Julie's Quilt Gallery

Wet, Wet, Wet weather again….still……!

2012-01-29T11:01:00.001+10:00

Here it is almost the end of January, the first month of 2012 is just about done and dusted, and what do I have to show for the (almost) 31 days?

Well I’m back at work, but no excuses this year I only have 2 1/2 hours a day to take me away from more enjoyable pursuits remember!

I applied for time off for my Hawaii trip, apparently my leave can’t be approved until the boss checks with everyone else to see what plans they have? I’m sure my 2 1/2 hours a day will really be a big deciding factor!!! Whatever!

On a brighter note, yesterday I found my stitching mojo! It was really only hiding not actually lost!

Ta! Da!

The two borders added makes this quilt number 8 needing to be quilted, and I have made a commitment to get them all quilted in 2012. note to self: (I must make a side bar list and check them off as I go)

Next was this Friendship Star block. The focus fabric was handed out late last year for those wishing to take part in making a block for a charity quilt. No instructions apart from the finished size, it will be handed in second Saturday in February at the next SCQ GTG. It’ll be interesting to see what the others have come up with and how they’ll work together.

This little pouch is from a pattern that had been sitting on my sewing table since late last year. I used the leftover strips from a jelly roll used in a quilt tops I put together in 2011. It’s about the size of a pencil case and I’ve added a handmade scissor fob to the zip to give it some bling. The fob was a gift from Kathryn, who gave everyone in our LPC one at our Christmas breakup last year.

Another pouch, needing completion, I had been procrastinating when the binding didn’t look quite as it should, but after beginning to unpick I knew it was the right thing to do and the finished looks was so much better.

This covered jar was another thing that wasn’t working for me, and it needed something to brighten it up. The lace and label did the trick.

The jar is sitting on a table runner I have up to the quilting stage, I’d like to experiment with some machine quilting and used some scraps to put it together. Stay tuned for the finished work.

Here is another on going project, I see this particular one taking years and years, if ever to complete. It’s a work in progress that I never get tired of, and enjoy every moment I spend on it, I never seem to lose my mojo where it’s concerned…..

Poppy has fashioned a cubby house using a few quilts and the highchair. Brooklynn loves to put quilts over her head and hide.

How would anyone get tired of watching this darling little project blossom and grow?

It’s still raining but I do need to leave the house to find a new telephone, the battery has died and can’t be revived on the cordless phone, so must find my galoshes and rainy, rainy coat before I venture outside!

Thanks for visiting…..

Julie xxx

Tupperware cupboard envy anyone?

2012-01-21T15:04:00.001+10:00

I have a guilty secret, I suffer from Tupperware cupboard envy! It’s a difficult affliction to live with! I have so much Tupperware, I think I could be a demonstrator, oh and I love most of it too! BUT my cupboards have reached their capacity!

I am on a strict “no Tupperware diet” and have asked my husband to shoot me if I bring home one more piece of the stuff.

I have even sold my old Tupperware on EBay to make room for new Tupperware, it’s so close to being an investment I have seriously thought about stock piling it to re sell in my retirement!

Those vintage pieces are snapped up by collectors from all over the country. Especially anyone looking for those colours from the early 80’s, Lime Green, Tangerine, Bright Yellow & Mission Brown (that are in my collection), because they are on the comeback for anyone decorating their kitchens in Retro Style.

A little early for my collection are the Soft Pastel/ Rainbow collection from the late 60’s & 70’s, I remember in the cupboard of my mother, having said that I have to admit to one or two from that era, let’s face it, surely there isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t have at least one piece of Tupperware in her cupboard that she doesn’t know how she came by!

Last night while visiting the home of a friend I got to see her Tupperware Cupboard…….several times during the evening, and mostly all over the floor as if continually fell out every time it was accessed.

It reminded me of the mess my own Tupperware cupboard was in and as she vowed to tidy it up in the morning, it spurred me on to tackle my own guilty secret.

With an unused dish drainer that was lurking under the kitchen sink, I organised the lids. I sectioned off the different pieces depending on use, cooking, serving and storage.

Let’s hope this organisation rids our household of the constant removal of half the cupboards contents to find the right container, then throwing it all back in and quickly shutting the doors.

It’s not all I’ve been up to, so here’s the rest of my escapades.

A new bag…….being road tested by Brooklynn!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Road test has been a success

2012-01-11T21:53:00.001+10:00

Today I took my new bag for it’s first outing, and I must say the verdict is in, and my new bag is a triumph!

Not only is it extremely comfortable, but very roomy, perfect for my necessities! Not once did I feel that sliding feeling, oh well if you don’t include the bra strap….but that’s a whole other issue!

I was able to access my purse when the time came to pay, getting out my reading glasses was a cinch, changing to my sun glasses a breeze. When sitting at the coffee shop the bag say quietly and unobtrusively in my lap, fitting perfectly under the table so nothing was dropped on it either.

This Sunglasses case was partially prepared back in November, (with guidance from Sharon) it just needed the closing do-dad to complete it. Sadly the ones I had were too big and it has taken until this week to get some smaller ones. I’m pleased to say that my sunglasses still fit, even after the Christmas Break! Oh and the fabric contrasts nicely with my new bag!

Yesterday I did a little cooking, three banana’s lay mouldering in the fruit bowl, and it seemed such a waste to simply toss them in the bin.

The icing was left over from custard kisses made before Christmas, and worked beautifully with the banana flavour.

Peanut Butter Blossoms now fill the biscuit jars. A new recipe, not sure where it came from but had been printed and filed in my recipe book. A soft biscuit, flavoured with peanut butter, and a choc drop pressed into the top as soon as they come out of the oven. Very tasty!

It has been hot, hot, hot here for the last few days, Monday was 40.6deg C yesterday a little cooler at 37deg C, Today 37.4deg C we are so very fortunate to have air-con I’m not sure how I would survive without it.

Tomorrow is forecast to be a chilly 32deg C looking forward to that cool change!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

I Know! I Know! It’s brown!

2012-01-10T15:16:00.001+10:00

But it’s such a practical colour….oh and I have metres of the stuff!!

Is it just me, or do others suffer from the “Handbag Falling of the Shoulder when Shopping Syndrome”

I am totally sick of it happening just when I have my hands full or are zeroing in on a must have, bargain priced do-dad, gizmo or artefact. It’s really beginning to cramp my style and a woman with cramped style is not the kind of woman I want to be!

My solution was to make yet another bag for my collection. Keeping in mind my upcoming trip to Hawaii and the need to have a “non style cramping bag” when travelling OS, I thought of using a basic Messenger style bag with a few additional, personalized components.

Firstly it must go across my body, and not so tight I have to be a contortionist to put it on or take it off. Oh and certainly no ~~bulge~~ curve enhancement required. Secondly I need to access all areas in a minimum amount of time with a touch of graceful flourish, oh and it must have an outside pocket at the back of the bag next to my body so I can feel if my mobile phone is ringing/vibrating!

The inner pockets are simply mandatory, how many and what size is always a contentious issue, to be guessed at using previous handbags as a guide. Large enough to hold all I need yet not so big I fill it with all but the kitchen sink!

This little beauty is based on the Large Tote & Satchel by Nicole Mallalieu Design with a 1flower difficulty rating!

I auditioned a few fabrics from my stash and came up with the most serviceable and practical colour I could find…….BROWN! With the amount of this particular fabric I have, I should be able to make a set of matching suitcases, overnight bag, carryon bag, toiletries bag, and have some left over for a few little pouches, purses and do-dad holders!

The lining fabric is the leftovers of an IKEA purchase, perfect for bag linings, gives that touch of interest as I peek inside!

I am totally thrilled with the finished bag, and now need to road test it to check that all my needs are catered for and especially to check if it needs a style cramping rating!

If it has anything above a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10 it will be back to the drawing board!

Thanks for visiting

Julie xxx

1st Blog Post for 2012

2012-01-01T20:09:00.001+10:00

Happy New Year to all visitors.

I had a very productive beginning to my 2012 by cleaning and tidying the two hall cupboards. This chore had been eating away at the edges of my mind for months. So much so that I had been collecting empty photocopy paper boxes from work to use as storage for my various collections.

I have no before photos, I’m far too vain for that, but I am more than happy to share the after ones with no such qualms!

Linen Cupboard

I’m feeling very righteous and keep stealing peeks whenever I pass, just to make myself feel good! Better than any drug I’ve ever taken!

I mentioned in yesterdays post about putting the final touches onto a row x row quilt that had been left on the back burner for several years, well yesterday I put the rows together. Just the borders to go now.

This tea towel seemed perfect for a ‘summer weight’ apron, so that’s exactly what it became.

My clean up has yielded a dirty little secret of mine……I have become a TOPPER! I never thought I’d have to admit to this affliction, but it seems as if I have. These 7 quilts will be joined by the row x row I’m working on now to make 8 quilts tops! Fortunately they aren’t all that old, probably less than 2 years, so I don’t feel as if the affliction is ingrained…..yet!

I think that 2012 will need to be the year I complete these soon to be 8 quilts before I make another top!

Greg has a new project too!

This timber decking comes off the concrete that surrounds the pool/entertainment area. It is to replace the original decking done several years ago. It is looking great and I look forward to showing you all the end result.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

New Years Eve.

2011-12-31T12:55:00.001+10:00

A restful few days have passed since my last post. By restful, I mean……well what do I mean, there is no rest for the wicked!!

My Christmas gift meant a tidy up of some kitchen cupboards were in order. I needed to find cupboard space for the Slow Cooker and the Waffle Maker, I wanted to keep the Kitchen Aid on the bench right where I could see it and be reminded of what a fabulous husband I really have!!

The box that held the Kitchen Aid has been filled with items not used for many years, but still in perfect condition, so hopefully our local Op Shop will be able to use these items to fund their charity work.

Last night we had friends Sharon & Greg, over for dinner so a little cooking and a little cleaning was performed, nothing beats the motivation of guests!

Chicken Parcels for main course, chicken breasts spread with garlic butter, a sprinkle of cheese and wrapped in ham, before being encased in puff pastry. Side dishes of Potato Bake, carrots and peas.

Dessert a Mango and Passionfruit Pavlova. (Sorry about the blurry photo, but it’s hard to focus correctly while racing back to the table to eat!)

All washed down with a glass or two of wine. There was lots of lively conversation, many, many laughs, and all in all a good night was had by all!

Now for some photographs of our new pool fence. You may remember when I posted about the removal and replacement of our outdoor entertainment area roof. It required the removal of the pool fence too as we were making the area larger.

Well up went the roof and that’s as far as things went. Today I can report that the new fence is now up.

You will have to look closely because it’s glass and difficult to see. The exact look we were aiming for to keep the clean lines, of you guessed it, no fence!

Once again Greg has showed his skills, he is a very talented husband I must say!

Today while I was going for my morning walk I planned in my head what I wanted to do today. My decision was to complete the quilt top I have been working for several years…..it was a row by row that fell by the wayside. I’ve now completed all the applique and it is time to put the rows together.

A very good start to my New Years ~~Resolution~~ Plan, finish a project ~~a month~~ (let’s not get carried away) every now and then, and delve into my stash of fabrics and patterns and have something to show for my reduced hours at work!!!

Stay tuned to see my completed top very soon…..ish!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

Boxing Day 2011

2011-12-26T21:52:00.001+10:00

I survived! and I hope all those visiting my blog survived too.

A civilized start to the day, now that Jordan is almost 15 and Brooklynn too young to ‘know’ what Christmas & Santa actually means, not woken at the crack of dawn at last!

Christmas Day 2011

Brooklynn was the life of the gift opening action, even though she was more interested in the baubles on the tree than the gifts!

