Stitching for Pleasure

Back home

2009-01-23T08:48:00.006+11:00

I stayed at my parent's for an extra few days after Wayne (hubby) headed home. He must have missed me (ah shucks!) - because these beautiful flowers were given to me the day after I returned - "Just because"! 21 beautiful roses - in all colours - and the fragrance is wonderful! I have them sitting next to my sewing machine - ahhh - the inspiration!

I never did get around to showing the Yo-Yo table runner I made for my girlfriend Susie - it looks so small in the photo! It took a number of hours to stitch - even with those wonderful new Clover Yo-Yo Makers - but the effect was worth it. Now - to stitch one for me!!!

I made it with a Blackbird Designs charm square pack from Moda - Susie already had a quilt or two made with fabrics from the range - so it works well in her lounge.

I took this photo in Susie's house just before we left for (another) day (for me) of shopping. I was a little more restrained than I had been the day before - although I did manage to do a little damage in one particular shop (Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop) - and have joined up for a Christmas in July swap through Karen's blog. Pop on over and check it out!

I also managed to photo a gift I made for my Mum (and a special friend) - for Christmas. I always seem to end up with a theme for my Christmas stitching - this creation was the impetus for my theme in 2008. Not a particularly good photo - but you can get the idea. Guess I'll just have to stitch my own version so that I can photo it MUCH better for the pattern cover. Just add another project to this list ........

I did manage to do a 'tiny' bit of shopping in my Mum's local area - found just the right border fabric to go with the blue, antique white and red I showed you last time - that quilt is busily being stitched now - so a photo shouldn't be long in coming. I also purchased the border fabric to go with my brown and green collection. Aaaah - so many projects, so many reasons - and very little holidays left (sob sob).

Off I go to finish the blue quilt. My gorgeous son is popping to my favourite patchwork shop to get a little more of my feature fabric for my school bag - I have decided to change the dimensions - so of course, more fabric was needed! Hope to stitch and complete that bag this evening .......... stay tuned!

TTFN - Dawn

On a sugar high ? ..................

2009-01-16T07:59:00.005+11:00

Not quite!!! Try a shopping high!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had the most WONDERFUL day yesterday. I spent the day with my friend Tania on our own private "Shop Hop". Now I will warn you up front - I have taken rough and ready photos of my purchases to show you - as I am under pressure to get out of the house! I have another "Shop Hop" day planned - this time with my friend Sue.

We started off at my very favourite shop - Primitive Patches - where I commenced the purchasing (and did most of my damage). Then after a SCRUMPTIOUS lunch at a favourite eatery, we headed off to The Stitching Post where I added to my growing pile. Next we ventured to a store never before visited - amitie - where I started the collection for a very special quilt.

This next photo shows the backing fabric that I HAD to buy in order to quilt this top - which is part of my "One Project a Month" challenge. So you see, I was just keeping my word!

The second photo shows the background fabric that I "needed" to purchase to work on Anne's gorgeous BOM this year - once again, keeping my word!

Next we have the necessary fabrics to make my new school bag! See - once again - keeping my word!

Then I needed just a couple more red and blue fabrics to complete a new design I had started 'the other day' - to utilise a Jelly Cake I had purchased in 2007!!!!! Once again, it falls in to that "One Project a Month" category!!!

Then I had to add to my brown and green fabrics for the project my mind is committed to making over the summer - once again, not frivilous purchases!!!!!

And lastly, more Posh for my collection - a new design which I HAVE to make for Quilt Expo that is coming up - and possibly for my favourite store again!!!

Now you need to understand, that along the way to each of these destinations, there was much laughing, talking and wishful thinking. My wish for you - is that you have a day today, tomorrow, or the next - that is half as fun as the day I had yesterday.

Off to the Aussie Bush tonight to spend a few days with my parents (and where, oh woe is me - I have to endure another visit to THOSE local fabric shops!!!). I'll show you my goodies on my return!

Footnote : Before you tut-tut my spending spree - just remember, the World's economy isn't the best just at the moment - we were merely doing out bit to aid its recovery!

TTFN - Dawn

Having fun ......

2009-01-14T10:44:00.005+11:00

I'm getting ready for the return to work. Now this has the potential to make me sad - but I'm doing fun stuff! I've covered my boring old 2009 diary and now I have this gorgous "Posh" diary.

So much better than the generic off-the-shelf look!

Now to move on to my new "school bag"!

TTFN - Dawn

Off and running ........

2009-01-10T16:34:00.005+11:00

Thanks to May Britt's challenge to finish one WISP a month, I needed to find some wool fabric to work on this. While going through the cupboard where I thought it would be - I came across a box! Ooooh - I had forgotten all about that! Some four or five (more likely to be five) years ago, a friendship group that I was part of decided that rather than have a block round robin as we had done previously, we would all purchase a half metre of this Thimbleberries fabric - and we would all make something of our own choosing out of it, and show it once completed.

Now I do remember that both Tania and Sue made bags - but I don't remember anyone else actually completing anything with their fabric. Me being the 'over-achiever/over-committer' that I can be - chose to make myself a quilt. Now what did I find in that box ..........

.... well, there were 11 completed square-in-a-square (in a square in a square) blocks; 1 block that needed 1 piece sewn on to complete; 5 blocks that needed 2 pieces to be sewn to be complete - and 8 blocks cut, but needing to be completely sewn!

What's a girl to do when searching for wool to finish a WISP when she finds another WISP that she wants to COMPLETE???? She stitches and stitches and stitches of course! So now - I have a quilt top that is waiting to be basted, quilted and bound!!!!! Wouldn't you know it - I don't have any batting big enough, so I shall have to wait until Monday when my fave shops re-opens - and off I shall go to purchase batting and 'just the right' backing fabric - and I shall have a completed quilt before January is through!

And of course - I will have completed the afore-said work - which I still need to find the wool for!!

TTFN - Dawn

It's gonna be a busy year .......

2009-01-07T08:25:00.010+11:00

Another button on my blog!!!!! Have you all seen the new Mystery BOM that Anne at Bunny Hill is generously giving away? You haven't?? Well you need to click on over and have a look - who knows what will show up in your basket each month!!! I know I'm going to stitch it - I can just see the colour pallette in my mind - now to find all the fabrics I need in my stash, because this is going to be a stash project - except perhaps for the backing fabric!

Just before Christmas I finally got around to stitching this bag - I have been wanting to stitch it for so long, but deciding on which fabric was all too hard. I finally jumped in boots and all and stitched it with these fabrics (it is reversible) - but now I want to stitch it again in a totally different fabric - choices again!

I haven't shown the gorgeous apron I received as part of the Ric-Rac and Polka Dots swap that Sharon hosted. My gifts were made and sent by Sherry from the US - I haven't yet photographed the gorgeous cards that she scrapbooked for me - and the parcel also included a great little tissue purse pack (which has already been placed in my bag!) and some gorgeous little ric-rac pins, so I hope Sherry doesn't mind, I've 'borrowed' a photo from her blog of the gifts which she has so nicely photogaphed! I think one of those little pins will look just perfect on the bag I've just shown you - oooh - I must go and do that now! Thanks Sherry - just love my gifts - and REALLY enjoyed participating in this swap!

