Easter Weekend Sew In .......

Last weekend, I joined Wendy and lots of other ladies for some Easter sewing. I mainly concentrated on my Splendid Sampler blocks which had been building up.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been on holidays. Firstly to Tasmania with my hubby to catch-up with family and also to attend Let's Get Stitched, then home and off to another retreat at Tamborine Mountain not far from where I live.

Before I left I had joined The Splendid Sampler on-line group hosted by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson. It started mid February and 2 free blocks are given weekly.
I managed to get a few done before I left but when I arrived home I had lots of blocks waiting for me so that is what I concentrated on over the weekend. Lots of prep work and some stitching.

Some of the blocks below are ready for the embroidery to be done.

I also traced and started to stitch Wendy's free Happy Easter block. I'm using a blue background and a Cottage Garden thread called Indian Lily.

Below are the blocks I have finished so far......

Fabric used is by designer : Sweetwater. Mainly from their Reunion and Hometown ranges.
Thank you Wendy for hosting and for the free Happy Easter block you gave us.
Well must go, more work to do on those blocks...............

FNSI (Easter Weekend Sew In)

I am joining Wendy and other quilting friends on an Easter Weekend Sew In. Come and join us any time over the weekend for a spot of stitching . Read Wendy's post here.

Wendy has generously designed a free Easter stitchery for you to sew when you sign up.
Hope to see you there.
HAPPY EASTER everyone and Happy Sewing............

Tasmania here we come !!

It has been a busy few weeks and I have lots to post about but will have to do that when I get back from our holiday to Tasmania. Chris and I leave at 6.00 am in the morning for the airport. Today we took Ruby to have her own holiday at a boarding kennel. She was really excited to go inside with the lovely girl who welcomed us and I am hoping she is still feeling the same now and not doing the little howling trick she does when she is lonely and wants some attention. She gets on with other dogs very well usually and often just sits outside the fence and watches them playing during her daily walks. Makes walking her quite lengthy.
I must admit I miss her already. She is so cute when she is asleep.

We will be away for 10 days visiting Chris's family and I am lucky enough to be going to Let's Get Stitched 2016 for three days whilst  there. So looking forward to catching up with all the friends I get to see once a year at this event.
Well must go as I have a bit more packing to do before I can get to bed.
Be back in a couple of weeks...............
Till next time........ Happy Stitching...........

FNWF, UFO Finish....

Thank you to Cheryll for hosting Friday Night sewing. I did some hand sewing and managed to complete one of my UFOs from the list I put up on my blog last month.
I can now put a line through No 3 on that list which is my C for Christmas Topper. Lots of lovely hand stitching in this one but so worth it when I look at it finished.. This is a design by Michelle Ridgway.

Well must go as I am heading off to my quilting group today. Will check out what everyone else got up to later today.
Happy Stitching until next time........

List of UFO's for 2016

This year I have decided to try to work on some of my many UFO's collected over a number of years. Am putting this up on my blog hoping that it will be the incentive I need to get these projects at least closer to completion.
                               

 My List for 2016       

1. Pinwheel Xmas Wreath Wall Hanging

2. Sunshine Frolics Quilt  

3. C is for Christmas Table Topper

4. Friendship Quilt Row Along

5. Mini Spools Quilt

6. I Love Coffee Quilt  - for my son

7. Tree of Life Wall Hanging  - for my niece

8. Modern Mugs Quilt

9. Nature's Journey

10. Gossip in the Garden

11. Chilly Penguins & Deck the Hall Wall Hangings

12. Rose of Provence Quilt

As not much time left in January, I am working on No 3 as it has the least to do to get a finish.

Well must go, lots to do............. Happy Stitching.............

FNSI, The Splendid Sampler, C is for Christmas.....

I am running really late with my post about FNSI hosted by Wendy. Thank you Wendy for hosting & encouraging me and others to get sewing.
I had intended to get into my sewing room early on Friday night but best laid plans were changed when my son asked if his two boys could spend the day with me as he had to work. We had a lovely time, it was very hot so we spent most of the time in the pool. Of course like most kids of today the rest of the afternoon was spent playing games on their computers and asking me what else I had to eat that was yummy. By the time their Dad picked them up, my good intentions were slowly disappearing but I needed to make some decisions on fabric, so out to my room I went.
I have decided to join in 'The Splendid Sampler' hosted by Pat Sloan & Jane Davidson. It is starting on the 14th of February, there will be 100 blocks, 6" finished, 2 blocks per week Sunday  & Thursday and 87 designers sharing a block with those who joined up.
So my first job for the night was to go through my stash and pick the fabrics I was going to use. I may have to buy some background fabric but will wait and see as we progress through a few blocks.

This took me forever to choose but I finally decided to go with a Sweetwater fabric range called Reunion. I have a fat eighth pack, some yardage, a layer cake, jelly roll and a charm pack so think this should be enough. Fingers crossed. I am so happy to be part of this group.

