Quilty threads...

Cushion for Master M

2012-01-23T18:07:00.000+11:00

Felt like a break from cutting out Swoon blocks today, so I whipped up this cushion for my Grandson's bed. He has just moved out of his cot and into a toddler bed (small bed made from transformed cot) and is very pleased with himself....so much so, that his Mum only has to say "it's time for bed, now" and he heads straight off and gets into his bed. :)
I wonder how long that will last? lol

Front....Hoot Owl fabric with aqua and orange sides

Back with aqua and brown sides, plus a strip of Hoot Owl for the buttons

I think he will like it! :)

I'm also working on a quilt for my Sister's 50th birthday (she is 55 next month!). I'm using a Hoffman Bali Pop (in greens, purple/mauve, blue/greens and lemon) and sewing 4 strips together into tubes. Almost done that part - next is cutting with my new Omnigrid Quarter Square Triangle ruler....

What are you working on this week?

Swoon block 2

2012-01-22T10:56:00.001+11:00

I have finished the second block for my Swoon quilt. I'm thinking how lovely these blocks would be as centrepieces of medallion quilts.....hmmmm.......another project to add to my to-do list?

1st Swoon-along block

2012-01-20T01:16:00.001+11:00

Just finished my 1st Swoon-along block!

This has been a struggle for me...my right hand and fingers aren't really ready for all the precise cutting and piecing required.This is also the first time that I have made Flying Geese units! Talk about ambitious!
I will need to do a little trimming and some of the points don't meet, but overall, I am happy with the outcome.
Once it is part of the quilt, I will hardly notice it...or if I do, I will remember the difficulty and how I perservered! :)
I am using FQs from moda's Blush by Basic Grey collection, along with a white background. Lots of pink, aqua, chocolate and subtle cranberry...

Samelia's Mum Giveaway

2012-01-18T12:04:00.001+11:00

Samelia's Mum is celebrating her birthday with giveaways! The latest is a gorgeous Layer Cake of Sandy Gervais' Sassy range. What a great thing to make up for summer!
So go enter....

Tuesday's Treasure

2012-01-17T18:51:00.000+11:00

I haven't posted a Tuesday Treasure for a while, but last Friday, I did a clean out of my wardrobe, and when I came across this, memories came flooding back.

This manicure case belonged to my Mother, and I remember it lived in the top drawer of her dressing table, from the time we moved house when I was 12.
It was shabby even then, with only a little bit of polishing powder left in the tins, and the seude buffer already had a tear in one end. However, Mum still used it, and I remember feeling very priviledged to be allowed to use it when I was 15.
It still has the suede/velvet/powder smell I remember it having when I first saw it. Don't you love the memories aromas/fragrances can summon up?
I never thought to ask Mum how old she was when she got it, or if it had been a present. :(

The doily it is sitting on in this photo was embroidered by my Grandmother (Mum's Mum). She did the most beautiful embroidery...her padded satin stitch was/is the best I have ever seen, and her stem stitch was the tiniest of tiny stitching! I have lots of doilies and dressing table sets that she embroidered. All of them treasures, too.

For more Tuesday Treasures, head over to Melody's Blog and follow the links to what others are treasuring.

Swoon-along with Katy

2012-01-10T21:56:00.000+11:00

I've just bought this pattern from The Fatquarter Shop and I am joining Katy at Imagingermonkey in her Swoon-along. She has set up a Flickr group for us, to post pics of our blocks, and to discuss making the quilt. There are also going to be prizes!

Add caption

I'm not sure what fabrics I'll use yet, but I'll have fun deciding.

Tempted to join us?

Cheers,

Jelly Roll 1600 Quilt....

2012-01-09T18:39:00.001+11:00

I have been watching with interest, as some bloggers have shared photos of their 1600 quilts, made with jelly rolls. Some I have loved, enough to try one for myself. I have a few jelly rolls, but most of them I have plans for, so I chose this Hoffman Bali Pop: Berry Bliss, and away I went. I must admit, it was fun!
(The colours are better in real life...I couldn't get the lighting right to photograph with my phone camera)

Finished piecing....well, supposedly.....

Side view got me thinking.........

Unpicked the top 7 rows and stitched them across the side

Different view.......

I have further plans for this quilt, but it involves a little stencilling and painting, so will have to wait until I have better use of my hands. :)

Cheers,

Pay It Forward 2012

2012-01-08T11:48:00.000+11:00

I have joined in Pay It Forwards before, and really enjoyed them.
This one started on Facebook, and I have ~~Two~~ Three people signed up on FB, so I am looking for another ~~Three~~ Two .

Here's the deal:
"I promise to make something handmade for the first five people who comment. They must in turn post this and make something for the first five people who post comments in their status. (So don't comment unless you are willing!) *The rules are it has to be made by you (sewing, cooking, paper craft, art, knitting, etc) and recipients must receive it before 2012 ends."

Cheers,

Progress on quilt....and a WINNER!

2012-01-07T16:54:00.001+11:00

I expected this quilt top to take quite a while, but a couple of sleepless nights and a body that co-operated with me spending hours at the sewing machine has resulted in progress!

I have yet to add borders....I had to order fabric online and it probably won't get here until the end of the week....a chocolate narrow inner border, and a blue border from one of the prints in the range (Cherish Nature by Deb Strain for Moda).

I am calling it RENEWAL as that is the word I have chosen for 2012. Eggs and Butterflies = change and metamorphisis, bees for the network of supportive family and friends, the layout to represent 2 steps forward, one step backward still equals forward momentum....

"RENEWAL"

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

.....And now for the winner of my little giveaway...........

I have tried to capture the picture of the Random Number Generator to show you, but there doesn't seem to be any where to upload it and move it onto here, on my laptop, so you will have to take my word for it.....

The winner is comment number 5: Joy V, who said: "A great idea - last year I chose 'relax' - I felt I had to learn not to worry too much about all the little things, so 'relax' it was - I think I achieved part of it anyway. This year - I need to 'focus' - you can guess that I often wander off onto other things instead of what I'm doing. So Focus is my word for this year."

Joy, email your snail mail addy to me, and your goodies will be finding their way to you. :)

Thanks for playing, everyone. And welcome to the new followers. :)

Cheers,
Lindi

Machine Pieced Hexies

2012-01-06T16:10:00.002+11:00

I have been doing quite bit of machine piecing lately...yes, still one-handed with the occasional co-operation of my right pointer finger....so thought I'd have a go at machine pieced hexagons, at least until I reached a point I couldn't manage.
I bought these 2 packs, precut, from Possum Blossom Patchwork. They are the Reunion pack from Sweetwater.....

So far, I have stitched them into rows, but have yet to try attaching the rows. I might have a play with the row arrangement, first.

**********

Don't forget my giveaway...see previous post.....I am drawing the winner tomorrow afternoon Australian Eastern Daylight Savings time.

Cheers,

Lindi

New Year Giveaway

2012-01-01T08:49:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year, Everyone! Wishing you all a wonderful, inspiring, creative, happy, healthy 2012. :)

My friend Sally, has a great idea. She gives each year a word.... read her recent post here.
I love the idea, so last night and this morning, I gave serious consideration to what word I would choose for 2012.
I wanted something that would reflect the challenges I will face this year with my health and treatment of CSS, but also something that would reflect the opportunities for personal growth, accomplishing doing things that I currently can't do because of CSS, and the chance to lay the groundwork to make big changes in my attitudes and lifestyle for the future.

Not easy to find that one word. :)
forward evolution accomplishment advance triumph remodel progression reformation transformation metamorphisis .....these all could be applied. I just don't know which to use. Maybe there is a better word I haven't thought of.....any suggestions? I'll ponder on this for a little while, I think.....

So, this is where the giveaway comes in.
1. Leave a comment telling me what YOU hope for in this year.....either in one word or in a few...
2. If you are a follower, leave another comment telling me so, and you get an extra entry.

That's it!

And the prize, you ask? Well, I am not in a position to make anything yet, so I have raided my stash and gift box, and come up with this.......and I might even add some more....

I had to be quick, because Miss M decided to investigate....
she approved, by the way. :)

Cheers,
Lindi

Congratulations, Melody!

2011-12-29T18:25:00.001+11:00

My friend Melody, from Thehouseonthesideofthehill, has reached 500 posts! What an achievement! To celebrate, she is having a giveaway, so go have a look at her blog, and say Hi! and tell her I sent you. :)

Cheers,
Lindi

Christmas Stocking Swap

2011-12-29T10:38:00.005+11:00

This year, I participated in a Christmas Stocking/Bag/Sack Swap through Southern Cross Quilters (an online Aus//NZ quilting group). My lovely swap partner, and now dear friend, was Melody, whose blog I had been following for a while. Our partners were known to us, so that we could get to know each other better.
Each month, for the entire year, we sent each other a gift to put in the bag that we had made for each other. No peeking allowed! It was easier than I thought it would be, to not be tempted. :) I did have a leeetle feel, though. lol

Anyway, the lovely and very generous Melody, sent me all these goodies! I am sooo spoilt. :)

My gorgeous sack...

A mug bag (I didn't own one before) a mug mat (ditto), a lovely mug that's too cute just for Christmas, a set of really lovely egg cups - again, not just for Christmas use - a delightful little book "Merry Christmas Tea" with snippets, recipes, and quotes, and a cake ribbon and badge. And there was also a cat Christmas cracker with a toy mouse which I forgot to photograph.

Plus, all these lovelies! Beautiful Mimosa soap in a cute little metal holder, an embroidered Lingerie bag, a Crinoline Lady thread/ribbon holder, Lindt choccies, scissor and tape set, a Gail Pan pattern " little tweets pouch" with fabric and threads, another little sewing/embroidery set "Home sweet home" by Leanne Knell, and a lovely little notebook with an original drawing on the cover "Sweet Songbird" by Michelle L Palmer.

