Stitch Selection

First Senior's Quilt Top Finished.

2012-01-26T20:34:00.003+10:30

Its just after 8.30 and I have just finished the quilt top.

Very happy with the end result of the first of I hope six quilts for my "Senior's Quilt" drive.

I said earlier today about working on these tops until next week. But I am thinking I don't have to push myself yet as I have no wadding. So tomorrow I will reward myself with a couple of Farmer's Wife blocks and a Dear Jane block.

Glass Half Full

2012-01-26T11:21:00.003+10:30

First off, Happy Australia Day. Weather isn't too hot here, though some rain wouldn't go astray. Hope your Aussie Day is great:)

Pa is safely back in Sydney to mid 20's and rain. Half his luck I say.

I'm a glass half full sort of girl. I make the most of the situation in a favourable light.

I was hoping to have my sewing room back up and running, this is not happening. Pat has come down again with lung pain and feels like crap. This in turn makes his diabetes play up.

Spent last night taking temps, giving pain relief, popping jelly beans and checking sugars. So not a lot of sleep and while I sew today, Pat is sleeping and feeling like crap. If no improvement overnight, off to the doctors tomorrow.

So guess your wondering what I am doing in between playing nurse and being me?

Why sewing of course...lol.

My temporary sewing room and now Pa isn't here, I have taken over with force. To the stage we're eating our meals in the rumpus room and not at the table. Always eat at the table in our house.

Very excited and as I type this post the cream sashing is soaking and just about ready to go out onto the close line. Easiest way to remove memory creases.

First top should be finished by tonight. Nine blocks with sashing and then 2 boarders should make the quilt a nice size for a senior to handle and not trip over. I don't think doing a overly big quilt will serve its purpose well here. A smaller lap quilt size is the way to go.

I think I have enough blocks to make another 3 quilts in this style. The first photo doesn't really show off the amount of fabric I have on the table.

Very excited that I have been able to get this project off so early in the year. I'll continue working on these until the first week of Feb. Then I'll make up the kitchen swap I am involved in.

Love to hear from you, about what you hope to achieve this year, be it big or small. So please drop me a comment and let me know.

technorati tags: blocks, fabric, give away, quilts, RAOK

Senior Quilts

2012-01-20T11:41:00.003+10:30

I am not comfortable calling this project "quilts for oldies" or the elderly. As many of these awesome people are very alert, interdependent and capable of looking after themselves.

Sure we're on a disability pension and have to watch our pennies , but this doesn't mean I can't make a senior feel good and know there is someone out there, thinking of them.

This year I am making it the year of the quilts and to kick start off my quilting year are some 9 patch quilts for them.

Next street over are some units where seniors live. They will be where I will start offering these lap or a bit bigger quilts. I'm just going to knock on the doors, I have heard of items as gifts not reach the seniors in some retirement villages.

Please note...I am not saying this place does that in anyway. Plus I'll be able to write their name on the quilt label as well.

Lets take a look at what I have done so far.

With Pa still here and not having my sewing room and the kitchen table (forever making homemade biscuits and cups of tea...lol) I have only managed to put the blocks into piles, ready for sewing. These blocks were given to me and I am now going to pass on this gift.

I have them wrapped, due to the furkids thinking they maybe able to do better with matching the fabrics.

Stored under the bed and if I can't remember where they are I can look here and see where I put them.

I scored a $10 voucher from Spotlight on Facebook and the yellow fabric was on clearance for $4.00 a metre. I bought 6.2 metres and this will be used for backing.

On the Spotlight page it says, "only 1 voucher per customer per day" so yesterday as we were nearby I called in and bought the blue fabric 3 metres for $2.00 as it was $4.00 a metre as well.

This I am thinking this will make a great border on hopefully 3 of the quilts.

While I am getting the tops together I'll need to save for the wadding. This is going to be the most expensive part of quilts.

I can't wait to get started on them. I am just so excited.

technorati tags: blocks, cotton material, fabric, give away, quilting, quilt

Great Start To 2012

2012-01-11T22:03:00.009+10:30

My goodness its not even a fortnight into this new year and so much has happened in my life.

Last Saturday my son James married his Tamara. I couldn't get over how handsome he looked standing at the alter. Tamara made a beautiful bride.

It was a small wedding and the storms in Adelaide didn't affect us at all.

Both Pat & I just love our new daughter. Tamara spoils and adores James and what more could a parent wish for.

Little Cooper was the ring bearer and his mum carried him holding a cushion with the rings on it, up to his Uncle James and his best man Ryan who have been close buddies since grade 3.

Pa has been here for a week now and Pat and I are just enjoying his company so much. My dad & step mum couldn't make the wedding as my dad was in hospital. He's home now and feeling much better.

Both Pa and I love the thrift shops and look what Pa bought me. There are 6 cup and saucers, 4 soup bowls, 2 side plates and 2 entree plates.

I already have a little milk jug that matches in the house.

Pa lives in a bedsit in walking distance from his daughter in Sydney. He loves the place mats I use on our table. Pa loves the idea of being able to just throw them in the washing machine when they need cleaning.

He asked me to make a couple for him. How could I not make them as he's just a lovely man and I am proud to say this coming March he will have been my father in law for 29 year.

Pa is a proud Irishman and last year he went back to Ireland for 3 weeks with his daughter. So when Pa asked for a shamrock on the place mat I was only too happy to do this for him.

I practiced using my blanket stitch on my sewing machine. I thought a small item would be easy to use and move about on my machine.

I bought some stencils with the gift card James & Tamara gave me for Christmas. I used one of the stencils on the place mats. Using free motion to quilt I was rather impressed with the look of it. Not too wonky and was able to follow the fines okay.

Later on when I make some quilts I will use the stencils on the last border. I'll have the quilting part down pack, by the time I finish using the stencils on those quilts.

Hey I wonder what the last 2 weeks of January 2012 will bring me? LOL

technorati tags: applique, gifts, placemats, quilting

2009 Round Robin Cushion

2012-01-02T22:49:00.002+10:30

Back in Jan 2009 I joined a round robin embroidery. It was so exciting as each months the ladies that joined would make a block and embroider something on the fabric sent along.

This was a great way for me to brush up on my stitchery and as the months went by, I became better at what I was stitching.

Also a block was made each month and we wrote in a journal that was supplied.

After I finished those 2 Farmer's Wife block this afternoon, I started making the cushion.

Hardest part was the ruffle and I am happy with the end result. On the 3rd attempt to make the ruffle it worked out. Thank goodness the stitching I unpicked twice was done in a basting stitch.

Not sure what I'll make with the blocks....maybe a big cushion or a mini quilt.

Pat's dad arrives Wednesday and not a lot of sewing will be done until the end of the month. Pa is legally blind and so I can't have all my gear spread through out the house, due to the sewing room becoming Pa's bedroom. It'll be all packed up in the gym room. All I'll get done will be some hand stitching in the evenings after Pa goes to bed.

Through the day I'll be Pa's tea lady as he loves my tea pot....lol

technorati tags: cushions, embroidery, stitchery

At Last, I Have Started.

2012-01-02T14:24:00.003+10:30

I am so excited as after all these months, I was able to make a start on the Farmer's Wife blocks.

After looking at the book on and off these last 4 months I had time to think about how I would go about making them.

Already I have a lovely selection of civil war reproduction fabrics.

Instead of just showing you the blocks finished, I have added a few photos on how I went about getting the blocks made. This info was on the CD and it was worth the read.

I knew having the cats would come in handy one day, lol. These templates when finished with today, went into a zip lock bag. The templates will be used over and over for different blocks.

Love my sewline pencil as it has a white and a lead pencil for tracing around templates.

Can't go past a small rotary cutting mat and this one was bought specially for template cutting. They can be found at Spotlight.

Now my first two blocks. Like Dear Jane I am going to make the blocks in order. That way I don't make all the easy ones first. Plus I can work the fabrics colours to flow better.

Block 1.
Attic Windows.

Block 2.
Autumn Tints.

This is going to be so addictive and I loved working with the templates.

technorati tags: farmer's wife, quilts, templates

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T17:13:00.003+10:30

Happy New Year to my readers, I so hope you are having a cooler start to the year than us. The temp has gone just above the 40 degree mark. Thank goodness for the a/c inside and frozen milk bottles for my bunny "Buddy".

While out giving the chooks & ducks fresh cool water I sprayed water on the soil that was in the shade. When I finished checking the animals, the chooks were sitting in the wet soil and the ducks were in their pond splashing around.

Amy, Ben & Cooper came over for lunch and they left about 2.30 as it was getting time for Coop's afternoon nap. Both Poppy & Nanny then had a lay down and a little nap as lack of sleep last night and the hot weather takes it's toll on us both.

Finally after about 4 months, I have opened and had a look at the Farmer's Wife CD. Very excited that I held off like I had planed.

Tomorrow I'll bring the sewing machine out and make a couple of blocks to kick start me off. Another hot day is forecast for tomorrow.

I'm going to loose my sewing room this Wednesday for a week or 2. Pat's dad is coming over for a visit, as our son James is getting married this coming weekend.

I think I'll be doing more stitchery work than sewing while Pa is here. So glad I am under no pressure with Christmas gifts and such.

technorati tags: Farmer's Wife, books, quilts

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T20:26:00.006+10:30

Yesterday I blogged about some fabric I bought at Spotlight. As promised I am now going to tell you what I want to do with those 6 metres.

Over the last 3 years I have been gifted or won in on blogs some lovely charm squares. Also I have been sent healing hearts blocks.

They have been tucked away in a draw and while cleaning my sewing room out looking for my "purple thang" that has gone missing. I came across these blocks and though..."hello what can I make with you lot?"

Then I had an amazing idea. What about say 3 quilts, tastefully made up and taken to the oldies (pardon using this word) a couple of street away in some units.

Maybe someone there wouldn't mind a quilt a bit bigger than a lap quilt to use on a cold night.

Just seems a shame to have these lovely blocks sitting and not working for a living.

Hence the fabric bought yesterday, as I'll use these 6 meters for backing. Any left over fabric I'll pop aside for something else. Now I just have to chase down some wadding when its out cheaper.

technorati tags: charm squares, cotton material, gifts, give away, RAOK, quilts

Good Friends

2011-12-30T21:00:00.004+10:30

Today was a very special day for me. I was able to join 2 quilting friends in Rundall Mall for lunch and a catch up.

This is the second time Donna and I have caught up with each other, due to Donna visiting family here in Adelaide. Ruth was able to join us both and what a time we had. I've met Ruth before but it was a first time for Donna and Ruth to meet.

Donna, myself and Ruth.

We had a lovely lunch in the Myer Centre and once we had finished eating and talking, we just had to visit Spotlight.

Armed with our vouchers and 30% off fabrics we had a ball looking at fabrics. Ruth was awesome in finding some lovely fabric in the reduced section. She even helped a stranger pick out fabrics for her quilt. This was lovely of Ruth, as usually quilters are a friendly bunch and often talk up a storm and then move on with their own lives.

Ruth left us at 2.30 and after a bit longer in Spotty, we found another coffee shop. We were there for almost 2 hours and that time just flew past so quickly.

So quickly, I have invited Donna to stay a few days to a week, next time she is in Adelaide. We can then sew up a storm and it was suggested over on Our Craft Forum, about having a bit of a get together at my place.

This had me thinking, what an awesome idea. I'm going to keep this idea in the back of my head and suggest it to Donna next year.

Ruth and I also have decided to catch up for a luncheon every couple of months too, from now on.

I am in such a good mood after today.

I bought 2 metres each of these three fabrics. $6.00 a metre and then 30% off, what a bargain.

You'll have to visit me tomorrow afternoon on my blog to see what I am going to use them in.

Very excited about the whole idea.

technorati tags: cotton material, fabric

Teddy Block

2011-12-29T14:56:00.003+10:30

How was your Christmas Day? Our Christmas was so wonderful and having little Cooper sure made it even more special.

The other night I curled up on my chair and finished off this block for Amy's quilt. When I started this quilt earlier in the year, I had no idea how long it was going to take to make the blocks. The idea was to have this completed for Christmas. But this was not meant to be.

I now have the 5th block drawn up and ready to start stitching.

My plan is to have the quilt completed by June for her birthday. But if not by June, December looks good for a third choice. Hehehe.

technorati tags: blocks, stitchery, quilts

A HUGGLE Christmas

2011-12-22T12:29:00.003+10:30

Only 3 sleeps to Christmas Day. Both Pat & myself are so excited as it's our first year as grandparents. Little Cooper is 7 months old now.

I would like to thank all of my HUGGLES Angels here in Australia and overseas who have contributed with either little HUGGLES, fabric, filler or donations. The feed back I have received from places where the HUGGLES have been donated to, has been so rewarding. Words of thank you and smiles as they tell me of the child's reaction to picking out a little softie.

When children little and big open their presents, give hugs and gather for a family meal.

