Lilly Pilly

Red, red and more red!

2012-02-10T14:14:00.000+11:00

Every now and again I do a swap with one of my bloggy friends from around the globe, this time it was with Sue from Chickadee's Country Cottage. Sue lives in Canada with her husband and lovely sweet puppies, you should checkout Daisy, she has the sweetest face. We decided to swap bags and they both arrived on the same day! Look at this beauty, lovely reds and a great size for a magazine, my lunch box and whatever else I want to take to work. I LOVE it!

Sue also made me a gorgeous bauble, she calls them Friendship balls!

I'll have to find it a special spot in my new craft room which by the way the accent colour I have chosen is RED!!

and also in the package, an Alberta Calendar and for a sugar high...Jelly beans YYYUmmo!!

Thank-you so much Sue, I feel very spoilt!

So pop on over to Sue's I'm sure she'll show you what I sent soon!

And to really top off my week I received a Scholarship!!

I'm going back to Uni

I'm doing a Graduate Certificate in Business, over the next year for once a month I'll be attending workshops for a couple of days. So to my bloggy friends in the north of the state keep an eye out for me floating around Burnie! It's going to be a busy year!!

Paper and Fabric

2012-02-05T15:55:00.003+11:00

Fee has asked me to do a workshop at the "Let's Get Stitched in Tassie" retreat coming up in March and requested something to do with Papercraft. The last few weeks I've had ideas buzzing around my head and today I put the finishing touches on my little project. Here's a wee sneak peek...

As you can see it's not all about paper but we'll be having a bit of fun making fabric embellishments too.

It's going to be a hoot, hope to see you there!

Let's Get Stitched in Tassie

2012-01-19T11:54:00.001+11:00

My dear friend Fee has organised a retreat to be held in Tassie in March for bloggers and others to join us for some stitching, relaxing and shopping. Booking forms are now available so click on the image below to take you to the website with all the details!

We hope to see some of you there!

No More Procrastinating

2012-01-13T21:28:00.004+11:00

Well today was the last day of my annual leave (sob, sob) I still have the weekend though but that'll go in the blink of an eye.

I chose today to buckle down and put my Gardener's Journal top together

I had joined in with Chookyblue's Stitchalong back in 2010 and I procrastinated so much about this quilt that I didn't finish it on time, so here we are in 2012 and I'm just finishing the top. I'll get myself some wadding and finish it this year, really I will!

Crafting Mojo

2012-01-12T12:55:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of Fee's youngest daughter for company. We had our crafting mojo happening and made altered tags, canvas art and even managed a few scrapbook pages. Here's the tags I made...

Thanks for the company Miss A, I enjoyed being creative with you. I'm sure Fee will show some of Miss A's work on her blog.

Talking about the lovely Fee, here's the xmas pressie she made for me

The chocolates vanished quickly and the pretty doily now sits proudly on my bedside table. The thread will come in handy on a future project and the babushka pencil case holds my treasured pens. Thank-you Fee!!

Only a few more days left of my annual leave, the new craft room is coming along slowly, took us three days to strip the wallpaper and the walls need replastering now. I've managed to read 3 books during the holidays, have done a little stitching but the next few days I plan to do more so I better get to it!

Catcha Later!

Friends In Stitching

2012-01-04T08:53:00.002+11:00

You'll sometimes see in my blogposts as acronym FIS, it refers to an online stitching group "Friends in Stitching" that I belong to. It's a lovely bunch of likeminded stitchers who all do beautiful work and are the most lovely group of ladies. We held the annual Christmas Advent Swap where we count down the last 5 days to Christmas. I made pressies for De and chose a lovely sewing set called "Inspired to Stitch" designed by my friend Helen of Hugs 'N Kisses

You can see the other gifts I sent on De's blog.

I recieved pressies from Kylie, a beautiful table runner and cushion

.....plus all these other goodies (the tray is my own).

I was really excited to receive a very cute Tilda ordnament!

Thank-you Kylie and to all my Friends In Stitching, I look forward to another fun filled year!

Happy New Years

2011-12-31T14:03:00.001+11:00

I was Caroline's Secret Santa in Chookyblue's Swap, I sent this ornament

a lovely little stocking, designed by my dear friend Helen of Hugs 'n Kisses

and the main gift was this cute little angel sewing tote

I enjoyed stitching these goodies, quick and easy!

If you get a chance visit Chookyblue's blog and have a look at all the pressies that were exchanged, it makes for good eye candy and inspiration.

So far these holidays Iv'e produced zilch, nothing, zero, not a thing!

I've come down with a nasty cold that had me bed ridden for the last day and half. I've managed to surface today and do a bit of washing and it looks like hubby might have caught my germs, he's having a lie down now. I don't think we'll be staying up until midnight it'll be early to bed for both of us.

Happy New Years Everybody!!

SSCS 2011 Pressies

2011-12-28T10:43:00.002+11:00

Well all Secret Santa presents have been opened, Christmas Day was full of excitement, I love surprises. My partner in Chookyblues SSCS 2011 was Kerstin and what a bundle of goodies she sent.

parliament of owl ornies

zippered pouch, tissue cosy, very cute ring pincushion and sweets

mug rug

xmas wallhanging

and handmade gift tags.

Thank-you Kerstin for all the beautiful goodies and thank-you to Chookyblue for hosting another great xmas swap-travaganza!

Secret Santa

2011-12-21T11:59:00.000+11:00

My FIS Secret Santa parcel from Kylie of Country Wishes arrived last week but I kept it in the box until our first was allowed to be opened and here's all the lovely wrapped pressies that were inside

and look at the first one I've opened...

gorgeous bon-bon full of chocky santas!

Thank-you Kylie!!

I'll do a post after xmas of all the rest including the big pressie.

So now I'm counting down the days, only 1 1/2 days of work left for me then I'm on 3 weeks of R&R, spending most of it at home painting my new craft room and then moving in plus I plan to get lots of stitching in...look out Gardener's Journal here I come (That last comment is just for Chooky!)

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Button Ornaments from Cindy

2011-12-08T18:18:00.001+11:00

I took part in the Button Floozies Christmas Button Ornament swap and these are the lovelies I received from Cindy

Thank-you Cindy, they're gorgeous!

If you visit Cindy's blog you'll see the two ornaments I made, the little snowman was my first attempt at working with paper clay, he turned out rather cute and I love the micro buttons I used on the "Let it snow" ornament.

Plus there's a Linky party going on over here if you want to see more!

SSCS is Here!

2011-12-05T22:55:00.000+11:00

My SSCS parcel arrived today all the way from Kerstin in Germany and inside is this bundle of wrapped goodies

We're only allowed to open the ornament pressie,

and what a surprise to find not one but 3 ornaments....

.....my very own parliament of owls!

Aren't they adorable!!

Thank-you Kerstin!!

Thanks also to Chookyblue for once again hosting this swap.

Now roll-on Xmas day so we get to open the rest of our packages!!

SSCS parcel for Caroline

2011-12-02T10:27:00.000+11:00

My SSCS parcel has arrived safely at it's destination, please bloghop over and visit Caroline to see the ornament I've made for her.

Christmas is Coming and Fast!!

2011-11-27T16:13:00.000+11:00

My Friends in Stitching group held a Christmas Ornament Swap and on Friday night we opened our goodies. I received from Dawnie and posted to Jan.

This is what Dawnie sent

Isn't it the cutest little stiched pocket! Thank-you Dawnie, I love them!!

Last week I posted off my parcel for Chookyblue's SSCS 2011, it's going to ......! I bet you thought I was going to tell you but it's a secret!

I'm also stitching for my Friends in Stitching Xmas Swap and it's a secret too.

Tag Book Swap

2011-11-24T09:37:00.000+11:00

Lilac Lane Livery is hosting a tag book swap. It is a shabby vintage cottage chic theme and you must make a tag book with at least 3 tags plus a package to store them in with a charm closure . How about signing up? The more the merrier. You have until November 28 and post by 31st December. I've already started making mine, it's so much fun being creative and using my stash!

Welcome to Hagley Farm School!

2011-11-08T12:28:00.000+11:00

Last weekend a bunch of us Tassie girls headed off for a bit of stitching R&R at Hagley Farm School. It also coincided with the Tasmanian Craft Fair at Deloraine. Unfortunately my batteries on my camera died so I can only show you a tour of the school farm. It's the perfect place to hold a retreat.