Spent a lovely day out with a friend yesterday - visiting a patchwork shop I love; browsing gift stores and indulging in good coffee sitting in the sun. Forgot to take photos but - will photograph my little purchases and show you them next time!

TTFN - Dawn

I have decided .......

2009-01-04T12:46:00.003+11:00

on my first "One Project A Month" item.

I blogged about this item way back at the beginning of 2008 here and here. It did progress (some) and so now, this is my starting point. Australia will head towards Autumn in only 7 weeks - I think the timing is right to make sure it is stitched, finished and hanging on the wall for the first of March.

TTFN - Dawn

Off and running ......

2009-01-03T08:42:00.006+11:00

So far - so good. Have you noticed the new button on my side bar? Yes, I know there's a couple - it's this one!

May Britt and Kris have issued a challenge - one that I'm happy to take on board! Perhaps this will give me the inspiration I need to continue on with my project completion. YES I will continue to begin new projects, but it is my aim to complete an old one each month also. I have started off well with the binding on my Christmas wall quilt - what else shall I do this month? I shall investigate the shamefully enormous pile of WISPs and UFO's and target at least one for this month.

Benjamin Button was absolutely wonderful - different to how I thought it would be - it was more of a 'narrative' movie (like Forrest Gump) - but it WAS good - and Brad is looking mighty fine!!!

While I am pondering which of my UFO's I shall work on this month - I DID take the opportunity to start on a new project yesterday - with this little bundle - I'll stitch a bit more and then show my progress ........

TTFN - Dawn

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-02T09:14:00.004+11:00

Happy New Year!!!

I have started 2009 as I mean to continue on ....

I have stitched today (and finished a project);
I have played with fabric (how I enjoy that);
I have planned a new design (in my mind at this stage);
I have read blogs (and I'm up to date!)
I have posted on my own blog (woo hoo!)

I have also joined a new group (Handmade Christmas 2009) - you can see the link on the right of my blog. The idea is, as a group to come up with many ideas for gifts that can be stitched for Christmas 2009. Eventually the link that is attached to the button will lead you to that list ....

Another little snippet of Christmas in my home - my collection of Christmas teddies - three purchased, one made by a friend - Wendy. They sit under my own "Friendship Christmas Tree" and you can see my "Ruby Claus" hanging on the wall above.

I'm heading off to the movies today with my Husband (Gold Class for those in Australia) - we're going to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" - we are both looking forward to it - perhaps me a little more than he (that scene on the motorbike in our adverts is enough Christmas Candy for me :-)

However, before I go I intend to stitch for a little while - and perhaps also when I return - aaaah I love holidays!

TTFN - Dawn

I was lost - but now it's found!

2008-12-29T08:30:00.008+11:00

Sound the trumpets - strike up the band! I have finally found my camera cable (again!) and am finally able to write on my blog. This time after uploading (many, many, many) photos - I have locked the cable away in a very safe place - and it wont be lost again!!!!!!

Firstly - although it is late, I'd like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas. A little snippet for you of one of my Santa vignettes

I would like to thank (Elf) Donna for the wonderful 2008 Secret Santa Swap she organised. I received the most wonderful package from Nancy, near Philadelphia just prior to Christmas and was delighted to open it on Christmas day to discover her beautiful handmade table runner in reds and greens (perfect!); a GORGEOUS little wooden snowman bowl, some delish chocolate (with an awesome quilt wrapper); a lovely purse pack of tissues in their own basket quilt wrapping and a lovely bundle of fabrics from Alaska. Nancy lives right near Amish country, so also included some postcards from the area. Now, lucky me, has been to Intercourse in Pennsylvania - so it was even more special to receive some of these gifts and set my memories alight once again.

I was also indulged in the Polka Dots and Ric Rac Swap with a gorgeous Apron and bits and pieces - photo to follow in next post - but a thank you to Sharon for organising this swap and to Sherry for the wonderful gifts you sent!

I received Deb as my 'send to' partner in the Ric Rac Swap - and was inspired to create this little item for her - our kindred love of crows and red helped spur the creative juices along. Needless to say, I fell in love with this little fella - and many of these were made and given to special friends this Christmas. I also ran it as a class at my favourite shop, so there are a few of them out there now!!!! I have already decided my (seldom kept, so don't know why I bother!) New Year's Resolution (which I WILL keep!!!!!!!!!) is to be diligent with writing up my designs in to patterns - and this will be the first one to be done!

Having a little trouble with my photos - since my computer crashed, every time I try to click on a photo to look/change/enhance it - this dang computer tells me its an unknown file format - shall go and work on that now - that crow photo is atrocious! Grrrrrr

Have a wonderful day - still holiday season here in Australia, and I've got four and a half weeks left of holidays! BLISS

TTFN - Dawn

Bragging rights ......

2008-10-18T17:56:00.015+11:00

WARNING: Indulgent use of photographs!!!

Now I know how blessed we all feel when parcels arrive from swaps we have joined. BUT I have to tell you I think I must have received the best partners that were available in a number of swaps this year.

Firstly, to Gudrun who sent me this gorgeous bag all the way from Iceland as part of Linda's Bag/Bucket Swap! It was filled with gorgeous licorice treats (those '3' bars are chocolate coated caramel with a slice of licorice through the middle). Absolutely delicious!!!!!

I also participated in the Stitcher's Angel swap which was run by Helen Stubing. This has been a win-win swap for me. I was given a truly lovely lady to send to - Karen (no blog) - and believe that although we haven't met face to face - I have discovered a new friend. We have shared email banter firstly under the cover of a pseudonym, and once she tracked me down - on a 'real name' basis. I have enjoyed stitching gifts for her (with one more to come!) - but imagine my complete surprise when this parcel was left for me!!!

Inside were many goodies - all chosen with obvious care, and suiting me to a tee! A gorgeous tote that I have seen appearing in many blogs (yipee - I own one and I didn't need to sew it!); a quilt block inspired emery board; a lovely fridge magnet in gorgeous pink (comes a very close second to my favourite colour of green); the cutest little antique spool turned into a (I like to think) stitcher, a beautiful card which came in a green envelope of a lovely blonde woman dressed in green (and curly hair just like me!). The funniest quilt panel and some home made relish (which is on the menu at this stitcher's home this evening!) Missing In Action : The Green (mint flavoured) M&M's that were also in the parcel. Hey!!! It's been a warm week - I didn't want them to melt!

Thank you so much Karen - the thoughtfulness of this gift really touched me.

I also received my own Angel's parcel this week - Lyn (also no blog) had elected to send my goodies in one large parcel - and let me tell you - this was one parcel worth waiting for! I was unable to collect the parcel from the Post Office for a couple of days - but there was no mistaking who this parcel was from once I did!

