Lurline's Place!

I'm Still With the Elephants!

2012-02-11T11:02:00.005+08:00

Not a lot happening here stitchwise - just this morning I've had a little play while having my coffee!

I'm really going to enjoy quilting this little quilt. It has been professionally basted by a friend at my local patchwork group - oh, too easy! I have a nice little collection of Perle 8 threads, no gold or yellow, so I'm going around this elephant with a light tan - looks okay!

I think my mojo has returned - maybe I will indulge myself this afternoon and talk to my Janome for a little while. There is so much whirling around in my creative matter up there - it is just so good to feel totally well - cross fingers it lasts! Hoping you are all having a great day out there!

Elephant Flimsy!

2012-02-03T11:26:00.003+08:00

The top is finished - it has been fun! Basting next and then to hand quilt with Perle thread.I will use various different colours of thread, so let's hope as I get into the swing of it, the stitches will become even - well sort of anyhow, as I'm not one to let it send me crazy if not! I was lying in bed last night reading my Kindle and covered by an old fine hand quilted quilt - I would have been so hard on myself at the time I did it and now I look at it and think wow! - I just love it!

This is really not a good pic, my next project! Sampler by Karen Cunningham - now where am I going to get all those yummy fabrics? By the way, this is just the centrepiece, tiny blocks, let's hope the patience lasts as I really love this quilt. No instant gratification here, let's hope things go smoothly in my life.

Happy weekend all!

One Panel Complete!

2012-01-25T10:42:00.007+08:00

Sounds wonderful, doesn't it and now I have mislaid the insert with templates of smaller elephants - oh well, now I will have to play the artist and draw smaller elephants or try to downsize on my printer!I must say, I am really enjoying playing with these little fellows and using the great fabrics.
I think a lot more applique will happen this year - very relaxing! This one will be hand quilted in Perle thread, so I am really looking forward to that too. We are experiencing a heatwave here in Perth, so nice to be indoors in the cool - Australia is having extremes in weather, so let's hope we all stay safe.
Happy Stitching Girls and Guys!

Back to the Elephants!

2012-01-21T14:30:00.004+08:00

I've missed a lovely lunch with my Girlfriends! - now I feel free to indulge myself in preparing more applique for my Elephant Quilt - hope to get a lot done this weekend!I ordered some gorgeous fabric from Kelani this week - see my Sidebar - lovely folks to deal with. The fabric is 'Happy Sweet Collection' by Kei Fabric Japan - it is a glorious texture, not quite as light as Liberty. I would have preferred it to have been a bit whiter background, but I think if I can stick to a whiteish batting it will be nice - oh, I don't have any plans for it, we'll see! Maybe another Liberty quilt!
Just look at this pavlova made by Sue-Ann of Buddy & Me - amazing! This one surely 'takes the cake' - hey, don't be so sad you Kiwis, lol!

Yummo! Is it afternoon tea time?

A Scrappy Week!

2012-01-20T10:59:00.009+08:00

This has been fun - at last I am ready to announce a winner and I will post her parcel on Monday - hopefully, because I need some details. Congratulations Sandie from crazy'boutquilts, would love to hear from you soon and a big thank you to Jodi from A Pleasant Home, this has been a really nice experience for me and I do love your blue Dresden! I will continue to follow you to check out what is happening in your part of the world.Two little stacks of scraps - one repro and one modern - the top scraps my precious Keiko Goke.
And the little scrappy Whirlygig - hope you find a nice little spot for this Sandie.
I hope I will make Dianne of Sewmanmaniac Quilter happy - her little quilt above is all packed up and ready to post, so I hope DH will do so this afternoon. I must apologize to you and Mary from My Needle and Thread for being so late getting the parcel to you. DH has just gone out with parcel in hand so let's hope all goes well from here on in!

More big tidy-ups this afternoon - the weekend que sera, sera! Hope you all have a lovely one!

One Last Little Thing!

2012-01-14T12:12:00.007+08:00

One last little thing to my Giveaway! I've decided to give this scrappy little quilt as a gift instead of rushing applique - this quilt is 17" square and the blocks just over 3". Cute as and I will machine quilt today or tomorrow. Notice the Dresden Plate quilt I have on my dining table, there for all to see and enjoy - this one was an award winner too!The little quilt above is part of a BOM I never did finish - must get accurate measurements before it is posted.
Here are some repros I have sorted out and the big tidy-up is on this afternoon - while doing this I will pull out my very favourite, bright scraps. You have until tomorrow evening to join in the Giveaway - please leave any Comments on previous Post.

Pop over to Jodi's Pleasant Home - she has some very nice things going on there and she would love to hear from you.

An Invitation - 2012 Sew Scraps Along!

2012-01-10T21:17:00.011+08:00

I'm thrilled to be able to welcome you to join in Jodi's 2012 Sew Scraps Along - please click on her button just to the left here! Thank you for choosing me to participate by selecting my Tutorial Dresden Plate, Jodi and it is a wonderful to see any newbies who drop in, thank you too! I'm happy to show you my scraps - well, partly my stash because I do tend to work with the smaller cuts of fabrics.

The Dresden Plate was made with Kaffe fabrics, just love his creations and now I am working on my current unnamed project using some gorgeous Keiko Goke fabrics and a few plains.

Here's a few more - I love whimsy too!

My kinda scraps put to use below!

I'm thinking, as Nanette of Freda's Hive has done previously (dam! I just cannot set up links at the moment! Please check Nanette's blog on my Sidebar!) I'll have a lovely Giveaway ending Sunday 15 January and let you know who's lucky next Tuesday the 17th. I do have lots of lovely reproduction fabrics - if these are the fabrics of your choice, please mention.

I'm flying on a wing and a prayer here - have not been known to be faint-hearted! - my intention is to make a nice, small wall hanging for a winner - if it isn't finished by close-off, it will be soon after and those dear Posties keep delivering. I love applique and also Kim McLean's gorgeous designs.

So looking forward to your visits to Jodi's Pleasant Home and to My Place too! I may post again on this subject soon to tie up any loose ends - to join in for the Givaways, please Comment on this post!

Happy Thoughts!

2012-01-06T10:43:00.004+08:00

This gorgeous bag goes back quite a long time and I have received so many comments over the years. It has a lovely little story to it! In my very early days of blogging I was in a swap and Stephanie of Loft Creations was my partner. When this gorgeous bag arrived I was shocked - was this the sort of style and quality we used in Blogger Swaps? Wasn't I the Lucky Girl to enter into this world of quilt blogging! Thank you so very much Stephanie - love you♥ I'm sorry, my linky thingo is not working, I'm sure so many of you know of Stephanie, though!

Dear son, David who is bobbing around in the Indian Ocean on a gas platform at the moment, is our gardener, Good Boy, and has grown these delightful Kangaroo Paws, the floral emblem of the state of Western Australia - the yellow ones are not quite so common though just lovely, I think!

It is nice to be almost back to normal after the Festival Season, here I sit trying to decide if I will take myself shopping hoping the sale crowds have settled. Happy stitching Girls!

No Name Yet!

2012-01-01T12:20:00.005+08:00

A new day, a new year, a new project! Oh, I've made lots of resolutions and have decided to acccept que sera, sera! Lets hope it is a good year for all of us! Project 1 - a baby quilt, inspired by a quilt by Jenny Kingwell and feautured in the latest Australian Quilters Companion. I love elephants, I love whimsy and I really need a smallish project for what might lay ahead. This year I am going to try to improve my Perle thread quilting, maybe making it a bit smaller - I dont know!

I have started to use a few Keiko fabrics - oh, nice! And they don't crush so much either, nice. That tiny little perfect tail - after a bit of frustrating fiddling, I used a method I came across in my early days of applique - thanks Robin Ginn, some nice tricks!

This little chap has been hiding!

A sort of an idea about where I am heading - look, I loved doing the little bit of applique I did yesterday - still have the strips to stitch down, then more elephants and strips to prepare. It is sad there's no wee babies in sight, maybe one day! I hope those of you who aren't resting or frolicking are getting a bit of stitching done - 'they' say what you do on the first day of the year you will continue for the rest of the year!

Keiko Goke!

2011-12-29T11:57:00.005+08:00

The mailman came yesterday - I have been waiting patiently. These gorgeous fabrics are by Keiko Goke - a nice little collection - enjoy!

Maybe the scissors will start into them tomorrow - too gorgeous to touch!

Laughing All the Way!

2011-12-26T11:22:00.004+08:00

Isn't it just a beautiful time of year - I'm here really enjoying myself - giggling all the while! Carols have been softly playing, how come? My desk is a mess and lo and behold under that mess there is a musical Christmas card and the last bit of mess must have just laid enough weight to trigger the music - oh, maybe the medication is starting to affect me and do you know what? - I am just going to enjoy it!

Now isn't this the most gorgeous bag you have ever seen? From my SSCS partner Maria of Momaquilt in Denmark - damn! my highlighter won't work! - I'll keep trying. Anyhow I just think this is the dinkiest bag I have ever received, and see the two littlies, I think this girl is just so talented - wow! perfection! Love it - thank you so much, Maria.

Yesterday was just so lovely and I'm sure we all receive special little presents - well, I am an avid reader, as are we all in this house, and I just cannot wait to find out what this little gem is all about - so I hope you are all enjoying a great Festive Season and resting up today, I'm off to play!

"Just Relax - It Will Be Christmas Anyway!"

2011-12-22T13:41:00.006+08:00

I've had this parcel of happiness for a few days now - today, such fun to open - a gorgeous heart for the tree, a pressie for Sunday and a Danish chocolate to enjoy now ... like one? ... oh, you would, mine is nougat and sea salt, a wonderful combination. Bless you and thank you,Maria!

The words above are just so appropriate - just wait until I tell you! And the Perle stitching I love so much - my goodness, so even too - fabric by our own Lynette Anderson. I must now wait until Sunday to open the biggie, I just know it will be gorgeous. What can one say - thank you for sharing your happiness with me Maria. Thank you, too, Donna for all your organization, just wonderful!

I have had so many wonderful friends who have helped and comforted me for a couple of years now, and it thrilled me to give this special piece of artwork to a special friend. It is an art form called pyrography, woodburning done by Spencer James from the small town of Toodyay, north/east of us - I wish you could all enjoy the beauty of this blue wren in her home!

I've been meaning to tell you about this erasable pen, available just about everywhere, newsagents and food stores too - wonderful for marking fabric and iron away - I've tested it and am very happy and feeling and confident with it, but I'll be pleased to hear stories to the contrary if there are any. Now, the soap - just fabulous I was happily drawing away on fabric with what I thought was the pen above - oh, no, it was ordinary Biro. Panic, panic try everything, and this little beauty got me out of trouble - over here, I bought it at Howard's Storage, the best little saviour one could have - please have it on hand if you can.Now, I'll try to be brief - thank you all the prayers and good wishes since my car accident early November - no relief from pain has been forthcoming after over 7 weeks - the outcome is the sternal fracture is overlapping the fractured fragments and bony union, so I am now on morphine patches and waiting to see a cardio thoracic surgeon 8 January- until then I'll try to be good and try not to whinge too much, says she with gritted teeth and real tears, not crocodile tears as we say here!

I have lots of stitching to prepare to keep me in handwork if and when the time comes - meanwhile I'll raise a glass of champagne to absent friends, now that will make me feel a whole lot better - 'til next time

Scrap Quilts = Mess!

2011-12-18T12:06:00.007+08:00

Everything is buzzing! Such a busy time of year - oh, yes, I still have things to do. Meanwhile, I have decided to stick with my x and + blocks, at least one each day, come hell or high water, lol! Julie will be happy to hear this and so will Cathy. I think I'm on the right track, maybe one black cross to each three or four blocks of other colours.

My Madonna Lily in the tele/computer room never ceases to bloom - I love the flowers saying hello to me as I walk into the room. The mess is saying 'please, tidy me!' so lots to do there. Also I'm still having quite a bit of trouble with Blogger, which takes up precious time. Blogs I Follow need to have several removed, anyone who has any hints to pass on, please do!

2011-12-13T14:39:00.004+08:00

Just a little sneak-peek - yes, Mary, I'm slowly getting there. I guess we are all having busy days, I went to Garden City shopping yesterday, fighting rain, storms and the crowds, sosd no stitching llast night!
Just a little to do on the binding now, maybe a little hand quilting and trhen it will bee on the big silver bird!Below - here she is my Bluebell - a zoom-soom Mazda3. A very nice car to drive, so let's hope she keeps me and all safe!

Last night my twin grandchildren went on a river cruise to see out the end of Year 10 at school. I think most of you know I have twins and both my daughters have twins - all boys and girls - so here's the 15 year olds. I can hear you saying 'Oh my gosh!'

So gorgeous and I'm so proud of them!

This was the third attempt at shopping for Ayesha's dress - of course she wanted black and to wear very, very high heels - I must say I had more to say than my two bobs worth. I think Angela and I did very well to win that battle. Ayesha does have curly hair, but Angela, a former hairdresser, did spend more than two hours on it with the curling tongs. Oh, I do hope they had a fun evening!

