Sea Breeze Quilts

Favourite Things Friday

2012-02-03T16:04:00.001+10:30

My favourite thing this week is simply the fact that it is Friday.

It has been one of those weeks.

It was made better by the fact that my charm arrived from here. I love the packaging, Cathy has a style which is just so...

Maybe the week is getting better here is the first finish for 2012, it will be heading for my Etsy Store soon, might take it down the beach for a photo shoot tomorrow.

And I purchased a future FTF which be revealed in week or two.

Head on over the Mrs P to check out everyone's FTF.

15 Minute Challenge with Kate

2012-02-01T07:40:00.002+10:30

Today everyone is back at work/school. My hubby is easing into it with a half day today because I work a full day Wednesday and he comes home early to pick the kids up.

I just had one day off of sewing this week on Saturday for Squid's party. I am working on a secret project that I can't show you for a couple of weeks as it is a gift.

I basted and quilted the pink quilt yesterday. Just have to choose binding and take some photo's and it can head on to my Etsy Shop. I think stripy binding will be good just have to see if I have something suitable in the stash... I am sure I have. This has been a good quick project to do and I feel like I have some runs on the board for the year ahead.

Head on over to Kate's to see who met the challenge this week.

Birthday Extravaganza

2012-01-30T14:31:00.005+10:30

I'm glad to be going to work today... for a rest. The 9th birthday party is over.

We have avoided pool parties at home (or having too many kids at one time) it is just too much responsibility. Our kids have had at least 5 years of swimming lessons so we know they can swim but you never know about other peoples kids. But squid just wanted a pool party at home with a sleepover and at a weak moment I agreed. I was trying to talk her into having one at the new Aquatic Centre (which as it turned out would have been less expensive and less tiring) but no she wanted it at home.

The weather was just about perfect and the kids all had a great time and they even slept a bit thanks to swimming, the slippery slide on the front lawn, a few party games rounded off with a video.

I don't think we will be doing the home party again for a while at least the adults just aren't up to it.

Favourite Thing Friday

2012-01-27T08:38:00.004+10:30

My favourite thing friday is actually 2 favourites.

Squid chillen in Nan's backyard

The first is the end of school holidays yeah.... 6 or was it 7 weeks is way to long... I am sure my hubby would not agree because he has to go back to work but I have had enough of having to find things to occupy the kids especially when the the weather has been too hot for any outdoor activity other than pool and trips to the beach which is packed at the moment.

I do love the extra hour I get in the morning before work so that I am not rushed for my second favourite which is morning walks down to the beach especially really early morning walks when there isn't many people around and it is quiet and there is a cool sea breeze just like todays. The sky had a pretty purple haze over the ocean and it was very still.

Local wetland this morning

Its better now I have someone to go with .... it had been too hot all week, and I had woken up too late to go early but yesterday she decided it was cool enough to go and she grabbed her lead from the laundry and put it by the front door. This morning I had to wake her up to go lol.

Head on over to Mrs P's for more FTF.

Where has the week gone

2012-01-26T16:02:00.002+10:30

Its the last week of the holidays and the kids have been trying to fit as much as they can into the week weather permitting. It has been hot very hot.

One the really hot one we headed to the movies to see Journey2 Mysterious Island which everyone really enjoyed. The shopping centre where the theatre is is really cool so it was the perfect place to be on a hot day and while away a couple of hours.

Last night we went fishing, it was going to be Monday night, but I had come home from work with a migraine and although it was pretty much over it was 39 degrees during the day and it hadn't really cooled down so we put it off. Last night the wind was incredibly strong and the sea was pretty choppy but there weren't a lot of people down the beach and we had no problem getting a park. And I knew the kids wouldn't last too long an hour max.

We only took 2 rods (I usually take mine but I just wasn't feeling that enthused about the whole fishing thing). We got a couple of nibbles, but the lack of fishers kind of indicated that it probably wasn't the best condition for fishing. In the end the kids just practiced there casting techniques. Squid got pretty good in the end, the maestro struggled because he was using my rod which is a bit longer than his.

I told them that when I got my first rod Grandpa made me practice casts in the back yard (we had quite a big one, so in the end I got quite good and then and only then did he take me fishing.

So no fish for tea, but the fishing thing is out of their systems till the next holidays.

I have been working on a quilt project during the week. Here is the top. The raw edge appliqué is all finished and it is ready to be quilted. I used traputo to make the words standout when it is quilted. I have just about finished piecing the back. I think it will be headed to my etsy shop which will probably mean I need to find storage for it lol.

I have been playing with Instagram the last few days.

I have a quiet house at the moment DH has taken the kids to the beach, I decided I didn't want to go I am all beached out at the moment and it is Australia Day and so it will be like a zoo down there. I told him there were no parks at 8am this morning so why does he think he will get one now... but he has a couple of secret parks. They will either be back really soon or be gone for hours. I think I will go out to the sewing room and finish that back.

SHHHH and be quick

2012-01-22T12:07:00.002+10:30

Remember this post from Favourite Things Friday late last year. Cathy has just listed some new charms so head here.

p.s. I have already got the one I want so I am quite happy about sharing the link lol.

Favourite Things Friday

2012-01-20T19:03:00.000+10:30

I actually forgot last week and it was Saturday before I remembered about FTF.

My Favourite Thing Friday this weekend is our veggie patch.

Our backyard is totally paved. There was a boxed garden around the boundary fence DH has tried various things in it. Plants actually don't last long in our garden because DH likes to move things, plants don't actually like being uprooted and moved but DH hasn't worked that out yet. He also likes to prune.... he seems to like to do it when a plant is in flower ... the whole point in having a particular plant is to have flowers I would have thought.

When we first moved here my husband put up a ~~perma pine monstrosity~~ shade house as the fences were really low and we didn't really like the idea of looking into the neighbours backyard. The shade house had to be removed last year (finally I breathe a sigh of satisfaction) as a new house was being built behind us and the fence needed to be shifted. So he demolished the shade house and the boxed garden and we decided to try to have a veggie patch had to think quickly and suggest this just incase there was another shade house planned.

So far we have had baby carrots (squid ate carrots without complaint for the first time), broccoli (squid's favourite veg), beetroot (my favourite) and strawberries. We currently have tomatoes which we planted a bit late so we haven't had many so far but the bush is quite full of green ones. We are also trying our luck at capsicums and cucumbers.

The tomatoes have been a bit neglected as DH didn't tie them up until last week and he hasn't pruned them at all, so they look a bit of a dogs breakfast at the moment. I am hoping that now they are supported they will send up more shoots and grow upwards more. I have learned not to interfere with tomato growing (having some Italian blood flowing in his veins makes him an expert... some would say know all.)

We notice one of these guys (a blue banded bee) which is a native bee and apparently one of the best tomato pollinators around because they do a bit of a wiggle when they are collecting pollen. She was nesting in our corrugated iron veggie pot, but I just checked it and I think DH has managed to water over the burrow, so I am hoping she wasn't home when he did it.

Last week we were battling a rat who was enjoying eating every ripe tomato and picked the strawberries clean. One of our neighbours has birds and our fence has always been rat highway number one. The drought has meant that rat numbers have been down for a number of years but they are back with vengeance this year. Because of the dog we really didn't want to bait the area so I got a couple of rat traps and we set the around the bottom of the tomato. The next morning it had been set off but there was no sign of the rat so we think we may have wounded him or scared him off but it appears that the veggies are safe now.

Plants in our place have to be fairly hardy, they are often neglected. We have a couple of water tanks which with the rain we have had this year have meant that we have only really had to use mains water recently to water them so the veggie patch is costing very little to keep going and straight from the garden is so much better than what you buy at the shops. Still enjoying my pickled beetroot from Christmas.

To find more FTF head on over to Mrs P.

15 Minute Challenge

2012-01-18T08:10:00.001+10:30

I reported here most of the sewing for this week. I have added 1 and a bit birds to the right bottom corner since the picture was taken.

My BOM patterns are all finalised ready for printing when Sarah needs them and I send of the first batch this week WOO HOO. Hopefully lots of people love it and sign up so I have to send her more soon.

Monday saw me head to sewing with Leanne (she runs a class on Monday nights to help people with sewing patterns). There were ladies making all manner of things from bags, to quilts, to dresses and dolls. I went to draft a pattern for a top that I recently purchased and I figure I could make it easily myself, I just needed a bit of advise on the dart drafting bit... mind you I don't think I took any advise and did it my way anyway... which worked (luckily otherwise I would have egg on my face). Then I went ahead a made a calico version of my lovely linen top. The end result fits pretty good so the pattern is a goer. Will now have to search the stash for a suitable fabric or head to the shop for something different. Think I had some perfect fabric in the stash but I have a feeling it might have gone in the great cull of 2010. Will look tonight after work.

In other news our air conditioner died on Monday so we faced yesterday's 39 degree top with trepidation. We decided to just shut everything up and head to the movies and the shops. We had to head home mid afternoon as Coco had a hair appointment by that time the wind had changed direction and the cool change was coming. Air con repair guy is coming today(first place I called said February)... I am hoping that it isn't going to be terminal otherwise my dreams of an ipad for my birthday is going to be toast. The picture is of the jetty yesterday morning I headed out before the sun was fully up so that I didn't get to hot.

Head on over to Kate's to see what everyone else has been up to.

The wait is over

2012-01-16T10:45:00.001+10:30

Blueberry Botanicals block of the month is now for sale at Quilt Fabric Delights head here for all the details.

First week back done and dusted

2012-01-16T08:30:00.001+10:30

Last week was my first week back at work. It really isn't fun when the rest of the family is still on holiday. Still managing to do my cross stitch, not far to go now.

Managing to get in some good walks down to the beach, though my heel spur is playing up so I have to ice it a couple of times during the day if I want to get a couple of walks in a row.... didn't do it yesterday put that together with a longer walk and a trip to town yesterday I couldn't go today :(

Better finish getting ready for work and head off for another week.

15 minute challenge

2012-01-12T14:51:00.001+10:30

Ok I know I am a bit late for the challenge update but I didn't want to show you more of my cross stitch until its all finished. It is a bit brighter today for photo's.