A warm welcome

It's me here

Lovely School Grounds and View

Pond across the fence

Modern Architecture

Old Arcitecture

Modern Sculpture

Vintage Sculpture

Gardens contained lots of beautiful flowers, including vivid coloured irisis

Farmyard Friends - Alpaca

Cows (The school has it's own dairy)

Cutest donkeys

Goats

and Horses frolicking in the paddock.

Cathy, Leanne and Pauline were the other bloggers, the rest were all non-bloggers that stayed for the weekend, was lovely to catch up with them all again. We did a bit of stitching, Leanne even had a couple of finishes.

Some of us spent Saturday at the Tasmanina Craft Fair, it's a huge event and I'd recomment to any craft lover to visit. It was well run with free buses between venues and lots of entertainment. A must would be to take a bucket load of money!

Anyway it's be same place and same time again next year!

More Buttons!

2011-11-03T10:12:00.000+11:00

The tin of buttons I put together for the Button Floozies Swap has arrived at Mary's place.

This is the tin I decorated

and this is the inside, full of button loveliness!

Please visit Mary's blog to see more pics!

Oh Happy Day!

2011-10-31T09:04:00.000+11:00

On Saturday I tagged along with Helen to a Christmas Gathering organised by Lillian of Esmes

Helen was tutor for the day and had some lovely projects to share.

and Lillian did too

I even ran into some friends, Val (no blog)

and Kathy from Sew Happy House

It was a lovely surprise to see them both there and getting to spend the day stitching and chatting with them.

I also met Edwina, no picture but there's one on Kathy's blog, she's a lovely lady too but then all stitchers are lovely!

Also on display was Esme's finished Quilt Aid, simply gorgeous. The photos don't show this quilt any justice but believe me the Ruby fabrics were perfect for this years them "Whimsy and Wonder"

Check out the Quilt Aid website for more info and designs by the other shops in Australia, UK & the US!

The B's have it! Basketball, Buttons and Book!

2011-10-27T12:08:00.000+11:00

I've been trying all week to get on to do this blog post, life is a bit hectic at the moment. My workplace is going through a restructure and my manager has decided he's leaving :-( and I've been a taxi service while my son goes back and forth to school and Basketball games.

They won their division, my son is the tall one. At 14 he's nearly reached his Dad's height of 6'5", he passed me inches ago!

So what's been happening on the craft front, well lots of secret squirrel stuff for xmassy swaps so I can't show anything there. I did participate in a Swap run by Button Floozies, we had to alter an altoid tin and fill it with buttons. My swap partner was Mary and this is the tin I received, packed to the brim, full of a fabulous mixture!

Love the bling buttons and those raggedy anne buttons. Thank-you Mary!

I also won this lovely book from Christine at Once Upon a Quilt

and look at this goregous project inside, plus there are some other lovelies too.

Thank-you Christine!!

Now if you've read this far this is a sneak peak of the tin I've sent Mary as she has not received it yet.

1500+

2011-10-12T11:28:00.000+11:00

I think the majority of my blog readers also follow Elefantz but in case you've not heard Jenny is celebrating 1500+ followers with a giveaway. So head on over there by clicking on the picture below, you have until the 20th October to be in the draw!!

Swap FRIENDS

2011-10-07T14:18:00.000+11:00

Fridays, how many times do you want to hear how much I love Fridays???

Well today is one of those Fabulous Fridays where I popped home during my lunch break to find a big red parcel sitting on my doorstop.

Yiippee it was my FRIENDS Swap gifties from Kymberly!

Kymberly has filled the parcel with the most thoughtful pressies, here's a looksie:

Gorgeous organiser!

sweets and scissor fob!

ribbons and threads!

companion, I needed a little 1 " ruler!!

fabulous roll of reds and whites! Yummy!

project book, some cuties in here that will be must makes!

and some Mary K samples, lovely!!

Told you it was a generous parcel.

Thank-you Kymberly for being such a fabulous swap partner

and to our lovely host Khris for organising a great swap!

Kymberly has received my parcel so keep an eye out for a post on what I sent.

Happy Friday!!

Midnight Madness

2011-10-06T09:31:00.002+11:00

We were woken from our sleep to find a bright orange glow filling our bedroom window. Outside was a car on fire burning furiously. Hubby called the fire brigade and then went outside to investigate. It was right next to a power pole that had also caught on fire so he grabbed a neighbours hose to stop it from getting badly damaged. At one stage he was concerned that the car may have struck the pole and there may be an occupant inside, thankfully that was not the case. There was no huge explosion just lots of popping and banging. We were amazed that we hadn't woken sooner or that the dog had heard nothing!

It didn't take long for fire and police to arrive and they dosed the flames out very quickly.

The neighbours had also come out to investigate, one had to move her car as it was parked closely by.

And this is what remains of the Nissan 300 ZX. Police told us that it had been stolen only 1 hour before it had been torched. I feel sorry for the owner of this vehicle as it looked like it was a loved car.

The power pole held up, Aurora came out last night to check that it didn't need stabilising.

We were back in bed by 12:30 but it took us awhile to drift off back to sleep.

Update: A workmate knew the fellow who owned this car and you wouldn't believe it but it was owned by a policeman who had just parked the car near a favourite running spot and came back to find it gone.

Lilly Pilly

2011-10-04T20:53:00.003+11:00

Dawn from As Sweet as Cinnamon has asked the question, What's your Blog Name and Why Did We Choose It?

I started my blog back in January 2008 and my early followers will remember me as Jo in TAS. I didn't give my name alot of thought back then, it said nothing about me other than where I lived. I was so eager to start blogging that the name was probably the last thing I thought of, I just wanted to join in and be a part of the blogoverse.

So jump forward to 2010 and it was time for a change. I wanted to pick a title that was easy to remember and that was Australian. My garden contains many Lilly Pilly shrubs and even when I lived in Queensland Lilly Pillys where our plants of choice, we even had one that was shaped like a xmas tree and we adorned it with lights at xmas time. They're my favourite shrub and I love the name so Lilly Pilly was born.

Mail and More Mojo

2011-10-03T20:30:00.000+11:00

Look at this lovely that arrived in my mail!

This beautiful wall hanging was designed and stitched by Shell of The Rasberry Rabbits and I was extremely lucky to win in in her 800th follower giveaway.

This picture doesn't show it any justice as Shell's stitching is so fine, far superior to anything I've stitched. Inside the stitcheries is all hand coloured...stunning!

Thank-you so much Shell!

If you'd like to make this head on over to Shell's to puchase a pattern.

As promised I did finish the Angel Sewing Tote, it was so easy to put together and the zip was a sinch

Inside is a little zipper pouch and another pouch with a scissor keep. It's a decent size too and perfect for taking away on a retreat.

This little bag is most likely destined for a future swap partner, not sure who might get it but I'm sure it will be a hit!

PS Chooky, don't ask about the GJ, no progress today!

Stitching has resumed

2011-09-30T11:03:00.000+10:00

I'm so pleased to say my mojo has returned.

Last night I was inspired by a recent pattern purchase from Patchworks Plus (great service by the way!) and got stuck into the applique. I'm loving this little tote bag which is a pattern by Natalie Bird. I also won the Mollie Makes Magazine from Sew Happy House, this is a good read and very inspirational too, thank-you Kathy!

So tonight I'll complete the embroidery and over the weekend I'll assemble the bag.

I hope you have something lovely to stitch this weekend.

FRIENDS Swap 2011

2011-09-29T08:26:00.000+10:00

This week I posted my FRIENDS swap parcel to Kymberly, The Cotton Patch.

Here it is all wrapped up and labelled

and here's a little sneaky peak just for Kymberly of the main pressie "N"

My mojo kicked in just in time to work on this project!

Hopefully Australia Post and US Post makes this a swift delivery!

This is the first time I've participated in this swap run by Khris and what fun it was coming up with ideas.

Thanks for letting me join Khris.

Happy Stitching Everybody!

We Have a Winner!

