CATS AND CAPERS

Merry Christmas.

2011-12-24T15:05:00.000+10:00

To all my blogging friends and your families may you have a very Merry Christmas all health and happiness throughout 2012.
Thank you to everyone who has continued to visit despite my total lack of posting in the last few months. I will be back very soon.

CHECKING IN.

2011-08-24T18:26:00.000+10:00

Yes I am still here and checking in with you all, and in two days time I will be checking in with my suitcase and boarding a plane (or several by the time I get there) heading for Italy, and Dubai then a few days in Auckland to catch up with family before heading down south here again. One whole month away from work is so exciting-it is a while since I have had that long off and are so looking forward to it.

This is where I will be spending my first week doing a cooking course in Tuscany before meeting up with my sister and family in Florence for another week in a villa in the country. We then head for Rome for a few days before we part company again. Fun, fun, fun ahead.

To all of you who commented after my last post I thank you and apologise for not answering you individually . Things have improved a little but will never go away completely. The issue is work related so I am sure you will understand my situation.

So what has been happening in the sewing room - the pinwheel quilt is done-

I used a pattern from Moda Bakeshop and I did prairie Points for the first time. I do like this little quilt and how it turned out.The photo does not really so it justice and the very faded out areas are more prominent than look here.
Then I caught up with some of the blocks for the Bee Balm I am a member of-

These are Kates blocks and although the blocks looked they would be difficult to make they went together very easily.

Beebee sent the background fabrics and asked for pink hearts in any design we chose. Beebee is a member of a couple of groups and is gathering an amazing variety of blocks that are going to make a stunning quilt.

This is my next project that is ready to have the binding sewn down and then it is finished-made from the stash although you can't see a dent in it at all. As you can see I have a thing about pinwheels at the moment and as I have four staff members pregnant at he moment they will find good homes.

I quilted this one with hearts with a swirl. I traced the hearts out on paper and then free motioned quilted them. Am pleased with how they turned out.

Well that was a quick visit and I may not be back for another month. Thank you all for continuing to visit. Have been enjoying all the projects out in blogland even though I haven't been that productive myself. Keep up the wonderful inspiration.

ENFORCED SILENCE

2011-07-03T07:05:00.000+10:00

It has been a long while since I was here and still people keep visiting so thank you.
I have had to take a self imposed break, and am still a little weary about what I post here. A complaint was made against me about an innocent internet post made by a family member,(thankfully not the blogging world) that has led to alot of stress and unsettled times. As a blog is public reading material I will now need to be careful about what I write for awhile.
On the quilting front there has only been a little of that happening - couldn't concentrate on that but getting back into it again.

These pinwheels have become a little quilt that is having the binding sewn on today. I discovered a quick way of making pinwheels (most of you probably know this but for those who don't) at the Missouri Quilt company.
You cut your squares and place them right sides together. then sew a quarter inch seam around all sides. Line up your ruler and cut on both diagonals and voila 4 HST and no ruling lines.

The other project I have been working on is from this book which has great patterns in it for jelly rolls

I chose to make this one first and used a Balipops jelly roll I'd had for some time and Kona Ash-

You really have to concentrate on the placement of the blocks but it will look great. Just now having trouble getting a border fabric to match.

And here are some more of my African blocks-
From Melina in France

Maisie approving Kate's block from Australia and wonderfully hand stitched.

Hopefully back later with more.
We are having the most glorious winter sunshine this weekend-yesterday on the golf course and today maybe the garden Hope you are all having a great weekend.
Thanks for visiting.

I Know!!!

2011-05-03T17:47:00.000+10:00

I know I planned a better blogging schedule but it hasn't happened yet.
I'm off to Brisbane tomorrow for a week to attend a conference and to catch up with family and friends. Will share a couple of pictures of wonderful blocks I have received-
From Lizzie-

Isn't this wonderful?
And two from Beebee-

I am loving this global swap.
Will post when I am back from my short break.

RETURNING

2011-04-10T16:46:00.000+10:00

...to blog posting. I have been so slack with posting and no real excuses-I have still been visiting your blogs and enjoying the eye candy and people have still been visiting here. To everyone who keeps visiting thank you so much - sorry there has not been alot to look at.
So better routine needed with blog posting on my part!! Mind you Blogger is driving me nuts with posting photos in the right place!!!
Following the Christchurch earthquake our local quilting shop Kitz and Things send out an email saying they were going to make up packs with 9 fat quarters for the top and some backing fabric and a pattern if quilters were willing to make them up providing the batting and binding-their aim was to complete 200. So how could you not participate.

This was one set of fabrics

.and this is what it ended up as.

I had a little helper while I was trying to quilt this one. She really is a sewing room kitten.

This is the other set of fabrics-Halloween theme that I made up with the pattern they gave us and I really like how it turned out.

The quilts have been delivered to the shop and I am sure are now on their way to Christchurch. I hope they bring some small comfort to someone who has been through the awful experience of the earthquake.

March was my month for the Bee Balm I participate in-12 quilters around the globe who each have a month to choose a block. I chose a Double Ohio Star- a block I had never made but got the idea for a quilt from the book Material Obsession 2. A few years ago I joined site where I received fat quarters of African fabric each month and those fabrics have traveled with me as I moved houses and until now I have not had the inspiration to showcase them. I have traveled to Africa twice and fell in love with the joyful colourful people and decided to get my fellow bloggers to help me put this quilt together. I sent out the centre image, the black fabric and the star fabric asking everyone to add one colour from their stash and therefore making them all different.

These are the blocks I made before I sent other African ladies off around the globe. I loooove how these turned out and can't wait to receive the rest of the family back.

One of them arrived yesterday from Western Australia- thanks so much Sue. I just love her and she is as perfect as I had envisaged -

I think Sue has used fabric she has dyed herself-what a brilliant match. Sue spoilt me with a piece of dyed fabric and the most gorgeous handmade card-

Thank you so much Sue.

I know one other lady has been finished and I will show her when she arrives-looking forward to her homecoming Lizzie.

So there has been some sewing going on here and there is another quilt in the making that I will show soon.

Hope you are all well and enjoying stitching.

Disaster in Christchurch

2011-02-22T15:17:00.001+10:00

Just before 1pm today a massive earthquake hit Christchurch, just five months after the first earthquake that caused so much damage.

This is what is left of the Cathedral in the centre of Christchurch. The spire has fallen.
There is massive destruction and tragically there has been loss of life with at least 17 dead and many more trapped in fallen buildings. It must be terrifying for all the people of the city and my heart goes out to you all. I am pleased to say that all those I know in the city are safe although traumatised.
I truly hope that the city does not suffer too many aftershocks and people are saved from more trauma. Take care all of you.
Add it- now confirmed 65 dead.Tragic.

Return of the Absent Blogger

2011-02-13T06:03:00.000+10:00

The longer you leave it the easier it is not to do-and that goes for blogging as well. Even though my absence has been a long one from here the dreaded Facebook keeps me in touch with alot of you.
I have still been reading blogs and I am amazed at the number of visitors to my blog even though I haven't been posting.
I would like to try an idea that Clare did on her blog.

I love travelling (Italy later in the year for my sister's big birthday) and am so interested in where people who visit my blog come from-52 different countries it says on the counter. Not many comment but if you are visiting and don't wish to comment then please just say hi and let me know where you live. I would love to visit the world!!
So what have I been doing- well I spent a very wet Christmas in Brisbane. It literally rained 24 hours a day and was humid with it. I actually left my jogging shoes in the rubbish bin as the smell from them being constantly wet, and with creek water that had run over paths. was far from pleasant!! Despit the weather I had a great time and it isn't wet int he shops!!Soon after coming home the floods hit and it felt very real as where I used to work was surrounded by flood waters and some of the girls I worked with lost their homes. Luckily all my family are safe and well and did not suffer any damage. You will all have seen the call for quilt blocks, tops, sewing kits and any items to help our stitching sisters who have been affected not only in Queensland but other parts of Australia as well. The country is throwing some harsh conditions on the people there and my heart goes out to them all.
I sent two tops over to Christine who kindly offered to quilt and distribute donation tops.

I am pleased that these have arrived safely and although it doesn't seem much on the scale of the disasters every little bit helps. The photos are not very good as the weather here in the south does not see much sun shining-or at least not when I am off work!!
There has been a little more action in the sewing room but not alot. I have made a couple more blocks for our online quilting bee-
It was Trees that Sue asked for. She sent a strip of fabric and the only criteria was the trees were to be no higher than 6 inches. For me this was a challenge- would she like my choice; what colours should I use; my workmanship may not be perfect; what if my block didn't match the others?? However I joined the bee in the hope of learning new techniques, tips etc so I am glad Sue set this challenge and here are my result- two forests of maybe not perfect trees but nature allows imperfections.

The other block was for Tara who sent the fabrics and the block pattern we were to make. It is amazing how different they have all turned out. Here is my contribution.

