A Touch of Heart

AUSTRALIA DAY

2012-01-25T23:09:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their Australia Day. Usually we go to the river at Gross Wold for a picnic lunch but because we have had so much rain we decided to have our Aussy day at home. Kaitlyn loves the water so the sprinkler was the next best thing.
I had to take photos of Kaitlyn for her Mum to see (Sheree flew out to America on Wednesday) to show her that Kaitlyn was having a great day.

I think she had a great day.

(((HUGS))) Roz

A QUIET DAY

2012-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Lots of pictures to share today.
Today I have a day to myself. Kaitlyn has been here for the past few days and will return again tonight after going to the airport to see her Mum off on a business trip to the America. Whilst here she wanted to do some sewing on her scrappy quilt that she started about 18 months ago. Only one block to go and then ready to put them all together.
Kaitlyn couldn't decide what colour to use so brown it was. She quite enjoys sewing but like all 11 year old an hour or so at a time was enough.

However the next day all the blocks were completed and now just the sashings to do. She has done a great job and for me not too much unpicking. She is very proud of her quilt and says she wants to get it finished before her Mum returns home.

In between the cutting and ironing for Kaitlyn I was fiddling with an outfit I am hoping to wear to my daughters wedding (Kaitlyn's Mum) in April.

This little dress was the "Mother of the Bride " dress my Mum wore at my wedding 42 years ago. I have a wonderful friend Margaret who just loves a challenge and is making this into something special for me. The lace is beautiful and I have been cutting lace pieces to make an edging along the hem edge. I will show more pictures as it progresses.

I have found this old treasure. While over visiting my parents on the weekend and looking for empty jars I found this wonderful cake cooker on the very top shelf in the laundry. I had never seen this before and as a child I don't remember it being in my home so maybe it was there all the time but was never used. Has anyone ever seen one of these before. I think it to be quite old
especially when it reads you can cook a sponge for a penny. There is no thermostat only the little glass top into which you look to see if the contents are cooking. No on or of switch.

The name on the little recipe book says "St. George" electric cooker and is designed to cook cakes, scones and biscuits.

Yesterday Kaitlyn and I decided to try it out and made one of the recipes in the book. A Chocolate coconut cake. It was very strange cooking a cake this way to see how it was cooking we had to use a torch to look into the glass panel. It took longer to cook that it said but the cake cooked well and is quite moist.

Kaitlyn enjoyed icing the cake.

I also made some tomato chutney from our home grown tomatoes.

I forgot to show these photos in my last post. I usually try to make a little Christmas decoration each year for the grand children and these are what I made.

The blue snowman was for Zoe.

The red one for Kaitlyn.

And the penguins for Ryan.

Thanks for looking in. (((HUGS))) Roz.

A New Year

2012-01-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year to Everyone.

I have been absent from blogging for so long now, with my limited knowledge of computers I think I may need a refresher course.
I have been somewhat busy as we all were through the Christmas period but did get a bit of stitching done here and there. I've decided to do the 365 days journal this year and have found this to be a great way to remember the year of 2012 and to have a quilt at the end.
As I said a bit of stitching. A cushion made for my eldest daughter made from 2 tea towels.

The left over linen was used to make my very first Tilda doll for little Zoe. These 2 things were supposed to be for Christmas but did not quite get finished so were my first finishes for 2012.

The first weekend of December saw my youngest (Joshua) turn 30 and get engaged. We travelled to Ballarat for the occasion which was wonderful Josh and Robyn seem to be on top of the world and very happy.

Another stitching project I had to get finished before Christmas was an apron for the Patchwork group I belong to. Kaitlyn so graciously models the apron for me.

Has anyone ever seen a lemon like this one? We found this one on our lemon tree recently and thought it to be really strange. We counted 16 lemon forms coming on the one fruit.

During the lead up to Christmas I stitched these little embroideries and completed putting them together on Christmas Eve. I like to make something special each year so was happy to see these hanging over the door.

Also made these little bon-bons for gifts to special friends. I filled them with a little tree decoration and chocolates. They looked fabulous I thought.

Zoe Grace's Christmas stocking was finished in time to hang up for Christmas. This year I hope to get another stocking started for our soon to be son in law Craig.

(((HUGS))) Roz.

QUILTING AT LAST

2011-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have finally started to quilt my "Seasons of the Heart" quilt. So far everything is sailing along smoothly. I have quilted almost half of the quilt over the past few days. These is so much embroidery deciding where to quilt can be a problem at times but I am pleased with it so far. A bit of a diversion from quilting. I joined up to do this free online workshop on
Sew Mama Sew's blog every Wednesday (Thursday here) for 4 weeks. I have been following along and today the second lesson we had to fuse all the pieces to the background and stitch them in place.

I am quite happy with how it looks and can't wait until next week. The wall hanging is called "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" and is an Advent Calendar.

BLUE AND WHITE QUILT TOP

2011-10-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Is finally finished. I have been working on this quilt top almost non stop to get it ready for Lou before her return from England. Although a simple quilt it was still time consuming and like most things we make seemed to take forever. I am very happy with the results. Trying not to put fabrics together was the biggest problem and I am sure when it is all quilted and bound we are sure to see those 2 fabrics together it is inevitable and seems to always happen. Thought I would share these few photos.

FRIENDS PARCEL

2011-10-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

I can now reveal what I received from my "FRIENDS SWAP" partner Laura in America as she has now received my parcel. This was a fun swap organised by Khrys at Prim Khrys.

These are all the goodies I have received from Laura.

F - Flowers (hand painted decoration)
R - Ring

I - Ice cube ( this is hand fused glass and contains Christmas lights)
E - Eggs (hand painted)

N - Necklace

D - Diffuser ( perfumed)

S - Snowmen (hand painted decoration)

These are all my gifts ready to be sent to Laura.

These last two photos are of the little bonnets I made for Zoe. The photos went missing into cyber space as they did not show up on my last post.

2011-09-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Will miracles never cease. Had to sneak this photo in of my DH replacing a button on his shorts. I had told him I was too busy for such a task and told him if I wasn't around he would have to do these things for himself and so he did just that. Is this the start of a whole new beginning I wonder???? The concentration!!!!!!

Took the three Grandies to the Australian Reptile Park on Tuesday thank goodness it was a nice sunny day. The kids had a ball Gregdad and I were exhausted. There is always lots to see at the park, animals wandering around, crocodile feeding and lots of other interesting things to do

These are my "FRIENDS" parcels already wrapped and were posted of to Laura in America last Monday. This was a fun swap run by Khris at Sew Prim Khris. You had to make or collect a gift for each letter of FRIENDS. I hope Laura likes what I have sent her.

Recently I purchased a cute little Summer hat pattern from "Little Betty" blogspot and made these hats for Zoe. I made 3 hats and of these 2 were reversible so she now has 5 hats for Summer.

I have finally started the blue and white quilt. The picture below is the quilt that Lou wanted made from all the beautiful fabrics she has had for over 25 years. The date on the bottom of the photo taken from an old magazine is dated 1996. I found this picture in amongst all the fabric.

(((HUGS))) Roz.

A Nightmare almost finished.

2011-09-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

These little blocks were started way back when as Friendship blocks and were not completed. These were to be my next project to get finished but I came across a few hurdles with the borders. I stopped counting how many times I reversed sewed (unpicked) so I gave up and put the blocks back in the too hard box. Was I not reading the pattern right, was I measuring wrong? I could not get the first 2 borders to fit even though all the blocks put together were the right size. Yesterday I decided to have another go. I unpicked the first border once again, cut new borders 1" bigger and restitched. The checkered border was my problem in the first place as it was too big and could not be cut down it had to fit just right. My problem was the pattern book was WRONG. Finally after much measuring and fudging I have finished the first 2 borders but sadly because I had to recut the first border I have not enough of that fabric for the outside border but I am happy now with how it looks. A trip to the quilt shop soon I think.

A few photos to share. This is Kaitlyn working on her school project. The project was Rainforests so she was painting a background to do a colarge I did't get to take a photo of the finished piece but it was pretty good.

Came out onto my verhanda on Monday and here was Zoe sucking at the water hose. You would have thought she was really thirsty. I think she just loves playing in the water especially on these lovely warm days we are having.

Doily Hexagons

2011-09-13T18:10:00.001-07:00

I have had some lovely comments by bloggers with regards to my Doily Hexagon wall quilt. I am very happy with how it is coming together. The doilies are getting harder to find now in Op shops but I have some wonderful friends that find one or two occassionly. Not a very clear photo, but the best I can take with the camera I have. I seriously think I need a new camera. Thanks for all the lovely comments.

(((HUGS))) Roz.

Seriously busy life.

2011-09-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a few random photos.
I don't seem to be able to have much time to myself lately. With looking after Zoe 2 days a week helping Kaitlyn with school projects and general life things I need my life to slow down.
I am not a gardener so I love to see colour and Spring brings out those beautiful colours. A bit blurry but this photo is of a small part in my garden. Love the orange and white together. On Fathers Day our family went to Bobbin Head for a picnic. It is amazing what we have on our doorstep. There was a board walk from the picnic area to the marshes and then on to a beautiful Rainforest Gully. Zoe had a wonderful time exploring over the rocks near the waterfalls. She was only just starting to walk.

We had to leave the pram and carry Zoe but the walk was worth the effort.

On the way we saw these bush turkeys making their nest they were certainly not afraid of people around. I could not believe how big the nest was and it was getting bigger as we watched.

Here are my 2 daughter Sheree and Danielle with Zoe standing in the mangroves.

This photo is of Kaitlyn after she had just had her hair and make-up done for her physical culture competition.

A friend of mine has been collecting doilies for my hexagons and in amongst the pile was this very beautifully embroidered stocking bag with hand made tatting around the edge. This was too good to cut up so as my daughter Danielle collects old linens I gave it to her to add to her collection.

Recently I was in a Mug Rug swap with a blogger Diane in America. In my parcel she included a homemade jar of Hot Pepper jelly so I made some pastry swirls using philly cream and the jelly and I must say they were delicious and not hot at all.

A few eeks ago my DH Greg and I spent a few days in Canberra. He particularly wanted to go to the Australian War Memorial and see the Vietnam Memorial. He is a National Service Returned Serviceman so that was of special interest to him.

We found this plaque in the sidewalk. He was in 104 Signal Squadron betwen 1968-1969.

The The National Service Vietnam Memorial.The Vietnam Memorial.

Not much stitching done these days. I had to make these red cushions for Danielles' Sister -in-law. I did a log cabin design in all the same Ikea fabric.

My other little project was to make a little dress for Zoe. When Danielle was a small girl she always said when she had a little girl of her own she would dress her in red and white spots.

Parcel opening

2011-08-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I received this parcel from my Mug-Rug swap partner in America. Because I didn't want to open it until Diane had received my parcel I have waited patiently. Well today I have opened my parcel (as you can see already opened by Australian Post) so I was hoping nothing had been taken out.

How thrilled am I to have received this wonderful package of goodies. Diane has made a beautiful mug rug in the colours I had requested. There is a jar of her homegrown, homemade Hot Pepper Jelly that sounds yum, some Delicious chocolates a couple yards of red and blue rick rack, a postcard and thank you card. How lucky am I.

This is my beautiful mug rug but I think I will be using this as a mat on my table it is quite a big mat. Thank you Diane for being a great swap partner.