Lazy day here today, and now I'm off to buy ingredients for a Christmas cake, some of which I will take to our Christmas Party at my local RPWG. Ta-ta for now!

Oh, Oh, Oh Beautiful Day!

2011-12-10T16:46:00.002+08:00

What a beautiful day we have here, more like spring than summer - not too hot and beautiful breezes!

My daughters and I spent the morning sitting outdoors with Heidi and Byron having fun chatting about our Christmas Day itinerary and planning our menu. We are doing an Aussie Christmas, the morning at the beach and then Reef and Beef for Mains and Marshmallow Pavlova for Sweets - sound good?

Hmmm, Blogger is hopping all about the place - never mind! I have dragged out two cross stitch decorations done many years ago - how wonderful they don't fade! Both are of very vintagey Santas.

This little dolly I can't keep, though I would love to - I didn't make her either! - fancy knitting such a wincey hat, cardy and stockings. I did leave some of her sisters behind and I think I just might have to adopt another two or three! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend - I have some quilting to do and then just one more, maybe two, more pressies to make!
Hugs - Lurline♥

My Liberty Quilt!

2011-12-07T10:29:00.000+08:00

Oh, so beautiful! Girlfriends and I celebrated our Christmas Lunch yesterday and just look at the beautiful quilt they have made for me. It all started earlier in the year when I was trying to plod along with Liberty Lawn prints trying to make this beautiful log cabin and pinwheel design by Miss Print - thank you so much Kaye. Lots of little pinwheels and narrows strips,goodness knows how many different prints - well, Girlfriends! took over for me and it is now finished except for the binding and I will show lots more pics then - aren't my friends just the best and I will treasure this quilt forever!

Here's the Girls - top/left Jan, just looking like she has puckered up, lol! Gwen with the face of an angel, and our dear Shari of Mummsyblossom's World. Below starting from the left - Robin who has put sooo much work into the organization, a wonderful friend. Then we have Moi!, then Barb, being silly, I know but I just love it, I knew she was up to some nonsense - Barb quilted my quilt and we are all so lucky to have Barb with us - a great organizer, too and sort of Mother Hen to all of us, and I mean that in the nicest way!

This is my pressie from Secret Santa - just gorgeous, English bone china and a very large size cup - I'm a coffee drinker, so it will have to be a coffee cup - I will feel sooo posh!
I'm battling away with new computer and seem to be getting there though very time consuming, let's hope all the pennies drop soon - for now Happy Day!

Hello, Hello!

2011-12-04T12:00:00.002+08:00

Let's hope I can talk to all you, Dear Friends! Yes, it has been a long time - lots of things have been happening and I am now being challenged with a new computer who knows lots of different things to what I do, so I will try to post while I can - please let me, lol!

Oh, I know seems like the text is centred, too - never mind! Now to what'sbeen happening - I went to a retreat at Toodyay last weekend, still a bit sore and sorry for myself, but it was really lovely and I did get some sewing done. Lovely company, hospitality comfort and food, couldn't be better!

The block above is one of the two blocks I have done -what a Dummy, it has been the only pic I could resize and that took me ages to jag - it is a 16" block using templates by Sue Ross. It is quite intricate and requires a little patience, but I am really happy with it.

Of course like everyone else, I am busy finishing Christmas pressies - a lot of fun, just wish I wasn't so pressed for time! My New Years resolutions will be a veeery long list for 2012. I'm so looking forward to moving forward and hopefully enjoying every little thing - I must have been a very wicked girl in my previous life!

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend - stitching, enjoying festivities! I will show you my new car soon - lots of good fun buying new things, but very time-consuming!

WIP - Thank You Sarah!

2011-11-17T14:03:00.003+08:00

Perhaps a brave step, but I am enjoying it! This is a small quilt designed by Sarah Fielke and shown in her book Quilting from little things ... This book has quite a few great projects, so all in all a good investment! The eagle has been pressed over freezer paper and is ready for stitching tonight. Then to quilt - will it be by machine or Perle 8 by hand - we'll see how we go for time. I really do like the pieced background - gives me itchy fingers to do more!

I haven't managed to get much sewing done this week - even though I have no car now, I have still managed a couple of days out - just lovely! These gorgeous blooms, Angel Face, have been picked now and adorn my tidy bedroom - oh, what a mess it was! - not only does it smell gorgeous, it is just lovely to be greeted by pretty roses, too. Happy day everyone, I hope to get back into some sewing again tomorrow!

Blogger Likes Me Again!

2011-11-10T11:53:00.005+08:00

Bad luck seems to be following me, so even being able to have a little chat is welcome and makes my day brighter. I have been unable to post for over a week and then all of a sudden late yesterday everything came good - fingers crossed it is onwards and upwards from here on in!
I had finished another circle Monday evening and was happily driving to Mandurah to do a little shopping on Tuesday when BANG! - my car crashed into another - now I'm a very sad little black duck as I have a fractured sternum. Lots of bad pain and a hospital stay and I am still here and very grateful about that. So let's think about pretty quilts and fabrics - it really does ease the pain a little.

Gorgeous fabric - what for? - oh, I don't know, but I love it! I bought the bundle of fat quarters from my LPS Calico & Ivy and it is from the Rowan group by Melissa White - really exciting prints and colours!

I still have Chrissie presents to make - this little quilt From Little Things ... by Sarah Fielke teases me with its quirkiness - oh, yes let's enjoy a little bit of frivolity. It will be nice to have something prepared to while away time with a bit of applique and big-stitch quilting - I can rotary cut a little, can I machine sew? - we'll find out this afternoon.
I'm so sorry I haven't posted Giveaways, etc - I was going to pick up some packaging when I got to the post office - didn't make it sadly!

Happy stitching!

New Fabrics!

2011-10-22T15:14:00.007+08:00

Now you can see what I have done with my two Keiko Goke fabrics, did I tell you I have ordered more, I'm smitten? - kinda cute, huh! The start of an Album Block quilt - could be? And I think the time has come ... I am starting to fall in love ... with my new Janome, whew! thank goodness. While I have been ratting around in my cupboards (again), I have come across the start of a Stars and Sprigs quilt - sadly it will never be, but I really can't leave this sitting in a cupboard - let's see what I can make with perhaps one more applique block!

While I've been in 'My Studio', my David has been dead-heading the roses. Good Boy - he's 37 years old now, one of my twins - just home for R&R! I owe lots to this great guy - keeps my gardens looking lovely!

I've said this before and I'll say it again - when I am finished here, I'm off to cut some Kaffe scraps for a VIP, oh, you know who you are, lol!

Oh, also - must pop over the road to get something nice for dinner - and also, tidy up the mess on my cutting table - I can't see the wood for the trees and really don't function too well under those conditions! Happy weekend everyone!

My Giveaway Winners!

2011-10-20T09:54:00.004+08:00

Here we are - congratulations to the following two girls - Celia from Quilting By Celia and Kerry from A Little Stitching . Celia has won the Owl Kit and Kerry The Sherbet Pips! Thank you to all who have entered - I have spent a lot of time browsing new blogs and making new friends, just lovely - I wish I could have given you all prizes, lol!
There's been a few things going on and as you can see a little retail therapy, too. Another gorgeous book by Suzuko Koseki and two great fabrics by Keiko Goke which I love! Cathy from Cabbage Quilts led me astray and I just had to try - oh, yes I love! And, oh - the white background fabric, just gorgeous with cute little dragonflys, I would have bought metres if there had been more on the bolt. Top r/h corner - just a little sneak peek!
Happy day everyone - I think I am off to one very untidy studio!

Still Going Around in Circles!

2011-10-10T16:11:00.002+08:00

Goodness me - I really enjoy stitching these circles - lovely applique which I love! I didn't realize I had now finished four - the top right just this afternoon. I have broken away from The Circle Game - a bit typical of me with BOM's - I have convinced myself I just don't have the staying power - says she - wait until we see what 2012 brings! With this particular circle, I work on two rounds of fabrics and place the templates on top - it works for me and it is nice to veg out on when chatting at my sewing groups. How many more will I do?

My new funky journal/to-do book - I lost the last one in the big black hole I have in my life! This one is a recipe book and the same size - gorgeous guys, so I'm happy.

Thank you everyone who has popped in for the Giveaway I posted yesterday - lovely to check out new blogs and lots of oldies, too - please keep any Comments to previous blog otherwise they will get lost in 'the big black hole', too! Happy day and as dear Don Lane would have said, 'I love your smiling faces'!

A Giveaway - Enjoy!

2011-10-09T15:25:00.003+08:00

It has been quite a while - I hope you are happy to try your luck! I am giving away the Owl Nesting Quilt Kit (44 x 44 inches) by our very own textile designer Saffron Craig - only 12" of the spot and the binding fabric are not supplied. It will be very simple and lots of fun to make - instant gratification! - hmmm, do I really want to give it away, lol?

Here's anothery! A Layer Cake of Sherbet Pips, a nice little pack of Meadow Friends by Moda and a super pattern by our own Melanie Hurlston, featuring gorgeous little elephants.

I will close off this Giveaway next Sunday 16 October our time. No frills, you don't have to do anything special at all to enter - just have fun and maybe tell your friends. Perhaps the winner/s should have the choice of Number 1 or Number 2 - what do you think? I'd love you to leave a Comment, but more than likely I won't get to reply to all! I am still trying to be a little bit more regular with my Postings.

Will say ta-ta to you with the smell of roses - Seduction I think it is and is somewhere linked to Iceberg - I did ask the opinion of the very nice young male assistant at Bunnings, Seduction!! - a few blushes and then I bought three, lol! - another has been given to me in the meantime by Girlfriends! - oh, I am so easily charmed!

Happy week ahead!

Getting Friendly!

2011-10-02T17:35:00.006+08:00

It just had to happen - quite an investment my new Janome and I have twiddled and fiddled, bought an accufeed quarter inch foot and Bob's your Uncle! I have pieced the baby quilt and feeling quite happy with it - really! - all very simple, but nicely stitched is the main thing. I have used a charm pack as you can see - wonderful little story, and added some odd-bods to add a bit of interest!

On a stormy, showery day, there was gorgeous light and sunshine in 'My Studio' this afternoon!

Illness may be leaving the body and motivation returning - see my sidebar where I have 'pledged' to participate in a BOM - I really think I have enough in my stash to join in the fun and make a new quilt!

Yum and kinda Yum!

DS Number 2 is working offshore sailing in a vessel bringing a platform to a gas rig off Darwin - I love to walk out the front door and enjoy the beautiful roses he has nurtured, love you David!

Hello Miriam of Yellow Roses - love checking out with you!

The weekend is nearly over - hope your footy team won!

For a Little One in England!

2011-09-30T16:23:00.004+08:00

Sorry ... it has been quite a while since I chatted ... not nice to miss out on things. I haven't been well with flu and asthma, a bit of a problem for many in this part of the world - maybe tomorrow will be a better day! I have been asked to make a baby quilt for a newborn baby boy in England, sooooo - I have pulled out some fabrics from the stash! Those middle two, the busy prints, are Japanese fabric I love so much - oh, and I have a charm pack of It's a Hoot - so I figure it will be a very simple 5" patch quilt - let the fabrics do the work, lol!
My new Janome and I still haven't become friends, booh, hoo! Maybe that will happen tomorrow too! Happy stitching all!

To Treasure or Charity?

2011-09-17T13:27:00.007+08:00

I have got myself into a real mess - fabrics everywhere looking for x's and +'s - to cut into bigger pieces or not? ... anyhow, while ratting through boxes I came across this 'old' flimsy made by our group Birds of a Feather in Brisbane - no that's not what it was called - tell me Christine! I could make this into a long story - trust me, I won't! Those were the days when I didn't get to quilting before I started on another project - I'm just a little better these days. I thought 'now that's a nice charity quilt' - how wicked, and now it is growing on me very quickly and the puppies need a new quilt for their spot on the lounge beside me - guess what I am going to do?

Closeup!

Sticking to my promise to myself - I can't quite get perfection on joining those seams, though I am improving, I think, lol!

So delicate, so beautiful ... lots of beautiful buds are about to burst open - what a beautiful time of year!Happy weekend!

PS - just remembered - of course! - our group in Brisbane was Kindred Spirits - thanks Christine, lol!

Remembering ...

2011-09-12T09:34:00.006+08:00

God bless America and all affected by 9/11 - today is a day full of hope! Wow! Not really - still only four blocks complete - I make some silly errors and have to unpick - but I really love the outcome! I have discovered I have enough fabrics to make quilts for everyone - a very messy 'Studio', however will I get it tidy again!

I thought it was all a bit bright - too many fabrics fighting for top spot. Here's one a little quieter and now I see what I have to do to tone it down.

I'm still working on my circles - nice to stitch in the evening while watching tele and chatting to Mum. I love this background fabric - Hope Valley by Denise Schmidt - I'm not sure I have enough, so if someone could be on the lookout for me I would be very happy! It is a very versatile colour and print, don't you think? Oh, another lovely book by Suzuko Koseki, Playful Patchwork.

The first red rose of spring - I planted the bush thinking it was Satchmo and then I thought it wasn't - now seeing the dark tinged bud, I think it must be - a very prolific bloomer!