It is my block next month and after many ideas I think I have settled on a Double Ohio Star (heads up to those in the Bee who read this). I have never made this block before but found it in Material Obsession and think I will use African themed fabrics- playing with this in the sewing room at the moment.
My next big project (apart from finishing the UFO's) is my sister has ordered a Kiwiana Quilt (or 2 singles to be more specific) for her big birthday this year. They have a King bed but seperate top bedding to meet individual needs-you know the pinching of the blankets!! She is very particular about what she wants but it has to have a big proportion of black Koru design print in it, so we haven't finalised a design yet but it should be fun.
And here is the helper I now have- this is the kitten who was going to be called Barbie but it just 'didn't work' so she is Maisie-

She looks very innocent but I tell you she is not. While I use that rotary cutter she chases the blade-accident ahead I can see!! She is very sweet natured but she never stops and is certainly the liveliest kitten I have ever had. She has a playmate next door who is a couple of months older than her and together they visit the neighbourhood including going to the school across the road to seethe children who just love her. She is 4 months old but is not going to be very big at all- just like her mother. Socialising her into the household with the spoilt, cantankerous 11 year old Bella has not been easy and there is no doubt Bella hates her. Bella has not been an only cat in the household so I thought she would warm to a new addition but after 6 weeks there is no love lost and Maisie knows to keep away!!
Work has been extremely busy and some weeks I seem to do nothing else except work long hours and sleep. We are having a very busy month and for the last two weeks I have had four people off sick so trying to cover the roster has been a bit of a nightmare. However I do enjoy my job most of the time and have a great team to work with and that makes a huge difference to you day.
Well if you are still here, thanks for hanging around. I will now endeavour to post more as I know how much I enjoy reading other peoples posts.
Have a good weekend where ever you are.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

2010-12-20T16:16:00.000+10:00

I am just popping in to wish all my fellow bloggers a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to a year ahead where I will blog more frequently rather than just visiting others blogs. There is no doubt that there are the most amazing people in blogland and as I read on a blog recently (sorry can't remember whose) 'friends live in my computer'. I know I have not posted alot this year but with moving country and settling into a new lifestyle things have taken a bit of adjusting.
I am off to Brisbane, Australia, on Wednesday to have a week with family and friends for Christmas. They have been having alot of heavy rain over there which is so unusual and it will be a change to experience that weather over there when we in fact are having lovely summer weather. Theoretically it should be the other way around but my umbrella and raincoat are packed.
This year I took part in Maree's 6 item swap. Last week I received my parcel from my swap partner Carol and I am still doing a dance. I had not come across Carol's blog before so it was very exciting to meet a new friend. Carol made me the most divine bag, I just love it, (that has already had a few outings) as well as a pincushion and needlebook. She also included some other gifts that were just amazing. Thank you so much Carol.

This is what I sent Noela.

I did do alot of shopping at Hancocks of Paducah but I won't show you all the bootie- think Kaffe, and more Kaffe as well as some solids. The postie must've got sick of visiting me, but I was so happy.

So to all my blogging friends enjoy the festive season with family and keep the meaning of Christmas close to your heart.
To leave you with-
I pulled a piece of paper out of my letterbox the other day and read "MERRY CRISMAS". I have since found out it was from the five year old next door- I just love it and will keep it among my treasures of Christmas.

Free Shipping

2010-11-18T03:53:00.003+10:00

Just received an email saying Free Shipping for the next 3 days from Hancock's of Paducah.
I'm going shopping-oops got to go to work now but after work shopping it is!
You need to enter FALLSUB in the promotional code box.

Absent Blogger

2010-11-14T17:03:00.001+10:00

OMG I can't believe it is two months since I last posted, and two months since we had our huge snowfall. I have been loitering and viewing blogs but just haven't written myself.
It seems alot longer since we had that snow and have since had some glorious spring/summer days. However today it is like winter again and I have to admit I have a fire lit. The temperature has been half what it was yesterday so a bit of a shock to the system.
So what have I been up to-well not much on the sewing front really, and some of it is secret as it is at this time of the year. Work has kept me very busy and I have been working some long hours and also having to cover afternoon shifts-bit of a shock to the system and not really what my job is supposed to entail. Still I can't complain when it involves assisting a new life into the world- what a privileged job I have.
The other thing that has kept me very busy is my garden-it is a long time since I have lived in a house that has such a big garden. The flower gardens are more or less self managing except for having to spray all the roses. However the vegetable garden and tunnel house (a form of glasshouse) has taken the time getting it all planted but yesterday I finally finished planting and can't wait to eat the produce.
I have been stitching Xmas projects over the last couple of weeks and having such fun using up scraps of batting and strips of fabric to produce various forms of these-

This is making it's way to my mother, a crafter but not a quilter who loves anything I make. I should have ironed it before the photo, sorry folks. These are so easy to make as quilt as you go projects and satisfy the fix of a quick project.

I have also been using scraps to make alot of these blocks, which will become a quilt that I can practice my skills with my longarm machine. So far i have just been doing practice pieces as I don't want to 'ruin anything'-I know I will just have to bite the bullet and make a start soon.

I have joined an online quilting bee organised by Lizzie, with twelve quilters from around the globe. We each have a month where we choose a block and send fabric out to the others who make a block and return it.
This is the block I made for Vivian who lives in Texas and although it was posted two weeks ago it still hasn't arrived so I hope it gets there soon. It is a Disappearing 4 Patch and was so much fun to make.

A while ago Dzintra showed some Shattered Nine Patch quilts on her blog which gave me an idea for the borders of this quilt. I made this a number of years ago now and love it but could never decide on the borders. I now need to start cutting fabrics.

To end this post here is a photo of Barbara and Shirley. Barbara the little stripey one is coming to live at my house after Christmas. The family who owns the mother cat, Margaret, named them and I am told I can't change her name!!
Be back soon.

Spring in Invercargill

2010-09-18T13:56:00.005+10:00

This photo was taken this afternoon and it is now snowing again. It is like Winter Wonderland however it doesn't snow like this in Invercargill-or at least not until today.
Bad weather had been predicted for the whole of New Zealand but we did not expect this. I just love it. All I need now is for Santa Claus to appear. Yes, I know it's not Christmas but it makes me feel like the Christmases I had when I was living in England. Fire is blazing -bit early for the red wine yet-that's later!!
It is just the weather for being in the sewing room but there has been other things to do- I have had a man visiting Invercargil to set this up for me-

My new toy - a Nolting Funquilter. I was lucky enough to get a second hand one and purple as well so I am so lucky. Have to give her a name I think!Now I have to get to and practice,practice,practice. It has always been a dream to own a longarm quilting machine so this is the start.
The poor guy who came down to set it up and do some basic instruction (part of the deal) is now stuck in Invercargill due to the weather but should get out tomorrow.
So have I been doing any sewing-well not much but I have been sewing these-

HST in green and black that are being sewn in a zigzag pattern. Will post the photo once finished.
Then I decided it was time to attack the stash and so more HST-

Although these were the start of a scrap quilt they will be winging their way to Lizzie in Australia who has a friend who is unwell. If you have not already done so please visit her blog to ready the sad story of a fellow quilter.
Well after another flurry of snow the sun is out so the melting will begin.
Hope you are all having a good day.

Earthquake

2010-09-05T14:49:00.001+10:00

Sending thoughts and best wishes to all those affected by New Zealands earthquake.
This is one of the photos on the net of some of the devastation caused by the 7.1 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday morning. It happened at 4.30am so luckily the injuries were not as serious as if it had happened in daylight hours. However the area has been declared a disaster zone and some are comparing it to the Haiti earthquake. New Zealand does have earthquakes but Christchurch was not expecting it-they are saying it was caused on a hidden fault line. Wellington is the place in New Zealand that is expected to get 'the big one'.
It is hard to imagine what the city looks like and it is only 8 hours drive north of here.
I am so glad that all those I know in they city, both bloggers and non blogging friends are all safe although have experienced a very scary event. One friends grand daughter who is staying from up in the North Island said "grannys house dances"!! You have to love them.
There was another disaster in the South Island yesterday when a small plane with sky divers aboard crashed soon after takeoff killing all nine aboard-five New Zealanders and four young people from overseas. My heart goes out to all those families affected by this tragedy.

Bits and Pieces

2010-08-24T16:55:00.000+10:00

Spring is in the air- or at least for the past few days. Lets hope this beautiful weather continues.
On the weekend I went for a very challenging walk around the coast at a place called Bluff-southern most coast of the South Island. This is a rugged coastline with pounding seas but just spectacular scenery. First there was a walk along the coast and then I headed up the hill-it said 45mins uphill and I thought well it is probably a slight uphill that will take about 20mins. Wrong!! Boy it was straight up and up- took about 30 mins to reach the top!

The island you can see in the picture is Stewart Island - our third island. It was a glorious day and the 2 hour walk was certainly a workout-it is still winter officially but you would never have thought so on the day.