The 15 minutes has been interrupted by a minor surgical procedure and date night with hubby, last one we had was when the Sherlock Homes Movie ... was it last year, came out the last time on Tuesday we went to the latest one. It was pretty cool and over the top but we enjoyed it.

I probably have still averaged more than 15 minutes a day mainly on the cross stitch it is great to do in front of the TV at night especially the crappy TV that we have at the moment. I have been collecting more cross stitch patterns and the final Loose Feathers instalment has hit our shores so I have ordered that and the fabric to do the pattern which should come in the next day or so.

Today I headed to Hetties to get the fabric and threads for my next cross stitch... which I will try not to start before I finish the panel I am working on. It is Christmas Garden by Blackbird again and here are the threads I am going to use... really disappointed the Seasons doesn't come in Dark Red variegation but I am going to use 2 burgundies together to try and get a similar effect. The other book is another Blackbird Cross Stitch book which I had put away for me and my mate Helen decided to give it to me as an early birthday present. So I think I have enough to go on with for a while.

I'm also trying to get to a small quilt.... something keeps getting in the way though. Probably Cross Stitch. Here are the blocks it is Athill, I have to admit I am not overly attracted to it, it is very wishy washy for my taste but it is very popular in the shop so I will give it a go. Watch for a new pattern soon.

This year I am going to try and do new things in craft and I have signed up for a Mix Media Kit of the month from Blue Bazaar (got to say the pink bag was the clincher) and Helen and I are planning to get together once a month to play.

Lastly do you like the nails. This is the latest thing. The polish has metallic elements in it and once its painted on the technician holds a special magnet close to the nail and the stripes appear. This was the only colour she could get at the moment.

Head on over to Kate's for more 15 minutes challengers.

A Few Leftovers

2012-01-10T11:11:00.001+10:30

Do you remember this time last year I was madly stitching away for the market that Leanne and I was doing in February. I over did it of course and had quite a bit left over. Some of the leftovers were Valentine Favours which we used to decorate the stall, hanging them from fairy lights. We thought they looked pretty cool. I have few to my Etsy Shop. Great to add to a present for that special someone on Valentines Day or just to give on it's own.

WIP

2012-01-05T07:03:00.001+10:30

As I said yesterday I am a couple of days of finishing the first half of the cross stitch. Love the fact that you don't have to make the fabric. Don't love the fact that I think I have managed to unpick just about every letter so far because I have found a mistake halfway through.

The flower border continues round 3 sides and that is quite quick and easy to do because it is repetitive, now that I am just about past the corner just have to watch the thread changes.

The second side has the rest of the letters (apart from Z for some reason) and another floral motive and a couple of birds thrown in so that will be fun. I think I am going to make this into a cushion when its finished with lovely wide moda ric rac along the edge.

Bought a couple of more pattern the other day... they might even come today.

Beating the Heat

2012-01-04T07:24:00.001+10:30

How have you got through the heat? Got to say I have pretty much been in hibernation the last few days. Have been trying to beat off a sinus infection without going to the Drs for antibiotics and I nearly gave in yesterday, but last night the pounding in my face stopped and I am back to being and looking human again. Think I will keep up with the salt spray for a few more days but any avoidance of antibiotics is a good thing as far as I am concerned.

The picture here is the beach on New Years Day the first day of this current heat wave and it was at least 10 degrees cooler on the beach and there was a lovely breeze (the specks in the middle are Squid and DH, Maestro is walking out to meet them). We tried the same thing yesterday and it was awful no breeze at all, Squid and I both on the sick list left the boys to it after half an hour and I dropped back later to pick them up (the joy of living 2 minutes from the beach). We headed to the pictures at Marion in the afternoon, we lucked a car park instantly but when I got to the ticket booth they said that there was no air conditioning in the theatre which we decided wasn't such a great idea after all so we went home and decided to go to West Lakes cinema in the evening.

The veggie patch has survived the heat. We have tomatoes, capsicums and cucumbers growing at the moment. These were planted late so we don't have any fruit ripe yet though the tomatoes are cropping quite well already and there are nearly some capsicums ready to pick and lots more coming.

I harvested our beetroot just before christmas. Nothing like homemade pickled beetroot, better than the canned stuff.

You may notice I have been having a bit of a fiddle with the look of the blog over the last couple of days and I have reopened my Etsy Shop. I have dabbled with Made It and Craftumi which are Australian sites with little success so I am trying Etsy again. At least you can advertise your items on your website and facebook, twitter etc with apps and they now have Australian Currency converter. And I only need one shop not 2 for all my items don't have to separate patterns and finished products.

With the app I have found you can scroll through all my current items (I think) I thought there was a restriction of 7 items but 8 are going round at the moment so maybe I read it wrong.

The Xstitch is growing and I think another couple of days and I would have finished the first half (I have ordered a couple of more patterns so I think I am hooked). Now that its cooler I might head out to the sewing room and put that quilt together that is all cut out ready to sew on the cutting table. But today Maestro is playing in a Tennis Tournament so that will have to wait till this afternoon or maybe tomorrow. Only a few more days of my holiday left so hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder so we can do a bit more.

Just Chilling

2011-12-29T08:23:00.001+10:30

So far post Christmas has been very relaxing. I have started a couple of new projects. I decided to try my hand at Cross Stitch after seeing one of Blackbird Designs new patterns on their blog. But I am still waiting on that pattern to arrive, what did arrive before Christmas was the new Blackbird Design book which had a large Cross Stitch pattern included so I thought that I would have a go at that.

The thing that had put me off cross stitch in the past was the hard cloth that was the norm, however Lorraine at Hetties Patch put me on to Moda Praire cloth which is lovely and soft. So I converted the DMC alternative thread to cosmo threads and have started stitching. It is quite relaxing.

I have also been cutting out hexagons for the This Goes with That BOM. One of the pressies I got from Kay was a tiny rotary cutter and I have to tell you that that makes cutting out these templates super easy.

I have also started a small quilt from a Fat Eighth pack of Athill Range, it is very soft and pretty... not me at all but it should look good when finished.

The Annual Sparkles Christmas Haul

2011-12-22T08:19:00.001+10:30

Last night was the annual Sparkles Xmas Show. The 5 of us head to a local cafe, eat, drink and be merry and of course exchange goodies. Never in the History has one of the Sparkles missed a Xmas Show, I think even if one of us was on our death bed we would find a way to get too the final get together for the year. We all acknowledge (to all the Sparkles) that it is the best part about Xmas every year, our birthday get togethers come a close 2nd.

And Why

Because it is a coming together of kindred spirits, the food is always good the cafe we go to. And of course the pressies.

Each year we all take love and care in preparing a bags of goodies for everyone. I'd have to say that the only unwritten rule is that CHOCOLATE MUST BE INVOLVED. There is usually something handmade (not compulsory), sometimes something home backed (again not compulsory) and sewing notions or other goodies.

This years haul included: Florentines, lovely smelly candle, sparkly tree decoration which is just to die for and almost forgot a tin of Haighs choccies from Silvia. Amazing pin cushion, bobbin mates, Hatched and Patched Note pad and a Pencil that reminds us to KEEP CALM and CARRY ON (much needed lately) and some more Haighs choccies from Helen. A lovely coffee cup filled with choccies, a charm pack, matching scissors and tape measure and another Hatched and Patched Notebook (a different one) from Sue. And lastly an amazing bag featuring Amy Butler Lark fabric from Kay which included a tiny rotary cutter (been going to get one of those for paper piecing), tiny rulers , tea ceremony kit, tape measure and of course more chocolate (which according to squid I have to share).

If the girls are reading this.. Thanks again for a lovely night and all the goodies. I heading out first thing to get my nails done then I'm planning a morning tea with a florentine.

EEEKKK its nearly Xmas

2011-12-20T08:04:00.000+10:30

I am starting to get into the Xmas cheer. Finished all the Xmas shopping on the weekend, looked at the damage on the plastic yesterday and am wondering what we are going to eat for the next 2 weeks until payday lol. I have even started wrapping pressies. Still haven't done my Xmas cards though... probably should but... you know I'm in wind down mode now so I don't see it happening any time soon. Hubby says we should do them (that being the royal WE and the WE is me).

Work Xmas show is done and dusted for another year. It doesn't pay to drink one day a year your body just isn't conditioned for it. It started with an enlightening ride in the taxi to lunch from the Airport, Rex the taxi driver was such a good ad for Melbourne. WHAT A TOOL. He started by asking as where we were from, told us what a hole Adelaide was and then proceeded to tell us what was crap about Melbourne. Within 2 minutes the boss had text me to say "It's going to be a long trip". I was all for ditching the guy in the city after we dropped the bags off at the hotel, but the boss decided to be nice. The guy then gave himself a tip, and handed us his card.

Lunch was great, and we stayed at the pub all day and well into the night, the 9.30pm Strawberry Daiquiri was my only mistake. That was about the time I got a text from hubby to say the wheels had fallen off at home so I was glad to get back into LOVELY little old Adelaide on Friday in time to pick the kids up from school.

I have to finish sewing 3 small gifts for the girls tomorrow night and I am thinking of last minute thing for Squid that needs to be stitched and then I will be done for the year. I just got the Blackbird Designs new book and I am thinking of starting their Cross Stitch pattern over xmas break.

The schedule this week is lunch today with the Tuesday sewing girls at Bolliwood (Indian restaurant next to Hetties), then tea tomorrow night with the Sparkles girls, Nails done on Thursday and probably lunch on Friday with the boss (maybe). After Xmas I am going on a diet... well at least I am going to start eating healthier anyway my spare tire is finding friends.

Anyway if I don't get back to blogland because of the above I hope everyone has a Lovely Xmas and a Safe and Happy New Year.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-12-16T18:51:00.000+10:30

It the last FTF for the year so I thought I really needed to make an effort to get myself together and share my Favourite Thing one last time for 2011.

And here they are.

These are Charms made my Cathy Penton. I have followed Cathy's work for a number of years, I think one of the Prim Forum Girls put me on to her website and I have been following her lovely work ever since. When she put's up charms on her blog you have to be really quick because these one of a kind creations are snapped up before you know it.

Persuasion is my favourite at the moment and I have to get a proper chain or maybe a velvet ribbon to hang it on. As Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen novel I had to try for it and was so pleased when I won it.