I have a busy week ahead with specialists for Ed - he's doing very well at long last thank goodness - it seems such a long time!

Happy week!

A New Beginning!

2011-09-07T12:25:00.008+08:00

Hi! Nice to be back - it is so great to have a day at home just to sew! We still have crispy weather with beautiful sunshine - aah, spring! Promises, promises - well here we go! I hope this project doesn't end up being another UFO - WIP, yep, that's okay - maybe one block a day would be nice. I really just love this quilt very scrappy and quite bold, I think that is the appeal. It can be widely seen and I have taken my inspiration from Cathy at Cabbage Quilts and Amy at Badskirt. I love the Japanes novelty prints
so anyone out there who can point me in the right direction to acquiring more, I would love to hear about it - I feel sure there must be a lot of quilt stores here and overseas stocking them, maybe Etsy stores, too.
I'm feeling a bit sad about not having much of a chance to use my new Janome very much - I haven't bonded with her yet, so let's hope now is the time. There are so many gorgeous things happening out there, so tempting!
Hope your day is a happy one!

WIP On One Little Project!

2011-08-24T10:33:00.003+08:00

Oh, this is a bit embarrassing - now where did I find this inspiration? Please tell me if it is yours! We have our RPQ show coming up in September and I have promised to donate some Lucky Door Prizes!

Ready to be quilted! This is 30" square table topper so will be quick and easy - once I get the batting! Not perfect, but it is very effective - I enjoyed playing with the fabrics!

Stitched on my new Janome 6600 - seems to like me, so that is great!

♥

We have a lovely sunny day here and it is oh, so welcome - not too cool either! Shame I haven't got all day to play in 'My Studio' - hope you are enjoying your day!

Happy Birthday, Louise!

2011-08-20T11:33:00.005+08:00

What a fun afternoon! A great time shared with Girlfriends! overlooking the beautiful city of Perth. A perfect afternoon and we all behaved like ladies at the revolving C Restaurant, celebrating Louise's birthday while enjoying High Tea! Here's the Girl of the Day showing her new quilt - quickly put together by Barb and I on behalf of all The Girls! What a birthday to remember!

Gorgeous girl - I think I can say for sure what a thrill the whole day was for all of us!

Here we are toasting with bubbly, just a little as most of us were drivers - thanks, Barb and thank you too for organizing! There's me, second from the right!

The Swan River on a sunny Friday afternoon in Perth!

Yummy fabrics! I must put my beautiful new Janome to use this weekend - it has been such a busy week with Ed coming home - oh, thanks goodness and let's hope we have turned a nice big corner!

Can you see the horses on this fabric - how cute! I bought in both colours, don't know what for, but I really do adore! Happy weekend!

It's All Good!

2011-08-12T10:55:00.005+08:00

Oh, boy - what a change! Firstly, Ed's operation went very well - he's still in hospital and will be home next Monday. He has been so brave and is now talking about the day when he can play bowls again. It is hard to believe life will have some sort of normality again - well maybe in a few weeks - I'm so tired, but it is a good sort of tiredness, lol! Lots to chat about and a lot of excitement - I have been able to stock up on beautiful 4-ply wool - that is one of the good things about driving to the city each day! It will be nice not to be so sidetracked in the evenings and to get down to crochet and applique. See my circle to the right - a few dear bloggers have admired it and asked about a pattern - seeing I have modified the original so much, I feel it is my own, with inspiration coming from the original - so, I hope to be able to help you out as soon as I complete my own design and make sure it works!

My hardanger piece - it was in one of my pics and a few have been interested, so here is a better view - oh, it must be 20 years since I made this and it is still crisp and lovely after so much use!

I can't wait to unpack my gorgeous new friend - I am so excited! This afternoon I will road test it!

These are the fabrics ...

and this is the pattern I will use - I have quite a stash of of gorgeous Kaffe's, mainly 20 - 30cm small cuts, so it should make a nice quilt, fingers crossed! If you have the same, I would love to hear your thoughts on it! I hope to hospital visit tomorrow and then spend a few hours with Girlfriends! I am so looking forward to a little freedom and relaxation, very self-centred I know but it has all just been so long! Happy weekend all!

Old Lady Stuff!

2011-08-01T10:41:00.004+08:00

I've started to crochet a granny cushion - Kate from One Flew Over has inspired me to do so, thanks Kate! I do love to crochet, very therapeutic and something I've always sworn to return to 'when I am an old lady'. What a joke - I'm not THAT old and all the young moderns are doing it, so why not join in - now, please, I have had enough rudeness lately! I love this colour theme and am using Sublime cashmere merino silk dk - I like really soft wool, but unfortunately it falls in the high quality range and is quite expensive.

Anothery, too! Just gorgeous - this beautiful strawberry fabric is heavenly - again expensive at $30 plus a metre - I bought just 30cm and may have to splurge on a bit more.

Bobbing along very nicely on my table topper - I will show you an easy way to get it accurate if you fancy!

Both my dear boys are home at the moment and will stay here until their Dad's operation on Friday. Aaron will fly out to Lake Argyle next Monday - this mine is on the WA/NT border and where they mine the magnificent pink diamonds. His real home is in Thailand with his partner and I will show some nice pics later!
Yes, rain, rain again - we have had a little sunshine this morning - oopsy! my wet jeans are on the line. The rain is just so wonderful for the countryside and dams, though there has been a few nasty storms lurking around! Happy week everyone!

How Rude!

2011-07-30T13:26:00.004+08:00

Dear Girlfriend Robin has stitched together some big blocks of beautiful linens I have been collecting for sometime. I really want to have this 'tablecloth' quilted with straight lines and as it has to be very accurately stitched for this kind of quilting, Robin offered to put it together for me. Silly me with the injured shoulders - just another gorgeous friend of mine to the rescue! A very rude person came along and read his paper and had his coffee on it this morning - not nice! - I will be folding it up soon so thought I would show you before I whipped it away!

Another WIP - I will leave the computer and go straight to the machine to finish - let's hope it all goes together nicely. It is to become a small table topper to be donated to our local quilt group for their exhibition in September - more to show you in a day or two I hope! Have a fun weekend!

Popping In!

2011-07-23T10:54:00.008+08:00

Yes, hello again - even though I haven't achieved much in the way of stitching, things are progressing nicely. I have started a little project - thank you badskirt for the inspiration! I will tell you more about it when I get more done and hopefully that will be today. This is really fun to do, so I am hoping all the lattices line up when stitched together!The second circle of my Circle Project - I wasn't happy with the background on the one in front - it was losing the star effect - so last night I reverse sewed and am now ready to put the petals back on a more significant background - I'm really enjoying this - simple applique - I'm hoping to make a nine-block quilt! Just a couple of fabrics I bought from Funky Fabrix in Brisbane - just love that little white one - cute little girls - oh, there is so many beautiful fabrics about!

I won the Mumma to this orchid in a raffle a few years ago - she has been divided up and blooming beautifully at the moment - a little bit of cheery colour in the wet, cold weather!

Things are moving along with Ed - the big operation is scheduled for 5 August - a double bypass and replacement aortic valve - I'm trying to fatten him up and the doctor said he must exercise to regain a bit of strength before the big day - goody! now he can empty bins, unpack dishwasher, feed the dogs, lol! More sewing time for me! No, not really - it has all been a big scare and I mustn't be blase about it!

Dear Louise has a big birthday today and we celebrated with the Girlfriends! at guild on Tuesday - Happy Birthday, Louise! Off to organize to sew now!

'Hello!'

2011-07-08T10:08:00.004+08:00

Popping in to say 'hello!' I am really not achieving anything much these days so all I can show you is 'lovely lovelies' that eventually I hope to do. My Japanese Flowers are progressing oh, so slowly and meanwhile I am dreaming up a design for the following applique piece! The lure of repros is always there with me - here's what is whizzing around in my mind - pretty hard to portray what is in there, lol! I love these baskets and flowers - to me they are stylised and would give me plenty of room to play - maybe the weekend will be kind to me and let me make a start! See the taupey fabric - it's from Japan so maybe a Daiwabo - I thought perhaps it would be nice for the background of the baskets and have ordered some more - and the other three are bits of stunners, particularly the blue!

I think this closeup, as fuzzy as it is, may give you and idea what I am on about - could be nice! Good luck hasn't arrived yet - still waiting to hear when Ed's open heart surgery will happen - meanwhile he's coping really well at home, spending most of the day in bed and reading lots of books. Another 'disaster' - Bailey, my grandson, who was to represent the State in AFL has a broken little finger, so looks like his trip to Canberra will definitely be out. This poor little finger was broken over three weeks ago at training - he showed it to Nana Tuesday evening - of course I went bananas playing Doctor Lurline and after more whizzing around with phone calls, hospitals and doctors, he is now at this minute seeing a specialist - would be lovely to get food news, but I'm sure we won't.

Off to do some bookwork and pay some bills - I'll try to avoid going to jail!

Hope life is treating you all kindly and you have a lovely weekend sewing!

Japanese Flowers!

2011-06-26T16:26:00.009+08:00

Today has been a lovely, quiet day - nothing unexpected has arisen, I must keep my fingers crossed! I have had a nice little play and have satisfied myself with yarn, tension, etc to start on a Japanese Flowers Scarf - now, seems like everyone in Blogland has given this a try!

The original came from this book and I have gleaned hints and tips from all and sundry - Julia, Attic 24, Elizabeth Kat, Danielle and Calico & Ivy. The yarn I have chosen is 65% baby alpaca and 35% mulberry silk - I am so thingy! about what I wear against my skin - it has to be soft and beautiful - Andes by Debbie Bliss is just that!

Whoohoo! Look at that - as you can see, I have used a 3.0mm hook, it's a Clover and I just love them! I was originally going to stick to just the four featured colours, but now have decided to lash out - I'll be phoning Calico & Ivy tomorrow morning! I'm very happy with the way the flower is sitting - without blocking and using the smaller hook than recommended.

Oh, I don't know if I can do this - Christine's Dolly Quilt Swap 2 is due this month and still I have nothing prepared - maybe I should steal some blocks from a quilt block swap - aren't they pretty - such lovely colours and prints in the repros!

Well, I did get interrupted - never mind! - my man is still so sick - don't feel I can talk about it at the moment, sorry! I see Darlene and Kaaren from The Painted Quilt are affected by illness - I'm so sad about that, too - best wishes to them! Happy week sewing everyone!

It Has Been Too Long!

2011-06-20T14:52:00.006+08:00

Time flies! Here we are well into June and Heidi is saying farewell to the last of our roses before pruning! We've had a beautiful show during Autumn - so lovely! Well, Ed is home and now Mum is in hospital - she went in last Friday and I'm due to pick her up sometime this afternoon - just some little bug, but of course it has played havoc with a nearly 93-year old! We are all just plodding along day by day - but that's okay - let's just hope there are no more twists and turns in the road for a while!

Not a lot has been happening in 'The Studio' - I have dragged out some lovely linens and really fancy a nice table cloth of big patches - will be quick and easy once I get to it!

I have started a quilt with Moda 'It's a Hoot!' - now don't laugh, please - it is a start!

A lovely rose for Miriam - always think of you when the yellow roses bloom, Miriam - of Yellow Roses that is - pop over and say hello to this lovely girl! I have been having lots of little browses so sort of keeping up with most of you and your lovely stitching - keep enjoying!

Kristen's Caravan!

2011-06-09T08:42:00.006+08:00

Isn't this just gorgeous - a limited edition printed in Australia by kristen doran design - I just love it - maybe a cushion but I kinda like the idea of a frame!

I just love the detail - and of course the mood this work creates - yes, doesn't life look wonderful there!

A sneak peek at Baileys quilt - now, did I tell you my 15 year old grandson has been selected to represent Western Australia to play Aussie Rules Football in Canberra, our capital, in July - an honour he deserves and I'd like to try to raise a little money to help him - I'm hoping to successfully raffle a quilt! Not too sure about the above - maybe I will have to have a re-think, I don't think it is coming together as I wished! I'm having a little blog cleanup - deleting some defunct blogs and adding some new ones to Blogs I Follow - far from complete - lots of other priorities for now! Happy stitching!

Life Gets Better Each Day!

2011-06-04T10:27:00.004+08:00

Oh , we are so very fortunate - Ed improves daily and he is now down at Waikiki Private Hospital very close to home - what a relief and blessing - no more hours of travelling and parking daily. I really would like to talk about all things quilty while the going is good - all being well, I will bring Ed for a home visit tomorrow to watch rugby league on Foxtel - whoohoo! See my lovely issues of Vignette that arrived yesterday - 'authored' by our Aussie Leanne Beasley of 'Leanne's House'!
I'm impressed - a happy, bright little mag with great stitchery designs and other delights, too. Congratulations, Leanne! Now I mean it this time, lol! - the very first block (I think!) for my new quilt - I just love it and it is one of the blocks from The Circle Game by Amitie - Jennifer Kingwell! I chose quite a different technique - to applique two circles then the petals on top - kinda creates the circle with a big flower on a star - agree? I have an overall design for the quilt in mind and I daresay it will evolve as I progress. It's lovely and portable and that suits me beautifully at this point in time! Oopsy, a bump in the light mauve petal - I'll correct that, not that it matters as quilt police are not really true!

