Nell's Notions

Time for Change

2011-06-04T08:57:00.006+10:00

The time has finally come when I am able to move the contents of this blog over to my new blog.

I would be very happy if you will follow me over to Pins and Whiskers.
Sorry ... gremlins won't let me link ~ http://pinsandwhiskers.blogspot.com/

Same quilty stuff ... new place.

Colourful Friday ~ Flowers

2011-06-03T07:58:00.005+10:00

Good Friday morning and welcome to another Colourful Friday with Robyn and the gang.
F L O W E R S ~~~ I thought I would go with some more unusual flowers around my home. Hope you enjoy them.

My daughter loves growing succulents and is very pleased when one comes into flower.

I love the name of this one ... 'Bird of Paradise' or 'Strelitzia'. I have a large clump in my garden and it never stops flowering.

How could I not share one of my roses ... Double Delight ... my mum's favourite.

I look forward to visiting all the colour flowers blooming today.

UFO Thursday

2011-06-02T11:45:00.004+10:00

It's such a good feeling to have worked on a UFO. Since last Thursday I have continued to join pairs into 6's and have 4 groups now done and the backs pinned ready for hand stitching. Edited Thursday evening 7.30pm ... I now have 5 groups done ... 1 to go :)

My procrastination skills are excellent so I need all the motivation I can get ... thankyou to Sandy for UFO Thursdays.

While visiting around in blogland I've noticed that I am not always able to leave a comment so if you haven't heard from me lately it's for this reason. Pop up comment boxes don't seem to be a problem.

Colourful Friday ~ Sunsets

2011-05-27T08:00:00.000+10:00

Colourful Friday is back to warm your cold wintery days or breeze through a warm summer one.

Our host Robyn at Daisy Quilts will have links to much more colour if you'd like to take a look.

I just had to share 2 sunset photos. The first is taken towards the East with the full moon rising and the pink warning of a cold day to follow the night.

My second photo is taken towards the West. I love how the sun's final rays mix with the clouds.

Thanks Robyn ... hope your Friday is full of colour.

UFO Thursday

2011-05-26T16:26:00.004+10:00

Yay! Finally I have some progress on a UFO to share.

A certain log cabin quilt should have been on my bed 12 months ago and now here we are on the threshold of winter and still it remains in pieces. So I have committed myself to the month of June being log cabin month starting today.

This morning there were 18 pairs (like this photo) layed out on the spare bed.

Next step is to join 3 pairs into a group of 6. Below is a photo of the 1st group and the 2nd is almost finished.

Thankyou to our lovely host Sandy for UFO Thursday. I've missed quite a few Thursday's and hope today is the start of many for me. Sandy at Cookies and Cream Craft has a link for more UFO progress you might like to check out.

One Christmas Item with One Flower Wednesday

2011-05-25T10:48:00.002+10:00

A good morning to you all on the very chilly morning. The sun is out but it's not helping with the freezing wind blowing.

I've finally sorted out centres and pathways for my 1/2" hexies. These 3 flowers have been waiting patiently and I can now show them with centres. I read somewhere quite a while back about attaching the pathway hexies to one side of each flower and they should all slot in together. If I make the 8 cream hexies and attach to the flowers as I go then I won't get tired of making heaps of cream hexies all at the end.

As today is the 25th here in Australia, it's time to share our One Christmas Item for the month of May.

Two more Bon Bons ready to fill with goodies and gift at Christmas. I thought I'd try a green stitchery this time and am really happy with the look.

Instead of doing a Mr Linky here I'm going to add a page at the top of my blog just to share photos of everyone's Christmas Items with links to each blog. If you could leave a comment here when you have posted and/or send me a pic in an email, I'll add our photos to the May Christmas Item Page.

Happy Christmas Sewing

FNSI and Fabric Buys

2011-05-21T17:38:00.005+10:00

My results for Friday Night Sew-In. This will be for my One Christmas Item A Month when I get the bon bon made. I'm hoping to stitch another in green.

Before sitting down to stitch I cut into these sweeties and prepped some squares ready for centres for the 1/2" hexie flowers. The cream squares will make pathway hexies.

Lots to do before the end of the month ... I still need to add embelishments to my Stay At Home Robin projects and I am determined to work on a UFO.

Happy Sewing

Flowers in the Mail

2011-05-19T16:36:00.003+10:00

Look what I found growing in my mailbox.

Geniene was most generous and sent extra blooms after she'd had a mishap with her hexie flowers. A funny story involving a load of washing although I'm sure it wasn't funny at the time.
Thankyou so much Geniene. They go perfectly in my garden and the butterfly centre is a special treat.