This is what I made and sent to Diane. the mug rug, a coaster and 3 little owls. I also included

two fat quarters. These were the colours Diane chose.

Seriously bad at blogging

2011-08-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know where the time goes. Looking after my wee grand daughter 2 days a week certainly takes away my stitching time but these times are precious as she grows. She had her plaster taken of on Monday and everything is fine but she is still crawling like a crab. A parcel has arrived at my house from America. I joined in on a Mug Rug swap last month and this is the parcel from my partner. I won't open it until Diane has received my parcel I have been running a little late on this one.

I have been commissioned to make a quilt with these beautiful blue and white fabrics. A woman my DH works with has had these fabrics for about 20 years she purchased them in Paris with the intentions of making a quilt but became quite daunted by this as she knew nothing about making a quilt. I haven't started as yet as I am waiting on some extra dark blue fabric being sent from overseas that match what I already have. The quilt she wants is very simple and shouldn't take too long to make once I get started.

Whilst I was cleaning up my sewing room again I found these little blocks carefully put away safely in their own little box. A few years ago the Wednesday Girls decided to do a friendship quilt so this was the one I chose with each block signed. I have started to put them together but am having troubles fitting the last border. Just one of life's challenges.

(((HUGS))) Roz

LUCKY ME

2011-07-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

Yes me..... first time ever I was the lucky one to win this wonderful pattern and a beautiful fabric pack from Lynette Anderson Designs. The pattern is "Scandinavian Snowball Fun"

2011-07-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few photos of my wee grand daughter who has broken her leg. She has a spiral fracture of the tibia apparently quite common although not in my family. This is a half cast and today she was going back to the hospital to have a full cast put on. This cast will stay on for up to six weeks. Luckily for her parents she has adjusted really well and is still able to crawl around and get into everything she is such a happy baby.

Finally completed the Dragonflies.

2011-06-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

This little quilt sure has been bugging me. This was a quilt I started quite a long time ago just because I was not in a good frame of mind to start anything large as I have so many OFO's and my goal this year was to get lots of these completed. I have procrastinated over and over again to get the quilting done but struck barriers each time. It was time to put it away for a bit.

Wednesday I went to Amanda Daly's class and was so determined to get the quilting finished. All went well at class and Thursday I set myself the goal to finish the quilting and get the binding on.

Glad to say the dragonfly quilt is FINISHED.

Another Post.

2011-06-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it..... 2 posts in one week. Just wanted to share what I have been doing recently, apart from finishing a lot of my UFO's. I have been quilting the dragonfly quilt I have stipple quilted the main section and around the borders have done a sort of swirl quilting design. Over the past few months I have been making these hexagons using old doilies I have either made myself some past years ago, collected from my Mum or picked up at various Op Shops. My friend Helen and I are also sharing doilies so we will have a lovely collection.

A close up of some of my doily hexagons.

Recently I started on these Cathedral Window blocks. I have really enjoyed doing these although time consuming to prepare I really love the way they look.

Parcel arrives

2011-06-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

In all this very cold windy wet weather we have been having over this past week it was great to receive a parcel in the post. My pincushion base has arrived home safely after being to Melody in Victoria Australia, Dianne in Nova Scotia Canada, then onto Laura in Mino North Dekota and finally home again. I have enjoyed this venture with Fiona over at BubzRugz it has been a great experience and I am thrilled with my base. Now to make it into a beautiful pincushion. Some of the goodies Laura put in my parcel. Thank you Laura.

My quilt for Zoe is now completed and I gave it to her for her first birthday. I have not seen it on her bed as yet but I am sure it will look great and just finish of her room.

This is the label I put on the back. An old doily I picked up at the Op shop some time ago. They make great labels for quilts.

I made this little table decoration for Zoe's first birthday.

Proud Grandparents

2011-05-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

A quick bragging post... Last night we visited the Hawksebury Show to see how GS Ryan did as he had entered three chooks and some eggs into the show. Well he did very well winning a First place 2 seconds and Highly commended.
These are his 2nd. place winning eggs. Looks very proud of himself I think.

This chook took out first place

And this was his 2nd. place card for the next chook

He also had a chook similar to this one that he got Highly Commended.

Where do the days go

2011-05-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

I promise myself each day that I will update my blog but the day has ended and still no blogging. So today is the day before May ends.
I know this is a little late but I wanted to share this photo of my 2 oldest Grandchildren with their Grandfather and Great Grandfather at the recent Anzac Day Service. This was the first time Ryan has attended a service. He stood very proud even though it was very wet and ever so cold.
The weekend after Dh and I looked after these 2 whilst their parents went away to celebrate their 10th. wedding anniversary.

We had a great time with the kids.

And isn't it amazing what you let your Grandkids do whilst their parents are away. We did some cleaning up in the front garden so the 2 of them decided to help. I am not sure whether Ryan is trying to sweep his little sister away or trying to stop her from leaving home.

After crawling everywhere she needed a good hose down.

Last week I cut out all these squares from flannelet to make a little raggy cot quilt for the portable cot Zoe sleeps in when she is here each week

Yesterday I completed the stitching and got it washed and dried. These little quilts always feel so soft and cozy. I was pleased at how it turned out.

Another UFO out of the box. Yippeeeeeee. I picked this quilt up from the quilters on Saturday and have started to put the binding on. This quilt is for Zoes bed the last of all the things I have made for her room.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE

2011-04-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

I do a little bit of Easter decorating but only a little. I haven't been collecting Easter decor for long but am getting a few small pieces.

I made this bunny a few years back adapting a reindeer pattern for the bunny. She sits proudly on a pedestal at the bottom of the stairs with her little friend.

My DD gave me this cute rabbit candle just the other day. Very sweet.

I made this cutie on Monday and GD Kaitlyn scored this one for herself.

Lastly I had to make a special order of something crafty for my DH to give to his 2 work colleagues so I found this pattern from http://www.myrtleandeunice.com/ a little tricky at first but then again I am not a good one for reading patterns properly but I was happy at how they turned out considering I only had 24 hours notice.

Lastly I have finished the wool embroidery on Laura's pincushion. It will be winging its way to North Dakota very soon. I hope she likes the finished top.

Thanks to Fiona at Bubz Rugz for organising this great swap. My part is the blue heart with the red flower and purple spray flowers.

The yellow butterfly and little flying bugs and also the orange flowers along the edge.

Quilt top finished

2011-04-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

The way it was originally designed. I am definitely not an arty type of quilter so this was a bit of a challenge for me and I have to say I like this one a whole lot better. This little quilt is an Amanda Daly design I have been attending classes with her for quite some time. Next week I hope she will be able to give me some quilting ideas to finish it off and not be another UFO. The close-up of the dragonflies these are raw edge applique.

Another UFO has found its way out of the box. I think these 9 blocks were started about 2 years ago and were a free BOM from Gail Pan Designs. I did finish all the blocks in that year but never got to put them into a wall hanging .

They are now pinned onto my design wall and today I am cutting out the borders.

BUSY BUSY

2011-04-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yes time passes very quickly in this household. Looking after my newest grand baby is just wonderful she is such a treasure. Meal times are wonderful if only her Mum knew what I fed her some times. Here is little Zoe enjoying her Vegemite crust loves every bit of it and gets into the biggest mess.

My eldest Grand daughter lives with us and is also a treasure. I have been kept very busy over the past few weeks helping her with one of her school projects on "Gold". Last week I was making her an outfit for the Colonial school incursion. They were having a travelling show from the Australiana Village come visit the school and the children were asked to dress in old colonial dress.

How cute does she look? The little case Kaitlyn is holding is my Dad's original school case made by his father some 83 years ago. Kaitlyn felt very proud going off to school yesterday carrying her lunch in that little case.

A little bit of leisure as well. Last Sunday we took my beautiful parents on another adventure. This time we went to Palm Beach and caught the ferry across to Umina. A lovely day and the weather was wonderful.

This week I have tried real hard to get some stitching done but I didn't achieve much. I did however get this apron finished. I showed this in an earlier post it was all in pieces when I found it at my Mum's house during my Spring clean. I think that it would probably be at least 30 years old as are some of her other aprons as I can remember her always having one of these crossed stitched aprons almost every day.

The embroidery has been completed on my next Christmas stocking for Zoe. I am waiting on the velvet backing to arrive from The Crewel Goblin to completely finish this one.

Lastly on my design wall I have been slowly and I mean very slowly working on this little wall hanging and the more I looked at it the least I liked it. I took it along to class last night with out the side and bottom borders and am now working on the original design. When I started this I thought I would like to do something totally different to what I usually do but I have decided I am more of a traditionalist than an arty farty quilter.

BORDERS ARE ON

2011-03-31T15:24:00.001-07:00

I am really happy to say that the borders are on my BOM quilt. I have been working on this quilt for 14 months , there was a fair amount of embroidery on each block that kept me very busy but I have enjoyed every moment.

Yesterday I was determined to get the borders on and everything went very smoothly.

This is the finished quilt top. One of the inner embroidered borders.

A really cute little heart cornerstone on the final border

I am going to quilt this one myself it just needs minimal quilting and lots of little heart buttons which I have been collecting over this past year. Hope I have enough.

What have I been working on.........

2011-03-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

Over the past year myself and 5 of my friends from my patchwork group have been working on a BOM called "Seasons of the Heart" by Leanne Knell from Petals & Patches. I have completed the 9 blocks and although I liked the original patterns of the embroidery I have changed about 90% and designed my own or used patterns from other embroideries I have done before. These are just a few of the blocks

Hopefully by the end of this week I will have all the blocks together and the borders on as I am quite keen to get this one finished. So more photos to follow on my next post.

PINCUSHION

2011-03-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

As a part of Fiona's Crazy Felt Pincushion swap, today I have finished my part on Dianne's pincushion. This is my first experience at wool embroidery and I quite enjoyed it. Now it is ready to post on to Laura in North Dakota.

AN ENJOYABLE DAY

2011-03-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday my DH and I set out early to travel to Oberon to attend a swap meet. I don't usually go to these but after all I have been doing lately for my parents etc I needed a day out.
Travelling up through the mountains the fog was quite dense until we got a bit higher and I was able to see and take a few photos.

The landscape looked beautiful with the fog in the valleys. So fresh and clean.

At the swap meet apart from the few car pieces my DH purchased I was lucky to meet up with a fellow blogger jannimary, and look at what I bought from her stand. An old icing set for my daughter Danielle, an old frame and a whisk and all for a good price. It was lovely to talk to someone who has the same interests and to think I have often followed her blog and her bike riding experiences.

Also purchased these few items. The little fan is for a friend who loves fans.

After leaving the swap meet we headed for Bathurst to visit the patchwork shop Home Patch but unfortunately it was closed. On our way out of town there was an auction at the showgrounds we just had to go in to have a look.

Well we came home with this occasional table.....

Another mirror for my mirror wall I just loved the shape of this particular one.

And a bargain for $5. a lot of old picture frames. Danielle is forever looking for old frames so once cleaned up they will go to her home.

All in all we had a lovely day.

HOME AGAIN

2011-03-09T16:56:00.001-08:00

Yes came home last night after spending time helping my parents. My Dad came home from hospital on Tuesday night and is doing well. I will be returning there next Tuesday when Dad then goes in for an eye operation. Everything seems to be happening all at the same time. Whilst I was at their home it gave me a great opportunity to do a bit of spring cleaning. Now I know you can all imagine how much clutter has been collected after being in the same home for over 54 years?????? There was lots. Many bags of stuff went to the charity bins and lots went in the garbage bin.