The rest of the morning passed quickly as we ate breakfast of waffles prepared in our new family gift, a waffle maker, egg whites whipped using my gift, a Kitchen Aid mixer. My darling husband Greg has obviously listened to me all year gushing over the appliances just about every cooking show on the TV uses, and how the fabulous range of colours were ‘to die’ for. I now have my very own Tangerine Kitchen Aid! I was very spoiled this year.

This gift did not come without expectations I can report, and no, it’s not what some of you may be thinking…… he is expecting some wonderful cooking to come from our kitchen in the very near future! Under pressure now!

This was later in the afternoon at my sister Wanda’s place where we had my family Christmas celebrations. Brooklynn was, once again the entertainment for the day!

Today the shops begin “The Boxing Day Sales”, and while we didn’t venture away from the house, Leah & Corrie went looking for a Christmas tree and decorations at bargain prices, so Brooklynn stayed with us.

Here she is relaxing with Poppy!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T14:29:00.001+10:00

It’s finally here…..no more shopping or preparing to be done, just sitting back and reaping the benefits of all the effort that goes into Christmas preparations.

Before I give myself a big head, ‘effort’ wasn’t really a feature of my Christmas preparation, more like chaos and panic. ‘Effort’, in my opinion would have been, beginning the preparations anytime before December 12th!

Alas this was not to be, so panic and hysteria seemed to wake me each day with the realization that I would be far less stressed if only I hade been just a little organized!

Today, 2pm Christmas eve I have all the gifts wrapped and under the tree.

My middle sister Wanda is hosting our family Christmas Day this year, so fortunately I have had no food prep, it will be my turn again in 2012!

Right now I am listening to The Essential Michael Jackson - Man in the Middle, and singing at the top of my voice, because I just love this song!

The remainder of the afternoon will be spent giving the house a bit of a tidy up, and then I have the choice of doing a bit more on my stitchery.

Sew Laugh Love by Leanne Beasley

or perhaps read, then again a Nanny Nap is also a possibility.

Oh but before I go I have a photo from our holiday that I have yet to blog and it can’t pass without some mention……

Jordan’s first legal catch, he has managed to catch a few smaller fish that had to be released but the largest is his catch, while other two smaller fish were caught by Greg. Expertly filleted by Greg and cooked by me……taste was amazing, so fresh and delicious!

Thanks for visiting,

Merry Christmas to you all!

Julie xxx

Holiday post #2

2011-12-15T11:20:00.001+10:00

Yesterday we drove 14k’s south to Byron Bay. There is probably no better know beach town in Australia, although perhaps Bondi Beach may be a little more well known, but Byron Bay has a reputation all of it’s own.

This is where the ‘beautiful people’ holiday along side the ‘alternate life style people’ a stranger combination I have yet to find.

Back packers accommodation and luxury living sit side by side.

This is the scene just north of the patrolled section of the beach. We had coffee and banana bread with this view.

The lighthouse built in 1901, sits on the most easterly point on the Australian mainland. The weather was pretty close to perfect yesterday, although there was a shower of rain we could see out on the ocean, it didn’t reach the mainland while were were watching it.

Not sure if this was a large dog or a small horse!

A hang-gliding platform sits on the hillside for those brave souls.

We strolled around the town after finally snagging a car park, it is a very busy little town. Then enjoyed lunch in a sandwich shop while watching the passing parade of interesting people.

Meanwhile back in Brunswick Heads the main street had been cut off for the setting up of the “Christmas Markets” we enjoyed browsing the various stalls, sampling fudge, and chatting to the stall holders, all the while keeping an eye on the clouds beginning to build.

A quick stop at the pub for a cold beer and we returned to the van, managing to dodge the rain once again. The evening ended with fireworks that we didn’t have to leave our van site to see.

Today I am alone with my stitching, my book and my laptop, Greg and Jordan have gone fishing. I was invited, but I pleaded “time alone deprived” and stayed behind. Let’s hope they don’t catch anything…… I my be forced to cook something!!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

First week of holiday freedom

2011-12-13T20:30:00.001+10:00

Where do I start? First week off work and I feel free, free from stress and distress! I must weigh at least 5kg lighter!!

We have taken our caravan to Brunswick Heads for a short break before Christmas. Not great weather until today, but we’ve managed to dodge the showers and have a great time just the same.

We gave Greg a kayak for his birthday recently, and the creek running right beside the caravan park is just perfect for first timers like us.

Sunday was my birthday and Leah, Corrie and Brooklynn paid a visit to help me celebrate. It isn’t really a birthday without all my family to share the day with me.

The highlight of the day was watching this little darling with her first “Dagwood Dog”

We all had a turn on the kayak and went for a walk, getting caught in a shower of rain. Then dinner at the local pub, all too soon it was time for them to go home.

Yesterday was a little sunshine, some clouds and a little rain, but not enough to spoil our day. I’ve just finished reading “I Don’t Know How She Does It - by Allison Pearson” it was an enjoyable read, but I did find myself getting a little annoyed with the main character at times. I guess if a book makes you feel anything it has to be a good thing!

The next book I’ve started is The Help – by Kathryn Stockett, the feelings this book has evoked in me right from the first chapter has caught me by surprise. I look forward to my next session with this book!

Today, Tuesday my friend Carolyn and her two sons Josh & Andrew dropped in for a visit. The boys had a wonderful time paddling and swimming, as did Carolyn and I. Greg spent the afternoon sorting through his fishing gear, while Carolyn and I walked for miles on the beach, it was blissfully cool and peaceful. As Carolyn and I work together, she was as much in need of de-stressing as I was!

After dinner of Fish & Chips they headed home and it was just the three of us again. My left elbow is feeling the effects of my kayak adventures earlier. It may be a weight loss device as I’m not sure I will be able to lift food to my mouth by this time tomorrow!!

Jordan was well overdue for a haircut, but time wasn’t on our side before today, we just happened to pass a barber in the main street who wasn’t busy, so in we went and he is now several kg’s lighter for the effort.

He certainly looks so much better.

That is all I have to report so far…. I do hope to have some interesting photographs for my next post.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

I have returned…..from where ever it was I retreated to…….

2011-12-03T12:20:00.001+10:00

It’s been over a month since my last blog post, and at first I thought I was too busy to post, then slowly it dawned on me…..I have been licking my wounds…..and I didn’t even know I was injured!

I have always thought I was a perceptive person with a healthy sense of self, but this last month has proved otherwise.

I’ve been working full time for the past year and as my contract was coming to an end I assumed I would be returning to my old roster that was 4 hours a day working from 6am to 10am….my supervisor said as much in an email a few weeks ago, but her actions were not matching her words, and I was beginning to see writing on the wall that wasn’t what I wanted to read. To begin with I wasn’t being given any training in the new computer system, I wasn’t included in any of the office discussions concerning the changes taking place, or how they would impact on anyone let alone me personally.

Thursday she came to me and said all she could offer me in 2012 was 2&1/2 hours per day! I was shocked and appalled! Was I a fool to think my 5 years with the unit 3 of the those on a contract with increasing hours and responsibilities would assure me anything in the future?

I prided myself on being a reliable and hardworking member of the team and in the end it counted for nothing. The sad reality is that it isn’t only 2 &1/2 hours per day she can give me, it is only 2 &1/2 hours she is prepared to offer.

Others in the unit are being given contracts of varying hours and all more hours than she has offered me! I feel gutted and angry! I am also angry with myself for ever expecting her to be fair or prepared to acknowledge I was a valuable member of the team. Past behaviour is usually what determines future behaviour and this behaviour is certainly not out of character, what fairy land was I living in?

I called in sick yesterday after a sleepless night weighing up my options and trying to understand what I had done wrong? My therapy was to clean, clean like I’ve never cleaned before. I focused my anger and hurt on the shower screens, the dusty furniture, the floors and piles of washing.

My back hurt, my feet hurt, my hands were a dry wrinkled mess, but inside I began to heal. This isn’t about me, it about a very sad bitter woman who would rather be surrounded by backside lickers who answer yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir, to whatever she requests. That’s just not me!

Last night was our work Christmas party, and I went along and had the most wonderful evening with the friends I have made over the past 5 years, and it was an awakening for me, these friends are the most valuable thing I have to show for the years of hard work and if that’s all I have that’s OK!

So today I am feeling like my old self again, not a lot to show for the months absence from blogging, but that’s OK too, because you my friends are the reason I blog and I know you will understand and forgive my absence!

Retreat weekend 4th to 6th November is a good starting point. The view from the dining area is truly spectacular. It felt restful and serene, finally green following the rain of late 2010 early 2011.

Talking and laughing was the highlight of the weekend for me and probably many of the others. I was surrounded by my dearest friends doing what I love to do most! ~~Talk~~ stitch, ~~talk~~, eat, oh who am I kiddin’ TALKING!

This is just a very small sample of some of the projects that were worked on over the weekend, I can no longer remember what belongs to who, so rather than make a mistake, I’ll say nothing and just let the photos speak for themselves!

Thanks so much for allowing me to put my feeling into writing.

I will now immerse myself in some fabric and let loose in my sewing room for a few hours, another healthy dose of therapy, my house is spotless, I’ve earned it!!!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

The week that was…..

2011-10-29T10:06:00.001+10:00

Another busy week has ended. I thought that as I got older life would begin to slow and I would have more time to indulge myself, alas I was misinformed! As I get older life just gets busier and busier!

This week I have had a little indulgence time with a visit to my hairdresser, and my nails done, always a pleasure to spend time and money on things that benefit no one but me!

I also have a little secret to share……I am busy getting all the documents together to apply for my passport! So I guess that means my secret may have something to do with overseas travel you my have guessed? Well you would be right! Next year I am travelling with my sister to Hawaii!

In my excitement I posted off the request for my birth certificate forgetting to send the supporting identification documents! DOH! Although not totally silly, I have gently persuaded Greg to get his documents together for a passport too, I said it was just in case he needed to fly out and bail me out of jail or something? He suggested he may have to come collect my body! All in fun I’m sure!!!

I’ve had the application forms at home from quite a while ago, as I was determined 2011 was the year I would prepare myself for overseas travel, oh and getting that dreaded passport photo taken before I get any older and uglier!

Seems I will have completed my resolution without much time to spare.

I have some stitching finishes to share……

I’ve ‘blinged’ this stitchery wall hanging. At the Quilt & Craft Show last weekend I found some self adhesive diamantes in just the right size.

This little pouch/pocket comes from this site. shared with me by Kathryn, she knows what I like! I used my scrap basket to piece the purse, it was quick and simple with very easy instructions.

The buttons have joined the cardigan!

Completed covered coat hanger. Card Classes, don’t be fooled by their simple elegance…….. using glitter and glue is just not my thing! I made such a mess, and I was covered in glitter. The glitter on the gift card looks like sea slugs apparently!

Brooklynn is visiting today and while I was away having a blood test (the kind you have after fasting) and buying dog food, Greg told her his life story and this was the result!

Look at the smile on his face…….. She is beginning to toddle around although when she wants to get somewhere in a hurry it’s back onto her knees.

Yesterday I went with Leah for Brooklynn’s swimming lesson.

She is beginning to enjoy the experience, although the whole getting out and getting dressed is a little difficult for Leah to accomplish without tears, so I was the official baby holder while Leah got dry and dressed.

That’s about it apart from the usual mundane household chores. Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Third week of term is over…..

2011-10-21T21:21:00.001+10:00

Only 7 more to go!!!

It’s been a busy few weeks, not sure what I’ve been doing, but it hasn’t been blogging it would seem.

I need to check my photos to see what I have to show for my time. There has been lots of visits from this little girl.

There was a week long celebration of Brooklynn’s 1st Birthday.

We think she gets more beautiful every day!

Here she is getting some birthday advice from her GG, my mum!

Happy Birthday Brooklynn!

