Happy New Year !!!!!!!

Just a quick post to say a hello to all my blogging friends. I can't believe it will be 2010 tomorrow. Time for New Year resolutions. Wonder how many I will keep this year? My record in previous years leaves a bit to be desired so I think I will have to work a bit harder to change this. We had a lovely family Christmas Day and birthday celebration and I hope you did too.

Been very quiet in the quilting department of late but yesterday, Chris and I tried to work out how to use my quilting machine. Watched the DVD about half a dozen times, put my machine on the frame, ready to go and did some adjustments to the roller heights. Am going to have to practise a lot before I am game to try one of my quilt tops of which there are many. Anyway, it was a good start. Saturday is the next step, attaching fabric to the rollers. Will keep you posted.

Anyway, it's time to wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and to say be safe until I catch up with you in the land of blogging next year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!

Well here it is at last, Christmas Eve. One more sleep till the big guy in the Santa suit arrives. The presents are wrapped and ready to be make there way to our son, Scott's house across the highway where we will have Christmas lunch. He is having the big family gathering this year. I just have to make my coleslaw and curry dip to take so not much preparation to do. Christmas tea will be spent here with Todd(son No 2) & family and my daughter, Kym. We are going to have some seafood and nibblies and spend the rest of the time in the pool I imagine. Should be a lovely day all round.

Today is the start of my husbands Christmas break so he is busy in the yard giving it a tidy up while I am in here playing with the computer. Chris and I are both looking forward to Christmas Day tomorrow as not only do we get to spend it with our family but also we both celebrate our birthdays which makes it extra special.

In closing this post, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope that you all have a wonderful time sharing the day with your loved ones : family and friends.........

Xmas Break-up.....

Yesterday was my Quilt Group's Christmas break-up luncheon. Of course, I forgot to take my camera so no piccies. We had a lovely day. We meet at a local church and even though it was very hot, with the fans running flat out, the room was quite cool. Lots of yummy stuff to eat, salads, ham, chicken, prawns, quiche and of course pavlova, cheesecake tarts and home-make ice-cream made by my friend Nancy. Mustn't forget Jan's lovely homemade nibblies beforehand and Viv's punch. By home-time we were all feeling pretty full.
As part of our Xmas festivities, we all brought a small gift along to swap. The photo below is my swap gift which I made last week-end. I got the pattern for the journal from Moda Bakeshop but used some of my Aviary 2" strips instead of 1&1/2" strips used in the tutorial. It was quite easy and quick to make. Looks very neat inside as it is lined. Will definitely be making more of these as they make a lovely gift.
I was so pleased Norma received my Secret Santa gift as yesterday was her first day back after an operation. She has been quilting for many years and so I hope she enjoys recording her quilting journey in her new journal.
Well still not finished the Christmas cards or wrapping the presents or the decorating so best be off as I can't see the elves doing it for me. Till next time........

Time slipping away : Here comes CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Here are my three grandsons : Josh, Jake & Tom with Grandma. My granddaughter was MIA when this photo was taken.

Well I seem to be going round in circles. I am so unorganised this year, gift shopping not finished (hardly even started), cards not written and no thoughts of decorating but time just keeps passing, more quickly with each day. One BIG sigh or maybe two. It may have something to do with my turning 60 on Christmas Day but I think I am cool with that as it is only a number. The kids talked me into having a small luncheon at the RSL club last Saturday, just family & a few old friends. It is always too hard to have something nearer the day as most people have other Christmas festivities to attend. I had a great day and was glad my arm was twisted to have it as my friend of 50 years was there and others I hadn't seen in a while. Chris, my hubby, celebrates his birthday on the same day but his 60th isn't until next year. He doesn't like parties for himself so unsure what will happen when it comes round, perhaps a surprise or maybe not.

The photo below is of my newest finish. A very small container to sit next to the sewing machine so when I cut my threads they have somewhere to go and not on the floor. I found the pattern on the net. It is called a friendship bag and also has a tutorial to go with it. PS I Quilt is the name of the blog. I have the link in my blog list on my sidebar if you are interested in having a look. I'm thinking of making some in xmas fabric and filling them with wrapped sweets as little gifts. The bag also has handles on it if you wish but in this case I left them off.

The following photos are of the stitcheries I am trying to finish that will go on my machine cover and my machine mat. Both projects are waiting for this to be finished before I can proceed. I have been doing it for ages but there is a lot of stitching so I can't be too hard on myself. Leaves and some small flowers to go.

Machine cover and tape border stitcheries below. The same material will be used for the mat and cover as used in the thread catcher. Debbie Mumm fabric, not sure of the name but have had it for years. The pattern is by Bareroots.

I have a couple of other things I'm working on but can't show pictures just yet. Someone might be looking. Well that's about it for today. See you next time.................