The sewing machine has been doing a little work - this is my Barcode quilt from the book City Quilts. I am adding one more row and it will then sit atop a queen sized bed.

Not the best photo but it gives a preview. So easy to put together.

Of course,Bella had to decide whether it should be approved or not. She is not usually the sewing room cat-my sewing companion died just before I left Australia. This is where she usually curls up

I have also been doing a little bit of hand stitching. I am not a very big hand stitcher except when it comes to Christmas projects-for some reason I enjoy doing these and so when I won a giveaway from Sandy ( as I posted about) I was excited to receive a Christmas stitchery and have made a start on the project.

I'm using DMC cotton 115 and am liking the variegated look. Don't look too closely at my stitches-I don't profess to be very good but theres no police patrolling here.
I have also resurrected my Sue Ross BOM project as I am soooooo far behind.

While my points do not all meet I am just so excited that it sits flat. My first foray into set in seams in a previous block had quite a few rises and falls-hopefully quilting will sort that out. Just have to applique this down onto the background fabric now.
Hope everyone is enjoying their sewing rooms. Take care.

Back Again

2010-08-08T17:22:00.003+10:00

The past few weeks seem to have just zoomed by. I have been working long hours so the days just roll into each other. Am also getting over a dreadful head cold-why do people think they should come to work and share their germs around??? I cannot remember when I last had a cold and I even even had to have a couple of days off which is the first time in years I have taken time off sick. these little critters have kept me entertained-twittering away in the garden where I put feed out for them. Different from the squawking birds I fed in Oz but just as delightful.

I have managed a bit of time in the sewing room. These Blocks for Lissa are on their way to USA to Jane. If you have not seen the request already then pop over to her blog to read about her appeal for blocks to make a quilt for Lissa, a young mum of three children who has been in hospital,in intensive care, for 7 months

Remember the book in my last post-City Quilts -well here is a little peak of a quilt I am making from that book. I have found a Quilting Circle to attend on a Monday evening. The lady who held the class on fabric dyeing that I went to also holds quilting evenings. I have only been once so far but will go again tomorrow and finish this quilt top then I hope.

I don't enter many giveaways, and only on the blogs I follow so I was absolutely delighted to get an email from Sandy to say I had won. Sandy was very generous with her gifts and I have already started the stitchery-

Bloggers are just such generous people. Thanks Sandy.
I am thinking of purchasing a longarm quilting machine,mainly for hobby use to start with, but which one to choose???. I would value any advise that bloggers who have one could give me on what their experience has been.
Have a great week.

FINISHED

2010-07-12T16:51:00.000+10:00

My tablerunner is finished and am quite pleased with the result

I used turquoise thread to quilt straight lines.They are not that straight as I didn't mark the lines but used the eye that obviously doesn't see straight!! I like how the colour of the thread ties it together.

All the fabric is that which I dyed although the backing is just white fabric. Now if you think your eyes are playing tricks with you and you see the end fabrics look like they're tapered, don't panic. They are tapered!! Intentionally- no of course not. I decided they didn't look straight so thought I would sort it-didn't follow the rule measure twice, cut once, but I can live with it. good runner for the outdoor table during summer entertaining.
Now an apology to all my followers. When I began blogging I was advised by one of my first followers that you should answer comments that were left so I started to do that but boy it took me so long and I often wondered how others answered me so quickly. I thought it was that I have a gmail address but that's not it, I was just a little bit slow!
I would make a list of all those who left comments,visit their blog profile, write down the email address and then send an email which as you can imagine took me forever. I should've asked a question earlier but thought surely I could work this out. Well on the weekend I finally figured it out-only took me a year!!
So to all of you who have left comments and not had a reply, I apologise but now I have no excuse. Thank you to all who have continued to visit.

Happy stitching.

WHERE DID JUNE GO??

2010-07-05T16:35:00.000+10:00

I can't believe that July is already here-what happened to the last month?
I am still settling into my new house and life here in Invercargill so the time just zooms by. Fitting all the organising around working fulltime-and more-means the weeks have just zoomed by. Work has been very busy and we have been short of staff so I have been working on the floor rather than in the office. I love it but it is a shame no one does my paper work.
I decided to enrol in a fabric dyeing class in the hope of meeting fellow quilters but in the end it was a personal class for my friend and I. No one else enrolled but the teacher was prepared to hold the class just for us. Boy did we have a great time and produced very different fabrics.

We could use whatever colours we liked and both were happy with what we ended up with. It was more about learning the technique than the results-the true colours are brighter than in this photo but this gives a general idea.
This was my favourite piece-

It is going to become a table runner and is basted ready for quilting-the blue is also one that I dyed. Am loving it.

Even though the sewing machine is taking a while to speed into action this is a book that I ordered and boy am I loving these designs. I have seen it around Blogland so some people are familiar with it. The book is by Cherri House and the quilts are inspired by urban views-simple but dramatic.

Have enjoyed reading all the blogs and admiring the wonderful projects that are being created. It's good to now be back.

BACK AT LAST.

2010-06-07T17:15:00.000+10:00

Well that has been a longer than I expected blogging break but I am back at last.
I won't bore you all with the details but I ended up staying in the motel for 6 weeks and the internet connection there was dreadful so very few emails were even sent.
I am now the owner,and resident, of the house I spoke about in the last post. After yet another delay in the settlement of my house in Australia the money finally arrived in my bank account and I was able to put in a pre auction offer for this house which was accepted.I have been in the house for three weeks and am still unpacking boxes and trying to find things. I paid to have professional packers pack up the house but boy I do wonder who trained them!! Things that go together are not in the same box and some things -like a wheel that stabilises my sewing table-I still haven't found!! What I have found is a fabric stash that is far bigger than I thought and I almost embarrassed to see how much is sitting in what will be the sewing room-some serious sewing needs to take place to use up some of that fabric!!
You would think that if you were packing a cordless kettle that both the kettle and heating element would be in the same box-wrong!! And that has how the unpacking has gone with each box. I have been busy buying furniture to fit this house and it's starting to come together. One more week and my new sewing table will arrive-can't wait.

My new house- Invercargill has alot of these character homes mixed in with more modern homes. I am so lucky to have found a character home that has been modernised.

Just had to show you my kitchen. Even though I love cooking I have never had a house with a nice kitchen but I love this one-it's not quite this tidy now! These are the advertising photos from the real estate agent.

I am loving it here in Invercargill-it reminds me alot of England-the houses, the weather and the countryside. Everyone is so friendly and would do anything for you which is great. My job is great and I have a lovely lot of staff that I manage so what more could you ask.
On the sewing front not alot has been happening with all the unpacking and settling in but one simple quilt has been finished for a very special baby. One of the women who does our data collection has adopted a little boy which is so exciting. They had a little boy a few years ago who only lived seven months and have been trying to have another baby since, without success, so have been on the adoption list for only a short time. This lovely little boy joined their family last week and this is a quilt for Sam.

Very quick to put together and I know there are Kangaroos and Koalas in the quilt but there are also sheep. It was a matter of what fabric I could find in the stash. I'm sure he will love it as he grows old enough to play I Spy.
A friend and I are off to a fabric dyeing class on Friday which I'm really looking forward to. My friend is not really a quilter but a lover of fabric so I have talked her into joining me.
Well that's a quick summary of the last couple of months. It's good to be back and I've enjoyed reading everyones blogs and keeping up with what is happening.
Keep well everyone and happy sewing.

Kia Ora- Greetings from New Zealand

2010-04-11T16:35:00.001+10:00

No photos yet sorry.

To all of you who posted your good wishes to me for my move from Australia I want to say thank you. I never got the time to send you all a personal thank you but your good wishes were greatly appreciated.
I arrived in Invercargill, which is at the bottom of the South Island,this week and have been slowly finding my way away the place. I am in motel accommodation that the hospital has arranged and hopefully I will have a home of my own to move too in a few weeks. I have been looking at houses and have fallen in love with one that is going for auction.I am waiting for my house sale in Australia to settle and will make an offer prior to auction if someone else doesn't beat me to it.
Have found a great quilt shop and chatted to the women in there about ways of meeting fellow quilters. There is a retreat in June so hopefully I will be organised to attend.
Will be back soon. It has been great to be able to read everyones blogs and be inspired by so many projects even though the sewing machine is in storage. The knitting needles are busy now making warm jumpers-things I haven't needed for a few years.