On the working front, I have the rest of this term full time and then things should go back to normal, that means back to part time hours and a later start, no more getting up 3.30am! now that is something I am really looking forward to!

On the stitching front…….not a lot to show really! I did find a small bundle of fabric that was destined for the bin, but for some reason it didn’t make it and turned into this instead….

It’s a tiny placemat and it fits perfectly on top of my lap top when closed! I feel as if my stash has a mind of it’s own lately, projects I begin take on their own personality. I had no idea what these fabric scraps would turn into when I began cutting them and then stitching them together, while it is very ordinary (as in not work of art) it was interesting to see where it took me.

Cardigan for Brooklynn. I remember beginning to knit this while Leah was in labour! Not knowing if she was going to be a she, I was taking a big risk! I still have buttons to stitch onto it, but I have them and that’s the important part, isn’t it?

My final finish is a 4 ring binder cover made using a charm square pack, for my friend Jodie. She is my card class buddy and recently got organised and has a binder with all her punches and stamps sampled so she doesn’t double up in her frenzy of supply purchasing! Card classes were postponed last week, which was very fortunate for me, because I hadn’t finished the cover!

Now that’s about it from me, except to say I am off the the Craft & Quilt Fair tomorrow at the Brisbane Convention Centre, meeting my dear friend Sharon, so looking forward to that! I had a nap this afternoon in preparation!

Thanks for visiting!

Julie xxx

What a difference a week makes!

2011-10-08T07:53:00.001+10:00

I’m back at work, and I have a head cold! How fair is that? On the upside, it was a nice week to return to work, stress free so far! It is early days however, I keep repeating to myself “Relax, don’t stress, take things as they come!”

Let’s see how the remainder of the term progresses.

As I said a head cold, so not feeling my best, by Thursday all I could do was take to me bed after work. Yesterday I slept for about 5 hours then went back to be and did another 6 and a half. This morning I am feeling so much better.

On Monday my dear friend Sharon and her daughter Mikaela called in for a visit, I had to choose between vacuuming the floor and making something for afternoon tea…..needless to say the floor remains crumb and fluff infested!

I made the Caramel Tarts from the 100 Years of Baking Memories cook book, using Butternut Snap Biscuits for the base. They were still a little warm when we ate them, but very yummy.

This week at my LPC meeting I was on supper duty. I made the Cup Cakes from the 100 years of Baking Memories Cook book and the Coconut Ice. I also had a store bought Dip to compliment the sweet treats. While I managed to remember the biscuits and a serving plate the dip was safely at home in the refrigerator!

Using butter cream icing coloured mauve and a piping bag I piped the icing on the cakes. The Coconut Ice was very nearly all gone before I remembered to photograph it, all reviews were positive.

Here is our almost one year old baby girl wearing her first pig tail! Leah has been busily preparing all week for Brooklynn’s birthday party today, but the weather has turned bad, with storms and heavy rain, oh and the venue was a park nearby, so she is here right now stressing and trying to come up with an alternative venue, and let all the guests know before start time at 10 am.

So that’s all my news for now, let’s hope all Leah’s hard work is not for nothing.

Julie xxx

Last few days of my holiday…. :(

2011-09-30T18:38:00.001+10:00

Today I put the finishing touches onto the new bag I’ve made for Leah. This is what it looked like yesterday after a very full day of stitching….I didn’t bother to get dressed, just cut and sewed until about 4.30 pm when a shower was needed as it was Card Night and leaving the house wearing PJ’s just wasn’t an option.

I’ll show you the cards we made last night while I’m here.

My birthday card collection is growing very nicely.

…….here is the finished bag

I couldn’t be more pleased with the finished result, it was an easily followed tutorial and apart from a few unpicking’s I had to do it went together very well. Today my fingers are aching from all the manipulations required to stitch on the binding, and handle and turn it inside out twice! This arthritis in my fingers is not going to stop me stitching, that’s for sure!

You may remember our trip to IKEA last week, well today I unpacked and put to use my purchases. My sore hands meant Jordan was the chief assembler with a little help from Brooklynn!

This cabinet is to store Brooklynn’s toys at Nanny & Poppy’s and she was a big help as you can imagine!

Just the weekend between me and my return to work. I’ve had a really relaxing and restful holiday, and although I love my job, I love being at home even more!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

What I did Wednesday……

2011-09-28T18:03:00.001+10:00

Well not much really……just a girls day out with Leah & Brooklynn. We checked out the ‘Top of Town” in Ipswich. There has been a bit of a resurgence in the previously quiet stretch of Brisbane Street with new retailers and eateries opening their doors.

I forgot to take my camera, so I have no pictorial evidence. It was a pleasant stroll, while we browsed and chatted as we went along.

As you know I began this project a few weeks ago, using a jelly roll from my stash, the red fabric was left over from another project and the white fabric is something I have many meters of thanks to one of the postage free sales at Hancock's about a year ago.

Yesterday I finished this…..

Something strange happened while I was putting the blocks together. I had a vague sense of not enjoying the process. Just ironing the seams became an effort, I glimpsed myself thinking that this may be my last quilt top?? I was a little bored with it, was it only tedious because it was a simple stitch/cut/stitch block, or am I becoming more interested in the off shots of patchwork & quilting? Like bag making, little quilt projects like table runners, stitcheries etc. etc.

Last night I was putting the finishing touches on a cardigan I have knitted for Brooklynn for next winter, and I thought about how much I was enjoying it, and then about other knitting or crocheting projects I could find…… thanks to the internet the options are endless.

It is unusual, or do others finding themselves drawn to all manner of different crafts as I feel I am at the moment? I believed Patchwork & Quilting would always be my “thing” now after twenty years I’m no longer sure.

Right now, in front of me, other than the lap top I’m typing this post on, I have a ball of purple wool and two crochet hooks…… I also have two metres of fabric Leah has chosen that I will use in this pattern…….Hip Mama Diaper Bag the bag I made her when Brooklyn was first born is now a little too bulky and it’s difficult to find things, so has also become frustrating. Leah now needs something more streamlined and efficient. Let’s see how I go shall we!

Thanks for listening to my musings…

Julie xxx

Carnival of Flowers time…..

2011-09-27T09:56:00.001+10:00

Yesterday we visited Toowoomba on the Darling Downs, just an hours drive from home. It’s a place we like to visit regularly. It is usually a little cooler than at home, and yesterday was no exception. In the sun it was perfect, but once the sun disappeared behind a cloud or we walked into the shade, it was a little chilly!

We had a wonderful day.

An early lunch was our first priority!

Brooklynn munched on all kinds of ‘interesting’ food. This snow pea sprout kept us all entertained.

There were flowers of course…. These in Queens Park.

Family shots…..

It was late afternoon and time to head home.

Until next time…….

Julie xxx

100 Years of Sweet Baking Memories

2011-09-25T10:50:00.001+10:00

This recipe book was a freebie with three Nestle purchases from the banking range in Woolworths Supermarkets recently. My plan it to bake them all! This book has all the oldies but goodies, and who doesn’t love a recipe that has Condensed Milk as one of it’s ingredients?

Yesterday I made two of the recipes.

Marshmallow Slice

It worked perfectly and tastes delicious!

White chocolate & Cranberry Cookies

I needed to add almost another cup of plain flour as the mixture was very wet, not sure if it was because I creamed the butter and brown sugar using my electric mixer or if it would have been wet regardless. First batch looked good, although I heaped up the mix in subsequent batches, once I saw they wouldn’t spread too much. Nothing worse then cookies that turn into slices!!!

These are delicious too, the sweetness of the white chocolate balances beautifully with the tang of the cranberries….!

Now to eat a morsel of each while I drink a cup of peppermint tea! BLISS!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

Road Trip to IKEA

2011-09-25T09:58:00.001+10:00

Friday was our much anticipated visit to IKEA. Leah and I L-O-V-E IKEA. So it would seem, does Brooklynn!

When we arrived we were surprised to see very few other cars, that meant we had the choice of all the best parks, choosing a ‘Parents with Children’ spot to be close to the entrance.

It was just before 9am, the place doesn’t open until TEN! (Explains the car park) That’s ok we managed to find other shops open to fill in the time. A kitchen shop, another of our favourites where we drooled over a RED KitchenAid mixer……. maybe…. when we win the lottery!

It was a lovely day, Brooklynn slept most of the morning while being pushed around in the pram. When it was time to pay for our booty she happily chatted to herself and anyone who looked her way. After stashing our loot in the car we returned for a late lunch.

On the drive home she went back to sleep, and slept on as we unloaded the car and had a cuppa while we rehashed our day……

Needless to say this Nanny was exhausted by the evening, at 8.30pm I was tucked up in bed, pretending to read for a few minutes before falling into a deep, deep sleep not waking until after 8am the next morning!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

We’re back!

2011-09-22T19:21:00.001+10:00

Just a quickie holiday away from home. It was a lovely break but I’m pleased to be back in my own bed. The cabin bed was v-e-r-y hard, my old hips ache just thinking about that bed!

We called in to Kingscliff on our return journey. The beach erosion is every bit as bad as the news reports tell us. The beach is closed and the caravan park is being squeezed back towards the road.

I just hope it is not permanent.

Another stop was for a Chocolate fix at Pacific Fair

Jordan chose dark hot chocolate, Greg, milk hot chocolate and mine was white hot chocolate. YUMMY!

Jordan chose a Mousse Mouse and a Chocolate Sea Shell. I’d love to show you what Greg and I chose but they were gobbled up before I remembered my camera!

Card classes last week saw us making more Christmas themed cards

This colour isn’t something I ever thought would be a Christmas colour, but it seems to work really well.

My cup cake stitcheries are now complete. I put the very last few stitches in it last night. Now to see what they want to become?

This little piece of equipment is new to my sewing room, I saw a project in the most recent Vignette Magazine #4 and I have plans that require a staple gun…. stay tuned!

This afternoon I “borrowed” Brooklynn and her pram and we went for a walk, I am in need of some serious exercise, and the weather is so perfect I thought it best we seize the moment. Clearly my company was exceptional, she was asleep before we left the street!

An hour later we were back and I felt energized! Not so much now, but I know it’s good for me and I will try to keep it up while the weather is so great.

Thanks for visiting….

Julie xxx

Another day in paradise…..

2011-09-19T19:38:00.001+10:00

Today was a little too windy to do our planned activity, that is to hire a ‘tinny’ and putt out on the Richmond River, to sacrifice some bait.

Instead we went for a drive to Alstonville and a visit to the Maze. First it was time for morning tea.

It’s called a Lattice Maze, apparently it is a much simpler method of maze making. The pruning is easier, the maintenance is easier and the time it takes to grow the maze is faster. If you are interested the story is on their website.

This lovely Alpaca sweet talked us on our exit from the maze, interesting eyes too.

After a drive through the tiny township if Alstonville, we turned south towards Woodburn, where we had lunch at the pub and rummaged through the Op Shop looking for a bargain. Op Shop Shopping or Thrifting seems to be making a big come back. I remember doing it as a teenager with my sisters, it was fun and with very little pocket money a bargain was always our goal.

Today Jordan and I rummaged together. I found a couple of pairs of pants and a wash cloth, Jordan spied a waist coat.

The wash cloth was the princely sum of $1. The denim shorts $3 the striped Capri pants $4 and the waist coat another $4. Not sure if the striped pants will fit, because now that I’ve had a close look at the tag they aren’t my size. Must remember to wear my glasses when next I Op-Shop! Not to worry I can send them to the Op-shop on my next donation run and try again!

The afternoon quickly passed and while Greg and Jordan set out for a little more fishing, I did a some stitching. It was another lovely day.

This was our sun set today.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

Ballina here we are……

2011-09-18T22:13:00.001+10:00

Left home yesterday at about 10am, leaving Leah and Corrie to baby sit the house and the dog. There was a little traffic on the M1 but nothing that didn’t clear fairly quickly.