2011-09-26T21:21:00.002+10:00

Well after checking everyone's entries and making sure you were followers and also giving an extra entry to those that blogged about the giveaway there is finally a winner. I gave each valid comment a number and a number for the extra entries and using Random Number Generator the number 10 came up and on my spreadsheet the lucky person with No. 10 is:

Lisa from My Little Creative Wonderland.

Congratulations Lisa, please email me your snail mail address and I'll pop the package into the mail.

Thank-you everyone for entering and stay tuned I'm coming upto another blogging milestone soon so another giveaway is on the cards!

Still time to enter TGIF GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-26T10:44:00.000+10:00

There's still time to enter my TGIF Giveaway.

Remember to go in the draw you must be a follower and must leave a comment!

Entry closes at 7pm EST.

Good Luck!

TGIF GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-23T08:42:00.001+10:00

I'm celebrating Friday with a Giveaway!

I love Fridays because tomorrow is always the weekend.

So what am I giving away?

IF you love Aussie designers Lynette Anderson, Marg Low and Theodora Cleave then this is just the prize for you!!

3 fat eights of Lynette's fabrics, a Marg Low pattern and kit that includes a Theodora Cleave button.

To enter you must leave a comment and follow my blog.

I'll even give you an extra entry if you blog about my giveaway.

Good Luck everyone, I'll pick the winner on Monday and in the mean time have a fabulous weekend!!

Thrifty Belated Thursday

2011-09-16T09:28:00.001+10:00

My latest op-shopping adventure found me a Royal 200 typewriter for the bargain price of $20!

I've been on the look out for one for a long time, perfect for journalling and scrapbooking on those little pieces of paper that just won't go through a printer easily!

Thank-you to the lovely ladies at the Hobart Cat Centre Op Shop in Glenorchy for reducing this little gem from $30 to $20, I'll be back to buy more goodies to make up the difference!

Oooh and one more mention, Hobart's Frock Up event is on this weekend, it'll be a must see, lots of antique and vintage clothing on sale!

Wish I could show you some stitching....

2011-09-14T15:47:00.000+10:00

...but I can't. Stitching hasn't been attractive to my mojo lately so I have been dabbling a little in other creative areas.

I purchased a download by Cloth Paper Scissors and tried my hand at a little bit of watercolouring.

...a pear

....a camelia (don't laugh, it is okay!!)

I also went to an embroidery exhibition recently, hoping to find my stitching mojo but all I got was some vintage lace and a sweet strawberry!

and you can tell when my stitching mojo has well and truly hit rock bottom because I actually do a liitle baking

yummy chocolate chip cookies and they tasted the best when they were still warm! They didn't last very long.

I made it to my stitching room last night and auditioned a few fabrics for a swap, tonight I might do some cutting out so this weekend I can put it altogether.

Hope everyone's stitching mojo is on it's way back and if you see mine please send it home!

Australia Celebrates Sam!

2011-09-12T08:55:00.000+10:00

Our latest sporting hero, Sam Stosur wins the US Open!!

I was a little girl when our last female Aussie, Margaret Court won the US Open.

(Photo credit: I'll have to find the link)

I was late for work today as I just had to watch it until the end, there goes my lunch break!

Congratulations Sam!!

I loooovee buttons!

2011-09-09T14:36:00.000+10:00

Couldn't resist, have signed up for this....

Want to join in too? Click on the badge to take you to the details

Mojo is near

2011-09-07T11:01:00.000+10:00

I'm still waiting for my mojo to surface, I know it's not far off.

I've tidied up my craft room which is usually all I need to get the stitching juices flowing again.

I've signed up for a couple of swaps so I'll dedicate some stitching time this weekend.

So watch this space, next time I'll show a picture!

Mojo Come Home!!!

2011-09-02T08:49:00.000+10:00

Where have you gone???? Please come back, I miss you!

I've not done an ounce of stitching or scrapping this week.

I've even become desperate and have started reading Wuthering Heights!!

North Carolina

2011-08-29T10:57:00.001+10:00

Blog friends of Shell from The Rasberry Rabbits, will be pleased to hear they have gotten through Hurricane Irene! Everything is a mess and they'll be without power until Thursday.

Dear Shell we wish you all the best in the clean up!

Hurricane Irene as it bears down on the East Coast

(Photo credit: Rasha Entertainment)

Trinkets

2011-08-25T11:26:00.000+10:00

Remember my very first pattern called "Trinkets"

well Online Store Ollie and May has the last 3 copies available to purchase. I won't be publishing anymore so if you've been thinking about getting it you better be quick!

You can also see it made up here in another gorgeous colourway by beautiful stitcher Lisa.

Red and White

2011-08-24T13:16:00.001+10:00

I love Red and White and after seeing Jenny's polka dot collection I thought I'd show some of my sweet things in my craft room. I'll start with the spots!

Cute Tilda Snail softie made my me and a little dress made by Clare

my little polka dot case with a tiny tea set inside, I just had to have it!

Some of my storage solutions in red and white

Some twine and ribbons for wrapping, bit of pink in their too

of course their has to be fabrics with dots of various sizes

cute trinkets

Special photo of my Dad and a poppy

name tags from Gatherings

and lastly a banner from my lovely friend Fee, she knows what I like!

So this is just a small glimpse into my red and white world I call my craft room. Soon I'll be relocating into another room so there'll be no more boring brown and plus I'll be able to heat it so there should be alot more craft happening throughout the year.

What colour scheme is your craft room?

Missing my Mojo so I'm Doodling Instead!

2011-08-23T11:57:00.000+10:00

My stitching mojo is on walkabout again so to get the creative juices flowing I decided to give art journalling a go, here's my very first double page spread

I'm no Pablo Picaso but it's fun trying!

My pages incorporate paint, images, water soluble wax crayons, black pens for doodling, stamps, rub-ons and scrapbooking paper. The quote was from this inpirational art journaller .

and I have to show you this photo from when we were in Melbourne recently.

These fabulous gold bees are on the side of the Eureka Tower, they are huge!

Fee and I didn't go upto the skydeck but I hear it has awesome views of the city.

I just love Melbourne's Art Installations!

Memories of Maria, our neighbour

2011-08-10T10:57:00.001+10:00

When we moved into our home five years ago a little elderly neighbour yelled out yoo hoo! over the fence and introduced herself and handed us a homebaked cake. Her name was Maria, she was Polish and her english was not fabulous but it was good enough that we could communicate. Maria had left Poland during the war and migrated to Australia with her two children. She remarried in Australia and had lived in the same house and raised her family there.

Maria's husband was in a nursing home and had Alzeihemers, he died that same year we moved in. Maria's daughter Jenny had moved in to help Maria around the home.
Maria has the most amazing vegetable patch which she worked daily and we'd often find a bag of vegies hanging over the fence or our son would come inside with a zuchinni from her.
Maria loved our dog Lucy and Lucy loved being picked up so she could get a pat. She always told me Lucy was a bit fat.
Maria always had a smile on her face and on weekends we'd see her walking to and from the local church, about 500 metres down the street.
In the past few months Maria had become very ill and in the last few weeks was in home palliative care, sadly she passed away on Monday. We'll miss Maria, she was a beautiful neighbour. My deepest sympathy go to Jenny and her family.
RIP Maria xxx

Thursday, Friday & Saturday

2011-07-30T21:43:00.000+10:00

Phew, where to start, Thursday. It was my birthday and the best way I know how to celebrate was to go to Melbourne for a few girly days with my buddie Fee, so off we went. First up was the DFO, it was my first time, so much to see but I was only interested in a couple of shops, one of which was Typo, great little stationary shop. From a Perfumery shop I bought some lovely body lotion "Mor Marshmallow", it's devine. Then we drove to various outlets, the GPS unit decided to take us on scenic routes and we saw alot of Melbourne back streets. Fee did an awesome job following her instructions! I won't tell you what the GPS's name is, it's not very nice.

Now Friday was the ultimate girly day for a couple of stitchers and bloggers, we headed off to the Craft and Quilt Show. We arranged to meet up with bloggers at lunchtime, it was great to put faces to names. One of the things I like most is that the blogging community we're in get's us, we're all on the same page or should I say fabric!

Christine (Mac Donald's Patch), Fee (Designs by Fee), Me, Kez (Willow Grove Quilts) and Kathy (Quilted Notions). Kez had a fabulous day, it was her birthday, we exhanged pressies and I'll show all my pressies on the next blog post as I don't want to overwhelm you all with piccies!

