Rod Run on Australia Day

Yesterday we headed out to Laidley for an Australia Day Rod Run with The Rod Squad group. We were a bit unsure as to whether we would go or not as the previous two days it had been raining non stop. Our hot rod is a roadster so is not the best in the wet weather but the morning brought an overcast sky with no rain so we decided to head off and risk it. It turned out to be a great day  with our first stop being for lunch at this sixties style cafe.  Elvis was keeping guard outside.  They had burgers called James Dean, J O'K, Elvis Presley to name a few and my choice was Marilyn Munroe which contained breast chicken, salad and beetroot which is a must with our Aussie burgers. Of course forgot to take a photo but it was as delicious as  the French Vanilla Slice I had for dessert at the last stop on our run, Fernvale.

It has been a while since Chris and I have spent time together in the hot rod so we thoroughly enjoyed our outing.  We were also able to catch up with friends and talk about all things hot rod.
 Hope everyone had a       'HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY' .  We are so lucky to live in this wonderful country.
Bye for now.

OPAM for 2012, Work Space, New Blocks

I joined OPAM again this year as I found it does encourage me to get some projects finished each month.  Sign up is on now till the end of January so pop over to Kris from Tagalong Teddies or Peg from Happy in Quilting and join up.  Just click on the OPAM button in my sidebar to get to Kris's blog and read all about it.

 
 This last week, I spent a couple of days reorganizing my quilting room as it was in a bit of a mess after Xmas. It's a bit tidier now but still  more work to do till it's how I would like it. I also started to catalogue all the things I have gathered over the last few years. Quite a number of  things I had forgotten I had.  My whiteboard is filling up with all the things I want to do.  Can I have more hours in each day please!!!! 

2012 To Do List on the Whiteboard

Below are the blocks I have prepared ready for stitching.  These belong to the Bluebird of Hope Quilt (part of Quilt Aid 2009)  which I purchased a couple of years ago. My friend Jan from quilting bought them as well but she has been working on hers for a while now so I have to play catch up.  I am going to try to complete two blocks a month so these will have to be for February as there is only 1 week left of this month.

As well, I have also made up some practise blocks for my Free Motion Quilting pledge but am still waiting for the patchwork shop to ring about my open toed foot. Hope it comes soon.
Well, it's getting late and school restarts for my grandson in the morning so will say bye for now.  Happy Stitching..........

Family, Sorting out my TO DO list for 2012

Since Xmas, I have been spending time with my grandsons Tom & Jake, they are now having some time with their Mum until school resumes in just over a weeks time when Jake returns to start Grade 3.  Also I have had my eldest grandson, Josh, stay for a few days.  He is a great boy and I really enjoyed his company.  The days were hot so we enjoyed lots of swimming in the pool.  He also loves to help in the kitchen and we all got to enjoy  his tropical fruit salad for dessert one night. Love you Josh for wanting to spend time with your Grandma.

This week I am working on my To Do list for this year.  I didn't really seem to achieve much last year so I want this year to be different. Although I do remember thinking the same thing the year before.
Top of the list is the 2012 Free Motion Challenge to help improve my confidence in this area. The button on my side-bar will get you to the site. It is well worth a look.  I have ordered a free motion foot for my machine and then I will begin practising the first tutorial for January (a leaf design.).  There is also a Facebook site where members who have joined can post their efforts.
I am also going to spend some time in the next couple of days tidying my quilting room as it certainly needs it.  I must admit I haven't spent much time in there of late.

This arrived in my letterbox this week.  I won this pattern as part of  a competition I entered before Xmas.  I belong to an online group called Snickerdoodle Dreams.  It is a very cute pattern called Dawn by Melly & Me.  Thanks to Darlene for my gift.
Well must go.  Till next time.................