June Made It – Feast your eyes

Hello all your creative-Goddess-types!

Hope you are all enjoying mid year (yes, MID YEAR) sun or snow – although from what I hear, some who are supposed to be seeing the sun, are definitely are not seeing the sun!

We’ve actually had a bit of both – which is really odd as South Africa very rarely sees snow and most certainly hardly EVER in Cape Town’s city center!

It must have been snowing because my hubby finally agreed to a new puppy. Meet the newest member of your family – Koco the teensy weesny Mini Daschund. I don’t think I have to tell you who now rules the house. Seriously, it’s like having a new born baby all over again!

Another rare sight in our side of the land are this stunning flock of flamingos that have taken up residence in Kommetjie, a beautiful seaside fishing village just up the road from me. They are incredibly graceful and beautiful creatures…

Well, I am delighted to show you the next beautiful bunch of entries to the Made It challenge.  It’s halfway through June and the collection is looking INCREDIBLE, so much talent out there and I’ve a feeling there’s a lot more to come too! By the way, you may have noticed that InLinkz also has had a make over – I have to say that I’m still trying to find my way around (it’s a little confusing) so if there are any hiccups, please let me know!

Anyway, ON WITH THE SHOW!

‘Big Top Tea Cosy’ by Jill ONoodles

Jill from O’Noodles   has entered this gorgeous, pom pom-adorned   Big Top Tea Cozy! There’s just something about pom poms, don’t you think! What I love most about Jill’s blog is that it’s always filled to the brim with wonderful colourful pics of all her work…have a look at this post with her stall – bursting with happiness.

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“Maddie’s Infinity Scarf” by Measured and Slow

A warm welcome back to  Alyssa from Measured & Slow with this beautiful, snug looking  Maddie’s Infinity Scarf  knitted in the most luxurious yarn *drool*.  Her photos are amazing and always look so inviting. Oh, keep an eye out for the pattern for this scarf, coming soon.

I have to laugh, I think I may have as many sister-in-laws as you do Alyssa – 5 in total!!!

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“Dragon Ribs” Hat by Nice Piece of Work

I’m still giggling at this post about “seaweed” and if you haven’t read it, DO SO NOW! So after that kind of experience, you can understand Jill from Nice Piece of Work wanting do make something that’s quick and easy. My ears prick up when I hear “quick & easy” (no, not in that way tut tut) so this  Dragon Ribs hat is sooooo up my alley. I WANT ONE! Love the chunky yarn & the colours…Jill posted a link to the pattern too

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“Still Daisy” by Crochethome

Ahhhhh….if the saying “a picture speaks a thousand words” is true, then Nela from Crochethome  can post picture after picture after picture… How beautiful is this Still Daisy dishcloth? If you haven’t already, pop over and have a browse around her blog- it’s serenity is captivating. And inspiration? WOW

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“Doilies” by Crochet Cafe

I am soooo inspired by this beautiful crocheted doily by J.G from Cafe Crochet. In her post, J.G speaks about doilies as being an easier project to tackle…well, to me it looks like the most difficult thing to do!!! I absolutely adore this doily with the little “pineapples” – so delicate and intricate!  This pattern is a freebie and she has very kindly posted a link so do check it out!

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“Big Girl Bonnet” by Beatrice Ryan Designs

The lovely Elena from Beatrice Ryan Designs   has submitted another of her stunning   Big Girl Bonnet. I love the chunky stitches,the cute button, the trendy look and that colour….GORGEOUS!!! Looking forward to seeing what’s next *rubs hands in glee*

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♥ THE PRIZE ♥

The wonderful WONDERFUL Jill from Nice Piece Of Work has not just donated, but has made this months fabulous prize…and they’ve been a big hit on the blog

2 x BEADED TASSLES sets for the lucky winner to enjoy! Thanks Jill

                                                        

 

 

Click on Froggy to ADD YOUR LINK!

June Made It – And we’re off!

Hello and welcome to the June Made It challenge!!!