Miriam (Yellow Roses) and Mandy (Seams Sew Together)

Elyte (Tea, Fabric and Other Things) on the right, sorry ladies I didn't catch your names.

Fee, Gail Pan and Vicky (The Pickledish Patch).

I love to meet fellow stitching bloggers, it's like meeting long lost friends. I just wish I could have spent more time chatting with each and everyone.

I was also blessed to have my MIL come along too, bit harder for her to get around these days but with trusty wheelie walker in hand she can get around with rests in between.

I'm very lucky that Sandra and I share the same passion, we always have lots to talk about.

Lovely to see you Sandra and thnk-you for the pressies!

Here's the results of the shopping at the craft show, my poor feet and back ached after lugging this back to the hotel, we never made it to Lucellos so that's on the list for next time. These are all classed as birthday pressies from my Hubby and son, I was allowed to have a splurge. I went a little overboard but most of these things are hard to buy off the shelf in Tasmania.

I got a variety of things, scrapbooking bits and pieces, a new toy for embossing and diecutting, fabrics, soy candle making kit, fabrics and a mini iron.

This morning we flew back home, poor Fee was exhausted and I felt so sorry for her as she had to work tonight. I hope she recovers well tomorrow.

So Goodnight from one, happy, content blogger!

Belated Sunday Show and Tell

2011-07-26T11:46:00.000+10:00

On Sunday I got together with some workmates to wish our friend Ange all the best for the birth of her 3rd little bubba, due in a few more weeks yet. It was also an excuse to hold a crafternoon. Sue (no blog) made Ange a gorgeous quilt, Sue does a fabulous job at putting colours together!

Ange showed us a quilt she is making for someone special

Fabulous colours!

Sue gave me a gorgeous felted bag, Thank-you Sue!!

and Greitje, who is one talented artist showed us a wool felt creation she has been working on for "Art on Legs - Wearable Art Awards".

There's also a dress to match. If you happen to read The Mercury (Hobart Newspaper) there was an article and photo in last Friday's paper. Good Luck Greitje!!

I also took a photo of Ally who was busily hand quilting but it didn't save to my disk. Ally was working on a lovely quilt, it was very girly and pretty!

On the sewing table the last few days I've completed Vikki's sweet little angel stitchery

(If you want to join in on this free BOM there's a link on my sidebar)

and Helen's Stitched Sunday project for Stem Stitch

I like to keep busy at nights stitching while I watch TV, it's so relaxing.

Just a reminder too that Fee and I will be at the Stitches and Craft Show on Friday,

we hope to see you there!

Stitching

2011-07-20T13:10:00.000+10:00

Are you stitching along with Helen's Stitched Sundays?

I have been doing them, they're just a little something to stitch at night time to keep me happy. Plus I'm keeping an eye out for pointers that will help me improve.

Here's mine so far

I used pellon on the back, gives a slight puffy result.

My thread choices were a bit plain so I brightened up the backstitch one

and I'm halfway through the stem stitch project.

I've just finished my Tis The Season quilt

Lucy had to investigate to make sure I trimmed all those loose threads back. I think she's happy.

My sewing room is a bit chilly at the moment so I don't get much machine work done during these winter months but I've promised myself the next project on the machine is to assemble my Gardner's Journal top and I think it'll be a quilting by hand job unless I send it out to be done professionally!

Xmas in July

2011-07-16T17:30:00.000+10:00

Our Friends in Stitching group held a Xmas in July swap and we had to make a stocking for our partner. I received the most gorgeous package from Peg, this beautifully stitched stocking with wee rusty bells...

and inside was full of lovely goodies, 2 pretty fat quarters, notebook, key fob and a bookmark (it's hiding in the photo somewhere) and a tube of chockie balls with a wobbly head santa on the top!

Thank-you so much Peg, I feel very spoilt and lucky to have had you for a partner.

Now the stocking I made went to Lynda, here's what I made but you'll have to visit Lynda's blog soon to see what else was inside!

This was my own design with yo-yo's and little gold bells, such fun to make!

Great swap ladies!!

Lots to see here!

2011-07-07T12:14:00.001+10:00

You might have been thinking I haven't been stitching much lately but you'd be wrong, as well as secret squirrelling and making a swap pressie or two I've done a little iphone pouch...

(one day I might actually own a smart phone!)

...and I stitched the borders on my Tis the Season quilt

It's my evening embroidery mojo that has gone on a wee holiday, it'll be back soon but it came back briefly this week to do Helen's Stitched Sunday project (forget to take a photo). Even though I know these stitches, I thought I might join in and see if there's something I don't know.

I also caught a cooking bug yesterday (very unlike me) after reading Kerryanne's post about Sticky Date Pudding, guess what I made for desert last night...

...it was easy and so delicious too!

I took part in Trashy's "Where I Live Swap" and a parcel was at my door last night from Jennyflower and look at the beautiful contents....

a gorgeous bag made by her Mum, using recycled fabrics and embellished beautifully....

...and just look what was inside the bag, all these wonderful goodies, except for the chockies, they were gobbled up by my family before I could go snap!

Jenny's theme was based on England and all things british like old cottage gardens, tea and cakes!

It smelt beautiful when I opened the package!!

Thank-you Jenny I love all the gifts, you've put so much thought into them.

My swap package for Clara must still be flying across the ocean but I'll let you know when it's reached it's destination.

Blogger Meet Up

2011-07-05T11:26:00.004+10:00

Are you going to be here on Friday 29th July?

If so, how about a blogger meet up at 12ish in the Foodie area? I'll tie some red balloons to the table so you can find us

Here's who will be there so far

Fee - Designs by Fee

Kerri - Willowgrove Quilts

Lizzie - A House in The Country

Christine - Once Upon a Quilt

Tammy - Tammy Woods Designs

Christine M - MacDonald's Patch

Elyte - Tea, Fabric and Other Things

Kathy - Quilted Notions

Vicki - The Pickledish Patch

Let me know and I'll add you to the list!

The Joy of Sewing ATC

2011-06-22T10:31:00.000+10:00

Remember this ATC card I recieved from Kimberly of Art Joy Stuff, weLl now I can reveal the card I made for her. The theme was "Joy of Sewing" and this was my interpretation...

...I even included a vintage Australian stamp, just to remind Kimberly of how far the card has travelled.

It's so much fun working on a small scale!

Please visit Art Joy Stuff to see the other terrific cards that Kimberly received.

What am I doing?

2011-06-21T09:01:00.000+10:00

A bit of secret squirrelling for a friend...

A bit of secret squirrelling for myself....

and a bit of off the page fun...

This little dress form is what I created after I joined Karla Nathan's class, there's a link on my sidebar if you want to do the class too, it's a bit of fun!

Have you seen what Helen has coming up? Click on the link "Stitched Sunday" on my sidebar to take you to the details.

Bad Blogger!

2011-06-16T15:05:00.000+10:00

HHHmmm this isn't good blogging behaviour, more than two weeks since my last post. Well I have an excuse firstly I got very sick and spent a few days curled up in bed and I have been away the last few days. I visited my sister in Launceston. Of course a trip to north of the state must include a visit to Esmes and Calico Crossroads to catch up with stitching friends and see what's new. I bought a few things but my most special buy was some lovely new black boots and no they're not from a patchwork shop... they're so comfy!

Now the trip to my sister's had to include some crafty time and she wanted to learn how to make an art canvas, here's the results, this one is mine, it's called "If I Could Fly"

This one is my sisters, it's called "Dare to be Different"

We had lots of fun creating these and getting our hands dirty.

While I was away this ATC from Kimberly arrived, the theme for this swap was Sewing.

Thank-you Kimberly!

Kimberly hasn't received mine yet so I can't show you a photo, it must almost be there by now.

Also on my doorstep arrived a little box of chockies from my friend Rosie, Thank-you Rosie! (my hubby only ate one!)

In and Out at Lilly Pilly

2011-05-31T11:08:00.000+10:00

What went out? A gift for Rosie

Thank-you for my kitty!

What came in? Mail of course!!

Lovely books from the Book Depository, don't you love that Teddy Bear!