I was able to get my wool pincushion base ready to be posted to Melody for embellishing. I guess this is like a round robin pincushion started on Bubzrugz.blogspot.com. Sure am looking forward to receiving Diannas' base from Canada.

During my cleaning up at my parents home I found a few things I thought I would like to keep.

I made this knitting bag for my Mum a few years ago when she was a prolific knitter. These days she only does a bit of embroidery and crocheting which is pretty good for an 86 year old.

How cute are these little embroidery transfers and look at the price.

Also came across this unfinished cross stitched apron. All the pieces are there to complete the apron so in a spare moment I will do just that. I can remember my Mum doing a lot of these types of aprons.

The pattern for the above apron was in one of these book along with lots of other hand drawn patterns

And these were two of a draw full of aprons that I found stuffed in a cupboard. These certainly do bring back lovely memories. My Mum always had an apron on as she went around the house doing her daily chores or cooking, both of which she does not do much of these days.

A few years back (about 2 years I think) my friend Chris and I bought some yellow chenille fabric with the idea of making some chooks. Well I wanted to do something reasonably easy during my days of rest from my parents AND get finished so I stitched up the 2 chooks.
How cute do they look. I guess you can say that this was another UFO just waiting to be made.

A Quick Post Today

2011-03-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

I have not been able to post lately as I have been staying with my Mum whilst my Dad is in hospital. Am home today for a bit of a rest myself as my sister has taken over the Mum sitting duties for the weekend.
I am so happy with myself before I left to go to Mum's I wanted to get another UFO finished. This quilt became my worst nightmare. The top had been completed some ? years ago and I had started machine quilting it in June 2008. Nothing seemed to go right at the time so it was put away for a better day. Last weekend I started the quilting and once I got into it everything went smoothly. Took me three days and the quilt was complete.

Because the quilt is now well over 8 years old I have misplaced the fabric for the binding (probably used it in another project) so it still is not totally completed but I am pleased I only have the binding to do.

This is my finished quilt (well almost). Another UFO out of the box.

What UFO will be next????????

2011-02-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have decided I really must get some of my unfinished projects out of the box. So I decided to start with the smaller items to get into the swing. I had made this bag some time ago for a workshop so decided to make the pincushion (pattern from Polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com) and send them to the Quilters Guild for the recent flood appeal for sewing items. I made some extra pincushions from the same pattern.

My next project to finish was my Christmas wreath again a pattern from Polkadotpineapple.

It took me a year to make all the leaves and lucky for me I received a glue gun for Christmas so was able to put all the leaves on, that took me some time not being used to this glue stuff, but I am just so pleased at how it turned out so many thanks to Arlette for this great tutorial.

The school holidays came and went and we had the grand kids stay over a few times oh except for the one who lives here she always stays over. They will sleep anywhere. Here is Kaitlyn curled up on her doona on the family room floor where she often camps out. This time she had Bobbin to keep her company.

Last Saturday we headed off to Terry Hills to watch our grandson Ryan compete in his pony club gymkhana with his horse Silver. Although this time he didn't win a ribbon he did so well considering he was the youngest there and had the smallest horse.

And this is Zoe now 8 months old and I think a budding star at the computer.

My other completions so far were 2 small table toppers I had started as samples for a workshop.

Whoops the photo went sideways. This was a satchel bag I had started at a quilting retreat last November. A little complicated but after reading and re-reading the pattern it finally sunk in and I was so glad I got it finished.

Lucky last. This cushion was 11 years in the making. I had made my friend Rhonda a Little Red School House quilt for her 50th. birthday and this block was left over so 11 years later I made the block into a cushion and gave it to her for her 61st. birthday.

I told you I was determined to get some projects finished.

Where oh where have I been

2011-02-11T01:09:00.000-08:00

Well literally to the back of Bourke and back. And what an absolutely great time we had. We set out the day after Boxing Day our first stop Young. Our travels to Bourke included stopovers at Lake Cargelligo and Cobar.

Whilst at Bourke New Years day we went shutter shopping not a place was open all well secured with roller doors. The photo below is of the main street.

A beautiful building the original post office.

The flooded Darling river. We were very fortunate that we were not caught up in any of the floods but we did have to rethink our travels not to include going into Queensland.

We spent a few days in Bourke a very hot place in the middle of summer which did not both us too much it was the giant mosquitoes that were a bigger problem.

Because we had to change our travel plans we then headed South through to Nyngan, Warren,

Coonamble, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Warrumbungles, Coonabarabran then as our original plans were to go to Lightning Ridge we set out and travelled North again. Then we headed for home stopping at lots more caravan parks. I certainly will not bore you with the 500 plus photos just to say we had a wonderful holiday travelling over 3,200 kilometers.

Variety Club Youth Choir Flash Mob 'I am Australian'

2011-02-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

I am still around.

2010-11-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Or is that going around the bend?????
Sorry I have not been posting but I have been somewhat busy looking after DH after his operation. All went well he had 5 by-passes which was a rather large shock to us all but he is recovering well and if he doesn't want me to nag he goes for his daily walks and does all his exercises.
I have also taken on looking after my wee grand daughter Zoe for 2 days a week. She is 5 months old now and such a delight and so contented..
I have no computer at present seems it wanted to keep blacking out so it is in for repair I am sending this message on DH's computer. I hope to be back in action next week when I can post some photos.
(((HUGS))) Roz.

Another Tuesday Treasure and a Thank You

2010-09-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

To all you wonderful bloggers who have wished us well with regards to my DH thank you. We now have a tentative date for the operation the 7th. October. The family are all very positive so now we just wait. Greg has gone away this week to Adelaide with his mate so I was happy that at least he did not have to cancel this trip but unfortunately the doctor won't let him go on the Camp Quality car rally he is really disappointed but his health has to come first.

Today (a day late) is my special Tuesday Treasure. This beautiful dolly has had a very exciting life. When my Mother was a young woman around 16 or 17 she worked in a butchers shop. Each week an elderly lady would come by and Mum would give her bones and bits and pieces to feed her beloved dog. Being the Depression and no money this lady was so grateful to Mum that she would bring in little gifts and this celluloid doll was one of those gifts. She had told Mum that she treasured this doll and that she had had her for a long time and she knew Mum would treasure her also. My Mum thought that the lady would have been in her 80's. We don't know how old the doll is we know that she is German made and from celluloid containing gun powder.

When I was about 3-4 years old Mum gave her to me to play with and I promptly bit the dolls nose of her face. Poor baby had to go to the Doll' Hospital for a nose job. I never saw her again when she came home Mum packed her away. Just after I was married Mum gave her back to me and for 40 years she has had a very happy life.

Today I have given my dolly to my eldest daughter Danielle. She has always loved dolls and I just know she will treasure this dolly as much as I did

I have dressed her in the Christening gown that Mum had made for my eldest brother and I. I believe the petticoat is made from parachute material.

A photo of my precious grand daughter Zoe Grace. She is such a good baby sleeps and eats how perfect is that and great for her parents.

Another UFO out of the box. About 8 years ago when my first grand daughter was 2 I started this little smocked dress but never got around to finishing. Now with a new little girl in the family I had to finish and would you believe that all I had to to was put 3 buttons down the back. How slack is that. At least one of my grand daughters will get to wear it.

A busy week

2010-09-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

This has been a very stressful week. On Monday I spent the day at the hospital with my DH having tests on his heart and unfortunately after meeting with the heart surgeon on Wednesday he has told us that open heart surgery is the only way to proceed to correct the blocked arteries that were found. How can you feel really good with no symptoms of heart problems have a very full life and now we are dealing with a major operation probably within the next few weeks?
Just another of life's hurdles I guess.
Well aside from all that I went to the North Rocks markets last Sunday with my daughter Danielle and found this cute little mirror to add to my mirror wall in my lounge. I have been on the look out for quite some time for one the right size and this one fits perfectly.

I also came across this cup and saucer. I can hear you saying it is only a plain white set but upon turning it over to look at the maker found that it had my name Roslyn as the maker on the base. I asked the seller how much it was explaining it was my name on the set he gave it to me for $2. what a bargain.

If you look carefully you can just make out Roslyn Fine Bone China made in England. I googled the maker and found that it had been made by Staffordshire pottery between 1958-1963

Over the past few weeks have been refashioning a few t-shirts. I bought 2 skivvies a while back for $7. each but didn't like the way the neck sat so after looking at a few blogs I decided to refashion them.

Firstly I removed the neck and cut of the sleeves, these I used for the decorating of my new t-shirt.

The first 2 photos are of the skivvy ready to refashion

My finished and first t-shirt refashion. I am so happy at how they turned out.

Two new tops for Summer.

A close up of the neckline of the white t-shirt.

My second cream refashioned t-shirt.

Tuesday treasure

2010-09-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am trying my hardest to be here each Tuesday for Clare's Craftroom Tuesday Treasures.
Today my little treasure is this kookaburra that belonged to my Dad. I don't know how old it is but has been around for as long as I can remember. I actually saved this little treasure from being thrown away a long long time ago. Dad tells me that at one stage the beek was broken of and that he used his spit to glue it back on and it is still there to this day. Now can you believe that???
Oops the photo is sideways. Finished the binding so another quilt finished. I am slowly getting through them but often get diverted to do other things I find along the way.

Like this cute owl family. At my patchwork group over the past few Tuesday evenings some members have been bringing in their owls either handmade or purchased so I wanted to join in on the fun. This was a Japanese pattern I found on the net after googling fabric owls.

Thanks

2010-08-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

To all those that have put a comment on my blog for Tuesday Treasure. I enjoy reading them and am thrilled at least some are interested enough to make a lovely comment thank you all.
Over the past few weeks I have been doing my best to get some UFO's finished. Another quilt is now having the binding put on so I am well on the way to another finish.

Last weekend my DH and I took my dear parents on a mystery day trip. We headed for the Central Coast and visited Budgiewoy where as a young family we spent many school holidays at the camping area. We had a very large army tent that was divided into 3 rooms. I can remember the ice man visiting every second day to keep the ice chest cold, the bake house where we got fresh bread everyday and ate the middle out of the bread, the hessian walled toilets and a dose of caster oil every few days but the best part was we could swim from dawn till dusk it was a very safe and fun place. I think we will always treasure those memories. Whilst having morning tea this pelican wanded over for a visit, I think he was eyeing off our biscuits.

We went for a walk to see if we could recognise any landmarks but everything has changed so much. When we camped the water was about 2 metres from our tent with lovely sandy shores now the land has been filled so no lovely white sand and the camping area is set well back from the lake. Oh well I guess that is progress but it is nice to have those memories. My parents had a great day reminiscing and having a lovely walk around the area.

Tuesday Treasure

2010-08-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

I have again joined in on Clare's Tuesday Treasure. I wanted to share my wedding bouquet. Silk flowers were becoming fashionable 40 years ago so I chose them for my wedding. They still look as fresh as that special day. Thanks Clare for continuing the Tuesday Treasure.

I have made these pot holders for a friend who gave me some old jeans recently. All I needed was the hems and side seams but after seeing similar on Teresa's blog I decided not to waste any of the denim. Jill has just moved into a new house, I hope she likes the gift.