Thank you so much, Melody! I love everything you sent.

Melody is posting pics of what I sent her, sometime later today. Unfortunately, the things I was making her got left to be finished at the end of the year, and I took ill before they were complete, and couldn't finish them. Once I have a sewing hand back, I'll be finishing them, and thety will be little surprises for her another time. :)
If you aren't familiar with Melody's blog, check it out. She posts regularly and does the most beautiful work, as well as having things you can participate in and share.

Hugs,
Lindi

Master M

2011-12-28T12:15:00.000+11:00

Master M with his present from Santa. He has been playing my Djembe drums, Native American drum and bongos with me since he was about 8 months old, so this is a natural progression. lol

Missy Moo...

2011-12-27T08:14:00.000+11:00

Christmas has been rather special this year. My Darling son, his treasure of a wife (I love her as a daughter), and my beautiful, happy, oh so contented 10month old Granddaughter, flew up to spend Christmas and New Year with us.
As well as that, our Grandson, 18months, was totally into unwrapping presents, too, this year. :)
Lots of lovely family times, laughter, love (and food! lol) are certainly good medicine.
So wonderful having them all here together. I am one very happy Nana! :)

Miss M with her early Santa present before leaving Tasmania to come and spend Christmas with us. :)

One handed sewing

2011-12-14T11:43:00.004+11:00

You can't keep a quilter/patchworker down for long....

One of the things i have found most exasperating about my current condition, is that i have all the time in the world to sit and sew, plenty of hand stitching, but a right hand that is useless...can't do anything!

The other day, i just had to give it a go....on the sewing machine....

My foot couldnt feel the pedal, so i set the machine real slow.... i took 2 packs of moda charm squares...Cherish Nature.... and with my left hand only, taking forever, i put 2 squares together...not perfectly, but ok.... and stitched a not too bad seam. I only lasted 10 minutes before my legs were aching, but HEY! I SEWED!
It might end up being the wonkiest quilt ever, but i have a feeling it will be a cherished favourite. :)

Since then, i have done a little whenever i have felt up to it, and i now have 42 2patches sewn. :) I chose the Cherish nature charm packs because i had 2 packs of them. last night i realised how appropriate they are... an even mix of dark, light and medium tones to represent good days, bad days and average days; some squares have butterflies = change/metamorphisis; some have pretyt birds eggs = new beginnings/new life; and a few squares with bees = my caring friends helping me through this. :)

i can't manage to get the seams lined up to make 4 patch blocks, so i am getting my daughter to cut a charm pack of moda plain cream squares into 2. i will add a rectangle to each 2 patch then join 2 units brick wall style. this will represent my 2 steps forward one step back = forward momentum saying. :)

Working with it, not against....

2011-12-13T13:17:00.001+11:00

I didn't think I would do posts much, while I deal with CSs, but have decided to post as much as I can.
Today, I want to post something I posted on my FB page. I was overwhelmed with the responses and support I received from everyone. :)

"I am thankful that i have Churg Strauss Syndrome. There is obviously a reason and lessons to be learnt thru experiencing this. I am thankful it is CSS and not something far worse. I have been given an opportunity to correct the direction i was going."

I am rereading Louise Hay's "You Can Heal Your Life" and working through all the emotional events that have occurred in my life in the last 5 yrs. I am sure there are answers there.

Thank you to all my wonderful blog friends who are saying prayers and sending me healing thoughts. I appreciate them all, and love you all.

Churg Strauss Syndrome

2011-12-07T02:47:00.001+11:00

If you are wondering where I have been, I have been very sick for the last 7 weeks. 6 of those weeks dosed up on painkillers and a week in hospital.
Seems I have Churg Strauss Syndrome. My main obvious symptom at this stage is vasculitis in the legs and arms and hands, particularly the right (I am right handed). Walking is very difficult, and I have no function in my right hand at all.
I won't be doing much on the internet - it takes so long to get around with one hand that gets tired easily.
So if you have been thinking I am ignoring your blogs, you now know that is not so. It's just abit too much for me to cope with yet.
I am on high doses of immunosuppressants which also keep me awake, so i will have time to practise on the laptop. So as long as my left hand doesn't deteriate, i will get there. :) I also have to get used to not using a mouse. lol
Have to admit, my world feels a little shaken at the moment, but as one of my friends says, 2 steps forward, one step back stills equals forward momentum.

Oh Cherry Oh.....

2011-10-16T14:55:00.000+11:00

A couple of months ago, I purchased a Moda "Oh Cherry Oh" Honey Bun (1.5" strips) with no idea what I was going to do with it.
This week, I started playing with it. What fun that was! :) Initially, I had white sashing in mind, but I have already made a top in bright colours with white, and this one will be used by small children, so white wasn't really a good idea. This lovely aqua was sitting in my stash, so out it came.

It is only 41" square, but it will be lovely for the littles to rest on or under. Later, it will enjoy lots of Teddy Bear and Doll picnics. :)
I'm going to bind it in red, once it is quilted.

What crafty goodness have you been up to this week?

Techy pouches

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000+10:00

I love my Kindle. I am a lover of the feel and smell of books, and I didn't think I'd ever really enjoy an e-reader, but my kindle is wonderful!
When I bought it, I could not afford a case and light, so I have simply carried it unprotected in my bag. Risky, but there you go.

So, over the weekend, I decided it was time to make a pouch for it. I am very happy with how it turned out. The fabric is a hand dyed piece a friend dyed, and I have lined it in purple. It has double layers of batting front and back to give it more protection, and it fits snugly inside, with 3 velcro strips to keep it closed.

Kindle pouch

Once my Kindle had a pouch, I decided my Samsung Galaxy S android phone needed a case too. It does have a screen protector and a skin on the back to give it more grip, and in handbags it sits happily in a pocket. My problem is when I take a large bag with me, and my poor phone just floats around inside.

So yesterday....tada!

More hand dyed fabric from my friend. I quilted this one with Aurifil thread - just a simple wavy design.

I love the little glass flower decoration on the securing strap. The strap itself is held by a small piece of velcro - quick and easy to open!

Mobile phone pouch

Next to do, is a slip case for my laptop, followed by a satchel to carry it in. I'm going to use this pattern. I love Nicole Mallalieu's patterns. They are very well set out and explained with professional tips for their construction and finishing.

What pouches do you have for your techy things? Do you prefer to make them, or buy them ready made?

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-09-20T10:20:00.002+10:00

Today, I am sharing 2 of my favourite ornaments.

The first one is a Lladro figurine I inherited from my Mum. She had it for many many years, and it always reminded us of my daughter when she was a girl- the same delicate features and sweet little face.

Lladro figurine that belonged to my Mum

The second one is a fairy doll I bought last year when shopping for silk flowers for my Son's and Daughter-in-Law's wedding, which we had in our backyard.
She is so sweet and angelic in all her white, with little crystals sparkling on her garments. I couldn't resist her!

Ice Fairy Doll

For more Tuesday Treasures, visit Melody for the links. :)

Thank Yous, Grandson and Bags...

2011-09-14T21:04:00.000+10:00

First of all, Thank you to all those who commented on my last couple of posts. I had saved the comment notifications to email you all individually as soon as I got a chance, but over the last 2 days, my gmail has been freezing when trying to send. Wayne also thanks you for those lovely comments on his book. :)

What have I been doing? Well I have been doing

*tax preparation :(

*Minding my Grandson while his Mum does Uni assignments :))

Hello Mummy. I'm having a really good time playing with Nana and Pa.

Nana doesn't really need these pegs. I'll just fill my bucket.

* and making 2 bags - one of which will be chosen by a friend for her birthday pressie from her Hubby. :)

I have not made the straps as yet, as she wants the strap to go across her body. The one she doesn't choose, will be for me (at last! A bag made by me, for me! lol) and I want a much shorter strap.

I honestly don't know which one I hope she doesn't choose! LOL

Bag #1 from a pattern by Nicole Mallalieu ("Panel Bag")

Bag inside out - pockets on one side
The lining is actually a lovely pale patterned beige, not quilter's muslin or calico as it looks here.

Bag inside out - phone pocket with extra stiffening
(I don't know why this ended up sideways. The photo wasn't! lol)

Bag #2 based on a pattern I purchased from BeBeBold a couple of years ago, with design alterations by me.

Bag inside out - one side

Bag inside out other side

It's been a great 10 days for me! I do have lots of blogs and such to catch up on though. ;)

Another book published...

2011-09-05T10:57:00.000+10:00

I just have to share this news! and OK, I admit - do a little advertising :)

Earlier this year, my DH published his first book - a personal development style book.

Now, he has finally published his first novel! So exciting!
It is called "To the Honour of the Kings" and is available from CreateSpace ( a division of Amazon which pays him more ) or Amazon (where you can read a synopsis and a little of the book). It is also available on the Amazon UK site and the Amazon German site.

I can't help being proud of him. He started writing many years ago and is finally seeing things come to fruition.

Stitching

2011-09-04T14:30:00.000+10:00

In the last few weeks, I have been managing to find some time to do some hand sewing. One project I am working on, is this one by Ella and Skysie:

I have slowly been finishing each of these pre-printed stitcheries. 6 are now finished and I only have 3 to go.
This is what I have done so far:

The stitcheries on the pattern are mainly in pink, brown and green, to match the colours used in the borders. I haven't decided what fabric to use for the borders, but there will probably be more colour, so I am doing these in the colours that appeal to me. The original also uses colour pencils to in-fill sections. I haven't decided whether to do that or not, as yet. If I do, it will only be small areas.
I also have to decide if this will be a wall hanging (not much wall space left in our house! lol) or a lap quilt.