Perhaps you can spare some time and give thanks to your healthy family gathered around you and a prayer for families who have a loved ones in hospital or sadly have lost someone near to them.

This Saturday marks 31 years since my grandpa died and I still miss him greatly. I was 16 at the time.

I'd like to close in wishing you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2012.

technorati tags: HUGGLES For Kids, softies

Tamara's Cushion

2011-12-20T17:56:00.003+10:30

Finally I can show you Tamara's cushion I made for her this Christmas. Once again I have used the same cushion I used for Dawn's, Anne's and my cushion.

But I have at the same time changed them a bit to give them their own individual look.

You can get this pattern called Ricrac And Roses in Country Threads Vol 9 No 12. Designed by Linda Haigh.

Yes I so have a thing for cushions.....

technorati tags: cushions, gifts

Thirteen Sleeps To Go.

2011-12-19T14:00:00.002+10:30

In thirteen sleeps I am able to start my Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt.

I am so counting down the sleeps now, as I have had the book in my sewing room since my birthday back in August.

Look I haven't even opened the envelope the CD comes in. I just know if I do open and have a look.......all my waiting will be a waste.

Better get some fabric cut out for another present. Only 2 left to go. Talk about cutting it fine.

technorati tags: farmer's wife, books

Another Present Finished.

2011-12-18T23:34:00.003+10:30

Well its Christmas week and like many other people, I'm on a dead line to get the last of my Christmas presents finished.

Love making cushions for gifts and I so love to have them scattered around my lounge room.

This cushion is for Ben's mum. Anne loves green (just like me) and told me how she'd love a homemade cushion. Ask and she shall receive.

It's the same cushion I made Dawn for our secret Santa swap. But I added a ruffle to Anne's, also the material used on the backing is the same fabric used for the ruffle.

Fabric range is Circa 1934 by Moda.

On Tuesday I'll buy a size 20 insert for Tamara's cushion, which again is the same pattern. Tamara's is made different again with a larger border, hence the size 20 insert. Anne & Dawn's inserts are a size 18.

Only 2 presents to be made...then its all over for another year.

technorati tags: cushions, gifts, moda

Another Day Sewing

2011-12-13T18:14:00.007+10:30

Today was another day bonding with Amanda. Pat was collected and spent most of the day shopping with Amy & Cooper.

On went the radio as we both love talk back radio and the sewing started.

Amanda was working on her bags again today.

I finished off Cooper's Santa sack.

Made a label for the Santa sack. I decided to add a liner as it covered the knots from the blanket stitch applique and finished the sack off nicely.

I used left over "Max & Whiskers" by Moda from making the baby quilt, back a couple of months ago.

I'll put my feet up after tea tonight and stitch down the edges on the label.

Then it was onto the next Christmas gift. I'm on a roll.

My first cushion I made back in 2009 had a ruffle and darned if I could remember how I made the ruffle. Yesterday I put a call out on Our Craft Forum for help on how to make the ruffle for a cushion.

Many thanks as the girls came through for me :) Thanks girls.

All pinned and ready for the backing to be made. This cushion is for Amy's mother in law, Anne.

I heard on the grape vine that this year Anne has made a lot of her presents as well....how clever is she???

Now I just have to wait until payday to buy more fabric for the backing. I was going to make this cushion again, but couldn't be stuffed working out and remembering the mistake in the pattern and cutting all the templates out. I used the backing fabric for the ruffle. Guess who's off to Hettie's Patch???? Hehehehe. Any excuse:)

So I made the same cushion as Tamara's (daughter in law on the 7th Jan ) but dressed it up different.

I'll get the inserts on payday as well and then I'll show both Tamara & Anne's finished and ready for wrapping.

Tonight I'll clear my white board in my sewing room and pop my shopping list up, so I don't forget what I need to buy. Time is ticking down.

How are your Christmas gift making going? I'm on track at the moment...lol

technorati tags: applique, bags, cushions, gift, moda, sewing

More Dear Jane

2011-12-12T18:34:00.004+10:30

Goodness these days are just flowing past me so fast. Christmas isn't that far away now and its on my mind with presents still to be finished off or made.

On my last day of sewing at Khris' place I was busy doing little finish offs on presents. I did manage to get a couple of the easier Dear Jane blocks made. Picking a couple of easy ones was a good idea with all the chatting and laughing that was going on.

The better quality fabric is making for not only a better shaped block but also lovelier colours/prints.

D-13 Field of Dreams

M-10 Simple Simon

Not sure if I'll get any more completed before Christmas.

technorati tags: Dear Jane quilt

First Sunday.

2011-12-11T17:38:00.008+10:30

Today was my first Sunday not going across to Khris's place for my weekly dose of Sunday sewing.

I thought I'd be sewing by myself as I still have some Christmas presents to make. Last night around 9.30 I got a SMS from Amanda wanting to know what I was doing today. So happy to say, come on over and sew with me tomorrow.

I was so excited last night I didn't think I was going to sleep.

This morning I set the kitchen area up. I used a single bed sheet to cover the trestle table as its an old wooden one. Good size though for being able to spread ourselves out.

Kitchen table was pushed back against the chest freezer and this became our cutting area. Pat's dad made this table from some staging planks back in Whyalla when the shipyard was going. Its a good solid table and I am guessing some time down the track, it'll be passed onto either Amy or James.

We had the iron set up just to our left in this photo. Just a bit into the rumpus room. Pat was happy to do his usual Sunday things while we talked sewing and went about our items we wanted to make.

Really happy with today's effort, as I made the front of a cushion for Ben's mum. Thinking a frill around the edges will finish it off nicely.

I keep thinking what an awesome day it has been.

Amanda is back Tuesday morning to sew all her cut fabrics in bags. While I will be working on a gift for Ben's dad Tony.

technorati tags: cushions, quilting, sewing

Bonds 12 Days of Christmas Full 60 Second Ad

2011-12-05T14:22:00.000+10:30

This is my favourite ad on TV. Love the singer's voice and the 2 turtle doves are just so cute.

Christmas Swap

2011-12-02T08:13:00.012+10:30

As promised yesterday here is the Christmas Swap I was involved in for the first time this year, over on Khris' group.

My swap partner was a lovely lady by the name of Anna. Did she spoil me something shocking.

I have put them in order to spell Christmas. Pat said Anna knew me so well with the gifts it was like she lived next door to me.

Lets take a look at my amazingly generous swap partner :)

H
Please note the ham bag is a "Percy the pig" bag.

I have no words for such a generous and amazing woman . My swap to Anna will be sent next Tuesday and I hope like me, she is thrilled and overwhelmed at her parcel of loot.

Thank you Anna for being my swap partner for this swap. XOXOXOXOX

technorati tags: swaps, gifts

Secret Santa Presents

2011-12-01T17:14:00.004+10:30

Yesterday we had our Christmas luncheon at Dawn's place for the Tuesday sewing group. We all added something for the meal and we had a lovely hot Christmas lunch followed with Christmas pudding with custard and cream.

We played some games and shared good wishes and lots of hugs. Also some of us said goodbye to Khris as she's not long off moving back to Queensland.

Secret Santa was a big item of the day. As we had all year to make a gift for our secret Santa recipient.

Mine was to Dawn and I love cushions and making cushions. I picked out one of Dawn's favourite Moda fabrics "Ruby". I made a zipper bag with the left over fabric scraps. But that photo is too blurry for posting here.

Judy made my gift and its just so beautiful, that I started to cry. I so love stitchery blocks and to know how many hours Judy would have put into this wall hanger, was over whelming.

Look at those adorable blocks, chickens, vegies, house, cats, scarecrow and an angel. They are stitched so fine and delicately, fabric used was Verna by Moda.

Thank you so much Judy. The wall hanger is now hanging on my lounge room wall.

Tomorrow I will post photos (I think about 9) of my Christmas swap gifts from Anna. I was so spoilt, they wouldn't fit into a photo. A little hint..... the box weighed 4.5 kilo.

technorati tags: stitchery, gifts, wall hanger, cushions

"Spirit" Of Giving

2011-11-28T17:55:00.004+10:30

Today I spent the day with my two dear friends Amanda and Khris, sewing and grabbing those precious hours. Next week Khris and her family move back to Queensland, where they came from 4 years ago.

I have had the honour of knowing this wonderful family for 2 years now. This is where I go on a Sunday and we all sew up a storm.

What I wasn't expecting and overwhelmed to receive, was this beautiful quilt that I helped Khris make earlier this year.

Fabric used was "Spirit" by Moda and I just loved working with this fabric range.

Label and yes that is how my eyes read the label this morning. All blurry and trying not to cry as that would have had us both bawling.

I have been so blessed with Khris's "Spirit" and outlook on life. Khris taught me how to make a quilt when we as a group, worked on the quilts for the floods up in Queensland earlier this year.

Khris is a person I look up to, with this zest for life and her "spirit" in giving to others with her heart. I am so proud to call her my friend and I shall be counting down the days from when you leave and to when you come back in April of next year.

We have one more Sunday as a group in Khris's house this coming Sunday. I am wondering how I will cope with not having my Sunday sewing time. No interruptions and with us feeding each other with inspiration . I know that our little group will continue in friendship and sewing together as often as we can. Maybe we could do a link up with Khris one Sunday.....lol.

Better go and wash my eyes out as I can feel something in them and its making my eyes water.

technorati tags: gifts, quilts

Coffee??

2011-11-27T19:01:00.009+10:30

I love bags and I have a select few I have either made myself or been gifted to me.

Most of them (all of them really but 1) are floral and this does make it rather funny as one bag is used for Pat's medication we carry everywhere with us, when we leave the house.

This makes for some rather funny comments from me towards Pat when he's carrying his medical bag.

Over this weekend I have put him out of his embarrassing misery and made his very own medical bag.

I showed him some fabric to go with some left over coffee fabric I used to make an apron for me. People who know Pat, know he's a real coffee freak and loves his coffee beans.

Both sides have different coffee prints and the side panels are from left over fabric I used to bind my star quilt.

Not quite enough of the fabric left for the lining, so I added a strip from the fabric I used as backing on my star quilt.

Pat is happy with the end result and I am sad as I can't snicker anymore about Pat having a floral medical bag. Oh well fun is all over and it was fun while it lasted......hehehehe

technorati tags: bags

Another Block Finished.

2011-11-18T21:11:00.002+10:30

Thought I would try something different, I scanned this block. Its from the Life Is Beautiful quilt I am slowly making.

I like to take a stitchery with me to Dawn's on Tuesday.

I just have to work the sizing out with scanning them..lol

technorati tags: life is beautiful,

Dear Jane A-1

2011-11-17T17:04:00.005+10:30

Its hot here today and we're hiding inside and staying cool.

I spent a couple of hours making block A-1 out in the cooler rooms.

Decided to start on row "A" as that way I won't pick the easy ones and be left with the hard blocks all in 1 hit.

Though I didn't find this block hard to make. Just fiddly and with taking my time I was happy with the end result.

When I find those first 14 blocks I have done and want to turn into a cushion, I'll be able to compare my sewing and see how much it has improved.

One thing I did notice with the 28 pieces was, the quilt shop quality fabric made this block much easier to work with. So happy I have bitten the bullet and deciding to start again.

technorati tags: Dear Jane Quilt

Baby Birdie Quilt

2011-11-17T10:50:00.003+10:30

Where has the almost last 2 weeks gone? I can't believe that I haven't posted the finished baby quilt for a little girl.

I spent the Saturday quilting the quilt and once again I took it over to Khris' place for the hand binding to be finished off the next day.

Now when Josephine and Matt's baby is born next month, I just have to wrap the correct quilt to the baby. Very exited about them become first time parents and not knowing the sex of bub, makes it that bit more exciting.

Pat is now getting good at knowing what I want in a photo. You can just see my legs at the bottom of the quilt...lol.

Loved making this quilt and I found the birdie fabric just so yummy to work with. When I look at the quilt I get a strong feeling Jo is having a girl. Most people are saying a boy. What ever way, just as long as they are both healthy once the delivery is over.

I quilted this one a bit different to the Max & Whiskers quilt.

I couldn't get any pretty soft coloured polar fleece fabric in birds at all. There was one....but it was just plain awful. So I picked out these cute teddies as their bows match the colours of the fabric.

technorati tags: baby items, quilts, quilting

Dear Jane A-6

2011-11-02T15:43:00.003+10:30

There we go:) Now that wasn't that painful was it???? LOL

I picked an easy block to get me started. I went to get the old blocks to compare my sewing and you know what?!?! I can't find where I put them.

For crying out loud its only been 2 days since I put them somewhere. You'd think I couldn't loose them that quick!!!

Bloody hell Lucky!!!!

Anyhow time for a decaf cappuccino with Pat and ask him if he's seen my bag of DJ blocks.

technorati tags: Dear Jane quilt

Dear Jane Begins

2011-11-02T12:46:00.002+10:30

I'm all set to make my first block in my Dear Jane quilt.