My Grand daughter has decided she wants to sew. I started her stitching a strip pieced block and she took to it like she was a professional. Her lines were so straight, the concentration on her face and her determination was amazing. I hope she continues to enjoy.

She didn't like the ironing part of the process but got used to it after a while.

A quick post

2010-08-27T00:34:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my dresden plate quilt. I put the last stitches in the binding on Wednesday night and am thrilled with another UFO out of the box. This quilt will go to live at my daughter Danielle's home I am so happy she loves the quilts I make.

Finishes

2010-08-24T21:40:00.001-07:00

Just where does the time go. I seem to be busy all of the time trying to fit more into a day than is sometimes possible. I think I should start keeping a day to day record of what I do and achieve.
I have had a bit of fun making a few little head bows for Zoe Grace. I think they are so cute on a babies head and these few looked lovely on her black unruly hair.

Woops I think she moved as I was taking this photo.

The cot quilt is now completed and the bed quilt now has the borders on. That will be sent to the quilters soon so then all is finished for Zoe's beautiful room.

Out of the left over fabrics I made a little wall hanging doing an Amanda Daly pattern called "Blooming" Although you can not see in the photo the centre of each flower is beaded which makes the quilt quite pretty.

When I had my first baby a long time ago my Mum made me lots of little matinee jackets and nighties she had purchased from "The Stitchery" I found them at the last quilt and craft show and bought this little matinee jacket. I did the embroidery and stitched it together and a very dear friend Bev did the crocheting for me what a treasure.

I have also made myself a new brooch

There have been lots of little UFO's hiding in my craft room so my thoughts today was to get a few of them finished. Once I got started I was on a roll. The first one finished was this little free Christmas block from Gail Pan designs the embroidery was finished before last Christmas so it was time that it got finished.

These two little embroideries belong to my very dear friend Pat who is going through some bad health issues at the present. She loves to embroider but can not use a sewing machine so I bring them home to finish with the borders and hanging loops. I have lost count of how many of these Pat has made, all little gifts for her many Grand Daughters.

The binding is finally going on my Dresden Plate quilt I showed in a post quite awhile ago. I sent the quilt out to be quilted so that took 8 weeks and when the quilt was returned I could not find the binding fabric I had so carefully put away. I have been looking for the fabrics at so many patchwork shops and being a deleted colour of Fossil Fern I had almost given up on ever finding it until I went to Patchwork Products at Rydalmere. I was so delighted to find she had the exact fabric I had taken weeks to find. To this day my binding fabric is still missing but I am sure it will be found one day. Hopefully by the end of this week another quilt will be finished.

Tuesday Treasure

2010-08-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

I have been missing from blogland for a while now. Firstly I didn't have a computer for about 2 weeks and then life became very hectic. I hope I can slow down now for a bit of a break.
Again I have entered Clare's Craftroom "Tuesday Treasure". I love being reminded of some of my most treasured possessions and this doll is a favourite.
My beautiful walking doll is now 53 years old and sure looks good for her age.

I got this doll for Christmas when I was 8 years old as our family were expecting a new baby brother or sister at the time and Mum wanted me to have something special just for me.

My baby sister Carole was born and I thought that was the best thing.

I loved playing with her and brushing her beautiful long hair which is now very thin on top but she still has long thick plaits.

The outfit she is wearing was knitted by Mum some years ago when she used to do a lot of heirloom knitting. Now with her Alzheimer's she doesn't do much of anything so I will always treasure this gift.

Tuesday Treasure

2010-07-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you Clare from Clare's Craft room for once again hosting
"Tuesday Treasures".
I have had this little treasure in my possession for as long as I can remember. The story that goes along with this doll is that my Grandfather was a Prisoner of War during the Second World War and during his internment the prisoners were able to trade with the guards and my Grandfather traded some cigarettes for the doll not long before he was released and sent home.
In my Mum's family there were the 2 girls and Mum was lucky enough to have the doll given to her. My Grandfather died when I was three years old so this doll will always be special to me.
One day I will find out the origin, it would be interesting to know what she is made from and how old she is. Another one of my favourite treasures.
What a great thing to be doing every week as I am sure we all have a treasure or two that are either put in a cupboard or china cabinet on display but we never think about them until someone jogs our memories so thank you again Clare this is such fun.

Tuesday Treasures

2010-06-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Whilst browsing blogland especially Teresa's blog "All Things Vintage" I saw that Clare's Craftroom had a wonderful idea to share your most treasured momentos. "Treasure Tuesday." Now I know I am a little late but I wanted to share this weeks treasure.

This little tin has always been around since my early childhood. My wonderful Mum did cake decorating and kept all of the impliments in this little tin. This tin originally came from England filled with caramel toffees. I really can't say how old it is but I believe it is quite rare as only a few of these were manufactured. I have always loved this tin and my Mum gave it to me quite a few years back now.

As you can see the decorating impliments and the original icing bag are all still in the tin. The front of my little tin is still in very good condition. I will treasure it always as it holds many happy memories for me.

Thank you Clare for hosting such a great site as I am sure we all have lots of unshared memories My Grand daughter and her Mum have headed of to Melbourne today to visit with my son Joshua. As the temperatures are very cold down there this time of the year I knitted them a head warmer each. I just got them finished last night and think they look pretty special

Pretty cold here as well. I took these two photos yesterday morning when our temperature was

minus 5 degrees. The frost was very heavy on the ground.

Now that our new baby is settling in well I thought I would share the few photos of the things I had done before her arrival and before I started all of Zoe's things.

My eldest daughter Zoe's Mum Danielle had bought this piece of fabric of e-bay and asked if I could make up these wee dolls. Aren't they the cutest little things they now decorate Zoe's room.

I have been in the cuchion making mode.

These two cushions I made for Danielle for her birthday. I found them on a blog I was reading and really liked them. I really enjoy making the fabric roses but I think I got a bit carried away with making so many for the one cushion

This cushion I made for my Mum for Mothers Day. What do you get for an 85 year old. Her favourite colours are greens, purples and mauves. The green fabric I have used was left over from the pansy quilt I made for her 80th. birthday. This was the original pattern for this cushion.

The embroidered panel on this cushion I had stitched quite a few years ago so I decided to use it and adapt the original pattern to suit the embroidery.

My last cushion was made for my very dear friend Debbie for her birthday recently.

All these embroidered cushions are from The Rivendale Collection by Sally Giblin.

Baby Zoe Grace

2010-06-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Is now home and seems to be doing very well. I just wanted to share these few photos.
Zoe came home from hospital dressed in the layette her Mum came home in 35 years ago.
She looks absolutley beautiful and apparently the mid wives at the hospital were thrilled to see a new baby go home in something more than a Bonds all in one. The jacket was a wee bit big but she certyainly does look very cute

My daughter Danielle assures me Zoe does open her eyes but I seem to only ever see her sleeping but who's complaining lets hope it lasts.

Introducing

2010-06-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to our family Zoe Grace a beautiful wee girl born
8-6-2010 at The Hawksebury Hospital at Windsor. What a wonderful birthday present for me being presented with a new grandbaby.
She is just 2 hours old here. My three beautiful grandchildren. Kaitlyn a very proud cousin and Ryan a very happy brother.

A new Grandbaby on the way...

2010-06-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Actually the baby will be here tomorrow. How exciting we have not had a wee baby in the family for 6 years. Cannot wait to hold this precious little bundle and she will be born on my birthday to top of a great day.
Sorry I have been missing in action for soooooo long. I had not realised that my last posting was way back in February where has the time gone.
I have been busy doing lots of things for the new arrival. My daughter will be bringing her new little one home in the layette my Mum knitted for her 36 years ago but the bonnet and booties were missing so lucky for me my dear old Mum still had the knitting book so I was able to complete the layette. I am not a knitter (my Mum was the best knitter but now being 86 years old and with alzheimers she does not do anything these days) however I muddled through the pattern and am very pleased with my efforts.

I have also knitted this little outfit this was my first effort at knitting baby clothes. I only hope the baby is not too big this would almost fit a baby doll.

A little rabbit that I also knitted with some help from a few friends. This one really had the brain working hard. I don't think I am real good at reading patterns but still I am happy that I have tried this and did enjoy the knitting once I could fathom the patterns. My knitting has only been knitting scarves and very simple things.

Apart from all the knitting I have also been helping Danielle to decorate the babies room.
She chose not to decorate the room babiesh but more girly like. At least knowing that the baby is a girl made things a little easier. Danielle chose this beautiful range of fabrics which we purchased at "The Cottage on the Hill" at Nundle whilst we were there over the Easter break. I have made cushions, curtains, a cot quilt and a single bed quilt.

I loved making the cushions. This rose one with the chenille is my favourite.

A close-up of the fabric rose I love making these

The cot and single bed quilts are still being made. The cot quilt below has now been quilted just waiting for the binding. The pink chenille has been included in the cot quilt as a border and appliqued flowers.

The single bed quilt a work in progress

I have been doing lots of other things besides baby items but will post on another day.
Just focusing on the new arrival at present.

Time not on my side

2010-02-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

I think I say the same thing at the beginning of every New Year. Just where do the days go. January was a very busy month. Went away for a few weeks one week spent at Gooberagandra a very happy and fun holiday with wonderful family and great friends. Then a week caravaning up through central NSW. The heat was almost unbearable this time or is it that I am just getting a little older and less tolerant.

I have been doing a bit of crafting and stitching though, never let it be said that I sit idle. This time of the year is cricket time which I love to sit and watch and this is when I can get a lot of handstitching done.

I have been making yo-yo's for quite some time getting ready for my teapot creation. I will be teaching this to my Patchwork group this year so it was a project I was happy to complete.

There are about 65+ medium yo-yos and lots and lota of smaller ones for fillers.

This is the second one I have made and because I don't write anything down I just go by the seat of my pants this one took me a bit longer to sort out how I had made the first. I am pleased that it did work out especially for the girls I will be teaching.

Another little 2 hour Tulip Bag. These are such fun to make and really do take only 2 hours to complete. My GD has claimed this one as it is her favourite colours.

Made a few pincushions from a tutorial on Polkadot Pineapples blog. They were so easy to make, her tutorials are well written with pictures and instructions making them easy to follow.

Over January I was determined to get a few UFO's at least put together ready for quilting.
For about 3 years I have been meeting with 3 friends and we were all doing dresden plates. I of course decided to do a quilt the other 2 wall hangings so my quilt took a bit longer but now it is all together and I love how it looks now it is complete....

The other quilt top I have finished just only need the borders put on I started this one sometime
last year and it sat without borders seemed like forever but now is complete. I am going to quilt this on myself. Well that's the plan

Also during the January school holidays our GD Ryan came to stay with us for a week. I had been talking about a pegboard for my craft room no sooner did I mention it again they Ryan and DH had the old wall pulled out and the start of my pegboard began

Helping Gregdad cut up the pegboard.

Putting the pegboard in place. Many hands make light work.

It was fun to use the drill. Luckily it had run out of power. He looks like the real tradesman

My pegboard all finished and I am very happy with the work my 2 best guys have done.

Took the 2 GD's Kaitlyn and Ryan to the beach for a days outing. The surf was very rough but they still enjoyed the day. Little Aussies.

Ryan got dumped so many times. I love this photo all covered in sand.

A Christmas gift for my middle daughter Sheree. A Janelle Wind pattern.