....and a surpirse package from Brianna of Rolling In Fabric, that I had forgotten all about!

I won a giveaway on her blog! 4 FQ's and the cutest little kit to make a Matryoshka brooch.

Thank-you Brianna, now I need to find the perfect project for these lovely fabrics!

Put an end to Brutality!

2011-05-31T09:57:00.001+10:00

http://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/animals/live-export/ban-live-export please sign the petition for Getup to join the fight against Live Animal Exports to Indonesia (and the Middle East). They will be going to Parliament today, this morning, with Animals Australia and the RSPCA.

Click the link and add your email address. We must stop this cruel, inhumane and barbaric practice IMMEDIATELY. The Australian tax payer is actually contributing to this practice too which may come as a surprise to you

Please help

Books and Flowers

2011-05-24T11:09:00.000+10:00

I have the loveliest of friends, one who recently returned from adventures in the US bought these back for me, the Nancy Halvorsen one is even signed!

I spent all last night drooling over these books, the Anni Downs book is a must have if you're a fan of her whimsical characters, there's some gorgeous projects to keep you busy for hours!

Thank-you H and next time I'm going with you!

And I just have to show you these....

teeny-tiny crocheted flowers from Jack'n'Jill, great for all crafts!

Stitching Around the Block

2011-05-23T09:01:00.000+10:00

Well my Stitching Around the Block has gone full circle and has arrived home.

The centre was completed by Moi, the second row by Kez, the third by Bec and the last by Dawnie. Thank-you ladies for joining me in this project and thank-you to Helen for providing us with the pattern. They've all done such a lovely job!

I might turn it into a cushion unless anyone has any other fabulous ideas.

Lucky Girl

2011-05-19T10:37:00.000+10:00

Yes, that's me, I'm a lucky girl!

Look at the great prize the lovely Shell and Harrington from The Rasberry Rabbits sent me for their 700th Follower Giveaway...

all beautifully wrapped, those chockies disappeared very quickly and I'll try the tea a bit later...

two fabulous books full of altered art projects! I was engrossed in them for hours last night, oohing and aahing over some cute things to make. I need to buy myself supplies now to have a go at soldering, can't wait to give it a try!

Thank-you so much Shell and Harrington!

Happy Rosie

2011-05-18T11:20:00.000+10:00

I love it when friends call in, not so when I'm not home but I do love it when they leave little surprises at the front door. The caller was Happy Rosie, she left a little gift bag and unlucky for me my son was the first to spot it and dove straight in and discovered the chocolate so I had to share it with him. I had admired Rosie's first softies that she had made, lovely little kitties and so we agreed to do a swap. I must admit I wasn't expecting it so soon but what a lovely surprise. The chocolate was from the House of Anvers a chocolate factory and it was delicious with the best caramel centre I have ever tasted. Here's the gorgeous kitty that I'm naming after Rosie

Isn't she a cutie, Thank-you Rosie!

I'm still working on your pressie, it'll be on it's way early next week!

Yahoo

2011-05-16T16:59:00.000+10:00

Last week blogger cut my right arm off and this week it's Yahoo! Yahoo is not playing nicely so I can't respond to any emails or blog comments :-( I can read your blogs though!

Meeting for the first time!

2011-05-16T09:24:00.000+10:00

On Friday afternoon I met up with Maree from Farmyard Crafts and her gorgeous little cherub, they're in town for a wedding. They've travelled a very long way and I'm so happy we were able to squeeze in some time together. Sorry for not turning on the nice weather for Maree's visit, and yes Chooky it sounds like your place was the place to be this weekend, lovely to hear your voice!

Meeting up with fellow stitching bloggers is really like meeting up with long lost friends!

We started off with a bit of shopping, firstly at Frangipani Fabrics and then onto The Quilted Crow. We didn't go overboard with our spending as both of us have To Do lists a mile long. Then it was back to my place to have a cuppa, chat and checking out of the craft room.

Here's Maree and her little man, what a cutie he is!

I really do wish all of my bloggy friends lived in the same neighbourhood so we could have afternoons like this all of the time!

Vintage Lace

2011-05-11T14:38:00.000+10:00

Following on from the previous post about ATC swapping, Art Joy Stuff's swap arrived safely on my doorstep. I love how Kimberly presents things and I love those Marvel character stamps!

and here's Kimberly's Vintage Lace creation

"Live Life" is a great motto and one we should all live by!

Thank-you Kimberly, this has been a great swap, I enjoyed thinking on a small scale.

ATC swapping

2011-05-10T09:24:00.001+10:00

Please bloghop your way to Art Joy Stuff to see the Vintage Lace ATC I made for Kimberly in her Tuesday Trading Card Swap. This was a fun challenge to do on a small scale and I hope to participate in a few more.

Canvas Art

2011-05-06T09:26:00.000+10:00

Last night I did a fun workshop at my local scrapbooking store, Scrappers Heaven. The Canvas Art Class was so much fun, modge podging, painting, stamping, stencilling and paper piecing made me feel like I was at Kindergarden. This was my end result....

It's no Monet but I love it!

I can see many of these being made at my desk!

Happy Dancing!

2011-05-04T15:15:00.000+10:00

I was lucky to win a bundle of Theodore Cleave buttons by Barb Smith, hence the title Happy Dancing.
Well look what landed in my mailbox today.....

..... aren't they all gorgeous! Some will go to lovely friends on finished projects and some will remain in my must keep forever stash. Now which ones should I keep?

Thank-you Barb, each button is a piece of art to be cherished forever!

SPAM

2011-05-03T08:57:00.000+10:00

Apologies to all who have received an email in their inbox from me subject Shoppybag, please do not accept it, delete it, it's spam. Hopefully I can sort it out and you'll stop receiving them.

While the boys are away, Mumma will stitch!

2011-05-02T14:44:00.003+10:00

Some of my bloggy friends know that my boys have been away on an adventure for the past two weeks. Hubby and son headed off to the mainland to visit the Gem and Mineral Show in Bathurst, they also drove to Broken Hill and almost made it as far "Corner Country" (where the New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian state borders meet). They returned home Friday night, just in time to see Kate and William kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Wasn't the wedding beautiful, they make such a lovely couple.

So while my boys were away I made the most of my "ME" time and enjoyed plenty of time stitching. Here's some of the things I have to show you

Block one of Butterfly Garden, ready for embroidery

I'm using layer cakes of Strawberry Fields for this, it's so soft and pretty.

I've completed the Leanne Beasely needlecase from The Quilted Crow's Gathering

and made a start on my hexies for the Vignette Hexagon Quilt Stitchalong

(Fee and I plan on having one Monday a month to dedicate to hexie stitching, I'll call it "Fee and Me" time!!)

I helped Helen with some or her preparations for her trip to Salt Lake City, I'm afraid I'm heavier than her luggage so I couldn't squeeze into her suitcases, one day I'm going to go with her!! If you're going to the trade show in Salt Lake City be sure to pop by her stand "Pattern Press" and check out all the wonderful aussie patterns she has.

The last two weeks flew by really quickly and I didn't get as much done as I would have liked but that doesn't matter, I don't need to put that kind of pressure on myself.

Anyway I still have this afternnon to myself and then back to my regular routine tomorrow.

Cheers and Happy Stitching

xxx

Good Friday

2011-04-22T13:07:00.000+10:00

Tracy from Thimbelina has returned from her holidays and opened the swap pressie I sent in the Friends in Stitching Anni Down's Swap, pop on over to see what I made for her.

Hope you're all having a lovely Good Friday, it's wet here perfect for hanging out in my craft room. I've been tidying up so I can see my desk again.

Paper Roses

2011-04-20T16:39:00.000+10:00

I've been having fun playing with paper, here's some flowers I've made...

This one is the crumpled look and sprayed with gold schmooz

The rose is my favourite and so easy to make!

Swap-diddly-umptious

2011-04-19T16:22:00.000+10:00

I took part in Friends in Stitching online group's latest swap. We had to make our partner something from Annie Downs' range of patterns... so much to choose from. I sent to Tracy of Thimbelina but she's away on holidays at the moment so I can't reveal her gift yet. I received from Kylie of Country Wishes and wow what a fabulous package of goodies Kylie has sent me:

There's the cutest mug bag made out of Bliss fabrics and petite stitcheries, a bundle of gorgeous wool felt, pincushion pattern and googy eggs (they're all gone now!)