I'm feeling excited and at the same time a little over whelmed. Its a big step taking on a quilt of this size. Having already made 14 blocks and not being happy with the colour and quality of the fabrics.

Feeling much more pumped with the idea of using a good quality fabric and in the colours/range I simply adore. Nothing like a few years of sewing and quilting under one's belt to help along the way.

I have no idea how long it will take me as I do have other projects on my coat hangers.

So why am I sitting here explaining this to you?? I have no idea. I think I need a gentle shove off the end of the cliff to get me started....lol

With a bit of a fan fare.........I begin my journey.

Wonder where I put the cattle prod????

technorati tags: Dear Jane quilt

A Friend In Deed.

2011-10-31T09:35:00.004+10:30

On my last post I showed you how I ran out of fabric for the binding. I am so glad I posted this as my friend Dawn over on As Sweet As Cinnamon rang me with a fantastic idea. I have seen this done on other quilts, but never thought to do it myself.

I used 2 different fabrics for the binding. How easy was that?? The "Golden Rod" Bella solid I used for the little 1/2 border saved the day.

First time I have quilted a quilt using 2 different styles.

Backing on the quilt is a polar fleece. It was very soft against my legs at Khris of Sew Prim Khris yesterday as I was finishing the binding. It will be lovely and soft against a little boys skin when he lays under it watching a DVD or having a nap.

This week I'll have the little baby girl quilt all ready to have the binding finished off at Khris' next Sunday. One thing I have learnt is, if the quilt is a gift .............. no share with the cats...lol. As soon as I start binding a quilt at home...the cats sooooooooooooo love to help.

When I was helping with the binding on the Queensland quilts early this year, I was shutting myself off in the lounge room.

technorati tags: quilting, quilts

Bugger!!

2011-10-29T14:47:00.005+10:30

I was wondering what to call this post.

aaawww crap!!!
Missed it by that much! In my best Maxwell Smart voice.
Bloody hell Lucky!!!!

But I decided on just plain old "Bugger"

Sorted out the binding on the little baby boys quilt and pinned to the quilt. Saying to Pat as I was making the binding and ironing it..."I don't think I'll have enough for the binding". I had 1/4 metre and thought this would be enough.

Sure enough I was right...not enough, check out the photo below.

Pat has offered to drive me to the quilting shop where I bought the Max & Whiskers to buy a minimum amount to finish the binding off. But I said to him with the price of fuel now a days, it can wait until we are in that area again.

I'm thinking payday we'll need to do the food shop and we can do both in the same place and make the trip more worth while.

So its back to Christmas presents as we all know what day they are opened. Just hope the baby doesn't make a surprise appearance before his/her due date in December.

Thought I'd show you where the quilt is at the moment. I washed the bed spread yesterday and forgot to hang it out. Just need that bit extra on the bed last night.

Got me thinking about making a quilt for the bed. I'd love one make up in a French General range...Rouenneries Deux. I have 2 charm packs on order and I was thinking a couple of layer cakes would do the trick.

What do you think???

technorati tags: blocks, charm pack, quilts, quilting, fabric

Janiac's Unite

2011-10-28T11:09:00.006+10:30

Are you a Dear Jane quilter and feeling you need inspiration to get your mojo pumping again? Or your zooming along and just want to show off your blocks and encourage other quilters?

If you answered yes...... go here and join us on a journey of amazement, struggles and reward.

I am one of many who would love to make a Dear Jane quilt and like me, only made so many blocks and came to a stop.

Janiac's United offers contact with other quilter who are on the same journey.

You can see in the photo how far I have gotten in the last 2 years and 4 months.

I'm going to turn these block into one or two cushions for the lounge room.

Starting fresh with a new theme (civil war reproduction fabric) and so much more quilting experience under my belt.

Stay tuned.......

technorati tags: Dear Jane quilt, quilts, civil war reproduction fabric

2012

2011-10-22T10:33:00.003+10:30

Not long and 2012 will be upon us. I am already booking in appointments at medical places for Pat.

As our lives are written down in a diary each year I figured we may as well look pretty at the same time.

I made this diary cover the other night while I waited for midnight to come around. Thought I would try and see if I could quilt two different style on the one item. This is the first time I have ever done this and thought the diary cover would be a good place to try it out.

Very pleased to sat the quilting in the pink fabric is straight.....lol

Very happy with the end result and I love the floral fabric I have chosen. Something nice and bright to search for in the medical bag I carry everywhere we go.

I also have been busy at night making Christmas presents and last night I worked on my future daughter-in-law's gift. Very happy how the present is coming together.

technorati tags: quilting

Oops Forgot....

2011-10-18T18:17:00.005+10:30

I am so sorry Deb as I forgot to show everyone the 3 coasters you made out of the leftovers of fabric.

Nothing like some green coasters to scatter around the house. Saves me dragging to same one with me from room to room. Love them heaps.

If you notice my sewing output increasing, it'll be due to me seeing a sleep therapist. I'm not sleeping..taking me about on the average 10 hours to get 5 hours sleep.

I am following orders and going to bed at midnight and getting up to an alarm at 6 am. Back for a follow up visit tomorrow and see if the sleep hours will be increased by 30 mins.

My brain needs to be reprogrammed to allow me to sleep and not lay there for hours on end tossing and turning. Even if I am up caring for Pat through out the night.... still only allowed to go to bed at midnight and up at 6 am.

So lets have a look see at what I have been working on. After hanging on my coat hanger for about 6 months. They first of the pockets for a quilting bag are completed.

This evening I am going to make a cover for our 2012 diary I put all appointments into. Already there are 2 or 3 medical visits book and penciled in.

Going to practice a different sort of quilting on the cover. I have always wanted to do this on a table runner, but haven't been game enough. So I am going to start out small and have some fun.

Yes that is my White Russian tomcat "Rebel" doing what he does best. Sleep on the furniture. Now you know why I like the idea of hanging my "star quilt" over the back of the lounge. Much easier to wash the quilt than the fabric on the lounge.

Mind you... I 'm not slow in tipping a cat off, if we need to use the quilt. Then I am nice and warm under my quilt with cats hanging off the quilt as well.....lol

technorati tags: table runners, quilts, fabric, swaps, bags

My Swap

2011-10-17T08:41:00.003+10:30

Isn't this wall hanger beautiful?

I can't believe a week has flown by since Debbie & I swapped our paper bags back.

Deb made me a table runner and I just love it so much. That much I converted it to a wall hanger, so that nothing can lay on it, nothing gets spilled on it and no stains develop from those "little accidents" that we suffer from.

Guess I must have loved the light green rose fabric from this swap, as its what I gave Debbie again this time...lol.

Think I'll buy a fat quarter at the quilt show next month as I'm going with Debbie and my sister-in-law Sally.

Yesterday I started my Christmas gift sewing. Fabric was all cut and is now waiting for me to piece together today.

technorati tags: gifts, wall hanger, table runners, swaps

Debbie's Cushion

2011-10-07T17:08:00.005+10:30

Early this year I suggested to my sister Debbie, about having a paper bag swap between just the two of us. No time limit or pressure to have the swap done, by the time we next saw each other.

About six months later, tomorrow is the day we'll give each other our paper bags back.

Debbie gave me a beautiful flora fabric and a few weeks ago I hung the fabric on a coat hanger and started to look at the fabric.

One thing that came to mind is how Deb loves my variety of cushions I have made and have scattered around the lounge room.

All finished and ready for swapping. I have the same cushion but in Aster Manor.

Love zippers....yeah I know....bit of a dill pickle aren't I??? LOL

One thing I had forgotten with the pattern from the "Creating Country Threads" Vol11 No 2, is the templates are not correct and a couple are mixed up. Took me most of the day to make the front and I learnt a new word starting with "F".

FABRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I swore heaps under my breath and I adopted this word as the other word was wearing thin.

I'm not sure if its the way the pattern was written or it was just me...... but in the end I have made the cushion twice. So all can't be that bad.

Left over fabric from the fabric cut by mistake was not put to waste. As I made a zipper bag for Deb.

I can't wait to see what Deb thinks of her swap and what she has made me.

Yes we are also swapping another fat 1/4 tomorrow and no time limit for a creation to be made.

technorati tags: swaps, cushions, gifts

How A Blog Got It's Name

2011-10-04T17:30:00.002+10:30

Today at sewing the topic of how blog names came to be, came up. I commented in
passing, "I wonder how they were thought up?"

My blog is named after my first sewing machine I bought back in 2008. There
are 50 stitches on the selection panel.

Hence "Stitch Selection"

Over on Dawn's blog you can read the links she has set up and see how
some blogs got their names and also you may want to add yours as well.

I know I am.

Table Runner

2011-10-02T17:03:00.003+10:30

Goodness 2 show and tells in 1 day.....must be something in the water...lol.

Today has been such a lovely spring day and I have taken advantage of this with some gardening and sitting outside hand sewing the binding on my latest table runner.

Thrilled with the points on my blocks and I just so love star block. Maybe if you leave a comment, you can also tell me (us) what your favourite block styles are.

I have used some of a charm pack called "Recipe For Friendship" by Mary Engelbreit for Moda.

With the left over charms I am thinking of making some new place mats for when we have guests here for a meal. There is a yard of another one of Mary Engelbreit's fabric is my stash. I will have to put my thinking cap on.

Won't be using the table runner until I have shown it to the girls on Tuesday. Last thing I need is a furry table runner on show as I know one cat will just have to have a sleep on it one night.

So until Tuesday my lovely new table runner is hanging on the wall by a coat hanger. In the last week or just over it, I have finished a quilt top, table runner and Deb's swap.....amazing what one can achieve when not on the computer.

Birdie Quilt Top

2011-10-02T11:20:00.003+10:30

Its very bright outside today, sun is shining and for a change...hardly any wind. Makes for a bright photo.

I have finally been able to get a photo of the quilt top I have made for a baby girl who maybe born in December.

This will sit with the Max & Whiskers quilt until my niece's baby is born.

I have also been busy sewing in other areas, these will be shown here in good time. One is a table runner for me, just need to finished hand stitching the binding. The other is a paper bag swap with my sister Deb. I'll give that to Deb next weekend at the baby shower.

technorati tags: baby items, gifts, quilts, table runners

Max & Whiskers Quilt Top

2011-09-10T19:06:00.003+09:30

Last couple of days I have been working on the quilt top for my niece's baby, due mid December. Matt & Jo don't want to know the sex of their little bundle, so I am playing it safe and making 2 baby quilts.

This one is Max & Whiskers by Moda (of course) hehehehe. If they have a little boy, I'll give them this quilt.

I used 35 charm squares and "Bleached White" colour number 9900-97 (Moda solids) for the sashing. The little 1 inch border is "Golden Rod" colour number "81" (Moda solids) and the 5 inch border is one of the Max & Whiskers range.

All the fabric is cut for the little girl quilt. I didn't have a charm pack of Birdie, so I spent an while cutting 5 in squares. Yes I find cutting fabric relaxing, do you?? At some stage soon I'll start piecing this quilt top together.

Then I need to buy some more wadding (good old 20% at Spotty) and I was thinking a baby flannel for the backing...so its soft against the baby.

I'll be all set for when bub arrives.

technorati tags: baby items, blocks, charm pack, charm squares, gifts, quilts

Breast Of Friends Block 7

2011-09-07T11:30:00.004+09:30

This morning I put the yellow border on block 7 of the Breast Of Friends.

When I started this quilt I wasn't very good at needle turn and chose
to use blanket stitch. I have decided to continue with this style on the blocks by Rosalie Quinlan.

Lovely little block and very nice to make after block six, as that was a very challenging block.

I picked out a bright yellow fabric for the border, to bring out the yellow in the flower.

technorati tags: applique, blocks, BOM, breast of friends

HUGGLES Winners

2011-09-01T18:25:00.005+09:30

All the names in my vase that gets used more for prize draws than flowers.

Tonight over the phone Amanda and I drew the winners for the HUGGLES prizes and listed below are the names and the prizes they won...congrats to all.

Amanda's prizes and their winners

1st prize

Deb

2nd prize

Khris's Team

3rd prize

Rosie

My prizes and their winner are listed below.

1st prize

Pip

2nd prize

Khris's Team

3rd prize

Claire

Link prize
Karen

Amanda drew out the names for my prizes, and I drew out the names for her prizes.
A very big thank you to all who participated, congratulations to all our winners...if you are a winner could you please email me with your postal details so I can make sure you get your prizes in the post ASAP.

technorati tags: HUGGLES For Kids, prizes

More Mail.

2011-08-29T15:15:00.008+09:30

The mail man has been so kind to me of late. Not delivering many window envelopes and has been wonderful, as he's been dropping off parcels instead.

Three more deliveries over the last few days and boy are they
wonderful. One parcel I didn't even know it was coming.

Its from Gloria and I love the surprise.