HICCUP

2010-03-17T13:03:00.002+10:00

On Friday I was in a local quilt shop, The Quilters Corner, owned by lovely Llisa, and was so lucky to meet Christine from Once Upon a Quilt while we were both at the counter. Llisa has just had her shop website updated and I had seen some patterns I wanted. If you haven't checked it out it is worth visiting.
Unfortunately we did not have long to chat as my phone went and it was the solicitor to say my house sale had fallen through due to lack of finance. 10 days until settlement and in my mind it was all sealed and I was on a roll with organising things.
It was a quick trip to the Real Estate Agent and the house was back on the market and I was so,so lucky to get another offer on it on Saturday-not quite as good as the first but acceptable. So the moving company has been put off for two weeks, the cat has a reprieve and can stay home a week longer and we wait with fingers crossed that this contract does not fall through. It felt like the plans had halted and I wasn't going anywhere but the head is back into it all again and the cleaning has begun!!!
I was so excited when I arrived home after the news to find a parcel waiting for me at the front door-I just love the service the Book Depository gives. I'm sure you're all glimpsed this in blogland if not in person but I have to share it as I loooove it. My favourite has to be the diamond quilt that you can see in the top right hand corner.

Happy stitching everyone.
I am off to clean-I did have a round of golf this morning after weeks of not playing so I really enjoyed it and could still manage to hit the ball reasonably well. Hopefully I will get one more game in before the clubs and cart have to be scrubbed clean for shipping to New Zealand. Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are really tough on anything going into NZ being free of all grass and soil so don't want to upset them!!

Update

2010-02-28T07:47:00.001+10:00

Firstly thank you to everyone who left comments on my last post-your best wishes were greatly appreciated. I am sorry I have not had time to answer you all but as you can imagine life is a little hectic here.
The good news is I have a contract on my house and providing all is well with the building inspection tomorrow the sale settles on the 24th March. I am so glad that it only took two Open Homes as keeping the place like a show home was a little tedious. No sewing as yet but maybe this week.
I have a friend from NZ staying the weekend so we are off to the markets today if it doesn't rain. She arrived yesterday and it rained the whole day, so so much for the Sunshine State. She nearly missed her plane, as when she went to check in she had her South African passport(which would've required a visa) rather than her NZ passport. It was a very unlawful speed back home to get the right passport and by the time she returned the plane was ready for take off, so she was escorted onto the plane. I know I nearly missed my plane in NZ but at least I wasn't escorted on as 'that person everyone is waiting for'. Her flight was via Sydney and half the plane had their luggage left in Sydney as 'the carousel broke'. It was supposed to be delivered here between 6.30-9.30pm last night but by 10pm there was no word so it was off to bed. At quarter to 1 this morning the bell goes and it's the suitcase -the van delivering the cases had broken down hence the delay!! Lets hope today is a better one.

At least these beautiful creatures graced the garden last evening for us.
Have a good day.

Still Here

2010-02-18T10:18:00.003+10:00

Yesterday was the first day I have turned the sewing machine on in weeks and it still purrs beautifully. Although the machine is still on the table the rest of the sewing room is packed away and with the house now on the market the room has to stay spotless. I am not a tidy person in the sewing room so it is better not to enter!!
However the postie delivered Block 5 of Sue Ross BOM and I thought well that won't make alot of mess so I couldn't resist,even though I haven't finished Block 3 or 4 yet.

The Prickly Pear Block with these great fabrics. So I set to and cut the fabrics before going to work yesterday afternoon and this morning it is finished and I love it. It has been the easiest block so far in this BOM and can together so quickly. There are not even any threads on the floor which has to be a first!!

The photo is a bit crooked and the colours in reality are a bit brighter but I do love it.

The sewing room is back to it's tidy state so I have to stay out- at least til after open home on Saturday.

I am over tidying,cleaning,sorting, making trips to the tip and keeping everything like a showhome at all times. The house has been on the market for the sum total of 10 days and I am over it already so I hope it sells quickly-got to be realistic I know.

The moving company are coming this morning to do a pre move survey-I am getting them to do the majority of the packing so at least I don't have to stress about that. Then once they have been it's out to do the lawns which decided with all the rain this week that they would grow tenfold.

Am enjoying reading all the blogs and getting my buzz from seeing all the wondeerful projects that are going on.

Have a great sewing day.

Addit:

OOps just noticed that I have sewn the top row on the wrong way -so Chris it's not perfect unfortunately!!

Off now to fix it.

Lurking

2010-01-24T06:46:00.000+10:00

Thought it was long past time to write a post. So what have I been doing- well I have to admit it has not been sewing.The mailman did deliver something quilty for me though so my nose has been in this book-I do love the service the Book Depository gives.

When I have not been working it has been tidying and packing. I am putting my house on the market as I am moving back to New Zealand in a couple of months. My sewing room has been packed up,although the sewing machine is still sitting there. I now need to get some handwork sorted-my Josephs Coat is very slow in progress so I need to get a few blocks prepared ready to sew.

A very good job came up for the midwifery manager of the Southland Maternity Unit and I was encouraged to apply,which I did and have been offered the job. On my trip back for mothers birthday I actually spent more time in the air than on the ground as I flew down to Invercargill for my interview,then back to the middle of the North Island to my mothers party. I am just waiting for the contract to arrive but it should all be ok and if so I will start in the middle of April. The second position I started here in Brisbane is a short term contract that finishes at the end of March and I wanted to honour that which they have been aware of the whole process.

Invercargill is right at the southern end of New Zealand and so will be fairly cold and windy but is a lovely small city which will offer a new way of life,and I am looking forward to it. There are two quiltiing shops and four golf courses so I should be fine!! It's a part of the country that is close to skiing, lots of bush walks and coastal areas. I do have friends and a brother and sister in law who live there as well so that is good. It is all a bit of a whirlwind and what makes it worse was that I had started to paint inside my house before this all happened so the paint brush has been working overtime.
The great thing about blogging is it doesn't matter where in the world you are as long as there is access to a computer then the friends are there. So if I don't post alot over the next few weeks I will still be here but busy sorting out the transfer.

Returning at Last

2010-01-12T18:02:00.003+10:00

It is awhile since I have posted,or replied to any comments so please forgive me. This is the reason why-

I have shown a few of the blocks for this quilt in previous posts. When I said I would make it, and take it back to NZ with me last week, I forgot just how much work this quilt took and so I was really over committed in my time frame. I worked on it every moment I could and I wouldn't like to think how many hours it took to do but it was worth it and I really loved how it turned out(almost wanted to keep it). I even stayed away from the golf course for a month as that would've taken away too many quilting hours. The border and the applique blocks are all stippled after outline quilting the applique shapes.This photo is not really the best but this is it laid on the floor ready for pinning. I haven't got a photo of it finished as I left it with my sister to finish sewing the binding down-she is the recipients grandmother so didn't mind doing the last bit for me.
But this shows just how worth it it was -

Brooklyn loved her quilt.

I have just been back to NZ for a flying visit to celebrate mothers 80th birthday so th quilt was given then.

And before you all ask -No I didn't make my mother a quilt. She has one I made her on her bed and also a lap quilt I made some time ago. My sister and I bought her a sewing machine as hers had stopped working and she loves sewing- she is not a quilter but has sewn for as long as I can remember. We had a great family reunion and everyone had a great time-have now come back to recover.

So now I think it may be time to look through the unfinished projects and finish some of them before I tackle the next big project.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T06:05:00.000+10:00

To all my blogging friends out there HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I trust that 2010 brings you all what you wish for. It's exciting to think we are starting another year and what that may bring we as yet do not know.
My thoughts go out to those who are beginning the year having just lost their homes in bushfires and I trust that love and friendship is surrounding them a this time.
I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me as I started my blog in 2009 and for the many friendships I have made in such a short time. I look forward to continuing these in 2010.
I am now off to work for the day. I worked last evening as well so there were no big celebrations going on here. Have a lovely New Years Day everyone.

Advent Swap Parcel Opened

2009-12-25T07:03:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas Morning to you all.
It is very quiet here at the moment, the only noise is the birds, which is lovely. There are very few children who live close by so the older ones are obviously still in bed.
I couldn't wait to open my Advent Swap parcel and here is what I got-

A lovely little hand quilted mat,a cellphone bag, some fabric and a chocolate angel-how long will she last???

Thank you Sigrid and thank you to Jo and Fiona for orgaising this swap. It has been alot of fun.

This is what is sitting outside my door at the moment

Rainbow lorikeets. Very pretty little parrots.

Have a great day everyone.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-24T10:56:00.002+10:00

I want to wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas. This, my first year of blogging , has been a wonderful experience of meeting so many amazing people that I look for to continued friendships and learning new skills along the way. Whatever you are doing over the festive season I hope you enjoy the spirit of the season.
I am working all over the Christmas season so the celebrations at home will be quiet. At least I work in the Maternity unit so it is a happy place to be as families celebrate the birth of a new little one.

Two days ago I decided that my brother in law did not have a decent Christmas stocking so I would make him one and this morning I actually finished it so am very pleased. It is a pattern from a Handmade magazine a couple of years ago and I have made a few now adding a machine embroidered name on them. This is thefirsttime I have worked it out first time with no unpicking so am rapt. Hope he likes it.

