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
woolhogs 
Good poser! Personally I think the winner should be picked by number of votes ie the most popular wins but maybe you could also do a Personal Choice Winner which would be your personal choice as blog owner – what do you think? xxx
Thanks for your input Laura – I’m going to put your idea into the “think tank”! x
tuff question. It’s nice the way it is but then it would also be nice for the highest votes to win. I cant make up my mind at all!!!!
I know how you feel!! Thanks Angella xxx
I agree with the above. Or maybe you could do a ‘chance’ winner one month and the next month a voting system? I don’t know, whatever way works best for you! Personal Choice Winner seems a good idea though 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts Kais..hmmmm interesting!
Great captures! Love the ones of your littles!
Every single entry is gorgeous….I especially LOVE that granny pillow! 🙂 WOW!
Thank you for this compliment! I’m new to crochet and blogging. All positive vibes are most appreciated and encouraging!!
❤
Thanks sooo much! Love your encouragement and special comments xxxx
I think votes over chance is a better way to go, personally; but I do like the idea of a personal favorite as well. Maybe you could even do a runner up, and ask for donations of little gifts as runner-up prizes? I’d be willing to donate some crocheted bracelets for such a thing, and I’ll even go so far as to say that the runner-up can order their bracelet to be custom made. I have a TON of colors of both thread and beads, so there’s no problem there. Also, having an image to post on their page might help – someone with Photoshop could probably whip one up, again, I’d be willing to help if someone with more skill than mine doesn’t offer, too. Either way you decide to go – votes or chance – thank you SO MUCH for always saying such lovely things about each entry, and for being so willing to do this every month. You are an amazing lady.
Thanks for your thoughts Gray! I used to have a badge but I didn’t really do much with it – excellent idea though, I think I’m going to dig it out again! Thanks too for your offer of a prize – please hold that thought because I thinks it would be fab to have a tiny prize donated by someone every month (or even every other month) -It’s a great way of sharing a little piece of one’s creativity..ok, lots to think about xxxx
Aren’t we lucky to live in this beautiful part of the world, Maryanne. Love the photies of your week and everyone’s entries are gorgeous.
In my humble opinion (I’m a new entry), I’d be happy either way. Having some feedback on my work inspires me to keep reaching beyond my current skill level and winning a contest would be something I never expected. Yet, this doesn’t mean I need a prize to be overjoyed. Is it possible to do both by having people vote for a winner that’s announced and randomly draw to see who gets the prize? I also like Gray’s idea on having an image to post on the winner’s blog. Regardless of what’s decided, thank you so much for holding this challenge. I’m loving all the work that’s gone into each entry and am ever so grateful for the opportunity to meet new people.
Oh! How exactly do I vote?
Maryanne will open the voting once the deadline hits for entries, and then you click on the frog – the same link you clicked on to enter your project – and you’ll see a little ‘vote’ link beneath each entry. You just click on it and cast your vote. I think you get 5 votes per day, or something like that.
Thank you!
Great family pics – although I don’t see you in any one of them. Are you always behind the camera/phone?
I like random, but maybe that’s just me. If you take into account the time that goes into making something, then a crocheted blanket or bag is going to beat a cupcake or a crocheted flower hands down. I think the important thing is that we keep making and showing – everyone makes beautiful things in their own way and with the resources they have at hand (which includes time). I also really like that your Challenge isn’t only for crocheted or knitted things. Makes a nice change.
But up to you, it’s your Challenge and, as everyone else has already said, the best thing about it is that we get to meet new people and see what others are making. I’ve found lots of new blogs and people and ideas through you, so I WILL LOVE IT FOREVER ❤ whatever you decide to do with it.
Thanks for that Jill xxxx You are absolutely right, the essence of the challenge must not be lost and the best part is the sharing of ideas. Lots to think about…..xxx
I utterly and completely and totally agree with Jill! ❤
Thanks Jill, or should I say JILLS!
Hi Maryanne! Thanks for sharing such beautiful pics and adding some fun text to read along. The one about hockey made my day. Congrats to the winner of Jill’s Cute Hat! To all the participants Great Job on all your lovely projects and I look forward to sharing always. Be Blessed Everyone! Mtetar
Heehee, thanks Mtetar, I told my hubby and he laughed out loud! xx
You’re welcome Maryanne! Be Blessed, Mtetar
There are more entrants theses days but I think if you look back, it is possible that more than one person has got the same number of votes some months so that there is not one outright winner. Just a thought!
Very good point Jane, thank you. I hadn’t thought of that ….xxx
Lovely photos Maryanne. I agree with what Jill said!
Thanks Trish! xxx (ps, we miss you…nudge nudge wink wink heehee)
I know 😉 my day job is getting in the way!! I still have work for next academic year but its looking, at the moment anyway, as if it will be less hours so hopefully I will get more time then??? Hopefully!
Hi Maryanne, I entered my quilt in the April Made It for the first time and, to be honest, the best part was having lovely new people visit my blog from the link. Some of them would probably never have found my blog, had it not been for your challenge. It’s great fun 🙂 i don’t mind how you choose a winner. Avis xx
Thank you so much Avis xxx
Please could you stop emphasising how it is your winter under puctures at the beach with people in less clothes than we wear in the summer. I wore my winter coat yesterday and we are supposed to nearly be at summer here. Not fair!!
Heehee Alice, you are so funny! Sending some warm sunny vibes your way xxx
YAY thank you 🙂 xx
It is a tough question because after All It Is A Competition 🙂 but it is fun either way p.s it is fun competing for prize(s) lol….
I love your winter, master chef 🙂
ahh xxxx
Thanks Patricia….no matter which way we go, i agree, THERE MUST BE A PRIZE!!! heehee
Hmmm..that is indeed a tough question. For all fairness I would say the one who gets the most votes should win the prize, but this may turn out discouraging for those who participate with lovely entries but low votes. I like the suggestion of a Personal Favourite too, but how about also giving a small prize for the participant(s) who got the lowest vote to encourage them to keep participating? The entries are always so lovely that no one should feel that their hard work and energy spent on crafting has gone to waste because it got low votes.
Hmmm, you are right, this is the thing to avoid at all costs…. thank you so much for your input xxx
aww you cute little hog! I had to put a snap in of me cos the kids are a bit fed up of their mad mum following them with the camera! so many gorgeous entries, and love all your snaps, great fun! xxx
Hahahaha, my kids can relate! Thanks for your sweet comment xxx
you are welcome. xxxxxxxxxx
Congratulations on the milestone.
Regarding the question—I prefer random winners but either works for me. You’re the boss after all. 😀
Heehee thanks J.G! I’ve never been called the boss before – best tell my hubby!!
Thanks for your thoughts x
I love the cushion! The competition is sure getting tough.
Thanks Lyndell, it sure is!!!
Hey Maryanne
I just want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you and your forum you have created, I wish I was a creative type to join in the fun you are all having and add my entry , alas I am not, But I still can appreciate how inspiring you are to so many people and how much motivation you are giving so many, All I can say is that I am so incredibly privledged to be your friend and be privy to your positivity and inspiration that you radiate out on so many levels and the richness you add to our lives. I hope that was heartfelt enough for you 😉 lots and lots of love me