Simple & Sweet : :

I can't thank you enough for all the kind words and advice so many of you left me yesterday. I read every comment and felt, more than anything, lifted up by your support and encouragement. I had originally decided that I wasn't going to share what's currently happening with my health, especially after having such an amazing Quilt Market experience. I didn't want to spoil the news and excitement of it all. I came back feeling SO good. Then immediately to have what feels like my whole system just crash on me, has really got me down, which is what brought on yesterday's post. I've been dealing with some pretty severe Autoimmune issues for as long as I've had this blog. That's not a coincidence. I've turned to being creative and sharing my passion for it to get me through it all, without ever dreaming what it would turn into. I don't feel a pressure to continue on the days I'm struggling from my readers, my sponsors, or any contract I've signed. The pressure comes from ME. Each day that passes that I don't spend being productive, creative, and happy is one I feel I've wasted. There's being tired and needing rest, which I think I have no problem conceding to and feel I get plenty of. Then there's what I'm dealing with now, which is an exhaustion and fogginess that leaves me feeling defeated before the day begins. I don't want to be overcome by my grief and illness, I want to succeed more than ever despite of it. I do need to learn to give myself a break on the days I don't. Yesterday, you all reminded me of that and I can't thank you enough. I feel much better today, like a weight has been lifted. Today I'm going to continue working on my sisters pillows at my new pace, without worry or guilt for how behind I feel I am. I'm going to continue counting down the days to when my fabric collection arrives at my door with excitement, which with perfect timing should be right when I can take my medication again.  I'm going to do some of that "selfish sewing" that so many of you mentioned in the comments yesterday. I definitely don't do enough of that! I'll continue to update you all on what's going on, without feeling embarrassed and shy, because pretending it all away just isn't working anymore. But first I want to share a few photos of what I made yesterday. Just a sweet & simple set of whole cloth pillows, quilted with Aurifil, bound in a solid navy.









Such an easy project, but still I managed to create something rewarding that is beautiful and special for my sister. A good reminder that sometimes the grand plans, long to-do lists, and big goals can be forgotten for awhile. That sometimes simple is exactly what's needed to bring the joy and magic of making back to our days and hearts.

Thank you all again!  ♡  Maureen

A Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

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It's Fabric Giveaway Friday!

My sponsor, Contemporary Cloth, 

has a wonderful offer for this week's Giveaway! 

Contemporary Cloth began for owner Sondra, as a way to provide a resource for interesting, contemporary, modern, and retro-look textiles for home or office, at reasonable prices.The fabrics she offers can be used in art quilts, wearable art, wall art, interior design projects, crafts, mixed media, book arts, etc. They have a worldwide customer base that has inspired them to continue on that path. In the shop you'll find a large variety of quilting & home dec fabrics, bold cottons, Yuwa Japanese Fabrics, notions, magazines & books and more.

We invite you to sign up for the Contemporary Cloth email newsletter on the website, so you can stay up to date with their new arrivals and sales. You can visit and follow them at on their various social media sites --

* Shop * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope you enjoy visiting Contemporary Cloth!!  

For this week's Giveaway, Contemporary Cloth is offering FIVE half yard cuts from the gorgeous, Art Gallery Fabric's Cherie collection by Frances Newcombe! Aren't they beautiful?



 I had the pleasure of meeting Frances and seeing her booth at Spring Quilt Market and photos just don't do these fabrics justice, they are gorgeous!!

You can find these lovely fabrics available HERE in the Contemporary Cloth shop!

In addition,  Contemporary Cloth is offering a special discount to my readers in honor of my new fabric collection!! To receive 20% off ALL orders use discount code :  CongratsMaureen on orders placed now thru Wednesday, August 27th!  Be sure to check out these wonderful New Arrivals, the Coming Soon fabrics, where you'll find Wild & Free, as well as the new expanded category for the ever popular Low Volume, Neutral + Gray Fabrics we all love to use in our sewing projects!

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Enter to win! 

Here's how,

1. Simply add a comment to this post! If you'd like, you can share with us what you'd stitch up with these beautiful Cherie fabrics? (one entry) 
2. Follow the Contemporary Cloth Blog, Facebook page, OR sign up to receive the Newsletter on their website. Just let me know that you follow them, by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry)

3. My followers get an additional entry, too! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry) 

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I've added that as another way to enter! Whether by instagram, tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (one optional entry)

Please enter now thru Monday, August 25th. Mr. Random will pick the winner and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! Please check to make sure you can be contacted!

Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway!! From  1,261 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is... 

Comment #1,226 --   * Amanda Guthrie * Congratulations, I'll be in touch shortly!   

A Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

It's Fabric Giveaway Friday!

My sponsor, Contemporary Cloth, 

has a wonderful offer for this week's Giveaway! 

Contemporary Cloth began for owner Sondra, as a way to provide a resource for interesting, contemporary, modern, and retro-look textiles for home or office, at reasonable prices.The fabrics she offers can be used in art quilts, wearable art, wall art, interior design projects, crafts, mixed media, book arts, etc. They have a worldwide customer base that has inspired them to continue on that path. In the shop you'll find a large variety of quilting & home dec fabrics, bold cottons, Yuwa Japanese Fabrics, notions, magazines & books and more.

We invite you to sign up for the Contemporary Cloth email newsletter on the website, so you can stay up to date with their new arrivals and sales. You can visit and follow them at on their various social media sites --

* Shop * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope you enjoy visiting Contemporary Cloth!!  

For this week's Giveaway, Contemporary Cloth is offering a gorgeous, Fat Eighth bundle of the Oakshott Shot Cottons Italy collection!! Aren't they beautiful? Each bundle includes twelve, sweet-hued, handwoven cotton fabrics that are very soft to the touch, that shimmer with their silky luster! I have a bundle and photos just don't do these fabrics justice, they are gorgeous!!

You can find these lovely Oakshott's available HERE and the entire UK Oakshott Shot Cotton line right HERE in the Contemporay Cloth shop!

In addition,  Contemporary Cloth is offering a special discount to my readers for 20% off ALL orders! Plus 50% off shipping to EVERYWHERE! Use discount code :  ThanksMaureen on orders placed now thru Wednesday, April 30th!  Clearance Categories are also included! Shipping discount will be refunded once your order is processed/shipped.

Enter to win! 

Here's how,

1. Simply add a comment to this post! If you'd like, you can share with us what you'd stitch up with these beautiful  Oakshott Cotton fabrics? (one entry) 
2. Follow the Contemporary Cloth Blog, Facebook page, OR sign up to receive the Newsletter on their website. Just let me know that you follow them, by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry)

3. My followers get an additional entry, too! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry) 

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I've added that as another way to enter! Whether by instagram, tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (one optional entry)

Please enter now thru Monday, April 28th. Mr. Random will pick the winner and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! Please check to make sure you can be contacted!

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Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway!!

From 1,195 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is... 

Comment #1163 --   *  Terry Kessinger  *
   

Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly! 

New Fabric & Plans : :

Today seems like the perfect day to share my newest fabric deliveries and plans. Since I've so been busy making birthday crowns and not much else!



The same day Spring weather finally arrived to my part of PA this lovely & fresh Meadow collection showed up at my door via Art Gallery Fabrics! This collection is by artist Leah Duncan, a gorgeous follow-up to her Tule collection! I'm such a huge fan of Leah's work and cannot wait to turn these beauties into a quilt. At first glace a simple triangle patchwork quilt came to mind, maybe another go at this pattern, hmn?



Prompted by my recent Storybook collection giveaway, I couldn't resist stashing my two favorite prints in the ultra-soft brushed cotton option from Crafter's Vision. These hot air balloon prints will be the backs to two crib size quilts I hope to make this month. Baby quilts aren't something I ever make, but I have an idea that a sweet crib size quilt will be just perfect for, stay tuned!





I was recently invited to receive and play around with this beautiful, Lipari bundle of handwoven Oakshott Cottons! These will certainly become more flying geese units!





My sponsor Cloud9 Fabrics sent me two bundles of their new organic, quilter's weight Enchanted collection By Michelle Engel Bencsko. One to turn into something quilty and one to giveaway once I do! I hope to make my little sister a quick, quilted tote bag before she leaves for Hawaii on Friday!



How about you, have you stashed anything good lately?

Happy sewing!  ♥  Maureen

A Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

It's Fabric Giveaway Friday!