How cute is this fabric? Gloria said when she saw it, my cats in the sewing room came to mind.
Gloria thought after all the health issues Pat has had, a little gift for me was needed.

How cute are these buttons? These little cats were tucked inside the fabric. Gloria was like me
a carer and knows how tiring some days can be.

I am going to make a bag with the fabric.
Buttons I will use else where.

Also in the mail came by big fabric order that I bought with my birthday money from the girls over on C-R-A-F-T.

Two yards each of "Warm Memories" by Kansas Troubles for Moda. This is to be used with the two charm packs I bought and will be made into a quilt.

The fabric above and below are half yard each and it'll be used in a quilt I want to make with my "Gone With The Wind" panels on the back.

Between these and what I bought at Trisha's, I should have a good range to start my quilt off with.
I want to make the blocks in Civil War reproduction fabric.
Now what blocks will I be making for my quilt are from the book in the photo below.

I have fallen in love with the "Farmer's Wife" quilt and the blocks I have seen are just stunning.
So I thought with part of the $$$ I would buy this book/CD and while on line I bought the
other book as well.

I think I have spent my $$$ well and I still have 2 more charm packs in the mail somewhere.
What are they, you ask???
You'll have to wait until they arrive and I take a photo. LOL.

technorati tags: books, fabric, buttons, gifts, Farmer's Wife

Thank You HUGGLE Angels

2011-08-24T12:42:00.002+09:30

Congratulations.
Thank you HUGGLES Angels.

We have not only reached the 100 mark but,
we have actually passed it.

If you have some HUGGLES you are finishing off,
we'd love them still.

As they can be given to other children by the young people
taking them across to Ethiopia.

I am so proud and humbled by your thoughtfulness
and generosity.

Lucky:)

More Birthday Gifts

2011-08-24T12:22:00.004+09:30

I belong to a C-R-A-F-T Craft group and also I am in the birthday group. As it was my birthday I get a lovely little sum of money to spend how ever I want.

For a fabric addict, its a real head spin ordering fabric and knowing all the bills are paid and the pantry is full.

My first of 4 orders has arrived. I wanted to buy all at one place, but this was not to be. Not all my choices were on the same site.

I fell in love with Lovely when I saw it in the "fabric" so to speak. Had to have a couple of charm packs for a quilt. What can I say about "French General" fabric range???? LOVE IT........LOVE IT.

Last week Pat & I traveled to a hospital for Pat to have some heart tests. Good news he's okay and the results show no major problems....YAY.

Anyway we went past Tricia's Discount Fabrics (no website) and was I impressed. Over 10,000 bolts of fabric for us quilting ladies.

I about 35 cm each of these 4 fabrics for my quilt that I want to make with the "Gone With The Wind" panels on the back. Pat was very impressed and is more than happy to take me back there in the future.

Yesterday at sewing group, Heather gave me these lovely and very yummy gift for my birthday. Yes I have been nibbling on those very yummy chocolates. How cute is that piggy tape measure and the fabric will be added to my Dear Jane fabric collection.

Thank you so much Heather......XOXOXOXO

technorati tags: charm pack, charm squares, cotton material, Dear Jane, gifts, quilting

Birthday This Week

2011-08-19T15:26:00.008+09:30

It was my birthday this week on Wednesday and I was just so spoilt. Between my family and dear friends, I was pampered, showered with gifts and a home cooked meal provided by Amy.

Thanks to all who messaged me on my phone, Facebook, forums and who saw me and treated me to some wonderful hours with their company.

What is a birthday without a few pressies?????

Patrick, Amy, Ben, Super Cooper, James & Tamara game me a Pandora bracelet. Now I can collect charms for it.

From Judy a really cute owl fabric and some cotton thread.

Look what Khris gave me...lots of cute animal fabrics and some other lovely goodies.

Amanda gave me some cat fabric as well.... love the kitty in the shopping bag....hahaha

Also Amanda made that awesome hexi coaster herself and I'll use that one in my sewing room.

Lovely goodies from Dawn wrapped in the fabric underneath. Hope the coffee mug does put weight on my hips when I drink my milo out of it???? LOL

Thank you one and all for such an awesome day....... It was just wonderful to have a girlie day and then to have a meal cooked by my daughter.

technorati tags: gifts

HUGGLES So Cute

2011-08-13T13:54:00.003+09:30

Aren't these 6 little HUGGLES just so cute???

Thank you so much Kylie for making them.

How are your HUGGLES going girls? Not long to the cut off point, 31st of this month. Amanda and I are so hoping we reach our target of 100 little softies.

Don't forget there are lots of prizes up for grabs as well.

technorati tags: HUGGLES For Kids, softies, toys, gifts

My AWESOME Quilt.

2011-08-04T15:37:00.002+09:30

On Tuesday of this week I had the most amazing experience, that not all quilters get to do and enjoy. I used a free standing quilt frame and I quilted my star quilt.

Firstly I would like to thanks Dawn, who was so kind and generous to give me the freedom of her quilting frame. Thanks darl'n.

I once heard that a couple of glasses of drink can help with free motion quilting. So on the way to Dawn's place I picked up a can of diet coke.....lol. I was told, that diet coke isn't quite what they meant when saying about the drinking before quilting.

That was popped into the fridge as I was so sure I'd need a fix at some stage that morning. I think all up it took just under 3 hours to quilt my quilt.

So lets take a look at the photos Dawn took for me.

She's a big beauty and very impressive. Quilting frame isn't too bad either.....lol

That is me, you knew that thought....heheheh.

I learnt some interesting things while quilting.

Don't bunny hop....... yeah right!!!
Don't slow down too much and then plant the foot flat....... oops!
Remember to check the backing fabric isn't bunched up and is nice a smooth..... gotch ya!
That goes for the wadding too...... double gotch ya!!
Have fun...... no worries about that ...I had a ball.

Show and tell time, thanks Judy for helping to hold my now quilted quilt up.

Different angle for you to see those blocks.

The back of my quilt. I'm pointing to a gathered bit that I didn't have smooth enough.

Okay now you have finished ooooohhhhhing and aaarrring over my ever so AWESOME quilt.

What did I learn???

Well....

I leart that even though its not purr-fectly quilted...I don't care. Yes I can see a few "aaawwww craps" on where I did a boo-boo. But that is what makes it so perfect in my eyes. It tells me yes I can make a quilt and yes I can do a great job. And yes, I will improve as each quilt is made and finished in the future.

In a nut shell...I am AWESOME. Quilts pretty AWESOME too.

For people who know me.... they know I say that about myself with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek. I hope my post has projected how excited I am to have made my quilt and how grateful I am with answers to questions, as I made the blocks and the support in the final stages. You too are AWESOME.

Oh yeah...about that can of diet coke????? It was enjoyed very much after all was finished. I was mentally drained from concentrating and my back was sore.

Wouldn't change a thing that morning.

technorati tags: quilting, quilts

Huggles for Ethiopia Prizes Galore...

2011-08-03T12:13:00.000+09:30

Over the last month or so, I have been writing about my HUGGLES for Ethiopia Appeal. Already HUGGLES are arriving at Amanda's place in Queensland.

There is still 2.5 months to go and we have decided to make the appeal more exciting, for you.

After a phone chat with Amanda we came up with 7 prizes that you our HUGGLES Angels can win. Its so easy to go in the draw and best part is...you can choose how many times you want your name in the draw.

First off lets look at my 3 prizes and why I have picked them from my stash.

1st prize is a charm pack called "Dream On".

I picked this pack as we all have dreams and they can be as simple as a new toy or a plate of food... or a higher priced dream of a new computer or winning X-Lotto.

2nd prize is 1/2 metre of Moda "Lilac Hill" and a quilt pattern.

Unlike a sweet bird these children cannot fly away to a new place to live. And at night when I look up I see the beauty of stars and thank God for my wonderful life I have.

3rd Prize is 6 pieces of Shadow Play ranging in size from 6 x 8.25 inches to a whopping 42 x 11 inches in size. Plus a cushion pattern.

Love shadow play and I have given a piece from each fabric in my collection for this prize.

I am a full time carer for my hubby and some fortnights its a struggle to make ends meet. Living in the shadow of poverty here in my house, is nothing compared to what these children go through day after day.

Okay now you know my reasons for my 3 prizes.....let the fun begin.

How to enter.

To have a chance to win 1 of these 3 prizes or one of Amanda's prizes you can find on her blog...............you just have to make a HUGGLE and contact either Amanda or myself, for Amanda's post address when ready to mail.

Now the kicker....You can choose how many times you want to enter, 1 HUGGLE equals 1 entry. 3 HUGGLES is 3 entries. 10 HUGGLES is 10 entries. There is no limit to how many HUGGLES you make and mail to Amanda.

With the cost of living and postage, you can send the HUGGLES completed (with faces) if your on a low income and can't afford to stuff and post. Amanda has some lovely ladies who will stuff them for you. You still have the same entries to the draw as a stuffed HUGGLE.

Your name or names will go into a container, once the HUGGLE have arrived at Amanda's place. You can also send me a photo of them to pop up here on my blog and my Face Book page or I can get Amanda to do this for you. Your name will go on our side bar as well.

How does this sound so far???? Pretty awesome you would have to say!!!

Closing date.

Now the cut off date is 6 pm EST , 31st August. That will give time for Amanda to get the HUGGLES to the people who sponsor these sweet children who may never had a new toy in their life.

HUGGLES will be going over to Ethiopia on the 15th September.

Now I did say 7 prizes and so far I have mentioned only 6. So what is the 7th prize???

How would you love the chance to win this book? Thank so much Amanda for supplying this beautiful Tilda craft book.

To go in the draw, all you have to do is blog about HUGGLES For Ethiopia on your own blog, post a link to this post and let me know. Or you can let Amanda know, 1 link and 1 chance to win..... no you cannot post a link back to your blog on both my link and Amanda's and get two bites at this book.....lol.

Anyone who has sent HUGGLES already and Amanda has received them, your in the draw already.

If you want to know more about the HUGGLES For Ethiopia Amanda has a wonderful post here.

We have a list of suitable patterns on Amanda's link as the sizes are very important. There is a choice of teddies and dolls to make.

This appeal is open to overseas people as well. You will also have the same prize rights as the Aussie people.

Okay I think I have covered all the info you might need to know. If you need to know anything, please leave a comment and I'll get back to you asap.

technorati tags: HUGGLES For Kids, toys, prizes

Back To Basics

2011-07-22T17:37:00.006+09:30

Its been a while since I posted and its been a while since I have picked up a needle too.

People who know me through the sewing forums or on Facebook, know what has been happening. Figured its time to let you know as well.

Back a couple of weeks ago, Pat was taken by ambulance to hospital with pneumonia and spent 4 days in hospital. He was given a wonderful birthday present while in hospital....a get out of hospital card on his birthday.

Having him home was wonderful, even if my hands were full caring for him.

This trip into hospital knocked him for an 8 and me for a 6. Other times he has been in hospital I have coped well and slept like a log. Not this time round, I was awake a lot and so tired when he came home. I am thinking its due to the higher threat to his health with the pneumonia on top of the Occupational Asthma.

In the last 10 days Pat has been out of hospital, he has improved and each day Pat looks better in the morning.

In the mail one day a gift came from a lovely lady from a sewing group I am a member of. Diana sent me the following items/notions wrapped in some beautiful fabric.

How cute are these little fabric panels?? I'm thinking maybe a cushion for the lounge room..... or a lap quilt.

Some notions and a couple of patterns.

This beautiful fabric wrapped the above goodies.

Thanks Diana so much. Your thoughts and gift brought a much needed smile to my face. Love you heaps.

With Pat being so sick, sewing has taken a back seat. By night time, I am so tired from my busy day, that I just vegged out in front of the TV.

My BOMs are behind by a month, swaps were not getting to my swappers by the right time......after a good think and much soul searching ( I take my swaps very serious) I have pulled out of the ones I had put my name forward in, but hadn't been drawn. Plus the 2 on going swaps I was involved in each month.

Do you know I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders and was actually in a light hearten mood the next day.

No pressure, no calendar screaming at me. Today I actually managed to do some sewing for the first time in my house in about a fortnight.

A much needed bag holder.

Nothing flash, no applique or stitchery....... just some good old fashion straight stitch on my lovely sewing machine.

It's lined too, as the fabric isn't of a thick quality. So now I have a new bag holder for those fruit and veg bags from the green grocer, I like to use when I need one.

Just a lovely, quick little item to get my mojo kick started. I need to sew for the love of sewing, not because there is a date looming and it needs to go somewhere, for someone else.

Remembering One's Self

2011-07-07T15:45:00.004+09:30

With the help of the internet we are able through forums and groups know who is is doing what and who is healthy and who isn't.

Its a bit like this here in my house. Patrick has come down with a very nasty flu and isn't doing a lot except sleeping and feeling like someone ran over him in a truck.