I’ve had a hectic, fun-filled, busy week with work (yeah, day jobs!!),  plus I’m doing a course this entire weekend (will fill you in later) and (as usual) have left everything to the last minute!!! I hope you will forgive me –  I thought about not posting this post until Monday, but it just seems way too long to wait to ogle over all the fabulous entries we have so far. So,  instead of my usual style of introducing each entry (my absolute favourite part of the challenge) I thought that you’d probably prefer to see what’s “on offer” this month!

So here are the wonderful entries to the challenge so far – please click on the photos to take you to the original posts

Donkey Beanie by Calypso Crochet

Balloon Animals by MilleOnHerWorld

Cotton Brimmed Hat by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Bead Tassles by Nice Piece Of Work

Forget Me Nots by Jill O’Noodles

Chevron Bag by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Hippie Chic Crochet Bag by Angella Dee Designs

Monster Hats by Creative Granny

Summer Skimmer Slippers by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Pixie’s Pet Poodle by Vuchickens

How FANTASTIC are these!!!

Thank you ALL so much for entering, I am soooooo looking forward to the next batch of entries. Have a super weekend

xxx

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR LINK

Made It challenge RELAUNCH!

So, what do you think? *twirls around*

Since my chat with my BFF Krystal about the Made It challenge that begged the question – “Shall keeps things the same and choose a random winner or shall we give the prize to the link with the most votes ?” – I’ve been taking onboard all your lovely comments and suggestions, have been umming and ahhhhing about it, and I’ve come up with what feels right.

Firstly I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you, not just because the new ideas resulted in me sporting a brand new blog-look but also because it gave me an opportunity to give our Made It challenge the coming-of-age little party that was due to her! So, without any further ado…

*clears throat*

Ladies, knitters & crocheters, yarn lovers, sewers & quilt makers, cupcake makers &  princesses, jewelers, (Gods &) Goddesses of creation…I am overjoyed & proud to introduce to you our very own & newly grown….

“The Made It Challenge”

This is how it works.

♥ MAKE & LINK UP just as before ♥

♥ The PRIZE WINNER will still be randomly chosen ♥ 

♥ A  ”Voter’s Choice” BADGE will be awarded in recognition to the link with the most votes,  to be worn on his/hers own blog  ♥

All the details and dates will be listed on the INLINKZ collection page and I will do regular posts introducing new links

Lastly, at the beginning of each challenge, I will invite anyone to donate the PRIZE  for that month. This is just a great way to either give something you’ve made or something that you really like, to the winner. In keeping with the fun, easy spirit of the challenge, there is no obligation at all and I myself will still continue to donate the prize from time to time.

So, with all of that….I hereby declare this JUNE MADE IT PARTY STARTED!!!!! Click on FROGGY to link up

May’s Made It challenge WINNER is…..

That was a lot of fun!

Thank you all once again for your incredible energy, creativity, generosity, friendship & inspiration – the MADE IT challenge is growing up. The voting was fantastic too and everyone made such an effort to take part. Here are the final votes. Well done to all of you!!!

Congrats on all the votes, guys!

(oops, sorry the bottom votes got cut off, you can see the final count here)

As you know, I’m making a few changes to JUNE’S challenge which I will roll out a little later (tomorrow latest!) as I’m still busy with a couple of touch-ups

BUT, the business at hand is WHO IS THE WINNER and WHAT’S THE PRIZE…..hope you like it!

3 x Super Chunky COTTON ON from Elle  and 2 x Elle Premier cotton DK in Moss

CONGRATULATIONS TO …

♥  TAMARA from Crochet with Tamara ♥

YAY, well done Tamara & thank you so much for sharing your beautiful life, talent and projects with us xxx

Well, watch this space, JUNE is on the way!!!

Love Maryanne 

May Made It – Votes Galore!

Thank you all so much for voting so far! I can feel the great excitement that’s going around and I hope that each of you that has entered is lapping up the warm admiration that’s been sent you way.

