Friday, December 4, 2009

In the mail....

Here's the lovely hand made card and Christmas ornament received from Deb @ The Angel and the Pukeko . Chooky's wisdom has been witnessed here. She instructed us not to show our pressies in case, and Deb's blog is one which I already visit. And heres the ornament I sent to Caryn. And here also is a blog I already visited and have previously received a gift from Caryn from the bag swap last year, so she may also visit. Depspite the vastness of blogland, it really can be quite small sometimes. A wise woman Chooky! Thanks for a fun swap. Of course we are still waiting patiently to open our Christmas presents.......best things come to those who wait. Thanks Deb!



Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Relief....

It was a relief to awaken to rain on the roof this morning. Of course we need heaps more to do any real good, but it sure did sound nice, and will hopefully make for a more pleasant day today. A relief from the scorching heat we have been enduring.


SSCS09 projects completed and on their way. Enjoy the surprise partner!

Here's those girls again, a bit bigger now.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Like Pretty Maids all in a Row.....


Two weeks have passed since we had our weekend of fun, friends and fabric. Photographed above is the lovely hand dyed fabrics after washing, and after ironing. We were all tremendously thrilled by the beautiful colours and patterns we arrived at. We also worked on "Strips and Curves", but more on that another day. Haven't gotten back to it since then, as I have been busy with finishing my SSCS, and just life in general......But we did have a wonderful weekend, completed with a glass of wine.
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Oh, and my stitchers angel gift arrived, but I have forgotten to photograph it too.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sugar Glider....

I can't believe that so much time has gone by since last post. I have been busy, busy with book work and some sewing too. Am almost ready to send off my Stitcher's Angel gifts, and then it will be on to finishing the SSCS2 ones too.
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I have been doing some fabric shopping too. Do you know Jane?? She is a fellow blogger in America who's blog I follow. And when Jane advertised a sale, I just had to go for a look. I had a wonderful time choosing fabrics, and Jane was so helpful in making sure I could make the most of my posting dollar. I thoroughly recommend you go for a look. I will show off my lovelies when they arrive.
This wee fellow is a sugar glider. He is a tiny member of the possum family. DH came across him while fencing on our property.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Signs of Spring....

The signs of spring are springing up all over..... .......the flowers
.......the baby willy wag tails hatched just outside our door

.......the calves


......and here's those girls again!



Friday, September 18, 2009

Send in the clowns......

Here's a photo of my younger two all dressed up for the school social last night. The theme was clowns. They had a fun time, and Rachel even won a choccy for one of the two best dressed!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

CRAFT BOOKS....

Ebay is somewhere that most of us visit on occassion, sniffing out that bargain or two. I have just finished listing 21 books for my Mum which she no longer has room for in her life or cupboard. She was an avid card maker until my Dad passed away and no longer has the desire to partake this crafting hobby that they shared.

These are just two of the 21. Click on the link and pop on by for a look. There might just be something there you have been looking for.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Angel Project no. 1.....

Angel project number 1 is complete, now for number 2. I have used Tozz's angel on my heart for the pocket design on this one, I thought it so appropriate. I doubt my angel partner will even be visiting, given the number of angels around the world, so I thought it safe showing it off. I have been visiting my partner's blog, and sending her sneaky emails too. Also preparations on the go for the sscs09. Busy, busy.....

........and another puppy photo too.


Sunday, August 30, 2009

New Additions......

Here's the cute little additions to our family. Meet Speck (short for Speckles) on the left and Sam, on the right looking down. They are now 7 weeks old and have successfully added some fun and excitement to our lives. What a shame they have to grow up though!
On the stitching front. First angel project is complete........we are being spoilt with beautiful projects to choose from. Have also received my SSCS09 partner and was surprised to be designated someone with whom I have had previous contact. Doesn't often happen in this big wide world of bloggers. I will enjoy being able to send off a gift to this particular blogger.
Till next time.....

Friday, August 21, 2009

Another Annie.....


After the fun I had with making and receiving my annies, Rachel decided to make one for a friend's birthday. She was a little late with the gift, but as they say, good things come to those who wait.
So, here she is. And the only thing I really helped a little more with, was the hair. The rest, Rachel achieved by herself, following my instructions. Well done Rachel! School work permitting, I am sure there will be more escapades into Mum's scrap bag.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Another week, another finish.......


Last Saturday night I traced the design onto fabric. Finished it yesterday and kept going, trying to save it from the fate of joining the other completed stitcheries in the pile to be made into something. Yay, I succeeded! I think I have an overproductive mind, the projects can only get so far before the mind demands I start something new. "Stitchin Angel" projects start tomorrow night, can't wait to see what Helen has in store for us.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

A Quick Project....

