Chooky's SSCS, 10 OPAM finishes for December, Sunday Stitchers...........

I finally got to open my parcel in Chookyblue's SSCS. The wait was definitely worth it as I received these beautiful gifts from Gail in the US.

The square topper is gorgeous and fits a table where the tree that displays my handmade ornaments sits each year.  How good is that.  

Gail also sent a matching mug mat along with a scissor broach, a Missouri pin, some chocolates and sweets.
Thank you so much Gail for this wonderful parcel and for being my Secret Santa for 2015.
I also received an email from Marion in Germany who has opened the parcel I sent to her.
Here is what I made.

I have made a couple of these to give-away but will have to make one for myself  one of these days.

This year has been a busy one for me and I haven't done too much posting. My Sunday Stitchers had our Christmas break-up back in November. As usual we had a Secret Santa and I pulled Teresa's name out of the hat. I was thrilled as I already had a gift I had seen and bought nearly 2 years before hoping I would get Teresa eventually in a swap. I have known Teresa for many years and I know how much she loves all things Paris and vintage so these were my gifts to her.

Inside I added a pocket using two of the dresses on it.

Fell in love with this fabric which has dresses with Paris themes on them. Made a large tote for Teresa to take shopping. Also the previously bought magnets and post-it notes, Paris themed of course.

Our Christmas table which we all added to with a plate of goodies.

My gorgeous table runner made by Allison and a little teddy bear Xmas ornament. It is so pretty, I love it. 

These were some of the extras that everyone gave me. Missing is the beautiful roll made by Sandi which opened out into a place mat with cutlery engraved with our name. I will post a photo next time. 

 I was lucky to also have my birthday in December and I received all these fat quarters of gorgeous materials from the girls. How lucky was I. Blue was my colour for this year.

Well we are having a big storm at the moment so had better close and see if this will post.
I'll record my OPAM finishes. Not had a lot of completed items this year so hope 2016 is a better one for me.
Till next time Happy Stitching...............

A post at last......

I have had a crazy month and so no posts for a while. My son ended up in hospital a couple of weeks ago just as my grandson was due to go on his school camp to Canberra, the Snowy Mountains and Sydney so my time has been taken up elsewhere.. I had a last minute rush to get his clothes together and discovered that he needed a few more things so a quick trip to the shops, then taking up jeans and long pants and naming everything at the last minute, sort of meant I was exhausted when I  finally got him on the bus. They arrived back this morning and he had a wonderful time so it was all worth the last minute rush.  I am glad to say his Dad is also doing well and is back at work now.
This means I am very late with my SAL block for July. I have the background done and am in the process of tracing and choosing the fabrics for the flowers, birds and vase that are appliquéd to it.

May be a bit late in finishing as only a week to go.

Last Sunday was my Sunday Stitchers Group get together. Quite a few away this time but the girls that were there exchanged their Mini Swap. I wasn't in this one but all the quilts were just beautiful.
Here is a photo of the quilts they received. Lots of happy faces here.

I sent off my Christmas in July parcel earlier in the month and it has been received. I have also received mine and just remembered I haven't let Cheryll, our Swap Mum ma, know. Sorry Cheryll.

The parcel I sent. 

Only 1 day to go now till they can be opened.
To close I will show a couple of photos of Ruby, now over 8 months old. Look at those teeth. She is a real character but we are not too happy with her latest trick........chewing the hose that sprinkles the grey water over the back yard. Chris is going to dig a trench and bury it this weekend. Hoping this may stop her but as we move the hose around the yard there will always be some of it exposed. How long do they stay a puppy? TOO LONG I think...........

She really loves being brushed. She is a Shepherd cross Malamute so has a quite a thick undercoat.
Well must go as I have to tackle a suitcase that has lots of dirty clothes in it.
Till next time.... Happy Stitching......

What's been happening since my last post.....

I can't believe I haven't posted for over 2 weeks so here is a bit of a summary of what I have been up to. I managed to finally put the binding and a label on my Cabin in the Woods topper.

Above are the things I worked on for FNSI hosted by Wendy from Sugar Lane Quilts. Thanks for hosting Wendy. To see what everyone else did just click on the FNSI logo on my side bar.
The top photos are of  the topper all finished  for the May OPAM list. To say I am pleased with this quilt is an understatement, my quilting is getting better at last.
The wall hanging underneath is simply made but is a quote I seem to use more and more these days. The panel piece was given to me by my dear friend Jan after she returned home from holidays. All the ladies in our group got one with different sayings but mine fits me to a tee.  I added borders, did a bit of quilting, added some buttons and a hanger. Thank you Jan for my gift.  So another finish for May.
Yesterday I attended my Sunday Stitchers group. We had a fun day with a great turn up of ladies.
I am in a row by row quilt along with 6 other ladies from the group. Each month we swap a different bag and add another row to the quilt top. This was our third row.  So far we made our own first row of flowers, the next one we added a pin wheel row and this month a star row. By the end we will have all added a row to each person's quilt. Can't wait to see what they will look like when we get our own top back. The rows are 5" by 40" finished.

I did a sample of my star block to make sure it was the correct size and this is it. Of course it's made from my own scraps, can't show the finished product just yet and spoil the surprise when they are completed.

This is the brown paper bag heading back to be swapped. It is fun picking out the fabrics from the stash inside the bag.  I now have a new bag and this month we are making hearts.
Yesterday one of our group had her last day for a while as she is due to have her first baby in a few weeks.

Above is the group quilt made by several of the ladies and this beautiful nappy cake made by our very clever Teresa C. A basket of goodies was also given but I forgot to take a photo of that.
Tatyana, I wish you and your hubby all the very best for the safe arrival of your little girl. Will miss you at the group.

Birthdays this month, Maria, Maree and Tatyana. Here they are ready to open their fat quarters. HAPPY BIRTHDAY lovely ladies. Enjoy your fabrics.
Now I have a few more photos to show from the day but will leave it until the next post.
I will close with the flowers my hubby gave me on Mothers Day.

    
The roses lasted for several days but on Friday the lily's decided to at last make an appearance.
Well that is all from me tonight, hopefully it won't be so long next time.
Till then Happy Stitching.......... Hugs..........