Stopped in at Brunswick Heads for a stroll and some lunch. We checked out the caravan park where Greg and Jordan stayed at over the last holidays, there were no vacancies for these holidays, but we did a reccie for the Christmas break, and chose a site for our van and booked ourselves a week in December.

Onwards to Ballina and our cabin. Very ‘cosy’ and oh so hot until we worked out how to operate the air-con! Just in time for Greg to watch the motor racing on the TV, Jordan to investigate his surroundings and me to take a nanny nap! Ah, my idea of the perfect holiday.

Dinner was at one of the local fishing co-op’s, not the best we’ve eaten, but ok. The potato scallops were very nice, although not at all what I was expecting as I had ordered crumbed calamari?

As we needed some tea, coffee, milk and cereal, we called in to the local supermarket. We now have all the food groups covered, soft drink, cashew nuts, chips, lollies, chocolates, biscuits and oh let’s not forget the tea, coffee, milk and cereal.

Today the local markets were being held, I do love a market! We strolled around checking out the local produce, everything looked so fresh. I tried my first cumquat, and found them to be delicious. The strawberries were perfect, large red and juicy. I even managed to find some affordable bananas.

It was time to eat again, and just in time I found the Fishmonger, where I bought 1/2 kg of King Prawns. Jordan and Greg opted for the Dutch Profitjes (mini pancakes), we sat in the shade to eat our lunch and watch the market parade.

Photographs courtesy of Jordan’s IPod, my camera battery was flat!

One of the stalls had a whole load of pre-loved baby clothes is perfect condition, and I found them irresistible, at just 20c an item. Five little tops, six pair of shorts and a darling little dress!

Shortly after that we left, although I wasn’t able to leave behind my prawn smelling fingers…. thank goodness for wipes and hand sanitiser I had squirreled away in the console of the car! Although it took real soap and water to get the last vestiges from under my fingernails???Ewww! Well worth it though I have to say.

We then checked out the local sites, stopping to buy some fishing gear and bait. Jordan and Greg are now off looking for somewhere to scare the fish! I will join them later when it cools down a little. I’m waiting for my camera battery to recharge!

They had a successful afternoon, Jordan caught a reasonable sized flathead and a couple of little brim, Greg has some luck too but nothing big enough to cut up and eat.

I took a walk to the end of the rock wall and took a few photographs.

The surf beach on one side and the mouth of the Richmond River on the other.

This Water Dragon was catching the last few rays of the sun before it set for the evening.

This was the view from our side of the lake.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

Brooklynn came to visit today….

2011-09-13T20:28:00.001+10:00

It was like being a mother all over again…..she is teething and has a blocked up yet runny nose….so she wasn't a happy camper.
So for the duration of her stay I had to carry her around and try to shove in a bit of food followed by some milk, between sobs!…..and they were coming from me!!!
When her mother returned she perked up and happily played with Jordan while Leah and I enjoyed a hot cuppa…..to calm ~~our~~ my frazzled nerves!!!
I had planned on a nice nanny nap this afternoon but I guess there is no rest for the wicked!
Two weeks holidays begin Friday arvo, and while I promise I’m not counting the day, I may be counting the minutes….. We have no firm plans, we’ve discussed going away, even for a few days, but as yet no decision has been made, I would be just as happy to potter around at home, catching up on all the things that I have let slide over the last 10 weeks…. beginning with the dust! May require a chisel if it gets any thicker!
My recent internet shopping bootie has by now all arrived and I have a few more items to show, these are the very reasons I’d be happy at home for the two glorious weeks I am off work!

I may just knit a sock, or perhaps begin a new embroidery project, then again these fabrics and buttons from The Fat Quarter Shop may find their way into a new project perhaps.
Then again I have already begun a new project….I have actually unfurled a jelly roll…..and begun to stitch, cut and re stitch….it’s only taken several years to be able to do it!

The pattern is from The Moda Bake Shop www.bakeshop.com and is called Eli’s Wheels. I have been working a little on it each day and expect to have the required blocks completed before I even break a sweat.
On Saturday just past I met my friend Sharon for breakfast, then we joined another group of stitchers for our monthly GTG at The Quilters Store at Salisbury. I almost got out of there unscathed, until I spied this darling wine carrier/lunch bag by Atkinson Designs. I said I was going home to make it up that night, but I waited until the light of day to begin.

The vinyl coated fabric came from my trip to Melbourne earlier in the year, and the red zip was from a bulk zip purchase some time or other. So I consider this a stash project…..if not for the pattern! I think it will make a fabulous makeup/toiletries bag too.
That’s about it from me tonight, just about time for bed…..I’m worn out…..I remember now why motherhood is for the young!!
Thanks for visiting,
Julie xxx

Feeling much better…….

2011-09-07T18:05:00.001+10:00

Bet you didn’t even know I’d been unwell.

I’ve been in a bit of a dark hole recently, not really unwell but definitely not myself. Maybe it is the premenopausal blues or just sick and tired of being sick and tired!!

Whatever it was, it’s gone, and I am back!

A little on line shopping certainly helped in my recovery! Some felt, threads and linen for stitcheries from The Raspberry Rabbits. I have to say the service and attention to detail with my order was spectacular! I highly recommend them so go and check out the site and see if they have something that grabs your interest.

The Book Depository was the scene of my next purchase. This Tilda’s Studio is a really beautiful book. Even if I never make anything from it, I think it is a book I will always love to browse for inspiration.

Some rainy weekend days may have added to my ‘funk’ but we didn’t let it keep us at home and a leisurely drive in the country for Greg and I was a nice way to keep ourselves busy. We checked out some Antique Shops and although nothing was purchased, it was interesting browsing and exploring their wares.

This down pipe outside the Antique Shop in Crows Nest has seen better days!

I have managed a few ‘finishes’ this round robin came together nicely and I enjoyed the machine quilting too. To the girls who were a part of this project, thank you for your really lovely work. It’s not always the case in swaps, so I am thrilled to say the least.

This little table topper began life as a very small stitchery, then I thought it may work as a bottle cover, but it just wouldn't play nicely and kept growing……so here we have a table topper!!

These cup cake stitcheries are destined to become Bottle Covers….let’s hope they are of the same mind!

Corrie had a birthday, so a chocolate cake was in order…..this one did include the eggs!

Card classes brought out the paper creativity once again. I do really like the back ground stamp on the left hand card.

This mess yielded the little purple cutie on the right! I call in a no pencil no pin doll. I chose fabric by size from the purple scrap box, cut the shape using my pinking shears, and this is how it looked in the end! Brooklynn was the recipient.

Fathers Day last weekend, saw us spending the day with our darling granddaughter, oh and of course our lovely children…..they are obviously not as photogenic it would seem.

Afternoon tea at Leah & Corrie’s place and another chocolate cake was in order. This one was divine…..although too rich for a large slab for me.

Leah and Corrie have bought their first home, and as luck would have it, it is directly across the road from our place! I just love having them so close. Here was a girl breaking her neck to move out of home and show she was ready to take care of herself, and now if she got any closer she would be back in her old bedroom!

Here is the darling girl, looks like she’s walking, but no, just practicing!

Thanks for visiting!

Julie xxx

It’s raining here today.

2011-08-21T11:36:00.001+10:00

I woke this morning to rain, it’s been some time since rain this heavy has fallen and it was a welcome sound.

Yesterday we were looking after Brooklynn while her mummy and daddy went to a wedding. Greg and Jordan had a lovely time playing with her, while I had a lovely time watching on while stitching.

She is 10 1/2 months and food is becoming very interesting to her. She makes these funny oohing sounds whenever someone is eating and if able goes right over to investigate. Here she is with a potato chip from Greg’s hand.

Brooklynn really loves our dog Georgie, and Georgie is beginning to give her a small fabric ball and expecting her to throw it, they mostly play a gentle tug of war at the moment however. I’ll keep away from baby toys in the future and head for the pet toy isle!

I had taken her for a walk in the garden and she has a purple daisy behind her ear as a memento of the adventure. She was particularly interested in a bottle brush blossom although keeping it out of her mouth was a task in itself!

After my last post I was feeling a bit nostalgic and found some photos from when the kids were much younger. This one is from a family trip to central/western New South Wales somewhere, I have a vague recollection of it being the site of Banjo Patterson’s place of birth?? But unfortunately it is a little hazy, my memory not the photograph!

The birthday cake looked spectacular but unfortunately wasn’t really up to scratch, it was quite dry and I was very disappointed. I’ve been cooking this particular chocolate cake recipe for years and since having a fan forced oven have had no real success. The next day I realized I had also forgotten to add the eggs, that would account for some of the dryness perhaps, but I have vowed to keep trying until I get it right……firstly by not using the fan for the next effort! Oh and remembering to add the eggs I guess!

Vision Patchwork Night Group Show & Tell for 17th Aug 2011

Card Projects 11th Aug 2011

This template is a recent purchase with which to successfully tie bows. For some ribbons it is fairly easy to do without a template but for cards and scrap booking tiny ones are often required, so this template for a tool lover like me was a must! As you can see I have successfully tied some very small bows and therefore feel the $12 price tag which included postage was a steal!

That’s more than enough from me, thanks for visiting!

Julie xxx

Happy Birthday Leah

2011-08-10T16:18:00.001+10:00

It was 22 years ago today that our ‘Little Girl’ came into the world. At 6.30pm, weighing 7lb 20z.

These photographs are from the before Digital Camera era, and I have photographed them from my albums.

Her first birthday, wearing the dress I made especially for the occasion.

She grew up so fast…… Kindergarten then Pre school.

From primary school to her first day of high school……

Year 11 semi formal and as flower girl for her mummy’s wedding, she has always been a beautiful girl on the inside and on the outside too.

As a bride and a mother

Happy Birthday darling Leah with all our love!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Sunday’s drive in the country!

2011-08-08T16:49:00.001+10:00

It was a beautiful winters day in the Great South East! So we packed up the car for a drive into the country, a picnic morning tea then lunch at a Bikie's Pub, an Ice-cream for dessert, then a leisurely motor back home again. After all it was too nice a day to stay indoors.

First stop Wyaralong Dam where we had morning tea and a little walk around while Brooklynn had a 30 minute cat nap. Corrie didn’t join us this time as he was at home with a dreaded dose of MAN FLU! We all know how debilitating that strain can be!

It was cool and breezy down by the water, but up on the hill the sun had quite a sting for winter.

After morning tea we drove south towards Rathdowney and stopped for a counter lunch at the local Bikie hangout. Great hamburgers and chips.

For a little girl who had managed only a half hour nap, Brooklynn was surprisingly happy to sit in the highchair and sample a few chips, while we ate our lunch.

After lunch we walked up the road to a little shop for ice creams, by then we were full up to pussy’s bow and ready for the return drive.

Such a lovely day spent ‘out in the country’

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

The week that was…..

2011-08-06T22:31:00.001+10:00

After a disastrous finish to my week, I was ever so glad the weekend had arrived to allow me to retire to lick my wounds!

It started with a fabulous dinner date with my friends Margaret and Ann, we realised we had been friends for 20 years and what more reason do friends need to celebrate? Well Ann had recently turned 60 and was the proud Nanna to her first grand child, Margaret and I had no such claims to fame, but we tagged along on Ann’s coat tails just the same!

Dinner was at the Thai Emperor, reasonably central for us all, Margaret managed to get herself lost, and still be the first to arrive!! A delicious selection was ordered for us to share. Ann did trying to leave without paying, causing us to lapse into hysterical laughter, it was a magical night for us all.

Today I enjoyed a nice sleep-in. The remainder of the day rushed by in a blur of the usual weekend activities, tomorrow being Sunday we may go for a drive, it is exciting checking out local places of interest, especially good to check them out before taking friends and family when they visit.