What have you been working on as a longer term project?

Happy Father's Day!

2011-09-04T10:50:00.000+10:00

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Dad's out there.
I have been lucky - all the Dad's in my family life have been great Dads: from my Grandfathers, Uncles, Cousins, Father In Law, Brothers In Law, through to my own Dad, my Hubby, and now my Son and Son In Law.

My Dad

Celebrating both birthdays

Wayne with Granddaughter and I

Wayne with Grandson

Son with his little daughter

Son In Law with my daughter and their son

One quilt ready to go

2011-09-03T22:05:00.000+10:00

I have been very slack with my blogging! I keep making vows to get back to it, but I always fall by the wayside. I have to admit, Facebook is probably my biggest diversion, but I am also busy between sewing, minding my Grandson (who is now 15 months old!) and spending time with my Darling Hubby who is now semi-retired and finally pursuing his dreams of writing books (more on that later).
I guess it is time to do a few updates. :)

These will not be in chronological order... lol

First up, is this cute Raggy Shaggy quilt I made for my little Granddaughter (who will be 7 months in a week's time - how quickly time flies when little ones are around!). She is outgrowing the little quilt I made her for a pram quilt when she was born. She lives in Tassie, so there is still time for her to use it. :) It is made with lovely snuggly flannel fabrics I bought in Tassie last February, with some pink and choclate I had in my stash. Despite the sore palms from all that snipping, I love it and intend doing more like this. I have bought a pair of spring loaded snips since, though! lol

Congrats to Melody!

2011-09-03T11:35:00.000+10:00

My lovely, and very generous friend, Melody... (who also happens to be my Christmas Stocking Swap Partner).... is celebrating 400 posts in just over a year! How amazing is that? She has a lovely blog, so check it out. While you are there, you can also enter her fantastic giveaway!

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-07-05T20:28:00.000+10:00

These little books are my treasures, this week. They are the 6 books that form the 1st edition of the Epaminondas series, written by Constance Egan and illustrated by A E Kennedy (Pub: Collins, London) (late 50s early 60s)

I have had these books since I was about 4 or 5 and they were my favourite books at the time. I read them so often, the spines eventually wore and had to be re-taped. I can remember sitting in my Grandmother's bed while she read the stories to me. Epaminondas did so many funny things because he misunderstood his Mother (Mammy), or because he reasoned something out that would end in him making a silly decision that always caused problems for his Mother to resolve.

At one stage, there was an attempt to have Epaminondas books banned, and many were burnt in rallies (along with Little Black Sambo books), as they were considered racist.

As a child, I knew nothing about racism, and as I was not brought up in a racist family, all I saw was a funny little boy who always got it wrong. The spoken language of Mammy is very stylised Southern Black (at least, as I have seen them portrayed in old movies), so for them to be published as new books today, they would be rather offensive. But considering when they were published, and the fact that they sprang from folk stories dating back to 1907 or maybe earlier, and aren't about racism, but about the misunderstanding of instructions between adults and children, I don't think they are offensive at all, unless used as a weapon to promote racism.

Recently, I was browsing through Amazon, and came across ONE book from the 1st edition series, that was listed at $176! That set me off to see what else was out there, and so far, I have found one book in England for 49 English Pounds and another 1st edition title for $107 US. I had no idea they were worth that much! lol

I won't be selling mine, though. The memories I have attached to them are worth more than that to me. I will leave it up to my children to sell them if they wish, after I am gone.

Pop on over to Melody's blog for more Tuesday Treasures. :)

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-06-21T10:00:00.001+10:00

This week, I want to share these little cups and the normal size Fortune Telling Cup. My Mother gave me these many years ago, when she was culling her china ready to move north.

The little white and floral cup is Salisbury Fine Bone China (made in England) and is called "Bill Heather" - the flowers are sprigs of Heather.
The little blue one at the back is a thicker china in a lovely warm blue glaze with gold rim. It only has a gold stamp on the bottom that says Italy.
The little oriental set in the front has no stamp or markings but is a very fine, delicate porcelain. It has a rippled edge which would make it difficult to drink out of.
The remaining two are my favourites....

This one is a tiny pottery coffee cup made by Martin Boyd (potter) of the famous Boyd family of potters and artists. I have been told that Arthur Boyd, the painter, often painted pottery in Martin's workshop, but they were always signed as Martin's works. I wonder who really did paint my little piece? :)

This one has been a favourite of mine since my Dad brought it back from his Mother's place when I was a teenager. It is a Fortune Telling cup, complete with interpretative book. I have never seen one of these anywhere in real life ,although I have occasionally found one or two on England's ebay with Australian regd numbers. Mine does not have Australian regd so it was probably sold in England and brought out here. I have never seen them sold as a cup and saucer set with booklet. :)

The stamp says Ye Olde English, Grosvenor China, Jackson & Gosling, England, Made in England and a number.

I think perhaps this cup came from a friend of my Grandmother's, as apparently, when my Dad was single and in the Air Force, based many miles away, my Grandmother always had tea with a friend who told her her fortune from the tea leaves. She always knew when Dad would be home on leave, and would have his favourite meal ready. It's a lovely story, and I was always assured it was perfectly true. :)

If you want to play Tuesday Treasures, or see what else is being shared, hop over to Melody's Blog.

Something finished

2011-06-17T12:35:00.000+10:00

I am not a knitter. In fact, apart from doing a small sample square in sewing when I was young, I have never knitted anything. I had an Aunt who did beautiful knitting for us kids and teens, so why bother?

I did make a crocheted top and some berets back in the 70s, but nothing since.

Then I saw this wool......

and just had to buy it.

I was going to make a crocheted scarf, but my daughter commented that it would look good as a poncho for my Grandson.....

I searched on the internet (wonderful place!) and found a very simple pattern, which could be crocheted or knitted. I tried a couple of rows crocheted, but it was just too thick and bulky, so I decided to give knitting a go. After all, I only needed to make 2 rectangles and stitch them together!

It has only taken me 4 evenings! :)

Can't wait to give it to him and see how it looks! :)

Tuesday Treasures

2011-05-24T11:21:00.001+10:00

Today, I want to share with you my Darling Husband's latest achievement. He himself is a Treasure, but that's not what I want to share.

I am so proud of him! :) He has published his first book!

He has been working on this book for a while (this and a fiction book) and it is finally published.
(Available from Amazon - also in Kindle format - just a bit of advertising on my part lol)

It is a Personal Development style book with a difference. Definitely worth a read no matter what other books you have read along this vein.

The photograph on the cover was taken by our Son-in-Law. It is a photo of a Sunrise at Stockton Beach.
The back cover photo was taken by our Son when we were in Tasmania.

There was such great excitement when the book arrived - all professionally printed and bound. It almost (almost!) makes me want to write a book myself. :)

Congratulations my darling Wayne! May this be the first of many published books.

(For more Tuesday Treasures check out Melody's blog for links

Lucky lucky me!

2011-05-20T16:40:00.000+10:00

Why am I so Lucky and so Happy?

Because I have a wonderful swap partner in Melody! Look at what she has made me for my Christmas Santa Stocking Swap.....

I love it! The colours are so fresh and yummy (I have eyed this range off on other blogs but could not justify buying them so that is an extra bonus!) and the Angel is so perfect!

Inside are 4 beautifully wrapped pressies that have to remain there until Christmas......... so exciting!

Thank you Melody! It's the perfect Santa sack for me! :)))

Finished bag

2011-05-11T14:29:00.000+10:00

Remember this little sneek peek I blogged about here - where I shared the origins of the things I used to make the little brooch?

Well, it was part of a bag for my Christmas Swap partner, Melody. Melody loves French General fabrics, so of course, I had to make the bag using this gorgeous range. It is nice and roomy - designed for her to go Christmas shopping, or to carry gifts to friends homes, or to cart a heap of things to quilting days.
And no, I can't tell you what pattern I used, because there isn't one. The bag just grew the way it wanted to, as I made it. :)

Melody has received it and posted about it on her blog, with much better photos. :)

Brooch made with a crocheted medallion of my Mum's and a button from her button box

One side of the bag -

And the other side of the bag....

Detail of stitched trees with button stars. The little bird was added for interest but also because Melody like s little birds

Detail of the top row, with button flowers - they were also from Mum's collection - I remember similar ones on my jumpers in the '60s- embroidered leaves, and silk cord for the bow

Closer look at the buttons

In the pockets that I made on the Other side, I included a notebook with the French General fabric pattern on it, and a pen to match.

I am going to have fun sending Melody little gifts to pop in her bag during the year. The idea of the swap is to send a little gift each month and we get to open them at Christmas. I sent 4 little gifts off with the bag, but I have a couple more all ready to go. Then I get to do some more shopping and wrapping! Such fun. :)

cheers,

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-05-10T13:50:00.000+10:00

Once again, I have joined in Melody's Tuesday Treasures. :)

This week, my treasure is this lovely old sideboard that belonged to my Great Grandmother Jobling. She died before my first birthday, so I don't have any memories of her, but I do remember this sideboard being used in my Grandmother's laundry. (She had no room for it anywhere else.)
At some stage during its laundry days, it was painted over with a lead based paint. I did try to remove it when my Grandmother gave it to me, many years ago, but it was a very difficult task with all that carving, so I gave up and learnt to live with the shabby look. :) One day, I will pay to get it done professionally. You can see the lovely old stain and varnish on the drawers, where I have done some paint removal.
The mirror isn't part of the sideboard, but is one my Dad was given and I snapped it up as the perfect addition. Mum can remember there being a big mirror and little drawers on the top piece, but they never came to live in the laundry. Perhaps one of Nana's sisters took those for a bedroom.
Inside, I keep the best china as well as those lovely treasured pieces of crockery handed down through the family.