My sponsor, Contemporary Cloth, 

has a wonderful offer for this week's Giveaway! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Contemporary Cloth began for owner Sondra, as a way to provide a resource for interesting, contemporary, modern, and retro-look textiles for home or office, at reasonable prices.The fabrics she offers can be used in art quilts, wearable art, wall art, interior design projects, crafts, mixed media, book arts, etc. They have a worldwide customer base that has inspired them to continue on that path. In the shop you'll find a large variety of quilting & home dec fabrics, bold cottons, Yuwa Japanese Fabrics, notions, magazines & books and more.

We invite you to sign up for the Contemporary Cloth email newsletter on the website, so you can stay up to date with their new arrivals and sales. You can visit and follow them at on their various social media sites --

* Shop * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope you enjoy visiting Contemporary Cloth!!  

For this weekend's Giveaway, Contemporary Cloth is offering a gorgeous, 1/2 YARD bundle of Anna Maria Horner's three Field Study Linen Parenthetical feather prints, AND the winner will also choose three 1/2 YARD cuts of Robert Kaufman's colorful Essex Linen Fabrics!!!

You can find these lovely AMH Field Study Linens available HERE and the RK Essex Linens right HERE!

In addition,  Contemporary Cloth is offering a special discount to my readers for 25% off ALL orders! Use discount code :  ThanksMaureen on orders placed now thru Wednesday, September 4th!  Clearance Categories are also included (selected Yuwa Japanese textiles, organic fabrics, fabric stamps and stencils, destash books and more!!

AND

Enter to win! 

Here's how,

1. Simply add a comment to this post! If you'd like, you can share with us what you'd stitch up with these beautfil linen fabrics? (one entry) 
2. Follow the Contemporary Cloth Blog, Facebook page, OR sign up to receive the Newsletter on their website. Just let me know that you follow them, by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry)

3. Followers of Maureen Cracknell Handmade get an additional entry, too! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry) 

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by instagram, tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (one optional entry)

Please enter now thru Monday, September 2nd. Mr. Random will pick the winner and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! Please check to make sure you can be contacted!

Wishing a wonderful weekend to all!!

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Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway!!

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From 1,430 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is...

    Comment #1,047 --   *  Heather A *   

Congratulations!!! I will be in touch shortly!  

Holiday Sales & a Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

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Happy 4th of July! 

I have so many great sales to share today, along with a special Fabric Giveaway!!

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:  :  Amazing Sponsor Sales  :  :

Just click on each shop ad to enjoy these special sales!

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For this special Holiday Giveaway, Contemporary Cloth is offering a gorgeous FQ bundle 
of the Hand Drawn Garden collection by Anna Maria Horner for FreeSpirit,
including all FOURTEEN prints of this brand new collection!!!

A HUGE thank you goes to Sondra at Contemporary Cloth for sponsoring this special Giveaway!!  

You can find Sondra at the sites below!

* Shop * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Enter to win! 

Here's how,

1. Simply leave a comment at the end of this post!!
2. Follow Contemporary Cloth on Facebook page! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry)

3. Followers of MC Handmade get an additional entry, too! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry) 

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, instagram, blog, etc... (one optional entry)

Please enter now through Monday morning, July 8th. The winner will picked by Random and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post and will contact the winner via email, as well!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! Please check to make sure you can be contacted!

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 

Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway!!

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *    
 

From 1,240 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is...

    
Comment #597 --   * allierae *  
 

Congratulations!!! I will be in touch shortly!  

A Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

It's Fabric Giveaway Friday!

My sponsor, Contemporary Cloth, 

has a wonderful offer for this weekend's Giveaway! 

AND

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Contemporary Cloth began for owner Sondra, as a way to provide a resource for interesting, contemporary, modern, and retro-look textiles for home or office, at reasonable prices.The fabrics she offers can be used in art quilts, wearable art, wall art, interior design projects, crafts, mixed media, book arts, etc. They have a worldwide customer base that has inspired them to continue on that path. In the shop you'll find a large variety of quilting & home dec fabrics, bold cottons, Yuwa Japanese Fabrics, notions, magazines & books and more.

We invite you to sign up for the Contemporary Cloth email newsletter on the website, so you can stay up to date with their new arrivals and sales. You can visit and follow them at on their various social media sites --

* Shop * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope you enjoy visiting Contemporary Cloth!!  