On the stitching front……

1. Flannel and Satin “Woobies” for Brooklynn. 2. A tiny stitchery that grew, and grew.3. Finally a selvedge bag.

That was last weekends projects, and this weekend, nothing so far!

It was my LPWC meeting this week and here are the photographs of Show & Tell

They are a talented group of women aren’t they!

It’s now bed time for me, but before I leave, here is a beautiful photograph of Brooklynn and her mummy Leah..

So good night and thanks for visiting……

Julie xxx

Lovely way to begin my weekend!

2011-07-30T13:23:00.001+10:00

I was up early, showered, hair washed, breakfast eaten and washing all but done…..because today is ‘Nanny Day’…….Brooklynn came for a play date with me while her mummy and daddy were both working.

Greg was working, but I had Jordan to help me if I couldn’t cope!!! Leah arrived carrying a cold infested, snotty nosed little girl, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her!!!

Jordan and Brooklynn played happily for about an hour and a half, she then required changing and feeding, after which she promptly dropped off to sleep.

An hour later her daddy arrived to pick her up, she was still sleeping. By then I had my Kindle and Jordan had kindly brought me over a cuppa and a couple of biscuits. It was delightful to be forced to sit and relax and enjoy doing absolutely nothing. Strangely the call of the housework couldn’t be heard at all, must have been the tiny baby snores that drowned it out!

Brooklynn has gone home now and the house is strangely quiet without her chattering.

My projects from last weekend include a covered coffee jar and a decorated glass cookie jar. The Rub On’s made for a very simple easy way to decorate glass. A bargain at $3.90 too!

Later in the week I baked these to go into the jars. White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Cookies.

Now my Nanny duties are finished for the day, I have some stitching to get to……

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Life’s Great!

2011-07-23T21:11:00.001+10:00

Saturday is the best day of the week!

I had a little sleep-in before a slow start to my day. Caught up on emails and Facebook, followed by a late breakfast. A coffee in the sunshine while reading a few chapters of my book, after getting dressed and putting on the first load of washing.

The kitchen needed a bit of TLC, that done I was free to drop in on my sewing room to tidy and think about working on a project…or two.

Card classes this week was Christmas in July and the top left was a challenge to create a Christmas card with matching gift card using only the items provided. I have a very nice beginning to my cards for Christmas 2011.

Jordan had a late start to his day too. Here he is still in his PJ’s having breakfast/morning tea. Never far from or unattached to the earphones of his IPod….he didn’t even know I snapped this photograph.

Leah was having a difficult day with Brooklynn, wouldn’t know it looking at these photos of her here. Severe nappy rash seems to be the culprit. After staying for dinner, both of our girls went home with smiles on their faces……being a grandparent is just the best!

The end of the evening is here, I back in my PJ’s enjoying a very large Bailey's, listening to the Rugby that Greg’s watching in the other room. Life really doesn’t get much better than this!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

What a Glorious Day….

2011-07-17T12:02:00.001+10:00

has dawned in my little neck of the woods. After the cold and rain of yesterday it was wonderful to see the sunshine when I woke this morning.

You can see how the frost has played havoc with all but the lovely green clover!

Georgie has been sunning herself on the deck.

This is The Zig Zag table runner by Sue Harvey free from this site.
I finished the hand stitching last night while watching some very ordinary TV, it seems Saturday night viewing is scheduled with the thought that every one goes out and so let’s just put any rubbish on, those silly enough to stay home won’t notice a thing!!! I did notice!

This sun dappled photograph of my latest stitchery finish, Ballerina Angel Cushion by Ella & Skysie Designs mine isn’t a cushion. My friend Gail and I were working on the same project at the same time, I look forward to seeing her interpretation. I am still deciding if I will add beads to the rosettes on the ballet skirts…..leaning in that direction more every time I look at it!

It’s been a very productive morning for me so far…..I’ve shopped online, The Book Depository for Simple Essential Chocolate by Donna Hay, from Amazon for my Kindle, A Scattered Life by Karen McQuestion and The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry this one recommended by a blogging friend Tammy, and three patterns from You Can Make This, one is a darling skirt and a ruffled nappy (diaper) cover for the beautiful Brooklynn, and for myself, something different……..a reversible craft bag!!

Now I am about to enjoy the last piece of this delicious cake.

A simple White Wings packet mix, aptly named Raspberry Swirl cake. I used creamed cheese in the icing to make it doubly delish! We keep telling Jordan it is a Rhubarb Cake, he isn’t fooled unfortunately, he loves it as much as the rest of us!

Now it’s time to hit the shower and get dressed…….I did day that to my Facebook friends about an hour ago, but as usual I got side tracked!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Cold and rainy here this weekend

2011-07-16T17:42:00.001+10:00

Not that I’m complaining, it’s the weekend and any weekend is a good one in my opinion.

First week back at work for term 3 and I struggled a little, feeling very tired getting up so early after two glorious weeks of later nights and sleeping in, it’s difficult to adjust.

Next week I’m sure I will be back into the swing of things well and truly.

Not much happing on the stitching front, knitting coat hanger covers is about all I can work up the energy to work on after dinner and for the hour or so I can last out of bed of an evening!!

Although I have a few stitching projects that only require the binding to be hand stitched, so I will have some show and tell very soon.

We had a very busy two days last weekend, my last posting being about the wedding of Greg’s nephew and on Sunday we had a family celebration for my niece Anna who had turned 18 the day before.

The lovely Anna.

My family…..

My sisters, Wanda, Leonie & I

The ‘cousins’ minus Kate.

Now for a restful weekend so we can recover.

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xx

A Family Wedding

2011-07-10T10:57:00.001+10:00

Yesterday the 9th July 2011 at 3.30 pm Sarah and Michael were married.

The bride was fashionably late, but that gave a guest or two (who shall remain nameless) time to get inside before the ceremony started!

It was a small, intimate wedding with family and a few friends. The bride was radiant.

Our little family scrubbed up ok too!

Brooklynn was the Belle of the Ball, captivating all those who passed her by!

She had several mini naps during the evening and we all took it in turns to hold her, it’s a rare treat theses days as she is seldom still enough for a cuddle.

Greg is the grooms Godfather, it was a special treat to see the lovely young man he has grown into.

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Our new shower screen all done!

2011-06-29T09:52:00.001+10:00

For something just a little different, a bathroom Reno Story. Our home is just over 14 years old and our ensuite shower screen door lost it’s ball bearings some time ago while I was cleaning it. It is enough to swear me of cleaning for life!

I guess the roller could have been been replaced, if it wasn’t for the calcium and lime scale build up on the frame, and the permanent etching of the glass, so as a less than lean, but awful mean cleaning machine I opted for the more expensive but aesthetically pleasing mini renovation option and we have removed the old screen and had a new one installed.

My plan is to apply Nanokote to aid in keeping the new screen and newly scrubbed tiles in tip top condition.

Here is a peek.

We had originally decided on replacing the tiles with a glass splashback, but had a rethink as the tiles were still in very good condition and it felt like an extravagance to go to all the trouble of removing them and the possibility of damaging the wall and having to repair that……etc., etc. blah! blah! blah! Not to mention being without an ensuite shower for a month or more, wore me down and I talked Greg into the faster/cheaper option!

The job is now complete and I am a happy camper.

I now have the remainder of the day to finish my sewing room clean out in readiness for my machines return from the service man later today.

I am struggling to comprehend how much “stuff” I have, and why I keep adding to it. If I could look at my sewing room from above I’m sure it would be bulging at the seams.

Well not so much since I began the clean up. I have a neat pile of ‘stuff’ that others may like to have along with a large stash of store advertisement brown paper shopping type bags that went in the bin. They took up a whole cupboard in my Horn cutting table, and their absence has meant storage for my quilting tools.

This old girl is also being out out to pasture. I bought her brand new in 1986 as a retirement gift for myself and she has been a tireless work horse. I knew her life expectancy was limited once parts were no longer available, and I purchased her successor a few years ago in readiness.

Always available if a free arm was required or if the ‘new’ machine was otherwise occupied, but over the weekend when I needed her, she just drifted away. Fortunately I was in the zone for a clean up and I have removed all her usable bits and she is to be offered as a sacrifice to my machine tech for parts.

The now empty table can be used for my card making pursuits and scrapbooking perhaps?

All in all a successful operation.

Oh and here is Brooklynn with her new “Woobie”

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xoxo

I’m a multi talented woman!

2011-06-27T12:52:00.001+10:00

or perhaps I have a very short attention span. this could also be true!

This scene may go a little way to explain my show and tell. At retreat last weekend my sewing machine gave me trouble with the tension when using an applique stitch and although I managed to nurse it home, I knew the time had come for a service.

As many of you fellow stitchers will understand, being parted from our sewing machine is a traumatic time and to pass that time I have finished several projects. I even dusted off my old machine, but that’s another story all together!

It was challenge week recently at card classes, first as a warm up we did the For You gift card. Then the card below. We were only able to use 3 elements (Ink, Punch & Card) my challenge was all together too dull, so when I got it home I added a few touches, kinda like pimping my card I guess!'

Obviously on a roll using brown I came up with the last card where it was a requirement to use one of each of the elements on the table. It was beginning to get a little crowded!

Challenge! Pimped!

I really loved making these three cards, they have been added to my card stash.

Officially on two weeks holiday as of today, and I intend to make the most of every hour. We are having a new shower screen installed later this week, so Greg removed the old one in readiness.

14 years of use meant the recess required a good old fashioned scrub, so I began my holidays doing some serious cleaning, with Gumption and a scrubbing brush, oh and a toothbrush for the grout lines.

Now back to some more elegant pursuits….

Kindle covers, one for me and one for my sister Wanda.

Twisted Cowl from a freebie pattern here.

Very twisted scarf.

This Owl is also a freebie pattern.

You may wonder what will become off the owl…. wonder no more his is with friends!

To wrap up my eclectic show and tell for this week, I have a bag and two hand towels .

Followed closely by this little thread catcher from another freebie blog pattern found here.

That’s more than enough from me, so perhaps I will go and find a patch of sun to take my kindle and a cuppa for some more relaxation!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xoxo

An In-depth look at Mt Alford Quilt Retreat

2011-06-20T20:17:00.001+10:00

This is the dining room wall and the sentiment is really inspiring.

Morning tea on Saturday, imagine the aroma of fresh coffee combined with the tasty hot nibbles and delectable chocolate slice, reality was even better.

Saturday lunch was a pasta/mince combo, steamed tatties with sour cream and basil pesto accompanied by a delicious salad selection.

Saturday dinner, BBQ steak and chipolata sausages and veggies done in a white sauce with stir-fried greens.

Dessert was cream sponge with caramel sauce ad ice-cream.

As you can see a little stitching took place amongst all the fabulous food stops.

Morning tea on Sunday was another highlight.

The fireplace was lit late in the afternoon to keep the chill at bay. Bev and Jodie are checking out the photo album that shows Mount Alford Lodge being created from a rundown property to the magnificent venue it is today. It is a credit to the owners.

Sunday lunch chicken and veggies with BBQ Turkish bread, dessert a citrus tart with cream.

Back Bev, Jodie, Jeanette

Middle Cindy, Marie, Margaret, Helen

Front Cath, Debbie, Julie, Barbara

It was a truly wonderful weekend, not one thing I’d change, except perhaps the length of time spent with this fabulous group of women!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xx

Quilt Retreat 2011

2011-06-18T09:31:00.001+10:00

OMG! have I died and gone to heaven?

Here we are at Mount Alford and I am having such a wonderfully relaxing time with a small group of ladies that I may never want to leave.

The view from our cabin is just divine.