I'm having a little thought - my 'Sewing Studio' is a pigsty - however, I really do need to whip up a quilt for a very special person in my life, so maybe I'll have to try midst chaos!

Happy Weekend sewing, Folks - enjoy!

Flowers, Japanese Block, Repro Pattern!

2011-05-30T09:58:00.005+08:00

It's a wonderful way to start a week - I guess it will be another busy one with Ed slowly improving and hospital trips! Aren't I the luckiest girl in the world - dear friend in Brisbane, Christine of Once Upon A Quilt ... had these delivered to me in West Aussie over the weekend - Christine, you are one of my very dearest friends and love goes to you and yours - I cherish every bit of brightness and happiness!

Dear Cathy of Cabbage Quilts showed similar blocks on her blog - she said I could show if I had a try so I did between 12:00 - 2:00 this morning! This is a hard one to get in your mind 'Setsuko Inagana' - a Japanese block - busy, yes, yes, I know but I love♥ - wouldn't it be lovely if I could get one done a day - thanks for the inspiration Cathy - Great Girl!

Recently purchased at our State Quilt Show - me looking at repros again, lol! Quite a stunning quilt in life - of course not enough colour for me, but I have ideas! Do you like, Kathie of Inspired by Antique Quilts !
I have a few little chores then off to the hospital in the rain - we are blessed at last to have the rain- an hour driving each way, not nice!

Happy Day!

From Lurline!

2011-05-26T13:03:00.004+08:00

To all my gorgeous friends - so sorry I haven't replied to your comments on last post - we still have Ed with us!

A little brief coverage for those who care - Ed had major bowel/bladder surgery 4/5 and a post-operative heart attack while in ICU - I brought him home 13/5 - he was good, sort of, and then I rushed him to hospital 15/5 where he had another heart attack and a stroke paralysing his left side. He is still in critical heart care making a good recovery from the stroke, slowly but surely and it is day by daying it!

My 4 children are all with me and still I cannot cope - I'm exhausted and cry all the time - now please don't feel sorry for me that is not meant that way it is just telling you the change in me. One of my dearest long-time friends on earth Christine from Once Upon a Quilt .... I send you all my thanks and love - I daren't name any more friends you are all so precious - one day I will blog with happiness - I hope it is soon!

It Makes My Heart Happy!

2011-05-21T12:42:00.007+08:00

We all know Ayumi of Pink Penguin - this is one of her pot holders - lots of fun! This is my dear Ed who is fighting for life - he's had surgery, 2 heart attacks and a stroke at 71.

I am not brave - my heart is broken! I don't like to write unhappy words - I must still need Blogland - thank you and love to you all!

The Sun Is Shining!

2011-04-28T15:00:00.004+08:00

Oh, yes and I am starting to feel wonderful! I've had a week in hospital with pneumonia and collapsed left lung - aren't I lucky that I could lie there and think about beautiful quilts to make. I haven't been great for a long time, so let's just hope I have turned a big corner.

Enough of that - I've had a lovely fleeting little browse of all your work in the last couple of days and I'm now tidying up this computer - great feeling! I have just picked the puppies up from their overdue overdue beauty parlour visit and soon I am going to cook a lovely, simple dinner for us.

I am sure you must have all seen the quilt above featured on the cover of Sarah Fielke's new book - a nice book and well worth having for a lovely fresh, modern touch - yes, it is on my agenda! Congratulations, Sarah!

Just can't escape my passion for Kaffe's fabrics, pinwheels, too, lol! Another on my agenda, I just wish the Accuquilter had more variety in their half square diamonds cuts - oh, that doesn't sound right, but I guess you know what I mean! This one above is so simple, rich, vibrant and pretty. I have lots of suitable fabrics in my stash. Oh, I know I am still working on my beautiful Liberty - but this would be so easy to handle in comparison.

I'm supposed be restricted to home base for a few weeks - nuh, nuh, but I will take it easy! Hope everyone is fine and well and stitching happily!

Look What I Found!

2011-04-18T11:14:00.011+08:00

Nice to say hello to you all! I have been puddling along with my quilting and doing a lot of browsing - love it! I must put a bit more effort into stitching and commenting - naughty girl, again!

I discovered about eleven blocks in my linen press - my repro of The Wedding Quilt? unfinished and they would be about twelve years old. Here's my favourite block! It is all hand pieced and I must say I'm really delighted with the accuracy I achieved - the strawberry fabric is my favourite fabric of all times - thank you Patchwork on Stoneleigh who have now sadly closed their doors - correct me if I am wrong, but to my way of thinking they were the first shop in Australia to specialize in selling antique reproduction fabics only.

It is a gorgeous quilt - somewhere in my linen press I have lots of details about the original and I know a lot of you repro girls will be able to fill you in a bit further! It is one of my quilts where I stitched like crazy then ran out of steam. I really like the above four blocks, too - I don't have the desire to finish the quilt and the four blocks together don't look right as the strawberry one seems larger - optical illusion, I think - could I make a small quilt from them! - I could make a nice border - please comment if you have any ideas!

So lovely to be back chatting - I must admit I have thought long and hard about continuing blogging - now I'm back I'll try to be good, God willing! Ooooh, the Postie has delivered since I started this Post - it will be some gorgeous modern fabric - I'm going to tease myself and put on another load of washing and also a pot roast for tonight's dinner before I open the parcel!

Happy stitching!

It's Been a Long Time!

2011-04-02T14:44:00.006+08:00

I have been really out of whack and I'm so pleased today is the day I'm back to blogging - lots of little reasons - nothing too specific, thank goodness! Very exciting news - kinda simple, yet so whimsical, it's charming! As you can see, I have received two layer cakes of Sherbet Pips, moda by Aneela Hoey. Oh, I could have fun straight away, but I need contrast fabric - maybe I can make a little start anyhow. I have been so good - I now have my 'my house in order', it's so hard for me to live being untidy and when I get that way, I just keep getting more untidy all the time. I have lots of goodies I want to play with in my sewing room, so I can do that without getting the guilts now.

Now - my Liberty Quilt - I am finding the fine lawn is not so easy to work with and what was going to be a cuddle quilt for me may now turn out to be a table topper. I have even thought about adding a knitted edge - my girls will be so unhappy, not their thing at all, they see it as very old-fashioned. Maybe I will have to get to nine blocks and leave it sit for a little while while I ponder.

I have a yearning for a 6060 Janome, I think it is - I have a 2040 Pfaff. Now I don't know if it is the Liberty fabric making it unhappy or if it is the operator's poor shoulders.

This block of The Circle Game is finished - I really do love this one! Sitting on my tush vegging out is just lovely! I must say I am less tired in the evenings these days, so quite late to bed enjoying my reading - enjoying having little lie-ins in the morning avoiding the heat of day that is still bothering us - autumn weather is predicted to come in end of next week.

My little treasures spent the night with us last night and hopefully all will be quiet tonight - hope lots of you are enjoying the weekend sewing - have fun!

Upmarket Sunday!

2011-03-22T13:13:00.007+08:00

I guess everyone but me has been to Upmarket in Perth! Heidi and I went for a great day out - lots of goodies to buy! Just showing you a little brochure along with today's mail - I thought I would attempt a much talked about Schnibbles - oh, I think this one will be quite a bit of work - looking forward to trying though!

Dear Kate from Two Little Banshees at Upmarket - looking down at all her pretties (nuh, just caught having a little blink - I didn't miss that gorgeous smile though!)

Go check out her blog - I think these little platypus (platypi, is it?)were feature in a Homespun magazine there a little while back! I've just ordered a lovely little quilt pattern from her!

Gorgeous Jemima from Tied with a Ribbon - really cute fancies for sale!

Yummy chocolates from Whistlers - worth checking out - the Rocky Road was just fabulous!

Such a beautiful autumn day, though it is still like summer here! The venue is Winthrop Hall at the university - really charming!

Naughty me - Heidi and I just onlookers passing by - what a really happy finish to our lovely day out!

Hello - It's Saturday!

2011-03-19T10:00:00.003+08:00

Yes, a few Saturdays have passed and no word from me - it is lovely to be back chatting! A promise to myself - I am going to make time to do the things I enjoy! Number One I am going to carry on even if it is just a block here and there on my Liberty Pinwheel in a Cabin - love it, and have a few blocks cut out so that will get me going!

Miscellaneous - the little I have to talk about quilty-wise! See the second block of my Circle Game almost done - I'm really enjoying it - love English paper piecing, but oh, it is so slow!

Have you ever heard of the product below - perhaps a nice little brush does the same trick, but we'll see how it goes!

Hmmm, hmmm - breaking all rules! For this pinwheel I stacked 4 pieces of fabric to 'meld' - cut and then stitched firstly on the bias - perfect pinwheel with no trimming! Maybe I jagged it, I'll try again soon!

DD, Angela visited yesterday with this gorgeous gift for me - maybe I should have photographed it on a different colour to white - I think it will live on my little red cupboard anyhow!

Happy weekend everyone - I'm hoping to get to Perth's Upmarket tomorrow - a new experience for me and I'm expecting great things!

Silly Billy!

2011-03-07T09:28:00.009+08:00

Yes, I think the time has come - sometimes I can't believe how silly I can be! I didn't seem to be achieving very nicely on the Wheel of Fortune so I have made a very feeble start on another block of The Circle Game! Blogs I Follow has been missing for at least 5 days and I haven't been able to Post - poor Blogger has problems - I thought! So I have waited patiently and have played about and tried every possible thing that seemed logical. I haven't really lost sleep over it - let's just say I have laid awake racking my brains - early morning the brain is fresh - easy, peasey! - last time I signed in I used my Bigpond address - Silly Billy! ... I should have used my Gmail address! Oh, well ..

I have had visits from the mailman and also supported our LQS! This is one gorgeous book of small quilts and I would highly recommend it for those who enjoy and also repro lovers!

Here's a couple of pics of featured projects!

With my love of dollies, I could not pass this one by!

This will be my first one to trial - she's cute!

Pauline Rogers and hubby visited our local patchwork group last Thursday with her shop of knick-knacks - I'm happy with my little bit of shopping!

I'm looking forward to a trouble-free week - let's see how it goes! - happy stitching to you all too!

Tra-Lah! Fairy Quilt Finished!

2011-02-22T15:00:00.006+08:00

It has taken some time but here we are - all shampooed and spun dry - nice and warm and fluffy just waiting for the cooler weather. Heidi will be pleased! The main fabrics are by Saffron Craig - a wonderful Australian designer - I love the use of colour and whimsy about her designs - check out her latest!

I used Thermore for the batting and cut it the same size as the top squares - I like to make these quilts that way!

With a heavy heart, one cannot help but feel so much sympathy for our neighbours in Christchurch, New Zealand - so much loss, pain and suffering, God bless!

Stitches Galore!

2011-02-16T10:12:00.002+08:00

I haven't had a lot of time for stitching and the hot weather is not conducive to doing anything very much - oh, that aircon has been running happily, thank goodness! Summer hasn't been very kind to us in Western Australia, though in many ways we have been so fortunate! I'm plodding along with handwork and anxious to get to the machine - with a bit of pressing the first block of the Circle Game kinda looks okay! I love working with the bright fabrics.

Two new books - I'm quite fascinated with Scandinavian Stitches!

Look at my poor baby Byron - the doctor had to do his stitches - he had been very brave until he saw Nanny and then it was time for nursing and cuddling - I'm so happy the little ones look to me for comfort still! He's seven on 2 March - isn't it just lovely he can be comforted by a knitted toy at times like this.

Happy day!

Winds - Please Be Still!

2011-02-07T14:46:00.005+08:00

How blessed we are having friends! Dear Cathy of Cabbage Quilts has started a fab quilt by Kaffe Fassett using Soul Blossom fabrics - now, I fall in love very easily and that happened this morning - having a little browse I came across Cathy's post of today. Straight to the bookcase and there was Caravan of Quilts on top of the pile - into The Studio and there was a bundle of Soul Blossom fat-quarters just crying out to be used! I quickly dashed off an email and Cathy has given me permission to have a little quit-along with her! This has been so timely as that loose-end feeling is still hanging about - this might just be the right medicine, lol! Here I am behaving so badly while so many of our fellow Australians have had so much loss and sorrow - about 70 k's north of us the bushfires are raging and homes are being lost - pray God it will end soon! I could write a lengthy post on the devastation our country has suffered - please keep us in your hearts!

This arvie I have to pop to the shops to buy ingredients to make Peg's Apple Sour Cream Slice - a lovely sewing day with friends is happening tomorrow - it has all been so quiet lately, I am really looking forward to this one! Let's hope I can make a lovely luncheon dessert - I'm sure Peg is to be trusted - me? well we'll see!

This month's finished but not pressed - looks kind of bubbly - let's hope the bubbles press out!