The doors and drawers are all hand carved. They look symmetrical, but when you examine them closely, you can see small discrepencies in sizes or curves. These flaws make it even more endearing to me.
I have many things to link me to the past and to some of my ancestors and this is one of those extra special things.

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-05-03T08:00:00.001+10:00

This week, Melody has suggested we post a photo of our pets. Unfortunately, I don't have any at the moment, so I will share some photos of my beautiful Minka, who passed away (cancer) on the 21st November, 2008(on the day of Dad's funeral) aged 15 and a half years.
These photos are real treasures - my link to the most wonderful cat that ever existed. She was/is more than a pet to me. She was my companion, friend and sister/daughter. We had a very special bond. Those of you with extra special relationships with animals will understand. I still miss her so very much. As much as any family member who has passed on.

Her first Christmas, helping me decorate the tree. She continued to help every year although as she got older, she was content to play with things on the floor.

Sunning herself on a hand-dyed velvet cushion which she claimed as her own. :)

Quilt inspector....

I think it passes....

Loving the sun

February 2011: Our Grand Daughter arrives

2011-04-27T12:40:00.000+10:00

Remember the Wedding I shared recently, that actually happened last September? Here's a photo of them showing off the Baby Bump.

Proud Newly Weds show off Baby Bump

Well, that bump grew and grew, and eventually was born on the 10th February. The proud parents were very pleased to welcome a little daughter, Amelia Marie (pronounced Maree with a French sound to it) - Millie for short.

Of course, we scooted down to Tassie just as soon as we could, and on her 7th day, arrived to give her lots of Nana and Pa cuddles. We fell totally in love with our little Grand Daughter. We were blessed with a beautiful Grandson last June, and now, a gorgeous Granddaughter, too. :) We stayed for 2 weeks - not nearly long enough - and now, of course, we will be visiting as much as we can!

A perfect little doll.

An outing with Mum, Dad, Nana and Pa

At the airport -we found it hard to leave. I wanted to take her home with me.

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-04-26T08:00:00.001+10:00

Click to see other Treasures

Last week I showed a photo of my Mum as a Debutante, so this week, I thought I'd share a photo of my Dad in his Air Force uniform, and then one of my Mum and Dad's Wedding.

Dad gave this photo to Mum before they were married

Mum and Dad on their Wedding Day January 1954

I love these photos. They look so young and eager to face life together - to totally enjoy all that it had to offer.

They always had the attitude that life was there to enjoy no matter what, and that things would always work out for the best.

My treasure isn't just the photos - it is having had these 2 wonderful people as parents. They really were amazing parents - THE BEST!

Love you Mum and Dad. Missing you so very much.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T13:50:00.000+10:00

Courtesy of Graphics Fairy

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Easter, doing whatever you choose to do. :)
Safe travelling if you are going anywhere. Remember to take lots of rest stops if you are going long distances.

We aren't going away. We rarely do over Easter, preferring to relax and do things around the home and with family and friends.

...................

Today, I am finishing off a project for a swap I am involved in. I can't show you much, in case she sees it, :) but here's a little peep at part of it.

I used a medallion my mother crocheted many years ago. It was going to be part of a bedspread, but she had surgery for RSI and wasn't able to crochet after that. Surgery back then was not as good as it is these days. I have a few of these medallions and thought it perfect with this fabric. The suffolk puff is one of the fabrics I have used, and the button is one from Mum's button tin. I have stitched them together and mounted them onto a brooch pin, to form a brooch. It can be detached and worn on a jumper if one chose to.

Tuesday's Treasures

2011-04-19T10:17:00.000+10:00

My Beautiful Mum

I once took part in Melody's Tuesday Treasures. I enjoyed looking at what people treasured, so I have rejoined.
This is a photo of my Mum when she made her debut. Dad loved this photo, too. He insisted that it hang on their bedroom wall. I have it sitting on a cupboard in my loungeroom, so I can look at it every day.
Wasn't she beautiful?
It's a pity about all the reflections showing up on the camera, but I don't normally see them. :)

Where Does One Start?

2011-04-17T12:26:00.000+10:00

Where does one Start?
After being away for some time, it is a hard decision to make. Do I try to fill in the gaps of the past year, or do I simply pick up from here and move on?
Apart from the day to day, what major events have occurred?
Answer: a few. :)
Maybe I'll start with the wedding of my Son and his lovely Bride.

In 2008, G and D got engaged, much to our delight. They had planned the wedding for 2009, but all during that year, they couldn't make up their minds as to what sort of wedding they really wanted. One week, one of them would want a formal wedding but the other didn't, then the next week, their positions would be reversed. They wanted an outdoor wedding....no they wanted it indoors somewhere nice.....they wanted to invite everyone.....no they only wanted 12 at a restaurant. And so it went on, with no actual wedding date, no final decision on the wedding.... I just left them to it, and said when you decide, let me know. lol

As previous readers will know, in April last year, they decided to pack up and move....across the water to Tasmania! Still no wedding decision........

The air and food in Tasmania is rather wonderful - magic! Anyway, it worked it's magic on these two, and a little girl was conceived. Both agreed they wanted to get married before she was born. Initially, it was to be a simple wedding in the park (in Tassie) with lunch back at their house. Anyone who wanted to travel down to Tassie would be welcome. Sounded good, and quite simple.
But I should have expected a change of plan(s)! They then decided to fly back here, get married at the registry office and go out for lunch - just parents and siblings and their partners.
That led to them thinking they could have a celebratory, bring your own, BBQ in our backyard the next day, for family and friends.
That sounded to me as though it was going to be work for me anyway, so I suggested a back yard wedding with BBQ, bring your own drinks, no pressies. They were delighted with that idea! :) I had just over 6 weeks to organise the wedding - make invites and send them out, organise decorations, menu, bouquets, bridesmaid's dress, cake........

On Sunday the 12th September, 2010, D and G were married. :)

The Bride and Bridesmaid


The Groom

Part of the Backyard Decorated


The Vows


The Rings - G chose to have one of my Dad's rings for his Wedding Ring

The Happy Couple

The Wedding Cake

It was a lovely day. The sun shone, everyone enjoyed themselves, the Bride and Groom got to relax and have fun, and everything went smoothly. So many commented that it was the best wedding they had ever been to, and more importantly, D and G declared it a perfect day - exactly what they wanted!

Back again at last!

2011-04-13T14:07:00.000+10:00

Just a quick post to let you know I have a new computer to work from, so I'll be back to blogging in the very near future. First, I need to organise posts in the right order and get photos ready. :)
Lots to tell, so stay tuned.....

Where have I been.....?

2010-10-10T13:31:00.000+11:00

Life has been extremely busy, but that's no excuse for not posting here. After all, I have found time to log on to Facebook each day! lol
Much has happened........ playing with my Grandson (now 4 months old), organising and hosting my Son's wedding, working on UFOs, playing catch up reading other blogs, catching up on bookwork.........

So, to get back in the swing of things, I thought I'd share a couple of wins I've had in the last 4 to 6 weeks! :)

The first was a selection of fabrics for an eyespy quilt plus a container of her famous cranberry chocolate cookies from Pennie because I won a comp on the Sydney SCQuilters blog. The cookies were gone before I had a chance to take a photo, they were sooo yummy. Thank you Pennie! :)

The next prize was from Vicki, who has a monthly draw on her blog, called RAK (random acts of kindness). Not advertised, just drawn from the comments made each month. Isn't that a lovely idea?

Such a generous prize! Some lovely fabric that I am thinking of combining with denim or chambray and either making a skirt or a bag. Plus this fab pattern - perfect to make for my grandchildren (one here and one on the way).

I've also been busy lately with fabric, working on some quilts - 2 UFOs (one now finished - photo later), 2 WIPs, and 3 new ones. All this in the last week! :)

I'm spending today doing more, then I have to pack it away for the week, to get tax stuff done. :(

Cheers,

Quilting Gallery Miniatures Competition

2010-08-28T12:55:00.000+10:00

I have often voted on the weekly quilts comp on Quilting Gallery, but have not entered before. This week, the theme was miniatures, so I entered my "Lime Spider's Revenge" mini quilt, that I made as a challenge for Sydney Scquilters.

Go and have a look at all the wonderful quilts and have a vote. They are all beautiful and you don't have to vote for mine. Just vote for your favourite!

Viewing and Voting Here

GO! Fabric Cutter Giveaway...

2010-07-16T23:31:00.000+10:00

Vicki, from Spun Sugar Quilts, is having a fabulous giveaway. Enter her giveaway to win an Accuquilt GO! Fabric Cutter! She is giving you a chance to get 5 entries!
If you haven't seen bloggers talking about them, go check out Vicki's Blog or Find Accuquilt on Facebook to see what all the fuss is about. They are just awesome! Everyone wants to win one, including me!

Cheers,

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-07-13T11:21:00.000+10:00

Clare of Clare's Craftroom started a post challenge called Tuesday's Treasure. I had been thinking of doing something similar, so it seemed like a great idea to join in.
This is my Treasure for this week. My 5 and a 1/2 week old Grandson. He is a real treasure in many ways: because he is a new baby with so much joy and wonder ahead for him and for us watching; and because he is a happy blessing after the loss of my parents.
He is so cuddly and yummy I just want to eat him up! lol

Cheers,

Linda's Marie Madeline Giveaway

2010-07-13T08:40:00.000+10:00

Linda from Flourishing Palms is also having a giveaway on her blog. (Goodness, there's a lot of great giveaways happening at the moment! Lucky us!) Naturally, I want to win this one, too, but I'll share the goodness and invite you all over to have a chance too. :)
Aren't I good to you? The fact that posting about giveaways gives me extra entries has nothing to do with it, of course! LOL
Anyhoo, go have a look and also check out Marie Madeline Studio whilst about it.