Last nights dinner was Chicken “In Pajama’s” as my daughter refers to it, and orange liquor crepes with ice-cream

The diner table conversation was good value as always, although Jodie didn’t make it until a little later, so tonight's dinner table will have a full compliment.

An award was presented by Cath to Bev for an ‘Incident” at 2010’s retreat. called “Gourd did I really do that?”

filled with choky goodies that Bev graciously shared with us all.

Jodie enjoyed a few moments catching up on her reading.

After a fabulous nights sleep we are all in the sewing room getting some lovely projects done. Except me of course, I’m busy blogging!

Stay tuned…

Thanks for visiting…..

Julie

Don’t count the days, make the days count!

2011-06-05T16:56:00.001+10:00

Oh but it’s so hard!

I’m feeling exhausted and so ready for a little holiday I am struggling with my new year promise. While I’ve been a little quite, I haven’t been idle.

This bag is for my face book friend Tarnya, who also happens to be the daughter-in-law of one of my oldest and dearest friends Pam. Tarnya has only days to go to the birth of her second child and she admired the bag I made for Leah and asked if I could make her one. She sent me the purple spot and the blue paisley fabric and I added a few scraps from my stash to complete it.

She has been very patient, I have had the motivation of a slug of late and had to smack my self around, metaphorically speaking to get it completed before the bub arrived! Ahhhhh it’s done!

So while I have been sluggish I’ve managed to keep my fingers moving, I have several half finished projects I’d like to share with you.

This knitted nappy cover is to help Leah keep Brooklynn’s PJ’s dry at night. She uses Modern Cloth Nappies exclusively and was given a hint recently to help overnight when the baby is sleeping through and that was to use woollen nappy covers. I love to knit, and went directly to Spotlight to find a suitable pattern and some 100% wool to get started. As you can see I still have one leg band to go!

Next half finished project is this twisty scarf. The yarn is an acrylic blend that is very soft to the touch and feels lovely against my neck. My arthritic finger keeps me from spending too much time crocheting so with luck it will be finished before winter ends!

Speaking of fingers, I know Linda loves to see my fingernails and has admitted to finger nail envy, I have my last nail art session to show. Frell is my nail tech and the most talented artist I know.

Pink and Black Spots…….I can’t resist spots!

This is Greg’s latest garden project at our place. A customer gave him the old washing trolley and Greg painted it and turned it into a plant stand, for our patio area. We have a Bromeliad that’s beginning to flower and 4 different colours of some lovely bulb type plant that I can’t remember the name of, on display.

As you will probably have guessed from the fingernails I don’t do any of the gardening, although I do like to give advice and make suggestions! All of which are usually totally ignored, because that’s what Greg does for a living, so he probably knows a whole lot more about it than I do….you’ll be pleased to know it hasn’t stopped me from trying to ~~add my two cents worth~~ help.

Jordan’s first cooking attempt:- Pizza Subs, using a hotdog bread roll cut in half, spread with pizza sauce, adding pepperoni and grated cheese, then into the pre heated oven for about 5 minutes……he said it was a very tasty success!

This cheesy grin cracks me up!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-31T19:27:00.001+10:00

only it’s Tuesday!

Never too young to stitch!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie xxx

Show and Tell

2011-05-24T18:22:00.001+10:00

Too tired for words this post…..so just photographs of show and tell from my PCM (patchwork Club Meeting) 18th May 2011.

Such a talented bunch!

Thanks for visiting

Julie xx

Another weekend ends…..

2011-05-15T20:25:00.001+10:00

This weekend was a busy one for socializing. No time for stitching, a little time spent baking, a lot of time spent talking, laughing, and generally enjoying the company of family and friends.

Saturday was the SCQ GTG at The Quilters Store at Salisbury. A very enjoyable day spent with like minded women, who enjoy chatting, stitching, sharing information and supporting each other.

This is my stitching efforts for show and tell. A mug bag from a kit I bought when in Melbourne recently, a really nice memento of the trip.

Baking for a family GTG today. Creamy Apple Custard Crumble, and Mini Lemon Custard Cakes.

My nephew Brock is back from the US for the summer vacation where he is studying and playing Basketball for Washington State University.

He also has two friends staying for a few weeks and we all got to meet them at the family GTG, a lovely couple, Katie and Charlie.

You are sure to be able to pick out the basketball players at the back of the group.

Brock with Brooklynn, the first time they’ve met!

Carrying on from last weeks post with the generations photographs, I have another.

Here we are, the four generations of girls in my family.

Now I’m at home, catching up on the washing, hanging and folding clean clothes, and getting ready for another work week. Lunches are packed, clothes ready for Monday and I’m ready for bed!

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xxx

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-08T18:44:00.001+10:00

My first Mothers Day as a Grandmother…..it changes everything!

The day began for me with a bacon and egg breakfast cooked by Greg and Jordan.

A cup of tea expertly made by Jordan topped it off nicely.

One of Jordan’s gifts to me was to clean up his room, it was a lovely sight.

Leah and Corrie visited with Brooklynn after lunch and we all sat around watching her show us all the new things she is doing, including crawling, blowing raspberries and pulling herself up on the furniture.

After hearing a suggestion beginning a tradition of taking a photo of the three generations of girls on mothers day, we had lots of laughs in the attempt to get all three of us looking ta the camera at the same time…….

This reminded me of this photograph of 4 generations of girls.

December 1991

Even then, getting all 4 of us to look at the camera at the same time was impossible. Nana was 81 my mother 54, I was 32 and Leah 2

My gifts.

Thanks for visiting.

Julie xx

First blog post for May 2011

2011-05-05T20:30:00.001+10:00

Since my last post I’ve done a little bit of this and a little bit of that. A long weekend, oh what bliss…. Card Classes, Patchwork meeting, outings with my family, a leisurely morning with my husband, oh and I also went to work!

Card classes caused a bit of a stir…..we were all very excited about the butterfly card, it was really simple, but the finished product was stunning. Card Stock Vellum for the 3D butterflies with a bit of bling to show up the bodies. A Mothers Day card a timely project, finally, what Kylie refers to as a Clean and Simple, a technique that is exactly that, a very quick project using card stock and a stamp or two.

The Book Depository came calling, with this beaut book. My friend Jodie has one that I was able to flick through and easily convinced myself it needed to also come to live at my place. With a little determination I should get a project or three to grab my attention!

Speaking of postal deliveries and lovely books, these two came a couple of weeks ago. I had been in two minds as to if I really n e e d e d another magazine collection, when I happened to be browsing Ollie and May Patchwork & Quilting Supplies online store and saw that Maree had both issues in stock, ready to post with postage included for the cover price, well ever the bargain hunter, I hit Buy Now so fast it made my head spin…….throwing a 10 pack of Cosmo stranded threads into the pack for good measure, also the same price as my LPWS including postage. If you like a bargain please check the site out, great service and an Aussie site to boot!

These patterns are the ones I bought while at the AQC in Melbourne recently, it may be a little while before Brooklynn will fit into the dress, but she is growing so very fast, I may get one made in readiness, if I’m smart!

I found the wool felt designs very intriguing, so two patterns and a sample sized roll of wool felt were purchased so I could have a play.

The Moon Shine Design bag pattern was one I had been contemplating, I had already bought the grommets at the Brisbane Craft Show, for another project. Monica Poole was on one of the stands and although they had run out of the pattern, kindly posted it to me the next week free of charge. She was lovely to talk to and we discussed how many of her patterns I already had! It was nice to meet another ‘bag lady’

This book had been on my wish list since I first saw it had been published, I took the opportunity to purchase it directly from the designer Nicole Mallalieu and she kindly signed it for me while we chatted. She was very generous with her time and I was thrilled to have met her in person.

1 to 6 Jeanette’s various Tea inspired projects, 1. Table Cloth 2. Table Topper 3.Tea Bag Holder 4. Coffee Pot Cosy 5. Coasters 6. Tea Cosy 7. A beginners Quilt brought by Joy for show and tell 8 & 9. Cindy’s Covered Cushion. 10. Margaret's plethora of Mug Bags.

1, 2 & 3. Maree’s applique and stitchery blocks. 4 & 5. Sue’s Biscornu Pin Cushion 6. Kathryn’s pile of 80 knitted beanies for a charity she supports. 7. & 8. Sandy shows her photographic endeavours and also the finished Raggy Flannell Quilt she showed last meeting. 9. & 10. are Judy’s crochet edge face cloth and a raw edge applique her daughter completed on a T-Shirt.

My own finished Biscornu Pin Cushion.

And just because…….

Brooklynn!

Thanks for visiting

Julie xx

Australasian Quilt Convention just a peek……

2011-04-25T11:17:00.002+10:00

As you will notice, I was drawn to the less traditional quilts, although my own quilting style is most definitely traditional. As much as I love looking at these quilts, I have no desire to replicate or do anything even similar to these works of art…..simply appreciate that I’ve seen them up close and admire the workmanship and vision that went into their making.

Just because it’s the Easter weekend and I know we can always use an excuse to smile…

Happy Easter from Brooklynn!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie

Brooklynn is 6 months old

2011-04-22T22:01:00.001+10:00

On the 11th April our little girl turned 6 months old. Leah thought it was a perfect reason for chocolate cake!

No need for words, her delightful little face says it all!

What an exciting 6 months we have had with you Brooklynn!

Love you!

Julie xx

A catch up blog post

2011-04-22T21:33:00.003+10:00

I have been a bit busy of late and forgot to show the photos from my LPC (Local Patchwork Club) show and tell from earlier this month. I remembered this while taking photographs of the mid month meeting…

20th April 2011

1. Kathryn’ felt pincushion 2. Pot Holders? 3. Sandy's Pincushions 4. Suzie with ‘the girls’ 5. Sandy’s Baby quilt 6. Kathryn’s table topper 7. Debbie’s woven scarf 8. Woven Pouch

1. Gail’s stitchery 2. Margaret’s coat hangers 3. Joy’s “mending” 4. Margaret’s Scrap/pin bin 5. Jeanette’s Christmas Tree 6. Kathryn’s Miniature quilts. 7. Jeanette’s Candle mat 8.Debbie’s applique block.

6th April 2011

1. Gail’s bag 2. Debbie’s applique block 3. Sandy’s whole quilt 4. Sue’s Wall hanging 5. 6. & 7. Margaret's’ bags 8. Gail’s crazy chook pot holder 9. & 10. Gail’s Pockets

1. Kathryn’s table topper 2. Jeanette’s stitching cushion 3. Maree’s quilt top 4. Judy’s Reindeer 5. Kathryn’s beading 6. Cindy’s mats 7. Judy's applique 8. Kathryn’s Angel Tassle 9. Kathryn’s Challenge quilt 10. Maree’s apron. 11. Jeanette’s embroidered quilt 12. Sue’s half square triangle idea 13. Jeanette’s candle mat.

There was an interesting observation at this weeks meeting….Sandy said she was actually pleased that the expectation of show and tell at least every second meeting has inspired and motivated her to get more done, and she said “Thank you Julie!”

Ha ha ha, I’m still a bit of a tyrant!!!!

Julie xxx

The cat is out of the bag…….

2011-04-19T19:52:00.001+10:00

I’ve had a secret……..I spent the weekend in Melbourne with my dear friend Sharon. We ran away from home and had just the best time ever!

Flying out of Coolangatta Airport at 7am Saturday, arriving in Melbourne around 9 am. Here is my travelling companion Sharon.

We hopped a bus to Southern Cross Station, then onto a hotel shuttle bus to our hotel The Ibis.

Too early to check in, we stored our bags and headed out to Carlton Gardens and The Royal Exhibition Building, where the Australasian Quilt Convention was being held.

This building is stunning!

Many, many, many beautiful quilts, lots of trade stalls, even a even few quilting ‘celebrities’ My blog friend Alison met us about lunch time and we chatted and ambled around the venue, getting to know each other as we went along.