So I am 95% flat out these last few days, including a trip to the doctors, chemist and a place behind the medical clinic where they took a swab from up inside his nose.

Made Pat some of my wonderful chicken and vegie soup for his lunch, clean the wet areas and washed floors. Also striped our bed and washed the sweat soaked sheets. Even the cats aren't sleeping with him at night, Millie refuses to sleep down by his feet between the sheets.

One thing I have learnt is not only the sick person needs to be cared for, so does the carer. And that is me.

So this afternoon I decided after putting my feet up and watching Days Of Our Lives....yeah I know. But I did get a bit of stitchery done, so I can be forgiven....lol.

I also thought while watching "Drips" I should treat myself to... lovely light hot sweet scones fresh from my oven, cup of tea in my Mother's Day cup set and a browse through this months Homespun magazine.

So worth the look too, as I have fallen in love with a Christmas wall hanging stitchery with cats being the theme.

If you like me, have someone sick that you are caring for be it full time or due to a bug of some kind . Don't be hard on yourself if there is housework screaming at you to be done...... just ignore it, as it'll still be there tomorrow and what do you know!!! The day after as well.

Remember to look after yourself as well as your loved ones.

technorati tags: magazines, stitchery, crafts, books

Quilt Top Finished

2011-07-02T16:49:00.003+09:30

All done and ready now to think about the backing.

Couple of points of interest....

The bottom 2 blocks are star blocks, just the fabric wasn't the best choices.
Its easier to un-pick a sewing mistake....than a cable jumper mistake.
Hubby's are a big help when hanging a quilt top to a curtain rod.

Now its time to clean up the kitchen area, as I took it over today and put the kitchen table back where it goes.

technorati tags: blocks, quilting, fabric, quilts

Busy Weekend

2011-07-02T10:18:00.003+09:30

This morning I woke to the sound of rain on the roof. Love this sound and I can't think of a more beautiful noise to have in the background as I work on my quilt today.

Bit of a sneak look at how the borders are coming together.

Spent the last couple of days cutting up fabric into 5.5 x 2.5 inch blocks. I'm using up all the left over fabrics from the star blocks and some other material to make the final border.

Last night I put the small border on and 1 side of the final border. Due to the quilt growing in size, Pat had to stretch while holding it up for me to see how the border looked. Very happy with the look of the whole quilt.

Now I can continue with the other 3 sides. Hope to have the quilt top completed tonight.

This is the first big quilt I have worked on by myself and the only fabric I bought special for the quilt is the chocolate brown for the sashing and the backing fabric. Rest has come from my stash.

I have an idea of how I want to quilt it..... that'll be hashed over tomorrow at quilting. I want to know how I quilt the idea in my head, onto the quilt.

Well back to my quilt.

technorati tags: blocks, sewing, quilting, quilts, fabric

Grab & Go Holder

2011-06-27T17:34:00.005+09:30

If you are anything like me when off to sewing group, this needle holder is a must.

Joy Coey designed this pattern and it can be found in "Creating Country Threads" Vol 11 No 9.

I used some of my "Crazy 8" by Moda honey bun roll.

Only thing missing was a piece of felt for my needles and so I added that myself.

Lots of little pockets inside for my little extras I like to take.

Can't wait to take it tomorrow with me to sewing. I'm calling it my "Grab & Go" holder, as this is what it'll be used for. This will save me having to remember to find and pack my notions each time.

Now there is no reason for me to forget any of my notions on quilting day. Fabric is another matter.....lol. Yes one time I left my fabric home.

technorati tags: fabric, moda, sewing

Coffee Anyone?

2011-06-25T22:13:00.004+09:30

Due to sewing tomorrow morning and then a get together for Amy's birthday and introducing Cooper, I may not have time to post tomorrow.

Thought I'd show you what I have made this evening.

This fabric was in my special box of fabric, waiting to be turned into an apron. Never mind the fabric has been here about 18 months or just over that time.

I was going to work on my needle case holder. But I have a thinking block happening about the button and how to make a latch to keep it shut. So I thought a new apron would be nice.

Close up of the pocket area. Photo is a bit washed out, as I didn't have the flash on. The true colour of the fabric is in the first photo.

I fussy cut the fabric for the pocket and lined it with matching fabric on the back of the apron. I picked the zebra and a coffee cup. Used the old straps from the apron I replaced as that was a bought apron.

There is still some of the fabric left over and so one day I'll make some pot holders as well.

It was fun making something that was completed in the same day. After show & tell tomorrow and Tuesday, I'll start using it.

technorati tags: aprons, fabric

Pillow/Cushion Cover

2011-06-25T14:05:00.007+09:30

When I start a new project I sometimes have to buy the "right" fabric for it. This can at times mean, buying it over a couple of fortnightly pays. This can take awhile as well at a quilting shop mixing and matching colours and patterns on the fabrics.

Pat is happy to just sit on a chair and let me do my "thing", which is nice as I know I don't have to rush and maybe regret one of my choices.

This is the cushion/pillow cover I want to make. When I saw it in a Quilter's Companion magazine I fell in love with it on sight.

Sewing technique is needle turn and I so love this style of hand sewing. I'm not going to rush this project, so if it takes me a few months, that is okay. Wanting to enjoy the whole idea of making and showing off this beautiful pillow/cushion when finished.

First trip to Hettie's Patch I bought my ivory background fabric, templates and any other notions I needed. The ivory fabric is on the left in the photo below. Its got a tiny swirl printed on the fabric, not sure if you can see it all that well in the photo.

Last pay I bought the fabric for the diamonds and flowers. Due to me being such a forgetful person and having a complete change of colours, I photo copied the picture and then fussy cut each piece. They were then pinned to the corresponding fabric, no reason for me to forget the placements of the colours now.

The bird fabric is Moda "Park Avenue" and a couple of the other fabrics are American Civil War reproductions. I bought a bit extra of them as the left over fabric can go in my "Gone With The Wind" quilt.

Fabric and pattern are in a clear bag, hanging off a coat hanger, ready for me to start.

technorati tags: cotton material, cushions, fabric, needle turn, quilting shops

Can You Help Me???

2011-06-24T22:58:00.003+09:30

This is how I turn a tube of fabric the right way out after sewing up the side. This 12 inch tubing took me the last half of the Mentalist, all of CSI Las Vegas and the first half of CSI Miami.

Is there an easier way of turning the tubing the right way out???

If you have a hint or the answer to my question........ please leave me a comment.

My fingers will also be very grateful.

While Rebel Slept

2011-06-17T17:16:00.006+09:30

While my white Russian "Rebel" slept in our bed, I was busy trying to make sense of the "Quilter's Carry All" bag. Most of the girls in Dawn's sewing group have made one and they are just amazing. Each is different and I just love all the pockets the bag offers and the size as well.

I was humming and harring about what I wanted to pop on the pockets and I have decided to go with applique designs.

Picking out the fabric for the outside of the bag was and is always fun. Getting to visit one's stash is always a joy in my books. I want my bag to be bright and I am hoping the fabrics I have picked will portray this when finished.

Last night after the kitchen was closed for the night, I started to plow through some magazines for appliques. I had an idea of what I was looking for and was so pleased to be able to find them in the end.

I'm going with Moda Bella Solids "Goldenrod" as the pocket colours. I had already picked out the fabric I want in the way of appliques and the Bella Solid colour will bring the colours to life.

Then it was left to tracing them onto some "steam-a-seam 2". By this time it was about 9 pm and I thought I'd pack up for the day. Last thing I wanted to do was start to make mistakes while ironing the appliques to the pocket fabric.

That is about as far as I got, no sewing at all today. Spent the afternoon getting a wonderful dose of "Super Cooper"......lol

HUGGLES announcement over the weekend.

technorati tags: animals, applique, bags, fabric, moda

For Dad & Betty

2011-06-13T16:25:00.002+09:30

Back in April I ordered some fabric and once it finally turn up (4 weeks later) I was thrilled to bits with my choices.

Couple of the fabrics were for a table topper for my stepmum and dad. Betty wants it for the kitchen table that is a round shape.

Yesterday was my first real get in and do some sewing without interruptions. Even better than the sewing festival last weekend. I just had to rock up at Khris' and set up my area and off I went.

It was a fun day as not only I made one, but Christine made a table topper as well. Both were at the binding stages when we went home. Can't wait to see her topper finished next Sunday.

Just love stars and I picked the Ohio Star for the topper.

Fabric used was

Kansas Troubles by Moda
Beach House By Moda
Rose Maison By Andover

I want to show and tell it to both sewing groups before I post it off to Betty & Dad.

technorati tags: fabric, gifts, sewing, table runners

Craft & Hobby Fair

2011-06-11T16:33:00.003+09:30

This June long weekend is Salisbury Craft & Hobby Fair, its held each June long weekend. Best part is I can walk there as its only 5 minutes from my home.

Khris called in at about 1 pm and we walked around for a look.

Lots of lovely stalls full of all sorts of goodies. Ranging from scrap booking, quilting, beads, knitting, food and pottery to mention a few.

The fair is held in a recreation centre in 3 big sporting rooms. Outside there are show rides and hot food to tempt children and adults.

I was good this year, planned ahead and with my $20.00 off we went for a stroll.

Bought 2 fat 1/4s of fabric .

Just loved the colour and print of this one. I was going to forgo this fat 1/4 for

this one.

As I was looking for a piece to make stems with for an applique pillow cover. Print was smaller on the second piece and as you can see I came away with both. Not bad as I was going to buy a fat 1/4 of shadow play to start off with.

Also I picked up 100 quilting safety pins. I only used the pins with the bend in them a few weeks ago at Khris' place. Thought they were so much easier to use than the regular safety pins.

Very happy with my little bargains and can't wait to put the fabric into my stash and then use them when I am ready.

technorati tags: applique, beads, cotton material, fabric, sewing tools

Awesome Give Away

2011-06-10T18:35:00.002+09:30

Samelia's Mum is having an awesome give away over on her blog. I have been a follower of her blog for a long time and I have gone into her give away for a...are you ready???????

An AccuQuilt GO!! Baby..............yes you read right.....with 3 of your own choice of dies.

So pop over and have a look and enter........

Look What I Won

2011-06-10T15:57:00.007+09:30

Coming home from the Central Market this morning I found a parcel waiting for me, yay....it was from Retromummy.

I had won the Sherbet Pips charm pack and fabric give away. On the day I found out about it, I was having a crappy day and this just made me feel so much better.

I love the whole look of the sherbet pips fabric and I think having my first grandchild has opened my eyes to a whole new range of fabric.

This fabric really suits a girl and I have cheekily booked a granddaughter from Amy, even though Cooper is only 12 days old today.....hahahah

Also in the parcel was a pattern for the quilt called "alphabet soup" and I think its just adorable. Amy saw what I won as she and Cooper called in this afternoon. There was a rather large hint from a new mum about having a quilt like that......heheheh

Thanks so much retromummy for my wonderful prize, I have been reading your blog for ages and it was a thrill being notified of the wonderful prize I won.

My sewing room as of about 30 mins ago. What a mess!!! I so need to spend some time in there cleaning and putting things where they actually belong. Only good thing is the door can be slid shut and the cats are not left to make a bigger mess.

technorati tags: charm pack, fabric, prizes

National Sewing Weekend Day 2

2011-06-09T15:50:00.005+09:30

I can not believe today is Thursday and I have only just managed to find time for a show and tell on day 2 of the Sewing weekend I had.

Day 2 was a more rewarding day and I got heaps done.

Started these Saturday night and finished them off on Sunday.

This hexi I made up and completed Saturday night. Just need to get the hexi into the mail and to its new owner, Norma.

These 2 hexies arrived in the mail this week from Ruth. Love the colours and pattern on the fabric. Thanks Ruth.

So what have I been doing with myself the last 4 days??? Husband, daughter and grandson. Think that say its all. I went shopping to the supermarket with Amy & Cooper yesterday.

On Tuesday afternoon I placed 2 orders of fabric one from The Twiddletails Store 4 yards of a light tan/brown fabric. I will use this one or maybe the 4 yards I ordered from Craft Town as backing fabric for my star quilt. Both fabrics were on sale for $4 a yard. Just have to wait for them to arrive and decide which will suit better. I also ordered more brown fabric for the outside border of the star quilt.

I haven't touched any sewing since the weekend. Fairly tired by night time and just laying on the lounge and cuddling one of the cats.

This weekend is our local 3 day craft fair, hoping to get there with some of the sewing girls. Love looking around the stalls and seeing what's there for sale.

Tomorrow we're off into the city for the markets, that is if Pat is up to a train trip.

Well time is waiting for me to put to some good use...better go and clean the loo. Fairy is flat out these day.......

technorati tags: BOM, fabric, quilting, quilting shops, quilts, hexagon

National Sewing Weekend Day 1

2011-06-04T17:47:00.004+09:30

How was your first day of the sewing festival? Mine has been rather good, not as much done as what I wanted.