Inside was this beautiful blue bag proudly showing where in Australia Lyn is from. The bag then held a lovely wrapped package of goodies (just love that green ribbon!) - which just knocked my socks off!!!!!!!!!!

Firstly, I thought Lyn was a very lucky lady, that she had one of this wiz-bang embroidery machines where she could scan designs in - after all how else could I have a stitched version of the logo? Hang on to your hats Ladies - this has all been hand sewn in the tiniest of perfect stitches.

Next came this gorgeous stitcher's companion, that once unfolded holds a cute pincushion, a lovely little needlecase and four pockets. But wait - there's more. Tucked inside one of the pockets was this gorgeous little handpainted ceramic button. Unfortunately the photo doesn't do it justice - but I just love it!

Next came a lovely needle case in gorgeous green (which I understand is a free pattern available here) with the tiniest of tiny stitches I have ever seen. I tried to take a photo of the stitch quality just to show you all - but even my wonderful camera couldn't cope with how beautifully small these stitches are.

Then ....... came a gorgeous thread roll - just unwind and there's the thread and needles that you need for your project - must be honest and say I can see me making a few of these myself! Well done Lyn - a gift that keeps on giving :-)

Hang on - no where near done yet Ladies (how green with envy are YOU just now?

The next gorgeous little gift in the package was this lovely little bag which was provided by Natalie of Cinderbery Stitches as part of the Stitcher's Angel project - you can upload it from the same place as the needlecase. Once again - gorgeous stitching.

Spoiled some more with this exciting box which promised yummy goodies inside .........

where I found a lovely salmon coloured prawn (which I know Lyn would be lucky enough to find in abundance where she lives); an adorable purple glistened butterfly and this little mousie which gives away the fact they are ALL made of CHOCOLATE!!!! Drats - a bit of a case of 'having your chocolate and eating it too".

Then much to my absolute delight I discovered Lyn had stitched me this pincushion which was also provided as part of the Stitcher's Angel project - available here. AND GUESS WHAT - just take a look at the lining of the bag I take to school every day!!! Ooooh - spooky!

And as if all of that wasn't enough ..... 2 fat

quarters to add to my stash and a stitchery pattern from Snickerdoodle Dreams for me to stitch.

Lyn was 'kind' enough to send me a tourist magazine of the area she lives in - need I say more than crystal blue waters, clear sunny skies, white sand beaches ................ Lucky Lady!

Thank you Lyn - it really was an honour to receive your thoughtful and generous gifts!!!

I'm sure you will now see why I believe I have bragging rights ......... I had the best swap partners possible!!!!!

I did have lots of stitching photos of my own to show you - perhaps tomorrow?

TTFN - Dawn

I found it! I found it!

2008-10-11T08:06:00.007+11:00

Finally - the long lost cable has been found :-) I shall not bore you with the details of where it was found - suffice to say that I hung my head in total embarassment when I returned to work after a 2 week holiday!!

I have managed to do lots of stitching over the past few weeks - a new quilt to teach at this wonderful shop; a birthday present for my good friend Tania who is having a very "special" birthday this weekend; pressies for my Stitcher's Angel recipient Karen; Christmas decorations commenced for the afore mentioned shop; my contribution to Linda's Bag/Bucket Swap; and a few new quilts started - just while the idea was 'fresh' in my mind.

Firstly - the new quilt for Primitive Patches 4th Term, entitled "Squares or Circles?". It all began with this lovely little bundle

.... and that become this quilt top with the addition of 1 metre of border fabric and 1.2 metres of background fabric! There is a Christmas version which I shall share with you (just as soon as it is finished!)

Secondly, the Birthday present - well that will have to wait until after it has been given this evening - you just never know who's reading your blog LOL!

Thirdly, my favourite tote to stitch - just perfect as a sturdy attractive bag for all those shoping trips, guild meetings; work days - you name it - which I sent to Karen along with a fabric version of this pattern which was posted as part of the Stitcher's Angel giveaways.

Many other things to show and tell; among them the photo of the lovely bag I received in the Bag/Bucket Swap (thank you once again Gudren) - but right now I'm off to the newsagency - I hear my two favourite Aussie mags are out

TTFN - Dawn

All quiet on the camera front ......

2008-09-24T08:19:00.003+10:00

I received a lovely package all the way from Iceland yesterday - my bag arrived from Linda's Bag/Bucket swap. I'd love to show you a photo, but it would seem the cable which connects the camera to my computer has 'gone missing' - and of course no one has seen it!!! Grrrrr!

That's the reason I have been so quiet just lately - and I've got lots to share!!! BUT - let's be honest, a post without photos is rather boring ..... so please bare with me - I'll be back soon - with lots to share.

Let me send a big "HELLO"!!! though to Karen - I'm her Angel in the Stitcher's Angel swap - and she has worked hard to find me - I received an email on Friday entitled SPRUNG - she caught me finally (if it is being caught when you're trying hard to be found! :-)

Back soon .......

TTFN - Dawn

Add another one to the list!

2008-09-08T18:01:00.011+10:00

I've joined Sharon's Polka Dots & Ric Rac Swap. I believe the swap may be closed now - but pop on over to Sharon's blog and watch the fun unfold!

My bag for Linda's swap is almost complete - so that will be winging its way to a destination overseas very soon! Parcel number in the Stitcher's Angel Swap is almost ready to depart, a little additional purchase tonight should complete that package! I know the lady I'm sending to is having difficulties finding out who I am - perhaps I should be daring and show the first item I made for her here - it might help her weed me out amongst all the lovely blogs that are participating (must admit - being towards the bottom of the list on Helen's site has it's advantages :-) A cute little pair of pink scissors and some thread accompanied this little bag.

Off to teach at my favourite shop tonight - the ladies are making Jelly Slice. School holidays are not far away and I will hopefully get two long lovely weeks to indulge myself in stitching. Cant wait!!!!

TTFN - Dawn

Swaps and Secrets ........

2008-08-31T07:51:00.008+10:00

I haven't a had a lot of time to stitch lately, sometimes life just gets in the way of what we want to do, and the "have to do" takes over! When I do get to sit and stitch, I have been busy changing this pile of fabric into these piles of 'pieces' .... hopefully it will be a doll quilt before long!

I have been having fun though ......... As part of Linda's "Bag/Bucket Swap" I'm busy stitching a bag in fabrics and colours that are not my normal style - but I'm pleased with how things are progressing. Only 13 more days until the mail out begins ...............

Chooky Blue's Secret Santa Swap 2008 is also underway, and I'm busy collecting and thinking through the ideas for my international recipient ........