Cheers,

Delia's generous giveaway

2010-07-13T07:53:00.000+10:00

Delia is having another generous giveaway on her blog. She is giving away 2 beautiful sun-dyed pieces of fabric to some lucky person (hopefully moi!) on the 22nd July. Go and have a look, and then maybe you'd like to enter to win them for me. lol

Unpicker/Stitch Ripper

2010-07-12T20:46:00.000+10:00

When Lynette Anderson advertised these cute stitch rippers for sale, I just had to buy one! Many of them were already sold, and though he would not have been my first, second or even third preference if I had had first choice, I like him very, very much.
Lynette is getting more in soon, so watch her page if you want one too. :)

Isn't he a lovely little Gentleman? I'm sure he will be much too polite to comment on any stitching that needs to be eliminated. :)

Irish Giveaway

2010-07-11T15:34:00.000+10:00

Micki in Dunfanaghy, is having a ~~fabulous~~ giveaway to celebrate her 2nd Blogaversary. ~~Fabulous prizes!~~ I am hoping to win, just so Gene Black doesn't have to be embarassed about winning AGAIN! Of course, you can enter too, and share the prize with me, if you win instead. :) Or maybe we could do a swap! I'm sure to have something you would like.

:)

Postcard Swap

2010-06-24T23:47:00.000+10:00

I belong to an online ATC and Postcard Swap Group, and recently, I joined a swap called "Loosen Up" Postcard Swap. We were given an instruction every couple of days, and the idea was to do each step as it was given, so there would be no pre-planning. It was fun to do.
I kept a journal of what I was doing at each step, and why, so thought I'd share it with anyone interested. (skip reading this post - it's quite long - and just look at the pics if you like - I don't mind) :)
For the base of my postcards, I chose a Lisa Walton (Dyed and Gone To Heaven) hand-dyed purple fabric, which I then ironed on to pellon for stability.

Prompt 1: Add something sparkly, or, Add a fat line.

What constitutes a fat line? It's really only its relationship to other lines. When does a fat line become a rectangle?
I used red marble iron on bias tape, in a wave down both sides of the fabric, as it was going to be made into 4 postcards. I wanted some on each card.

Prompt 2: Add something very light, or, Add a strong vertical

Light: weight, colour or light itself? I chose silver thread (Mettler Poly Sheen No 40) - it meets all 3 in a way.

Prompt 3: Add a skinny line, or, Add heavy fibre stitching

The silver thread stitching is already a skinny line, so for variety, I needed to add heavy fibre stitching. I chose yellow DMC thread No 2727 - double thickness - hand stitched using a large darning needle. It was very awkward getting the darning needle to pull thru' the hand dyed fabric and to get evenly sized and spaced stitches, so I decided to let it evolve. I had no fixed plan as to where the stitches were going and I quite liked the idea of varying sizes. I also added some knots occasionally to add to the texture.

Once I had finished, I realised the piece needed more silver threads, so I went back in to add more.

Prompt 4: Add on shape in multiple sizes, or, Add cross stitch.

After adding the yellow stitching, cross stitch just would not look right, therefore, I went with Shape.

Considering I used curved lines, I had to decide whether to follow the trend or change it. I decided free hand cut circular shapes. I used some Lisa Walton hand dyed again, in orange, and stitched them down free style with fuschia thread (Mettler Silk Finish Cotton No 59). I stitched from the centre out, in an orbiting motion, deliberately swinging the orbit out onto the background fabric.

I kept checking that there were enough circles on each postcard. If this had been one piece, I would not have done as many circles.

Prompt 5: Add something large, or, Gather something and add it

There was no room for anything large, so I had to consider what next? We were allowed to stop once we had completed step 4, but I felt it needed something more - something with a darker tone to add tonal variety and a bit of lime or acid green. I needed to think a bit more about this one.

A couple of days later, I was gathering up my art supplies to put them away and came across a Fabrico pen (#116 Peony Purple) and thought "Perfect!". I was "gathering" wasn't I?

I coloured in some small spaces, followed some stitching, and "shadowed" the red bias tape. I also added a few small circular dot shapes.

Prompt 6: Add a doodle, or, Add some single thread stitching

The piece still needed some lime, so I had to think what I could do with lime to meet the criteria. Doodle stitching? Or single thread stitching?

I decided to doodle some tiny single thread free motion circular sort of shapes in a lime thread (had for years - label lost)- mirroring the larger ones, then wandering along some of the lines and pathways.

Detail:

Finishing:

I needed 4 postcards from the finished piece, so I cut it and zig zag edged (going around twice) the individual cards, using Gutterman col 3832 (purple).

As a set:

Individuals:

Two were sent off to South Australia and one to Victoria. The other, I get to keep.

I had a lot of fun doing this exercise. :) I tend to let projects dictate what they want or need anyway, so it felt quite normal not having a set idea in my head at the start. I liked being given criteria to follow and then finding a way to meet that criteria, even if I did do a lot of thinking as to the meaning I could evolve from said criteria! lol

Would I do it again? Definitely! :)

Once I have received my swap partners' postcards, I will show them on another post, so you can see how different they all are!

Grandson Number 1

2010-06-09T21:22:00.000+10:00

At last I am finding some time to upload some photos of the recent addition to our family!

Due today, he decided to arrive last Friday (4th) at 5.22pm. The happy parents only just got his nursery painted the night before, and carpeted that morning. We had instructed him not to arrive until after it was done. lol We had hoped for a little more time, but he wasn't waiting.

I knew he was going to be named Miles, but the middle name was a surprise for me. They named him Stuart after my Dad. Dad would have been as pleased as punch. :)

Here's the proud new Mum the morning after he was born...

The very proud Dad...

and the babe himself.

Thank you everyone for your good wishes. I have lots of comments to reply to, but have been far too busy to spend much time on the computer. I have been over to help out almost every day (8 hr shifts!) at DDs request. She didn't get to spend the 2 planned days in hospital - there were no available beds in the maternity ward and she was roomed in the delivery ward - NO sleep as far too noisy! - so she came home Saturday. She had a Midwife visit her each day - last time today - but she needed Mum to help set up the nursery and limit visitors. Hey, who was I to object? lol

V.I.P. - V.I.P.

2010-06-06T10:55:00.000+10:00

Very Important Post about a Very Important Person! :)

More info to come - hopefully tonight. Meanwhile, if you want a hint, look over on the right! :)

Bluebirdquilts Blogaversary Giveaway

2010-05-31T10:23:00.000+10:00

Lyn of bluebirdquilts is having a giveaway to celebrate her 2 year Blogaversary. She has added a touch of fun to her giveaway.You have to suggest a name for a recent doll purchase she made. The doll is approx 70 years old, and is quite cute. Lovely stitcheries and things to win. Hop on over to her blog and suggest a name. Tell her I sent you! :)

Patchwork Promises

2010-05-28T08:59:00.000+10:00

Lynda from Patchwork Promises is having a giveaway of her new quilt pattern, Butterfly Square Dance. I have already bought a copy, but I have entered anyway. If I win, I will use it as a giveaway on my blog. If you want achance to win it for yourself, go leave a comment!

Gifts made for Retreat

2010-05-26T12:41:00.000+10:00

2 weeks ago, I attended a Quilting Retreat in Bathurst. Each year, Southern Cross Quilters (SCQuilters), an online quilting group, holds a retreat somewhere in Australia or New Zealand. This year was the first time I have been able to attend. I HAD A BLAST!!! So much fun and laughter and meeting people first time face to face. I haven't had so much fun since I don't know when. :)
Part of the fun included an Angel Mortal swap. For 3 months before retreat, I had an Angel (who sent me lovely pressies, Hi Lorraine!) and a Mortal (to whom I sent lovely pressies). This was all done anonymously until the reveal on the Saturday night at retreat. We also gave (secretly to remain anonymous) 2 pressies to our Mortals leading up to the reveal, then a pressie for the reveal.

Thought I would share with you my final pressie to Grace (Hi Grace!), my Mortal. I forgot to take photos of the other pressies.

I used this pattern, which I purchased from BeBeBold, and followed the instructions for the bag at the back.

I chose Japanese fabrics because they are Grace's favourite. She had also mentioned that she liked wearing rust occasionally in winter, so when I saw this fabric, I knew it was a winner. The rust worked perfectly.

I made a few modifications to the design. (Can't help myself! lol) I lengthened the handles; added the decorative strip to the rust part - felt it needed it to tie the rust in with the print and to add a bit more Japanese flavour to the bag design; and made a false stiff bottom to be inserted into the bag for sturdier wear. It can be removed if Grace prefers.

Grace loved it and I'm told she wears it constantly.

***

Do you remember me buying this pattern? Again from BeBeBold. :) (Hi Jane!)

I decided to make some of the small sized owls for gifts. One for Lorraine, my Angel, one for Grace, my Mortal, one for Lissa, who gave me a lift to retreat, one for my daughter, one for myself and one to spare.

I did cheat a teensy weensy bit. Instead of making fabric eyes, I made felt ones (less work) and I painted the beaks with lumiere paint instead of using orange felt.

A Parliament of Owls:

Aren't they cute? I think I will have to make some more when I get time.

***

I still have to upload photos taken at retreat, so I'll post more another day.

Scquilty hugs!

