A Great End to the Year!!!!

Whoppee!!! I won a Giveaway over at Missymack.  I chose the pink/purple bundle of fabrics (as opposed to red/orange - well thats different I hear you all say! (NOT)) and Mr Random Generaor picked me!!
Here is what I will be receiving:
A pack of 6 fat 1/8s.

Hurry up Mr Postman

Some Kind of Wonderful by Anni Downs

I have finished the first column of this quilt - meeting the deadline set on the SAL blog (and I have snuck in in a little bit of January's target as well - accidentally.)

Here is the last block for the first column:

and here is the whole of the first column.

Next months target is quite easy - only 2 blocks so I hope to catch up on some of those other 50++ UFOs!! 

Merry Christmas Everyone

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas with a lof of fun, family and friendship. 
I spied this lovely tree over on mamcjt's blog and thought it summed up Christmas in Australia.

Brisbane Bloggers Meet

I know this is old news - I have been too busy to do much on my blog.  The lovely Joy and Maree organised a follow up Blog Meet at the Grandview Hotel at Cleveland on Sunday 27th November.  We had a great time catching up and talking to real people instead of email addresses.   Pity it was so hot on the day.

Here are two pictures - copied from other blogs - thankyou - I didnt have a camera.

and a better view of the right hand side:

From left around the table are; Michelle Ridgway, Kate, Lynda, Noela, me, Marilyn, Kayly, Joy and Maree

Thanks to Joy & Maree for organising this and hopefully we can do it again and many more will be able to join us!

Journey of a Quilter

Block 4 (of 9) is finished.
I have stithced a lot of the emboideries but only have one block all together.  I am using mainly fabrics from the Adelaide Collection by William Morris that I bought in a pack of 8 from Logans Patchwork (in Sydney) but have since added a few more.

Some Kind of Wonderful by Anni Downs

I have just finished my "Patty Cakes & Other Delicious Things" block. As usual a small change from the pattern.

The cake would go well with a Cup of Tea.
Only one more to do by the End of December.

Some Kind of Wonderful by Anni Downs

Here is my Cup of Tea. I do enjoy a well made cuppa - English Breakfast is nice but I also used to drink an Assam Tea which was always served from the pot in lovely china ....memories of a very dear friend no longer with us.

(Should have trimmed it first!!)

The quilt from "Some Kind of Wonderful" is called My Favourite Things, so I couldn't resist this bag that I saw in Big W this morning - perfect for keeping my finished blocks in?? If I were REALLY keen I could turn it into a block holder . . . then again - maybe not.

Time for more re-arraning in the "Sewing Room" . .  its slowly getting there.

Some Kind of Wonderful by Anni Downs

In a moment of madness - spurred along by the wonderful chit chat that happens on the Stitch-a-Long I have decided to work on the quilt "My Favourite Things" by Anni Downs (in the book Some Kind of Wonderful).  I have finished 2 blocks so far.
The pattern is done in needle turn but I am opting for the quicker machine applique and as those of you who know me well - there will be a few 'adaptations" along the way.
I am using fabrics I already have - that were originally destined for another quilt.

The blog's leader - Chookyblue - is a real whip cracker when progress is slow and this will be an incentive to keep up - I do not want to be cyberspace-whipped!!

Here is my first "Favourite Thing" - Singing in the Rain - probably a bit of a fib as I am not sure I have ever really done that - but I was happy to include it.  (It's about to absolutely bucket down outside - maybe I should try it tonight??)

and the second block is Old Blue Jeans
(I know - I can't wear long skinny jeans like that but lets be creative!!)

and some close ups -"The Eye for Detail" takes over again

Crazy aren't I??

Baby Quilt

I have just finished a quilt that I made for a work colleague to give to a member of her family (a cousin I think) for when her baby is born.  It is 'quite' bright and the print fabric has ladybirds.  Not good photos unfortunately but I was in a rush to drop it off so she could take it on her trip to Sydney this week (rather than trust the postal service).  This is the front - a lot more colourful in real life.

and the back - I used an alphabet panel and the 'giver' embroidered her own label to make nit more personal.

 

1500 Followers!!!!

Nah - not me but Jenny Of Elefantz has 1500 followers and is having a celebration - go HERE to find out what.
And what a pretty logo!

Polka Dot Girls Finished.

I have had my purple Polka Dot Girls Quilt finished for ages, but finally got around to having it quitled, so now its all done.  The design is by Bronwyn Hayes.  I do love her stitcheries and still have a few of her projects to go (maybe one day!).
So, its one more off the list (and probably anther three added. . .)

The completed quilt (I didn't add any borders)

.

and some close ups:

I seriously think I need either a better camera (using my phone for these) or a class in photography, to be able to show the detail better. 