At about 15 minutes before the doors closed we left, well pleased with our few purchases, and the enjoyable time we had spent browsing and gathering inspiration and motivation.

Always thinking of food, I suggested we go to the famous Lygon Street to find a place for dinner, it was on the way back to our hotel, too easy!

We were accosted outside a nice looking Italian Restaurant, the name escapes me right now, with the promise of a free bottle of wine and garlic bread…..ever the bargain hunters, we snapped up the ‘offer’.

King Prawn Fettuccini was to die for! What was even more exciting for me was the flirting by the waiter, it’s been a long time since anyone has flirted with me!!!

Off we went to our hotel……to find no vacancy due to a computer glitch…not a problem they tell us, can we move you to our ‘sister’ hotel The Novotel on Collins’ we’ll pay for the cab fare and there will be no extra charge for being upgraded to a 4 star hotel. Oh ok if you insist!!

ort

Very nice hotel room, right in the centre of Melbourne, a pleasant stroll to Crown Casino where I promised Sharon a surprise…..

This gas fired light show happens on the hour outside Crown Casino. Where we indulged in a Gelato, then wondered through the gaming room stopping to watch the roulette table for a little while,wondering how anyone would choose gambling over fabric and craft purchases??? Or food for that matter!

Back to our hotel for a well earned sleep! Thank heavens for mobile phone alarms, we woke at 8.30 am, jumped up and readied ourselves for Sunday in Melbourne.

Breakfast in a delightful little alleyway cafe, then to the Queen Victoria Markets for a browse and a little retail therapy. Not to be slowed by a ‘little fun run traffic’ we hopped it to a tram stop for a ride to St Kilda Beach, strap hanging like a local!

The market along the footpath caught our attention for a little while before the lure of Ackland Street and the many, many wonderful eateries dragged us away.

We settled on lunch at Abbey Road and Sharon and I shared a chicken burger so we could leave room for dessert, a Brandy Snap for her and the best vanilla slice in the state for me.

All to soon it was time to hop a tram back to the city.

An essential stop at Haigh’s Chocolate Shop.

A cuppa and an Iced Chocolate, another essential!

By this time all the walking had our feet crying out for relief, not to mention our tummies, this city is a foodies paradise! While waiting for our shuttle bus back to Tullamarine airport we snapped these lovely horse drawn carriages.

Then before we knew it, the weekend was over, and we were on our flight home, back to reality!

My first thank you must go to my long suffering husband Greg for encouraging me to go, thanks to Sharon for accompanying me and to her and her family for having me stay over the night before and after, and her ever patient husband, also Greg for getting us to the airport safely, while instructing their daughter Mikaela as she is learning to drive.

All the behind the scenes activities that worked so well to create a perfect weekend get away for Sharon and I, great weather, planes running on time, buses being right where we needed them and hotel rooms with well appointed rooms…….the list of thanks would only be greater in an Academy Award speech……..

I’m still recovering, and will post some quilt photo’s in a day or two. Hope you enjoyed a peek into our weekend escape!

Julie xx

New Blogger Gadget

2011-04-05T21:59:00.002+10:00

I’m a gadget girl so when my Blog Friend Maree pointed out the “Follow by Email” gadget, I just had to have one too.

So those of you who would like to know when I’ve updated my blog, just by checking your emails this gadget is for you too.

Easy Peasy…..enter your email address, follow the prompts and ‘Bob’s your Uncle’

Just because I’m here, I thought I have an almost mid week blog update, this must mean I am feeling like my old self again, although still coughing!!!

The bag is a replica (only different fabric) of Fabric Origami Bukuro I made at the Brother stand of the Brisbane Craft Expo recently, Using a special fat quarter and a bit of scrap black I created the bag, then wanting to use up every morsel of the special fat quarter I made a coat/jacket for this empty jam jar. With just a smidgeon of it left, just enough for a yo-yo and a fabric tube or two, I plan on tarting up the lid . After that effort I did require a nanny nap!

You may wonder why my stitching is being stored in my refrigerator? Well, I have had a bad experience with iron-on transfers in the past, I prepped several stitcheries and put them away until I found the time to begin……took them out of the storage box, and most of the design had disappeared! It appears that heat does that to them…..not that it’s mentioned on the pattern pack anywhere that I can find!

This time I thought I would be a bit clever and put this one in the fridge between stitching sessions!

I thought I might be a little rusty with my stitching, but so far so good! I’m really enjoying the process, confirming my suspicions that embroidery may be my first love!

While blog trawling tonight I found this tutorial at Quiltsalott for a Biscourn Pin Cushion. I’ve seen them recently and always thought how difficult they looked, this tutorial has smashed that misconception. Who would have guessed it required 2 x 4 1/2” squares. Some of which I had prepared earlier….. Now it needs stuffing……stay tuned for the finished item on my next blog post!

There is another reason for a blog update……….drum roll please…….Brooklynn has a tooth!

Oh and she’s sitting up! Sorry no photo of ‘The Tooth’ apparently it’s only just cut the gum!! I haven’t actually seen it yet, but I’m certain it is the prettiest little tooth to go with the prettiest little girl!

Not that I’m biased at all!

Back to my stitching, or maybe off to bed….. as yet undecided.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie

Where ever have I been?

2011-04-02T21:12:00.001+10:00

Not sure, but I think the last three weeks have just disappeared! I’ve been feeling like I’m a little terrier dog paddling upstream, just when I think I am making progress I remember there’s also a brick tied to my tail and I begin to sink……and float backwards…..into the jaws of a crocodile!

Now is that melodramatic or what?

I am really struggling with my “Make the Days Count” mantra, I feel myself slipping a little and find myself longing for the weekends, and ultimately the next lot of holidays. Although I have given myself a mental slap and remembered why I want to stop “counting the days”

So now I have had the mental shake up required, here’s what I’ve been up to since my last post.

Remember the Sit Me Up Donut from my last post, well here is the Most Beautiful Girl in the World using it for the first time. I opted to use toys Leah carries with her, instead of making the ones from the pattern, just because I a bit lazy really!

Poor little mite has eczema over her face right now, and has to see a dermatologist in the near future.

Georgie loves having Brooklynn on her level, she keeps giving her her toys and wondering why she doesn’t throw them for her like we do!

Card classes this week.

Last weekend the Brisbane Craft Expo was held at the Convention Centre. Sharon, Gail Margaret and I had an enjoyable day browsing the vendor stands, chatting, and generally having much needed therapy sessions with each other.

Sharon and I did a little workshop at the Brother stand called a Fabric origami bukuro. It cost just $5, and included the fabrics, a tin with sewing kit inside and use of a brand new Brother sewing machine. I would show a photograph but I gave it to Leah to put the sewing kit into, she seems to be getting interested in craft, after 22 years of watching me, I guess it’s not surprising.

She did a sewing class when she was about 13 and it seems to have paid off because she said she knew how to sew on a press stud, only the first time she stitched one side on upside down!

I was very impressed with the Brother machine we used, it was a NS 30, and very reasonably priced, it may be just what Leah needs to get her creative juices flowing?

Not something I want to push on her, she has to want to do it for herself or a machine will just become a white elephant I guess!

A few lovely fabrics came home with me last weekend along with a bag pattern (I know, big surprise?) a stitchery pattern for 12 Matreska Dolls, and a few other bits and bobs. I had a lovely time unpacking my shopping bag and fondling my purchases, best therapy I can think of, and although not covered by Medicare, sure is cheaper than a Psychiatrist in my opinion!

The days that followed was a frenzy of stitching a back pack for my friend Sharon’s birthday. While shopping on Saturday she had reminded me that we had a pattern for a back pack that she thought would be great for this kind of outing. It took until Monday half way through the day for the thought to germinate and form into a plan to get it made for her birthday Friday 1st April.

I had most of it done by dinner time Monday just needed to buy a buckle and some webbing for the straps the next day. Plan going well, until I realized how much I rely on diagrams. This pattern, while lovely and simple looking, has no diagrams, only a front and a back photograph of the finished bag. Consequently I found myself reading, reading and re-reading the instructions. Then reading them out aloud, until I got it…..only I didn’t get it until after I had stitched the oval shaped base in the wrong way.

I tossed it aside while I cooked dinner Tuesday evening thinking that perhaps I had to find another gift idea. I’d didn’t relish unpicking that night as it was black background fabric I’d used.

Dinner must have motivated me along with the fact there was nothing I wanted to watch on TV so unpick I did. With another read and re read aloud of the instructions the bag was finished by bed time.

In my hasty relief I forgot to take a photograph before I posted it the next day!!!

On the other hand, I had be wits about me today because I went outside in the late afternoon light to photograph todays project. The pattern was one I bought last week called “Let’s go out” by Julie Scanlan of BeBeBold Japanese Textiles. So far I have only made the zip up pouch using a fat quarter of cute little Matreska Dolls I fell in love with at the Craft Expo. Seems I couldn’t stop at one!

While taking these photographs, I remembered that I hadn’t blogged about my Lady Bug Shoes. I was browsing this blog saw her shoes and I was hooked! I had to have my own! So off to this site to see if I could find something that would give me something fun to wear, and be good for my very temperamental feet. I was thrilled to be able to purchase them in a narrow fit, what’s more they are divine to wear!

I think that this may be the end of my show and tell. OH I almost forgot…..

This lovely water bottle carrier was a gift from my New Zealand friend Sue, she was in Brisbane visiting family and after a bit of a hic-up we managed to meet for lunch, squeeze a visit to the Quilters & Embroiders Store and a relaxing afternoon tea stop all in one short day!

The bag had it’s debut at the Craft Expo last weekend and it received several comments, the fabrics are stunning! Thank you again Suzie!

That’s enough from me, time to think about bed……

Thanks for visiting,

Julie

Sunday evening and the weekend is over!

2011-03-20T20:55:00.001+10:00

I both love and loathe the weekends, love them because I am free from going to work, and loathe them because they are so very short and often leave me feeling less than satisfied with what I can achieve in just two days.

By the time I have caught up on a little sleep, a load or two of washing, some much needed house cleaning, preparing meals and sometimes shopping for necessities, there is precious little time left for much else.

This weekend whizzed past in a blur and before I could blink it’s Sunday night.

My LPC (Local Patchwork Club) met this week and I captured their show and tell to share with you.

1.Gail’s granddaughters dress 2. Kathryn’s mobile phone case 3. Gail’s new ‘designer’ spectacles 4. Sue’s appliqued cup cake 7. Gail’s apron. 8. Another of Sue’s appliqued cup cakes. 9. Kathryn’s pile of drawstring bags.

1. Jeanette’s Christmas table topper 2. Margaret’s polar fleece no-sew rug 3. Joy’s fabric flower 4. Debbie’s applique basket block 5. Another of Margaret’s rugs 6. Ann’s new spectacles 7. Close-up of Jeanette’s embroidery 8. Goodies box donation suggestion 9. Another of Jeanette’s embroidery blocks 10. The whole table runner. 11. Cindy’s stunning row x row quilt.

With a little gentle prodding all but one had show and tell. The new glasses were a good natured way of having something to show. Ann is on notice, she must produce something for next meeting or face some very serious consequences…..not sure what they are but I’m sure they will be dire!

My Show and Tell

I did manage to complete two small quilts this week. The first finish was a little 9 patch embroidery block quilt. My friend Sharon shared her pattern with me. I found the perfect accompanying fabric at my LPS (Local Patchwork Shop)

This slightly bigger quilt is for my friend Frell’s grandson Corben. I must make the label before I give it away later this week.

A few other little bit and bobs…….

Card Classes and a decorated baby singlet for Brooklynn

Sit Me Up Donut from a delightful pattern from Paula Storm.

Baby Swaddle wrap from this blog tutorial.