The next one I make will be for myself-my sister and I were just laughing as my stocking this year is a Christmas paper gift bag. A couple of years ago my nephew bought a very cheap ($1 or thereabouts) stocking from a bargain shop and hand embroidered my name on it. Bit of a joke really but it is a treasure and I love it -where is it at the moment??I don't know and haven't got time to look unfortunately.

When we wake up tomorrow the man in the red suit will have been and left us goodies to open-that is if you have been good this year of course!! It also means we get to open the hand made gift of our Advent Swap-who has cheated already? This swap has been alot of fun and I hope we do it all again next year.
Here are some more of my lovely gifts I received from Sigrid.

Micki's Giveaway

2009-12-20T18:05:00.000+10:00

Micki over at Irish Muses is having the most amazing giveaway. If you haven't already met her she is the most wonderful person so pop over and meet her and enter.

What a Week

2009-12-13T08:50:00.004+10:00

For my new part time job I have decided to get the bus as it is easy from my place and gives me a twenty minute walk along the river to the hospital at the other end so ticks the exercise box as well as helping reduce carbon emission. All well and good if the buses turn up!! On Thursday we finished a bit early and thought it was strange the wait for the bus was longer than usual and then the announcement came the buses for our area were on strike - no warning. So not being a frequent user how to get home? Eventually worked out where to get a bus to the next suburb and walked an hour home from there and in the end it was pleasant as I met a Vietnamese lady who I walked with and had a great chat so time passed quickly. As we were close to home we saw the buses go past again even though they said they would not be back on again that day.
I did brave them the next day and there were no problems so will continue to do so.
.
It's 26 degrees Celsius and 76% humidity at 7 o'clock in the morning and they said it was going to be cooler today-I don't think so. It only goes down to about 24 overnight so very hard to sleep unless you have the air conditioning on all night which I don't like to do. At least I am on Night Duty tonight so will be cooler, but will have the heat to sleep in tomorrow.
Enjoy the snow everyone that has it. I am really enjoying all the photographs of the amazing snowfalls on blogs I visit- it really looks incredible so keep safe everyone who is out in it.
Another week of opening Advent presents has passed-it will be sad when it's over and there are no little parcels to rush and open in the morning. Here is what unfolded over the last few days-

There is a gorgeous cat panel that will look great as a cushion,a lapel pin of the German quilting guild, more marzipan (yum), some beautiful variegated embroidery floss, and the cutest owl keyring that is handmade. This is so much fun.

A few weeks ago I left a comment on Renes blog and won a prize which was a total surprise as I didn't know she was having a giveaway. Well after a sad day at work on Friday I was so happy to see a parcel on my doorstep and this is what was inside-

Some adorable Moda Aunt Purdy's Parlor squares,some I Spy fabrics as Rene had seen I like to make I Spy quilts and some gorgeous cards with renes photography on them. I am just blown away by her generosity. Thank you so much Rene you are a darling.

As well some sewing I have been painting my lounge-who would do that at the beginning of Summer in Queensland?? I had the fan blasting on me while I was painting and did manage to get alot done and am happy with the result thus far.

I have managed to sew two more blocks for my pink quilt so am slowing getting ther with this one-

Off to do more painting and sewing. Hope you are not going too crazy with Christmas preparations.

2009-12-06T07:07:00.002+10:00

Well no sewing getting done here at the moment. I have started a new part time job-so that's two now-and I am juggling two rosters and it is more tricky than what I thought it would be. It should get easier to manage but at the moment it seems like I am at work all the time. Have to remember which hospital I am off to each day-wonder how long it will be before I go to th wrong one!!
This week the postie visited again-it's so good to get home and see a package on the doorstep. My Stitchers Angel parcel arivved - Jeanette and I decided our parcels were holidaying together somewhere as they have taken so long to arrive. My parcel arrived all the way from the Netherlands -from Sabine. Thank you so much Sabine.

There is a wonderful teacloth with the beautiful rose appliqued on, a handmade bookmark, a lovely little rose magnet and some 'Winter Thee' tea bags and the gorgeous red rose fabric bag that I wish you could all smell. It has a bag of the most wonderful smelling pot pourri in it that fills the room with a delightful scent. Sabine has done a wonderful job with these gifts so thank you so much. I'm not sure if she has a blog or not.
Then also in the parcel were these-

A delightful potholder with symbols of the Netherlands which looks great in my kitchen and a fabric panel. So I am very lucky and it was worth the wait.

Of course it is December and the fun has started of opening the Advent Swap little treasures. My partner is Sigrid in Germany and she has sent me some lovely things.

My little gifts are all in a numbered bag and sit in this basket the Sigrid has made.She also included a letter to be opened on the 1st Dec and it explains the Christmas traditions in Germany and the story of Saint Nikolaus-what a wonderful idea to include this.

So today is Saint Nickolaus day-the 6th Dec. Happy Saint Nikolaus day Sigrid, and all others that celebrate.

Here are my gifts so far-

First was an egg cup-isn't that cute? Then a lovely little Christmas decoration and then the most amazing thread. It doesn't show up in the photo but the thread is a Sulky and is two toned and has the most amazing shimmer to it. It is a Rayon that will be brilliant for my machine embroidery.

Next was this Marzipan lobster-marzipan is a big thing in Germany and I hope you don't mind Sigrid but I gave it to my brother-in-law(German) as it is his birthday. I know you will understand his delight with it, even if others don't! Yesterday was a thimble-isn't it lovely?

Then today on Saint Nikolaus I opened this delightful tin and in it was a Special Little Angel which I think is amber. It is just so gorgeous and the photo does not do it justice. Sigrid thank you it will always remind me of you .

So this swap is alot of fun and I hope everyone is enjoying opening their gifts each day.

My sister and brother in law that I visited in Vietnam have returned to Brisbane and we are off to the local farmers market this morning and then to friends for morning tea. Maybe I will get some sewing done this afternoon-probably my Joseph's Coat as the Australian Golf Open is on TV and is good viewing.

Have a lovely day everyone.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

2009-11-27T06:03:00.002+10:00

To all my friends in the USA and to all that celebrate HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I hope you all have a great day.

Progress and A Win.

2009-11-24T17:02:00.003+10:00

It's amazing what a day off work and a 5-6 degree drop in the weather temperature does for a productive sewing day. I have managed to sew the next two blocks for my pink quilt-the little bunny gave me trouble but I finally got him done even though he looks like he's had a few 'magic mushrooms'!!
The original pattern has the buttonhole stitch done in black and that s how I did the purple one I made but this time I have decided to blend the thread colour with the fabric and I'm liking it this way.

Then once these were finished I managed to join with the two bunnies and rows one and two are together-only four to go now. I think my great niece is going to enjoy this.

Last night I got an email from Christine over at Once Upon a Quilt to say I had won her giveaway. I had actually forgotten about it as it was a couple of weeks ago that she ran it.

I can tell you all I was sooo..... excited. I have won two of her patterns which she has already posted to me so I'll be watching for that postie. THANK YOU so much Christine.

I only enter giveaways on blogs that I follow and I have now won three times in the short time I have been blogging so I consider myself very lucky. You are all a great group of people.

Postie Visits

2009-11-22T17:33:00.000+10:00

Some weeks my roster at work is such that I get little time to be in my sewing room and this past week has been one of those.Then when I have today off it is so hot that it's a bit uncomfortable to be sewing. They say it has been 28degrees but the neighbours thermometer says 36 and that is what it feels like. The poor cat is lying under two fans panting-no air conditioning in this house-YET!
I have been attempting my Sue Ross BOM which has alot of set in seams and I think I have done more unpicking than anything else!!
One thing I have achieved is another bunny block which is cute

I have been keeping the postie busy this week.

First came my box from my Advent Swapper Sigrid who lives in Germany so that was very exciting. I knew she had posted it but you never know whether things are gong to arrive or not.

So when I saw this on my doorstep I was pretty excited. I have resisted the temptation to open the box and hopefully can wait until the 1st Dec.

I then received my parcel in the Quick Christmas swap where I was partnered with Sandi. there was no stitching involved in this swap organised by Jenny.Thank you Jenny. There was no stitching involved in this swap,you just had to send two Christmas fat quarters, a metre of ribbon and two buttons or decoration. This is what I received from Sandi-the fat quarters are just so divine.And look at those lovely Christmas baubles.It is great when you enter these swaps to be partnered with someone new and be able to make new blogging friends.

I am however still waiting for my parcel from my Stitchers Angel Swap. My partner emailed at the end of October to say she had posted it but I think it is going round and round the world.!

I also got another big box delivered that I was excited to see as I did have grave doubts if I would see it again and that is the Queen size quilt that I bought when I was in Vietnam. They had said it would take at least three months to arrive so I wasn't expecting it until about Xmas time so am delighted it is here safe and sound.

If were not reading my blog in September then that is where the entry is regarding this quilt and where you can find the story of the group of women who make them if you are interested.