Yesterday was my local patchwork day and oh boy did my elbow give me curry last night from stitching this block. The deep heat was also good for the sinus :)

Try as I might my UFO's remain as is. I have laid one out on a bed ready to work on so just maybe I'll have some progress to share soon.

One Flower Wednesday

2011-05-18T18:21:00.001+10:00

I managed to make two 1" hexie flowers this week.

It was our groups patchwork day today so I have some stitching to share next time.

Stitch...un-stitch...Stitch Again

2011-05-17T20:05:00.003+10:00

Just when I had almost finished this little stitchery I realized that I was using the wrong varigated thread :(

So after carefully pulling each stitch out I set about re-stitching with the correct colour.

This sweet little stitchery is kindly shared each month by Paula as 'Home Sweet Home' BOM.

Friday Night Sew-In

2011-05-17T08:46:00.001+10:00

It's on again ... Friday Night Sew-In is this Friday ... I'll be busy catching up on some stitcheries.

No Sew Zone

2011-05-14T08:48:00.003+10:00

Things have been a little slow on the sewing front lately ... could be the cold weather creeping into my bones.

Eariler this week we lit our first fire for the winter.

Look who knows the best place to sleep away the day.

I did manage to make some cream hexies for pathways so perhaps by Wednesday I will have something to share.

Have an enjoyable weekend.

One Flower Wednesday

2011-05-05T08:14:00.002+10:00

Winter is knocking on the door this morning .... brrrrr!

My 3rd 1/2" hexie flower. I managed to finish joining the petals last night with some difficultly ... the cat on my lap kept twitching every time the thread touched her and once she got a fright and almost fell off my lap of course using her claws a little to maintain her position.

April Catch-up

2011-04-29T10:06:00.009+10:00

Computer issues continue to plague me so I am applying much patience and taking it very slowly. Just when I think I can comment on blogs or reply to your lovely comments there's another bump in the road. "Something" keeps throwing in extra spacing between paragraphs too so please excuse any gaps. :)

As well as the two 1/2" hexie flowers that I have previously posted about, I have a third almost complete. My May and June Inchy Swap flowers are finished and ready to be posted off although I might hang onto the June flowers for a little bit.

The first month of my "Because I Said So" BOM arrived and I'm very happy to report that both blocks are finished. I took it with me to our group patchwork day and sewed the fabric blocks ready to attach to the stitcheries.

Thankyou to those who kindly provided their thoughts on stitching before or after the blocks are joined. I've decided to complete the stitcheries first and then join the blocks. It's a little hard to see but I'm using a light purple for the stitchery and love the fabrics that have been provided with the BOM.

Month 2 has arrived so my plan is to complete blocks 3 and 4 by the end of May.

Block 1

Block 2

Blocks 1 and 2 for Month 1 are now safetly rolled in my block keeper and I'm ready to trace the stitcheries for Month 2.

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Round 10 of our SAHRobin was to either embelish some more or ... quilt ready for adding further embelish such as beads, buttons etc.

I couldn't decide how to quilt the blue piece so I left it and quilted the tan piece first. Last week after much thought I kep it simple and stitched in the ditch around certain blocks.

For the tan piece I first quilted some straight lines to form a diamond pattern but didn't like the look of straight lines everywhere so .... some unsewing was performed. Then I decided it was a good time for some free motion quilting practice and used the applique hearts and embroidered flowers for a vine design.

A close-up of the hearts and flowers vine free motion quilting.

We've been having April Showers almost every day this month and there's a chill in the breeze lately ... time to make sure the woodbox is full.

One Flower Wednesday

2011-04-27T17:35:00.002+10:00

My second 1/2" hexie flower came together a lot faster than the first. I seemed to be all thumbs at first but am slowly finding a rhythm with the smaller size.

You can see many more beautiful blooms by visiting Karen ... just click on the sidebar button for One Flower Wednesday :o)

One Xmas Item A Month

2011-04-26T06:48:00.003+10:00

How did you go for the month of April? Did you manage to make something to tuck away until Christmas time? If time stretched too thin for you never mind ... there's always next month.

This little sweetie caught my eye some time ago when it came out in 'Australian Homespun'. A Melly and Me pattern and the perfect gift for a little girl. Dee Dee is my first soft toy and I'm very pleased with how she turned out.

This is the first of 4 soft toys I have in mind for christmas gifts. Now to find somewhere to store them safely.

I'll be popping around later to enjoy your christmas sewing.

We Shall Remember Them

2011-04-25T09:19:00.003+10:00

Today is Anzac Day along with being Easter Monday

My One Xmas Item a Month will be posted tomorrow ...