Lindi

Hoki Quilts Giveaway

2010-05-26T10:05:00.002+10:00

Hoki Quilts are having a blog readers giveaway! This lovely jelly roll and matching charm pack will go to the winner. I would love to win but I'm going to play nice and give you all the chance to win too. :) Go here to read all about it!

A month gone? Really?

2010-05-25T13:42:00.000+10:00

It's been 5 weeks since G & D left for Tasmania, and Shari (the Shar Pei) has been coping quite well in their absence, all things considered. She did escape the day before I went to Bathurst for the SCQ Retreat (more on the retreat later) and I was sick with worry until I found her. She was missing for at least an hour and a half and I feared the worst (as you do!). I drove around for 45 minutes before finding her - on the opposite side of the main (4 lane) road and 5 blocks away!!! She escaped once again a week later, but I was out the door looking before she got out of the front yard. I think she was off to look for her parents seeing as they weren't coming for her.

She has been getting lots of pats, hugs and playtimes off her Grandies (us) and we have even been spoiling her, allowing her to do things her parents won't let her do. Just like Grandparents should. *vbg* (It's OK DD, we won't do that with our Grandson :))

D&G left a couple of toys for her - one, a reindeer, she has had for a while. The other, a white silky bear which they slept with for a few days to pick up their scent, for her to snuggle up to in her kennel so she wouldn't fret. They assured me she wouldn't take it out of her kennel, as sleep toys always stayed there.

Ha!

The Bear:

The Reindeer:

The Antlers:

The Backyard:

Well, Shari left this morning for Tasmania (with just a scrap of Bear). The Dog transporter picked her up and drove her to Sydney airport, where her flight will leave at 12.55 EST. Right now, she is up in the air - a flying dog! - and will arrive - to the great delight of her parents - at 2.40pm EST. I wish I was there to take photos of the reunion. I expect there will be much tail wagging and licking and pats and hugs. :)

Alfie (the Pink and Grey Galah) is still here with us. D & G were given the wrong info by Customs when they inquired about him entering Tassie. They were told they would need to get some paperwork done, and he would be OK. Last week, when they went to get the relevant forms, they were told he wasn't allowed in, owing to new legislation passed 6 months ago! They were very upset, understandably, and have sent off an email to the department. They have been told that that policy will be under review in July, so fingers crossed!

I do have more to post about - some sewing and Retreat and LOTS of yummy purchases, but it will all have to wait. I have a yard to clean up! lol

Cheers,

Lindi

Scrumptious yummies!

2010-04-23T13:25:00.000+10:00

Jennie from Sunflowerquilts is having a 300 posts celebration giveaway. It's a great prize, and I would really really love to win, but for posting here, I get an extra entry, so a girl's gotta do what she can to increase her chances, right?
Anyhooo, go over and see what she's put up for us to drool over...... yearn for...... fall in love with.....

:)

They've gone....

2010-04-22T20:07:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday, my DS G and his Fiancee, (DD2) D, packed up their tent and headed off to Tasmania - to live!

They had been camping in our back yard for a week while they emptied their rented house and put their things in storage.
The tent will be their home until they find somewhere to rent in Tasmania. They have decided that their future will be brighter there - they have dreams of work, saving, and eventually buying a small property and becoming Tasmanians (is that what Tassies are called?)

Why Tasmania? They have done the research and they have a much better chance of achieving their dreams there, than remaining in the Hunter - and they prefer the cold to heading north into the heat!

G packs up the tent, while Shari, their dog, looks on. Shari will be staying with us until they have somewhere to live, then she and Alfie will be flown to join them.

Packing the car. I wondered how they were going to fit it all in, but they did!

Well, they're ready to go........don't they look happy!

Seatbelts buckled.....

and they are off to make their future....

Around the corner they go.......

Fare thee well, D and G! Good luck with your trip to Melbourne and your boat crossing to Tasmania, and all the best with your future in Tasmania! We will soooo miss you guys, but we fully support you chasing down your dreams!

Footnote: D and G crossed on the Spirit of Tasmania last night and are now in Launceston.

Abbie's Giveaway...

2010-04-17T07:57:00.000+10:00

Abbie is having a giveaway for 4 original hand coloured prints of French Couture from a women's magazine. They would be ideal framed on a wall, or whatever else you want to do with them. :) I would love them, but some of you would also like them, I'm sure, so I'm being generous and letting you know about them.

And while you are over there, check out all the lovely pics Abbie has for you to copy and use in your crafts!

Click here for the entry blog

Giveaways!

2010-04-15T16:45:00.000+10:00

Susan from the CrankyQuilterBlog, is having a giveaway! Some lovely treasures up for grabs over there. I would love to win, but I'm sharing the goodness. :)

And Gene is also having a giveaway. A fun golf ball carving and some yummy fabric.

Tell them I sent you!

I won a book!

2010-04-13T17:46:00.000+10:00

Clare from Clarescraftroom has just emailed me to say that I have won a book from Penguin - it's the Sew Darn Cute Book by Jenny Ryan. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Sure to be things there for my soon to be born Grandson!
Hop over to Clare's blog and see the book. Have a look at her blog, too while you are there. Lots of yummy crafty things. :)

23 sleeps to SCQ retreat

Wizard of Oz Giveaway

2010-04-08T19:25:00.000+10:00

Welovequilting is having a great giveaway! 5 yards of Wizard of Oz fabric! Leave a comment and tell her I sent you. :)

Be Be Bold Japanese

2010-03-31T21:55:00.000+11:00

Last visit up north, I drove across to Lismore to see the lovely Jane at Be Be Bold, and I purchased these goodies.

A metre each of the red and blue, probably for bags or maybe for clothes for Grandson when he is a little older;

This lovely 14" panel with a repeat design. I'll make a very simple hanging from this. Maybe just hem and hang from a bamboo rod.

This really cool skirt - Jane wears one frequently and it looks great!

A pre-printed sashiko piece. I have already started it and am loving doing it!

This lovely border panel (the background is a rich teal - it doesn't show up very well here)

Finally, this oliver +s pattern (for my Grandson, of course!) and a cute tortoise print to use when I eventually make it for him.

Jane has lots of goodies on her web site - I have ordered more! - so check it out. I also follow Jane's Blog. She's a very lovely person, and interesting and clever as well. She has put a followers link on the side bar at my urging, so add her to the blogs you follow. :)

Cheers,
Lindi

Another UFO Finished

2010-03-31T20:02:00.001+11:00

Second UFO finished for the year! All I had to do to this one was bind it.
I bought the quilt top about 3 years ago, on ebay, and had it quilted 2 years ago with an allover rose pattern. I wonder why it has taken so long to bind it?

It is actually square, but the breeze made it a little difficult to photograph properly.

Time keeps March ing along....

2010-03-22T17:45:00.016+11:00

I can hardly believe it has been over a month since my last post! Where did February go? Where has most of March disappeared to?

Lots has happened here to keep us very busy. I have been shopping with DD for baby things, sorting through fabrics with her to choose what I'll use for baby quilts, working on a couple of UFOs - one nearly finished! - and driving north to stay with my DSister and bringing a car load of Mum and Dad's things back with me.

DH has been spending long hours working on a new contract. We were quite enjoying the fact that he was home each day, even though we had no income, and we were living off savings. We have decided we are ready for a retirement of sorts, so we are now looking for alternatives to the long day, work slog.

So, here is a "snapshot" of my time away from the blog.

DD (and my Grandson) at approx 26 weeks pregnancy

Front view of a Take-along-tabbie that I made for DGS

I got the idea from Linda, who got the instructions from Arlette

Back view: I used flannel for a different texture

A cute little ring I treated myself to. Just couldn't resist! :)
I bought it on Etsy

And of course, I hit the plastic when the craft show came to town!

Some lovely silk "hankies" and some beautiful cords for fibre art. I bought these and some Jacquard Lumiere paints from Unique Stitching.

This you-bewt multi-use ruler from Aussie Patches. Great for using with jelly rolls and strips. I probably would have passed it by, only I arrived at their booth just as they were demonstrating it to another shopper. It's fabulous! I know I'm going to have fun with it. :)

Then, of course, I had to stop by BeBeBoldJapanese and check out all the lovelies that Jane stocks!

I bought this cute little owl pattern, some fat quarters (already 'absorbed' in my sewing room, a bag kit (I'll show you when I make it) and some cord.

Jane is located in Lismore, so when I headed up to my Sister's, I drove across to visit her - and of course, bought more lovelies! I'll show them off later. :)

Revealed!

2010-02-13T23:05:00.010+11:00

Remember this sneak peek?

Well, it has arrived at its destination so now I can show you all. :)

This is the prize I made for Linda for winning my last blog comp: a little bag to carry small projects around in.

Seen here in a sitting position

Flattened view with sides tucked in

and here with other little things I made to include:
a wrist pincushion,
a little needlecase,
and an Artist Trading Card

I really enjoyed making these for Linda. I chose the Australian Aboriginal fabric because Linda has been over here recently visiting some of her family, and I thought it would be a nice reminder of her time here, and of us. :)

I'm so glad you like them Linda!

What's on Your....?

2010-02-10T19:54:00.006+11:00

This week - Desktop!

I panicked when I read this! My desk is such a mess! But Susan has posted a picture of her computer desktop.
Phew! Relief! I change my desktop every 3 to 7 days. This is it, currently.

I couldn't get a photo without the flash reflection, so I did a Ctrl/Printscrn, paste in Paint and saved as a jpeg. Cheating, I know, but it did the job. :)

Don't forget to let us know in the comments, if you are playing, so we can check out your post! :)

What's on your...? Wednesday

2010-02-03T23:23:00.005+11:00

Susan has started a blog game/challenge with her "What's on your...?" posts on Wednesdays. So I have decided to follow her lead. If you want to play, feel free to join us. Just leave a comment on Susan's post so we know.