You will note that I have given you the link which I probably shouldn't have done because I might miss out on a charm when you all head on over and check out her goodies in the future.

Well thats it for my FTF have a lovely Xmas all followers of FTF and head back to Mrs P's to see who is joining in for the last time this year.

15 Minute Challenge

2011-12-14T07:56:00.000+10:30

I am sure overall the challenge was met just can't remember if I sewed every day. I know I attempted too I am currently stitching on grey linen and it is really hard to see my stitching lines. Actually was able to see yesterday at sewing and probably finished more in 2 hours than I had managed all week. Wearing my glasses and better light would probably help.

The week went like this: Teachers pressies have gone to a new home so they got finished.

Finalised Pattern 1 cover and requirements page going to printers today
4 Stitching friends pressies just about all stitched (didn't get to it last night).. did my nails instead ready for Melbourne trip (must start walking around with different shoes, that tan line is really noticeable in this photo).

Head on over to Kate's to see who has met the challenge.

Quiet Lately

2011-12-13T19:42:00.001+10:30

I know I have been quiet lately, I think I am really trying to find my festive mojo and it has deserted me this year. Usually I quite enjoy planning xmas but this year it just doesn't seem to be happening.

Thursday I fly to Melbourne for Chrissy Work Lunch (which I do every year) but I guess this year I am a bit concerned about getting back in time to pick the kids up from School, Qantas being what they have been over the last few months. I am sure once Friday is over a will be in full Festive Mode. I am looking forward to Chrissy Lunch it alway a good time, its just the getting there and the getting back I am not always keen on.

The teachers got their pressies today, and I think they liked them, I did get a hug thank you from my son's teacher. I am madly stitching for the quilting girls, hopefully I'll finish the stitching tonight and then I just have to put all the bits together on the weekend. Christmas Tea with the Sparkles Girls is just about the best bit about Xmas. We all come away with a lovely load of pressies from girls who know exactly what to give stitching friends. Must admit that I have left it to a bit last minute this year, but the planning is all done, the bags are already to pack they are just a little empty at the moment.... still 8 days to deadline. Speaking of which I had better finish up this post and finish another bit to the puzzle.

15 minute challenge with Kate

2011-12-07T08:00:00.001+10:30

Was really disappointed this morning when I got no comments, but blogger has done it to me again. I KNOW I POSTED THIS YESTERDAY. But here it is again.

I honestly don't know if I sewed everyday this week it is all a bit of a blur. I did finish writing all the patterns for my BOM and they are off to the checker and I did finish all but one of the teachers gifts (the bottom one still has some binding to stitch down. Over the week I am sure I have racked up more than 15 minutes in some of the sittings. The binding on these pencil cases have been a little hard to put on because I used a stiff interfacing which makes them a little less forgiving than they were for the rotary cutting pouch, but I think they look great.

Someone said to me yesterday that they didn't know I had an embroidery machine.... For the record the names have been hand embroidered.

Head on over to Kate's to see what everyone else has been up to.

Quilt Fabric Delights BOM

2011-12-05T14:31:00.001+10:30

Well its official. Blueberry Botanicals is going to be offered as a Block of the Month through Quilt Fabric Delights. If you have loved what you have seen here you may like to head on over to the lovely Sarah's shop and put your name down so you don't miss out.

I finished the writing the last pattern on the weekend and they are all at my proof reader at the moment for a final check.

I thought you might like to see close ups of all the blocks. So here they all are.

SSHHHHHH

2011-12-02T06:29:00.001+10:30

I started Christmas shopping yesterday in between nail and massage appointments. Actually I started 2 weeks ago when I ordered an Imac for me the kids/family which arrived yesterday.

I have had a Macbook for a few years now, and the kids use Mac at school and they are forever jumping on the Macbook because its better and its the same as school. Well the pc has been making noises for months and I am just waiting for it to give out at any given moment so I have been putting my pennies together for a few months and wanted to give it to them for Xmas. However, hubby has decided we just need it now (problem with getting email to work from work the other day when he was trying to work from home did it).

So the big box that is sitting under my bed will probably come out to play on the weekend and I will probably have fun transferring data from the pc over to the Mac.

15 minute challenge with Kate

2011-11-30T16:43:00.001+10:30

Not really an awful lot achieved this week. The teacher's pressies are still half finished as I was hit by a migraine on Monday, which left me with a headache still on Tuesday so I wasn't up to doing any more sewing, though I did work on Pattern writing for Blueberry Botanicals and I think that still counts.

I did finish the drafts of blocks 2 and 3 and they are with my official pattern checker, and I am just finishing the drafts of blocks 7 and 9 ready to send off. Then I just have the centre block and border to write up which hopefully won't be as involved as the outside blocks.

Think I might head out to the sewing machine tonight to do more on the teacher's gifts as i have a few other things that are becoming pressing as well which need to be started. Can't believe that the kids have only a little over 2 weeks left of school... mind you they have both had a sickie this week (my son today). Some bug they have picked up which has just left them achy and tired and lethargic I am sure the stupid weather we are having at the moment doesn't help (stinking hot one day and freezing the next).

Well enough procrastinating... head on over to Kate's to see what every one else is up to.

Girly Day Update

2011-11-28T15:55:00.001+10:30

Progress was made on teachers gifts, but I was thinking that I would have them finished but as you can see they are only halfway there and I still have another one to do. Got to say love the blue one and am going to make another for myself.

Squid took a pile of Molly Makes and decided and the Cheeky boy Hamster from one of the issues. The front is finished, we'll work on his back another day. She didn't last the whole day and Dad came to pick her up just after lunch and she went home for a swim. We had another girlie day today because she pulled a sickie... she has been very quiet so I don't think she was faking it. Hopefully she will be up for school tomorrow.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-11-25T16:50:00.001+10:30

Sorry Guy's I know I posted this yesterday seems Blogger is playing games.

Its that time of the week again for Favourite Things Friday.

I have a couple of ideas but I have settled on this one.

Its a Girly Day with Squid. Sunday we are heading off for a sewing day with a group of friends to stitch the day away. She has come along to a couple of sewing days, at first it was because the boy's had gone to Footy but now she really looks forward to coming along.

Last time she made an Owl softy which she gave to her teacher. This time she has picked a few things out of a couple of issues of Molly Makes to do. I bought her some supplies yesterday and she is all set to go. And what will I be doing well I will be making teachers pressies.

I have seen a sneak peak of the Dec Molly Makes and I can't wait to get that one....

Head on over to Mrs P to check out what everyone else's favourite is this week.

15 minute challenge

2011-11-23T06:27:00.001+10:30

This week has been less sewing than last week but I probably managed to do more than 15 minutes a day. Lots of binding (which I just hate). And pattern writing, Month 1 is ready for the printer, Month 2 is drafted and the cutting instructions are finalised only 5 more patterns to go.

On the weekend I whipped up a couple of placemats for a friend, who want to give them to her 91 year old neighbour for Xmas and yesterday I did the binding on those as well... yuck.

Last night I did start on the kids teachers xmas gifts, which mainly consisted of purchasing fabric and making and stitching these last night. I am planning on modifying slightly my rotary cutter caddy into pencil cases using fabric for the top instead of stitchery but inserting the teachers name across the corner. Got some lovely Amy Butler, Lark fabric to do it (bought enough to have leftovers for me too.

Luckily silly season isn't too silly this year so far I only have the last 2 weeks before xmas that are looking a little fully booked and we are yet to broach the subject of where Xmas lunch is going to be this year.

Head on over to Kate's place to see what everyone else has been up to.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-11-18T16:05:00.001+10:30

My favourite thing this week has been a favourite for quite a time and I have quite a collection. Back in the 80's or it may have been early 90's I use to go about pay day and look at the new scarves at the Tie Rack and I would usually come home with 1 maybe 2. I had quite a collection. Then came change in jobs and then marriage and motherhood and I forgot about the collection for a while. Probably scarves went out of fashion ... well the big square ones with multi colours did anyway.

Then last year one of the mum's at school started working for a scarf wholesaler distributing scarves to boutiques and she would bring the occasional 2nd's to school to sell to the mum's... and of course I was tempted. This year she has set up a little shop in her garage which is open a couple of times a week which is even more tempting.

Do I have to tell you that I get frequent buyer discount.... it is very handy for birthdays' but somehow I always manage to come out with a scarf or 2 for myself. Today I saw a scarf very similar to one I bought a couple of weeks ago (it was a 2nd which I picked up for $5 slightly different fringe I didn't worry about looking at the price but it wasn't a cheap shop that I was in so it was probably pretty pricy) featured in photo right (the dark one I forgot that I even had).

These are a couple of my everyday winter scarves.

Want to see more FTF head on over to Mrs P's and see what everyone else is talking about.

Oh I forgot to announce the winner

2011-11-18T06:32:00.001+10:30

The winner of the Cutter Caddy Pattern is

Kellie Schache who commented on my facebook page.

So Kellie if you would like to email me your snail mail address I'll send the pattern to you.

And the Journey comes to and End

2011-11-17T18:10:00.001+10:30

I had to look back into the archives and see when I started this. It was way back on the 5th of August when I announced I had come to a decision. I showed you a bunch of fat quarters and some beautiful Cottage Garden Threads. And what was that decision ... it was to design a Block of the Month.

I had been given some fabric by the lovely Sarah and I figured it would be good to invest the fabric into my business. So I got out the pencils and started drawing. If you are a regular follower of my blog you have seen my "big project" grow over the last 3 months and you are probably a little sick of it but it is really all I have been doing since August.

Today even though it was pretty hot here in Adelaide I realised it was the only free Thursday I had till Xmas so I planned to go to the Botanical Gardens to photograph the quilt. Then hubby decided he was going to have a day off as well....lets just say he is very practical which doesn't always fit with my creative vision and he was full of "good ideas" which he kept sharing with me...most of which I ignored and just did it my way.

We spent and hour and a half walking around taking happy snaps and I have a few that I am quite happy with.