My day started at 9.15 when both Pat & I crawled out of bed after a shocking nights sleep. I fully expected this as when Pat is sicker than normal this is part of his health cycle.

Was greeted with my sister in law Sally at the door before the kettle was even switched on. Sally joined us for breakfast and a slow start to the day.

Last night I started the craft festival off with a little project and look what I made!!

Another beanie for little "Super Coop", he's going to be well dressed in the beanie department for sure....lol

Once Sally left and and the animals fed and dishes done, it was time to think about what I wanted to start with first off. Now remembering my day started late and Sally was here for a good while....

I sorted out the hexi swap for this draw and traced the 2 "Tis The Season" blocks and ironed some backing onto them. In between this I made a huge batch of chicken vegie soup from scratch. No this didn't include running one of my girls down and plucking them.

Once lunch was out of the way and the kitchen clean up for the second time.....its a never ending battle isn't it girls??

It was time to make some biscuits, as the house was empty of them. More dishes to then be washed and by this time.......

I managed to get the Out Of The Box info sheets printed off and promptly went and laid down as Pat was asleep.

So I had my first real official "Nanna nap"

Now its time to start the evening meal.

After the kitchen is cleaned up again....I'll sort out the "Out of the Box" BOM and start stitching, knitting or laying on the lounge and wonder in exhaustion...where did Saturday go.

technorati tags: BOM, baby items, blocks, hexagon, swaps

Thank You HUGGLE Angels

2011-06-04T10:53:00.003+09:30

Look what came in the mail this week from Grantham State Primary School.

I hope you are able to read what they wrote.

Children are holding their new HUGGLES down in the right hand side of the collection of photos. Also a photo of the HUGGLES on a table on the right side too.

A HUGE thank you HUGGLES Angels for your time and dollars in mailing them to me. You are an amazing and generous set of ladies.

How are your HUGGLES for the Ethiopian appeal coming along?

I'm having a give away along with Amanda who asked me if HUGGLES For Kids could help.

I'll have 3 prizes to give away and these will be drawn at the end of the appeal. Look for info over the next day or so on how to win one and what those prizes will be. Little hint...

charm pack
moda fabric
applique fabric

National Sewing Weekend

2011-06-03T17:13:00.005+09:30

Boy oh boy, what a week I have had.

Make a cuppa and maybe a feed as it's a long story.

On Monday Pat went across the city by taxi for a pile of tests to do with his Occupational Asthma. One of the tests was a arterial blood gas, where blood is taken from an arterial vain. After 4 attempts, they gave up.

Next day (Tuesday) Pat needed to see a doctor, as his hand/arm was swollen and 3 fingers were numb and then we were told to go straight to the emergency at our local hospital.

We were there from about 2.30 pm to 11.30 pm and home by midnight. Talk of a blood clot as his arm and hand was swollen. After dragging the workers in to crank up the machines, Pat had a cat scan on his arm and a clot was ruled out.

Home and told to come back 7.30 am Wednesday.... saw a nero surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon and we were told the person who did the test, hit a nerve. We left the hospital about 10 am with Pat's arm in a sling and talk of 1 month minimum for the arm/hand to heal.

Over to see Amy and "Super Cooper" as she needed her mum and I cleaned her house.While Pat rested there and Amy caught up on some much needed sleep.

Home then for me to make some order of my place.

Okay up to Thursday now...you keeping up?? Amy had a wonderful night with Super Coop and we took over a basket and I cooked bacon & eggs with home made bread for toast. Home around lunch time.

Main reason for the visit on Thursday was to deliver this little beanie I knitted up Wednesday night for Cooper. Amy & Ben only have the one beanie. Going to knit a couple more this weekend for him.

Today I chased my own house work and cared for Pat, dragged him to a doctor's visit for 2 pm and found out it was a 3 pm appointment. Bugger hey????? Thank goodness the clinic is around the corner, so we came home.

Pat woke with a chest infection this morning and is now on extra medication for this including steroids. Also got a proper time for his arm/hand to be back 100%..... 3 to 6 months. Think I can throw in another "bugger" there.

I did ask for a sick certificate as he'll not be able to do dishes...... doc thought that was funny.....

So I have a very sick hubby here at the moment. No quilting at Khris's this Sunday. Bugger again.

This weekend is "National Sewing Weekend" You can join me in this amazing festival and your hubby or partner doesn't even have to be sick.

All you have to do is no house work..... just cook and clean up after yourself and the others (if need be) and spend your time sewing and having some well earned me time.

Support me is this challenge......I dare you....lol

Seeing Stars Updated

2011-05-30T18:28:00.005+09:30

Yesterday at quilting I sewed the sashes to the base of the blocks and today I spent my day putting the chocolate sashes around my blocks as I joined the rows together.

Next to be added to the quilt is an peek a boo border and then a 4 inch boarder. Taking some choices of fabric tomorrow to Dawn's for a pow-wow. If one of those fabric doesn't suit ( which I have a feeling will be the case) I'll have to buy some more chocolate fabric.

If this is what happens, the quilt will be put on hold for a few weeks as I'll need to save to buy the said fabric.

I love the 2 bottom corner blocks, due to the colours I picked they look different to the other blocks....hehehehe

The fabric was bits and pieces I had sitting in my stash and the stars was from fabric I bought in the first few months of quilting and never used it for anything.

I want to learn how to quilt around the stars with my machine. This quilt is a learning quilt, I picked my own block to do and have chosen the size I wanted it to be.

Stay tuned for the next update.

technorati tags: blocks, fabric, florals, quilting, quilts, sewing

Cooper Samuel

2011-05-28T21:21:00.003+09:30

Very proud to announce the safe arrival 2 weeks early, Cooper Samuel.

8lb 5oz
27/5/2011
8.22 pm

Beautiful

Nanna Lucky with her first grandchild.

I am actually really calm about the whole last 2 days. Maybe because, Cooper is going to live just down the road (Nanna can walk if need be) and cos' he's just so oh I don't know.......beautiful.

I can't put into words how both Pat & I are feeling.

I know its been full on and we just had a late tea, thank goodness for crockpots.

Out of interest I knitted a cream jacket and little blue booties with white collars in them.

Giveaway

2011-05-25T11:30:00.002+09:30

Samelia's Mum is having a give away. Reason I'm letting you know is she has 5 prizes. So please check it out.

First HUGGLES Posted

2011-05-24T18:53:00.003+09:30

Before I chat about my HUGGLES Appeal I want to show you a bag I made for Barbara on the Our Craft Forum.

I love my bag and thought I would make one for Barbara as well. I used about half a charm pack of Moda's Eva fabric. Also to give it a different look I made ruffled handles and gave the lining a fuller look.

You can buy the pattern though my dear friend Dawn Hay at As Sweet As Cinnamon all money from selling this pattern goes to charity.

Now about my HUGGLES For Kids.

Pack and sent to Amanda in Queensland this morning. My 7 teddies and Maria's 4 she has donated takes my tally to 11 teddies. I know Amanda has been making some, but I am not sure how may she has made.

I'd love to make the 100 mark with your help, but I also understand that things happen in our very busy lives. I am getting ready to be a first time Nanna in the next month, so I too will be busy between a grandson and caring for my hubby full time. If you can't make a teddy, that is okay as well. Maybe you can just keep these children in Ethiopia and their sponsors in your thoughts and prayers.

Even if you only make 1 teddy...that teddy is going to a child who may never had a brand new toy in his/her life.

How amazing will that little teddy be to this child's life and the joy it can bring and the smile on his/her face.

Closing date is the 1st September. Don't forget to let me know when they are ready for posting, as I'll give you Amanda's postal address. That way I don't have to re-post them on to Queensland.

technorati tags: bags, swaps, ruffles, HUGGLES For Kids

Breast Of Friends Block 6

2011-05-21T12:49:00.003+09:30

Finally finished.

This block has been in my books the most challenging of the 6 blocks I have completed.

I decided to embroider the sign post, rather than needle turn. I wasn't confident enough to tackle the needle turn for this part of the block.

Added buttons for the wheels, to put my own style on this block.

I am really pleased this block is finished and that the next block is an easier one.

technorati tags: breast of friends, needle turn, quilting, quilts, embroidery

Bags & A Block.

2011-05-20T20:02:00.006+09:30

Trust me the block is square....lol. I have no idea why some blocks look out of shape in a photo. May's block from Dawn's Mystery Charm Block. Still need to get the applique block made and then stitched. Hope to do this over the weekend.

Sunday is going to be cold and wet, so the weather people tell me. That's okay by me as I'll be at Khris' and she's going to help me with my zipper bags.

You can see here where I went wrong with my last zipper bag. Khris has kindly said she'll give me another lesson in getting those raw edges inside the lining. I think the zipper is what confused me last time... have no problem with bags in getting it all correct.

So my camera will be going with me on Sunday, I can then take some photos as I go.

I scored a few left over bits of "Lovely" by Moda and straight away I thought...... zipper bags. A sewing lady can never have too many of these little fellas.

By Sunday afternoon I hope to have a couple new zipper bags with insides that look like this one. Pretty excited about the whole thought of getting my head around the problem of raw edges in the wrong place.

Its evening now and so I am off to pop a DVD in the machine and get more of block 6 completed in my Breast Of Friends.

technorati tags: bags, zipper bags, breast of friends, blocks

My Blocks

2011-05-20T12:17:00.004+09:30

This month has been a struggle for me to get my BOMs completed. I think it may have something to do with my first grandchild due in about 3 weeks. Doesn't help having Amy telling me its going to be early.....lol

This photo has been waiting to be posted to show you all. Finally I have a few minutes to sit and post a couple of photos.

Little stitcheries like this are just so relaxing in the evenings, after a busy day. Though of late I tend to just veg out and do nothing. This needs to change and I am happy to say last night I was happy to work on block 6 of my Breast Of Friends.

My sister Debbie was here the other afternoon and I was so pleased to show you our Breast Of Friends blocks we have completed.

Don't they look awesome next to each other?

We had a fun few hours together, Deb worked on her quilt and I made a backing for a quilt for a friend. It was just fun to chat and quilt together like a couple of "young" girls and chat about nothing stressful.

I'm still waiting on fabric to come via the post, 3 projects are waiting to be either started or finished. Its hard to sit and just wait...... but at the same time it makes the arrival even more exciting.

technorati tags: blocks, BOM, breast of friends, quilting, quilts

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:51:00.003+09:30

How was your Mother's Day yesterday?

Mine was awesome and I so hope yours was too. We had a BBQ at Amy & Ben's place and the weather was fantastic.

Amy & Ben gave me this beautiful bone china cup & saucer set. I have always wanted one as I love my tea from a tea pot and a cuppa in a china cup.

Due to me being such a klutz and breaking things, I have always been like a kid in a candy store......little face pressed up to the window and wishing. I refuse to pay the asking price.

Last dinner set came from the Salvation Army as I won't pay the prices asked at the shops.

I was told there is 2 in case I break one.........gotta love them for thinking about that. I also have strict instructions to use them.

James gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He knows how to get into the good books with his mum....lol

I love being a mum and I love Mother's Day.

technorati tags: gifts

Teddy Size

2011-05-07T10:39:00.003+09:30

Thought I'd show you the size of the teddy for the HUGGLES For Ethiopia appeal, by placing the first one I have made next to a regular size coffee mug.

Really happy with how well the teddy turned out and the size. Good for placing in a backpack along will a pile of others. Also a good size for little hands to grasp hold of.

The pattern can be found here.

How are your HUGGLES coming along??

Also many thanks to Kylie, as I was able to pop a Face Book link on my side bar and I have had a good response already.

technorati tags: HUGGLES For Kids, softies, toys, gifts

BOM For May

2011-05-06T15:43:00.005+09:30

This BOM block 5 was finished the day after its release. But I have been a little busy else where and have now found some time to post it.

The little beads in the hexi were bought at Lincraft (also now in Spotlight) and I have been after them for ages. Very excited to think I was able to use some so soon after buying them. I bought a little container of mixed colours, though I do plan on buying other single colour containers as time goes by.

Very much enjoying this BOM and many thanks to Dawn & Vicki for hosting it.

Now for my news.... HUGGLES For Kids is now on Face Book.

Yes, I know....for all you non Face Book people you maybe thinking What the!!!! I thought it was a good way to reach out to other people who may like to make softies but don't follow my blog.

I'd love to be able to pop a "Like" button for HUGGLES For Kids on my side bar, but haven't been able to work that out yet. Not even sure if I can. Time will tell. So until then, click on the HUGGLES photo and it'll take you to the page on Face Book.

You are most welcome if you are on Face Book to "Like" HUGGLES For Kids and follow my softies appeal. Just pop Huggles For Kids in the search bar and up she'll pop.

Spent some time outside cutting out felt faces for the teddies. First one is sewn and stuffed and just the opening to be stitched up. Very happy with the size of the teddy and how it looks.