This week's challenge is ...Fridge!

Lucky for me, I tidied it up 2 weeks ago, ready for guests. :)

Mine isn't nearly as interesting as Susan's. The little magnet in top left corner says "No coffee, no workee" and the framed card near it says "Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance (Bruce Barton)".

Then I have some teddy bear magnets and some black cat magnets. The 2 little silver frames between the cats are waiting for baby photos. LOL

On the bottom door, I have 2 very large sheet magnets (out of one of those door to door catalogues that usually contain a heap of useless things) that has pockets. This is where I put pics of things I would one day like to buy or do. The second one has just been cleaned out and I have yet to find things to put in it.

So what's on your fridge? Show us! Go on, I double dare you!!

Showing we care

2010-02-01T13:34:00.003+11:00

A blogger friend, Bluebird-Lyn, has come up with a great idea to show our support for another, mutual, blogger friend. Lyn is co-ordinating the making of a quilt using 9 patch blocks for her. If you would like to participate, by making a block or even just blogging about it, click on the sewing machine on my sidebar, or go here. Lyn will tell you all about it.

Y

Finished

2010-01-26T19:07:00.006+11:00

Last night, I finished my first UFO for the year. This little stitchery was done sitting next to Dad's bed when he was in palliative care, back in 2008. I finished the stitching back then, but after Dad died, I put it away. Last weekend, out it came, and I felt I was ready to make a border and quilt it. Finished, it measures 11 1/2" x 13".

I am very happy with how it turned out. After I had stitched the roses, leaves and hearts, I selectively coloured them in, using my Derwent pencils. The border is pieced from squares of pinks and greens left over from another UFO I have in the cupboard. The quilting is simple - straight rows, with a machine embroidery row as the first row from the stitchery.

It has nice memories of lovely conversations with Mum and Dad at Dad's bedside. I'm going to buy one of those metal hangers with hearts, and hang it on my sewing room wall. :)

Memories of Genevieve

2010-01-25T11:44:00.009+11:00

As I sort through Mum and Dad's things, I'm finding memories just keep flooding back.

Going through old photos, I came across this photo. It was probably taken in the early 60s, but I can't remember which year, exactly.

When Dad got his yearly holiday, we usually went north to stay with his parents at Lismore. This particular year, Dad decided to take a day tour up to Coolangatta to Gilltrap's Auto Museum, because they were advertising that they had "Genevieve", the car from the movie of the same name, on show. We had all seen the movie and loved it.

I remember getting to the museum and wondering what sort of museum it was. It was just a huge tin shed, in my eyes!

But inside, oh wonder! Cars, bicycles, stuff I knew not what. But the highlight was Genevieve! And we could have our photo taken in her! I remember feeling awed that I could actually sit in the famous car. My first brush with fame! lol

Mum and Dad in the top photo

My Sister and I in the bottom photo. I'm driving.

Poster from the movie

"The plot of the thoroughly captivating British comedy Genevieve can be summed up in a sentence: Two young couples participate in the Vintage Car Rally, a yearly race from London to Brighton. The title "character" is the 1904 Darracq auto owned by John Gregson and Dinah Sheridan. The couple's friendly rivals are Kenneth More and Kay Kendall, the latter graduating to stardom on the basis of this film. At first treating the race as a lark, the two couples become increasingly--and hilariously--competitive as they near the finishing line. Among the film's plethora of small pleasures are Joyce Grenfell as a wry hotel proprietress and Arthur Wontner as an elderly car fancier. Despite the many technical gaffes and continuity errors overlooked by director Henry Cornelius, Genevieve is a uniquely British delight from beginning to end, its charm enhanced by the uncredited harmonica score of American expatriate Larry Adler. The film was a moneymaker in every country that it played, and a multi-award winner in England and abroad."

I wonder what happened to Gilltrap's Auto Museum? It doesn't appear to still be around on the Gold Coast. And I wonder what happened to Genevieve?

Footnote: Thanks to Christine, we now know where Genevieve is. click here

Snips and Snails?

2010-01-18T17:03:00.004+11:00

DD had her 20 week ultrasound today and we, as the Grandparents, were allowed in to watch the whole time! The baby is healthy and all measurements and vitals are good. It was casually sucking it's little fist and generally behaving quite well.

We had our fingers crossed that we would find out what colour we were getting. :)

Well, this little darling wasn't being very cooperative, no matter how much poking and prodding was done. However, the radiologist "thinks" it may be a boy! He has told DD she can come back in a fortnight and have another go at checking, but we're all thinking, that if he "thinks" it is a boy, then it is! :)

Of course, Nana had to buy these cute little socks while she was doing the grocery shopping afterwards, didn't she?

ATC

2010-01-17T07:37:00.007+11:00

Well, I've finished making what I was making with the 2 fabrics I showed you, but unfortunately, I can't reveal it yet, because:

1. My camera battery needs recharging and I can't find the charger....
and
2. It is a gift and the receiver just might decide to read my blog and see it!

I can show you what I made with some scraps, though...

Yes, it's an ATC (Artist Trading Card). I haven't made any of these for almost a year, so it was really lovely to just "play" with scraps and beads again!

[btw I don't know how the colours show up on your monitors, but on mine, they are more purple than they are in reality.]

PS Tomorrow is a big day! Stay tuned....

Just a peek

2010-01-14T17:47:00.004+11:00

Hurrah! I am finally getting time to spend mucking around in my sewing room. :)

I pulled out this fabric: an Australian Aboriginal print fabric called "Men Hunting", and combining it with a blue/purple homespun fabric. I'm not telling what I am making. :)

and the winner is.....

2010-01-08T12:43:00.004+11:00

Well done, everyone! I had a smile at all of them, but I narrowed it down to 2 finalists, based on the laugh factor.

And the winner is:

Linda who said:

This is a hoot, Lindi!
snoli - This is what happens when you lose your footing in the snow and land on your bum. "Wow, was that a snoli!"
Another gessess - This is how many times I'm going to try to win your giveaway! "I'm making lots of gessess!"

The Runner up is Sooziii, who said:

Ah the words they give us .... Obontly

The duke and duchess were rowed obontly downstream toward their summer residence.....
One should always be obont when one is a member of the aristoracy.

Congrats, Ladies! Just email your snail mail addy to me, and I'll send you something for your originality. :)

210

2010-01-01T08:39:00.006+11:00

No, I haven't forgotten the 0 in the number. :)
210 was the number of my last post, and the first post for this year! How's that for co-incidence?
So I decided to run another Giveaway. The first for 2010.

Some of you were around when I ran a comp involving your given word verification. Remember? You can check it out here. I got some great responses and it was a lot of fun.

This time, though, I'm going to do it a little differently. Marlene did a post recently, giving meanings to some of the word verifications she had been given.

So that is what you have to do! Leave a comment with the word verification you have been given, and give it a meaning. :) The funnier, the better! You can enter more than once if you wish.

I will draw the winner next Friday. The prize? It will be a surprise!

Hugs,
Y

2010

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all the very best for the New Year. I hope it is filled with Love, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity and Good Health, for you all.

Y

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-24T07:53:00.003+11:00

Wishing you all a very, very Happy Christmas. May Peace, Love and Joy surround you, and Angels watch over you as you and your loved ones travel to share the festivities.

Hugs,

Welcome to My Home!

2009-12-20T10:41:00.022+11:00

Come in, and have a look around at some of the decorations...

Have a beautiful Christmas, Everyone. May You and Yours be blessed with the magic of Christmas -

Fabulous Fibre Art Works

2009-11-23T15:32:00.002+11:00

I have just been browsing the fibre art that goes up for auction on the 27th November, in aid of a very worthy cause. Some of Australia's most fabulous and best known fibre artists and quilters are participants.

I wish I had the funds to bid for one or three....

They are all lovely! Go check them out, and if you can, bid for one at the auction.

Y

My Birthday Present!

2009-11-20T09:23:00.004+11:00

DD L arrived this morning, straight from having an ultrasound, with my birthday present. :)

JPEG images of my First Grandchild. She had to have the ultrasound this morning to determine how far along she was, as her Doctor (and she) thought she was further than her dates. And she is!!! The baby is now due on the 11th June instead of the 12th July! One less month to wait, and I can start planning baby quilts in a week! Yippee!!!

In the image above, baby is in between the 2 crosses, head on the left, bottom on the right. L said it was fabulous seeing it kick and in this image it is sucking it's thumb.

It really feels real, now! Best Birthday present I could get!

YYYYY

Geta's Giveaway!

2009-11-18T11:27:00.002+11:00

For a while, now, I have been following Geta's blog, and she has just posted that she is having another giveaway.

She does the most amazing Trapunto work! I would love to win one of her little quilts, but thought I'd share the opportunity with all of you.

Go here to enter, and tell her I sent you!

We will remember them

2009-11-11T10:29:00.006+11:00

Lest We Forget

News Flash!

2009-11-05T15:54:00.003+11:00

Too early to celebrate (far far too early! but I can't help myself lol) but DD has just found out she is 5 weeks pregnant! All going well, I will be a Nana in July next year!

I only wish Mum could have stayed to see the new addition, but I'm sure she's watching over the new Mum and Babe. :)

I have been trying to catch up with blogs since coming home last weekend. I'm only here for 3 weeks (and one has almost gone) then I'm back north again, to finish sorting out Mum's home, etc. I'm coping much better than I thought I would, thanks to all the lovely support I have received from friends (including my internet friends).

Thank you all so very very much. Blessings to you all. :)

Lindi Y

Sad news

2009-10-11T20:09:00.002+11:00

Thank you everyone, for all your kind words and prayers.