Last week we had a lovely catch-up with friends we have not see for 17 years - Graeme and Sharon Sullivan ex Gove! Simple fish and chips on a glorious day at Dolphin Quay, Mandurah - the tubby one on the left belongs to me, lol! It is so nice to eat out when catching up with old friends, so much more time to chat rather than dashing around entertaining at home making sure everyone is well looked after, that's what I like to do!
♥

Oh, I haven't mentioned the mail! Best to leave that until this evening to open as I know there's goodies to drool over!

Happy day!

Off to Work We Go!

2011-01-29T11:51:00.011+08:00

I must work very, very hard - remember my Fairy Quilt? - I am trying for a finish in 3 days - oh, yes! - I think I will make it! Only borders on 2 ends to add, some quilting and then the binding! I know I could skip the binding and have shaggy edging - oh, very tempting!

I have a lovely, tidy studio - whew!, lots of tidying this week, so I'm on track with resolutions, isn't that just great?

Gorgeous current Thirties I bought on eBay - 6" squares for US$20 - one day I will count them - let's say I am just thrilled to have received so many!

Orchids and pomelos! These orchids must be of the same species as the Cooktown orchid - the floral emblem of my 'home' state - blessings to you all over there in Queensland recovering (I hope!) from flood damage. Back on track - these gorgeous flowers adorn my son's front patio in Thailand - and I popped a couple of pomelos into the pic!

Just gorgeous fruit to eat ! Kinda like a sweet grapefruit - very large, very thick, white pith
and normally prepared before you buy. I really don't like grapefruit but love these!

A fruit lover's paradise - probably all tropical when I think about it - yes, Lurline, of course it is tropical, Silly Girl!

♥

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely weekend. Off to do some sewing - we have Cyclone Bianca sitting out in the Indian Ocean - let's hope it heads out to sea and leaves everyone alone!

A Happy Weekend!

2011-01-23T13:44:00.006+08:00

About to do this Post then tear myself away from the computer! Do you remember my Liberty Log Cabin I started in November - I'm picking up a little significant memorabilia to add along the way - of course, I am the only one who it will be meaningful to but that's okay! Let's start from the top right - a gorgeous, well-used hankie in a bright, pretty floral brought to me many years ago from Liberty London, blueish peacock tail - sent to me when DD Danielle lived in England, middle blue floral - a fine cotton from Jim Thompson, Pattaya, Thailand and the dainty peachy floral the same. The name Jim Thompson is synonymous with the finest silks in Thailand and the hankies of a generous size cost me AU$1 each, oh I must get some more to add! The two Liberties are still currently available!

Cute shoes from Festival Central, Pattaya - wow, the department stores there almost equal those in the US - no street market stalls for me. Now I'm not being snobby, I just think I am one of the luckiest girls in the world to have these experiences.

The shoes sort of go nicely with the BOM I have re-joined from amitie textiles - I did, then I cancelled and had just the one month sitting looking at me, then I've seen Janet's of Quiltsalott, too so let's hope I can make a little start this evening! It will be nice and bright and I was having a little worry about this - well, if I can wear shoes like that I can cope with the quilt I guess!

Oh, yes - my Accuquilter! I've had it since before Christmas and can't make up my mind if I will really get the value out of it, so it is not even unpacked. Please help me if you have an opinion as I bought it through Hancock's free shipping and I'm sure I could easily sell it if necessary.

My two little cherubs were waiting for Nanny to return home - of course the pressies went down beautifully - more here and there about the place! OMG they are gorgeous kids - just have to have a little brag!

My computer room is so tidy it's to die for and that hasn't been the case for many months - it has taken a couple of days to be completely organized - so it's off into 'My Studio' now - let's see how we go! This body of mine is regaining strength so rapidly, so I'm just treasuring every moment of the day! It was such a long time feeling so lousy so I have lots of time to make up.

It has been great hearing from lots of you and getting some news -I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Sawasdee Ka - Thailand!

2011-01-19T12:48:00.011+08:00

Back home again after a wonderful holiday to Thailand! Nice to have had a peek at my computer to have a little look at a few things that have been happening and let's hope next week I will have something exciting sewing-wise to show - at least I do have a few packages from the USA to unpack and I have been putting that little joy on the backburner! I have just a few little glimpses of a beautiful country to show you and will show more as time goes on! Above - beautiful orchids at a local nursery in Pattaya - oh, I wished I could bring some home!

Yes, that's me - nothing that a good airbrush wouldn't help! Up close and personal, oh I do love these creatures even though a big soccer ball to the head doesn't exactly endear one of them, lol!

Overlooking Pattaya - a fun filled racy city and don't believe all you hear about the bad side - maybe I had reason not to find it being with DH, two sons and the sweetest little DIL on earth!

Perhaps my favourite spot in Thailand - Chiang Mai! Such beautiful countryside, silk, silver, cotton and of course those beautiful elephants! So tempting, but no - I didn't ride one this time - I must admit I did find my shoulders a little restricting getting in and out of the various types of transport over there let alone elephants!

♥

I really must apply myself to unpacking completely before sewing so that will take care of this weekend - it will be lovely to hear from you as I've been darting from this blog to that with little time to comment. Enjoy your weekend and blessings to those who are affected by the ravaging floods in our country - oh, dear!

I'm Very Happy!

2010-12-27T11:36:00.002+08:00

A big thank-you to Chookyblue for running her SSCS again - such a lot of work and so beautifully organized! To dear Grethe, A Quilt Lady, I am so thrilled to have you as my partner and receive this gorgeous folder!

Now isn't this just lovely - I'm sure I will find a use for it very soon - maybe it will come on the plane with me to Thailand!

Seems there has been a lot of fun and good spirit out there in Blogland - I do hope you have all had a wonderful time!

Christmas 2010!

2010-12-24T11:43:00.006+08:00

This little guy brings my wishes to you - those near and far! It is so lovely to be able to share this Christmas with all my dear Blogland Fiends!

May the season of "Love & Peace" ... "Joy & Laughter" ... "Care & Sharing" be with you & your Family always ... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Periwinkle - A Start!

2010-12-16T11:36:00.007+08:00

I keep promising myself next year will be a better one and have mentally listed some objectives! This one is in English paper piecing to fill in those little moments wasted when I wish I could have achieved something! Here's a start! Hopefully a fairly close reproduction of the 1940? antique quilt below - maker Unknown! I have been playing and it hasn't been easy - yes, we can all go out and buy templates and we all know photocopying is not always accurate - I had five angles to work with here - oh, please God that I have it right. lol!

It's going to be bright - I think I will need some navy fabrics, a colour I don't go for very much - if anyone knows of a shop that stocks, please let me know!

This is what I hope to achieve - love the pink and think I am fairly close to it!

Dear friend Pat Goodchild sent me a few swatches of Kaffe's new? fabrics - she suggests use in Kim McLean's applique projects, perhaps a really quick quilt with maybe some spotty sashing and floral cornerstones in between blocks , or even as a centre of a medallion quilt. Good advice - thanks Patti! - now this one clever girl is one of the most artistic quilters I have ever known!

I'm hoping to have a lovely weekend Stitch-In - time to prepare for Christmas next week!

It Has Been So Long!

2010-12-12T14:22:00.005+08:00

Yes, so long since I have posted and I have really felt out of whack - I have been thinking to myself ... how boring I am ... then I thought I'd show you my dollies! I so loved doll-making and stopped about twelve years ago - yes, quilting took over, lol! I love 'pretty' and this is one of my very favourites!

A few cuties are in the display cabinet with her!

One of my real live dolls - Heidi at her ballet recital yesterday - so classically beautiful in all ways! I am quite a humble person, love to show pics that make others happy, but here I am, absolutely bragging!!!

I am so proud of her - just so thrilled she was the leader of her little group - splendid!

My SSCS gift arrived from Grethe of a A Quilt Lady - a lovely reciprocal Follower of mine (is that correct terminology?) and boy, am I so thrilled - see this sweet little gift tag top right (oh, I have cut the top off it!) - it may be the start of a long story - let's hope so! - perhaps I'll be able to let you know in a couple of days! Thank you so much Grethe and love and thanks to Chookyblue ...!

I have added a few more pieces of Liberty of London to my stash recently - they just fascinate me - such beautiful lawn and designs so eclectic but they just work!

A little bit of travel news - phew! a badly needed holiday - Ed and I are off to Thailand in the New Year - DS1 has built a house outside of Bangkok, Thailand and we have been invited to spend time with him and his partner in the New Year. I tossed up whether to add in Cambodia and Vietnam but have settled for Chiang Mai close to the northern border.

♥

Well, I guess I am not so boring after all - I have lots of good days with my arms and then quite a few that knock me about a lot - I think I should count my blessings a bit more, lol!

♥

Happy Weekend!

Avalon Weekend!

2010-11-29T11:38:00.007+08:00

It's all over ... back home again from our retreat! Our hosts were wonderful - thank you Delveen and Peter, you never cease to amaze us, we were all so spoiled! This is a bit of a jumbled Post - I've had a very busy day and I'm really looking forward to bed tonight. I had a little play with Barb's Accuquilter over the weekend- yes, I think I could take to it quite nicely - I just hope I don't miss out on Hancock's special deal! Love my Liberties and they really are beautiful to stitch on the machine!

I told you this is jumbled - Barb brought back this gorgeous antique quilt she bought on her recent trip to the USA. You will be able to get a little peak at the Double Wedding Ring, back, left-hand corner - it sold, but I wasn't the lucky buyer - enjoy Gloria!

Here's Barb stitching her Kaffe Double Wedding Ring - in blues, pretty, pretty! I have been dragged into participating in this great repro with Raelene and Gloria so far oh, doesn't it sparkle!

This is a very gorgeous book Irene bought in France recently!

And here we have one by our own Rosalie Quinlan - quite gorgeous, too!

Lots of chilling out - doesn't Marilyn look so serene!

I think I might have disturbed Raelene having her Nanny Nap!

Jan's quilt for her sweet little grand-daughter - so much beautiful work - I feel it needs to safely hang on a wall!

A happy Good Night and a happy week, too!

Liberty Cabin!

2010-11-24T11:21:00.007+08:00

All is going to plan - just one trial block done and I think I will really enjoy making this quilt just for me! Inspiration has come from Miss Print and this project features in Moda Bakeshop. Thank you Kaye! I have been wanting to make a quilt very similar to one of my very first quilts and now is just the right time and right place. Beautiful Liberty - my Pfaff takes to it beautifully, too. I have ordered an Accuquilter so let's hope it loves Liberty too - I'll space out my shopping sprees and treasure every little tiny scrap! Applique with Kaffe and piecing with Liberty - what a way to go! - I'm still so taken with the bright, clear Repros - I have really established myself fabricwise. I'm yearning to try some felted wool - I will be so happy when the opportunity arises!

All the centres will be the same - the red being very traditional representing 'the hearth of the home'.

The light print is little bicycles - as cute as! - I love whimsy as you know! There will be borders and that will be fun choosing the print!

Oh, I know, I have garbled on about fabrics - you see, I really haven't achieved much lately - time is not kind to me! Whoohoo - off to gorgeous Avalon for a four-day retreat tomorrow with some of my best, fun friends. I must be totally packed up by the day's end.

♥Not without sending blessings to all New Zealanders - such tragedy - 'there but for the grace of God go I'- we worked in the mining industry for thirty years and now our children are following in our footsteps!

Liberties and a Mug Rug!

2010-11-16T16:04:00.006+08:00

Yes, just playing (and drooling!) - wow, the designs that exist nowadays! I am off on this track for a couple of reasons - when I felt so unwell during the cold winter, I realized I need my very own cuddle quilt. What could be finer and have such a beautiful drape? Also have seen and heard about quilts made from lawns and voiles and I rather fancy the challenge!

I have been collecting small pieces from eBay, Etsy and yummy quiltshops. I have selected clean, crisp, bright colours and will use them all. There won't be very much go in the bin at all - I usually don't stress about fabric useage and am generally very happy to fussy-cut - not with this fabric line though, lol!

I have a wonderful mess on my cutting table at the moment - usually intolerable to me - but this mess, I quite like! I'm not quite sure the hourglass will be the final design, but I think so! Maybe we'll have an hourglass alternating with a printed square - I think the larger prints need to be left whole to be shown at their very best. How about the golfers back, top left!

More playing - seems I was the only girl in Blogland who hadn't attempted a Mug Rug. I'm happy, at last I found the use for the faded-look black linen with the strawberries , it is really lovely! Finished rug is 5.5" x 11.5" - seems like a nice size for a cuppa and a bickie, a lot are being made quite a bit larger, this suits me!

I missed our Guild Christmas Party today - tummy bug. Ed was off to the chemist for me and things have settled a little - I'm sure you all needed that little bit of information ... sorry!

Happy days!

Cross Stitch Aplenty!

2010-11-15T12:18:00.006+08:00

Whew! One lost Post and one regular Blog lost too! I am a determined little chick and I have been trying to problem solve - I've done it, I think I've beaten Blogger by changing my Email Account! Here I am thanking Chookyblue for getting together cross stitches for all to see! I think this one is called Santa of the Forest - very vintage and worked on 32 count pure linen. I was such a purist in those days and a real finisher, too - no UFO's!