I hope you don't mind.

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T16:36:00.002+10:00

Wishing all a Happy and safe Easter

Please excuse me if I don't comment or reply to your lovely comments for a bit ... my failing computer can't handle it :(

One Flower Wednesday

2011-04-20T07:00:00.001+10:00

My first 1/2" hexie flower from my "Nostalgia" Honey Bun. Not sure what fabric to go with for the centres so I'll make a few first and then see.

Wishing you all the rain or sunshine your garden needs to grow.

Friday Nights and Home Sweet Home

2011-04-15T12:48:00.005+10:00

Gosh I'm just scraping in for Friday Night Sew-In ... tonight! (in Aus). I've just popped over to Heidi's and signed up so if you're like me and leaving it till the last minute head on over quickly.

Block 3 of 'Home Sweet Home' was posted by Paula on Wednesday my time so I got straight to it and finished the sweet letter 'M'. You can click on the button on my right sidebar to read more about this lovely little BOM.

My blogging, visiting and commenting has been limited by a failing computer ... suppose that means I should be getting more sewing done?

The Nuts and Bolts of Colourful Friday

2011-04-08T08:30:00.006+10:00

Our brief from Robyn for todays Colourful Friday was to investigate hexagons in any colour.

Took some thinking for this one but then I came up with these. Some old and some newer but all with a job to do.

I'm looking forward to visiting all the colourful posts to see what sort of 'hexagons' everyone has found.

All my 'Brutus' blocks have been stitched and with pencil and paper I auditioned some layouts. I decided to stitch two 'fillers' to make a couple of blocks a little bigger.

Now that I have all the blocks sashed, I'd like to add a second sashing. There's a sort of avocado green in the floral fabric that I thought I might try and match ... or I was wondering if I should go with a cream ... or should I be looking at a darker colour?

I would very much appreciation your thoughts and ideas on sashing colours. While I'm in 'indecision' mode ... do you prefer to stitch and then sew sashings etc or do you sew first and stitch second?

Thankyou for visiting :)

Black and White Giveaway

2011-04-06T11:55:00.004+10:00

To celebrate the opening of the new store Raggedy Station is having a most gorgeous giveaway. A black and white quilt is on my 'wish list' and these would go nicely with the fabric I have already collected.

Winners Announced!

2011-04-05T10:06:00.005+10:00

It's time to announce the lucky winners from my Birthday post. Thankyou for all your lovely comments. :0) Three prizes ... three bowls ... three names. 'The Alpine Quilt' will be going to ........... Marg H. Chirpy Chic is going to find a new home with .......... Val The squares will wing their way to ............ Red Heads But wait! There's one more! Every comment from that post went into another bigger bowl and a name drawn out to become ...

Lucky winner number 4 ......... Jeanette (a surprise parcel)

Congratulations ladies! I'll be sending you an email asking for your postal addresses shortly. Talk about frustrating! Is anyone else having trouble with their spacing? I haven't noticed any other blogs all garbled like mine are but could sure use some advice.

My 3 B's

2011-04-03T11:24:00.008+10:00

Grrrrrr! I'm having all sorts of trouble with my spacing in here ... can anyone help? B for Brutus Don't you love it when something happens without being planned? I've been stitching away on Brutus now for about 12 months and after 2 Brutus finishes in March I never imagined this last block would be finished so soon ... but here he is ... number 8 of 10 blocks as I didn't stitch them in order. Some may notice that I've changed him a little and left the ring of flowers off and added a square border. This was to make him the same size as an earlier block. Today I've cut sashing strips ready to add a floral border to each block. Then I'll have another think about the next step. B for Book

I've noticed a couple of other bloggers have also received their blog books ... mine arrived in the mail Friday. It's so great to sit down and browse through your very own memories in print ... highly recommended.

B is for BOM

I've always loved the idea of receiving a package in the mail with fabric and instructions for x number of months to create a quilt. So I took the plunge and Friday my first month's installment arrived. Now the question is ... will I keep up? ;-)

Off to add some sashings to Brutus.

OFW and Mail

2011-03-31T09:58:00.004+10:00

Wednesday was town day but I took my hexagon 'tin' with me and made one of these blue flowers between appointments. Then made the other last night while watching the final of 'Farmer Wants A Wife' ... what can I say ... I'm a hopeless romantic. Follow my sidebar button to enjoy more beautiful blooms. Bags are one project I love to make and I can see some of these in my future ... although that could be the distant future. Closer in my future is my next hexagon project. My first honey bun arrived in the mail and is destined for 1/2" hexie flowers. Sadly no UFO progress to report for this UFO Thursday ... click on the sidebar button to see who has.