What I really wanted to do was take a photo in the Wisteria Arbour, I checked the map at the entrance and worked out when way we had to go only to discover that the Wisteria Arbour is just a metal frame now and it has all been pulled out. We did find a lovely rose Arbour but there was a couple snogging there and they just wouldn't take the hint.... surely it was too hot for that nonsense .... or am I just showing my age.

Now for the fun part the pattern writing. If you would like your local quilt shop to stock the pattern get them to email me or you can keep an eye on Sarah's site I am sure there will be an announcement soon.

15 minute challenge - finishes

2011-11-15T07:53:00.001+10:30

I had one day this week without sewing, Wednesday but all the rest of the week was filled to the brim. It went like this:

Tuesday - spray basted quilt with Leanne at sewing/ and worked on my This and That Paper pieced quilt
Wednesday - no sewing but I did put my Cosmo thread onto cards
Thursday - Quilted from 11am - 2pm
Friday - Quilted from 7.30pm - 11pm
Saturday - Quilted for 2 hours throughout the day and evening
Sunday - Quilted 6.30am to 9am, binding/hanging sleeve on 4pm - 4.30pm, burrying threads 8.30pm - 9.30pm
Monday - more burrying threads and hand stitching binding.
Today I hope to finish the binding - then I might have a little rest - oops no I have to finish writing the pattern. Plus I have a commission to make before next Thursday .... might be another busy weekend.

Head on over to Kate's to see who else met the challenge.

PS there is a giveaway in this post ends Wednesday evening leave a comment to be in the running.

PANIC

2011-11-11T08:01:00.001+10:30

Blueberry Crumb Cake is hitting the shops I really wanted this quilt finished by then. Might have to fit in a couple of all nighters this weekend. The girls at Hetties have convinced me that less is more for quilting this quilt, but that still means a few thread changes and quite a bit more of quilting to do. Two solid hours yesterday did get quite a bit done though so maybe it can be done over the weekend.

Pattern Release - Sewing Bee Cutter Caddy

2011-11-09T18:15:00.002+10:30

Finally I can show you my project for Country Hart's POM. Everyone should have there kits now so I can release the pattern for sale. It is a lovely safe home for your rotary cutter. If you would like your Quilt Shop to stock the pattern please get them to email me. At the moment you can get them from Hetties Patch and through my Craftumi Store (by the end of the week).

I am also running a giveaway over the next week. Leave a comment here or on my Facebook page and you will be in the running for a copy of the pattern. I will draw it Thursday 17th November.

15 Minute Challenge

2011-11-08T20:27:00.002+10:30

As already reported this week I finished the big quilt. Today at sewing it got basted. Thursday I plan to start quilting.

I have to admit though I had 2 sewing free days. Sunday after the market I was bushed (who would have thought doing nothing would be tiring). I was going to take my hexagons to sew but thought I would be too busy to bother so I didn't... how wrong I was. And Monday was dog obedience with Coco.. there was a minor accident and my right had was a little sore so I didn't do any sewing.

While I was at sewing today I grabbed a few more Cosmo threads to add to my collection. Tonight I will be winding these on my floss cards and putting them in their right place in my floss box.... I like them in numerical order. Also bought some yummy fabric, and added a few extra cosmo threads to match... don't know yet what it is going to be but I am sure I will come up with something.

If I get my act into gear tomorrow I will be launching a couple of new patterns and there will be a giveaway.

Head on over to Kate's to see who else met the challenge.

What a Week

2011-11-06T17:47:00.001+10:30

Its been a big week. I didn't think I could have a busy week like I did before our trip but the week after has been worse. On my day off on Thursday I don't think I sat down at all for the whole day.

It was also a week full of some highs and some lows.

The high point is the quilt top is finished and I have backing and wadding ready to baste at sewing this week then I will be quilting like a demon and writing up the pattern.

Another high was the fact that Hetties rang and they had sold out of my Ipod pouch patterns.

The low point was the Gilles Street Market today. I didn't think it was possible to sell nothing but I did (I did sell 4 purses to the girls that I shared the stall with heavily discounted so I don't think I will count those).

Even this prop (which I bought at the market) didn't help, at least it will be good for photo's in the future and it was a real bargain.

A Little Fun in the Sun

2011-11-03T08:20:00.001+10:30

As you can see from the previous post the family has been away on a trip to the Gold Coast. It wasn't a test for you it was a test to see if blogger would work from my iphone. Wish I had found that app before I went away because I could have posted from there.

My hubby and I haven't been away for a big holiday since our honeymoon and the kids have been telling us for years that they are the only ones in the school that haven't been to see the "Worlds" so we bit the bullet and decided to go.... the thing is I finally got off my butt and organised it otherwise it wouldn't of happened.

This was the kids first trip on the plane, my daughter gets bad motion sickness so I was a little apprehensive about it. Armed with Kwells we headed off in the early hours of Monday morning we were at our Apartment in Surfers by 10am. Shocking view isn't it.

The building you can see below is the local surf club and we became members for the week so we could get all the members deals. One was the big breakfast which we did the first morning after being up since 3.30am we needed it.

Here's the view from the surf club dining room.

Day 2 and 3 saw us at Dreamworld and White Water World.

Day 4 was shopping at Harbour Town which the kids weren't happy about but after 2 days at the Worlds we all needed a break. We walked to Skypoint in the evening to see the view which though spectacular would have been better if it wasn't so overcast. I will be interested in seeing some of my pictures on my big camera... these have all been taken with my Iphone.

Day 5 was Seaworld which I enjoyed the most (I wanted to be a Marine Biologist when I was a kid) I loved looking in the Shark Tank and the kids loved the Dolphin and Seal shows.

This ride was pretty cool the kids got soaked I think my Son went on it about 4 times.

The final day we couldn't get the kids out of the apartment they were spent. Finally after lunch we walked into the main strip of Surfers and a quick look around then headed back and packed up the car for the airport.

We arrived to the kaos of the Qantas Shutdown luckily we flew Virgin so checked in and waited for the plane not without a few hassells going through security. My son had bought a nerf gun at Harbour town which we had in carry on luggage still in the pack but it was confiscated. Off course he wasn't upset MUCH I think he was ok by the time we got back to Adelaide.

We have been back nearly a week and it has flown I have been sewing my butt off to get the quilt finished. I have lots of running around to do today and I am doing a Market on the weekend. So if you are going to the Gilles Street Market this week drop by and say hello I will have a few goodies on sale... great for Xmas pressies or stocking fillers.

A little test

2011-11-02T14:59:00.001+10:30

15 Minute Challenge

2011-10-18T06:47:00.001+10:30

Last week is a bit of a blur, but I think I can safely say that I met the challenge. There might have been one night off but I probably made up for it on the other nights and then some.

Here are some little numbers I ran up during the week. A couple of weeks ago I was asked by Lorraine at Hetties to come up with an easy pattern for a iphone/phone cover so that they could kit them up for the Craft Fair in a couple of weeks. The pattern just needs some final tweeking and it will be ready. I'll need to make a quick dash to the printers this week so that it is ready before I go away.

Gradually over the last couple of weeks I have been finalising all the mini blocks for the quilt top you have been seeing so much of over the last couple of months. Sunday I appliqued the final two paper pieced stars on the last 2 blocks and sewed it all together.

Now the race is on for the borders and I really must get sewing because the more I think about it the more I keep changing my mind about what I am going to do... and can you believe it I just have spotted a problem, so there will be a couple of changes before the border goes on.

You know the drill head on over to Kate's to see more people who took up the challenge.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-10-14T07:45:00.000+10:30

I have been struggling a bit with FTF the last few weeks I have too many things on my mind. To pin point a FT has been difficult ..... oh there have been FT but my mind is racing so much lately that by the time Friday comes it has all gone. A couple of things have been crossed off the list this week so I am starting to settle down a bit now and I have been doing a bit to much of my FTF which is reading.

I have to admit I am a shocker when it comes to reading... its a bit like a drug, or that cake sitting in the fridge... you know... ok I'll just read for 1/2 and hour... oh maybe another 5 minutes and before I know it is 2am. So when I get like this I have to go Cold Turkey so I banned myself from the library for a while and I will not be downloading any books from itunes or kindle.

So what is my drug of choice, well it is Sci-Fi Fantasy, other genre's I am fine with can just read for 1/2 and hour and then put it down go to sleep but give me a good Sci-Fi or Fantasy novel and I am a lost cause. My introduction to Sci Fi was John Wyndham as a kid, Day of the Triffids then I went on to read all of his novels.

I have to admit that I hated reading when I was in high school but once I started working, I had to do something on the bus trip to and from work and books were cheap back then and I filled my bookshelves with them. Back then I was into Anne McCaffrey novels.

Yesterday I finished another novel by Robin Hobb, she usually writes Trilogies and luckily for me the latest one isn't out yet otherwise I would still be inthralled. Though I admit to looking today into another one of her Trilogies that I have yet to read.... but I think I have too much to do in the next week before we go on our trip, maybe I will get the first one to read on the plane.

Maybe this week I will just read a classic... again, I know how they all end and I can pick them up or put them down whenever I want.

So now you know I am a bit of a geek, if you hadn't already guessed it by my love and need of technology this would confirm it.

Head on over to Mrs P for more FTF

15 Minute Challenge

2011-10-11T20:14:00.002+10:30

It's school holidays here so there have been trips to the pool, movies, a birthday, walks on the beach and work squeezed in between sewing. I have managed a 5 day weekend however which I think I managed to sneak in on the boss with out him actually being aware of it until the last minute... (I did spell it out to him in a note when I asked for a day off but he obviously didn't read it.... I am sure I'll pay for it tomorrow).

Its amazing the fun a girl can have with a puppy, a stick and a sea sponge. My son was throwing a cuttlefish into the ocean and was amazed at how many times it came back to him.

I admit to a day off yesterday as it was my son's 11th birthday and we had a bit to fit in. Trips to family to pick up pressies and a trip to the Movies to see Johnny English... they both love Mr Bean and thought it was hillarious.

Having a 5 day weekend has meant that I have been able to make great in roads into the "Big Project" there is just 2 6" blocks to finish for the final corner block and one more star to make 2 to applique on. After taking the photo above the other day I have decided to change a couple of fabric choices but it won't take long to unpick and resew and then the centre will be finished and I can start on the border.