Santas of the World in traditional costume. Most of my cross stitches were done when I lived in Gove in Arnhem Land between 1977 and 1984. I raised 4 children and worked full-time in those days, not to mention putting up with Ed, too - just joking - they were some of the happiest days of our lives!

Mr Wind caused me a little bit of frustration - the detail in his beard just a little difficult!

For Mum and Dad - Mum is 92 now and has lived with us for over 10 years - one of the greatest loves of my life Dear Dad left us in 1983.

This treasure of Numbers has a partner, the Alphabet - it hangs on another wall in the Littlies bedroom and was picking up the reflection from the blinds.

I decided to call it quits after that - lots more to show - perhaps another day! I'm off to prepare some Liberty fabrics now to send to the Quilt Fairy to be cut into squares - I can't wait to go on a retreat the weekend after this and put my shoulders to the test doing some machine quilting. I'm really winging it with the Liberties and have in mind a very simple cuddle quilt just for me!

Happy week everyone!

Poppies and Pinwheels!

2010-11-05T09:48:00.004+08:00

It has been two weeks since I chatted - where has time gone? I certainly haven't spent the time sewing! My Danielle brings their big quilts home to launder - this one has been taken over by her DH, Adrian - a good opportunity for you to have a look-see! I have used repro fabrics - yes, still quite clear and bright and quite old, too. It has certainly stood the test of time and I have combined hand and machine quilting and it takes very kindly to a gentle wash in the machine!

I have been working on my applique but not a lot of progress there! Now I have the thought of making a quilt in Liberty Lawn - does anyone have any advice or tips please? I also really like Little Folks in voile by Anna Marie Horner and feel I will have to have a little play - I have a Retreat coming up at the end of the month - would be a nice way to spend the time with Girlfriends! in a lovely venue in the country just outside of Perth.

Enjoy your weekend!

Lollipops and Roses

2010-10-23T15:28:00.006+08:00

Hmmm, a little bit to chat about today - all you lucky girls at Queensland Quilt Show - congratulations to all the winners and I hope everyone is spending lots of money, lol! Now this is only prepared and stuck on - just had to try working on large pieces using Kaffe fabrics! Wow! A bit of a shock at first - that fussy-cutting certainly needs a lot of the fabrics that are just right!

It has been a fun day and now I will be able to have a lazy evening! Red Emperor fish from Exmouth for dinner, yum!

I've been doing a little thinking about time-management in my life. I really have no reason to be slack now - I just have to accept my disability and get on with things that have been too hard - I can use my left hand to manoeuvre the handbrake on the car now. DH is still happily preparing dinner each night - sometimes a little groan and then he's back to thinking about it next morning. So, I've been thinking - maybe computer time has to be more organized - it is too easy to spend time browsing - I know every store in the world and every line of fabric they carry, lol!Hmmm, blogging time - I was very busy the other day doing Replies, then had severe guilts and deleted everything in my Inbox. If you are waiting on an a answer to a question please forgive me and write again. Also, seeing I am doing so much appliqueing lately, I think it will be nice to Post just once a week - let's see how these plans go! I'm even going to get into the garden tomorrow and dead-head the roses in this glorious weather, but do you really want to know that, lol! It's a big buzz for me as it is going on eight months since I last got my hands dirty!

I told you I know what's in every quilt shop in the world - now isn't this interesting, in a nice way that is! Could I live with it? Trust Kaffe to lead me astray - with the dollar being so good, this might be my last Kaffe purchase for 2010!

I just might make some pumpkin scones tomorrow if I can find the recipe.

Tidy Up - Lose Fabric!

2010-10-17T11:52:00.009+08:00

Oh, I hope not - it's been so long and I'm still not able to stretch my arms out - but just enough to put this quilt together for a finish! I think Heidi may have popped the box of fabrics I need under her bed for me last weekend in our big tidy-up I will have to wait for her to visit, maybe later today! Heidi loves this raggy quilt and so do I! Maybe I will say it is for her and it can live at my place - we are still getting a few chilly evenings!

I really feel motivated after a very busy week, so maybe a day of just playing about will keep me motivated for the week ahead when I have not so much to do!

Oh, a big yawn! Those who have followed my blog for a long time will be very bored again - every now and then I get a request to see this quilt that sometimes sneaks into the background of a pic - Flowering Almond - it is my own design reproduced from a photograph . It now hangs in a museum in Michigan. This style of quilting was fashionable in the 1840's - 1860's.

I was so very motivated in the days when I made this, no grandchildren living close by and no mother living with me. Perhaps I didn't waste so much time either - newly retired and used to going like a rocket. I'm have lots of plans for the week ahead - let's see what happens!

Happy weekend!

PS - Heidi has just been to visit and rescued lost fabric for me, clever little thing, I love her ...

Work in Progress!

2010-10-11T10:01:00.004+08:00

I think that will be the story of my life - with what I have lined up ... maybe for the next 10 years! It won't be a messy story though - at last I am getting organized and can now see my way clear to find fabric, freezer paper, scissors iron and glue!

Speaking of glue - it is only in very recent years I have even used glue. I was reading Teresa's post - she lives at Fabric Therapy - she has been trying to find a way to unblock Roxanne's glue to have it flowing freely. In my tidy-up my latest bottle which is not very old nearly went in the bin - problem solved, I hope - I used a flower pin to poke down that little tube and now I'm sure if I keep the little red top on and a flower pin handy, all will be fine!

Not so sure about the Frosted Donut thread - just love it, a gorgeous fine 2-ply cotton just great for applique, convenient, too! However ... now it may just be me ... I have had a few problems. I think in the last few days I have had the cardboard spool edge come away three times on different colours - what would I have done if the thread had started to roll off? I popped a little bit of glue very close to the middle, pressed and held it with my thumb for a little while, sure hope it works. Another one, the purple, I couldn't find the start of the thread, had a little mess there for a while. I find I have to leave one of the bobbins out as they are packed in so tightly. Oh, dear - haven't I got all the trouble in the world on my shoulders, to wrap that subject up all I can say it is the nicest thread I have ever used for applique - any thoughts?

See, I can stand at the end of my sewing machine table and select the perfect piece of fabric so easily - I really don't have a lot of Kaffe though I often get teased about it. Surely I can keep this long, shallow box tidy!

Three of my favourites - for now anyhow!

Happy week!

I Can't Deal With the Mess!

2010-10-03T12:49:00.005+08:00

Oh, I know what I should be doing and I did make a start! I started sorting bits and pieces into projects and have romanced this far - now I have a bigger mess than ever! How ever did I learn to love the colour 'orange'? A little more time needed and then I will launch into making this gorgeous quilt!

Oopsy! Colour's a bit dull - maybe I should have taken the plastic sleeve off. I know most of you know about the blog Glorious Applique . If not - check it out - a riot of colour and glorious applique! I have a little project in mind, should be fun!

Lots of whimsy here - the pattern is for a raggedy quilt and you can see where to go for the lovely free tutorial! Though I haven't done many - I love raggedy quilts - very snuggly! And the bullseye, too - I have a retreat coming up end of November, maybe I will indulge myself in this project - hope so!

Again a beautiful day - yellow roses symbolises sunshine and it also symbolizes friendship and caring. It's the perfect innocent gift to give to a friend or give to a loved one when you simply want to say "I care". When given to a friend it also means "I'm happy with our friendship". I have seen many other interpretations of the meaning, but this one makes me happy, a little message for you again Miriam. See the delicate pink in the back, top, right-hand corner - that's Seduction, the bush was given to me by Girlfriends! and DD Angela, raids the bush every time she comes around - so very beautiful, but doesn't photograph well - maybe one day when the blooms haven't been stolen, I will take a pic on a dark background!

♥

I've decided to do a 'mini tidy-up' before the Rugby League Grand Final comes up - happy afternoon!

No Willpower!

2010-10-01T10:48:00.011+08:00

That's true, but that's okay - look what the mailman just brought me - a new BOM from Amitie Textiles and a new pattern I couldn't resist! What a lovely way to spend an evening and weekend - I'll have a nice browse of the patterns this evening and I have my weekend all planned! A little Glorious Applique will happen, too - a funny/not-so-funny little story to be told there. Oh, how gorgeous! - a bright happy mood makes it even more exciting! This week has brought a few upsets and tears, but I can feel all the gloom slipping away very quickly! I think these pics tell their own story - very bold, but I am in that mood as I have been working with Kaffe's.

Love the look of this quilt, Museum Applieque - thought while I was ordering from Amitie I should get them to put the pattern in the parcel - it is certainly a beautiful antique design so should I get out of this bright, modern mode, I have lots of repro fabrics to use.

My lovely friend Robin has machine stitched the binding on my gorgeous quilt below - now I give myself very little credit for this quilt, but I really do love it. I was raised to believe self-praise is no recommendation and try to be humble about my quilting. Okay - design by gorgeous Kate of One Flew Over, most fabrics by Kaffe (they were out of the cupboard, too!) and quilting by Karen of Quilts on Bastings. It is certainly over-exposed on my blog - one more when it is hung hopefully over the weekend! Hey, I did do the piecing and it must be pretty accurate as the circles are beautifully aligned, so I will take a little credit, lol! Mess!

Mess!

I am allowing myself 4 hours this afternoon to tidy up for once and for all - now I have my priorities sorted out I think there will be a little more quilting gear stored in the garage! I will need some big, strong arms to help me out!

Happy weekend everyone!

Hugs - Lurline♥

Wonderful News!

2010-09-24T15:37:00.008+08:00

Wow! This will be a peaceful weekend - all things bright and beautiful outside and we are not long back from the Specialist who has told us DH's tumour was benign - a big worry off our minds! It is so lovely not to have that black cloud hanging over our heads! Quite some time ago I have shown you my dolly Mein Liebling - My Darling, a German doll, the original Circa

1910! Yesterday I met up with a dollmaker and we got to talking and turned out we have both made her. I have quite a lot of porcelain dolls I have made from the very beginning and I loved that time in my life - I had just retired after living 30 years in remote mining towns and it was a big thrill to have all things arty at my disposal.

Of course, I had been warned quilting would take over, but I always know best, no, of course not - yes, of course it did. This sweetie has human hair, glass sleep eyes, little leather shoes, two petticoats and rows and rows of crochet around her dress, bonnet, little crocheted handbag and quite a lot of embroidery on her petticoats, too. The crochet thread was so fine - 80 or 100, I'm not too sure now, it all seems such a long time ago!

Wouldn't you love to have a twin brother who gave you this with a nice monetary gift for your birthday - our dear one Danielle and David tuned 36 earlier in the week - oh, what precious years they have been!

I may have mentioned before that David is the best gardener I could ever have - these Kangaroo Paws are the floral emblem of Western Australia and are really loving the warm sunshine.

For Miriam of Yellow Roses - I think of Miriam every time I have yellow roses in bloom - hi, Gorgeous Girl!

Just the binding to trim back and stitch down - thanks Robin! - Robin machined on the binding for me as I'm still pretty wonky on the machine - some things don't matter, but I would be so upset to spoil this quilt. I am eager to have a nice stitchy weekend so let's hope it comes to fruition - for those with the same plans good luck - hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Lucky Me!

2010-09-18T11:48:00.008+08:00

What a surprise! I had seen it before and love it, but didn't think for one moment it was for me! And it really is 'just me' - I know I have a very wide choice in fabrics and this is one of them! Sweet Baby Girlfriend! Shari made this for me as a PIF, which I really had forgotten about. Every stitch is perfect and I love the soft orange border fabric - you will see lots of it in the future as I'm going to use it every chance I can! Thank you so much Shari - I adore you!

Look how it came wrapped!

Lots of other goodies, too!

If I did Sunday Stash, I would be a day early - Kaffe's and Co. - no soft colours there!

I wish I could remember the year - I did make this quilt from Kaffe's first quilting book (I think I am correct in saying this!) - I made it as a challenge to myself as I didn't use greens a lot, and of course Kaffe's name was on every quilter's lips. Do you know what - the opportunity came along to sell it at what I thought was a great price at the time - it would have been a nice keepsake. This was in the days when I was reluctant to even label my quilts - my thoughts were 'I'm not good enough to call myself a quilter'. Christine of Once Upon a Quilt ... was in the first group I joined and most of the others were designers and prize winners, too - they didn't formally teach me, but I soaked every bit of knowledge from them that I could - great days!

My roses are starting to bloom beautifully - this one is almost the size of a bread and butter plate! Happy weekend everyone, I hope to get lots of stitching prepared and done!

Lots To Show and Tell!

2010-09-10T15:07:00.003+08:00

Wow! We don't get busier than this - I have a lot of frivolity to show you, but first must let you know Ed has been in hospital again having a tumour removed from his bladder - he's home and doing okay - he's been a brave man and now we just have to wait for pathology results which could take a little while! Trying not to sound blase about things, I have had a lovely few days earlier in the week with friends - sort of mini-retreat, right on the Indian Ocean with lots of rain and wind, to me freezing cold, but very close to the hospital Ed was in so it was sort of nice in a way!
Hmmm, shopping last Friday and quite a bit of fashion indulgence for me - a Fossil bag and little flats as cute as!