The other thing I worked on was some stitching on this table runner. Got the hand stitching done on some of the hexagons, but need to complete a few more before I can join them together and have a finish. This is a Michelle Ridgway design which I have been working on for a long while.

Well I have a few more things to tell you but I will leave them for another day. Last year had lots of things happening in my life and I lost my way a bit, hoping this year will be much better.
Happy Stitching until next time..... Hugs..........      

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...............

Santa Sack Swap : My gifts to Wen........ Merry Christmas.......

These are the gifts I sent to Wen for Cheryll's Santa Sack Swap.
Wen decided she would like a tote so I made one for her to use all year round.

A felt pouch & sweets 

A snowman ornament. Have made lots of these as I love stitching them. 

A scrap bin, matching pin cushion and scissors.

An initial sewing mat/ mug rug.

A wall hanging made with my favourite Nancy Halvorsen fabrics.

Wen tells me she had help from her daughters in opening them. So glad you liked them Wen.
Thanks to Cheryll for another wonderful Christmas Swap.

Well must go and spend some time with my hubby.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends.

Friday Night Sew In

For FNSI I didn't end up getting much done except for finally putting together the block below. One of my quilting friends who goes to the Tamborine Quilting Retreat I attend, is having a big '0' birthday and has asked me to make a block to go in a special birthday quilt she is making.
Sue provided three fabrics and I could add up to three more but I decided to just add one. The design of the block could be anything as long as the cream fabric was the background and the block ten and a half inches in size. I chose a block called The Greek Cross Quilt Block.

The fabric I added was the dark blue.  Happy with how it turned out and it is exactly the right size.
Thanks WENDY for hosting our final FNSI for 2015.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the girls who have participated in our Friday night gatherings over the year.

Look forward to catching up with you again in 2016.

Hugs and Happy Stitching till then............

Santa Sack Swap 2015 .....

This year for Cheryll's SANTA SACK SWAP I was paired with Wen. We have got to know each other over the few months and even with a house move Wen has managed to make me some very beautiful gifts. Thank you for each and every one Wen, I love them all.

My parcels unwrapped.

Folder with notebook, pen, needles & threads kit, zip purse with initial & tissue pouch, 6 crochet coasters and some Lavender bath seeds & cooling and relaxing gel patches.

My Christmas stocking, a beautiful apron and hanging bird ornament.

THANK YOU to Cheryll for again running this fantastic swap and another very big THANK YOU to my wonderful swap partner Wen. Opening these gifts certainly made my day.

Now I'm off to check out the linky to see what others have made and received.
Hugs till next time...........

SSCS 2015,

This week I received my parcel from Gail in the USA. I've opened my ornament  and here it is a lovely hexagon wreath. Thank you so much Gail it is beautiful and will look lovely on my tree. Gail also sent a booklet about the city that she lives in. We have been to the USA several times but never to Missouri. It was very interesting reading so thanks for including it in the parcel.

I also sent off my parcel and just checked to see if it had arrived and it has so thanks to Australia Post for prompt delivery. Here are the wrapped parcels that I sent to Marion in Germany.

Marion has opened her ornament so here is a photo of what I made.

I incorporated a Theodora Cleeve Santa button with some embroidery.
Well that is all for me tonight. Be back soon.
Till then....... Happy Stitching..........

FNSI results, 40th birthday......

I managed to get some quilting done on a wall hanging and I also completed another gift too for a  Xmas swap I am in.

This is a photo of the half finished back. and below blanket stitch complete and buttons attached to another little gift. 

All will be revealed when the parcels are opened in December.

I have also completed my swap gifts for Chookyblue's SSCS too. Will post a photo of the wrapped gifts before I pop the parcel in the post this week. Yeah!! Finished on time with a few days to spare........
Yesterday, my family and I headed up to Caloundra to help my niece Angela celebrate her 40th Birthday. We met at the restaurant 'Tides Waterfront Dining' for lunch. We spent a few hours there enjoying a wonderful meal and good company.

My niece Angela and daughter Kym

View from the restaurant. The water looked beautiful.      

Well must go, thanks and big hugs to my friend WENDY for hosting another successful Friday Night Sew In.






  

FNSI, Renovations

Tonight is Friday Night with Friends so even though our place is a bit like a bomb has gone off outside and I can't get into my sewing room in the shed due to work happening in front of it, I decided to join in and lose myself in some hand stitching.
Thank you to Wendy for again hosting.

The reason for the above is that we are having some much needed improvements done to solve a water problem between the house and the pool.
We have become a construction site according to the sign on our front fence. I am really looking forward to the job being finished and the sign being taken down so I can try to remove the layer of dust that seems to cover every surface in the house even though windows and doors were shut. I think Ruby who is locked behind a temporary fence will be pleased too although she may have to wait till the new grass grows but haven't let her know that yet.
Sorry for the photo overload ,just want to keep a record of the progress for me.

Paving removed by us.

Patio roof off and 6 truck loads of soil & rubbish removed.

Boxing up started. 

Mesh laid, ready for cement on Monday.

If you are still here, see you tonight.
Hugs..............