I’ve had one of two people say that they’ve had trouble voting. Not sure what’s up with that?! I’ve check and rechecked and all seems to be OK so if you’ve tried to vote but can’t then maybe just try again a little later. If you’re still having trouble then please let me know and I’ll explore further.

VOTING is still OPEN until midnight tomorrow and I will announce the winner on Saturday morning

Just a couple of reminders…

Only one link per person will be entered into the draw

The winner will be randomly drawn

The prize will be revealed on Saturday (sorry about that!)

HAPPY VOTING!!

(click on FROGGY to take you to the VOTING page)

May Made It – Voting is Open!

Let the fun begin!

You can click on any image or FROGGY to take you to the voting page

You know the drill – GO BANANAS!!!

May Made It – The Final Countdown

WOW everyone, I am overwhelmed by the response to, and all the magic entries to this months challenge! Thank you so much for sharing your hearts and sharing your talents…

I can honestly say that you guys are going to have a hard time voting for your favourites!

Here are 9 more entries…

Lots of lovely jewelry by Knitnrun4sanity

Aqua Earrings by Knitnrun4sanity

 There is a very busy lady at the moment who’s name is Alice from Knitnrun4sanity!  For all our new readers who don’t yet know Alice, she is a super talented Runner/Crocheter/Knitter/JewelleryMaker etc etc! Please please pop over and have a look at her beautiful jewellery & others sweet creations as well as these stunningly & unique Tunisian aqua earrings!!!

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Callies Rainbow Quilt by Alyssa

When I clicked on this link of Alyssa from Measured & Slow my jaw literally dropped – in fact, she had me at the first photo…the rest are as stunning! Go and see for yourself and tell me if you agree! A warm welcome to Alyssa – she has made this incredible Rainbow Quilt for her sister-in-law with a beautiful step-by-step. WOW!

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The Riverbed Blanket by CuteAsAButton

I am thrilled that Laura from Cute As A Button is back again and just in the nick of time too! How awesome is this Riverbed Blanket made in the most gorgeous shades of blue! Look out for the cute little tag ♥

Looking forward to June’s entry too!

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Clamshell Pillow by Aviena Dawn

YAY, Aviena from Aviena Dawn with this fabulous Clamshell Pillow which is her second, and equally-as-lovely-as-the-first, pillow she’s entered!! Lucky for us, she has loads more pillows to cover…we’ll be watching this space! And please go click on her post, she has lots of lovely things to say… x

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Dr Who Dress by Franz Maggs

WOOOOOOHOOOOO – I am over the moon to say that we have our very first enrty from a GUY! Franz Maggs who is the incredibely talented younger brother of Kaiserin from Empress27 who is cleary on his way to becoming a very successful designer with this fab Dr Who Dress!!! Ps, Franz Maggs is such a cool name for a famous designer, don’t ya think!

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Cute Crochet Hat by Terri

This sweet crochet hat by was sent to me this morning by Terri Glanvillle who is a member of my facebook page and I’m so happy that she been inspired to enter! This is exactly what the challenge is about. Terri crocheted this fun & delicious looking hat for her daughter who likes new hats to wear to musical festivals – this idea came from Pinterest. Wooohooo ROCK ON!

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Crochet Squares by Rainbow Junkie Corner

Oooooh which one is your favourite?!! Jane from Rainbow Junkie Corner has been a part of a CAL (crochet along) started by Little Room of Rachell and they’ve been steadily working through an amazing book of crochet squares. Go and have a look back at all of the, I can’t wait to see what she does with all these colourful little squares of delight!

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Spring Green Hat by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Elena from Beatrice Ryan Designs has quite literally whipped up another of her beautiful crochet hats, this time in a scrumptious spring green! She is busy making a whole lot of goodies for a fair (is that right Elena) at the end of June, so I’m thinking that we are going to be in for a treat next month too!!!

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Well, I think that it for this month – a FANTASTIC 42 entries!!!