The Stitcher's Angel swap has begun, and I'm having a lot of fun with this one. My first gift has been stitched and sent - and my mind is over flowing with all the things I'd love to send this lovely lady .......... can't post a picture - otherwise she'll be on to me LOL. My own Angel has made contact with me via my blog - but the wised-up Angel set her response to "Anonymous" - that doesn't make it easy to 'track her' down :-(

Way back when it was my birthday, Sue gave me those wonderful cup cakes that I blogged about here ......... now unbeknown to me, she also had big stitching plans for my gift, but the international mail system let her down with its delays. So, after my birthday, I also received this gorgeous acorn - aren't I a lucky girl?

It seemed like the birthday that just keeps on giving. Another dear friend, Tania, popped by and gave me another wonderful gift which needs to be photographed - stay tuned ..................

TTFN - Dawn

Fingers crossed .......

2008-08-12T08:10:00.002+10:00

Did a little bit of blog browsing in the very early hours of this morning - and look at this scrummy bag I found - best news is - IT'S A GIVEAWAY! Pop on over to Lila Tueller and register yourself - best of luck (well not really - but you know what I mean!)

TTFN - Dawn

Another year ......

2008-08-10T20:18:00.008+10:00

..... has come and gone - and I'm another year older. My husband bought me a beautiful antique "lady's chair" for my sewing studio - it is just right to sit and stitch in - the photo is still to come.

My BFF Sue gave me some gorgeous cupcakes - without the calories! Aren't they great?

I have long wanted to purchase the book "Nearly Insane", join the insanity and stitch this quilt. I came EXTREMELY close to it at the show I last bloggged about - unfortunately, the stand selling the book had sold out.
Never fear - my wonderful Mum & Dad always know just the right gift to give - and I am now the proud owner of the fabulous book - plus a couple of bundles of beautiful repro's to start stitching the quilt. I'd love to hear if there are any blog groups out there (along the lines of the Dear Jane stitchers) ..... I think I may need a little support as I slowly become insane ........................

I have spent the weekend preparing hand work - something to work on while I become a couch potato and watch the Olympics - finally I may just stitch some of those gorgeous pincushion kits I have been receiving. I just love the Olympics, a feast of different sporting events all for the watching - and of course, the chance for Aussies to show their talent. There's nothing left to say except that ALMOST embarrassing "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - oi, oi, oi!"

TTFN - Dawn

Quilt Show and a Project ......

2008-08-01T08:45:00.008+10:00

I, like a lot of Melbournians, went to the quilt/craft show held last weekend. I had a lovely time strolling the aisles with my friend Tania. It was a 'nice' show, although neither of us could believe it took us 7 aisles (and three hours!) before we parted with any money. Of course that necessitated a big "high-5" and a 'whoo hoo'! I think all in that particular aisle were aware we had made a pur-chase!

Some lovely quilts were on display - can you believe this beautiful vintage quilt - 9,900 1 inch hexagons!!!!!!!!!! The maker is unknown but is believed to be circa 1860. Sadly, some of the fabrics haven't weathered time as gracefully as others and some hexagons have perished, non-the-less - it was still beautiful! Obviously, the purpose of my finger in the photo is to give a gauge of the size of the hexagons.

Here is another small pieced quilt - again my hand is to give an idea as to how small those 17 piece log cabins are!!!

There were many beautiful quilts to admire - perhaps my favourite was the gallery of "Nearly Insane" quilts which were on display from a group of women who are known to Threadbear Quilts. It's amazing how different the same group of blocks can be - dependent on fabric and colour choice - and whether sashing was or wasn't used!

Now - here is one of my purchases (and no, this wasn't my first one!) I wonder what this is for?? I have definite plans which shall go in to action quite quickly - stay tuned!

That's all for now!

TTFN - Dawn

Destiny versus choice!

2008-07-30T08:18:00.008+10:00

It would seem it is my destiny to write long posts infrequently, rather than my choice to write short posts frequently!

So much to say - more than enough for 1 post, so perhaps I'll break this in to two seperate posts and feel like I have achieved so much more this week (LOL).

Without going in to detail, the past three and a half weeks have seen me in and out of hospital with my sick husband. He is on the road to recovery, but more hospital will be required.

I have had lovely mail over that time - the finishing kit for my Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer Block of the Month (phew, what a mouthful - this will forever more be known as the M-BOM) finally found its way home - followed the next week by Block 2. It is my intention to stitch these over the coming days ready for block number 3 - I'll post as soon as I do!

I was a lucky winner on this gorgeous site, and I'm happy to say my parcel has just arrived in the mail, and I am now the lucky owner of this gorgeous hand made book - don't you just love the inside cover (faceplate)too?

The book is filled with scrumptious blank pages - just perfect for my little jottings as I am designing!

It was my Mum's birthday last week - I made her one of my new bags - but in green and pink fabrics using Barefoot Roses as the large floral. With all that was going on at that time, I forgot to photograph it. I shall amend that next time I'm there!

The Pin Cushion swap was a great success - if you hadn't worked out from my snippet posted earlier, this is the pincushion I made for Tara in Utah.

This is the gorgous pincushion I received from Tracey in Connecticut - aren't I lucky! Tracey's hometown is right near where they make the famous Pez dispensers and candy - so she included an Hello Kitty one for me, along with some gorgeous postcards of her 'local' quilt shop, and a great little zip up purse. I have already stored all of my Copic pens that I use when finishing these little darlings! My all time favourite US quilt mag was in there too! Thank you Tracey.

This swap was so much fun - I signed up for the Bag Swap too! These swaps are secret swapper ones - do you wonder who I'm stitching for????

I'll leave it there for now - but I have so much more to share .......

TTFN - Dawn

Swaps, Swaps, Swaps!

2008-07-10T18:05:00.004+10:00

Did you notice my new logo on the right? I've joined the "Stitcher's Angel" page - and I'm a swap participant. It is a great new concept initiated by "Helen's Hugs" - pop on over and read all about it. You can either log on each Monday from August 18 and receive a new pattern from a different designer each week (such as Cinderbery Stitches, Lynette Anderson) - and/or join the Stitcher's Angel swap. Go on - have a look!

And speaking of swaps - here's a little peek of the pincushion I sent to ? It was a secret swap - so my recipient doesn't know who is sending her a pincushion. It was wonderfully organised by Linda at All Stitched Up - pop on over to her site and have a look at all of the lovely pincushions that have been sent around the World! Mine is on its way and should be with its new owner soon - I'm told that one is on its way to me - when ? receives mine and I receive one I can show you all!

My holidays are drawing to a close - tomorrow is my last official day of holiday, the two days after that are a weekend - and they don't count as holidays! I'll have to put the last remaining hours to VERY good use!

TTFN - Dawn

So many things to share - and a give away!

2008-07-05T09:39:00.016+10:00

I have had the BEST week! Being on holiday, I have stitched and stitched to my heart's content - with the occassional outing to eat beautiful food - the postman has brought lovely parcels to my home - and I have even hit the shops! Aaaah - eutopia.