Mum passed away this morning at 10 to 5. I was with her (stayed all night) which is something she and i both wanted.

We were right in that it wasn't the cancer itself doing the damage. They did an MRI during the week, and found she had a huge mass of fluid on her brain. They were trying to discover whether it was caused by chemo, or something else, before we would have to make a decision as to what we wanted done.

I will catch up when i can.

Love and Hugs
Lindi

Update

2009-09-27T11:53:00.002+10:00

I headed north to Mum's on the 1st of September, to spend a few days there, and then bring her back here for 2 weeks. She was fine when we got there, but 2 days later, spent the night being very sick. The next week was spent up there nursing her, and she looked as tho' she would pick up enough to at least come down here for a week.
Then she took a turn for the worse the day before we planned to leave, and ended up in the Palliative care ward. We had hopes that they would get her well enough quickly, but 2 weeks later, she is actually worse.
Consequently, I have been up north for the last 3 and a half weeks, spending each day at the hospital, sitting with her.

I had to come home this weekend (with my mind torn between wanting to see DH and family, and staying with Mum) as I have run out of scripts, I have deadlines in the office, and the tax department requires a BAS statement.

I will get as much done as I have to, then head back up north.

Prayers, good wishes and healing thoughts for Mum's improvement would be greatly appreciated. Unlike Dad (who had had enough and just wanted to pass), Mum wants to get well enough to continue her life for another year or so, even if it means more chemo and doctors etc.

I will try to get time to check all of your blogs (I have missed so much! no computer or internet at Mum's) and reply to the comments, but please forgive me if I don't. I do appreciate you all still being here, and for your support and friendship.

Love and hugs,

YYYYY

Tigers and Toothpicks

2009-08-22T11:45:00.003+10:00

I've been very Blogger-slack for the last few months, and I don't have much to show you, so I thought I'd post a poem that I wrote in May 2007.

TIGERS AND TOOTHPICKS

I searched through my stash, box after box
I'd found rabbits and hounds and even a fox!
But no sign of my tiger was there to be found
He'd slipped away quietly, perhaps gone to ground.

I searched through the reds, the browns and the green
Not a sign of the tiger could even be seen
He was with the big bear, all folded and pressed
Ah! Here he is! No, that's my unfinished vest.

I needed that tiger to make a new quilt,
to go on the bed that my husband had built.
It was made out of wood all golden and brown
We couldn't have bought one if we'd searched the town!

The bedhead was glued with polished toothpicks
to look like a fence, made out of sticks
An Indian village was painted above
But it didn't go with my quilt of the Dove!

Two meters of fabric I'd carefully pieced
A sight for the eyes, a real visual feast!
With magnificent stripes and large padded paws,
from which extended sharp shiny claws.

On his leafy green jungle he'd proudly prowl
You could look at his teeth and perhaps hear him growl.
Oh where are you tiger? I won't make you again –
But I will do a lion, with a big woolly mane!

© Lindi J May 2007

MarieMadelineStudio Giveaway

2009-08-05T10:00:00.003+10:00

mariemadelinestudio is having a giveaway! This gorgeous quilt is the prize. Di and I would both love to win this, but we are sharing the opportunity with you! :)

Go and enter and please tell them I sent you!

Hugs,

Long Overdue Update

2009-07-24T14:50:00.002+10:00

Hello to anyone who is still around after my very long absence! My apologies for the long delay.

Not a great deal has happened. I flew up to Mum's for a lovely 2 week stay towards the end of June. My GP put me on strong antibiotics and prednisone to get me there.
Mum is doing quite well. Still having chemo, but had scans last week and sees the Oncologist for a progress report next week.

I have been quite sick with sinus infections since February. It has made me very tired most of the time, and as everything was draining backwards, I would get severe coughing attacks as soon as I exerted myself or got overheated. Antibiotics (all different kinds) have not had any real success, so I was sent off to the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist the other week. Went into hospital on Wednesday for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and came home yesterday. I'm not allowed to blow my nose or sneeze for the next 2 weeks. Much as I would love too! :)

I have to admit that I have also been spending quite a bit of time on Facebook conversing with Di, Lynda, Jo, Neroli, Pat, Deb and Kay (and a few others). I've been enjoying the lovely slow going Scrabble games we have been playing. Some of them have taken over a week to finish.

I will get back to blogging properly as soon as I have something worthwhile to blog about.
Hopefully the operation will be a complete success and I will be able to get back into life.

YYY

Just For Fun

2009-06-06T00:48:00.000+10:00

Life

2009-05-29T15:24:00.002+10:00

I received this in an email this morning and thought I'd share with you all.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25 No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27 Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Y

Quilt Top and a Bag

2009-05-11T00:03:00.000+10:00

In the last few days, I have actually been doing some sewing.

This is a quilt top I made using "Sugar Snap" (by Melissa Averinos for Free Spirit Fabrics) plus a few plains, a pink stripe and a deeper green. They were all FQs that I cut into 3" strips, sewed together randomly to form great long lengths, then chopped random lengths, sewed together again, chooped again, sewed, then chopped into 72" lengths. (Get it?)

I then sewed the strips together, and this is the end result. I might call it "Sweet Chop" ;)

This is the topper draped over a chair,

and this is a closer view of it, so you can see the fabrics.

I also made a bag for Mum. I will be seeing her later this week to give it to her. It has a main section, and an outside pocket. The back is the same brown + print that the pocket is made from, and the actual front of the main compartment is pieced using Fairy Frost fabrics. The little detail on the front is my own invention. The bag needed something to draw the eye from one area to the other. Besides, I like adding my own little personal touches to a pattern. :)

I have also been finishing off a UFO quilt. Just a little more hand stitching to go!

2 Lovely Parcels

2009-05-10T10:12:00.008+10:00

I was sooo spoilt this week!

First, I received a lovely pressie from my friend Di. This was a thankyou present for winning the cushion for her in Kellie's giveaway.

A pattern for all 3 of Kellie's cushions, a lovely little notebook with a magnet closure, and yummy chocolates!

Thank you, Di!

***

Then, on Friday, I received my gorgeous Annie Doll and some other lovely surprises from Kerry , who was my swap partner in the Raggedy Anne Doll swap.

Annie Louise, a cute Gingerbread man brooch, a lovely little embroidered ornament, a heavenly cake of Lavender soap, and a fun cupcake pin cushion! As well, kerry had included a brochure from the Lavender farm where the soap came from, and a tourist info brochure about the lovely place she lives (Mt Perry, Qld). What a great idea!

Here's a close up of Annie Louise, the Gingerbread Man and the swing ornament. Isn't she a sweetie? I love her and I'm very happy that she's mine.

Here's a close up of the cupcake pin cushion Kerry made. So clever! I love the bright colours. I won't lose that very easily amongst the chaos on my sewing table! :)

Thanks, Kerry, for a wonderful swap!

A Great Book

2009-05-04T23:46:00.003+10:00

Although I bought this book a little while ago, I have only just gotten around to reading it.

If I had known how much I would enjoy it, it would have been devoured as soon as I got it!

Set in France during the invasion and occupation by the Germans in WWII, the novel follows the fortunes and misfortunes of various characters as they flee Paris, and then later, it follows the lives of those living in the occupied sector.

Irene Némirovsky is a master writer, up there with Dickens, Tolstoy, Checkov and all the other greats. Her imagery is a feast of visual poetry, and her understanding and descriptions of the characters are insightful and amazing.

The world lost a literary asset when she was killed in the gas chambers during WWII.

Her writing is so brilliant, I am going to try and hunt down more of her work.

Lyn's Blogaversary Giveaway

2009-05-01T18:46:00.005+10:00

Lyn, at Bluebird Quilts, is having a blogaversary giveaway! She has such wonderful giveaway packages. (Isn't that rabbit just sooo cute! and her welcome hanging is simply lovely)
Hop on over and check out her great blog, and enter her giveaway while you are there.
Tell her I sent you, if you haven't been there before.

(Closes friday 15th May)

Annie Doll

2009-04-28T19:21:00.004+10:00

I can now show you the Miss Annie doll I made for the swap, since she arrived at her destination in Queensland today.
Kerry emailed me to tell me she had arrived safely, and that she liked my Miss Annie Sunshine and Marmalade, the cat.

Marmalade has a brooch backing attached, so that Kerry can wear him on a coat or bag, if she so wishes.

Do you like her? She is the first cloth doll I have ever made, and I really enjoyed bringing her to life. She was very hard to part with, being my first born, but I know she will be well looked after!

Kerry hopes to finish her doll by the end of the weekend, so I look forward to receiving my new little friend sometime in early May. I'll post her photo when she gets here.

Y

Anzac Day

2009-04-25T11:49:00.004+10:00

LEST WE FORGET

2009-04-24T18:45:00.000+10:00

Wendy in New Zealand, is having a 29 day giveaway challenge, sending envelopes stuffed with goodies: bits and pieces from her craft stash. I was one of the lucky recipients of an envelope!
Look at all this lovely scrapbooking treasure:

There's stickers, rub ons, red 3D letters, pink dragonflies, pretty papers, a bookmark and lovely printed serviettes.
I am going to have so much fun with these!

Thank you Wendy!

Y

Sweet Baby Jane

2009-04-24T11:01:00.004+10:00

Last year, I started these blocks usng a Sweet Baby Jane jelly roll. This is as far as I got, before I was off on something else.

Over the Easter break, as well as making my Annie Doll, I worked on these and a few other projects, which I will show later.

This has now been completed to the topper stage. I have yet to decide whether to quilt it myself, using straight grid style quilting, or get it done professionally, either edge to edge or custom.

Then I have to decide about binding.

Quilt top: 60" x 60"