The tablerunner I made for my eldest daughter Danielle before Christmas displayed on her dining table. She loves blues and white.

Still around

2009-12-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

Absent but not idle. So many luncheons so many school functions, Christmas shopping it all gets very busy around this time of the year.
Firstly I have to show of my very cute Christmas swap gift from Selina. I have had the parcel for a few weeks now but was reluctant to open until she had recieved my parcel. Unfortunatly my parcel still has not arrived so I am now in the process of remaking. Thank you Selina I love my little elf hanging ornament and he is now happily hanging on the tree.

My gift to Selina will hopefully be on its way again soon. Trust Australia Post???????
A beautiful card came with the little elf .

GS Ryan graduated from Pre-school this week and is very excited to be going to big school next year. Don't you love them in their cap and gowns in his certificate.

During the week I made this gift for GD Kaitlyn's teacher. I made one similar last year for her year 2 teacher and she thought her teacher this year would just love to have one too.

Another Christmas wreath for me this time. I had so much fun making the blue and silver wreath I just had to make another. I only used approximatly 70 balls this time I think the blue one had over 80 balls. I just love these.

This year at the quilting group I belong to we had a challenge. The challenge was to use a fat quarter of the blue fabric and to add up to three other fabrics and embellish with braids, buttons or whatever you wished to use. You could create anything you liked it didn't have to be quilt related so I chose to make this adorable little baby outfit. I chose the extra fabric to be white and added rick-rack and yo-yo's with buttons for my embellishing. I won viewers choice and most innovative category at our end of year Christmas dinner function last night.

I also had to make a gift for GD Kaitlyn's physicul culture teacher Tracie, so I made her a diary cover in her favourite colours of greens and purples and added a purple pen.

A small embroidered piece for Christmas is still on the go just have to sandwich the top and bind hopefully before Christmas is apon us.

Stocking charmed and finished

2009-11-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas stocking is finished. I sometimes think it takes just as long to put all the charms and trims on the stocking as it does to do the stitching. This stocking is for my DH and as he likes to garden it has a garden theme.

Where has the time gone

2009-11-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

I really feel life is passing me by too quickly. Surely last Christmas was only a few months ago!!!!
I have been fairly slack with my stitching but did manage to make this wreath for my eldest daughter. I picked up a bag full of the blue balls from a Vinnies shop recently for a few dollars and purchased the silver balls and tinsell from the Reject shop. I had seen one similar on another blog and knew I could make it. Unfortunatley it went from a circle to an oval because of the weight but Danielle thought it was wonderful so I am very pleased with my Christmas wreath. GD Kaitlyn thought Christmas decorating had to be done so last weekend we decorated. She has great fun finding all the decorations in the boxes and putting them around the house.
A few decorating photos.

We have picked our first harvest of carrots. Kaitlyn is amused by all the strange shapes and sizes. I don't think we had a normal straight carrot in the bunch.

A few weeks back we took the two Munchkins to Bondi for the day. They so enjoyed the day together. We walked around the foreshore and looked at all the "Sculptures by the Sea"

This was their favourite. Lots and lots of sand covered shoes coming down the hillside.

Swimming and board riding was the best part of their day. Kaitlyn loves the beach and helped Ryan to enjoy himself in the surf. It is so nice to see them enjoying each others company.

My Secret Stitchers Angel gifts have arrived

2009-10-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

My parcel arrived this morning from my Secret Angel whose name is Nancy from Norway. How exciting it was to recieve the parcel.

Inside was this gorgous little dilly bag so beautifully stitched and finished off. The choice of fabrics and colour are just wonderful.

Such a clever lady is Nancy I am lucky enough to have recieved one of her newest designs. This is a machine needle folder to carry all those little packs of machine needles. What a fantastic idea as I am always trying to rattle through the box to find the correct needles.

As well as the needle folder there was a cute little scissors holder. I don't own one of these so it will be used often.

As well as these beautiful stitched gifts in my parcel was a chocolate, a little embroidery pattern with thread, a little pin tin and a tube of handcream.

How lucky have I been. Thank you Nancy I am absolutley thrilled with my gifts and will treasure them and think of my Secret Stitcher Angel each time I use these.

More craft.

2009-10-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

October Blocks of the month completed. How cute are these two designs. I can't believe that when I started these that 10 months of the year has already passed and I have actually kept up with every block.
Ellies Quiltplace block Bunny Hill designs block

I have made myself a thread bag Teresa, I was very inspired after I saw a cute little bag on Teresa's blog All things Vintage. The fabrics used here were left overs from a jelly roll so I was glad to be able to use them up. Thanks Teresa for the inspiration.

Had to go snd see how our vegetables were progressing today in the 35 degree heat. This carrot was asking to be pulled but came out with its little friend entwined together. Could it be Mother and babe......

What have I been doing over the weekend

2009-10-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

A free weekend....... my DH left on Friday on the annual "Camp Quality Bash" and by all reports so far they are having a great time. My Grand daughter is at her Dad's and DH is working so I have been here all alone and doing as much sewing as my heart desires or as much as my hands can cope with.

I started with making some Christmas Penny Pockets with thanks to http://www.happyzombie.com/ for a great tutorial. I thought they would be quite difficult but the instructions were very clear I then made these very cute yo-yo Chrissy decorations courtesy of http://www.polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com I really had great fun making these and am now ready for the Christmas decoration swap with Daisy Quilts but will decide which I will send when my partner in the swap is allocated.

Also inbetween stitching I have been hand basting this quilt together for a very dear friend who has unfortunatley broken her fingers on her left hand. This is a mystery quilt that she made at classes at The Seventh Day Adventist Creative Activities where I help out occassionally.

PUMPKINS.. PUMPKINS... PUMPKINS.....
I have also had a great time creating Pumpkins. There is a Halloween shop open in one of our local shopping centres but the pumpkins were very pricey so decided to try my hand at making some. We don't usually do Halloween but Kaitlyn ( GD ) loves to decorate so just a few things around does'nt hurt and she is happy so she will love my little collection of pumpkins

I love this pumpkin especially... again a great tutorial from www.polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com

She is a very talented designer and offers so many wonderful tutorials

This is actually a pumpkin pin keep so will be useful after Halloween
A great collections of pumpkins for our very small halloween decor.

Lastly for this post. On Friday I sent my "Secret Stitchers Angel Swap" parcel to Monika in Germany. I hope she likes all the goodies inside. Thanks to Helen from Hugs from Helen for organising this swap and to all the designers who created some beautiful items. I enjoyed making my gifts and am looking forward to recieving from my Secret Stitchers Angel.

Secreat Angel Swap.

2009-10-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak at my Secret Angel Swap items ready to be sent of to my recipient in Germany. I hope she likes what I have made for her. My box of goodies is all ready to be posted.

Time passes me by

2009-10-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go. No sooner do we start the first month of Spring and here we are already into October. Our cat Bobbin really likes to spend time with us even when working at the computer. We had a great hail storm here on Tuesday lucky no damage was done this time to the cars but there was a lot of hail.

I have finally finished all the stitching on the Christmas stocking and have purchased the a lovely green velvet for the backing.

The last of my applique blocks are now complete and put together with the sashings in between ready for the borders I just have to work out what I am doing with these. I am really happy with my blocks as I don't particularly like doing hand applique

Football

2009-09-25T03:37:00.000-07:00

Whilst Gregdad and Kaitlyn are watching the football tonight I will be stitching another Christmas stocking.

Quick Trip

2009-09-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

To Werribee in Victoria to visit with our son Josh. A whirlwind trip there and back in 5 days. I love these signs along the highways but as yet have never seen a Koala crossing.

A bit of stitching along the way. I usually get car sick but managed a few yo-yo's for an upcoming project.

The landscape changes dramatically along each stretch of highway. We think these are canola plantations

On our return journey we encounted some strange weather. Firstly a dust storm could not see much in front of us

Then the rain came for about half an hour

Then brilliant sunshine and blue skies

Another Month almost over

2009-09-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it the first month of Spring half way through. We certainly have had some very hot days so far hate to think what Summer is going to be like.
This is my Grand Daughter Kaitlyn. Last week at school she had a book review morning and they had to dress as a character from their favourite book and she chose Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. I am not at all into dress making but made the attempt to make the outfit for her. What would probably take a professional only a day or two... not me... took me almost 2 weeks. ( I don't do zips which was my biggest problem but survived it okay) Kaitlyn was thrilled and I was pleased at how she looked Had the hair curled for the occassion. Don't you love Toto in the basket.

Even painted and glittered the shoes. (the glitter doesn't show up too well in the photo) I even had to paint the socks the right colour blue. Everything looked just perfect

Have been busy with my BOM's wanting to get them finished early this month. Gail Pan has finished her collection and I am so thrilled with how these look when they are all put together. Gail has put up how to finish the quilt and her quilt looks stunning. Thanks Gail I really enjoyed doing these each month. Thank you also for your generosity in sharing these with everyone who has participated.
All of my nine blocks completed

The blocks from Bunny Hill designs are coming along as well still have three more from her to complete and her completed quilt is just as stunning. (What we can see at least).

Three more blocks to be added

I have loved doing Ellies Quiltplace calendar blocks although I will wait until I have them all completed for the months to be added
Nine of the twelve blocks. Not quite sure how I will put these together. I have a few plans floating around in my head.

Finally a new Computer

2009-09-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Seems such a long time since I have posted but with patience I waited for DH to come to the rescue and get me a new computer only took a month not too long in the scheme of things. So starting from yesterday Fathers Day I will work backwards to the end of or rather beginning of the last month. Love this photo we took Dad/Gregdad to Wisemans ferry for a picnic lunch it was an absolutley beautiful day. Here is DD Sheree, Gregdad and Granson Ryan.... I think they are trying to find a frog or something Had Grandparents Day at GD Kaitlyns School last Friday we had a lovely time together shared a cream bun for morning tea and then lunch after visiting her classroom.
The weekend before DH and I had to attend a funeral at Forster. This is the road we travelled.

That same weekend we took DH's little Standard 10 to an all British Day at Kingschool. He is very proud of his little car the only one of its' kind on the day. Sometimes I feel we are the reject as we sit on our own but there certainly is a lot of interest which makes DH very happy

I did get all of my last months Block of the Month blocks finished well before the end August but have not been able to post them for obvious reasons. Thanks to these talented craftspeople

This block from Gail Pan Designs

This block from Bunny Hill Designs

Lastly this block from Ellies Quilt Place

I posted a sneak peak of this tablerunner a little while back well now it is finished and my DD now has it. I made this for her as a Christmas tablerunner her Christmas decorations are blue, white and silver. I think it will look great on her lovely white dining table or dresser.

I made this little embroidery for a friend in England. She has not been very well so I thought a little Angel might lift her spirits

Secret Angel

2009-08-26T19:41:00.001-07:00

Could you please resend your email unfortunatly my computer has finally crashed big time. I am at present without my computer and am using DH computer. I was not able to send a responce to you and would love to hear from you soon.
(((HUGS))) Roz.

Some new projects

2009-08-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some new projects these past few weeks even though I know deep down I should be finishing of the WIP I have in various boxes. Oh well what will another few weeks matter.
I made these really cute owls from a pattern I purchased on etsy from www.daisyquilts.etsy.com They are just so easy to make took me no time at all. These applique blocks are part of a 5 block quilt I have been working on since March. I am not a great fan of applique to do myself I find it a bit slow. Originally I was only going to do the 3 blocks shown in the photo but have decided to do the last 2 blocks. This needs to be finished before next years Quilt Camp.