For this weekend's Giveaway, Contemporary Cloth is offering a gorgeous, custom 11 Fat Quarter Bundle including several prints from the brand new and very popular Tsuru Collection, two coordinating Alegria Cloud 9 Fabric prints, one Kaufman Pure Organic Solid, AND

1 yard of my most favorite Tsuru print, the beautiful Blossom Festival border print!!!

You can find this lovely custom bundle available HERE
and the Tsuru Collection right HERE at Contemporary Cloth!

In addition,  Contemporary Cloth is offering a special discount to my readers for 10% off ALL orders! Use discount code :  ThanksMaureen - on orders placed today until Monday,  2-25, midnight, EST! 

AND

Enter to win! 

Here's how,

1. Simply add a comment to this post! If you'd like, you can share with us what you'd stitch up with this bundle? (one entry) I recenetly made a new quilt top with my Tsuru!
2. Follow the Contemporary Cloth Blog, Facebook page, OR sign up to receive the Newsletter on their website. Just let me know that you follow them, by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry)

3. Followers of Maureen Cracknell Handmade get an additional entry, too! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry) 

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (one optional entry)

Please enter now through Monday morning, February 25th. Mr. Random will pick the winner and I will announce their name in a new post here on the blog. I try to have that up in the morning and will contact the winner via email, as well!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! Please check to make sure you can be contacted!

Wishing a wonderful weekend to all!!

Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway!! 

 

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  From 1,204 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is...

Comment #1147 -- Redefined Possibilities said...

I would make an incredible quilt.

Congratulations!!! I will be in touch shortly!

A Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

It's Fabric Giveaway Friday!

My sponsor, Contemporary Cloth, 

has a wonderful offer for this weekend's Giveaway! 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Contemporary Cloth began for owner Sondra, as a way to provide a resource for interesting, contemporary, modern, and retro-look textiles for home or office, at reasonable prices.The fabrics she offers can be used in art quilts, wearable art, wall art, interior design projects, crafts, mixed media, book arts, etc. They have a worldwide customer base that has inspired them to continue on that path. In the shop you'll find a large variety of quilting & home dec fabrics, bold cottons, Yuwa Japanese Fabrics, notions, magazines & books and more.

We invite you to sign up for the Contemporary Cloth email newsletter on the website, so you can stay up to date with their new arrivals and sales. You can visit and follow them at on their various social media sites --

* Shop * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope you enjoy visiting Contemporary Cloth!!  

For this weekend's Giveaway, Contemporary Cloth is offering a Three Half Yard Bundle of Yuwa Kei Japanese Fabrics!  These Japanese fabric prints have such sweet and dreamy details, are 100% cotton, and include a 1/2 yard of each Kei Cotorienne, Oasis in Cream, this Yellow with Birds, and this Brown Bunny & Moon print!

In addition,  Contemporary Cloth is offering a special discount to my readers for 20% off ALL orders (excluding New Arrivals and Coming Soon Categories)!!  Use discount code :  ThanksMaureen - on orders placed today through Wednesday, January 23rd! 

Aren't these sweet?!

Enter to win! 

Here's how,

1.Simply add a comment to this post! If you'd like, you can share with us what sewing project you're working on right now? I shared what I've been up to late last night, HERE! (one entry)
2. Follow Contemporary Cloth's facebook page, OR sign up to receive the Newsletter on their website. Just let me know that you follow them, by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry)

3. Followers of Maureen Cracknell Handmade get an additional entry, too! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (one optional entry) 

4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (one optional entry)

Please, enter now through Monday, January 21st. Mr. Random will pick the winner and I will announce their name in a new post here on the blog!

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or an anonymous commenter, remember to include your email address in your comment so that I can contact you, should you win! Please check to make sure you can be contacted!

Wishing a wonderful weekend to all!!! 

Thank you to all who entered this past weekend's Giveaway!! 

 

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  From 808 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is...

Comment #20 -- Deb, who said...

Thanks for the chance, Maureen! These fabrics would be amazing for a VERY overdue baby quilt I should be working on right now. I've been working on some bee blocks this week and put together a baby quilt top yesterday. I feel like I've been productive lately, which is a good thing. 

Congratulations!!! I will be in touch shortly!