Then the other exciting news this week was I won a giveaway, and was totally unaware it was happening. I enjoy visitng Rene over at her blog-she has a great blog that includes not only her quilting ventures but she also loves photgraphy so has some stunning shots there as well. If you haven't visited pop on over.

It was her 50th post and I left a comment, then the next day she said she had prevously decided to have a giveaway for all that had left a comment, but hadn't announced it. Great way for I giveaway I think. Don't know what it is yet but she will post it after Thanksgiving.

Well that was my week. Hopefully I can get some stitching done tomorrow and post my achievements.

For those of you experiencing high temperatures I hope it cools down soon, and for those of you wxperiencing the cold keep warm and I hope winter isn't too bad.

Another Week

2009-11-15T11:37:00.001+10:00

Where are the weeks going? I have been on Night Duty again this week so the poor body clock doesn't know where it is. I haven't achieved alot in the sewing room as the Australian Golf Masters is on so I have been glued to the TV. Unfortunately I will miss the last round today as it is off to work soon Hopefully it will be quiet enough to catch a bit of the action.
I have decided on my colour scheme for Joseph's Coat -I am going to use a black background and Kiwi prints that I think will turn out ok. This is placed but not sewn as yet.

The other thing I have achieved is that I have made the top row of log cabin blocks,and one of the bunny blocks for the pink quilt shown in the previous post-looking cute.

Then the mail man delivered Block 4 of the Sue Ross BOM. This one is called Arrowheads and has alot of set in seams so may be a bit of a challenge. The fabrics look good this month so that will be the project to complete this week.

Thought I would also show you what we had for dinner last night.
The easiest pizza ever.

Spread a pizza base with pesto (homemade tastes better than the jar variety), top with sweet chilli prawns (or whatever flavour you choose). Bake and then top with rocket and eat-it is divine.

Hope you are all having fun with stitching. Have a good week.

Bits and Pieces

2009-11-07T12:16:00.001+10:00

Where did the last week go? I have been on Night Duty so it’s hard to even keep track of what day it is. I have just been to the Post Office to post my Advent Swap off to Germany-watch out for the postie Sigrid.

I must’ve been half asleep when I decided to sign up to participate in making Josephs Coat that Kellie is hosting at Don’t Look Now. As if I haven’t got enough projects in the sewing room but this quilt looks brilliant so I couldn’t resist.

I am intending to use what is in the stash so we will see how we go. Janet over at Quiltsalott has chosen her fabrics and they look great. I had also thought a blue theme may deplete the stash a little!!

I have managed a little stitching this past week some of which I can show.

This is a doorstop I made using the pattern by Vicki over at Among the Gum Trees . This was so easy to make and as I have an African theme in my lounge I decided to go for that look and it is sitting proudly at my front door.. These are so easy to make and I will be making more for sure.. I sprinkled aromatherapy oil onto the filling so I have a lovely scent wafting through the house.

This pink log cabin block is the start of what will be a pink version of A Patch of Blue by June Gilchrist and Therese Hylton, that was first published in 2001. It appeared again in Cover Quilts No 1 published by Australian Patchwork and Quilting last year. This is going to be for my nieces daughter. I made her older sister a purple one a few years ago and have had the pink fabrics for some time and now the call has come out-when am I getting my pink one? I love that children say it as it is. Can I get it done by January when I take a trip back to NZ? The challenge is on!

Check out this giveaway that Kelly is having over at I have a Notion .A wonderful autographed book on Thread Work.

Happy Stitching everyone.

Christmas Sack

2009-11-01T18:30:00.001+10:00

It has been a busy week but not in the sewing room. Work has been very busy and I also had a midwifery conference to attend for two days which was very inspirational and rejuvenating. I also had an interview for a new job but they have been slow to respond through the whole process so don’t expect to hear too soon.

This morning it was up early and my nephew and I were off to the local Farmers Market which is on the first Sunday of the month. It was very busy but great atmosphere-they close off a street in a shopping area and the stalls are all set up down both sides of the road. As well as doing lots of tasting we stocked up on marinated olives and feta cheese; herbs to plant in the garden, fruit and vegetables, natural honey and I got my scissors sharpened.

I have managed to make a Christmas sack using a pattern by Natalie Ross. I altered it in that I machine embroidered my Christmas tree using a design by Julie Hall. It pays to read instructions carefully as one of the cutting measurements was nearly two inches short,but luckily I realised that before I cut the material. I love the finished product but it is smaller than I had thought it would be so I am making a bigger one now.

Sue Ross BOM block 4 will not be far away so can’t wait to see what challenges that will bring. Have a good week everyone.

It’s Raining

2009-10-26T18:03:00.001+10:00

The thunder is rolling, lightening lighting up the sky, and IT”S RAINING. For some of you you have had enough of the water falling out of the sky but here in Brisbane it has not really rained for 3-4 months. Our lawns are brown and the gardens truly suffering, so this may see the colour green reappear.

The Week That’s Past

2009-10-26T07:20:00.001+10:00

Still can’t show photos of what I’m sewing as the surprise is still preventing that but those projects are nearly finished then it’s full steam ahead on one of the many projects in my head. So I will show you pictures of my week and things I don’t really need but had to have!!

I won a giveaway this week (along with 24 others but that doesn’t matter). I was so excited as it is the first I have won.I now have a pattern of Esther Aliu’s Tulip Delight tablerunner. I have always admired her work and now I am going to attempt stencilling. I have my supplies ready and waiting..

Then on my doorstep when I got home one night after work I found a parcel waiting for me of material I had ordered from USA. I visited Material Gal so if you want to waste a little time browsing go check out her site it is well worth it and she provides great service. These are brighter than in the picture so how could I resist?

Then for those of us in Brisbane it was the Quilt and Craft fair that ended yesterday. It was the first time I had been on the last day, but yesterday was my first day off and chance to go. there were pluses and minuses of going on the final day- the best thing was there were not as many people (stall holders said the other days were crazy). It meant that looking at the amazing quilts was easy with fewer people around. The downside was that some stalls had run out of patterns and notions but I think the less people made up for that part.

I think there were more quilts hanging this year and boy was there some amazing work. Stephanie Newman won Best of Show for Magellanic Magic. I can’t believe I didn’t take a photo but I had followed it’s progress on her blog so was familiar with it. the quilt also won Best Domestic machine quilting and Stephanie also won Best Hand Quilting with It’s a Spring Time. pop over to her blog to check out her work.

The quilt below won the category Junior-Primary School. There was a write up in the paper this week about Niamh Cadoo-Dagley with a photo of her winning quilt. She is only 6 years old!! Those trees have soo… many buttons sewn on them. This girl has got talent!

I cannot go to a quilt show without spending money. Anyone else the same or are you more disciplined. Below are two books that I bought. I was so excited to see the book called Glimpses of New Zealand by Gail Lawther. It is a new book with photos and stories of NZ as well as the most amazing art quilts depicting our culture. Can’t wait to make something from the book.

Of course there was more material and notions to add to the stash but I won’t bore you with those. All in all a great week of purchases but not much sewing.

We are supposed to be finally getting rain today and for the rest of the week but it is not looking too promising out there. But just in case they are right with the forecast I think I will go for a hit on the golf course then this afternoon can be in the sewing room.

Til next time happy sewing everyone.

Check out these Giveaways.

2009-10-20T07:19:00.001+10:00

Check out this amazing giveaway over at Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe.. It is a very generous giveaway.

Then these most adorable Kati Cupcake patterns over at V@Co

BLOCK 3 DONE

2009-10-17T14:01:00.001+10:00

Have finished Block 3 of the BOM and do I like the fabrics anymore now that it is finished, than I did when I opened the package-definitely not. It just does not do it for me.

I did substitute the check fabric in the centre which I am happy with but I put in a brighter pink which now it is finished was maybe not the right choice. But at least it is done. This is the first BOM that I have joined that I have actually done so I am pleased with myself-the rest of them are piled in the cupboard or I’ve used the fabric for something else!!

What else have I been doing-can only show you a little sneak as it will spoil the surprise otherwise. How is everyone going with their Advent Swap items? I have been enjoying this.

Then in the mail I finally got Kaffe Fassett’s new book. I saw a comment on another blog that asked were we just seeing the same old patterns but with new fabrics in this book? Someone like Kaffe reproducing the same old thing?? I would be very surprised. So it was off to the bookshelf to look at the others I have and I am happy to say they are all different as we would expect. This one will be coming with me to Night Duty tonight for perusing should we have some quiet moments.

Went to see the movie ‘Julie and Julia’ this week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Blogging and food-what could be better! Have just been out in the yard weeding-as everything is so dry here with the lack of rain it makes weeding easy although it was rather hot out there. The rubbish bin is full now so time to sew instead.

Hope you are all having a good weekend.

Block 3.