Can't show this project just a sneak peek as I am making this for my eldest daughter Danielle. I hope she will like the finished article.

BOM's and a Monkey

2009-07-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

A quick post today. Firstly I have to show the cute little sock monkey I made on the weekend. I was very happy with how it turned out thanks to the tutorial on "Don't Look Now" blog. The instructions were ever so easy to follow and my Grand daughter Kaitlyn has adopted her.I have finished this months BOM's and am very happy that I have been keeping up with these. They are fun to do and i thank these talented crafts people for sharing their patterns.
First block from Bunny Hills Designs.
Second block from Gail Pan Designs

Third Block from Ellies Quilt Place.

Paper Bag Swap

2009-07-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Teresa has now opened her gift from me so I can share what I made for her with the beautiful fabrics and goodies in her bag. I am so glad she liked everything that I had made. This swap was so much fun I hope there is another organised again someday.

A good week

2009-07-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

This week I have been working on another project that has been hanging on my design wall for a few weeks now. I only have to put the top and bottom borders on and it is ready for putting together for quilting. I am going to quilt this one myself. Today I have made these little gifts, a pencil roll and colouring in book tote bag for a special little girls 7th birthday. Happy birthday Monique. These gifts will be travelling down to Victoria on Thursday with Kaitlyn & Sheree.

Now for something special. The "Paper Bag" swap. I have had this parcel sitting next to my sewing machine for almost 2 weeks and have been so tempted many times to open, but have been very good and only opened it today.

Inside the parcel was the cutest handmade wallhanging as you can see below. I am just blown away the stitching is so perfect... how did she know I love bears as well

Also included was a beautiful needle case complete with some needles and a panel of little quilt tags all with little bears.

A lovely letter from Teresa accompanied all these goodies. Thank you Teresa. You have totally spoilt me. I just love everything and will now have to find the right place to hang the wallhanging. This has been a really great swap thanks to Maree of "On my Verandah".

Postie has delivered.

2009-07-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

This week I have recieved two lovely surprises in the mail. My long awaited "Pin Cushion" swap parcel arrived all the way from Bettina in Blue Springs Missouri USA. What a wonderful package to open. This little box was filled with not only a beautifully made pin cushion but lots of goodies as well.
This is the pin cushion in the shape of a pear complete with the cutest pins.

The other goodies in the little box were 2 strings of really cute buttons, a tape measure, a sissor keeper, some beaded ribbon, a hank of pearl thread and 2 stamps and a lovely letter. How spoilt was I. Thank you so much Bettina and also Sandra for organising this swap.

Also in the mail this week was a letter from my "Pin Cushion" swap partner Jenny, also in the USA. Below is the beautiful card she sent with a quilt on the front and the pattern and instructions on the inside and back of the card. The letter was very touching and I appreciated getting such a wonderful thank you. It makes swapping that much more fun. Thank you Jenny.

Computer hiccups

2009-06-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

I have been without my computer for over a week now. I had to wait for my daughter to fix up the problems so now I have to catch up on my photos this being the very end of the month.
All my Blocks of the month are finished and I am really happy with how they are turning out.
The first is Gail Pan

The second from Bunny Hill The third one is from Ellies Quilt Place.

Recently I participated in a "Pin Cushion" swap and now that my partner Jenny has received her parcel I can now show what I made for her.

I have also participated in "The Paper Bag " swap and I have received this parcel from Teresa.

We can't open them as yet not sure if I can wait.

Paper bag swap

2009-06-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

A quick post today. I have completed my paper bag swap for Teresa and here is a sneak peak.
I will be wrapping and putting in the post early next week so keep an eye out for your postie Teresa and I hope you like my parcel.

Another project finished

2009-06-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

In September 2008 I started this wall hanging "Blooming" in a class at Country Pickens at the Corner in Dural with Amanda Daley. Little did I know how long it would take me just to do all the turn backs on each flower petal weeks and weeks with lots of breaks in between. Finally I can say it is finished and ready to hang in my dining room.

Each flower and leaves had 4 petals on each to turn back and stitch. The centres were then padded to give a 3D look and beads were added to the flower centres as can be shown in the photo below. Don't think I will be doing another one of these in the near future.

I have joined in on Maree's Paper bag swap and these are the goodies I am sending to my partner. I hope she enjoys working with my little lot.

Woops

2009-05-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

This photo somehow got missed in my last post. Block of the Month from Ellies Place

Another Month Passes

2009-05-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

I think I am a seriously bad blogger. When I think I have a bit of time to spare and catch up I find something else gets in the way. I really envy those bloggers that update every day and have loads of interesting things to show and wonderful dialogues. I am not one for prattling on but do love to read blogs that really interest me.

The month of May was interesting. Mother's Day was not really the best for me this year with an uncalled for family outburst on my brothers side. Not a day we would like to revisit but my immediate family, my 2 wonderful daughters helped make the day a little better and a phone call from my son in Victoria finished the day on a nicer note.

Enough of the doom and gloom. At a friends home the other day she had been having a clean out and found this really cute little cotton spool holder. On the bottom it says Walkers Sewing Tidee and was made in England. Inside there are 5 spools of Sylko cotton threads. The lid on the top even has a lever to lock the lid in place. Pat said it belonged to her Mother. I am so glad she saved it for me. It is just so cute and looks great sitting in one of my old sewing machines that I have.

All my Blocks of the month are completed. I have really enjoyed these and look forward to seeing what the next ones will be. There certainly are some very talented people in blogland.

A few weeks ago I did another bit of knitting. I am not the best knitter in the world but a simple pattern suits me well. I knitted these 2 little shawls only took me a night to knit each one talk about easy....... My daughter and grand daughter are modeling the shawls.

Kaitlyn thought it would look good as a hat as well.

Last BOM finished

2009-04-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

I promised myself that when I started these Blocks of the Month that I would keep up to date and get them finished early but as usual life got in the way but I was determined to get this last one finished in April. I did it finished today the last day of the month. Yippeeeeeee.

Block from Bunny Hill Designs.

About 10 or more years ago I got this hank of dishcloth cotton and immediatley put it in a cupboard. I have been reading a blog "down -to-earth" and she had a pattern for dishcloths. I remembered my cotton put away and forgotten so out it came, wound the hank into balls and have now knitted 3 cloths and am half way through another. I love how you can be inspired by reading other bloggers and can learn so much from these interesting people.

Long time no blog......

2009-04-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't been idle since I last blogged. The past weeks have flown by. I have been to a Quilt Camp one weekend then Bowral the next weekend and then Easter at Nundle the following weekend with the family. This weekend is for catching up.

I have completed two BOM's this month the first from Ellie's Quiltplace. How cute is this little bunny and I finally found my bee button for last months block.

The second from Gail Pan Designs. I am really enjoying these little blocks. I have yet to do my block from Bunny Hill Designs hopefully this week. The photo is a bit dark, the borders are of a lovely royal blue.

This pattern for the birds I have had for quite some time. You know put away for something to do when I run out of other things to do. I was happy to do them and am pleased with how they look. Very easy to make and look great hanging here.

This little bag was a pattern the quilting group I belong too bought on our quilting weekend. I am the try out bunny to see how it goes together. The pattern is called "The Two-Hour Tulip Purse" but it took me a lot longer just to read through the pattern instructions a few times. Once I had it worked out it was really easy to put together.

At my pathchwork group last Tuesday we had a workshop to make these lottle mug bags. Thery were not as easy as the bag above and I am sure there were a few who would have given up it was very fiddly to make. But I was pleased with how these turned out. I had to do 2 one for me and the other for my friend Barbara who has a broken arm and is unable to sew.

The "Fractured Fairy" is finished all quilted and bound and hanging on the wall

So you can see I haven't been idle... in between weekends away and sewing and looking after the family I have been quite busy.

Autumn already

2009-03-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of Autumn I finally got to plant some sweetpea. Now I know everyone says you should plant these on St. Patricks Day but hey how do the plants know they were planted a little early. So far they don't seem to have gone into shock because of this. Now I have to wait until Spring for the beautiful sprays of flowers.

Another little thing planted on the first weekend of Autumn was my new bird house. Picked this one up on our travels in January. You can get some really lovely things in Bowral. DH has put the little bird there hoping to attract others he thinks.

It was a really busy weekend I can tell you. I talked DH into spray painting the bits and pieces we had picked up at various auctions that have been sitting in our garage for quite some time. I had already undercoated everything so we set up a spray booth out the back and everything has now been painted. It is amazing how once the idea is planted he will get into it with gusto. I am one happy wife to finally get things finished.

My three Blocks of the Month are also completed.
Bunny Hill Block. Love the bunny.

Ellies Place Block finished bar the month as we are not yet in Spring and the bee is missing.

( can't find that little button... I have one somewhere )

Gai Pans Block. I think I must have been in a yellow phase.

This weekend just past my we took my parents over to North Head to go and see the new Queen's State Coach. This photo is of my parents aren't they a cute couple been married 64 years this year.

This is the Queens coach built by Jim Frecklington. It was built and is housed at the old Artilliary Base at North head. What an interesting man he is, so interesting to listed too on how he came to build this beautiful coach and that it will probably be the last one ever to be built. We had a lovely day and Mum and Dad enjoyed the day out.

February

2009-02-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

Another month has almost past and for some it has been a very sad and emotional time. I think enough has been said with regards to the devastating bush fires in Victoria and floods in Queensland so many people affected it is sometimes hard to comprehend.
This week I have made 2 quilts to send for the bush fire relief. the first a quick raggy quilt and the second one strippy. I am sure they will be put to good use.

Also this month I made a library bag for my GD Kaitlyn. She cannot bring books home from school without a library bag so she ordered one in blues, and she loves it.

Some of my WIP's are finished as well. I had started this table runner just before Christmas and have now quilted and bound it ready for next Christmas.

This jelly roll quilt returned from the quilters early in December. I am so thrilled with the quilting Sue Blom has done, certainly made the quilt look not so bland. I finished the binding last week so another one out of the box. LOL.

2nd. BOM's completed

2009-02-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

These beautiful Blocks of the Month are addictive. I am really enjoying doing these and am pleased at how they are looking.

The first block fromBunny Hill Designs.

This one is from Gail Pan Designs

And this one from Ellies Quiltplace.

Another Hot Week

2009-02-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

I guess everyone is saying the same thing it has been an extremly hot week and we are not over it yet. I think we forget sometimes especially people of my age, when I was much much younger, we had heat waves that would last for weeks with temperatures well over the 40 degrees without air conditioning units and we survived.

Despite the hot weather I have been able to get a bit of sewing done and another UFO finished.
Whilst I was doing the hand sewing Bobbin the cat was interested in trying to help.

This is a project I started well before Christmas with my friend Barbara a lot of hand sewing beads and sequences. Of course I did'nt get it finished so it was on my January list. I am pleased how it turned out.

I found this pattern for these coasters on the internet quite some time ago and a friend had shown me her coasters so I thought I would give them a go. I think they are very sweet and a project easily finished

2009-02-01T16:02:00.000-08:00

Not much happening this weekend however I did get to finish the applique on the "Fractured Fairy" that I had started at Quilt camp last year. The applique done on the machine seemed to take hours there are so many small pieces I am happy with the results though. I am glad that part is finished, now to get it ready for the borders and then the quilting.