Thank-you Kylie for all these lovelies!!

I'm looking forward to a very peaceful Easter at home, plenty of ME time for stitching and marathon movies, think Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Bourne Series and Pride and Prejudice and I'm sure I can squeeze in a few more!!

Happy Stitching to all!!

Easter Quilt Extravaganza

2011-04-12T08:42:00.004+10:00

On Saturday I headed off to the Brighton Easter Quilt Extravaganza.

I set up Helen's trade table as she had to take No.3 to a ballet lesson first.

This event was well attended as you can see from the photo below

Beside the Hugs 'n Kisses table was my gorgeous friend Fee

Fee had some great bargains on the day!

Pauline from Calico Crossroads was even there (sorry no photo), she was still buzzing from her trip away to Koch's Boot Camp. I bought some lovely fabrics from her stand, Lecien Basics and a lovely horse print, perfect print for my latest snugglybug block.

There was also a new to me shop from New Norfolk called Patchwork Cafe, Janine had some beautiful goods for sale and I couldn't help myself and had to buy these lovelies

From Helen's stand I picked up one of Cori's Patterns

Love this quilt!

My Mum was there too with friends Heather and Polly, Heather gave me some lovely vintage buttons and Mum gave me the cutest little crocheted doily bag for storing a cotton reel, it stops the real from unravelling and you just pull the string out as you need it. I also got a scarf but I haven't got a photo to share.

There were lots of other traders there too from Tassie, it was a great event and a tribute to the lovely ladies that organised the day!

Sunday afternoon held some excitement, a bingle right at our driveway, thankfully no-one was injured, just a bruised ego for the young man driving the ute and lots of property damage and upset visitors to our neighbours

Raggedy Station

2011-04-05T09:32:00.000+10:00

Tess over at Raggedy Station has just opened a new shop please go and visit, she's even having a giveaway to celebrate.

Gifts

2011-04-01T09:39:00.000+11:00

Thought I'd show you some gifts I have received recently. This little bundle is from Jan of Little Red Hen. Jan felw over from Victoria for the Quilted Crow's Gathering and stayed at our place on the Saturday night.

Jan's so lovely, felt like I'd known her for ages and this was the first time we'd met.

The second gift is from Rosie of Happy Rosie

Rosie gave me this hexagon purse after helping her with her blog problems.

Thank-you Jan and Rosie for the lovely pressies, I feel very spoiled.

The Quilted Crow's Gathering

2011-03-28T09:35:00.021+11:00

I was up bright and early Saturday to pick up Jan of Little Red Hen from the airport, we first went to Salamanca Markets (sorry no pics) for a very brief market experience then it was off to The Quilted Crow's gathering. Of course we sat with all our other bloggy friends

Back Lto R Leanne, Roseanne, Lib, Vicki

Front Lto R Sarah, Me, Fee, Jan

Our guest tutors for the day were the famous duo Leanne and Rosalie. Their projects were gorgeous, I started Leanne's needle roll.

Here's Leanne showing Roseanne and Jan how to sew Dresdons.

Hmmm and I haven't got one pic of Rosalie on my camera but we chatted with her alot. Rosalie explained all the different fussy cuts you can get out of her Sweet Broderie range, perfect for the circles on her bag and Leanne's Vignette hexagon quilt. I'm going to have to get myself alot more of that fabric!

Sarah got to show Leanne her version of the Remember pin board from Vignette Issue 1

Leanne signed my copies of Vignette Issue 1 and 2, they'll be treasures forever now and she also showed us her Vignette Quilt but no sneak peaks of the next block.

Our lovelys hosts Leonie and Dierdre also provided some gorgeous projects.

Dierdre's beautiful wall hanging which she says will fit perfectly on a door.

Leonie made a beautiful table runner and birthday book, you can see both on the blog.

And I had to finish with this beautiful photo of one of the windows on the church, so beautiful!

Happy Bithday Sweet Shell

2011-03-27T15:10:00.000+11:00

Sending big bunny hugs to one of the most sweetest people I know!

I hope we get to meet face to face one day

Happy Birthday Shell May of The Rasberry Rabbits!!!

Kiss noises Jo!

(P.S. To visit others paticipating in this linky birthday fun go here)

Tis The Season!

2011-03-22T09:50:00.000+11:00

Here's what I've been working on for the last three weeks. I've been stitching these blocks every night and enjoying stitching with one colour, needs very little brain activity, backstitch, running stitch, occassional french knot and wee bit of satin stitching. It's so relaxing. Yesterday was my rostered day off and in between some secret squirrel stuff I put the borders on and joined it together...

Now I'm hoping with this out of the way I'll be able to refocus back onto Gardener's Journal and get it finished once and for all!!

P.S. Visit my friend Fee's blog for a fabulous giveaway!

A Giveaway, a pillow and some sadness

2011-03-15T09:11:00.000+11:00

Susan in Texas is having a giveaway to celebrate 3 years of blogging, please pop on over and say hello!

Remember Shell's Bunny Love cushion I was putting together, well I finally bought some filling and have finished it, it's so beautiful!

On a much sadder note the devastation that has struck Japan has left me speechless, I'm so concerned for the country and all it's people. My heart goes out to them all as they deal with the aftermath of the earthquake and Tsunami.

I pray for lots of miracles!

Red, red my world is red

2011-03-07T08:35:00.000+11:00

I took part in Maree's Colour Swap and I was lucky to receive my parcel of loveliness from Vanessa of Piecing, Patching. My Chosen colour was red and Vanessa spoilt me with a beautiful knitted cloth, thread, ribbon, fat quarters, strawberry iron-on motif and one of my favourite sweeties, Maltesers Yumm!

Thank-you Vanessa for a gorgeous gift!

Now my pressies went to Maree and they were hand delivered by Fee on Saturday, wish I could have done it myself :-(

Fee and Maree

Maree's chosen colour was brown so keep an eye out on Maree's blog to see what I gave her.

There's snow on the hills!

2011-03-04T11:10:00.000+11:00

It seams we've skipped Autumn and jumped straight into Winter, it's snowing up on our lovely Mt Wellington! Bbbbrrrrrrrr

I knew I should have gone to sunny Brissie with Fee!

(A little bird told me they're having a ball)

Things We Love

2011-02-28T08:44:00.000+11:00

Block 1 from Things We Love BOM finished.

I'm making my blocks 6 1/2" to use in amongst other blocks I'm making with FIS.

Click on the link on my sidebar if you want to do this Free BOM, bought to blogland from The Gumtree Girls.

Speaking of things we love, I love old keys. I picked up this one, only 1 1/2" long, from the markets while shopping with fellow Treasure Hunter Fee.

Goodies for sale

2011-02-26T16:45:00.002+11:00

I'm having a bit of a clean out, I picked up these goods at shows and I either haven't found the right project or my tastes have changed. I'll post these anywhere in Australia or NZ for $5. Sorry but places outside these countries will have to pay the standard Australia Post Rates

So up for Sale is....

~~Lilly and Will Jelly Roll in Pinks and Browns for $35~~ SOLD

Fat Quarter Bundle of Panache by Sanae for $110

~~Fat Quarter Bundle of Boutique by Chez Moi for $130~~ SOLD

Send me an email if you'd like to purchase any of these.

Mother Nature's at it again!

2011-02-22T17:21:00.000+11:00

Mother Nature is at it again and struck a cruel blow to our neighbour, New Zealand.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those in Christchurch affected by another earthquake.

What a great stitching week I've had!

2011-02-21T16:34:00.001+11:00

It's been a busy week at my place, lots of stitching to show and with hubby away for a weekend I squeezed in as much stitching as I could. Plus it was my rostered day-off today so what else can I do but stitch but it's where I stitched that made it most enjoyable.

So to start with I finished two more Gardener's Journal blocks, only two more to go.

Block E

and Block F.

I'll be having another big week of stitching at nights to finish the remaining two blocks and putting the top together so I can join in the Tis the Season Stitch-a-long on time.

Next I started and came very close to finishing the Bunny Love cushion that Shell sent me, look Shell I nearly finished it!

one more vine to go and then lots of beads to sew on.