Want to check out who else met the challenge head on over to Kate's place.

15 minute challenge with Kate

2011-10-04T15:55:00.002+10:30

This week has been busy with the end of school term and 30 September work rush and a long weekend but I have fitted quite a bit of sewing in.

I have given myself a deadline of 2 weeks to finish my "big project" and I am making great inroads into the final 4 blocks.

The TO DO list is
6 pieced blocks to decide on and make
4 square within a square blocks for the embroidery
2 flowers to embroider
and 4 paper pieced stars to complete.

before working on the border which I think will be next weeks task.

I have to admit one or two sewing free days this week but I did make up for it on other days. There have been a couple of cutting mistakes which have meant design changes ah well these things happen.

Want to see who else met the challenge. Head on over to Kate's place.

Procrastinating

2011-10-02T17:55:00.001+10:30

I've come to the conclusion that I am procrastinating on my big project. I have 3 blocks to make the idea is firmly in my head most of the hand stitching is done for them I just seem to keep finding excuses not to just go out and do it. I think tonight I will have to just suck it up and get out there and sew. I have only two flowers to sew on the centre block so I really have no further excuses .... my excuse so far is I want all the embroidery done.... I know what the border is going to look like so...

JUST DO IT

My personal deadline is 24 October the day we go on Holiday so I really need to pull my finger out.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-09-30T06:30:00.000+09:30

My mate Helen gave me the idea for today's Favourite Things Friday. We kind of arranged for her daughter to come down to my place to meet the dog as she is going to be our doggy baby sitter when we go on hols in a couple of week. But after the busy day at work on Wednesday I just decided to pull the plug and not to commit to anything. And she thoroughly understood and said "Its ok those days are Golden just before school holidays" and you know she is right.

So my FTF is the last day of peace and quiet before school holidays.

So I fitted in nail appointment, a small errand, a walk on the beach with Coco, mopped the floors and did a bit of sewing.

Can't say that the beach was real enjoyable though have look at the waves and it was blowing a gale but we tested out the new 10m lead and Coco had a ball having a bit more freedom. I think she found every piece of cuttlefish on the beach.

Today I am off to work got to say I will be so happy when 30 September has come and gone for another year (our busiest month of the year).

Want to see what everyones Favourite is this week head on over to Mrs P.

15 minute challenge

2011-09-27T07:57:00.001+09:30

If you averaged it out I would have rompt it in again this week but I had to admit I had a bit of a holiday yesterday from this.

I am a hopeless Sci-fi/Fantasy reader and I have been reading a trilogy by Robin Hobb and I am up to the last book and I decided that instead of doing this in front of the Brownlow Medal Count last night I would go to bed a read for a few hours ..... to midnight actually until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more .... the book is calling but I had better not do it again tonight only 100 pages left.

Back to sewing.... the block is just over half way there. Its a bit of a hard slog as the end of the needle sliced another cut in my finger half way through the week. Can't wait to finish this block because then I can start putting it all together.

This week is the week from hell at work so I am hoping I am not to tired to fit more sewing in. I am expecting a call from my boss to head in today fingers crossed he doesn't need me, but it will only mean that tomorrow will be worse. Oh well.

At least next week will be school holidays and I will have a bit more time in the morning to sleep in if I need to.

To find out how everyone else went on the challenge head on over to Kate's place.

15 Minute Challenge

2011-09-20T13:14:00.001+09:30

Here I am 2 weeks in a row. Here is this weeks progress... well actually I have completed the corner and have started on the second corner this morning. My poor index finger is raw and Leanne always jokes that I have stitched until my fingers bleed and she is pretty much right this week. I decided to resort to my spare "Thimblelady Thimble" this morning which will let me stitch and protect my index finger. I have a Ultra Thimble on my left index finger as well. I kind of feel like I have castanets on and any minute I will break out into a flamenco round the lounge room.

The lurgy has hit though, I've managed to stay free of all the sickness that my family has bought home with them over winter but the changing weather has done me in over the last week or so and I have one of those lovely husky voices at the moment.

So as you can see I have managed to do my 15 minutes a day and more this week and there will be more of the same next week. Although there is lots and lots of stitching on this block I think it is going to look fabulous when its done. And have you guessed what I am up to yet?

Head on over to Kate's to see who else is doing the 15 minute challenge.

Favourite Thing Friday

2011-09-16T06:00:00.027+09:30

It was a beautiful day in Adelaide yesterday. Just the hint of a breeze and the sun was shining. I had to do a couple of things in the morning (like taking my son to the dentist for a filling and looking for a swim suite for our holiday) but when I got home I thought it would be the perfect day for doing one of most favourite things. Walking on the beach.

I use to have to travel quite a way to do this in our previous house, but for the past 12 or so years it is just a quick trip in the car or a nice 20 minute walk. Today I took the car down because I took the dog down and I didn't think she would last doing a long walk down the beach and the trip there and back.

As you can see from the pictures there wasn't many people around which is just the way I like it. The was one other person walking their dog which was fine by me as I am kind of scared of what can happen with unleashed dogs on the beach. The rules are that they must be under effective control but that rarely is the case. Coco stays on her leash at least that way if there is a problem I can pick her up fairly quickly.

The only noise was the waves braking which frightens Coco a bit. She is now walking quite well on the leash until we get to the soft sand that makes her bounce for some reason.

Head over here to Mrs P's for more FTF.

My Creative Space

2011-09-15T08:14:00.000+09:30

Not much progress last night, after a full day at work my eye's are shot so sewing is hard work. Hopefully today I will make real progress. I really want to get this block well under way by next week. Going to have to get some more thimbles though fingers are getting pretty raw.

I am also studying for work... which I am not enjoying and trying to fit it in when the mind is actually functioning is pretty problematic. I have done a few sessions waking up before the birds and the kids to get an hour or two of quiet. The plan was to do it again this morning but I just crashed and didn't wake up till too late this morning.

Check out all the creative spaces over here.

15 Minute Challenge

2011-09-14T07:48:00.000+09:30

I think I probably romped it in this week. Last night I put the finishing touches on my 12th small stitchery for the big project I am working on. Made the middle block and transferred the drawing to the block ready for embroidery. I can see a few late nights to get it finished. So I think the 15 minute challenge is safe for the next week or 2.

Want to see how everyone else is going join the 15min Challenge with Kate

Favourite Things Friday

2011-09-09T15:06:00.000+09:30

One thing that I have been missing for a couple of years. My hairdresser changed careers a few years ago and told me via Text. I don't think I have yet forgiven her for that. She cut my hair since High School. Long story short I haven't had a good hair cut since.

My hair is the longest its been since I was a little girl and I feel a frump most of the time.

Tonight I am getting a new doo, my nail lady is going to cut it. She has done it once before and I liked the way she did my hair but it was problematic having it done by her in the past because there was a hairdresser there.

Also on the new doo front Coco had her second clip and I have been struggling to find a dog salon with a good recommendation that was close by. I did stumble across Fur Creations in on Trulocal and she did a lovely job and she is just down the road from me.

So my FTF is a GOOD HAIR CUT fingers crossed I will have by 5pm tonight. Head over to Mrs P for some other FTF.

Show Day

2011-09-06T08:19:00.000+09:30

The kids had a day of school yesterday for a "Show Day". We went to the new SA Leisure Swim Centre at Marion instead. My son was looking forward to going on the slides all day but when we got there apparently they are only open on the weekend. The face dropped... with a stern "Don't Start" look from me we headed into the pool area.

3 hours later I had to drag them out seems its pretty fun even without the slides (which are $2 a ride).

They don't have the inside slide fully functional while lessons were on so we had an hour of medium fun. You can still slide down the slides etc. Then at 11.50 they turned the whole thing on. It had fountains, water guns and a couple of slippery options and walls and walls of water. As the bucket filled and started to tip the kids came running in ready for it all to come tumbling down. Don't know who had more fun me (watching them and taking videos on my phone) or the kids.

I know where we will be heading next pupil free day.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-09-02T07:13:00.004+09:30

Absent again this week. Things have been a bit hectic and a bit crappy. The crappiness hasn't been helped by my attitude I think so I have pulled myself out of it, got the old chip off my shoulder and sucked it up as they say. Life's to short to worry about things that you can't change.

My POM is winging it's way round the world for Country Hart which is very exciting. If you would like to see what I designed here it is. Sorry you can't yet. If you were quick this morning you would have seen it but I wasn't thinking.

Now that I have blatantly advertised I will head on to My Favourite Things Friday.

My favourite thing today is photo's. I think I am one of the worlds worst photographer's my photo's hardly ever live up to my expectations but every now and again I take one does.

This one was taken at the zoo, the kids were eating lunch and decided to go and sit here while I was finishing my coffee I loved the way the sunlight played on their hair. This one is on my fridge and I see it everyday.

I don't know why I like this one it is just one that makes me smile. I am going to get it put on a canvas one day. It is at Mount Lofty Botanic Park and it was freezing cold.

Its the sunlight in this one that gets me. This is helping my son with a school project.

This is one from my old photo's of mum from my Pop's house. It is her and a neighbour and it just has always struck a cord.

Want to see more FTF head on over to Mrs P.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-08-26T16:54:00.000+09:30

This is another sewing related FTF. My Favourite Things Friday is paper piecing I just can't get enough of it at the moment.

I can't say that I have always liked it ... I have shocking memories of a quilt made by my grandma using 70's sample fabrics and it has taken me a long time to get over that monstrosity. However now with busy finger papers put together with templates to cut the fabric and the technique of basting with a glue stick it gets you stitching in no time add to this Busy Fingers Needles which are superfine and sharp for quick piecing.

I have signed up for a new BOM through Hetties for more paper piecing fun, I'm doing the contemporary option. Might even have to get out the old Pies and Tarts now but I have a few new projects to start before I go back to that one.

I have even included paper piecing in my new big project. Check up more FTF at Mrs P's.

Our Creative Spaces - slight bend in the road

2011-08-25T06:54:00.001+09:30

I was going to be working on this today. I have four blocks to buttonhole.

However I bought the puppy in the sewing room last night to keep me company. The night before she just slept at my feet.

Last night she got up to no good and did this.

So I am off to Otto's today to hopefully get this fixed.