Wedding #2 for 2011

My God Daughter was married in Sydney on 13th August.  What a perfect excuse for a trip to Sydney - my home town.  And  I made a looong weekend of it too.
Friday I was collected by one of my old Sydney Sewing Friends and she very kindly drove me here and there.  Firstly lunch at her favourite spot in Kings Cross.  Walter (the owner) has won awards for his cooking endeavours in the past and also for his coffee decorations!  Here is my special coffee.

Saturday was the wedding - a lovely day - sunshine and  no wind.  The bride looked wonderful!  The groom looked pretty good too.

My present to them was this quilt - a big one for snuggling under when watching TV. 
(The picture was taken with the quilt on the hotel bed - hence the lump down the middle.)

And a special label.

Sunday was the City to Surf race - and as I was staying in Rushcutters Bay - I was trapped til lunchtime.  Sunday was wet and cold but it didn't stop the runners - and I have never seen so many different coloured joggers in one place.  This was the view from my hotel window.

Fortunately the light was good enough for me to do some stitching.  (Lucky I had it with me??)

Sunday night was a catch up with the rest of my Sydney Sewing friends - great to see them and their latest show & tells.  And a lovely dinner was included.

Monday I was lucky enough to have my brother drive me around for a Patchwork shop hop.  I visited Quiltsmith, Logans Patchwork, Lyns Fine Needlework, Craft Depot and Sewrite.  Helped the Sydney economy to keep going (a bit).  The range of fabrics in most of the shops was huge compared to most of our Brisbane shops, it was hard not to buy heaps.

Monday night I had to return home - but I am on holidays so it's not so bad.  Details of how I spent a large portion of the rest of my holiday to follow!!!  (Really good sewing stuff.)
Fortunately I do not have any more weddings on the horizon!

Catching Up - A Finish!!!

Well, as I explained - life has been busy lately - but I have managed to sneak in some sewing.  Some of it I couldn't publish here as it was a surprise for my daughter for her wedding and really I just didnt get enough time on the computer for anything other than the basics.  So its catch up time.

Here is the quilt I made for her and her husband.  Hopefully they will enjoy snuggling under it on a cool night as they sit on the lounge watching TV.  (You can click on the photo to enlarge it)

The central part of the quilt is made from a pattern published by Paula at PacificPatchwork based on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is Patient, Love is Kind etc.

The outside blocks feature words to live by - the pattern "Gifts of Grace" supplied by Val Laird and based on Galatians 5:22-23.  (There were 9 patterns supplied but 8 worked for me!!)

Some close ups:

The quilting - not mine - I sub contracted that!

and the label - I designed it in Word and printed it on printable fabric - easy to do but a little difficult to hand sew.

So I have to pop on over to Sew Its Finished and mark up my finishes - whoopee!!!

I'm back!!

 I know I have been neglecting my Blog lately, but things have been so busy for the last few months or so.  My eldest daughter got married on 2nd July - last weekend and most of my spare time has been tied up with "the Big Day" as we have been calling it.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day - perfect weather - no hiccups and a truly radiant bride! and the groom looked happy too!

I'm not into photo heavy posts - especially for personal stuff but here are a few to record the day.

(a happy bride - a serious Father of the Bride)

the married couple

and if you want to see more you can go to the FaceBook page for the professional photographer - Leigh-Warner-Photography

As a post script - a departed dauhgter means a spare room - which means a sewing room for me!!!!!!!!!   Doing the Happy Dance about that!!  (though it may have been cheaper to add an extension to the house!)

A Giveaway!

The lovely Jenny from Jenny of Elefantz who is giving up days of her sewing time to go motorbiking through the top part of Queensland with her beloved husband is having a giveaway of the originals of a pattern she had published in "Stitch" a US magazine.  Congratulations to her for being published "O/S" and a huge cuddle becaise she is so generous - both of her time and her goodies.  Pop over here to look and participate.

UFO - Finished

I finished my second blue & cream quilt - started last August - in time for my high school friend's "0" birthday in April.  I couldn't be in Sydney to see her open it - but she loves it and hopefully will enjoy snuggling under it as it gets cooler.

My bestest sewing mate gave me a beautifully stitched label to add to the back:

I bought quite a collection of blues creams and a bit of green to make the first "0" birthday quilt for another friend - and plannned on making two together - but I still have enough left over for a third - wonder who that will go to??

Here is a close up of some of the 'starter' fabric - its a border print but it would have been too wide to use as a border on that sized quilt so I cut it into 6" squares and made coordinating 4 patch and 9 patch squares.

and

What Makes me Happy - a random event!!

Years ago - my girls dressed up for a party - Pippi Longstocking & Heidi.  Both outfits made by me (How did I find the time?? - guess not so much patchowrk time back then!)
"Pippi" s now 21 and about to be married and "Heidi" is 19.

Catching Up - Gum Nut Designers Picnic

I know this was SO long ago - but . . well you know how it is - you get sidetracked!. It was a lovely morning - meeting up with real people after only knowing them by blogging and emails. I won't go on - everyone else has expressed their feelings - just one picture to record the event. (me in the pink/black top.)