And where was I stitching today, where else but Toby's, oh I mean his mumma's place, Fee's!

Isn't he the sweetest little dog, such a cutie.

Better sit down for this Stina I finally finished your bear! it's only taken me 12 months, actually longer, she's going to be headed your way this week. She's a little bit of sunshine from the South Pole going to the North Pole to brighten a cold chilly day

Thank-you for all the lovely messages regarding my Aunty's passing, they're greatly appreciated.

RIP Brenda

2011-02-18T09:00:00.032+11:00

This week we sadly farewell my lovely Aunty Brenda. I spent alot of my youth at her house, playing with my cousin Carrie. Brenda's chocolate cakes and trifle were always a treat.

I have lots of lovely memories that I will cherish forever.

Today my thoughts are with Uncle Graeme, Cousin's Don, Neri, Gareth and Carrie and their partners and children. Wish I could be there with you all.

RIP Brenda xxx

Blogging buddies are so generous!

2011-02-16T17:02:00.000+11:00

Lovely surprises in the mail this week.

First one was from Chookyblue for winning her 800th post, I still can't fathom that she has written 800 posts, what a dedicated blogger Chooky is! Chooky is also the source I go to if I need any bloggy questions answered, she has some great tutorials.

Here's the beautifully wrapped surprise with one of her cards on the front

and inside was a gorgeous table runner, more fabulous cards, a notepad and one of her snazzy key fobs.

Thank-you Chooky for a wonderful prize!

The second parcel was from Michelle at The Rasberry Rabbits.

I love Shell's stories and photos about her two rabbits Sugie and Harrington, they're so darn cute!

Shell is also a very talented designer and her works feature beautiful Valdani threads, I've used these before for punchneedles but when I saw the pretty thread used in her most recent project I fell in love with it and of course I wanted to make it and how appropriate it be called "Bunny Love".

Now Shell being the beautiful bloggy friend she is sent me a kit, isn't she just the sweetest.

I almost couldn't unwrap it, it was so beautiful, love that tissue paper!

and inside was all this!

Now I'm going to have to interrupt my stitching on Gardener's Journal to make this pretty pillow, I wonder if I can finish it in a weekend?

Thank-you Shell, I feel very spoilt and look out something will be coming your way soon!

P.S. Shell is also hosting a Free Bom called 12 of Hearts, click on the link on my Sidebar if you want to join in

Lovely Lunch

2011-02-10T13:35:00.000+11:00

Special lunchdate today with lovely friends, Fee & Sarah

Thanks for the great company ladies!

Block C and a Message to Mother Nature

2011-02-07T13:43:00.000+11:00

Another Gardener's Journal block finished, only 4 to go.

Message for Mother Nature

Fair suck of the Sav Miss Mother Nature, don't you think you've inflicted enough pain on Australia?

You've dished out enough already, how about some good news for us!

Heat waves in New South Wales, Flash Floods in Victoria and Fires in Western Australia, don't you think you've gotten a bit carried away?

Message to my fellow Aussies

Stay Safe, no matter what is thrown at you, she'll have to run out of steam soon!

A Sleepless Night

2011-02-03T08:45:00.000+11:00

We've woken this morning to news that areas around Mission Beach and Tully have been hardest hit and thankfully no lives have been lost, I'm praying that remains so as the morning unfolds.
After Cyclone Tracy, the building regulations in Australia changed forever and it seems that all structures built after Tracy have the strength to withstand such a severe storm. There are however older buildings that after Cyclone Larry may have weakened from the gusts of winds and probably not held up to the powerful gusts of Yasi but these are all replaceable and lives are not. As fair dinkum aussies we will rally together in assisting these communities in whichever way we can to help them get back on their feet.
Hugs to all
Jo

Queenslanders battle mother nature again

2011-02-02T17:05:00.002+11:00

Well it was only a couple of weeks ago we were all talking about the devastating floods, which by the way are still working their way down through Australia, and now we turn to another potentially catastrophic event.

This has been highlighted in The Courier Mail (A Queensland newspaper). This picture is quite grim and compares Hurricane Katrina to Cyclone Yasi amongst other well know cyclones Tracy in 1974 and Larry in 2006. The comparison is frightening.

(for a better picture from Courier Mail go Here)

I think this picture says it all.

Some people are getting out while they can and others are staying to watch their homes, a very brave bunch.

To all my Northern Queensland relatives and friends, batten down the hatches and stay safe, I'm thinking of you all.

Hugs

Happy Australia Day

2011-01-26T10:39:00.000+11:00

G'day everone, Happy Australia Day!

This is one of my favourite Aussie Icons, The Tassie Devil. Living in Tassie I've never seen them in the wild but you can hear them. Isn't he the cutest little fellow.

I'll be kicking back a bit later with some mates, having a barbie while the kids swim in the pool.

Enjoy yourselves!

Hugs

Slow progress

2011-01-24T17:14:00.000+11:00

I'm making slow progress on Gardener's Journal, blocks D & H are now complete.

I haven't given up on this quilt yet, I'll get it finished one day!

I posted Bec's Stitching Around the Block to Kez today and before I do anymore GJ I have to complete Round 4 of Kez's block.....which means lots of Hexies!

Happy Stitching!

Thank-you Rasberry Rabbits!

2011-01-13T10:50:00.000+11:00

A lovely surprise was waiting for me yesterday from sweet Shell and her bunniful assistants Sugie and Harrington from The Rasberry Rabbits

Thank-you for all this goodness, Lavender is one of my most favourite scents and yes that's an empty chockie wrapper, delicious Peppermint Bark, gotta find me more of that Yummo! Silly me shared the second one with my hubby.

Now don't forget Shell's 12 of Hearts BOM that starts today

and the Queensland Flood Appeal continues, see the previous post for links.

Hugs to all Queenslanders affected by the flooding, I'm thinking of you and praying you all stay safe.

1974 revisited

2011-01-11T16:37:00.004+11:00

My beloved Queensland, or otherwise known to true blue Queenslanders as God's Country is copping an absolute drenching. I feel helpless so far away in Tasmania (second only to God's Country).

My family and friends stretch far and wide across the state and thankfully none are right in the heart of the flooding but extremely close or cut off by it.

I remember the 1974 flood and paddling around in the water aged five and I can't believe it's going to exceed that. Latest predictions are that 6500 homes will be inundated in Brisbane...Yikes! I'm following the news closely and pray that no further lives are lost.

Stay safe my fellow Queenslanders!

Ways in which we can help

Toni from Make it Perfect in hosting the Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions

So spread the word by adding the banner to your blog, or facebook page and get ready to bid on the auctions which will go live on Monday the 24th of January 2011.

The Gum Tree Designer Girls are requesting sewing kits go here for more details.

UFO's have started landing!

2011-01-03T12:51:00.000+11:00

I started this project back in September 2009, it was a mystery quilt marathon held by Helen and Molly to raise funds for her World Youth Challenge. Well Molly has been to Namibia and has been back now for months and it was time I completed the top.

I had stopped working on this quilt because I wasn't happy with one of the fabrics I'd used so I had to unpick it and put in the green, the rest of the fabrics are from Blessings by Moda.

Now I have two flimsies waiting to be quilted, the other is Angels Story.

My other quilts in various stages of completeness are Gardners Journal and Quilt Aid 2009 then I have many various little stitcheries completed. Not too mention kits waiting to be started. Not sure which project I'll tackle next but I'm determined to have some more finishes before I return to work.

End of 2010

2010-12-31T17:48:00.000+11:00

My New Years Resolution for 2011 is to get Lucy some boots to wear camping. A trip to the vet today to remove 3 grass seeds has depleted the finances even more...

...but it's easy money to part with and Lucy will be back to her old self before I know it.

At the moment she's still a bit groggy.

2010 has been an expensive year, we've spent an absolute fortune on everything from concrete, gravel, pipes, tradesmen, kitchen and appliances.

My wish for next year is that life becomes less unpredictable and we all are happy and healthy.

That wish extends to all my bloggy friends, I hope 2011 is a prosperous year for you all and that our friendships continue on throughout another year of this fun journey together.

See you in 2011!