I went to my 'local' and bought metres and metres of the Simplicity range; Jelly Slice (see below) is made with this range - and that has been the impetus for decorating my soon-to-be-painted bedroom. So I have fabric for cushions, pillow cases, quilts, a table runner, a bed skirt - and lots of other niceties. I also bought some lovely fabric to complete a birthday gift for someone very special in my life (you know who you are!) - but I can't show you that as yet!

My new quilt as you go - Jelly Slice - has been progressing nicely - just putting on the last borders now and it will be ready for binding. There was a slight hold up when I ran out of backing fabric, but that wasn't a problem - I just moved on to something else. Here's a working photo, without the borders and binding - I'll post a photo of Jelly Slice when it's complete.

I have completed a new pattern (except for the cover photo) of my new bag - A Swell Tote - and managed to stitch a smaller version so that the pattern contains two sizes with slight variations. Here are my working photos of the bags photographed seperately :

I'll post the cover photo once it has been shot. The green version came first - and is larger, designed to take on retreat or to workshops - and able to hold LOTS. The red and blue is a smaller every-day version.

I received the first month's mail out of the Fat Quarter Shop's "Mystery Designer Block of the Month" - I purchased the backing fabric and finishing kit options to go with this program - which were sent in two seperate packages - unfortunately the second of my two packages (the finishing kit) has not yet managed to find its way home - hopefully that will arrive in the coming week and I will take a photo show you all.

My next woollen pincushion of the month kit arrived - this one was a surprise as it wasn't on display at the show where I ordered this program - and I must say, although it is the simplest - I think its my favourite (even more than the pear!). Simply can't wait to work on this one (and I may do a little 'extra' embellishment!)

Now - I knew that the above kit was due - and each day I checked the letter box - and finally - it arrived on Wednesday - or so I thought. I didn't check the packaging - just ripped it open while having a coffee - to find a complete surprise. Sometime back I signed up for a Pay It Forward Challenge from this lovely lady - and here was my gift (which I must admit, I had completely forgotten about!) Isn't it just gorgeous?? A lovely bag (a girl can NEVER have too many bags) together with a gorgeous fat quarter of the lining fabric. Such a cute card too! Thank you Sandra- I love it!

Which brings me to this - when I signed up to receive Sandra's Pay It Forward Challenge, I wasn't doing much stitching myself (it was a 'lull') - so I didn't feel the time was right to place it on my own blog. After my frenzy over the past weeks, I think the time is right. So here's the deal :

The exchange is based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. Here’s how it works: I will make and send a handmade gift to the first three people who leave a comment to this post on the blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent before the end of the year - and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog - linking back to my blog in return.

Sound like fun? - would you like to join? - the first three are in :-)

WHEW!!!!! Are you still with me?? I'm done for now - I've just exhausted myself :-)

TTFN - Dawn

Three weeks in the life of ..............

2008-06-29T21:35:00.009+10:00

It can't possibly be three weeks since I last blogged, I'm sure it's not - but the dateline on my last post tells me otherwise!

It has been a busy three weeks though - culminating in school holidays! Aaaah, bliss. However, it will take me the first couple of days to get over organising, facilitating and packing away our annual student Art Show - what beautiful pieces we had on show - it was worth the effort!

My last class at this wonderful quilt shop saw the unveiling of a blue version of my quilt - isn't it lovely - imagine what it will look like when it's complete!

I am teaching three quilts at this wonderful shop in Term 3 - here's a sneak peak at "Field of Flowers" while it was still in 'top' stage :

My apologies for the quality (or lack thereof) of the photo - but I'm sure you'll get the feel of the quilt. I had originally wanted a yellow based floral for the final border - but do you think I could find one I liked with the same tone of yellow as the inner pieced flowers - this white one from Lakehouse with pink and yellow flowers was the best I could do.

Lots of lovely fabric made its way to my doorstep over the past weeks - and the excitement of the Fat Quarter Shop's Designer Mystery Quilt is due to hit my letterbox any time now - I'm so excited. The first block, plus the setting fabrics together with the backing and binding. I'll have to be diligent and make sure I sew each block as it arrives - then I'll be in with a chance to have a completed quilt close to the finishing time. Perhaps you can all be my conscience and make sure I keep up to date??

Do you remember when I told you the tale of Amie's bag back here, and promised to show you the gorgeous bag my Mum made her for Christmas - well I finally remembered I had said that too - so here is the gorgeous creation. It's one of Rosalie Quinlan's patterns, and I am sure you will all agree, my Mum has done a SENSATIONAL job with it! Just look at all of that hand quilting with perle thread - not to mention those gorgeous fabrics - I want one!

I hope to be able to show you my newest quilt within the next week or so - Jelly Slice - one of the three quilts I will be teaching next term. I just need to complete the borders and then I can photograph it for you.

I think with this long post, you are all just about caught up, I look forward to two lovely weeks stitching (amongst all of the cleaning jobs I want to do around the house, not to mention the rooms that I want to re-paint, and the cupboards that need to be sorted since the "Great Room Change", and ...........) the list is never ending - but I WILL get some stitching time for me!

That list reminds me - I must show you the new room I talked about here - and you can all see what a great job my husband (Wayne) did of my new furniture .............. I'll do that next time!

TTFN - Dawn

A little late, but ...............

2008-06-07T22:54:00.004+10:00

I have a pact with my Mum - all of her Mother's Day gifts are to be handmade by myself - no purchased gifts on this occassion.

This year I made her a tea cosy which I thought would sit nicely with her collection of "Royal Albert - Old Country Roses" - although I forgot to photograph it before I gave it to her.

I managed to take a (not so good) shot when I was there last. So, a little late, but here it is!

TTFN - Dawn

Bag lady!

2008-05-31T09:03:00.000+10:00

I have a beautiful bag made out of the vinyl coated 3 Sisters fabrics that seem to come out with all of their ranges. It has long been admired by all who have seen it - none more so than my 16 year old daughter. I know if it is 'missing' to look in her room!

She has a beautiful bag made for her by her Nana (my Mum) that she received at Christmas time - but it is toooooo nice to use for school (will post a photo in my next blog) - and she now has a reputation at school for having 'the best bags'. So what's a Mum to do?

Make her her own vinyl bag of course!!! This one was met with a very wide smile, and "you're the best Mum". Oh what a wonderful feeling :-)

After parading it at school the next day, she was told "you are so lucky having a Mum and Nana who make beautiful bags for you!" Doesn't take much to bring so much happiness!

TTFN - Dawn

So cute I can bearly stand it ............

2008-05-27T21:39:00.000+10:00

Just back from spending the weekend in country Victoria, attending a workshop with a very talented bear artist - Helen Batchelor from "Hug O' Bears".

The workshop was hosted by the lovely ladies from my Mum's friendship group and the weekend held MUCH stitching, lots of laughs and enormous amounts of food.