Free Blocks of the Month

2009-01-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have decided to join in on the fun of doing some free BOM's. These designers are just so generous in giving us crafters the opportunity to do some beautiful blocks and hopefully end up with a lovely wall quilt at the end of the year. So thank you to Anne Sutton "Bunny Hill" designs, Ellie at elliesquiltplace.com and Gail Pan designs. Here are my blocks finished for January.

"A Tisket a Tasket" www.bunnyhilldesigns

January block (I will add the month later as we don't have snow here in Australia in January) I will use this as one of the Winter blocks. www.elliesquiltplace.com

"A Christmas Wish" from www.gailpandesigns

January

2009-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

January 2009 has come and almost gone. Straight after Christmas DH and I set out on our caravaning holiday firstly heading for Parkes then Cobar, Broken Hill, Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuka up to Goobaragandra then Bowral and finally home. We travelled over 3000 km's in 14 days and had a really great time. Temperatures changed from 16 at Broken Hill to 43 at Swan Hill. We were able to meet up with our son Joshua and meet his new girlfriend Lisa and her sweet daughter Monique. We spent 2 days with them in Echuka it was lovely to meet up with them.

Joshua, Lisa and Monique.

Son Joshua and DH Greg.

After leaving Joshua we headed to Goobaragandra 28 k's out of Tumut we have friends there, they own the "Elm Grove Mountain Retreat" what a beautiful place so lush and green compared to what we had seen out on the country roads very dry and dusty.we stayed for 2 days and enjoyed the company of Rhonda and Blair.

We enjoyed a hearty barbeque
The creek runs through the retreat and we were able to park our van right at the waters edge. It certainly is heaven on earth at this beautiful place.

These last few photos are just the opposite to those above showing the dryness of our vast country not much life around only a few cows here and there.
Many of the roads we travelled were long straight roads not much vegetation or life.

I recieved some wonderful Christmas gifts from family and friends but the pin cushion pictured was my favourite. My Daughter Sheree bid for it on e-bay on "Charming Designs" etsy way back in July or August she told me she did not get it. I was disappointed at the time so you can imagine my surprise when I received it for Christmas. Isn't it just so cute. I love it.

This is a table runner I started before Christmas I hope to get it finished for this year only the binding to do so I think I will achieve this.

I am still around

2008-12-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas has arrived at the Power's House.

Although I have not blogged for a really long time I have not been idle.

I have been quite busy with lots of gifts to make and purchase for special friends. As a non driver I like to give a gift as a thank you to my many friends who so generously drive me each week to our various group meetings, without these wonderful people around me I would not be able to belong to the groups I belong to. They are all great friends.

Thread catchers and pin cushions to match.

Covered coat hangers and door cushions.

In November our new dining room setting arrived and I just love it. There is a large mirror to go up behind the dresser once the mirror frame has been painted.

I usually try to make a Christmas decoration or wall hanging each year for our home. This year I have made this cute Santa hanger from a pattern by Nancy Halvorsen. It was a mantle runner but we don't have a fire place mantle so I chose to do a elongated version to hang right here in the kitchen.

Recently I helped my Grand daughter Kaitlyn make this really cute cushion for her Mum. Her foot and handprints form the reindeer and I stitched it into a comfy cushion for her Mum's computer chair.

A busy crafting time

2008-10-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

A bit of beauty in my garden.

I don't have a green thumb and gardening is not something I like to do but I do love it when I get a blossom occassionally and this Spring has been wonderful even for the few flowering plants that are in our garden.

These 2 roses are from the same rose bush they are so beautiful and really large.

Don't you just love this Iris my one and only after the trampoline crashed down on my one and only plant I had been nurturing for a few years always thought it was a purple one the poor plant must have gone into shock LOL.

Not such a beauty except for Kaitlyn of course. My DH had put mushroom compost around the garden and this is what Kaitlyn found growing beneath the lemon tree.

These past few weeks have been ever so busy. I have had a great time in my sewing room not much housework done but non the less a lot of crafty items I have been able to do. It is great when DH goes away for a week on the Camp Quality Bash I have lots of free time.

My first project was to make a blackboard and activity folder and a pencil roll for my grandson Ryan to keep him occupied in the car on long travels.

Next was to make a few gifts for some wonderful friends. As I am a non driver I have great friends who offer to drive me to patchwork group and recently 5 of us went to a quilt camp at Stanwell Tops for three days. These are a thank you gift. I got this great pattern from a tutorial on the http://www.pinkpenguin/ site. What a great easy gift to make.

At the quilt camp I made this 6 block quilt as you go quilt for my daughter Sheree's car.

Sheree chose the colours as her car is black and has leather seats they get very hot to sit on in the summer so she needed a little quilt for Kaitlyn to keep her butt from sticking to the leather.

My next little project was to create something for the grandkids to have for Halloween. So from this..To this.... Arn't they just so cute. We don't usually do Halloween but my littlies just wanted to do Trick or Treat at least once so what better way to collect their goodies.

During the month of October we also celebrated my grand daughter Kaitlyn's 8th. birthday.

I saw a great tutorial on the internet at http://www.polkadotpineapple/ where she had made these cute little flowers so I turned them into pencil toppers for the children that attended Kaitlyns birthday they were thrilled with their little gift and I enjoyed making them.

These are the ice cream cup cakes cooking in the oven that Kaitlyn and I made for her to take to school for all her class mates to celbrate her birthday.

I have also made postcards for the Artsnthemail postcard swap. The theme for these was "Bling"

All in all a busy crafting month.

Yo Yo Challenge

2008-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

This is my Yo Yo challenge I participated in over at Donna's in The Attic I have had trouble sending it through so here it is on my blog...

Hi Donna
What great fun I have had making Yo-Yo's.
When I first got involved with your challenge I had no idea as to what I was going to do with all these yo-yo's I had made.
I then decided on a teapot cosie but could not find a pattern anywhere.
Whilst looking through a craft magazine I found a very small photo of just the tea cosie I wanted to make.
After a bit of measurement problems here is a photo of my finished yo yo teapot cosie.

I really enjoyed your challenge

Sorry about the photos of the yo yo's the photo was taken with a diffrent camera and the colours have turned out awful.

These are the actual colours of the yo yo's not those bright awlful colours in the last photo.

Thanks I hope you like my creation.

Take Care

Roz

Blog update

2008-09-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

Again just where do the days disappear. Here we are into Spring already and thank goodness I have finished all my Spring cleaning after having the inside of the house re-painted so it was a good opportunity to de-clutter and change things around. We have had a couple of visitors to our garden a beautiful Kookaburra and a large Blue Tongue Lizard out sunning itself in the warm sunhine. The days are certainly getting warmer thank goodness I am well over winter.

I have started another quilt project with Amanda Daly, this time a wall hanging titled "Blooming". I have to really concentrate on the layout of these blocks and my mischievious cat Bobbin as usual has to be in on the action. I can't believe not even the pins will deter her from messing with my blocks, nice and neat one minute and all over the place the next.

Remember this photo in an earlier post the jelly roll my kids gave me..... well I have now made the quilt from the pictured book and the quilt looks pretty good although these colours of fabrics were not exactly what I expected them to be once the roll was unrolled. A bit brighter but subdued at the same time. The quilt was easy to put together although I did come across some mistakes in the book but were able to work them out. I have sent this quilt to be professionally quilted to a lady at Geurie a country town not far from Dubbo.

A very busy time.

2008-08-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Well since my last post so much has happened. I have finished my "Quilt as you Go" quilt and although I am not too happy with my colour selection (we had to use at least 10% of a colour we don't usually use and the black fabric was not really my choice) I think however the quilt turned out really well and DH loves it so that is really all that matters. I did so enjoy the workshops with Amanda Daly and to think I have a quilt completed and it did not have to go into the UFO box.

Last weekend was our Adventure time with our two Grandchildren. We took them to the Entrance this time lucky for us it was a beautiful day the sun was shining and it was quite warm for a winter day in August. The kids had a great time going on the carnival rides, enjoying the beach and riding their bikes and scooter.

Ryan loves the outdoors especially the beach. He also had a great time sliding down the rocket ship slippery slide. Our Kaitlyn is becoming a real dare devil. She decided she wanted to do the rock climbing she has only done this once before so we were very nervous watching her slowly climb the rock wall in her bare feet I might add.

Slowly climbing her way to the top........

Almost there......

She did not quite make it to the top but sure had a good try at it. We were very proud of her.

Aftert our wonderful adventure weekend DH had to go to hospital for surgery to remove his gall bladder. Two days in hospital and now home recoperating. His little car is now home after being in the workshop for over 6 months. It is now road worthy and registered. If he is better by next weekend he has entered the car in an all British day car exhibition.

Blocks Continued

2008-07-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

On Monday Kaitlyn was home on a student free day from school having a pyjama day and was a big help numbering my blocks ready for binding. The blocks were all trimmed down to 17" and I have already added a few of the bindings to the middle set of blocks. They are coming together really well I am pleased to say.

Got a bit tired of binding blocks today and was browsing the blogs I like to visit and came across this cute pattern a great tutorial by Rhiannon Vining at www.maked.com. for little baby shoes.

They were so easy to make and are reversible.... just so cute....

I finally found a Clover Yo-Yo maker. I am going to attempt Donna's challenge over on her blog Donna's - In the Attic. I have never used one of these gadgets have always made them the old traditional way so this should be a great challenge. Not quite sure what to make but hopfully will have a brainstorm as I am making the yo-yos. Wish me luck.....

Blocks

2008-07-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

This week I have finally finished 'Stacking and Slashing' my "Marmalade Maze blocks. All 16 blocks are all together and quilted. The quilting seemed to take forever averaging an hour of quilting per block. I am happy with the way they look although there is a bit too much black for my liking. At the next lesson on Wednesday evening we will be cutting the blocks to size then stitching together then the binding. I have never made a quilt as you go before so it a new learning curve for me. These are the 16 blocks all laid out on the floor getting ready for numbering each block for each row.

Bobbin thought this was the best thing, nice comfy quilted blocks to lie around on.

Now it is time to hide under the blocks......

Now that I have made a mess of the layout I can relax.....

Seriously Bad Blogger

2008-07-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am really slack at this blogging. I take my camera with me most times and forget to take photos. Have not done too much over the last month and can someone please tell me where that month went. Seems like only yesterday it was June and I have even had a birthday in that time.

This is a photo of Kaitlyn all dressed for a fancy dress disco, she went as a ladybird and looked ever so cute. She really does love dressing up.

Ryan is ever so proud of his new shirt. His Uncle Josh has one just the same.

My 2 adorable Grandchildren.

Now you see me.........

Now you don't........

Bobbin's favourite past time is hiding under quilts. I am sure she feels secure in that no one can see her even if it is only her head that is hidden.

For Mothers Day my kids gave me a Jelly Roll and I have recently ordered the matching fabric to make the quilt on the cover of the book. Oh no another ongoing project.

And another quilting project I have recently started. This is a 'quilt as you go' method so I am sure to get this one finished.

I am doing the workshop with Amanda Daley at "Country Pickens" at the Corner at Dural and am really enjoying the workshop. I have already quilted 6 blocks only 10 more to do. Yikes!!