Hang on….did you notice that I did not enter a thing?? AGAIN???  However, instead of hanging my head in shame and beg your forgiveness, I am going to step aside and let me little 7 year old daughter (nicknamed Sisi) enter her handmade creation this month…

I got this pressies all wrapped up beautifully – with about a half a roll of sellotape – last night, “just because” ♥

The Best Jewellery Box In The World by Sisi

and lastly….you know what happens next right?

Click on the Pick!

…after midnight tonight!

 

May Made It – The last few entries….or are they?

Crikey, it’s almost the end of May which for some would be depressing as it would mean that we are officially 41.667% through the year (yes yes, I did have to Google that…)

But depressing??? NEVER! It just means that we are another step closer to a VOTING and a WINNER!!! I wish that I could post a photo of the prize for this months’ challenge but here in South Africa – especially Cape Town –  there are a few things you just cannot reply on: the weather (typically), public transport and deliveries! They call Cape Town the Mother City because it takes 9 months for anything to happen! Not far from the truth…sigh!

Don’t worry – the prize will be worth it so just hang in there!

Here are the latest lovely entries…or CRAFTY EYE CANDY as Avis from Oh Sew Tempting has cleverly coined them!

Doll’s Tunic by Kaiserin

You’ll remember Kaiserin from Empress27 as she was the first one to submit an entry to the collection with an equally ADORABLE doll’s dress! How are those colours!!! The dress looks so lovely and soft…and very trendy too! 

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Baby Boy’s Blanket by Hav2Haz

Ahhhhh, a baby boy’s blanket! This absolutely GORGEOUS blanket was crocheted by the very talented and colourful Rene from Hav2Haz. Please go and LIKE her Facebook page where you will find tons and tons of beautiful and unusual stuff (oh, and a few delicious recipes toooooo)!!

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Colourful Dishcloth by YarnChick40

I’m so happy to welcome back Lisa Victoria from Yarn Chick 40 to the challenge! These aren’t just any old dish cloths, they are not even just yummy, colourful crocheted dish cloths…these are made using the beautiful star stitch which you can  see if you click on her post - I love these, I am “in the market” for making some cloths myself and I’m DEF going to try this one out!!

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Nathan’s Tote by Jill (wish I had a bigger photo!)

Now this…is TOTE’S amazing!!!! Jill from Nice Piece Of Work was commissioned to make this FABULOUSIO tote bag (go NOW and have a look) I am sooooo flippin jealous! Not sure who I am more jealous of though – the recipient or Jill’s sewing skills! YOH! (a South Africa colloquialism, same meaning as Jeepers Creepers, I’m Impressed)

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Baby Cardi by Michelle Niederheitmann

The other morning, on my Facebook page, I asked what WIP’s everyone was working on and Michelle (who isn’t a blogger) commented that she was busy knitting a baby cardigan for a colleague’s unborn baba – Not only did she share her finished product with us, she’s entered the challenge!!! WOOHOOOOO I’m sooooo thrilled as this is exactly what this challenge is about – sharing, inspiring and encouraging and meeting new people!!!!!

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**** BREAKING NEWS – AN ENTRY JUST IN **** 

Summertime hat by Beatrice Ryan Designs

I love this new trend of adding a peak!!! (or maybe it’s just me, have they been around for ages??) It gives the hat a very chic, very trendy look. Click here to read more about Elena‘s latest wonderful offering!!!

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And with that, you have exactly 27 hrs and 49 mins   27 hrs and 33 mins to GET YOUR LINK IN – the collection closes tomorrow at midnight!

May Made It – Ten more tantalising entries!

Thank you all for your much appreciated, thought provoking feedback and comments in response to the question I asked about the Made It Challenge’s winner procedure – I love that you all took a little time to give it some thought.

I am still mulling over one of two things BUT am pretty sure I know what I’m going to do….but you will have to wait until the start of next month’s challenge to hear all about it. (Yeah I know, I know, I mean like that). June’s Made It is going to be lots of FUN and I will launch our “same same, but different” challenge just after the winner of May is announced. This month’s winner will be randomly drawn on the 31st so there’s still a good few days to get your LINK in!