This pile of mohair

slowly - but surely - after much hand stitching (here's my Mum - stitching away and enjoying every stitch)

became this :Aren't they just adorable? The class sample was one red bear and one white bear -with a Christmas theme. Now, as much as I LOVE to decorate for Christmas - who could stand to pack these little darlings away for most of the year? Not me!

Needless to say, such a good time was had by all, that we have decided to do it again!!! This time we will up the ante - and this delightful group of four bears will be stitched - different colours and fabrics for all (mine will be green alpaca!!!). Now the only decision is - do I have them sitting (somebody tell Mabs we can tell who the imposter is!) ....................................... or do I have them standing?

oh well, I have four months to decide!!!

TTFN - Dawn

Snuggling

2008-05-06T20:29:00.000+10:00

My gorgeous boy Jack turned 11 last week. He is my 'baby' and as I've told him many times - he'll ALWAYS be my baby.

Each morning he wakes at 7am - 2 hours before he starts school so that he can 'snuggle' on the couch behind me as I am having my morning coffee while checking my emails and those addictive blogs.

What better reason is there for a Mum to make a shaggy quilt for snuggling under. I don't know whether I get more joy watching him each morning - or sitting underneath it at night with him.

TTFN - Dawn

So far - so good!

2008-05-05T17:47:00.000+10:00

I have joined Crazy Mom Quilts "Star Quilt Along" - and I'm up to date! Yes - I know, it is only week 1 - and there has only been one block so far - but so far, so good.

What my photo doesn't show is the luscious "custard yellow" of the background or the succulent raspberry of the points. I have decided to make it a raspberry custard delight - my backgrounds will be a mixture of different custards - with the stars in a collection of raspberry. I intend to do the setting blocks with a lovely mint accent. Mmmmmm - sounds good enough to eat :-)

Have a look at the Quilt Along - I bet you're tempted!

TTFN - Dawn

Where, oh where, has the last month gone?

2008-05-04T07:43:00.000+10:00

I do remember coming home from visiting my parents - feeling rested and relaxed. After a two week break from school I was raring to go. Lots of stitching, lots of blogging, lots of designing. I swear I fell in to a vortex or something - because that time has just vanished - and I have little to show for it!

I did manage to pick up a crochet needle and crochet this little beauty for my BFF Sue. I have finally found something I can do that she struggles with. As I told her - Individually we can accomplish much - together we can accomplish anything!

Here she is in front of the storage room in my school Art Room. A nice thick yarn will certainly keep those winter chills at bay. Here in Melbourne the cold has started to gain force - so it won't be long before a coat joins that ensemble! (Note : You should see the "out takes" of this photo shoot - they sure make me giggle - this lady is extremely confident in front of a camera :-)

On checking my mail box on Friday, I was excited to discover my next Pincushion of the Month from
"The Quilted Crow" had arrived - this gorgeous pear was the main reason I signed up for this program. I don't know why - I'm at a loss to understand it myself - but I just love projects that have pears - my theme for my kitchen is pears - together with apples and lemons. Stitcheries, wool applique, stuffed pieces - you name it - I just love pear things!

Don't you just love the thrill of a parcel that arrives nicely packaged - and the anticipation when you're not too sure what's inside. .... This brown paper package (tied up with chiffon - not string) turned in to this lovely kit .................

Can't wait to make it - but perhaps I should stitch the two kits I received previously first :-)

It turns out I do have more to share ...... I'll show you tomorrow!!!!!

TTFN - Dawn

2008-04-03T08:51:00.000+11:00

We're coming to the end of two week's school holidays here in Melbourne - and what a busy time it has been!

The work continues on the room swap - we are in place in the lounge room - although the walls have been painted - they are bare! Each night when DH comes home he says "you still haven't decorated!". He is used to my more is better' style of decorating and can't understand why nothing adorns the room except furniture yet! Don't know how to explain to him that I have this overwhelming desire to make sure everything is fresh and new - or at least fits in with the new colour scheme I see in my mind's eye!

The new sewing studio is a room full of boxes, tubs and loose bits of 'stuff' I have collected over the years - oh my goodness - I can see I am going to be VERY busy on Ebay over the next month or so! Where did it all come from? Some order will prevail once construction on the new furniture is finally finished - and I have off-loaded some of my older bits and pieces.

The boys and I spent four days in the Australian bush - country Victoria where my parents live. I spent an enjoyable day at my Mum's friendship group - finally put faces to the names of the ladies my Mum stitches with every Friday (not to mention the many little outings they have which always seems to involve the purchase of some sort of quilting items (LOL).

The rest of the time was spent enjoying my parent's company, doing a little stitching, and commencing the knitting of a wonderful project from this talented lady!

My father is gifted with a green thumb (not an easy task in a drought ravaged area) - and I returned home with this wonderful display of produce (display being the operative word - we wont be eating this little gems :-) - together with two dozen very freshly laid eggs. Don't some of those bush pumpkins look just like swans?

The basket is sitting on "60 Shining Stars" - the quilt I made for my Mum's 60th birthday just a couple of years ago - I have just realised, this is the only photo I have of this quilt - I must rectify that next time I'm there!

Now to stitching - I am finally finishing off the Autumn stitchery, the binding has been machined on to Kolliding Stars and will be hand stitched this evening, and my new little design is coming along just nicely. I hope to have all these to show you within the week - as long as the weather continues to behave itself and we don't fall fowl of another 5 hour power blackout (winds gusting at 95 kilometres an hour put Melbourne in disarray yesterday!).

I picked up Kolliding Stars from my commercial quilter while I was in the country. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with the job Judy did. Absolutely stunning!! She managed to use an edge-to-edge pattern that positively looks like the quilt has been custom quilted - so my purse strings were just as happy as my eyes were :-) I will post photos for you once the binding is complete.

Finally getting a 'little blog fix' this morning - and I discovered a stitchery freebie. Pop on over to Janet at Wildcraft Farm and you too can have a lovely little stitchery verse for the asking!

Hope to chat to you all real soon .......

TTFN - Dawn

Moving inspiration ........

2008-03-25T22:33:00.000+11:00

Finally! Every box and each piece of furniture has finally been transferred from room to room - if I have to lift one more thing I'm sure I'll scream. Now to finish the painting. Parts of the lounge room have been completed - those behind bookshelves so at least I didn't have to have books all over the room - or unload the shelves again.

Now the room is evolving and the fun part will begin in the very near future - the decorating. I have decided that a new room - a new look. The walls are being painted a bright and sunny yellow ("Sunny Extreme") with an off-white trim ("Cotton Tail") - so I have decided that the accent colour will be a nice red, with touches of rose pink and pale green. This block started the inspiration .....

Unfortunately, it doesn't photograph very well - but the background is a lovely yellow, with a beautiful rich red accent. The pink polka dot and the teal green isn't part of the inspiration, but each time I carried another box past this part of a WIP it made me smile - and that was almost the impetus to complete the move! Aaaah, the things we do to start something new.

Speaking of "something new" - I finally have the desire and inspiration to get back to designing. Now what do these two photos have in common?