ABC of Susan

I have seen a few of these ABCs so thought I would join in.  I am so far behind in my posts but will do this one now and back track when I get the time (in between work, sewing & wedding preparations).

Age: 59. 

Bed Size: Queen. 

Chore You Hate: Unpacking & Putting away groceries – and Housework. 

Dogs: Tibetan Spaniel x Toy Poodle but prefer cats.  

Essential Start of Your Day: Shower.  

Favourite Colour: Purple.  

Gold or Silver: Prefer Gold – have some of both.  

Height: 5’4”. 

Instruments You Play: Nothing musical – love my Janome.  

Job Title: Product Analyst.  

Kids: 2 girls (lucky me).  

Live: Queensland Australia.  

Mom's Name: Molly Dorcas and to follow tradition I should have been Dorcas – eek!! – thankfully I am Susan.  

Nicknames: Susie B (maiden name) or Suzie Q.  

Overnight Hospital Stays: Third Nipple removal (quite common I was told) 2 Caesarean babies (a lot longer than overnight thanks!).  

Pet Peeve: Pushing in – in queues, on the road – anywhere.  And people who shorten my name.

Quote From a Movie: Not a real movie buff – cant think of one.  

Right- or Left-Handed: Right.  

Siblings: 2 brothers.  

Time You Wake Up: 6.30am or so on workdays – else a lot later (hate mornings).  Underwear: Of course.  

Veggie You Dislike: Hate the term “Veggie”, but hate overcooked anything.  What Makes You Run Late: Me – trying to do too many last minute things. 

X-Rays You Have Had: Foot, wrist, back, teeth.  

Yummy Food You Make: Spaghetti Bolognaise and cakes.  

Zoo Animal You Like Best: The big cats ate always so majestic and monkeys are cute – no real favourite.

Tiff started this ball rolling and I have seen Jenny's and Teresa's and Joy's.   Go have a look.

Give Thanks Verse 2

I've been stitching a fair bit at night time lately but not much machining being done - but I have finished Verse 2 of Jenny's Give Thanks BOW (Block of Whenever).

And I am very much looking forward to meeting all the Gum Tree Designers next Month. 



Reducing the List but no Finishes

Yesterday my local quilt shop had a "Sew In" to make quilts, library bags and soft toys for the flood victims.  I took along one Kids Quilt top and the Music Quilt - both of which I had intended for a charity so it seemed the ideal opportunity to hand them over.  Someone has finished the music quilt and someone else has taken the kids top to quilt and bind it.  I have almost finished another top with left over bits from the music quilt and will hopefully take a picture before I hand it over to be finished off .  So that is 3 off the List!

I have also finished Verse 2 for Jenny's Give Thanks so will photograph it later in the week and post the picture.

And I am delighted that the tennis is finally over (even though the right girl won but the wrong boy won!) adn Channel 7 will get back to normal.   But as my husband cheerfully informs me it is only a few weeks til the AFL starts and there is always some cricket or something going on. 
Thank heavens I have my sewing to distract me. 

Cheers
Susan

Sewing Caddies for "New Beginnings"

I have made five Sewing Caddies to send to the New Beginnings project - organised by Gum Tree Designers (with Dawn and Jenny doing the collections etc).  They are all almost the same and will be posted off tomorrow.  Nothing outstanding but I hope they will be useful and show those badly affected by the floods everywhere that people care.  I had no great plans for this fabric when I bought it at a closing down sale quite a while back - and its not really my colour choice, but I knew it would come in handy one day!

Sewing Caddy, Needlebook, Scissors holder and scissors, a pin cushion [in green and hard to see] a fat quarter, 6 skeins of DMC and a packet of needles (not in the picture).

Now back to my UFO list!

Happy Sewing til next time
Susan

Two More Finishes

Here are my photos of My Give Thanks wall hanging and with Verse 1 attached. This is going to be such a lovely collection.  (From Jenny of Elefantz)  And already Jenny has given us verse 2. - so I better get tracing again!  Go here for the original wall hanging.

2 More Finishes

Another two to get off the list!


Christmas Sampler - not finished in time for 2010 Christmas but at least its ready for this year.  A Nancy Halverson design - in the book "Tidings" .  I fell in love with this at the Brisbane Craft show in October last year.

Leanne Beasley's Stitchers Keeper - I just love this embroidery - it was a "Must have" as soon as I saw it.

The pattern included an iron on transfer - just love those things - so much better than tracing - and you can use a wider variety of fabrics.  So I had to test the iron on before I did the main pattern - and made a little needle case out of the pratice bit.  (That's it at the top saying "Stitchers Keeper").  I feel I also need a scissors holder with a single flower - maybe later!

One more is finished - but it will have to wait for another day.

(That's 5 finishes or me)

Take Care
Susan