The reason I have been holding off with telling you what the prize is….is because I am waiting for a delivery. In the meantime, here is a clue!

Right, as always, let’s get busy ooooohing, ahhhhhing and wowing! Look how awesome the collection is looking for far…

(I’m still waiting for InLinkz to make it possible to insert the live collection into the  blog – if anyone knows if it can be done, I want to hear from you!!)

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Faery Hedgepig by Just Joan

Heehee I absolutely LOVE this deliciously cute Faery HedgePig by Joan of Just Joan – this is my kind of toy…that hair!!! This is Joan’s first entry into the Made It, woohooo! Make sure you go and visit her blog & say hello – its filled with all things crochet & colour…

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Pom Pom Hat by Crochet with Tamara

Another newcomer to the Made It but no stranger to us crochet bloggers is the wonderful Tamara of Crochet with Tamara!!!! Tamara’s blog has got to be one of the most heartwarming one’s I’ve come across – so down-to-earth and generous. It’s truly an honour to be given such a glimpse into one’s everyday life. And can she crochet!!!!! Just check out these Pom Poms...

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Pixie by VuChickens

*** WARNING ***

Do.Not.Click.On.This.LINK…unless of course you are seated, have lots of time, have good craft-self-esteem and someone to pick your jaw up off the table. All I’m going to say is…..that hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *SQUEAL*

(ps. Oh and Melissa,…Jonah is not playing with the doll, he’s going to clone her into his future wife!!)

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Pretty Flowers by Jill

If you love your regular dose of Laughs, Crochet and Off-The-Cuff Life all in one, then you are already a follower of Jill from Nice Piece of Work! If not, you are clearly in the need of cheering up! Check out these beautiful colourful cotton crochet flowers – they are part of an ongoing project that Jill began here and we are all waiting to see the final Ta-Dah!

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Greenwood Bag by ONoodles

Our other Jill from ONoodles has made this exquisite retro Greenwood Bag made from leftovers…yip STASH BUSTING, YAY!!!I love colours, they go so well together and really give the bad it’s vintage feel.

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These next FABULOUS FOUR entries are from Elena of Beatrice Ryan Designs!

Spring Time Face Cloths by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Flower Cleansing Pads by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Twisted Stitched Coffee Cozy by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Spiral Door Handle Baskets by Beatrice Ryan Designs

WOW, my head spin with her speed and creativity!

Click on each photo to see each of her posts where you will find some interesting links to patterns – while you are there, have a good look around for tons of inspiration!

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Upcycling by Mtetar

…and while we are on the subject of head-spinners! I am a bit gobsmacked at what Mtetar can do with jeans!!!! Once again, I find myself daydreaming about being able to sew – I have tons and tons of old jeans around just waiting to be transformed! Please make sure you visit Projects by Mtetar for not only more info on this fine skirt, but also a load more magically made items!

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And there you have it!

>>> CLICK ON FROGGY TO ENTER YOUR LINK <<<

May Made It Challenge – aMAYzing New Entries, Some Musings & A Question To Pose!

Hello hello to you all, where ever in the world you are today!  It’s Sunday and a damn fine day here in Cape Town – here is a pic taken out of my window right now!

Seriously, it’s winter here!!!

Today’s post marks my 150th! What?! Never in a bazzillion years did I ever think that I would write anything (let alone anything remotely intelligent or interesting) that people would give up some of their own precious time to even read! So, from the bottom of my heart,  I thank each one of you who follows  / reads / likes / comments on my little blog and enters the Made It challenge!!! I absolutely LOVE being a part of this amazing community of creative people who inspire / entertain / provoke (in a good way) me on so many levels ♥

Right, so before I show off the next batch on Made It entries – if you can wait a little longer – I was sitting down last night before bed, scrolling though the photo’s on my phone and had a little giggle to myself. The photos that ended up in my Photo Stream were either taken by my myself (who’s thinks that having some cool apps on ones iPhone makes one a pro!); naughty meddling kiddies; or photos sent either to my hubby or from my hubby as our usual form of communication. Who needs a diary anymore? Scrolling through some of these pics make me wonder what kind of crazy family I have!!! My Life This Past Few Days In Pictures

Taken on my way to “work” as the newly appointed Social Media nerd for my old real estate company – yeah I know….tough job!