All should (hopefully) be revealed in the coming week ..............................

TTFN - Dawn

Little piece of sunshine .......

2008-03-24T10:06:00.000+11:00

WOW! Two posts in one day!

Amie (DD 16) and I attended the Stitches & Craft Show last weekend. Now it isn't my favourite

craft event here in Melbourne - too much of what I don't do - and not enough of what I like. I think that must be the general consensus too - as each time I visit, there are less and less stall holders of the type I like. BUT - a wonderful day was had by both of us, and yes - we did manage to spend a little cash!

One of Australia's television personalities has now taken a forey into the craft world - and had the most magnificent display. A psuedo back garden, utilising craft as the accessories. Live bunnies hopping around a craft show is not the norm here in Australia - but there they were in all their glory - munching on the fabric fare!

Isn't that just the cutest picture - and ALL of the picnic fare was made from fabric.

Now - sadly I have noticed over the past few months that my eyes aren't what they used to be at night (big sigh) - I thought I would escape this dreaded part of becoming more mature - but not so! So part of my spending was on this little treasure - something I have been promising myself for some time - but never got around to doing so! Not this time - I saw this little pink baby - and she was mine. Please admire my 'little piece of sunshine" - which will now take up residence on my side table in the soon to be finished lounge room - much more (accurate) stitching at night as I watch TV with DH.

TTFN - Dawn

Ramblings over Easter .......

2008-03-24T09:03:00.000+11:00

I hope everyone is having a safe and happy Easter. As I mentioned recently, DS Andrew was turning 18 - and taking his driving licence test. I'm pleased to say, he passed his test with flying colours (100% - another male who will think he's the world's best driver!) - and we celebrated his birthday at our local Irish Pub. Here we are after enjoying a few of the heavily promoted Irish Apple Ciders! I'll have to wear heels next time - I'm 5' 5", and I look like a leprechaun standing here LOL.

On a stitching note - there isn't a lot to tell. (Complicated story line to follow ............ ) I have spent the past four days working hard on exchanging rooms. My studio was set up in our original large lounge room, and we were using the - not as big - family room as our main living space. Over this weekend, we have been moving all my stuff (where on earth did it all come from - and where on earth will it all go now!) from one room to the next, while trying to switch all of the living furniture into the lounge. It's rather like a juggling game - move piece A here, to move piece B there, then move piece A back where it was, before moving it to the next room ...... and so on - all very confusing. Add to this mess - repainting the lounge room piece by piece - before putting furniture in that space. Finally, you then need to add to the mix DH constructing new furniture for the studio as I am moving - which means nothing can move until each piece is finalised - do you see what I mean about a complicated story line???

Luckily I am on a two week holiday (with four days away in there somewhere), so all should be finished before I return to work. I'll show you the results of all of our efforts at the end.

However, I have managed to hand stitch the long-waited for binding on this quilt

- and have managed to do a small amount of stitchery on this piece. Hopefully this piece will be on the wall at the end of the moving process.

TTFN - Dawn

Pin cushions!

2008-03-15T18:58:00.000+11:00

Blueberry Lane (together with Lynette Anderson) are having a giveaway of an out of print Lynette Anderson Pin Cushion book. All you have to do, is what we do best - share! Share a photo of your favourite pin cushion.

I have two - the green one on the right is the one I use daily. It was stitched for me by my good friend Tania - on a day when I was feeling 'down' - she went home and stitched this little treasure and delivered it to me as a surprise the next day - that was 7 years ago - and it has been in constant use ever since.

The red stitchery one is one that I found the pattern for at a Craft Show and fell in love with it. Myself and 7 others from my friendship group stitched it as a group project - just to remember each other in the years to come - and each day as we sit and stitch. It was a pleasure to stitch - and of course, there were blue versions and green versions too!

Pop over to Blueberry Lane - and see the links to all the other beautiful pin cushions our fellow stitches use and treasure!

TTFN - Dawn

Catching up ......

2008-03-15T07:02:00.000+11:00

My where does the time go! For those who have noticed I haven't blogged in a while (Hi Mum, Suzie and Tania), I'm back!! I promise I won't let that happen again.

Two weeks full of activities and events, but not a lot quilty. I am off today with Amie (daughter 16) to attend the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show - not normally a favourite of mine as there are so many stalls that are things other than those I like! However! I am very much looking forward to spending the day with my daughter, picking up all those incidentals that need replacing at the same time - Pigma Pens, Water Erasable Pens, cotton thread, perhaps I'll treat myself to a new cutting mat and the list goes on.

On the quilting front, I DID manage to complete this quilt which will be on the class list of one of my favourite quilt shops in Melbourne next term - and it is now in the hands of my commercial quilter which will let me keep working on other projects I will be teaching next term (I work best under pressure :-)

It is very close to the 'big day' for my eldest Son. On Monday (St Patrick's Day) he turns 18. Here in Melbourne, 18 is when you can get your driver's licence, in Australia 18 is when you can legally drink alcohol and enrol to vote - so you could say it is a more significant age than the celebrated 21. Now Andrew is gorgeous, a very confident young man who is extremely cavalier - perhaps too much so. He is my child that I have spent many visits to the hospital with. I swear this child has a mixture of petrol and blood running through his veins. He has purchased his car and is all set to take his test on his actual birthday at 11.45. He is a very capable driver, but perhaps a little too nonchalent about the process - fingers crossed, he will pass which will make him the happiest man in the Irish pub on Monday night!

Here he is - with his 14 year old brother - both being EXTREMELY cheeky while I tried to photograph my quilt on a 40 degree day with a steady breeze . He's the blonde one - bent over and trying to act short!

I have lots more to share - but now it is time to get ready and head off to my craft show. Promise I won't take so long next time!

TTFN - Dawn

From the ridiculous to the sublime

2008-02-25T10:49:00.000+11:00

Our big "girl's day out" was yesterday. Suzie picked me up at 9am, and with her Mum in the front seat, me in the back - off we headed to indulge our senses (and wallets) in quilt Utopia! Half an hour into our journey, stopped at a red light, laughing and chatting away about what we were all hoping to purchase and look at, when BANG! The sound was deafening - and a sudden pain shot through my back. We - and the three cars in front of us - were still waiting to drive off - but the fool behind us hadn't seen we were stopped - and drove straight into the back of us! Not a good start to our day. After all the necessary exchanges of names, insurers etc we decided that, regardless of our head and muscle aches, to continue our journey. Marvelous what quilt adrenalin can do! Poor Suzie's car though - off to the car hospital for a decent stay I imagine.

The Quilt Expo was lovely - lots of stands bulging with goodies waiting to be adopted, many many gorgeous quilts to look at in the merchants mall - with a proliferation of BOM's this year. One of my favourite stands was this one where I signed up for the most wonderful Pincushion of the Month club. All will be made with wool - with this being the first. You can see a glimpse of the pear to come in the background.