Dear friend Barb recently bought a gorgeous sterling silver rose ring - now I'm not into costume jewellery at all! - just love this, a bit of a copy-cat I know and Ed is a bit peeved as I wear it on my wedding ring finger - I told him my good rings are far to valuable to wear around the house, lol! My Angela is the model as her hands are in better condition than mine.

I have been having thoughts lately about UFO's - originally I did intend to hand-quilt this vintage charmer, it even has some original feedsacks from USA in it - however, I have decided to have it professionally machine-quilted!

I am just loving doing my current project - certainly no boredom here, just a matter of time! I prep through the day and cuddle up to stitch in the cold evenings!

Eight fat-quarters of Flower Sugar by Lecien - I am not at all sure what I will do with them, just too pretty and bright to pass by! Off to think about dinner, then maybe a little stitching, hope so!

Happy stitching to you all, too!

A Day in the Life of Quilters!

2010-09-01T14:45:00.004+08:00

Oh, we feel so lucky - yesterday we spent a lovely day with Lizzie from A House in the Country! We think we are pretty special as Lizzie comes all the way from Gordon, Victoria to Perth in Western Australia! It would be just lovely to have her with us all the time - I kinda think she's our sort of Girlfriend!

A lot of you have probably checked out Julia's post of today - yes, I do use my Dresden Plate Quilt as a tablecloth - and it is hand-quilted and yes I do wash on a 'gentle' in the washing machine. Yum, Melting Moments by Carole and Pumpkin Scones by Patti, and lots of other goodies for lunch!

A fun pic - knitted crowns by Patti on the right and I know quite a few of you out there will be pleased to see another pic of our gorgeous Prue!

Our gorgeous Barb, too,with her creative ribbon crochet - it's looking great!

Just a little bit of colour to welcome Spring - a beautiful day here today and we are all looking forward to the warmer weather - maybe I'll do a little bit of applique preparation now as I've been a slack-tart and wasted most of the day, but it is nice to have days like this, too!

Happy Stitching!

Look Below!

2010-08-29T10:15:00.005+08:00

I am very excited! What I really want to show you is a great pic of my Blue Frames below! Now it is an attachment Karen from Quilts on Bastings has sent me and the pattern is by Kate of
One Flew Over - I did choose fabrics and stitched it together and asked Karen if she could do the quilting so I can take a tiny bit of credit - I just love it, thanks Girls! I'm on fire - this is popped over the back of the lounge ready for me to pick up and stitch at night - it's making me happy!

Up above - yes, I did get to the machine yesterday - a little sneak peek at what I have started - it is to be a baby quilt and hopefully I will show you the flimsy and tell you about it later on in the week. A little more here and there - I find as long as I do things in short spurts without repetition for ages the dear old arms stand up to it - it has been a long six months and boy, am I going to make up for it!

2010-08-28T12:19:00.004+08:00

Oh, yes - everyone is thinking I've disappeared off the face of the earth! No, no - I really am starting to become the 'old Lurline' - maybe it is spring just around the corner! I've had a little tidy-up in 'My Studio' and found my Saffron Craig Fairy Quilt - nearly finished - top and bottom borders only to go - can I do it? - we'll see!

I've started a Kim McLean applique quilt - it was with a little trepidation I wondered if I had the ability to use Kaffe's fabrics - easy-peasey and I love it!

This is a gorgeous 1940 quilt - I would love to have bought it, but a little too expensive! I just love it and could have coped with the very poor workmanship - maybe I should make one of my own, though how hard would it be to capture the charm of this.

Whoohoo! It's that time of year again - thanks Donna, I'm in! It's fun to look forward to it all and really I would like to start a little stash of goodies to give at Christmas now!

Yes, Lizzie is here - lots of you will know her from A House in the Country! I've invited Girlfriends! to meet here here at lunch next Tuesday - what a buzz!

I have an urge - can't divulge because it involves the sewing machine - say lots of little prayers for me that I can stitch one lovely little project, lol!

Happy Weekend!

Penola Retreat

2010-08-19T11:27:00.007+08:00

Last weekend was just delightful - I joined just the nicest lot of girls on a retreat - thank you all!Now, there's a long story to my Clamshells - they were destined for the bin and I really mean it! Late Saturday night I was totally over them - not good enough for me, etc. - Clamshells on the floor! I had a big sleep-in on Sunday and this is what I awoke to - some papers removed, pressed and lots more shells cut out and prepared - I'm still quite fragile at times and I really had to hold back those tears - I can brag and say aren't they just beautiful as I have had so much input from others and yes, I would be happy to share my beautiful friends!
Here's a few of us together - Louise, Carole, Jan then me - don't you just love the tasteful attire - Peter Alexander pants Raelene's shawl and no hair brushed as I forgot my brush!

A gorgeous Bullseye by Wendy - oh, I love it, I do have the book somewhere in the shed, just so old!
Candy's flannelette quilt, how rich and cosy - it was a very chilly weekend!
I just cannot believe this is a stitchery by Carole - it is! - so very beautiful!

Louise's Mariner's Compass - so bright and beautiful. Also chickens in progress by Iris.

Perhaps I should have left this pic to another time - it works beautifully! Janet of Quilstalott has told us about it on Glorious Applique - more to come at another time!

Happy week everyone - hope to do a lot of browsing and chatting!

Happy Fingers!

2010-08-07T10:45:00.004+08:00

Oh, I do love stitching applique - I am making slow progress at the moment, but I am getting there! Beautiful, beautiful repros - I find them very easy to work with, no problem with colour or pattern selection at all. The French General is just lovely to use for the background, not prone to creasing, so that is great. Originally I bought 6 yards, then ordered another 6 - now , as a lot of you know, this fabric doesn't come cheap and I was having serious guilts about buying this when I could have used quilters' muslin, not now though, one of the nicest fabrics I have ever used!

My 'Sewing Studio' is messy, messy - how can one keep tidy with such an array of fabrics. Cheers to those patient Girls out there who can use a different fabric for each leaf.

Way, way behind with Clamshells - here's the intention! I have fiddled about with the shape and widened it to 3.5". I am using paper shapes with paper that is slightly heavier than the ordinary copy paper and glueing the fabric with the Sewline stick. All seems to be going well, a little early to tell if it is going to be perfectly on the square - hope so as I've always wanted to do a little crib quilt. I'll try to keep it predominately pink with a few other pastels thrown in here and there.

Well, I'm out to the shed for a little bit - I need to scrounge for some plastic tubs for storage and there's also some repro bits and pieces out there - happy weekend!

Stars & Sprigs!

2010-07-30T15:25:00.007+08:00

I am improving so much as the days go by and I'm feeling so great it is the perfect day to start Stars & Sprigs by Kim McLean. I can't thank you enough Kim - please join us on the journey. I'm sure you will hear a lot more as it progresses. Apparently the quilt originated in 1810, now here we are 200 years later sharing the beauty!

I believe the pattern will be on release to the public in a few weeks - oh, what a delight for you who love applique and reproduction! Janet of Quiltsalott is on a very speedy journey and oh, how beautiful it is! For those who don't follow Janet's blog - it is a true delight! Pop over and have a little visit!

I have chosen an antique white Paddo for the background and French General Rural Jardon for the background behind the stars - we will use lots of pretty, bright reproductions for the applique - with maybe a few rogue fabrics thrown in.

Please God, let me keep well - let's not worry about the necessities, but I would really love some joy and relaxation stitching - I have come up with a perfect ( I hope !) pattern for the Clamshells (lol)! I went for a lovely long drive north of Perth yesterday and my arms survived beautifully, touch wood they stay that way - I have missed my independence so much!

Happy weekend everyone!

Moody Blues!

2010-07-22T09:48:00.006+08:00

Happy day! Though I am not sure - perhaps lacking a charm that Kate's quilt has - hopefully it has a mood of its own. I am so pleased to have it finished, such a simple quilt, but quite a marathon effort for me. I think it will be quite a while before I sew a full sized quilt again - maybe never. I am just so thankful I can still do handwork - I am going to have another try at clamshells again and also a little play with applique. I'm so looking forward to having it quilted.
Hope your day is happy, too!

I'm a Survivor!

2010-07-18T14:52:00.010+08:00

I know it hasn't been a good year - so far I have survived - maybe just! Sewing machine trouble - I wonder why? Machine problems - I tinkered, re-threaded top and bottom, dismantled and cleaned, new needle. I really wanted to finish the Windows and Frames Quilt so a few little tears in my current state of mind. When I put my foot down, sometimes it just looked at me and did nothing, other times it took off like a rocket winding thread galore and clanking away!

I borrowed Julia's machine - couldn't get the 1/4" accurate with my previous blocks. I gave up thinking to myself do a Scarlett and think about it tomorrow. Picked my machine this morning (still a bit of a challenge with my weak little wings!) and started to put the cords in again - now this really wasn't funny! - bare broken wires - the copper ones, see them. Don't strange things happen in life - I must have been very wicked in my past one, lol!

I won't speculate on what could have caused the damage, not nice to think of what the outcome could have been - I do have a little idea! I am so desperate to get this quilt finish to send it to Karen to be quilted! Pop over to her site to see her unique, amazing wholecloth!

Just a little bit of joy in this Post - pretty delicate white flowers on one of our succulents, David's (son), so that's nice! I haven't been Posting or Commenting a great deal - hopefully it will all come together again - however, I have done a lot of Browsing, and that is always such a thrill

Moving On!

2010-07-13T10:26:00.009+08:00

These things happen don't they - it has been a bad year for the computer, too. He decided to go to sleep for nearly a week! Time has slipped away from me - here are the beautiful fabrics I am using to make Windows and Frames, the original by Kate Dixon of One Flew Over!

This pattern featured in the last Fat Quarterly. I think it is a stunner thanks, Kate. It is so fresh and simple.

I must get back to stitching this afternoon as one gorgeous girl from Melbourne, Karen of Quilts on Bastings has returned from a wonderful holiday overseas and now has time to machine quilt a quilt for me. Lots of 'copy-catting', I know, and both girls are happy about this. Oh, I am so excited - lets hope all goes according to plan!

We Are All Happy!

2010-07-06T11:24:00.010+08:00

The puppies are always happy to see our mail-lady - not as happy as I am though! Thank you so much Kathie of Inspired by Antique Quilts. Kathie is one of my oldest and best friends in Blogland and I am so honoured to be the lucky Owner of one of her quilts - the additional red fabrics is for a border - now , in the recent past I have joined in the controversy of hand versus machine quilting this one will certainly be fine hand-quilted - oh, I am so happy - big hugs, Kathie♥
The pretty little print in the background is from Patchwork on Stonleigh, just a bit too gorgeous to pass by!

Let's get back to Kathie again! She has sent some quick pain relief in her parcel also, lol! Lots of new 10" Kaffe squares here - what a thrill. Really though, today does feel so much better - I'm off to the shop to buy something nice to cook for dinner - it will be good to give the Master Chef a break! Hope your day is happy, too!

Beautiful Sunshine!

2010-07-03T15:41:00.003+08:00

We have maybe a half hour until the chill sets in - lots of heaters on and quilts dragged out in this part of the world - makes me feel like vintage style quilts to cuddle up under - let's see what the rest of winter brings - it would be nice to think I could get a nice applique underway!

A few more rows, maybe - I'm aiming for a cushion top at the moment - a lot of fun and happiness there with the clear bright colours - the Clover Yo-Yo Maker makes it all very mindless ( relaxing, is a better word, lol!)

See my copy of Brigitte Giblin's Clamshells in the background - I also ordered Lizard of Oz's papers there a while back. I hope to have a little trial over the weekend to see if I qualify to join Sue-Ann's Clamshell Club I have always wanted to make a cot quilt! Google both our Designer's sites if you would like to find some patterns.

I hope we have more lovely sunshine in the morning - maybe I will get to have a little play on my machine. It has been a very 'up and down' week for me - makes me really appreciate the good times! Its been nice checking out some blogs, welcoming a few new Followers (a big Thank You!) and please pop over and visit our new Blogger Helen at Cats Meow - Helen is a gorgeous girl and an accomplished quilter - I'm sure we can drag her into a few projects over time !

Have a fun weekend!

PS - Gee it is lovely to say hello again!

In My Little Corner of the World!

2010-06-22T12:47:00.012+08:00

It seems like a little while since I've been here - quite a lot of Reading and Inspiration - very little Commenting and Replying (Sorry!). I have been trying to sew - flopped - aargh! Oh, I've been extra wicked, too -I have missed two Fat Quarter Birthday Swaps also - 'hey - that's enough, Girl - move on, no matter what!'

. One gorgeous folk art platter from Intercourse, Pennsylvania to Perth, Western Australia - love those leaves on the tree.

. Below it, a jug from Ikea - local, but simple and lovely.

. Back right - have any of you received a pressie too precious to use - just too gorgeous and made for me by Chookyblue. Ah, ha, I do use it and quite a lot, too - for little sewing tools, the odd business card I know I will use, a tiny fabric swatch I know I will need to match!

It is so lovely to get away from the real world for a little while - this is the most beautiful milk jug cover I have ever seen - see how the tiny beads are slipped on the thread and crocheted to form the star design - there could be no background design more suitable than Liberty of London!