I'll post a photo here tomorrow.

technorati tags: beads, BOM, DMC threads, HUGGLES For Kids, softies, toys

HUGGLES For Ethiopia Started

2011-05-05T17:14:00.003+09:30

Finally I have been able to start some teddies for HUGGLES For Ethiopia. I am sure it because the cut off point is the 1st of September, I hadn't started. This has now changed.

I for one don't want to have to rush at the last minute to make my share of these teddies. I want to enjoy making them and think of a child's face smiling as she or he is given a new toy, while I make them.

Dug the felt out of the wardrobe where I store it all. Not sure how I am going to use this for the faces. I do know I'll be using the sewing machine to sew the felt to the material. Going to be using the felt for the Teddy's eyes as well.

Seven cut out ready for faces to be added, stitched and stuffed. One thing I did notice, was I don't have a lot of "boy" fabric. Really need to get some tartan sort of cotton fabric or check for the little guys of this world.

How are your HUGGLES for Ethiopia coming along?? Don't forget to email me for the postal addess where these will be sent to. Amanda knows the lady personally who put the call out for 100 teddies.

technorati tags: HUGGLES for kids, softies, toys, gifts

String Quilt

2011-05-04T16:16:00.004+09:30

One thing I had learnt rather quickly when I started quilting, was never throw out your scraps.

They might just come in handy one day for other projects.

Well today I think I started my first official UFO. How about that, after 2 year and 4 months, I have a real honest to goodness UFO.

Not all these scraps are mine....lots have been given to me either when we have been working and sewing together or yep, sent to me in the mail....lol

Some of this wadding are scraps from when as a group we made 16 quilts for the Queensland Flood survivors.

I'm going with the biggest square I have in the sewing room..... 6.5 inches. One day I hope to own a bigger square.

Made 2 this afternoon. Figured I'd sew 4 together to make a big block and then use some yummy gold/mustard/ what ever colour it is for the sashing. That too was given to me....lol

After I tidied up the mess, I then started cutting out Teddy Bear shapes for the HUGGLES for Ethiopia. Took some photos but I will share them, in the up coming days.

Waiting on an order of fabric to arrive, so I figured a good afternoon on these 2 projects was the way to go.

technorati tags: HUGGLES for kids, quilting, quilts, blocks

Daniel's Quilt Finished

2011-05-01T18:24:00.003+09:30

I am so proud to show you Daniel's quilt, that I have only just finished off the binding.

So proud of this quilt as its all done by me. Except for some cutting Khris did, while I ironed her beautiful fat 1/4 pack of some lovely Moda fabric. Yeah I know we are a bit on the strange side....lol.

Love, love, love that little red border. I so think its makes the quilt and draws out the colour of the watering can as well as the ducklings webbed feet and their little beaks.

I want to show the girls before I take it next door, so hope he gets the quilt before he heads off to uni.

Almost wishing I was 3 weeks old...so I could keep the quilt...hehehehe

technorati tags: gifts, quilting, quilts

Swaps From Terri & Michell

2011-05-01T14:35:00.010+09:30

Love swaps, don't you?

I have 2 here for you to see. First is a mug wrap & coaster from Terri and the second is a bag swap from Michell.

What I love about Terri's wrap and coaster is ....its reversible. So one day I may feel like birds and one day the side the little birds make the fabric look like hearts. Thanks Terri I so love it.

The bag swap came all the way from New Zealand.

Love the bag ....so me and I can see myself using this bag heaps. Going to look so cool at the markets.

A cute magnet of hens.

Oohhhh a charm pack...on cute little barn buddies. That is already tucked away safe and sound. Maybe a quilt to use here at my place, for my little grandson??????

Gotta love this fabric. How cute are these animals.

Thank you so much girls I have so enjoyed receiving them. I love them all.

technorati tags: swaps, Moda, charm packs, animals

Daniel's Quilt

2011-04-30T11:37:00.004+09:30

Daniel's quilt is very slowly coming together, due to my fussiness in looking for a red/rust colour to match the watering cans in the panels.

I found it at Hettie's Patch and its called Tomato (colour number 42) by Bella solids from Moda. Starting a book with a scrap piece of fabric with all info on the brand, colour name and any numbers for future orders. Best part is the fabric didn't even run when I washed it by hand.

So love Moda.

Finished off the quilting in the ditch this morning and all that is left to do it trim back the edges and the bind it.

I was talking to my cat Lucky about the journey I am taking. As its the biggest quilt I have quilted so far. Thought I did help Dawn use her long arm quilting machine for the Queensland flood quilts.

I can see where I need to fine tune the pinning of the quilt and I know this will improve with practice. Said to Lucky it could have been the little bit tighter, but I have no intentions of unpicking all the quilting.

Also I need to not be so hard on myself, striving for the purr-fect finish. Hoping the awesome look of the quilt will over shadow the couple of areas where the fabric doesn't sit as well as the rest of the quilt.

I don't think Lucky was very impressed in me sharing my thoughts with her as she poked her tongue out at me when I took her photo.

Well back to the quilt and next time you see it, the quilt will be finished.

technorati tags: quilts, quilting, fabric, Moda

Star Blocks Finished

2011-04-25T15:21:00.003+09:30

All 20 star blocks have been now made and ready to have the sashes added. I just have to wait for the fabric to arrive I ordered.

You will notice the corner blocks are pieced together with 3 colours and not 2. Thought I would just be a bit different in that area.

Very happy with the blocks and Patrick was rather impressed when I had them spread out on the floor. Pat did ask me where this quilt was going and I was very proud to say, in our lounge room.

Guess it'll be a race to who gets to use it first each night....me, Pat or the cats....lol

technorati tags: blocks, quilts

Show & Tell

2011-04-24T12:44:00.007+09:30

Boy I so must love stitchery things as I have a few to show you today. These are usually done on Tuesday mornings and in the evenings. I leave the afternoons for my sewing machine.

Life Is Beautiful has really given me the needle turn bug. This one has been finished for a while now, just hadn't gotten round to taking a photo of it.

Finished this one last night, while watching the Ten Commandants on TV. Not sure yet if I am going to put these stitcheries together following the pattern or by making square blocks out of them. I'll decide at the piecing together time.

Block 4 completed in Teddy's Garden Treasures. I now have all the blocks cut out and placed with the block patterns. Block 1 is already hanging on the wall with the centre nearly completed. Then the arbor is to be stitched and then that one is finished as well.

Picked up this metre of Civil War reproduction fabric last week at Hettie's Patch. I grew up on western movies and so love the American history. There is even a blog I follow called Civil War Quilt s and will choose some blocks from them to make a quilt for myself. Looking at doing this in a couple of years time.

I thought I had posted a photo of the backing fabric I bought, but I couldn't find it on my blog. So here it is........Love it.!!!!!

Bit more fabric for Pat's birthday quilt was bought last week at Hettie's as well.

That all my show and tell for this post. Lots happening and hope your getting some sewing done in your house.

technorati tags: blocks, DMC threads, embroidery, fabric, life is beautiful, stitchery, quilts

Easter With Thoughts of Christmas

2011-04-23T18:57:00.005+09:30

Hot out the oven.

How is your Easter going so far??? Mine is coasting along rather beautifully and today Ben & Amy came for Easter lunch, as tomorrow they are with Ben's family.

Had a few precious seconds with my grandson as I was able to feel him rocking and rolling in Amy's tummy. I am just so busting to be a Nanna....lol

Jame was coming over but messaged me saying he was sick and thought staying away would be a good idea.Turns out he got food poisoning from his fish & chips he had last night for Good Friday. So he and Tamara are over on Monday night for a hot meal. Yay.

Chatting with the kids today I have worked out what I am giving Ben's parents for Christmas this year.

Yeah I know.....Easter bunny hasn't even come yet and I am off in another month of the year.

Thing is I am never excited about Christmas, now the kids are all grown up and left home.

Sales and who's buying for who and how big is the present. Takes all the fun out of it when I hear what lengths people go to. It hurts to go to the shops day after New Years day and see hot cross buns in the shops..... and people buying them!!!!! ....Its all about the all mighty $$$$.

In our house we see Christmas as a time for family and reflection of the meaning of Christmas. Presents are given from the heart, no matter how small they are.

Anyhow....... quilts seem to be the go for presents this year. I have to remember that both Amy & Anne are friend on Face Book ( as they should be....heheh) and not to let it slip there.

So its standing at the very second....as follows

Amy........ stitchery quilt
James .... appliqued quilt with funny weeds on it .....oh geez why wouldn't he take one with stars or log cabins on it???? Oh no, not my son....sigh.
Anne & Tony....thinking those raggy quilts made with flannel fabric.

That just leaves the hubby and the ankle biter for presents. Christmas is all sorted and now I just need to pull my finger out and get them started.

I love giving homemade gifts and I so love to receive them.

See what happens when I help out a dear friend and she teaches me how to make quilts!!!!!

For the first time in years I am so excited about Easter and Christmas and I think its due to a little fella who is going to meet his overly excited Nanna in about 6 weeks time.

Have a wonderful Easter guys and tomorrow I am hoping to have some show and tell photos.

I Had A Dream

2011-04-18T16:14:00.002+09:30

Even as a little girl I would dream of being able to embroider bullions. Well I am so proud to say that this dream has been fulfilled. Over the last 12 months I have dabbled here and there with bullions.

Look at how far I have come with this stunning style of embroidery.

Linda is the owner of this months hexi and I have taken the step and designed this month's myself.

I am so proud of the whole hexi from the flowers I picked to how well I have embroidered them.

technorati tags: bullions, hexagon, swaps

April's BOMs

2011-04-15T16:11:00.005+09:30

All my BOMs are completed for this month. Such a joy to sit and stitch at night.

Santa has had a bit too much eggnog I think. He's standing a bit too far to the left. But otherwise I am happy with how these have turned out.

Love blue china and so when I saw Vicki's teacups as one of the stitches for this month, how could I not stitch it! I see the strawberry as a jam with a yummy hot scone for it to be spread on.

Easy foundation block this month. Loved the block.

The left over fabric was used for this block.

I still have a hexi block to make, but I'll think about that one after this weekend as tomorrow is my daughter, Amy's baby shower. I am too excited to be thinking about starting anything new.

technorati tags: blocks, stitchery, foundation piecing, BOM

Baby Bibs

2011-04-14T19:55:00.003+09:30

Made these yesterday afternoon and finished them off today.

I wanted a little extra item for the baby shower on the weekend. So I thought some baby bibs would be a excellent extra.

So love the dog fabric....should have done cats instead though ......heheheh

Pat picked out the ABC/123 flannelet fabric from Spotlight on Tuesday. Feels so soft when handling the bibs.

I'll ask Amy on Saturday if she would like some more made. But she'll have to let me know if the bibs are too loud for her and Ben to dress their baby in.

Me I was always dressing the kids in bright items when babies.

technorati tags: baby items

Teddy's Garden Treasures A Goer

2011-04-12T20:02:00.002+09:30

Yes the Teddy's Garden Treasure is a goer and I had done as much as what I could. Today I was able to buy the rest of the skeins of DMC thread needed for the blocks.

So tonight I can sit and relax with my Supernatural DVDs and continue the stitchery.

I have decided the recipient for this quilt, will be my beautiful daughter, Amy. Who along with hubby Ben will be first time parents in 8 weeks.

What a beautiful Christmas present this quilt will make for Amy. She's doesn't look at my blogs, so she'll have no idea what I am planning. I want her first Christmas with bub to be an extra special one. With a gift extra special from her dad and myself and as Amy loves her Teddy's, I think its purr-fect.

This coming Saturday is baby shower party time. I wanted a couple of little extra items to go with the baby quilt I made for bubs. This flannelet fabric will be used on the back of some baby bibs I want to make, tomorrow afternoon.

Non of those soft pastel colours for my grandson.......nope, bright colours on the front and numbers & letters on the back. Pat picked this fabric out and I thought it was a fabulous print.

Well I'm off now to sit and relax after a fun and full day.

technorati tags: DMC threads, quilting, quilts, stitchery

Fabulous Sunday

2011-04-10T18:07:00.004+09:30

I had a fabulous Sunday sewing more star blocks together. Over at Khris' place I was able to spread the blocks out on her floor. No animals of any kind to run through them or fur on the floor.

At the start of the day I had 8 blocks completed. These had been made either on a previous day at Khris' or at home. Had some fun placing them in different spots and seeing how they looked.

Then I settled down and sewed another 4 blocks that I had cut up about seven days ago.

Now I have twelve blocks made and after chatting with Khris, Dawn and Terry I decided to make another 3 to match the bottom middle block. Can you see how the four 3.5 inch corner blocks are a different colour??

I cut another 3 blocks in that style but different colours and managed to get 2 of them sewn up. Haven't taken a photo of them yet.

Looking at having 4 blocks wide and 5 blocks down. We played with some of Khris' solid fabric for the sashing and the chocolate brown looks the best and brought the colours out in the block.