2009-10-12T07:54:00.001+10:00

It rained yesterday for the first time in months-however in our part of Brisbane it didn’t come to much at all so still had to water the garden. The promised thunder and rain didn’t eventuate last night and now it is back to 30 degrees today.

How many have received Block 3 of Sue Ross’s BOM? I got very excited when I saw the parcel at my doorstep but have to say when I opened it the fabrics did not grab me and still don’t.

I have done my practice block and it is not a hard block to so. The photo of it has not come out well as the background is black with white dots on it and the camera didn’t like it.

I used my machine and a blind hem stitch to do the applique parts but don’t really like how it turned out. Would love some tips on the stitch to use and the settings any one else uses when they use their machine to applique. I’m not a hand worker but have did do Block 1 by hand and like the end result better.

Have finished my Stitchers Angels gifts so it is off to the post office to send them on their merry way to the USA. I hope the receiver enjoys them and takes a better photo than I did before I wrapped them!

A Bit Behind

2009-10-06T17:29:00.001+10:00

Today I received an email to say that Block 3 of the Sue Ross BOM is on it’s way this week. Having been on holiday I’m a bit behind but am starting to get back into sewing and just finished my practice Block 2-I know if I didn’t do a practice block it would be finished now ready to start number 3 when it arrives!! However I feel more comfortable doing this rather than destroying the real block.

I really enjoyed doing this block-the tips given by those who had gone before helped a lot. I didn’t mind the bias seams at all and hope the true block turns out ok as well. Here’s a look at the one I have finished.

I have also been doing some projects for my swap partners but don’t want to show them in case I spoil the surprise.

More of Vietnam –Long Post Warning!

2009-10-02T08:46:00.001+10:00

I thought I would show you some photos of my holiday in Vietnam.

I started off in Hanoi where my sister and brother in law had been living. Impressions- filthy, noisy, overcrowded and aggression++. There is the worst ‘rush hour’ that lasts ALL day! No one obeys road rules and pedestrian crossings are a waste of white paint. On the road the pecking order is 1)car (you have to be rich to own one). 2) Motorbike-there are thousands of them 3) bicycle 4) pedestrian. When you cross the road you just step out and slowly go hoping they will all swerve around you-it doesn’t take long to master the art!! The sad thing about Hanoi is that they have failed to preserve the amazing French architecture so all the gorgeous buildings are just crumbling. The only buildings really preserved are the embassies.

This is the ‘Preserved Old Quarter’ which is all shops on the bottom level and then they live above them. We were so lucky to go there on the National Holiday so it was lovely and quiet-usually these streets would be clogged with traffic.

We did however find the most decadent Chocolate Brownie-little jug of thick chocolate to pour over. Shared by the sisters I have to add!!

After Hanoi it was the overnight train north to Sapa which is close to the Chinese border. It is called the Switzerland of Vietnam and it does feel a bit that way. This is a view from the hotel window.

It is in Sapa where you see the minority tribes-these tribes fled China during the revolution but neither country really accepts them. They still live in villages, dress in traditional clothing and live the most meagre existence. I did a trek through the countryside that went through some of the villages. It is nothing for the women to walk 12 kms from their village into town to try and sell some of their work to tourists and at the end of the day walk back. On their feet is nothing more than a pair of slip on sandals

We spent alot of time chatting with this woman,and her friends, learning a lot about their life and their handwork.

This woman sat outside stitching all day and even as it got dark –still going. It’s no wonder they need glasses. The stitches are different depending what tribe they come from and it is like their history in stitches rather than the written word. I was fascinated watching the intricate work with no markings on the fabric whatsoever.

All the work on her clothing she has also done.

This is me with my lovely 68yr old ‘friend’. She was such a character and was always laughing and so happy but the minute the camera appeared she never smiled. We took quite a few photos of her and not one has her smiling. I used to go and chat to them most afternoons and of course bought some little pieces off them.

I even tried my hand at threshing the rice for the locals but I don’t think I was any help at all but it certainly entertained them.

How would you like this for your sewing room? We were standing on the path that ran past her house so no privacy at all.

We could’ve stayed up there for alot longer but it was off to Hoi An, which sadly has just been hit by the typhoon. Luckily the rice was being harvested while we were there so hopefully they had it all in and safely stored.

Hoi An is on the coast and on old town. Time was spent either at the beach, riding bikes around the rice paddies or at the tailors! We really needed to go with an empty suitcase and have a total wardrobe made as it was so cheap.

The buildings again have not been that well preserved except in the main part of town where most of the tourists go.

Then it was off to Saigon for a couple of days-much more Westernised city than Hanoi and some amazing architecture. A nice place to finish our time in Vietnam.

Inside the Post Office.

The Opera House

Hope you have enjoyed the little tour of Vietnam.

Back From holidays

2009-09-28T18:43:00.001+10:00

I am now back in Brisbane after three weeks of travelling around Vietnam and the a couple of days in Singapore. It is taking me awhile to seetle back into the daily routine but I have been catching up on all the blogs- you have all been very busy and what great results to see. It looks like I have my work cut out for me on the Sue Ross BOM so I will have to make a start before Block 3 arrives.

In Vietnam I came across a Quilt Aid shop which is a project set up to support disadvantaged rural women. I was very interested in what this project was about and how it supported these women. You can learn more about the project at here.

Of course I had to buy a couple of quilts to support the project and I fell in love with these- the lap quilt I managed to pack in my suitcase and the bed quilt is in the post.

This is my lap quilt. The quilts are all cotton fabrics, machine pieced and then hand quilted and they are amazing.

This is making it’s way over the seas to live on my bed. This pattern is made in different colourways but this suits my decor. I can’t wait for it to arrive.

I will post more pictures of the local women and the amazing embroidery they do-very clever women and I spent many hours speaking to them about their life.

What a Week.

2009-08-30T17:53:00.001+10:00

It is hard to believe that it is only a week since I attended a Trunk Show by Hatched in Africa machine embroidery designs. I have been to better but of course that didn’t stop me indulging in some of their designs.

Then it was onto Night duty for two very busy nights followed by only one day off,which was really to sleep, and then five more days of busyness. It finished yesterday with me teaching an all day Antenatal class which is always very draining. Now the holidays start.

What little sewing I have managed this week I can’t show you as it would spoil the surprise for my swap partners. I will show you however what the mailman delivered.Aren’t they so cute. Can’t wait to start them. The midwife in me had to have the one with the baby as well. Thanks Joy for the inspiration and contact details.

The weather this week in Brisbane has seen records set for this time of the year-winter and one day it got to 35.8 degrees Celsius. Today I think it has been up to at least thirty and then tomorrow we will drop ten degrees. Crazy. Look what came into my garden to eat however, along with my local crowd of cockatoos.A King Parrot. Isn’t he beautiful? He has been back again so I hope he,and his friend, become regular visitors.

Well I am off to Vietnam tomorrow for three weeks, to travel around with my sister and brother-in-law, who have been living up there so will be out of contact. Hope you all keep well and keep those projects flowing.

Unsure!

2009-08-21T15:25:00.001+10:00

The last week has flown by and there is very little sewing to show for it. I have been working on my Sue Ross BOM and although I love my practice block I am not sure if I like how the fabrics look in the real thing.

I think the centre circle gets lost so may change it to a different colour to blend in with the outer triangles. The whirligig is not as vibrant as I thought it would be . I have spent the afternoon fussy cut the purple triangles and only just had enough fabric so was starting to panic a little. Will finish it off and see if I like it any more. I do love the pattern so it’s a shame it isn’t grabbing me.

The rest of the week has been taken up with work, golf and a visit to the Skin Clinic. I have to say that having spots on your face zapped with the cold ice is not something I would want to have too often. At least they haven’t blistered too bad so I can still be seen in public!!

For those of you who do machine embroidery, tomorrow I am off to a trunk show be Hatched in Africa. I’m really looking forward to it and try and tell myself I won’t spend any money but when I was ‘born to shop’ I think I will come home with some little treasure. Then it is Night Duty over the weekend and if it is quiet I may get some hand stitching done.

Have a good weekend everyone.

What a Day!

2009-08-14T17:33:00.001+10:00

Well here is my practice block of the Sue Ross BOM ready to be stitched onto the background. . The whirligig is going in the wrong direction but I’m not worrying about that - will fix it on the real block. A few imperfections for sure but all learning. I have to say I did this on the machine and not hand pieced so was pleased with how it turned out. It is going to be a challenging project that’s for sure.

It was a very exciting day for me on the golf course today. For those who understand,or play the game, I finally got an elusive birdie and on a Par 4. It is a hole I don’t usually do well on so was sooo… excited. Here is the ball ion the green for 2 and then it was a little putt in. Just look at the colour of the sky and it is winter.

I was just playing on my own(my playing partners are away) so there was no one to yell and scream with. I had to hold the camera and take my own photo – sad I know, but wanted to capture the moment!!