A few weeks ago Greg my DH and I went to an Auction up at Mudgee and I purchased these 2 cute little deer for $5. No one else bid on them and I just knew I could not leave them behind so now one is happy with me and the other is comfy at my sister Caroles' home. Too cute!

My latest creation and actually finished. My dear 85 year old friend Alice gave me this pattern so I had to make it up and show her how it was made . Rather a nice bag I think.

Another Week

2008-06-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

I have been getting into trouble from my daughter Danielle for not updating my blog so here is this weeks edition.
Another UFO on the sewing machine being quilted. I am slowly getting all the UFO's completed. This quilt has been waiting about 6 years and arn't we glad that they don't become too outdated. I did this quilt as a challenge with the quilting group I belong to and I think I am the last to get it finished what a nice surprise it will be for them LOL.

Today I have finished this little Bow Bag. (This was not a UFO) we do have to deviate sometimes don't we!!!! I will give it to Danielle if she likes it I think it is a little Shabby Chic her favourite at present.

Early last week I made this Raggedy Jeans quilt for my son Joshua. It took two days to complete. Whilst putting away boxes in storage awhile back I found all his patches he had collected from being in the Scouts and what better way to save them but to attach them to denim patches and sew them into a quilt. I hope he likes it I am sure he will need it being in Melbourne this time of the year very cold.

My Grand Daughter Kaitlyn has a new desk in her room so I have made her a blackboard desk mat. Something to draw on and pockets to keep her pencil, ruler and rubber safe as she is always misplacing them. Typical 7 year old.

This beautiful bush has been on our front verhanda now for about 4 years and has never bloomed. I just had to take a photo as it may never bloom again. It is a variagated Boganvillia

A Great Week

2008-05-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Wow what a great week .......
Firstly I finished the Santa quilt. My quilting went so smoothly especially when I am not too confident with free motion quilting but I am very happy with it no problems at all so another UFO out of the box ready for Christmas 2008.

I also got to make the placemats for Danielle that she ordered for Christmas last year. I hope she likes them.

Over the weekend I attended a Quilt show on the Central Coast that I had entered 2 of my quilts

The first was "Mickey on Parade".

And my second entry "Flowers Blooming" took out first prize in the machine quilting section. What a surprise it was but very exciting. I have never won anything so special before.

My prize for this was a new Husqvarna Viking sewing machine

These are the ribbons attatched to the winning entry

ANZAC Day

2008-05-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

A few photos taken on Anzac Day of Kaitlyn, my Mum and Kaitlyn and the last photo is of my DH and my dear Dad all taken at the march in Parramatta.

Ready for Quilting.

2008-05-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well the Santa blocks are all put together with borders and are pinned ready to quilt.

I am going to quilt this myself not sure how it will go though I have not quilted for a long time. Another UFO almost finished so I am very pleased with myself.

Bobbin has always found herself a quilt to snuggle up to she now has her own. I had made this quilt for our first cat "Scumbag" who unfortunatly died about 3 years ago so now the quilt belongs to Bobbin.

A good week

2008-04-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

Another project finished. This is the little table I posted about a few weeks back it is now beautifully restored to its former beauty with the original marble top all polished and looking fabulous in my Grand Daughter Kaitlyns bedroom to be used as her work table. Just have to retrieve the little chair I gave away to Danielle it will fit with it just right. Sorry Danielle.

Almost 2 years ago (yes 2 years) I sent this quilt pictured here to the quilters. I thought I would never see it again so you can imagine how thrilled I was to get the call to say it was ready and I am so delighted with how it looks. So much quilting maybe she felt a bit guilty and has done an exceptional amount of quilting. Never the less I am happy to have it home and am now anxious to get the binding done.

A close up of the beautiful quilting on one of the blocks

A quick post tonight

2008-04-12T00:55:00.000-07:00

The 2 wicker chairs I salvaged from my daughter Danielle's garage destined for the dump now are finished being painted. A few repairs were done to the cane but they now look brand new I am really happy with my effort and am glad that I rescued them.

At least someone enjoys the cosiness of my quilts. Bobbin loves to hide under anything she can find and snuggles in for ages usually we don't know she is there until she moves

Easter Weekend

2008-03-28T02:12:00.000-07:00

On the Easter weekend we took my parents down to Victoria to catch up with some family and to visit with our son Joshua who lives at Cribb Point near the Navy base HMAS Cerberus.

It was a lovely trip down firstly stopping at Gunning for morning tea. Lunch at Holbrook then travelling onto Albury for our first overnight stop.

Next Morning we left early and called into Glenrowan where this BIG Ned Kelly was to be found and of course there just has to be the obligitory photo of the family with Ned.

We arrived at our destination Hastings late Friday afternoon. Went to visit Joshua at his unit. On Sunday it was Greg's birthday and Josh had planned a barbeque and had even baked him a cake. He forgot to get candles so Greg had to blow out a lighter. Took a lot of blowing. the lunch was great and the cake was tasty as well.

On the Saturday we went to visit my Dad's sister in law and my cousins that I have not seen in almost 40 years. They have always been great travellers and have lived in lots of different places but have been in Glenn Waverley for the past 20 or so years. It was lovely to visit with them and reminisce about our younger days. My Aunty Connie is almost 91, my Dad is almost 85, my Mum is 83.

This is a family shot from the left; Joshua, Carl, my Mum, Greg, Christine, me, Lynette (Carl's wife) ,my Dad and Aunty Connie.

Before we left on our journey home we went for a drive to Westhead on the Morning Peninsular. It is a beautiful coastline very rugged. We had a great time on our trip to Victoria. Mum and Dad were happy to see Joshua and to visit the Navy base where he is stationed but after such a long trip we were all glad to be home and be able to sleep in our own beds

Works in progress this week

2008-03-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

My aim for the next few weeks is to get as many of my WIP's (works in progress) completed.
We have had this little side desk in the garage for a few years now and my Grand daughter Kaitlyn wants it for a desk in her room so my DH filled all the holes and it is now ready to be rubbed back and painted which I hope to get to this weekend.

These two wicker chairs I rescued from my daughter Danielle's garage they were going to be dumped. I have already rubbed them back and they have their first coating of paint. They will look great on my front verhanda. The kids gave their Dad a compressor for his birthday so I think it will come in very handy to spray paint the chairs with the final coat of paint.

I have been working on these Santa blocks for about 3 years now. I have 4 more corner blocks to complete before I can put it together. When I started these blocks I was very keen to get it finished but of course something else just had to be done so these went into the UFO box.

This is the almost finished Mystery quilt I made about a year ago with my Quiting group. Last week I sent it of to have it professionally quilted so that I know it will be completed. I still have many more in the UFO box that have not seen the light of day for quite some time. But I WILL get them all finished one day.

2008-03-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

Just this week I have finished this little embroidered pillow for my Mum.
Unfortunatly my Mum has been diagnosed with mild Alzhiemers so a long road ahead for us especially my Dad who is at present finding it a little hard to deal with.
Mum loves pansies and her favourite colours are mauves and greens, I'm sure she will love this little gift. She is 83 and still knitting and doing embroidery herself. I hope she can continue on with her hobbies for as long as she can.

Quilt Camp

2008-03-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I was counting down the days till Merroo Quilt Camp up at Kurrajong. Now it has come and gone where do the weeks go? Quilt camp was great. I went with 7 friends from my quilting group this was my 8th. year. We leave on Friday and have a wonderful time visiting all the patchwork shops and thrift shops on the way. This year I chose to do a class with Dianne Johnston called Shattered Glass an easy technique for stained glass work. My friend Diana and I chose to call our work "Fractured Fairy" I only managed to get my fairy to the pinned stage by the Sunday but have managed to get some of the stitching done this week. This technique is really easy and can be adapted to original stained glass patterns.

The first photo is my fairy without her wings, the second photo is Dianne Johnstons fairy and how mine will hopefully look one day soon. Beautiful isn't she? Although a bit blurry!!!

At quilt camp on the Saturday night groups are encouraged to put on some entertainment, each year there is a different theme. This year it was Sports, this being the year of the Olympics. Our group decided on the Grand Parade, we all dressed in different sports clothes carried our banner, an Aussy flag and the Olympic rings and marched to the National Anthem I think it was the best of the night we were awarded 2nd. place. It was loads of fun.

From left to right Me, Ann, Helen, Diana Kerrie, Kerry and Barbara.

More Sewing

2008-03-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

Again I have been making padfolios for gifts, they are so much fun to make and those that have received one from me just love them they make a very useful gift. The "Shabby Chic" one I have made for my daughter Danielle as she has made me some beautiful jewellery which I just love. Certainly is a great way to use up some of my stash.

I have mentioned before that I do an Arty type class once a month with my friends Barbara and Kerry. Recently we had another trip to Bowral for a class where we were shown how to embroider on our painted paper bag which once scrunched up over and over again, feels very much like a piece of fabric. I call my piece of embroidery "Pattisons Curse at Texas" I had taken a photo on our recent trip so used this as my inspiration. The other piece is called "Passion Pods" I constructed this from a piece of fabric that I had painted, actually started out as toadstools but turned into pods. I machine and hand stitched adding beads and the leaves. This is really not something that I can really get into but have had fun with the classses.

Unfortunatly my photo has turned out a little blurry

A close up of the stitching if you look sideways with head to the left you can just make out the original toadstools.

Not my day......

2008-02-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

Well I was going great guns with my blog when suddenly everything just closed down so not knowing too much about computers I just left it too sort things out for itself so I was happy to see that my previous post was saved.

I was at the time trying to upload my next photos so I may have pressed the wrong button !!!!!

Anyhow I will try again .

During the past 2 weeks I have also created a padfolio and a diary cover. The rust and tan padfolio is a birthday gift for my friend Margaret these are her favourite colours. The diary cover was a request from Sheree made in purples her favourite colours of course.

Artsnthemail had a February Challenge to use only a plain coloured fabric and one colour thread to create a postcard. I chose a purple for my fabric and a white thread. After doing some machine stitching I created the 3D flowers and attatched them to my cards. I am very happy with the results.

Been Busy

2008-02-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

I have been fairly busy over the past few weeks I really envy all you bloggers who are so diligent in blogging every day. I take so long to add to my blog (not too computer literate) I foget what I am supposed to do and then don't know what to say. My 2 daughters Danielle and Sheree are always having a laugh at me as I am always asking them questions of what to do.

So this blog is for Kylie (a scrapbooking friend of Sheree) an update she asked for when I saw her at the craft show on Saturday.

Firstly I have made 3 sewing machine mats. The bear mat is for me, the floral mat is for my friend Alice who is 84 and still enjoys her sewing and the frog mat I made smaller for my newly aquired Singer Featherweight sewing machine that I have recently purshased in Uralla a small country town whilst on our recent holiday.

Postcards

2008-01-25T00:45:00.000-08:00

I belong to a great group of postcard swappers called Artsnthemail. Over the past months I have received some wonderful cards and now that I know how to upload photos by myself (My daughter has always done this for me) I will be able to put up photos of what I receive. These postcards are for Beth, Dawn, Mary & Sharon titled "Valentine - Lace and Roses". I really enjoy doing these little works of art and it is wonderful to hear the comments from the post people some are really interested and some get a little annoyed when asked to hand frank the cards. Our post lady gets a great thrill from my PC's when she is delivering each day once commenting that I must have a lot of friends & family who live overseas.