Hugs

Camping and Xmas Swaps

2010-12-30T12:30:00.000+11:00

I have much blogging to catch up with after escaping to the bush for the last five days. We camped beside the beautiful Ringarooma River amongst fox gloves which played havoc with my hayfever but it was so relaxing. The sound of the river and birds was wonderful for my soul.

We did spend Xmas morning at home and I was so excited as I opened all my gifts.

These are the gifts I received from Marie of Wonderwoman (Not!) in Chookyblue's SSCS 2010

Gorgeous decorations to adorn my house every xmas, Thank-you Marie for the beautiful pressies and to Chooky for hosting another great swap.

These are the gifts I received from Carol - Narromine Quilt Club in Marie's (On My Verandah) Xmas Swap

Thank-you Carol, I felt so overwhelmed with all these beautiful gifts, it made me cry with delight!

Thank-you Marie for another fun swap.

I posted gifts to Maricarmen and to Gai in both of these swaps.

That's it from me for today, I'll post some more pics tomorrow and in the meantime I have loads of washing to do!

Cheerio!!

One More Sleep...

2010-12-24T21:04:00.000+11:00

...Till the man in the red coat and white beard squeezes down tiny chimneys or magically opens front doors to put pressies under trees. My son tells me he's going to wake up at 3am, I have news for him!

Thank-you for reading my little corner of the blogoverse and becoming my friends even though most of us have never met in person. It's been a wonderful journey so far and I look forward to continuing on in 2011.

I hope you all have a magic day tomorrow with family and friends and the man in the red coat and white beard leaves you something special.

Merry Christmas!!

P.S. I'll be back online after New Years to show you what I received from Marie in Chookyblue's SSCS and from Carol in Maree's Xmas Swap.

Lunch for busy girls

2010-12-22T15:16:00.001+11:00

H and I are both busy ladies and it's hard to tie us down for a casual lunch and chat but we managed to find sometime today that suited us both. We lunched at a local cafe, caught up on what's been happening since we last met and exchanged gifts, H now has her own little stitching tote and I received a gorgeous box of 6" squares in xmas prints. I'll show you them next post I do.

I love this little bag, so quick and easy to make and handy for sitting on a table full of all your sewing bits and bobs, mine goes everywhere with me.

~~I've only got two patterns left of this project then there'll be no more.~~ ***SOLD***

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple more pics then I'll be signing off for the Xmas Period.

Cheerio!

Simply Christmas

2010-12-20T08:56:00.000+11:00

Kerryanne from Shabby Art Boutique has been hosting Simply Christmas and has had some wonderful guest designers and giveaways and I've been so lucky to win two of them! Arriving today is this gorgeous plum pudding painting by Kerryanne herself, isn't she so talented. I love how she has achieved the glass dome effect!

The second prize will be here soon so I'll show you it when it arrives.

Thank-you Kerryanne for hosting Simply Christmas and to all those designers who contributed!

This 'n That

2010-12-15T10:29:00.002+11:00

Fee and I had our xmas lunch yesterday at a local hotel, can't go past Chicken parmy, chips and salad. It was scrumptious, especially with a Cascade Blonde great thirst quencher on a hot day. We exchanged gifts, Fee really spoilt me with a beautiful handmade pouch and needlecase

and two books I've been wanting to buy

now I can definitely part in Chookyblue's Stitch-a-long for 2011

but I do need to finish the Gardner's Journal top first.

Awhile ago I won a giveaway on "It's and Alien Life's blog" and in the mail arrived Punkin, she's so cute and is now feeling right at home amongst some of my other raggy dolls (She's the one in the middle!)

Thank-you ValeryAnne!

Arriving this week was a Xmas package from one of the Club Quilt Narromine ladies, Carol.

This swap was arranged by Maree from On My Verandah.

I was only allowed to open one gift and I must say I was blown away, Carol's stitching is so beautiful!

I feel so spoilt!! Thank-you Carol, I can't wait to unwrap the rest on Xmas Day!

My parcel was also recieved by Gai, also one of the Club Quilt Narromine Girls.

I haven't done a great deal of stitching the last few weeks, work has been happening around the home which has disrupted life a little.

Thank-you to my darling husband for the endless hours you have put in to getting the room ready for the installation of our brand new kitchen!

After Xmas we'll arrange the splashbacks and tiling but in the meantime we have hallway walls to paint and more cement sheeting to nail down. Oh and blinds to hang back up on the window and a corner to be fitted around the top of the cupboards.

That's our christmas present this year and I'm enjoying cooking in my new kitchen.

Have a lovely day everybody!

What's come in and what's gone out!

2010-12-09T14:38:00.000+11:00

What a lovely surprise to come home to find a parcel waiting for me from my blogging buddy Maria (Wonderwoman [Not]!). I opened it wondering what would Maria be sending me and what a great surprise to find she was my partner in Chookyblue's SSCS. Everything so beautifully wrapped

We're allowed to open the ornament gift but the rest must go under the tree until xmas day...can I be so strong!

This is the beautiful ornament Maria made, I wonder what she's put in the other parcels?

Here's the goodies I've sent to ..... for Maree's Xmas swap

They only have to fly across Bass Strait and one more state to reach their destination.

Scrapping Intermission

2010-11-30T19:36:00.000+11:00

I've joined Jessica Sprague's Inspiration Everywhere online class.

Our first task was to create an Art Journal cover so here's my creation

I might tweak it a little bit as I'm not 100% happy with it yet but it was fun pulling out the scrapping stuff and doing something other than stitching.

Our next task is to create a dedication page on the first page, that will require a bit of creative writing.

I've done a few of Jessica's freebie classes now, they're well structured. There's alot more classes available that I'd also like to do one day. I love learning new things and being inspired by others.

Happy Creating!

Healing Hearts on their way to NZ

2010-11-29T08:35:00.000+11:00

Words not needed

It's time

2010-11-26T09:29:00.000+11:00

Time for quilting bloggers to rally behind another tragedy and do what we do best, create!

29 miners lost their lives doing their job and left behind family and friends. As a wife of an ex-miner who put himself at risk each day he went underground it breaks my heart that these partners, husbands, fathers, sons and brothers will not be walking through their front doors again. Such a devastating loss. We all expect workplaces to be safe and our loved ones to come home each day.

Shirley from Dyeing2Design has sent a call out to show our support for those affected by this tragedy, can you help? Click on this link for all the details.

Lilly Pilly

Red, red and more red!

Paper and Fabric

Let's Get Stitched in Tassie

No More Procrastinating

Crafting Mojo

Friends In Stitching

Tags

Happy New Years

SSCS 2011 Pressies

Secret Santa

Button Ornaments from Cindy

SSCS is Here!

SSCS parcel for Caroline

Christmas is Coming and Fast!!

Tag Book Swap

Welcome to Hagley Farm School!

More Buttons!

Oh Happy Day!

The B's have it! Basketball, Buttons and Book!

1500+

Swap FRIENDS

Midnight Madness

Lilly Pilly

Mail and More Mojo

Stitching has resumed

FRIENDS Swap 2011

We Have a Winner!

Still time to enter TGIF GIVEAWAY!

TGIF GIVEAWAY!

Thrifty Belated Thursday

Wish I could show you some stitching....

Australia Celebrates Sam!

I loooovee buttons!

Mojo is near

Mojo Come Home!!!

North Carolina

Trinkets

Red and White

Missing my Mojo so I'm Doodling Instead!

Memories of Maria, our neighbour

Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Belated Sunday Show and Tell

Stitching

Xmas in July

Lots to see here!

Blogger Meet Up

The Joy of Sewing ATC

What am I doing?

Bad Blogger!

In and Out at Lilly Pilly

Put an end to Brutality!

Books and Flowers

Stitching Around the Block

Lucky Girl

Happy Rosie

Yahoo

Meeting for the first time!

Vintage Lace

ATC swapping

Canvas Art

Happy Dancing!

SPAM

While the boys are away, Mumma will stitch!

Good Friday

Paper Roses

Swap-diddly-umptious

Easter Quilt Extravaganza

Raggedy Station

Gifts

The Quilted Crow's Gathering

Happy Bithday Sweet Shell

Tis The Season!

A Giveaway, a pillow and some sadness

Red, red my world is red

There's snow on the hills!

Things We Love

Goodies for sale

Mother Nature's at it again!

What a great stitching week I've had!