I was a very happy lady - I got my first kit immediately - ready to take home and stitch (well, perhaps not immediately, I need to look at the lovely packaging for a little while longer first - and perhaps finish the kaleidoscope, and work on my Autumn Sampler ........ - but it will be done before the next arrives!) Isn't it just beautiful??

We found a lovely stall that was selling off fat quarters of older fabric ranges for only $2 - in Australia fat quarters average $6 (amongst them Dominique and Cinnamon Stars) so with a love for Dominique, and a Fig Tree quilt in the planning stages, these purchases just HAD to be made :-)

The quilt exhibition itself was gorgeous - a couple of Dear Jane's to drool over, some vintage Japanese fabric and kimono's, together with some international designers (Piece O Cake) to oggle - all in all the sublime of my blog title!

Arriving home and coming down to earth enabled the aches and pains to establish themselves, and a night's sleep only proved that this stiff and sore body needs to visit the Dr today - so no work for me - but no sewing either!!! Oh well - there's always tomorrow, and in the meantime I can look at and fondle my purchases ..................

TTFN - Dawn

Weekend indulgences!

2008-02-23T13:04:00.000+11:00

After a hectic week of school, family and those life things that just get in the way, the weekend is here - with lots of lovely quilting on the horizon. Today I will work on the border blocks of this quilt. I hope to have it finished to show you all by Monday's end - fingers crossed!

This evening as I sit with my family in front of the TV, I plan to work on this gorgeous piece. I purchased all four season's patterns from Crabapple Hill Studio with the intention of stitching each one, placing it in a lovely frame and hanging it as each season began. I think I need to get my skates on - Autumn starts here in Australia one week from today!!!! Oh my goodness - I've just shocked myself :-)

Tomorrow, I am off for a day of quilting indulgence with my dearest friend - Susie (Sue). The Australian Quilt Convention and Expo is on here in Melbourne - and tomorrow is the last day. I can hardly wait - a day of visual delight, lots of laughs and perhaps a little purchasing??? I plan on taking the camera, so copyright permitting - I'll have a few shots to show you!

Hope your weekend is as exciting as mine promises to be!

TTFN - Dawn

What makes you smile?

2008-02-15T14:18:00.000+11:00

Wow! More mail - more fabric - and more quilts to finish! Two precious bundles made their way to the family Cottage this week, one new and one vintage. I'll share the vintage with you in a later post.

My O/S order finally arrived (the new bundle) , and now I have the fabric to complete my kaleidoscope quilt. I have been waiting on the two border fabrics [top fabric is the inner border, the red is the large border] and the backing [brown floral] and binding! [ brown print second from top] - so now I can complete this quilt.

The bottom fabric is the backing for a quilt also in progress - so once I have finished the kaleidoscope, I have inspiration to continue the other [rather than start a new quilt :-p]

I have wanted to make a kaleidoscope for some time. This one evolved after another lovely bundle of fat quarters (Madeira) arrived in the mail. Realistically a bundle of fat eighths would have been more than enough - so now I have enough fabric left to make some soft furnishings - or perhaps a gift for a friend - or perhaps another kaleidoscope with a more traditional colour placement? Oh lucky me with enough fabric for so many choices!

On the subject of lucky - I am one of the lucky ones who are taking part in Lucky Locket's Valentines Swap (http://lucylocketrecycledherpocket.blogspot.com/), so this little bundle left for Monique in the Netherlands yesterday - and I wait with baited breath for a parcel to enter my letter box. Will I share with you? Of course!

On a blogging note - if someone could share with me how to link to other sites without actually having to type the address (as I've done above with lucy locket) I'd really appreciate the help.

Hope your week has been wonderful - my mail box has certainly put a smile on my face!

TTFN - Dawn

Lucky Me!

2008-02-13T22:05:00.000+11:00

Last week I was very excited to read that I had won a giveaway on the Bunny Tales http://bunnyhill.blogspot.com/index.html blog. Anne very generously offered the most beautiful log cabin cushion and two gorgeous hearts.

Guess what came in the mail today?

Amie (16 year old daughter) phoned me to let me know I needed to pick a parcel up from the post office on my way home from work. Woo Hoo!

The parcel travelled safely home on my front seat with me, but I had to wait until I had done all the nice "Mum things" before I could open it. The suspense was all most too much - not too good on suspense!

I opened it - and there was my gorgeous gift - wrapped in a gorgeous pink ribbon (oh how I love pink too Anne - especially paired with a nice green!)

A lovely note in a Bunny Hill Designs card and my gorgeous new cushions. I have to tell you ladies, they are so much nicer in real life than either Anne or I can photograph - and that new fabric line (heart with the bluebird and bow - is just GORGEOUS). And five crystal beads to embellish it - now my dearest friends will tell you - I'm a sucker for a nice bead - I wear nothing but the jewellery I make for myself - so that was just icing on the cake!

So many thanks for the beautiful prize Anne - it will be much loved. My master bedroom is about to be repainted in a lovely soft green paint (suede effects - a textured paint we have in Australia - not sure if other countries has the same thing) and these will just fit in perfectly!

I must tell you though - as pleased as I was to receive my parcel today - it became very obvious that Rusty (our beautiful cat) - was JUST as pleased with my delivery - look what I found when I came back in to the room after getting the camera! Cheeky Thing!

TTFN - Dawn

No more excuses .....

2008-02-10T13:17:00.000+11:00

Let's Pretend! Let's pretend this is my first blog - and I'm off to a good start. No more excuses - I don't have any nice photos, I don't know what to say, people wont be interested in me, so much to do before school goes back .... NO MORE EXCUSES - it's time to bite the bullet and share!

To all who have left me lovely comments - thank you! Although I haven't responded to you individually, please be assured that I am extremely grateful for your thoughts and wishes and future comments will receive the acknowledgement they deserve.

Look what came in the mail this week!

How beautiful are those colours - I have plans for this bundle of joy - but please be patient with me. I have another couple - yes, I did say couple - of quilts I am working on, so I have to be patient and wait before I can start. This is the year of finishing projects for me. In the meantime, this bundle has been placed in a strategic place in the studio, where I can look at it, caress it, pick it up and dream - sound familiar?

As I work on the other projects I will share their progress with you - this will hopefully inspire me to work quickly!

TTFN - Dawn

Here I Am!

2008-01-13T19:56:00.000+11:00

I can't believe I'm finally here!

I discovered the joy of Blogs around three months ago - and since then I have been addicted! I have lurked around in the background reading and enjoying the many, many wonderful stories that people generously share - wanting to comment and join in - but feeling a little shy!

Shy?? Who me? Those who know me would be a little surprised by that statement. So, I dipped my toe in the water - and I joined a swap on a fellow Quilter's blog. That was easy - and guess what? My name appeared in print on her blog! The first step was made.

Now here I am, ready to take a few more steps! I look forward to meeting and chatting to many new and wonderful people - perhaps we'll become friends?

TTFN - Dawn