Isn’t this so cute. This is what we have to view on the course. Someone forgot to tell mum and dad that it’s winter and ducklings aren’t supposed to be born yet. I couldn’t get a great photo as mum and dad were being very protective.

For me it is off to work for the weekend but hopefully will get a bit of sewing done. Hope you all have a great weekend whatever you do.

New Project

2009-08-12T08:24:00.002+10:00

In the mail has arrived my first block for MO’s Sue Ross’s BOM..Whirly Gig which I am doing in the Contemporary colourway. It is so exciting but a bit out of my comfort zone so will be a challenge. I may do a practice block before the real thing.

As I was driving to work yesterday I noticed the people down the road had put an eyecatching addition to their garden wall and I had to stop and take a photo. Quilt design?

This Queen loves the sun and also loves to sit as though she is in an armchair- has always done this even before she became a little porky.

It’s a holiday here in Brisbane today for Ekka showday. I still do not understand why we need a Public holiday for a show. It is a big paying day if you work so alot of people request to work. I was not one of those so have a day of sewing and golf ahead.

Hope you all have a good one.

Sunny Sunday

2009-08-09T11:28:00.007+10:00

The Angels are finished and it is now just the borders and the top is finished. I am off to work soon so it is going to have to wait.

Of course now that that one is nearly finished I had to start another one-as though I haven't got enough on the go. Out of my cupboard came this kit I bought some time ago. I have a love of things African so couldn't resist this one from The Quilters and Embroidery Store.

I love pansies and these ones have survived the possums visiting. I planted some coriander and parsley away from where the CD's are hanging and they have gone but those around where the CD's are are still growing so looks like it is working. I may finally have a garden with plants in it.

Well off to work now. Hope you are all having a good weekend.

Plants Still There

2009-08-05T07:33:00.001+10:00

Just a quick note to say the plants are still in the garden however it was like Possum Party last night. I think they thought the CD’s meant there was a party in the garden!!

Two of them arrived early in the evening and one decided to stay on in the tree making the most hideous noise until about 11 o’clock-I think it got scared to actually leave the tree.

As I live in a complex I think I will just hide from my two neighbours who would’ve been driven mad. Luckily it’s off to work for me so little contact will be made.

Getting There

2009-08-04T16:49:00.003+10:00

Thought I would show you the other two in residence – they think they are the King and Queen of course.

This is the 10 year old Queen Bella who loves to laze around most of the time, and on a quilt of course. She has a dual personality from being very loving to being quite the opposite and always has been like that.

12 year old King Barnaby loves to be on the sewing table. He is everyones friend,especially any males. The two of them get on really well and have done since Bella came into the household. I brought them over from New Zealand with me and they have settled in very well.

I have planted the plants I got yesterday and also hung some CD’s around the garden as Natima suggested as a deterrent to the possums. It looks like I have a crazy psychedelic garden but we will see if I still have plants in the morning!

I love Gerberas and these are the ones that are now in the garden

I have been doing some more on the mystery quilt as well today and it is coming together.

These are the angels that are the last blocks to do and then the top that has yet to have all the angels added and a border put on.

So, that’s part of my day. Hope you have all had a good one.

Quiet Week In The Sewing Room

2009-08-03T12:11:00.002+10:00

Thankfully the sore throat has gone, although it never came to more than that thank goodness.

Have had a really busy week at work, including a busy shift on Saturday so nice to have some days off. Yesterday morning it was housework and then in the afternoon off to the golf course and a glorious afternoon in the sun.Went to a friends for dinner last night and she made a chocolate souffle to die for-Better Homes and Garden recipe. I’m not a huge chocolate fan(honest) but this was just divine.

This morning I have been to Bunnings to stock up on plants for the garden ,which is looking rather bare. It is all thanks to the possums who love eating anything that is above the dirt. I am still amazed at the amount of chillies they devour. One day I will master keeping them away from the plants. In New Zealand opossums are a pest not something that is protected.

The sewing project for this afternoon is to put together a mystery quilt I have been doing. Has anyone else been doing the Susan Claire online Mystery-well all has been revealed!! Susan did hers in Christmas fabrics but I decided to use up some of my brights –maybe a bad mistake,we will see.

These are some of the blocks in the making. Will post more later.

Quiet Day

2009-07-29T08:50:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I woke with a very sore throat and aching body so never made it to Sewing Club or even into the sewing room. However the day was productive in that I finally sewed the binding on a couple of quilts that have been a long time in the making. it was easier to sit and do that than have to think to much. Today now that I have to go back to work the body is fine even though the throat is still bad-might shut me up!!

Sorry these photos haven’t turned out that good but this is a bright I Spy Quilt

This quilt I started a few years ago and never finished it. It is now off to a home with one of the Bushfire victims.

My brother is thankfully responding well to the cytotoxic drugs and the prognosis is alot better than we first thought.

Hope you all have a good day

Ups and Downs

2009-07-26T18:22:00.001+10:00

Well no sewing done here over the last few days. On Friday my nephew and I went down to Fortitude Valley which is the Chinatown of the city and stocked up on Asian Pantry items. There is the most amazing Indian Spice shop there and the spices are so cheap. It is worth a visit just to experience the atmosphere of the shop with Indian music playing and the level of chatter among the family who run the shop.
While in the Valley we enjoyed a Yum Cha meal at one of the Chinese Restaurants.

We were fascinated by this jelly, which is layered in different colours. How it is made still puzzles me but it would’ve made a great challenge on Masterchef!!

Isn’t it great that a 20 year old is very happy to spend the day with his Aunty? His parents are currently working in Vietnam but he has remained in their house with a flatmate,and is in the same complex as I live.

Unfortunately our day was shattered when I got a call in the early evening to say that my brother, who also lives here in Brisbane, has been diagnosed with leukaemia. He has not been ill and it was picked up on a routine blood test that he had for his high blood pressure,so all a total shock,and everyone is still trying to get their heads around it.

I went to see him yesterday and he was in fairly good spirits and his body is already responding to the cytotoxic drugs so we are hoping that means the prognosis is in his favour.As the rest of the family are all in N.Z. I have spent the last couple of days on the phone relaying the updates so rather draining. Going to work today was a good distraction and now it is time to sip on a wine.

Hopefully will get to the machine in the next few days.

Finished a Bag

2009-07-23T11:24:00.001+10:00

I have just finished a bag using the pattern in this months Down Under Quilts magazine. I have never made a bag before but always thought my embroidery was destined to be included in one. I did a second embroidery for the other side of the bag and I just love it.

It is another glorious winters day today here in Brisbane and it is onto the golf course this afternoon so will be just divine. Temperature at the moment is probably about 20 degrees.

This morning the cockatoos visited the garden for some breakfast. I am so entertained watching these birds and the cats just sit and watch them-some sort of mutual respect between them happens.

Projects-Past and Present

2009-07-20T07:41:00.004+10:00

After a weekend of trying to upload photos I have now managed to add a few but in a complicated way. I obviously need to engage the help of the younger generation for some tuition.
This is a quilt I finished recently for a friends daughters 21st, a girl I have known for many years. I had made one for the older daughter with the brief of blacks and brights(totally my comfort zone) but this one was for pastel blues and a very plain pattern. With the said family being in New Zealand it was a guessing game as to whether I would get it right so it was a relief when it was loved by the recipient.

This is a half square triangle block arranged in a zig zag pattern. It is on the design wall at present as a current project for a quilt for the Bushfire victims.

This is a machine embroidered design by Loralie Designs and it is destined to be part of a Tote Bag. Hopefully I will be able to get started on it today.
I am a person who has a number of WIP at any one time which is not always a good thing but it stops getting bored with any onw project.
The sun is shining gloriously here in Brisbane so we are in for a beautiful day. Hope you all have a good one as well.

2009-07-17T18:15:00.000+10:00

Thank you to those who have left comments on my blog.

I haven't been near the sewing room for a few days however had an eventful day yesterday. The ladies of our golf club went on a bus trip to Helensvale, on the Gold Coast, for their open day. We had a great day and going on these trips is a great way to get to know people when you are the newbie.
We had alot of fun and all was going well until about an hour out of Brisbane. The bus driver pulled over to the side of the Highway and it was soon clear that the reason was he wasn't well. Two of us are nurses so attended to him but he refused the ambulance and so we just kept a close eye on him while we waited 2 hours for a replacement bus.
A video of us unloading all the clubs from one bus to the other would've made a great video shot!!

My First Post

2009-07-14T17:05:00.000+10:00

Welcome to Marls Blog. Blogging is very new to me so it may take awhile to get in the swing of it all.
I am starting this blog so I can load my creative projects as well as keep people informed of what is happening in life. I am a Kiwi who moved to Brisbane two years ago for a change in life and so far so good.
I am a quilter and a beginning machine embroiderer and also an addicted though fairly new golfer so you may see photos of all different things.
I am also in awe of the amazing bird life in Australia so you may even see some posts of the wildlife.