A late lunch again, some birthday present posting (I'm so sad and sorry, Barbara, Christine and of course you too, Maree - I feel I will be blacklisted in Blogland,and here I am telling all the world about it!). Please forgive me for all my wicked ways!

Nancy Nine Patch!

2010-06-13T16:53:00.012+08:00

I love antique quilts - back left, here is an original that has inspired me - pop over to True Blue Quilting Nana to see Nancy's wonderful treasure - perhaps around 70 years old - thank you Nancy for allowing me to keep this little beauty alive!

I've had a few hours of fun this yesterday afternoon and feel sure I will achieve the look I want. I have chosen Retro-Thirtyish, now is there such a thing? Fresh, bright and pretty - and really there is quite a challenge in this not so simple 9-patch - perhaps not the best way to get into the swing of things, we'll see - maybe a simple 9-Patch would have been enough, this will be quite different with all those little individual squares to make the secondary 9-patches that join the blocks together!

I have chosen 2" cuts (finish 1.5") and I will be trying my best to spend a little time each day to try to pull this quilt together. She will be called Nancy 9-Patch - there we go, now that is a commitment. She will be a scrappy of course - I'm popping to the machine now to try to get a little more done - let's see if she is suitable for a Quiltalong - no two quilts would look alike!

Ta-ta for now!

You Are Going To Love This!

2010-06-12T13:13:00.005+08:00

I have one very Lucky Girlfriend! And aren't we so lucky to share this at our Sewing Day last Tuesday! Gwen's Best Friend bought her this fabulous pic for her - read on and enjoy!

Here is a some work of the Earth from Above by Yann Arthus-Bertrand! - spectacular! The above I took at Gwen's place with my new camera - no flash required, so how great is that! These are wonderful cotton fabrics drying in the sun, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India!
See those tiny figures and their shadows in the lower left-hand corner!

This one I have snuck from the Internet! To see more of Yann's wonderful work, Google Images for Yann Arthus-Bertrand. I have spent literally hours browsing - great pain-killer on this very chilly day! There is so much written and pictorial interest surrounding this wonderful artist, so please have a little look if you are that way inclined.

This week has slipped by with no production - again! - lots of inspiration there though! I have a big black cloud hanging over my head in the way of medical bills - it is enough putting up with the inconvenience of being unwell, but worse still trying to sort out the red tape, lol! Maybe I will bite the bullet now and have a little think in the Sewing Studio tomorrow! Happy weekend everyone!

PS - oh, I am going for careful, gentle little drives in the car - I feel like a bird set free - I promise I will be extra careful!

Here's Hoping!

2010-06-07T14:03:00.003+08:00

Have I turned a corner - maybe! - less pain, more enthusiasm!
Another start at another lot of Granny Squares - must apply myself and keep on moving! Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino is just so gorgeous and soft - as I have mentioned before, my squares have been inspired by Attic24 (I do have some old tricks I find hard to change!) - I'm about to try her method of joining the squares together!

Look what I have - I'm not feeling at all enthusiastic about installing it - seems all a little too much for my learning curve at the moment! I would love any encouragement I can get from you Girls - I'm a total Newbie and wonder if I have bought a monster!

This doesn't go down really well with Nanny - my little Heidi-Ho has joined AusKick with Byron. She does do ballet, too, so maybe not so much of a tomboy - all of my girls have been Girlie-girls!
She has informed me she was telling Byron that is not the right way to hold a football - 'I wasn't going to kick it, Heidi - I was just carrying it!' - poor Byron - I have told him to tell her to get back to her ballet,lol! Have fun!

Seems Like a Long Time!

2010-06-04T15:58:00.004+08:00

Hi All - hope I am sounding a little brighter - I try to keep my tears and tanties (tantrums!) for DH, rest of Family and Close-Friends. Lot of beautiful thoughts pass through my mind and I design great quilts and projects - so much enjoyment I derive from you all in Blogland, even though I don't keep up my side of the bargain a lot of the time lately!

Julia and I have just been having a little chat about crochet and projects we are thinking about - I decided to show Julia Irish Crochet - the above set done by Mum perhaps back in the Eighties - she is now 91 - she started it while holidaying with me in Gove, Arnhem land, mine I did in ecru! This set still sits on her dressing table - we take it for granted, but I guess it does take a very special talent to start with hook and thread and come up with this!

Dreaming - yep! Beautiful Liberties I am going to try to use for applique of a new quilt I will design and make with Dancing Dollies - hope the fabric is applicable, such beautiful prints for little dresses, don't you think? Hey, look at those gorgeous beams of sunshine through the blinds!

The wool basket! - I'm into 48 hours of doing nothing after a cortisone injection yesterday - surely a little tapping of keys won't hurt! Lots of superb Australian DK merino wool - the pattern is by Attic24 - do look up her web/blog if interested, just fabulous - I admire her outlook on life, her attitude and her work so much!

Hmmm., back to our recent quilt show - I think these pics are fairly you-beaut with my new camera, it has just been the effort of being in pain control and getting the camera to like me! I know quite a lot of you have seen Julia's prize winning quilt - you can hear lots more about it on her blog.

Dear Friend, Robin - another Prizewinner with a Piece o' Cake Design - beautifully interpreted!

An original from out QuiltWest Co-ordinator, Sheila Pye - takes one back to the 1840's - a First prize winner in the category!

And can you see why? Look at this magnificent quilting on a domestic sewing machine - hearty congrats, Sheila!

♥

Wow, quite an effort for me - I'm really, really happy with my new camera - all those taken in the Convention Centre were with the camera without the built-in flash - still very good, I think.
Those at home were taken with the exchanged Olympis E-PI - of course in great daylight, so no flash needed. Oh, and I forgot to mention - the postie lady brought my EQ7 Version this morning - quite a buzz - haven't had time to play, shall tell you about it soon. Also, my little social outings since I last talked to you - great lunch with friends last Saturday - I love them dearly - then lovely night with Secret Quilters last Tuesday night - oh, I am a Lucky Girl, helps ease the pain, tears and tanties!

Whew!

2010-05-29T09:44:00.003+08:00

I don't think I should talk about the past week too much - let's stay on a happy note! My shoulders? - let's just say I had some fairly decent sleep last night - was sadly mistaken and don't see my surgeon until next Wednesday and I am choosing not to speculate about the outcome! I have a computer up and running, now let's cross fingers - I have an exchange camera Olympus E-PLI with inbuilt flash - seems beautiful, but again, I am too frightened to be too optimistic! Down to business - I had some applique pieces prepared for GT&SB - here they are and two fat-quarters I bought at the show - along with a donkey pattern that was it!

Another block finished - without too much difficulty I might add - perhaps I will become a quilter again!

I had seen this gorgeous book around in Blogland so ordered it - I am thrilled - now to decide which blocks to use for a small rug. I have a lovely range of DK wool!

♥

I am going to lunch today with a few Girlfriends! - really looking forward to that as I am not quite the socialite I would like to be these days. Oh, when will I get to drive that car again? Again, enjoy your weekend, maybe a little stitching and crocheting for me. Off to have a little browse at your Posts - hope everyone is fine and happy!

Happy Weekend!

2010-05-23T12:29:00.002+08:00

Not for me sadly - just a little learning curve going on here, it won't beat me!

Now I don't have a computer - oh, I'm so sad! I'm using David's laptop to say a little hello to everyone. I just hope I have all the data on mine still - a techo will be out Tuesday morning, if I don't decide to chuck a Charlie in the meantime and run around the streets begging for help!

Happy Weekend everyone - do some more stitching for me please!

Popping in to Say Hello!

2010-05-19T11:43:00.003+08:00

It is a week since I last posted and really I don't know what to say! Friday last week I visited the podiatrist in the afternoon, rolled on my left shoulder (the original bad one!) to get off the bed, toppled over and dislocated my right shoulder. I have lots and lots of severe pain and don't know where I will go from here - I came out of hospital Sunday afternoon and I'm waiting to hear from my orthopaedic surgeon now!

Meanwhile, best wishes to you all - I really have very little interest in anything, so you will all have to puddle along and make up for my lost time. lol!

Playing With the Baby!

2010-05-12T11:56:00.005+08:00

I had a Girlfriend drop in this morning and am expecting another Girlfriend to drop in this afternoon and here I am playing! Should be tidying and folding clothes - how boring! Was to have gone to a Cancer Morning Tea today and am really belting myself up - often I find things 'too hard to do' these days - oh, when is it going to get better! Lots of clicking going on with my new camera - I do love it! I have made a few little Klosjes - I am not enjoying making them, but keep at it Girl!

I sent to Fresh Squeezed Fabrics for pinky off-cuts - here's the bundle - I'm really happy with them - thought maybe this year I would a softie for Holloween from this pattern, so ordered it, too! Great service, so I'm happy!

Another great little find - 6" squares of Liberty Paisley - associated with Kaffe Fasset! I just adore the range - fabulous colour - oh, I could put them to so many uses!

A stroll outside with my baby and I still have beautiful red roses smiling at me - a little neglected and probably the last bloom just before winter - rain is supposed to start this afternoon!

I told you I was buying bubbly for Mother's Day - the Girls and I enjoyed this little splurge - a fine Australian sparkling wine with hibiscus flowers? added - I think they are really rosellas!

Last but not least - my big boy, Ronan! He was an orphaned Siamese Fighter brought home to me by DD - he's the friendliest fish I have ever had and as you can see has a very healthy appetite - I so enjoy him!

I can hear you all saying 'thank God!' if you have managed to stay with me - maybe tomorrow I will start playing with my sewing machine again - hope so! Happy day!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T14:48:00.006+08:00

Happy Mother's Day to Mothers whoever and wherever you are - I hope you are all being spoiled! This is for my Mum! Ed and I have enjoyed a lovely couple of days away visiting the town of New Norcia, 190k away from where we live in Perth. It is the only monastic town in Australia filled with history, heritage and serenity. It was first established by Don Rosendo Salvado in 1847, beautifully maintained and preserved.

A beautiful Abbey Church - one can really feel the European influence in the architecture!

Paintings by local indigenous people - very inspiring and meaningful!

Long verandahs - part of the 2-hour walking tour! It was quite a warm day and lots of walking, so I was very thirsty and nursing one very sore arm last night!

More beautiful paintings!

We stayed the two nights at the Avalon Homestead - beautifully spoiled by Delveen and Peter and then drove home this morning!

Bushfires ravaged the area of Toodyay there a little while back - so sad to see the devastation of the houses and land, most of it cleared away by this stage.

My girls and their families have phoned to suggest they come over to cook dinner this evening - wonderful! - I will pop over to get some sparkling wine to celebrate, this day only happens once a year!

♥

Enjoy your week ahead!

My New Baby!

2010-05-05T13:59:00.004+08:00

I have very rude, hurtful children!!! I intend squandering more of their inheritance, lol!
Angela: I wish she would go out and buy a b****y new camera and then she will shut up about it!
Adrian : Yeah, right, and then she won't be able to use it anyhow!
Isn't she lovely and yes, I can use her, not very well though! I'll put her to the test over the weekend when we visit New Norcia - the only monastic town in Australia - I'm quite looking forward to a little escape!

I've joined in with everyone and am going to make a small block of Klosjes to put into my GT&SB quilt - fiddly little things, maybe a 12" square block!

Yesterday we had a nice little sewing day here - Teena, Robin, Moi, Diane, Kris and Prue - lots of Prue's fans will be happy to see another pic of her! Robin acted as hostess providing a beautiful lunch, thanks, Robin. Kris looked after us with tea and coffee and put herself at the kitchen sink washing and drying dishes - Naughty Girl! - there's a 2-drawer dishwasher just under the sink. But, gee, it was a lovely day, a small group so very relaxing!

Here's Kris, Julia and Diane - all smiles! I am using Julia's templates for my Klosjes, so she showed me how to set up the first one - I so wish she would draw them all for me, lol! Definitely not my thing! We've just been to see Ed's Doc - not wonderful news! - let's just hope all is well that ends well! He was kind enough to stop at a nearby QS - he wandered in after me, so consequently just a few little snippets of fabric! I love the slatey grey/black, can even see framing a Dancing Dollies cot quilt, on a light backgound it would show off the pretty dressses beautifully- we'll see! Happy day everyone!

My Very Own Dollies!

2010-05-03T09:27:00.009+08:00

Life is so much easier without arm restrictions and look - at last - I have simplified Dancing Dollies © - it has been on my agenda for many years and I played around when I couldn't stitch, with ruler and templates slipping and sliding. Now I have made a block substitute for GT&SB! Next on my agenda - a cot quilt! For all you kind girls who have asked for a pattern, hopefully it is within the foreseeable future now!

No Quit Police around here - I use good quality polyester thread for my applique stitching, I've tried them all and just like the result the best - though I must try Aurafil! I often use freezer-paper shiny side up, pin it to the background then blind stitch it. That's where the little forceps above come in handy - I make a little opening on the back to pull the freezer paper out.

Keep the little advertising cards from your quilting magazines - a lovely weight in cardboard to make little circles to draw up for the heads of the dollies! Happy day!