By this time I was the only one left at Khris' and it was time to head home.

I love my 2 days out with the girls. I get so much sewn be it stitchery blocks at Dawn's or machine sewn at Khris'.

On today's menu we had homemade pumpkin soup with hot bread rolls for lunch. Next weekend I'll take some of my famous sausage rolls to add towards our wonderful yummy lunches we always have there.

Guess you are wondering if I am going to make the Teddy's Garden Treasures quilt? Yes I am and guess what I am not keeping it.

Who is going to be receiving this quilt when its finished? You will have to wait until later in the week to find out....lol

technorati tags: blocks, fabric, florals, quilting, quilts, sewing

Star Cushion Finished

2011-04-08T16:16:00.003+09:30

I've had a very productive afternoon, spending a few hours finishing off my latest cushion.

Using the left over Aster Manor (Moda) fabrics from my wall hanger.

The back is my own idea as I have found out how cool zippers are. Plus once again only left over fabric was used.

Starting to get a nice collection of cushions in the lounge room now.

You can find the pattern by Heather Lownds in Country Threads Vol 11 No 2.

technorati tags: cushions, fabric, Moda

No Green Car

2011-04-08T10:02:00.004+09:30

The other day I showed you block 6 of the Breast of Friends quilt and how I wasn't happy with the green car.

After unpicking the car and starting from scratch again, I am so happy with the results. Wheels on the car will be buttons rather than fabric.

I think it is an improvement on the other photo and look at my sewing machine. I though an old black singer machine and some pink thread would be the go.

Very pleased I was able to stitch the word "quilt" and to be able to read it as that word.

Not sure about the sign post yet. Going to leave this till last. I am thinking the needle turn maybe a bit on the small side for me to grasp and have look tidy.

Anyway happy with the end result. Thinking that as time goes by my needle turn will improve even more. Well that is the plan.

Now I have a date with making some scones for morning tea and then finish off my star cushion.

Teddy's Garden Treasures

2011-04-06T19:39:00.004+09:30

I want you to picture me in your head.........

Sitting in my sewing room, looking at my coat hangers and thinking, do I really, really REALLY need to start another quilt????

I can think of 100 reasons for starting this quilt.

Lets take a look at those reasons.....

I have an empty coat hanger
There is only 10 blocks to it
Love the theme
Its so cute
So pretty
Love stitchery blocks

But is this enough to convince me I should start this quilt?

I love to sit at night and do my stitchery blocks. Beginning of the months are my favourite time as I have all my little BOMs I am involved in.

So for fun I have a poll on the side bar...you are most welcome to vote to help me decide.

But I must say.......I may not listen to what you vote.....lol

technorati tags: blocks, cotton threads, quilts, stitchery, embroidery

BOMs

2011-04-06T10:43:00.004+09:30

Start of another month is upon us and this means BOMs are available for downloading and then enjoying being stitched.

I was just so excited when I saw Vicki's teacups and popping Dawn's strawberry next to it reminds me of a lovely Devonshire tea somewhere in the Adelaide Hills. I complete this BOM out the back in the beautiful autumn sunshine.

This block is number 4 and such a joy to stitch. Love blue china plates and straight away decided to use the blue fabric from my honey bun.

Finally finished last years mystery BOM that Dawn was running through "our craft forum". Its been completed for nearly a fortnight, but I wanted to show Dawn first.

On the back is a signature block I made and have listed the year and who made the blocks for me.

I'm thinking if I hadn't put the snap-lock bag that was storing the blocks up on a coat hanger, they would be still sitting on the cupboard.

technorati tags: blocks, BOM, DMC threads, embroidery, table runner

Needle Turn

2011-04-03T17:00:00.004+09:30

Raise your hand if you like needle turn. My hand is up in the air, is yours?

Block 6 in Breast Of Friends is a block with needle turn.

On Friday I spent most of the day working on this car. Looks good, not a bad job if I can say this.

Couple of problems though......sigh.

Too much green as I was going to use a fabric with green grass for the hill. Far too much green, even for this green freak.

Also the hill should have been put on first.

So last night I did what all fussy quilters do....... no I didn't throw it in the cupboard...lol.

I unpicked the car and started from scratch again.

I love needle turn and I was so please with how secure the car was when I removed it. Last night I sewed the hill on and am happy with the end result.

Not sure what colour the car will be, you'll have to wait and see......chuckle

technorati tags: breast of friends, needle turn

Dear Jane Block A-4

2011-03-26T17:37:00.004+10:30

Spent most of this afternoon, working on a Dear Jane block. I'm thinking as I sit here in front of my laptop....... Geez I hope that all goes and fits together at the end of this journey I am taking.

Just think in ex amount of years down the track and oops! Its not gonna go together to flash.

I think I am just tired from this bug I have pick up somewhere. Or maybe its the 22 pieces of fabric I have just fussed over and the fact I am just rambling???

Love the colour I have chosen for this block. I had to unpick it back almost to the start as the cross wasn't level and it looked dickie. Wasn't that a load of fun? Could have left the block with the cross out of kilter. Mind you it would have mocked me from the folder I keep these all in.

So I sat and pulled the block apart. Must say it doesn't take as long to undo and fix as what a cable jumper can.

A-4 Courtney's Stethoscope all finished and now tomorrow, I'll see if I can have a crack at another block.

You're only limited by your imagination.

technorati tags: blocks, Dear Jane Quilt

Of Hexies & Dear Jane

2011-03-26T11:09:00.005+10:30

Even though I have been sick I have taken advantage of the sitting round the house and catching up with some hexi making. These little guys are rather addictive and fun to make.

This pincushion only took me Thursday afternoon and evening to cut out, make the hexies and sew the top and bottom hexies together. Then yesterday at quilting I finished the pincushion off and now its ready to be used in my sewing room.

That cute little turtle I made the other week lives in the lounge room next to my chair. This one is going to be used for my quilting flat pins as they have a longer needle.

I used half a charm pack of "Buttercup" from Moda for the project.

Made these 2 hexies for Geniene in our flower hexi monthly swap. Just need now to get them into the mail.

These are the hexies I have been sent in the swap. I've started to join them together as I want to make a big quilt from them.

These 2 above projects were great little easy items to do while not well. I was for most of it, able to curl up in my chair and just resting and sewing them together.

Another Dear Jane block made. Hoping to have another 2 made by Tuesday. This block along with the pincushion were either made or completed over at my usual Friday haunt at Khris' place.

Something about getting a good days quilting done outside one's own environment and distractions.

You're only limited by your imagination.

technorati tags: blocks, charm packs, Dear Jane quilt, hexagons, pincushion, quilt, swaps

Seeing Stars

2011-03-21T09:56:00.004+10:30

If you haven't already guessed...I love animals and am rather passionate about my cats. Free loading little buggers they are.

I made the top 2 and the bottom left hand block at quilting yesterday. Amazing how much a person can get done outside their own environment.

Back years ago I made a crocheted blanket with left over scraps of wool from years of knitting jumpers. The rug is hung over the lounge as the cats tend to like laying there. This works as a lounge cover, as its easier to wash that than the fabric on the lounge.

Cats adore wool and they are just so cute when they sprawl out across the top of the lounge and sleep.

This then caused a problem, as when I want to use the blanket, do I want all their fur as well to keep me warm?? Their fur tends to work its way into the threads of the yarn.

One day I had this amazing idea and the quilt is now being made.

Blocks are about 12 inches square and I am looking at making 15 of them and seeing how big it is. Then I'll decide if it needs more before the border goes on.

Fabric I am using is from my stash and none is being bought for this project. The floral fabric I bought way back at the start in 2008 and its not getting picked for anything. So I thought they'd look nice as the stars and use other fabric for the background.

What I am hoping to learn from this journey?

Practice my points.
Working with colours
Thinking outside my box

What I am hoping the cats will learn?

That mummy loves them
Its not their quilt
If mummy wants to use it....that is ok and not to give her that hurt look

You're only limited by your imagination.

technorati tags: blocks, cotton material, fabric, floras, quilting, sewing, quilts

HUGGLES For Ethiopia

2011-03-17T17:24:00.004+10:30

Today I was contacted by Amanda who is a member of our C-R-A-F-T Group with a request for HUGGLES For Ethiopia.

Compassion (releasing children from poverty) in conjunction with Catalyst Church in Ipswich sponsor children in Ethiopia. If you click on their link above it will take you to information on their mission.

This link will give you some information on Grace Centres.

Amanda sent me this email...

I was so inspired by your efforts with the Huggles, I shared with some wonderful friends in church who run the Ethiopia missions trips from our church.

they have about 80-90 sponsor children that they (or our church) look after (sponsor). when our teams go over to Ethiopia once or even twice a year sometimes, they spend quite a lot of time with the kids.

I had a crazy idea of seeing if our group and mostly your contacts of Huggles makers could over the next 5 months make Huggles for the team to take over to the children...it has so much potential to help these darling little kids, just like the healing they would have done for the kids of Grantham...

here is Emma's reply when I put the question of whether they could do with some Huggles for the kids...

Part of an email below from Em, in response with the news.

Straight away I got a sense of joy in my spirit about these little toys.

We don’t often carry toys- but there is something very cute and very special about these ones. (and they would be brand new)

I think it would be AMAZING if we could take one for each sponsor children. A big ask but if they are up to it I know we could make the room and add them to the gift packs we give the kids and I have a real feeling that they will be cherished for many years by our kids.

So I say YES YES YES if they could make up to 100 and any spares we would either give out at Grace or along the road. But if they could keep it to all the same size and maybe something familiar like colorful teddy shapes . But big enough to cuddle but small enough to not take up too much room. If they can’t commit to 75 at least then we can just use them at Grace or along the road…

Luv ya Em

HUGGLES For Kids is going to help these amazing young people in their quest for some donations. How awesome will it be to have them arrive with a brand new toy softies to HUGGLE and for this HUGGLE to be a child's very own toy.

Due to the backpacks, size will be a big factor and also what kind of HUGGLE is made. With the country being Muslim, a teddy is a safe item as it shouldn't offend anyone.

You can get your very easy and cute teddy pattern here. That is the actual size of the teddy, it prints out onto a A4 sheet of paper spot on.

I ask that the following be taken into count when making your teddies.

Bright colours
Embroidered or drawn on eyes, nose & mouth.
No items that can be removed by little fingers and put into mouths.

These teddies will be given to children of all ages.

Closing off date is 1st of September as this will give time for the teddies to be given to the people who will take them over on the 15th of September.

These can be posted straight to Amanda. Email me and I'll send you her postal address .

Can you help me out??? We're hoping to have 100 HUGGLES for these children and any extras will go to the Grace Centres.

I'm starting my HUGGLE teddies on the weekend.......

You're only limited by your imagination.

technorati tags: HUGGLES For Kids, softies, toys, gifts

Charming Pack Anonymous Meeting

2011-03-16T18:45:00.009+10:30

So how is your charm pack collection going? Is your collection breeding in your stash?

Mine is.

It all started with 2 charm packs that were put into sandwich bags to keep them clean. This didn't stop the multiplying, it seemed to increase the population.

Some were bought in a group order from overseas.

Gifts from swaps, birthdays and friends going overseas.

Some cos' I am a bloody good cook and I get paid in charm packs and not $$$.

Some for quilts and need to get their family members to move in as well.

Planning ahead for the grandson who has an animal nut for a nanna.

So there is a story behind every pack.........

How many charm packs do you own?????

My name is Lucky and I'm a Moda charm pack addict.

You're only limited by your imagination.

technorati tags: charm pack, Moda, fabric, charm squares

Fabric By Mail

2011-03-15T20:04:00.005+10:30

I was so excited today as mail came for me in the form of 6 yards of fabric from The Old Country Store.

Our next door neighbours are having their 2nd baby today and we have been told its going to be a boy.

8 pm and no sign of the proud dad yet. Hope all has gone okay today for them.

With their first baby I gave them some hand knitted baby jackets and this time round I thought a quilt would be a lovely gift.

Their little girl just adores my ducks and so that is the theme I am using for the quilt.

Its a Hoot by Moda. Love the colours and the best part is, I have seen the fabric range at a friend's place and so ordering the right fabric was easy as.

Essential Dots by Moda.....a great "filler" and so I ordered 3 colours to make the postage with while.

After a play with the fabrics I have picked the above colours to go with the duck fabric. I have had this duck fabric for about 18 months and now its going to be put to good use.

Yellow dots will be used for the binding and the green fabric next to it on the front and the green Essential Dots for the back of the quilt.

My mind is on overload with ideas on how to make the quilt. There are 6 little blocks of ducklings and so I'll leave them as a larger block and fill in with the other fabrics.

Must remember to make sure the label is made and put on too.

I am just so excited about the idea of making another quilt.

You're only limited by your imagination.

technorati tags: blocks, fabric, Moda, quilting, quilts, gifts