Want to see more creative spaces head here

The Week That Was

2011-08-22T07:16:00.000+09:30

I don't know what happened to last week but it is gone. It started out with a Mental Health Day on Monday for me. I just needed a day that wasn't scheduled that wasn't all a mad rush. Hubby didn't understand because I have a day off every other day don't I?

So the day was half Tuesday and Thursday chores and an hour or two in the sewing room. Which meant Tuesday was no rush straight from sewing and was a chill out day.

Mind you work was a bit full on and I will still be trying to catch up today lol. But I did get block 1 complete (sneak peak). All the drawings are just about finalised and it will be full steam ahead on the project.

Friday I booked our Holiday that we have been promising the kids for about 2 years now. Just to the Gold Coast for a few days. It will be our first "big" holiday since our honeymoon.

Jane Eyre - Can't Decide

2011-08-13T12:47:00.000+09:30

I think I enjoyed it but it kind of left me wishing for more. I know this story inside out and back to front. They kind of glossed over bits and skipped things entirely, I realise that there is only so much you can fit into 2 hours but they did repeat the scene on the moor again halfway through the film which is how it opened, when I would much rather have had a bit longer finale to it... you know the happily ever after bit, it just sort of stopped at a hug and the credits came up. I'll probably get the DVD when it comes out, but I think I prefer the longer BBC production.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-08-12T17:01:00.000+09:30

I have probably already had this as a favourite thing because when I mentioned Favourite Books. But I love Jane Eyre and there is a new picture just released in Australia this week. I know it opened in the US months ago but for some reason it kept getting delayed here which was all so frustrating.

I switched on to Margaret and David on Wednesday night to get their spin. David loved it, Margaret had misgivings. Her problem is that it starts somewhere in the middle of the story and it is told through flashbacks. So we will have to see what I think about it which quite often doesn't coincide with what Margaret and David have to say.

So because it is my Favourite Thing Friday I'm going to cook tea and then head to the movies on my own (which I haven't done for the longest time... which once upon a time I use to do all the time) and see a film that I want to see.

See more favourite things Friday at Mrs P's.

Our Creative Spaces - beginnings

2011-08-11T07:58:00.000+09:30

Last week I alluded to a big decision. This week I acted on it and here is the start. I have chopped in to my fat quarter bundle of Blueberry Crumb Cake and it is just gorgeous and goes really well with Blue Wren Cottage Garden Thread.

That's it for today I think I will try and finish this stitchery and go on to the next bit.

I also bought this week a couple of metres of Emma Louise (my favourite all time fabric for embroidering on) in a magical christmas red. Think it is screaming to have white embroidery all over it. Just about drop the big project for it but I will resist.

See more creative spaces over here

Decisions

2011-08-05T14:48:00.000+09:30

I have come to a big decision today. It involves what is in this picture and more than likely I am totally mad but I have no commission work for the next few months and I have decided to jump into a big project.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-08-04T08:18:00.000+09:30

I don't have a deadline in the forseeable future and I am lacking focus. Class notes are done, patterns are ready to be copied just one more photo for the cover and I am all set for Sunday's applique class.

I might play with these today its by Lynette Anderson and I have her BOM pattern Scandinavian Christmas so I think I might get stuck into cutting this out. But I am also waiting for a parcel of fabric (Blueberry Crumb Cake) and threads (Cottage Garden Threads) which I have started doing some drawing for which if the postie comes early might put Scandinavian Christmas out of my mind. You also might like to check out my Christmas In July project in the previous post.

Check out more focus creative spaces here

Christmas in July - My 1st Project

2011-08-02T07:24:00.000+09:30

Well Christmas in July has been going for a little over a week now and I think the ladies are very happy with the patterns so far. I thought I would unveil my first project so that you know what you are missing out on if you don't go and join in.

There have already been a quilt, Christmas decorations, a gift bag and this. There are still more projects to come. So it isn't to late to join in just head here.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-07-29T16:16:00.000+09:30

My Favourite Things Friday this week is really a bit of a confession. I am addicted to sewing gadgets, you know that irresistible wall of thingies that are the part of every quilt/sewing shop I have ever visited that say you need me your sewing perfection relies on it.

I am sad to say that this little collection is by no means all of my gadgets in fact it probably doesn't even touch the edge of the iceberg. I decided to have gadgets as my FTF because guess what I added to it today... today I got the Sewline Trio....did I need it probably not but I am a sucker for a marking tool looking for the elusive Nirvana of marking tools that I am truly happy with. Yet to happen apart from my .01 Brown Pigma Pen that I use for Stitcheries (which is really hard to get as everyone has .05 to thick).

Want to see more FTF check out Mrs P's place.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-07-28T07:05:00.000+09:30

As I said in Tuesday's post there is lots going on and it continued yesterday with one of my projects being the day's download for QFD.

I have now finished the cushion cover for the applique class that I am teaching next weekend. Now all I have on my list is Applique Notes and Pattern writing for the cushion and the table runner.

I have a big pile of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey calling my name and I am planning a applique quilt with that.... it might make a start today.

Want to see more creative spaces head here.

WOO HOO

2011-07-26T16:55:00.000+09:30

July/August are becoming big months at Seabreeze. Christmas in July is underway and I will have 3 designs posted over the next few weeks. One of my Patterns made it to the Craftumi Newsletter (major happy dance). And tomorrow I have my interview with Creating My Way to Success.

My class at Hetties Patch is pretty much full but we can probably squeeze a couple more in if you would like to go and haven't got your act into gear. The cushion will be in the shop later this week, it is on the machine at the moment and I am halfway through quilting it. One of the students asked if I thought Kaffe fabrics would be ok. "Of course" was my answer. Can't wait to see that version.

Christmas in July Starts today

2011-07-25T14:52:00.000+09:30

And it isn't too late to join in the fun. The First project is by Brenda Ryan and it is gorgeous. I think this may be a very expensive month for ordering kits for me.

Click on this link to join the fun.

My Creative Space

2011-07-21T07:07:00.001+09:30

This is what I am working on at the movement which is the cushion version of my bed runner. I have had to shrink the size of it which wasn't in the plan but I think it is quite cute. Going to love making it in a different colour way which I think I might do for the class working piece.

It is still school holiday's still and I think we are going bowling today. Think I will just watch lol I don't think it will be safe for me my nails are a bit long at the moment.

Here are a few sneak peaks from my Christmas in July projects that starts over at QFD on the 25th. Great Value and great fun. Melissa Grant has a sneak peek of her lovely offering and I can't wait for that one.

Want to see more creative spaces head on over here.

Needle Turn Applique Basics Class

2011-07-17T10:52:00.000+09:30

Check out Hetties Patch blog for all the details of my Needle turn Applique Class which is scheduled for the 7th August. It will be basic beginners class but you will learn enough so you can go an tackle something more complicated down the track if you want to.

The cushion will be a 40cm square the same as the centre panel but shrunk to 2/3 the size... I'm working on it at them moment but it will be finished for the class. I was planning on doing another version in brights but I don't know if I will get there lol.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-07-15T07:31:00.000+09:30

My favourite thing this Friday is giggles and puppies. Coco the wonder dog is now able to keep up with the kids most of the time and the rough and tumble that has been happening around here has been hilarious. Squid and the puppy run through the house making so much noise I am almost happy to go to work to get a break lol. Although my son is happy to play fetch and run and take coco for walks but I think the coco/squid bond is a bit different. I am quite sure that Coco thinks Squid is a puppy and they roll around on the floor together play fighting and playing hide and seek under one of my quilts .... don't know that I like that bit few too many teeth involved.

Squid's hands are covered in scratches at the moment from Coco's remaining milk teeth, but Squid is giving as good as she gets as she rolls around on the floor with the dog or carries her around like she would carry around a favourite teddy bear (under the arms around the chest). All this with Coco totally relaxed and accepting of the treatment and always coming back for more.

Last night I think Coco was happy for Squid to go to bed there is only just so much playing a puppy can take before it starts to take its toll and she just plonked down at my feet when she was safely tucked into bed.

Both the kids were up at 6.30am and we have already had round 1 of wrestle mania/hide and seek under the quilt... but now all three are tucked up watching kids tv.

Loving all the giggles and hardly any fights because of it this school holidays.

Want to check out more favourite things head on over to Mrs P.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-07-14T06:00:00.002+09:30

It is the first week of school holidays, unfortunately I haven't got any extra time off this holidays so my hubby is on child care duty when I am at work. We have one day next week when we are all off at the same time and we are going to see Harry Potter.

On the crafting front I am writing tutorials this week for Christmas in July at QFD. Here is another project I decided to pull together while taking photo's for my tutorials. I really love this range of fabric it is just so fun.

I finished my Project of the Month for Country Hart that I was working on last week and it is currently being pattern tested. With luck next week I will be folding lots of patterns to send up to Robyn.

Check out more creative spaces here.

Christmas in July

2011-07-12T15:19:00.000+09:30

Sarah has announced details of this years Christmas in July head on over here for a FAQ on the event. The girls attending Saturday Inspired Stitches got to see my projects but the rest are all a secret.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-07-07T07:17:00.000+09:30

I have had kids and husband sick, my son also injured his arm playing footy during lunchtime which meant the Friday afternoon spent getting it checks and x-ray's so I am really looking forward to the last day on my own before school holidays start tomorrow.

Today I am sewing my POM for Country Hart and checking the pattern. No one is staying home from school today!! 2 are awake and well just waiting for squid to wake up and fingers crossed she will be happy, well maybe not happy but at least well and I get my free day.

Here are my draft instructions which I will be using to make POM and getting it all right then off to the Pattern Tester on the weekend. All very exciting, can't wait for the patterns to be winging their way round the world.

Need to see more creative spaces head over here.

Inspired Stitches Day 2

2011-07-03T18:53:00.000+09:30

With all this inspiration is it any wonder I didn't sleep very well last night. All the plans and the excitement of heading back for another day of fun. I managed to finish Janelle's flower and start stitching Gail's wall hanging. It was another lovely day with great food and great company. Thanks Sarah another good weekend of Inspired Stitches, can't wait till next year when we can do it all again.