Covered coffee jar.

Here I was thinking I had achieved very little, it’s a timely reminder of why I blog….. without the visual display it is easy for me to forget what I’ve done!

Feeling very pleased with myself now…..time for bed.

Good night,

Julie

OK OK here she is……. trying to crawl no less! Her arms go nowhere, just the legs!

Leah says she is almost sitting up, or perhaps it’s balancing in a sitting position for a few moments?

Thanks for visiting!

J x

My Stitching Week…….

2011-03-05T13:55:00.001+10:00

Still not feeling 100% so back to the GP I went, she seems to think a test for Whooping Cough will not be illuminating, because I vaccinated for it in October 2010, I mentioned I was having terrible indigestion, she explained the nerve running up through the oesophagus can be irritated by gastric reflux, resulting in coughing. I came away with some lifestyle changing suggestions and a script for antacid medication and a suggestion to use a pain killer with codeine as it’s the most effective cough suppressant. Then I reversed into a post as I left the car park! It’s an expensive business this being sick!

Let’s see if I feel any better by weekend’s end shall we?

In the mean time…….

My round robin project came home. You may remember this post http://juliesquiltgallery.blogspot.com/2010/10/hugs-kisses-round-robin.html, where I showed my centre embroidery. Here is how it’s turned out.

I’m thrilled with the finished project, it’s colours are just perfect, bright and clear, just like the embroidery floss I used in the centre block, so these swappers must be very tuned in! Thank you Vicky, Fiona and especially Jan who brought us all together.

I did a little on line shopping one recent Friday evening when I should really have been tucked up in bed. I stumbled onto and Etsy site called Zip It Zippers I was feeling unwell and blue and the sites colours grabbed me and I didn’t resist. Here is my booty.

The 12 coloured zips made me smile and because I can’t resist a bargain 12 brown zippers were added to my shopping basket. All 12” zips for an extremely good price along with the fabric they are resting on, not sure what I’ll use for but I had to have it to check it out. It’s a knit fabric with a shiny side and a dull side, I think it can be used in wet packs and swim nappies for babies.

The zipper pull was a gift from the site owner Jennifer, and I have to say the service was impeccable, and I recommend you check it out, especially if your stash of zips is a small one!

Oh and especially if you’re feeling a little blue!

On the home front, it was time for a new couch. Just before the January floods we had decided on a style and taken home the fabric swatches to see which on would work with the furniture and fittings already in the Family room, but sadly that store went right under in the floods and hadn’t started trading again, when I felt the urge to get rid of the old clunker.

The first 5 stores we visited had nothing we liked in the size or price we had in mind. I had a specific idea in my mind and finally found it at Super Amart. Not as expensive as the first one we decided on and the colour worked better with the room. It was also in stock…..another important consideration. I don’t like to spend too much because I get rather bored with a rooms look and think an expensive item needs to stay in place much longer to get the value of my dollar otherwise!

The cushions give it a colour lift, and despite the opinion of the others who live here I LOVE THEM!

I have a new rug on the agenda for my next decorating update for the Family room, stay tuned!

Beautiful Brooklynn

With the news item this week regarding babies and dummies (pacifiers) I couldn’t resist this photo shoot. Brooklynn thinks her dummy is a toy, she also sucks her thumbs, no preference for the right or the left as yet. I know there are some very strong opinions out there, but at the end of the day, I think it’s a quiet life most of us are seeking, and who are we to condemn a mother for the choice of how she tries to achieve this.

Thanks for visiting,

Julie

Vision Patchwork Group Meeting

2011-03-05T12:00:00.001+10:00

This week I have a special post to showcase the Show and Tell from this weeks meeting. In an attempt to motivate and inspire the members we are bringing show and tell on a more regular basis. In the past, I think it was expected that show and tell be of recently completed or in the process of being completed items. Not so…..we meet twice a month and right now we are compiling a recipe folder of the evenings supper delights, culminating in a covered folder with the added twist of a guessing competition.

Each covered folder (or not) will be displayed with a baby photograph of the owner and the members will try to guess who belongs to the folder and photograph.

This is planned for the Christmas meeting breakup, should make for an interesting evening that’s for sure.

Here is Wednesday 2nd March 2011 show and tell‘

1. Margaret’s polar fleece baby quilt. 2.3. & 4. Jeanette’s Covered folder 5. Julie’s Pin Cushion 6. Cindy’s Handbag Insert. 7. Kathryn’s Appliqued Bags 8. Debbie’s Covered Coat hanger 9.Debbie’s Mobile Phone Pouch 10. Judy’s Jacobs Ladder 11. Margaret’s Polar Fleece Baby Quilt 12. & 13. Gail’s Applique Blocks 14. Karen’s 7 Sisters Block 15. Karen’s “Baltimore style” quilt top.

Ann provided the supper, delectable Savoury Muffins and delicious Chocolate Brownies. Sue had stitching for show and tell but it was of the medical variety and I thought in the interest of good taste we should skip show casing those…….truth to tell, I forgot to get a photograph, because let’s face it, I am not known to be the arbiter of good taste at times!!!

An enjoyable evening was had by all.

Thanks for visiting…….

Julie

I’ve been recovering all week.

2011-02-26T13:00:00.004+10:00

As you probably remember from my last blog post I was fighting a summer cold, well this weeks it seems to have run it’s course and I’m finally on the mend.

Monday this week we had a storm warning, threatening hail and strong winds. Fortunately for our part of the world it was mostly dark skies, heavy rain, thunder and lightening. The sky put on quite a display while it was all brewing however.

Georgie is terrified of storms and follows me around pleading with me to sit down and hold her. I find this strange as she usually prefers Greg’s company?

At work this week we had a staff photo shoot. The department is creating a new web site for our section, I offered to bring in my little Panasonic DMC-TZ1 and take the shot.

This is the majority of our morning staff, and very cooperative they all were, it took one go to get this very acceptable shot! Then it was all systems go for the morning rush.

My only contributions to stitching this week is the finishing touches to this Round Robin I joined at the end of 2010. While I enjoyed meeting the other participants and the stitching itself, I am glad it’s finished so I get get on with my other projects. I get caught up in these swaps and don’t consider how it’s going to impact on my other projects. I don’t think I’ll be signing up for any other of these kinds of projects in 2011.

Now I’m feeling much better, I think I will take the opportunity to do some more stitching and have another project for show and tell soon.

Thanks for visiting.

Julie XX

Ha Ha…..tricked ya! here she is…………..

Here she is just after her bath with mummy and then asleep after my niece Sharna told her all about her love life!!! This photo showed me just how much she’s grown.

I;m really signing off now!

byeeeee Jx

Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired!

2011-02-19T19:48:00.002+10:00

What is it with having a summer cold? This one seems to have hung on for weeks. I finally gave in and went to my GP, with antibiotics prescribed, I though that in about 3 days I would be feeling much better…..nuh-a! I’m still coughing and feeling terrible.

Now that the weekend has arrived I am doing nothing but sleep, what a waste of a perfectly good weekend!

Oh well perhaps I will feel better by Monday, just in time to go back to work!

It was my patchwork club week and a very fun filled evening we had, lots of laughter and some great show and tell. I must remember to take my camera to future meetings because I’m sure that you would be as enthused by what they have to show as I am.

Card classes this week

My indulgence for this week was to have a long overdue hair cut, the humidity has been playing havoc with my very thick hair and I was feeling terrible as it was. Thankfully my long suffering hairdresser didn’t do what I asked her to do….that is a two blade buzz cut! Thankfully she knew exactly what I needed.

I feel a little better with my new do, now I just have to find the energy to put on a little makeup to give the old dial a much needed lift!!

No post is complete without our darling Brooklynn making a photographic appearance.

Thanks for visiting my sick bay, hope my next post sees me saying how wonderful I’m feeling!

Bye for now.

Julie xx

A little quiet on the quilting front.

2011-02-13T21:14:00.001+10:00

It’s been a while since my last post, keeping busy with this and that, fighting a summer cold and generally seeing the hours in my day’s fly by with surprising speed.

By the end of the working week my head is in a spin, all those things I thought I would get done, are often left for the next week….. but that’s life right now and I am working on acceptance rather than fighting a losing battle.

We celebrated Jordan’s 14th birthday with a small family get together for coffee and cake.

In this photo is my mother, Jordan and Corrie, then Jordan gives us his best models pose!

I managed a little stitching.

This blocks comes from Barbara Brackman’s Civil War Quilt Blocks this one is called Tears for Texas. I have fallen behind with these blocks a little, but will get at least a few more done next weekend perhaps.

These blocks intrigued me when I found them while blog surfing, Sonnets of the Moon has a tutorial on this block turning her three into a table runner. I pulled out my red scrap box and my green scrap box. But even after making these three blocks I seem to have just as many bits of fabric still left in the boxes?? How does that work? Does fabric expand once exposed to the air and light?? I’m beginning to think so!

Yesterday a group of us got together for a little stitching, chatting and catching up. I belong to the online quilting group Southern Cross Quilters and the Brisbane girls meet once a month at The Quilters Store. It is always a fun day with lots of show and tell and often a bit of raucous laughter. This was the first GTG for 2011. A little browsing in the shop saw me bring home some stabilizer called Parlan, a few from the SCQ group had been talking about it for use behind embroidery and as I always love to try new things, I bought some. It was $6.50 a metre and iron on to boot…..both very good traits as far as first impressions go. A pattern from Aunties Two found it’s way into my hot little hands; Party Slippers no less! and just for fun, two skeins of Cosmo variegated embroidery thread.

This week I managed to get the prep work done on the round robin I’m a part of, and have most of the hexagons completed. It will be nice to see the finished product!

My light box once again came into it’s own for this project. I had printed off just half of the design from the Blog and after tracing that section off just flipped it over and traced off the other half thanks to the strength of the light from below! I am so hoping the recipient likes what we’ve all done with her central embroidery block!

The weekend can’t come to an end without a glimpse of our beautiful daughter Leah and delightful grand daughter Brooklynn, here they are!

Thanks for visiting,

Julie

Candied Hexagons Quilt top complete

2011-01-30T13:41:00.001+10:00

Ah…..I’ve just breathed a sigh of satisfaction! My Candied Hexagon quilt top is all done.

I was caught up in the hype of this design during 2010 and it is so far out of my comfort zone I am still amazed I started it, let alone finished it! My original plan on seeing the photograph of the original quilt in Quilters Companion Magazine was to use English Paper Piecing and make it my portable project for 2010. Once I had my copy of the pattern that changed dramatically. I realized that cutting all the foundation papers was not going to happen, and after I read the instructions I saw the quilt designer Kerry Dear machine pieced hers after using a set of Marti Mitchell templates to rotary cut the fabric.

I thought “Hey that’s doable!” I Ordered the template pack and borrowed my friend Gail’s turntable cutting board, and off I went.

Without even realizing it I had set in motion what has become my mantra for 2011

“Don’t count the days, make the days count”

It is my usual practice to go gangbusters on a project, looking ahead to the finish line rather than checking out the fabulous scenery that I’m madly passing!

This project was a little different, I worked on a section at a time, with no pressure to finish anything other than the part I was working on, enjoying how each block was coming together, unpicking if necessary, redoing a block that didn’t meet expectations, fondling the fabrics and marvelling at how they worked with each other.

My local PW&Q store had some meterage of the same fat-quarter pack I chose to work with and I added some of them to the mix. I also found a real bargain in the range at another store and I got 3 metres to use for my border.

All this I packaged together in a beaut 12” square box, I chose to work on it on a whim, or even with a plan, simply enjoying the process.

This it looked like yesterday before I added the borders.

Today the finished top!

The satisfaction I feel is a far cry from the relief that often accompanied the completion of a large project, for me.

Thanks for visiting,