Just so it isn't too long between posts, here's a quick little project that I did this past week. It is also a little photo as it was taken on my phone as my camera was off with DH. Just proves I haven't been entirely inactive though.....

Monday, August 3, 2009

and it's a finish!.....



.....and it's in the mail on it's way to hopefully make a special little girl happy for her birthday. A little late but.........

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Welcome to the new month....

I must say that I am pleased to farewell July. Despite the fact that it is the birthday month for both myself and DH, it also brought sadness. It started out well with a trip to Brisbane to collect DS from uni for the holidays. That included a few days away with some shopping fun and movies. Not patchwork shopping, more to suit the majority rather than just me. Anyways, we had fun doing it. Everyone was home for my birthday, we had dinner with a friend. All's well at this stage.



It was DH birthday on the 18th which also ended up being the day that my Grandma died. Three days later we attended her funeral. Mum was unwell during all of this trauma too, the stress of burying her mother didn't help. Grandma will be sadly missed, but always fondly remembered. We spent many happy hours together cooking or playing scrabble. She also taught me to crochet and to knit. We can be happy that she is with Grandad and is no longer feeling the pains of ill health. She was 92 years old.



So, as I said, farewell July and let's hope that August brings good health and happiness with it.



I'm busy stitching on some binding at present, so I'll be back soon with something to show.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

snapshots of the prizes....

The month has flown by, I can't believe that it has been so long since I last posted on here, but it has. I have finally heard that my parcels have arrived at there destinations, so heres a looksee at what I sent to the winners. This top collection of goodies went to Helen of Hugs from Helen fame. It was nice to send something to Helen after winning her new pattern from her blog release. And when she received it, she said that she didn't even relise she had entered, so how's that for a nice surprise in the mail. This next collection went to Ulla in Sweden. Ulla has also sent me a collection of lovely fabric pieces, and is also one of my pif pals, so we have had a giftee each in this one too, and of course Ulla will receive again when I get those pif done.
So that brings to a close my 50th post draw. Now on to the next 50. I have been a stitchin! I'm getting a collection of stitcheries and hexies.....all of which is creating a pile of ufo's. I'm enjoying stitching in front of the tele (under a quilt of course), on these chilly nights; except for one which was so cold I couldn't keep my hands out from under the quilt. But haven't put anything together with them yet. We have people who finish our quilts for us, maybe I need a finisher to finish other things too.
School holidays start again at the end of the week, so not sure how much time I will have at either stitching or blogging. But, as an added bonus, my eldest comes home for a month from university. It will be so nice to have him as part of the household again, even just for a while.
Till next time....x

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Maureen....

I've been fixing up Maureen's dress. It needed washing and new elastics etc. Now ain't she sweet. This lovely young lady is my Mum's doll which she has given to Rachel - her oldest grand daughter. She was given to Mum in 1955. 1955 was the year that Maureen Kistle was named Miss Australia in the Miss Australia Pageant, hence her doll being named Maureen.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

And the WINNER is........


Here it is at last! The big "50" !! And without further ado, it is time to announce the winner(s). I decided to do two drawers so there will be one winner from Australia and one from amongst our International friends. Like I said, the prizes will be revealed after being received.
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Thanks to everyone who entered, it was great to have so many entries.
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The Australian winner, whom I can surprise with a parcel if she doesn't read this post, is "Helen Stubbings" from Hugs from Helen. I already have Helen's postal address as I won a pattern from her blog draw only a couple of weeks ago.
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The International prize goes to "Ulla" from Ulla's Fiber Blog. Ulla is from Sweden and is also one of my PIF pals, so she will receive 2 gifts from me when I get that one done too.
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So that's it for now. Will have to spend a bit less time on the computer and get some more stitching done so I have something more to show off.
Thanks again for all the comments and congratulations to the winners. I hope they enjoy their prizes. = )

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Last Chance......

I've been posting so much in the last fortnight, I can't seem to find anything crafty to show, so here's a photo of Rachel who wants to do the draw of the giveaway. This is a whacky photo from Christmas last year.



So this is it! Post number 49 !!! Last chance for comments to go in the draw! I will draw on Sunday and announce it if my computer allows me to turn it on, otherwise definately Monday on another computer. Seeing as I haven't finished getting the prize organised, I've decided to keep it to myself and not show it until after it has arrived at it's destination, that way it will be a surprise for the recipient. Thanks for all my comments so far!!