Inspired Stitches day 1

2011-07-02T17:59:00.000+09:30

Had a ball first day of Inspired Stitches. Can't wait to get back tomorrow. Perfect weather for sitting and stitching it was pouring with rain outside but we were snug and warm and having a lovely time. We might even do a bit more stitching tomorrow. We didn't actually start doing anything till about 11am we were to busy, shopping and talking and eating and talking and laughing and having a lovely time. And i need to take more photo's tomorrow because I don't have much to show.

Favourite things Friday

2011-07-01T07:50:00.000+09:30

Been a bit MIA this week on the blog front, its been one of those weeks. I have finished a couple of deadlines, well the sewing bit anyway just have to write them up and the kids have been home from school 2 days which means we had to scramble a bit one of us to stay home to look after them, hubby did first day and MIL did half day and I did half day. They are going back today, just hope they haven't given me the bug because this weekend is Inspired Stitches.

I haven't packed my sewing gear, and am not organised in the slightest but I am so looking forward to this weekend and so are all the girls. The top project is my one finished article from both Inspired Stitches. I keep saying I am saving kits for my retirement lol.

It is a great weekend, with great food, good company, a lot of laughs and maybe a bit of sewing thrown in. ONLY ONE MORE SLEEP.

Want to check out more FTF head on over to Mrs P. Have a good weekend I know I am going to.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-06-24T14:46:00.000+09:30

My favourite thing this week is my local quilt shop, Hetties Patch. Sorry about the size of the photo's but I had to steal them from there website. The shop is always neat and tidy (unlike my sewing room) and the staff are always friendly, welcoming and helpful. And sometimes I get to ~~play in the shop~~ work there as well, and Lorraine kindly stocks some of my patterns.

And they have a lovely large and light filled class room to do classes which is essential for any good Quilt shop. Lorraine also stocks a wonderful range of gifts.

Short but sweet, want to see some more FTF head over here.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-06-23T08:10:00.000+09:30

This is the last of the satin stitched finished I have one more small section to finish that I hope to get to today and then I will be able to make up the project. Another strike off the list.

I think after August I am going to have a rest from deadlines.

Check out more creative spaces here.

Where'd that weekend go?

2011-06-20T16:22:00.000+09:30

Well most of Saturday was spent at a Lighting Carnival for my son's school footy. Here he is kicking a goal. The were undefeated through the rounds and went on to win the grand final.

And the 6/7 team went on to win the grand final as well so that was 2 trophies for the school awards cabinet in the one day.

Yesterday was a little bit more laid back with a quick shopping trip to Harbour Town looking for a Crows Tracksuit for my son, as the one he is wears to the footy now is shrinking or maybe he is just growing at an unbelievable pace. I said to the girl behind the counter that I probably should wait a few more weeks and you will be giving them away. Squid wanted to buy a pair of boots, she settled for an $8 pair of runners from Rivers.

The other day I got an email from Itunes to say that the new series of Upstairs Downstairs could be downloaded on Itunes. As it is showing on Foxtel which we don't have I jump at the chance and bought the season. Then I saw that they had a section called Costume Drama, so I had me a little look and found the BBC production of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" which is a favourite book of mine and I bought that as well and spent the afternoon stitching and watching 4 hours of "Mr Darcy Programs" as my husband calls it.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-06-16T13:56:00.000+09:30

Everything I am doing lately I can only show you bits of. This is my latest stitching extravaganza for Xmas in July at QFD. This is the second project but as I have to decided to do over-the -top stitching I thought I had better get a start on it. The first project is at that just about done stage but I need to do one more so that I can take step by step photo's for the tutorial and I really don't feel like doing that at the moment. I am using Canna Lily from Cottage Garden Threads and it really looks lovely with the subtle changes in colour. But I think I have a few more hours of stitching to go before this one is finished.

This morning as I was leaving to go to my remedial ~~torture~~ massage appointment this book was on the doorstep. I don't know whether to stitch or read. Maybe I'll stitch for a bit and read tonight.

Check out the other creative spaces.

Lazy Long Weekend

2011-06-14T16:06:00.000+09:30

My son is doing a project on this guy for school and he wanted me to take some photo's. He is Colonel William Light and he is responsible for the planning of Adelaide the wonderful green belt that circles the city, the Park Lands.

Here is the view from the hill where his statue is situated. It affords views of Adelaide Oval, the city and the Adelaide hills

The kids enjoyed a run with the mutt down the hill.

We then drove to the city, where Light is buried.

My grandparents lived in Col Light Gardens which is the only suburb in South Australia that is completely Heritage Listed. Being Heritage Listed means there are lots of rules about what you can and can't do to your property, including the colours you can paint your house and what kind of fences you can erect.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-06-09T06:31:00.000+09:30

The last few weeks I have resigned myself to less blogging and more actual doing. I have a few deadlines over the next couple of months and I really need to get on top of things for my own peace of mind.

This week I feel I have made real inroads and here is the proof. First finish is the Glam Bag which was a pressie for Sue one of my sewing buddys. The fabric is a lovely textured japanese print which I got from Hetties.

Then I went on to quilting the applique sampler and the binding is now just about done. Now for the requirements list and it can go and live at Hetties until the class on the 7 of August. I will also be doing a matching cushion.

But now I am working on the tiny whinny hexies for Xmas in July at QFD.

Want to check out more creative spaces head on over to OurCreativeSpaces.

Jelly Squares Pattern Release

2011-06-06T19:19:00.000+09:30

I'm officially releasing this pattern today, you can get it through Hetties, or QFD or direct from me through my Craftumi Store.

2011-06-03T18:44:00.000+09:30

Took this picture yesterday on my iphone, quite surprised at the detail that it picked up. Love the ray's to the right of the frame.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-06-02T06:46:00.000+09:30

Its been one of those weeks this week. Tuesday is my day for doing all my run around jobs and going to sewing for an couple of hours. I woke up at 5.30 with a tummy bug and that put paid to Tuesday which was spent pretty much all in bed. So there are no fruit and veg in the house the mountain of ironing is still sitting on the pool table and the sewing schedule is a bit behind.

Today's schedule is a bit over the top and will start with a visit to the city for an appointment and various stops and errands on the way home in time to pick the kids up. Tonight I hope to continue on with this secret squirrel project.

I am trialing using parlen as a backing for the stitchery. I normally don't like anything thick behind embroidery (I use to use a fusible voile until I was unable to get it) and I have to say that I quite like the effect on my satin stitch. I don't know that I would like to use it on a quilt (but I might give it a go) but on a small project it is ideal.

Want to check out more creative spaces go here

Biggest Morning Tea Thank You

2011-05-30T14:58:00.000+09:30

Biggest Morning Tea is over for another year, though there will be a repeat at sewing on Tuesday as I over catered again. Still have a few doz scones that need finishing off, so they have been popped in the freezer ready for tomorrow. The lemon butter is all done and dusted though. So it will just be jam and cream for the girls.

I'd like to thank everyone who has donated, I have just about doubled last year's donations already. No pictures from yesterday though I am afraid, though I did find a few on my iphone today I don't think I will be sharing them with you they were taken by Squid and most of them a blury or very unflattering pictures of me and I don't think they need to be found on the net, and I am sure I can get some mileage out of the ones of Kay, Helen and Leanne before I delete them lol.

Can't say that I achieved a lot yesterday but we had a lovely lazy day of chatting, flicking through books and relaxing.

The applique on the large table runner or pillow topper is finished now to quilt and bind and I will be doing a cushion cover as well, but I need to do a couple of other projects first and then I will work on the cushion which will be ready for the class, I might even do 2 if I have time.

Biggest Morning Tea

2011-05-26T20:08:00.000+09:30

Today is the official Biggest Morning Tea Day but you can hold your tea any day in May. I am hosting a morning tea at our monthly sewing get together this Sunday. And I will be baking Lemonade Scones making a batch of yummy Lemon Butter and whipping up some cream on Saturday to bring to the ladies.

If you haven't made it to Biggest Morning Tea event and would like to make a donation you can do so online here. You will receive a tax invoice instantly and help a worthy cause.

Favourite Things Friday

2011-05-20T14:22:00.000+09:30

My favourite thing this week is the newest member of the family. Coco the black schnoodle or as Leanne likes to call her Coco Channel, though I don't think she quite lives up to that name yet. Maybe next week after she has been to the parlor for her first clip and beauty treatment. She kind of reminds me a bit of a woolley bear at the moment.

These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago.

She has been weighed this week and she has put on 2kg since her vaccination at 11 weeks. I am hoping that she slows the growing down a bit because she is at the size I expected her to be now but I think there will be a bit more growing to go. My husband is concerned that she won't be able to be carried around, which is what Squid likes to do, I think it will probably be a good thing if Squid can't carry her around because I was beginning to wonder if she could walk at times.

She has had one puppy class which left her exhausted the next day. Yesterday I took her for her first official walk and she slept for most of the afternoon, I am ashamed to say we didn't even make it round the reserve at the front of our house so she isn't a high energy dog which at least means she hasn't got up to too much naughtiness when we are at work and she is in the laundry. She now stay's outside during the day and I think she is quite enjoying that, but having a dog that doesn't chase birds is a bit strange (I have had foxies previously and they chase anything that moves). The pigeons are have a lovely time stealing her dry food as she watches them from the step.

Toilet training hasn't been too bad and we haven't found too many nasty surprises in unlikely places (and the one that we did find my hubby had to find it of course... who has the dog under sufferance). He did concede today that she is a friendly little thing.

Head on over to Mrs P for some more four legged FTF.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-05-19T06:37:00.002+09:30

The next project I worked on for Let's Stitch can now be revealed as the ladies have seen it.

The pockets are lovely and deep, great to wear if you are working a market stall because the central main pocket is deep and wide enough to carry your float. And there are other pockets for your mobile phone and pens and more. It would also serve if you were taking a craft class to keep some of your tools on hand at all times and there are interchangeable decorations to add depending on your mood.

Today I have a few hours spare and I think I may work on my Applique Sample again. I am having a design dilemma. The idea was that it was going to be a table runner but I think that it may be a little big for that so it might end up being a wall hanging instead, or a pillow topper which means a major rethink.

For more creative endeavors head on over to the new home of Our Creative home.

