty and freedom and space we are so lucky to liv ehere.
ReplyDeletecheers Sheryl
You always make such beautiful things it seems and this bag is no exception!!
ReplyDeleteAustralia...I think of space- we have lots of it!!! And yet it can feel kind of cramped at times even so.
SEWN sounds an exciting venture to celebrate.
Beautiful bag! I love bags and I must have hundreds but on the other hand, can you ever too many?
ReplyDeleteLotta
i wonder why aussie pronounce 'day' same as 'die'?
ReplyDeletebut i love the slang :p
and i am pround to join SEWN!
*wish to bring kids for a holiday one day to Australia!
I love the people - generous, warm, open and friendly. The bag is divine!!
ReplyDeleteI can be contacted on aph66829@bigpond.net.au
What a nice thing to do for the launch of sewn. And soooo exciting!
ReplyDeleteWill keep track of your blog. Way cool!! Rebecca
Great Bag! Thanx for the opportunity to win it! One of the best things about Australia is living by the sea (well for me anyways) it is just so special especially when you hear of people O/S that have never seen it before!! Hard to comprehend!!
ReplyDeletex Sarah
Pick me please! I would love to win your bag!
ReplyDeleteI love that Australians think squirrels are cool! I'm sure I'd be google eyed at the kangaroos, but squirrels are so ordinary here! Beautiful bag by the way! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled upon your blog while checking out purse ideas online. I plan on making your blossie bag a little later today. Very cute idea!
ReplyDeleteAs for something about Australia...well I've never been there! But, once as a child I had a pen pal from Australia. Seems like a fascinating place to live! :)
The purse you are giving away is really neat.
I think about the koala puppet my aunt brought me. She went to Australia in the early 1980s and that puppet was one of my favorite toys.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Sewn. I can't wait for it to go live.
bryghtrose at gmail dot com
I would have to say the first thing that pops in my mind when I think of Australia is desert and sheep, I have no idea why. Strange isn't it?
ReplyDeleteOne question that I've wondered about silly though it is, what type of weather do you generally have around Christmas? I have a lot of other questions to but I'm sure you have more important things to do with your time.
You are having a sweet giveaway. I would love to win.
What a gorgeous bag - lovely fabrics and a great style.
ReplyDeleteSo...Australia. I've never been but have met several Australians and one of my friends moved to Melbourne last summer. When I was growing up, we had three TV programmes to 'learn' about Australia from - Neighbours, Home and Away and The Flying Doctors! Not only would I love to visit some of the fantastic landmarks - The Great Barrier Reef, Ayres Rock, The Gold Coast, but I think it would be great to have Christmas in the summer...on the beach. As opposed to the rain and cold and dark and damp (never snow!) we get to celebrate it in!
Thank you for the chance to join in with the giveaway.
I haven't been in Australia yet, but some day....
ReplyDeleteYour bag is wonderful, please, coun me in
I would love to visit Australia one day! What is the one thing a visitor shouldn't miss?
ReplyDeletecrzyjeska@yahoo.com
I love the clearness (is that a word?)of our sky.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if Crocs are a problem in Australia. I'm really frightened of them.
ReplyDeleteI think your bag is wonderful and would love to have it. Thanks for the chance.
pastrymama1@yahoo.com
Beautiful bag- I always think of kangaroos when I hear of Australia
ReplyDeleteI love your bag and would be proud to show it off
ReplyDeleteI love the Aussie beaches and coastline!
ReplyDeleteYour bag looks amazing!..thanks for the chance to win such a generous giveaway. I agree with Nicole's bag supplies - they are great!
Hope you are lucky enough to win something too!!
peta_yip@hotmail.com
oh, the bag is GORGEOUS! thanks so much for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletewhen i think of australia, i think of two things. one is a crafty thing, and that is how people in the UK call muslin calico, and it doesn't make any sense to me, when the word calico means small designs! do you use the word muslin at all, or does it just have a different meaning there? and what do you call calico cats? i always get confused about it!
and the other is my friend jen, who's from australia, she's lived in vancouver with another dear friend of mine for years, though she's in new zealand for a year going to school right now. one night we had a long conversation about which country is scarier, canada or australia - she thinks our bears and moose are scary, but i think your poisonous bugs are scarier - they're sneakier!
i've been following your blog for a while.love your ideas and work.Thanks for sharing. I love the light in Australia(except when it fades quilts)
ReplyDeleteI love the colour, ruggedness and wildness of the Kimberleys :) It lives in my soul!! Yup Aussie born and bred ;)
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I don't live there, but I love the accent! And a question... what do you think about American accents? Do you find them fun to listen to, or a little goofy? lol
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love to be entered in your drawing, Bloom!! This is GORGEOUS!!
ReplyDeleteIf I ever had a chance to travel, the first place I would visit is Australia...been fascinated by it always! The accent, the way of life, everything! That bag is downright spectacular!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous bag! Pick me! Pick me!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, we have friends in PNG who always go through Australia on their way to and from the U.S. They love it! And we have other friends getting ready to move out to New Zealand. I guess I'd want to know which city is the best if you want to live some place with that feel of "university town"....big library, lots of cultural events, great restaurants...
I was lucky enough to go to Australia when I was in my teens. I think my fave memory is snorkeling. The fish were amazing, so colorful and plentiful. Even my cheap underwater dispoable camera couldnt take a bad picture.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is beautiful, you are so generous to be giving it away! I am a diver, so I believe it's natural for me to think of diving when the subject is Australia. However, besides that, I have always wanted to go to your beautiful country (I'm in Denmark) - hopefully sooner or later the prices on plane tickets will go down. ;) And ooooohhh, I do hope I win!
ReplyDeleteI have a Pen Friend who lives there so that is my favourite thing about Australiia! We use to write back in the day when you had to "write" letters on paper, and such. We even share the same birthday, we are twins living on opposite sides of the world!
ReplyDeleteI am always fascinated by the scenery of Australia - so stark sometimes but so beautiful in its simplicity, too. Thanks for a great giveaway - would love to win the bag!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to win!
As for my question...do you find it to be very humid?
Thank you!
Mrs B
Let me start by saying what a beautiful handbag! Now don't laugh but my first thought of Australia is Keith Urban and Chad Reed. I'm a country fan and a motocross fan so there's my double duty.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Just lovely! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI love this bag! It is just gorgeous. I am from the U.S and have always wanted to visit your country. My question is: If (when!) I visit, what are two places I absolutely should not miss?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bag. Please put my name in the draw. By the way, love your blog. Will definitely be coming back often.
ReplyDeleteI had some childhood friends move to Australia years ago. We kept in touch for awhile and than we lost each other. I still think of the every now and than wondering whatever happen to them.
ReplyDeleteLove that bag for the giveaway.
Willow