Excited daughter and clearly-over-the-moon Dad about to see Justin Beiber!

Yip, this is about as much as we got to see too!!!

An attempt at knitting with some chunky cotton….

*groan* Mom’s been watching too much Master Chef again…

Who needs a remote control??

No, not auditions for Halloween 13…just Dad asking what shin guards to buy for hockey playing teen!

Fab school outing at the beach (remember, its Winter!!!)

Apparently – according to other parents-of-teens – finding tons of pics like this on your phone is perfectly normal.

…..this too

…and especially this

what the…..

ended the week with the winner of Jam Tarts newsboy crochet hat!!!

Right, enough of that…..

MOVING ON TO THE NEW MAY MADE IT CHALLENGE  ENTRIES!

Jelly Legs by Kakes Crafts

Hello little Octopus! This sweeeeet little chap was made by Kayleigh of Kakes Crafts, a regular Made It challenger. I’m sure there are going to be many many demands for one of these so Mums, be warned! (click on the link to see another pic of the little jelly legs….adorable!)

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Shawl by MrsMac

Hello and welcome to MrsMac who has submitted this stunning, sparkly shawl in cotton viscose that she made for her mom! (I know my mom-in-law is going to squeal in delight at this one). Click here to go to her Ravely page where you will find the pattern, another pic of the front (it’s fabulous) and another beautiful shawl too!  

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Ocean Waves Afghan by Beatrice Ryan Designs

Welcome back to Elena from Beatrice Ryan Designs. How beautiful is this Ocean Waves Afghan in the most sensational creams and greens?? A present for her daughter’s 17th birthday!!!  This is a heirloom to be forever loved and cherished.

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Diamonds Shawl by Gray

Doily by Gray

We have two exquisite and ever-so-delicate entries from the lovely Crochet by Gray! Firstly, I do not know where she gets her super powers from but frankly, I’m more than a little envious!! Read more about this gorgeous doily and diamond shawls she loving managed to whip up in the midst of her wonderfully busy life!!! 

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Retro Collar by DaniellaJoe

Everywhere I go I’m seeing crochet collars! DaniellaJoe is spot on money with what’s in fashion with this stunning Retro Collar. I absolutely adore the blaze of colours. I want one I want one I want one ♥

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Pretty Daisy Chain by Little Poppits

Again, Moms beware because your little girls are going to be begging you for one of these beautiful Daisy Chains! The lovely Teresa from Little Poppits has not only delighted us with this necklace and daydreams of warm meadows but also posted a lovely pic of herself too! 

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I’m soooo thrilled to welcome another newbie to the challenge! Hello to Aviena of AvienaDawn who was inspired by this month’s official (unofficial?) theme of STASH BUSTING! And thank goodness for that because what a fabulous Granny Square Pillow!! I LOVE the colours and can’t believe how beautifully go together!

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Ok, so I have a question to pose and I would love to hear your thoughts on this: 

Last night, I was chatting to one of my friends who suggested that maybe the winner of the challenge should be picked based on votes as so much time and energy goes into each creation and it might be great to be the month’s favourite. 

Hmmmm, well this got me thinking. Firstly, when I first started the challenge, I decided to do a random pick each month to keep things lighthearted and fun BUT now I’m wondering if maybe you’d prefer to win on merit rather than by chance??? 

SO, my question is:

WOULD YOU PREFER THE WINNER TO BE DETERMINED BY THE MOST VOTES OR RANDOMLY?

I’d love to hear what you think so please comment below! There’s no wrong or right answer but if there is strong feelings for votes v random then I will rethink things

Thank you!

As always, I am totally in awe of the fantastic entries! There’s still 9 days before we close the link for voting so, get your groove on! Click on FROGGY to add your LINK