Our Creative Spaces

2011-05-19T06:36:00.000+09:30

15 Minute Challenge

2011-05-17T08:14:00.002+09:30

I have pretty much again sewn at least 15 minutes everyday this week. Apart from last night, I just decided to have a bit of a break as I am heading to sewing today after a 4 week absence and I will put in 2 hours there.

The work on the applique sample continues and I will post a photo in this post later today as I am up to the last leaf and then I have to spirals to applique into the circle flowers. It is probably a bit much to ask beginners to do but I will show an alternative easier way to do it or they can just leave it out if it is all to hard. I did a few solid hours on the piece this week.

The Squid and I headed to the sewing room to make a cushion. She ended up having to use my machine which was interesting, had to use my handy IKEA footstool so she could reach the pedal. Her little machine seems to be dead, I think something might be bent inside so I might have to think about getting her something a bit more sturdy, maybe a second hand machine.

I have made a start on "My Sewing Room" project and have done a very rough prototype. When I say rough it has been unpicked half a dozen times re-stitched, remeasured, and is more like a shaggy dog than a piece of fine needlework lol. I need to start again this week but I have measurements all worked out and a rough sketch of the stitchery which will be on one section. I see myself making a couple till I get the steps all worked out but even my wonky prototype is fit to purpose so I am more than happy with the work so far. Oh well that is about it for my creative week.

Want to see how the other's faired head on over to Kate's to see the other challenge participants.

Our Creative Space

2011-05-12T07:09:00.000+09:30

I have to go to work all day today but tonight I will be doing some more of this. This is the class sample for my Needle Turn Applique Class that I am teaching in August here. This is the section where they will learn about points.

Want to see some more creative space go look at the new home here

15 minute Challenge

2011-05-10T16:34:00.001+09:30

I didn't do a post for the challenge last week as things just seemed to be getting on top of me. My work days have been changed round for a couple of weeks and it has really upset my routine and every facet of my life. I have kept up with doing 15 minutes a day at least of sewing though.

This week has seen me make a start on the sample for the Applique Class I am teaching in August. The sample has to be done by early June which I think I will make with ease as long as the wheels done fall of. I have decided to do a large tablerunner with an smaller cushion option also available. The centre panel of the table runner is almost complete just have one more flower and the leaves to finish as well as some more detail work on the circles. When designing I was mindful of including all the basics that the ladies will need to learn so when they go home they know everything they need to complete the project and any subsequent projects they want to tackle. I also made the pieces large so that they are easier for beginners to handle. Also decided on a subtler colour combination than I usually use.

I almost forgot I also did some soy wax dyeing which was quite fun and great learning experience. I think next time i will use two completely different colours when overdyeing as my results were a bit mixed. Well I think that pretty much covered my week. Next week I am hoping to baste my single bed quilt and start on my next deadline as well as start a birthday pressie.

Want to see who else is working on the challenge head on over to Life in Pieces.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T09:13:00.000+09:30

I've had a lovely weekend so far. Have spent some quality time with Squid, checking out Bowerbird Bazaar which is on this weekend. I limited my spending to lots of lovely screen printed from Ink and Spindle and a few other vendors who's name escapes me. There was lots of yummy stuff there just wish I had a bit more cash to spend.

Yesterday morning was Maestro's first footy match for the year and he played a bottler and had 17 kicks. In the afternoon while he was entertaining a friend, Squid and I hit the sewing room to make a little something (a softie) which I finished off last night and left on her bed. Which she was very happy with this morning.

This morning I was awoken with a couple of cards and a pressie, which was Nikki's new book which is amazing. I plan to read it cover to cover then get started on projects in between my current sewing commitments which are mounting by the minute.

I really should be putting my face on. Have Mother's Day morning tea with the ladies in the street. For all the mum's out there have a good one and I hope you get spoiled.

Favourite Thing Friday

2011-05-06T08:16:00.000+09:30

This is my favourite thing this week a cup of Lady Grey Tea.

I quite like the loose leaf variety as well but I don't have time to do that this morning so the bag will do.

This week is short and sweet because I haven't made my kids lunches yet.

And we are leaving straight after school pick up this afternoon to the Bowerbird Bazaar which is on this weekend.

And I can reveal this which is my stitchery design for Lets Stitch at QFD.

Head on over to Mrs P for more FTF.

My Creative Space

2011-05-05T06:00:00.001+09:30

I have finished the single bed version of Jelly Squares. It is a nice full sized quilt and covers the pillow and almost touches the ground on either side of the bed. It will shrink up a bit with quilting and washing but I am please with the overall look.

I plan to play with some dye's today weather permitting, so hopefully this time next week I can show you some yummy pieces. I am going to try soy wax batik.

Lets Stitch is in full swing at Quilt Fabric Delights and we have already had 3 projects to make. A stitchery (mine), a bag and a quilt. It isn't too late to join.

Check out all the creative spaces at kootoyoo.

Favourite Thing Friday - DMTV and New Blog

2011-04-29T08:07:00.004+09:30

Followers of my blog will probably know that I love DMTV (Design Matters TV) which is a web based video that I subscribe to, created by Linda and Laura Kemshall who are two amazing textile artists from the UK. I haven't watched the videos for a while and I am way behind and have lots to catch up on, but it is good to put on when I am doing the ironing which I did this weekend (two weeks worth which wasn't fun but the video's made it all go very quickly).

They now have a blog so you can follow on with what they are doing in the studio. If you are remotely interested in dyeing, fabric painting, art quilting or just interested in trying something new, look around their blog and there website. DMTV is pricey but well worth the investment there is new content every week and lots to learn. I have just got some soy wax to try batik again and I am going to get some discharge paste next week to try some of the other techniques that I came across on the weekend.

Want to check out more FTF head on over to Mrs P.

My creative Space & 15 Minute Challenge

2011-04-27T18:45:00.001+09:30

I've doubled up today, as I will be working on this some more today. I have managed to do a little bit of sewing each day this week. I have a single bed quilt on the go and this paper pieced number which I am plodding away at each night in front of the TV I think I have been pretty good as it is school holidays at the moment.

Have a couple of deadlines looming next month so I think I will be able to continue with at least 15 minutes a day. There is also this coming up which means that there will be lots of new projects to choose from during the month of May. If you would like to join in the fun and lots of projects, chats with designers and competitions head on over to QFD to sign up and for your chance to win access to the event comment on Sarah's blog post here and by spreading the word you get more than one entry.

Want to see who else is joining in the 15 minute challenge go to Kate's blog.

and while you are at it check out the creative spaces at kootoyoo

So how has your Easter been?

2011-04-25T19:48:00.002+09:30

Mine has been quiet, which I think I have needed. I am fighting off a sinus infection, and today is the first day that I have been able to bend over without the feeling that my eye was going to exploded. Still not 100% but at least my eye has stopped weeping and a few more doses of the old salt spray should help and I can avoid a trip to the emergency dr's surgery on a long weekend and antibiotics.

I have finished my pattern writing for Jelly Squares tonight just have to do the images and slot them in. The Sherbet Pip's version is slowly coming together, and I just love that fabric it is just so naive and pretty. At night I have been doing my 8 pointed star paper pieced thing. You have to check out Cathy's lovely colourful version which is what I am going to do next, I am sure I have enough in my stash to make something similar. I'll post a picture of mine again soon, just halfway round another circle.

The kids wanted to go to the beach today (what else is new I hear you say). They went by scooter, I drove the car in case they were too tired on the way back, (actually it was for my hubby's benefit because he and my son had already gone on a long bike ride in the morning).

The beach was wonderful, just a slight breeze and the weather is perfect this weekend. Apparently I never get in pictures so here I am.

Lovely

2011-04-21T08:50:00.000+09:30

Do you hear that its silence, apart from the tap tap tap of my fingers.

It's school holidays and the kids are at Nan's for the night because I mentioned something about going grocery shopping early in the morning. They decided that they would sleep at Nan's to avoid it.

My hubby and I decided on the way home from dropping them off to do the bits of grocery shopping for the weekend. Yeah this morning I got to sleep in a bit, and have made the dash to the bakery to get hot cross buns and now I am having a few quiet moments with a cup of coffee. The puppy is on my lap and I am reading some blogs .... just lovely.

Have a good easter break everyone.

15 Minute Challenge with Kate

2011-04-20T07:52:00.000+09:30

I have had deadlines this week so there was plenty of stuff going on, not necessarily sewing though. To projects had to be handed in to Sarah at QFD for the May's Let's Stitch online event. Most of the creativity was writing the patterns, I dragged my tail on the last project but it is all with Sarah now and she will be revealing bits and pieces over the next couple of weeks to wet your appetite.

I worked on the paper piecing project as well, I started making a separate star but then it wouldn't go together nicely with the other star that I started so I have unpicked it and started back on the original, with a new plan.

Tiny sneak peak of second project.

Wednesday night was no sewing night as went out to tea with the girls for Kay's birthday, but we did talk a fair bit about sewing related matters so it probably counts as well.

Head on over to Kate's if you want to see how every one else went.

Biggest Morning Tea

2011-04-19T08:08:00.002+09:30

I'm hosting a Biggest Morning Tea this year at my monthly sewing group, in fact there have on been a couple of years when I haven't hosted one. Like many families mine has been touched by cancer. Both my grandmother's died of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma, my Dad and FIL had Prostate Cancer and my Father in Law was taken by stomach cancer 10 years after he survived Prostate Cancer and I am sure many of you have similar stories. The Biggest Morning Tea is my way of remembering them and hopefully one day my kids won't have to deal with Cancer.

If you would like to make a donation to my morning tea, please follow this link. Or even better if you want to host your own Morning Tea head on over to the Biggest Morning Tea Website and they will send you a host kit, you will also find recipes and lots of information on how to go about it hosting an event.

I'm making a couple of batches of Lemonade Scones and a big jar of Lemon Butter for the girls.

Lets Stitch

2011-04-18T17:52:00.000+09:30

I have given you a few sneak peeks at what I have been working on and here is the announcement. It is another online event like last years Christmas In July where you get lots of great exclusive tutorials, chat to the designers and generally have lots of fun. So what are you waiting for head on over to sign up.