Back soon!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Blogaversary To Me.......

Lookee at the blogaversary present Narelle gave me. A new layout!! I wasn't quite game to attempt it alone, and have seen on other blogs how some had lost there sidebars etc., so I asked Narelle to give me a hand. This is post number 48 girls! I will follow this week with 49 and then it will be the draw. Thanks so much for everyone who has come by and left a comment. It's nice to hear from you all.

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Narelle and I also had a nice day out on Saturday. A nearby quilt group incorporated a show and tell with Australia's Biggest Morning Tea so that made for a nice day out, nice food and nice quilts while raising money for a good cause. Then we came back to my place for a bit of stitching. What bliss!

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OK, that's it for now, keep those comments comin in and I'll be back real soon!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

More Dolls to Show......

This country angel was made by my sister and was given to me for a prize for our girls night in last year. How lucky was I to be able to bring her home again. This young lady is "Sweet Sally". I made her for a Christmas gift from a Country Threads magazine. Her dress is made from fabric I purchased from my trip to Bali.


I'm very happy to be receiving some entries in my giveaway. Keep those comments coming, not time for the draw yet.


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Something to show.......

This was my entry in the blankets of love competition in "Down Under Quilts" in 2007. I was looking through the photo folders for something I haven't shown. Remember I'm sneaking up on the 50th post for my draw, so don't forget to comment! It mustn't be long till the magazine announces the competition for this year. I look forward to doing it again, I enjoy the challenge. The feature fabric for this one was the yellow. It was much easier to work with than last years.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Annie Louise.......

This young lady is Annie Louise. She is the Annie doll that I made for Lindi at Quilty Threads. I also made the gingerbread man and hanging ornie too. Lindi said in her profile that she liked gingerbread but I couldn't find the real thing, so stitched one for her instead. I thoroughly enjoyed making this Annie for Lindi and was thrilled with the one she made for me too. These blog swaps are such fun! This little cupcake pincushion was another little something included in Lindi's parcel. It turned out so lovely! I made it from a pattern that I was lucky enough to win from a giveaway on Shelley's blog, Angels Come to Play. It was easy to make and is so cute, I plan to make some more real soon.



Now, talking about giveaways..... it just so happens that the 15th of May was the one year anniversary of my joining in in blogland. I will also be up to my 50th post very soon. So, with these things in mind, I figure it is my turn to give something back to blogland. From this post until my 49th I will count any comments in the draw. 13 is the highest number of comments I have received before, I would love to beat it and to get some idea of how many sneek a peek at my blog. I would also love the opportunity to give something back, perhaps, to someone that I have been lucky enough to win from, or have had the opportunity of meeting through the many swaps I have taken part in.
So, that's it. All you need to do is leave a comment from now until post 49. Oh, and if I seem to go missing again, don't despair, I am still having intermittment computer problems but will return, and will make the draw as promised. And the prize.....well that's not quite decided on yet, so it will be a surprise too!


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Welcome Annie Sunshine.....

I've been without my computer for three days, so after ringing the computer shop for some advice which provided a simple answer; here I am posting hurriedly before it decides it's not working again. We'll see.....

So without further ado; I'd like to introduce Annie Sunshine. This little Annie was made for me by Lindi of Quilty Threads. Aint she just so sweet!! She has brought with her her pal Marmalade and also some gifts too! Thank you so much Lindi! This has been such a fun swap thanks to Aunt Pitty Pat!



And if you happen to be passing by Lindi.....here's a sneaky peek of a little something which is heading your way as we speak...or type....and you'll just have to wait and see...

back soon......hopefully..



Monday, April 20, 2009

Catching Up.....

Well here it is, almost a month since my last post...hope everyone has had a nice Easter break. The kids are back to school again tomorrow so I guess it's time to straighten the house a bit and get back to normal again. GST to finish before anymore mischief can start, but as you can see, I have been busy.....and without a computer for awhile too, so that didn't help.

This cushion was the gift I made for my partner in the Easter swap. It arrived safely into the hands of Helena who seems happy with it, although I was concerned about making something for a published pattern designer though. Waiting for it to arrive is always a worry too!



My monochromatic quilt arrived at last! It was down to the last three to be posted and I was wondering. It came to me all the way from......Narelle! Anyone who visits on occassion would know that Narelle is mentioned on a regular basis and is only about 50 minutes away. She must have nearly busted every time I discussed the swap with her! And what a coincidence to get me as a partner in such a wide swap draw anyway! So here it is! My monochromatic quilt in purple. Doesn't it look so nice upon my wall. Thank you so much sneaky friend!


Mind you, she was probably only getting back at me for doing the same for her with her birthday present. Below is the runner that was supposed to be for Christmas but was somewhat delayed! I had it all wrapped up with extras in time for her birthday, sent from afar it seemed!
Just as well I got it done before the monochromatic was due, or I might have gotten an IOU in the mail instead!!


Well, that's pretty much it for now. Hopefully it won't be so long till I'm back again. The computer is back, but they said they could find nothing wrong?? It has however misbehaved again since being home only a few days. It just turns off all of a sudden in the middle of whatever, and sometimes just won't come back on for a day even?? Computers?? A mystery of the modern world. So, if possible.....be back soon.




Monday, March 30, 2009

Bon Voyage......

My contribution to the 4SQS5 is on its way over the seas. I sure hope my partner likes it as much as I do. The funny part was that I put pink down as the colour that I didn't want used for my quilt; fate played it's hand and landed me with a pink quilt to make. Must have been teaching me a lesson. I worked with the pink and turned out this beauty which I am very happy with. Now I can sit back and await the arrival of my quilt, wonder who's sending to me?? Here's part of an email I received in my inbox today. Thought I would share. It made me smile; hope it makes you smile too.





Saturday, March 28, 2009

In the Mail...

Lookee what the mailman brought for me this week. My very own easter swap surprise all the way from Minnesota! What a thrill to share our craft all over the world! Vanessa from Crafty kids and Mama too went to the trouble of stitching this lovely easter wall hanging for me, and collecting these other goodies too. The choccies even made it to the photo shoot! Aren't I good.
And I just love the American Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Can you see the lovely chocolate cake in the bottom right hand corner? That's a pin cushion!! Looking forward to making one of those when I clear the decks a bit......Oh, and ??? your Easter swap surprise is on it's way. I sure hope you like it as much as I like mine. Also finished that afore mentioned belated christmas gift and just the binding left to go on the monochromatic quilt for that swap. Going well!!



Sunday, March 22, 2009

Out for dinner....

Here's my froggy pal again. This time I caught a shot of him out and about for a bite to eat. He's just so cute. Finished one of my swap projects today and am busy on another project that needs finishing too. Better get back to it!!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Blog update....aren't I good..


I have been sewing but just because I'm not supposed to show too much as it's for swaps, here's a cute little speckled frog who's been watching me from under the roof on my verandah for you to look at instead. He looks like a happy fellow, and sat contentedly while I snapped away only a few inches from him. And here's another (new) photo of my orchids. I have shown them before, but look, they are still alive, and it's been nearly 3 years!

If you read Mel's blog, good, if you don't pop on over for a read. She's trying to spread the word on autism for autism day, but I'm not sure if I can add the button, so if not go to .......Mel's blog.


And I'm also making an Annie doll....go see.


Thursday, March 12, 2009

What have I been up to....??

Is it so long since I've posted?? Time just gets away so quickly. Since last post I have had a trip to Brisbane to get my oldest settled into uni. This was a very emotional trip which involved lots of retail therapy to help me through. We managed to find quite a few patchwork shops and quite a collection of things to buy to help keep my mind off the torment of leaving our son behind. However, after a week of fun and frivolity which they call "O" week, to help get everyone over their homesickness and get to know a few, he is now starting to settle into the business end of his next five years of life as a veterinary student. So far, he is keeping in regular contact, hasn't starved and is enjoying the food and life of boarding at college; and I've gotten used to cooking less, and one less to wash for etc. Haven't quite gotten past the "wondering what he's up to" though, but guess it all takes time.

So, what have I been up to since then. Well heres some more mug bags which I made. Getting quite the dab hand at whipping these things up!
Next is one of the hand stitching projects which I took to Brisbane with me to keep myself occupied when I wasn't shopping. It is one of Anni Downs's projects which was featured in a recent copy of Australian Country Threads. It was then stitched into a cushion cover after returning from Brisbane and has since been gifted for a friends birthday. A second project was also tackled in Brisbane but it is yet to be stitched up, and is for a secret swap; so no peeks just yet.


Next project in line is a sneak peek of my four seasons swap. Someone's?? favourite colour was pink. But you'll have to wait a little longer for more on that one.



Well, that's about it for this time. I will endeavour to not take so long to get back again. My bloglines were so congested when I got home, I had to wipe it clean, it was impossible to catch up again. Hope I didn't miss out on too much in blogland. All up to date again now! cu