Finishes and Computer Hitches

2011-03-29T08:50:00.006+10:00

Everything is going along nicely and then your computer won't start up ... oh no! Then you begin to realize how much 'stuff' you've got all over the place and then the OCD in me kicks in and then I start to hyperventilate .... well it wasn't that bad really ... I'm just being melodramatic :o)

I knew I had all the important things saved on 'sticks' but email access isn't the same when on a substitute computer. So I'm going to slowly convert my bloggy 'stuff' over to a new email that can be accessed from any computer easily (fingers crossed).

I've set up a second email address to receive any blog comments and will mostly reply from here as well. So if you receive a message from 'Pins and Whiskers' in your inbox it's me.

Before all this drama I managed to finish another Brutus and now have only one to go. Four of us in our patchwork group have been stitching along with Helen's Stitching Round the Block and last Wednesday we received our original blocks back. The girls have all worked their magic and I am thrilled to bits with my piece ... thankyou girls. Now to make it into ... ?

Thankyou for all your lovely birthday wishes and good luck!

Birthday Giveaway

2011-03-28T10:13:00.004+10:00

Saturday meant it was time for a little ... or a lot ... of yummy chocolate mud cake for my birthday. So what better reason to have a giveaway?

All you need to do is leave a comment telling me which items you would like to win ... can be all 3 if you're super lucky. Then on Monday the 4th of April I'll pop all the names into corresponding hats and draw out the lucky winners.

As an avid reader of the 'Elm Creek' series, this book didn't have as much quilt content as I expected, but none the less I found it hard to put down. An enjoyable read. If you would like the chance to read 'The Alpine Quilt', just ask for "Book" in your comment.

Now that my little chicken is all finished he doesn't really suit my kitchen, so if you would like to give him or her a nice home please ask for "Chicken" in your comment.

These half square triangles were leftovers from my SIL quilt. I couldn't just throw them away but I know I'll never put them to use. If you would like to put them to good use then ask for "Squares" in your comment.

Have a great week!

Colourful Fridays ~ Copper

2011-03-25T14:28:00.005+10:00

Cheryll hit the nail on the head when she said "Fridays are Fantastic". Every second Friday is colourful and once a month we can have a Sew-In. There's also some good TV shows on that I like to watch on a Friday night and I can get lots of sewing done. Then there's the chance like this month and last month that the 25th fell on a Friday for sharing Christmas items.

Copper was the chosen colour this round and I immediately thought of our old 1 and 2 cent coins ... I put a few away as keepsakes when they were taken out of circulation in 1992.

Please click on the realated buttons on my sidebars to see more colour, sewing and Christmas items.

I'd love to hear what you like about Fridays.

One Xmas Item A Month ~ March

2011-03-25T07:42:00.005+10:00

How quickly are the months going by already?

Time once more to share what we've made this month to help lessen the pressure at Christmas. I didn't have any chocolates to fill my bon bon but I'm sure you can imagine it overflowing with 'Roses' or 'Favourites' or some such delicious treat.

Were you able to complete a Christmas Item this month? Remember there is no "must have something to post" in this group ... we all get snowed under with other things in life so just pop in when you can.

If you add your name to the Linky below, we know you've posted and can pop round for a look see at all the lovely Christmas Goodies. It's almost like unwrapping your own gifts at Christmas :o)

Happy Christmas Sewing

UFO Thursday and Brutus

2011-03-24T10:20:00.004+10:00

Here she is! My little Holly Hobby and her washing basket ... already to care for my pegs.

I purcased this kit from a quilt store that closed down quite a few years ago and I remember starting it pretty much straight away ... all I had to do was attach the binding to each end and sew 3 buttons and button holes to finish. Another UFO down and an OPAM for March. Click on the UFO Thursday button to view more UFO's.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sitting at night with nothing to work on feels terrible so I grabbed the next Brutus I had prepared and began stitching.

This is Brutus #7 ... I'm working on #9B and then will only have #8 to go.

Yesterday was our patchwork group day so no Flowers to share this week. I managed a little bit of stitching but there is always so much to catch up on with the other girls.

FNSI Finishes, OPAMs and UFOs

2011-03-20T14:09:00.005+10:00

Thankyou to Friday Night Sew-In ... I was able to get some finishes including a UFO.

Firstly is another Sewing Caddy which had binding added and hand stitched down. The Caddy is now wrapped and safetly hidden away ready for a Birthday this Thursday.

Secondly I quickly machined around this chicken scratch potholder, turned the right way out and hand stitched the opening closed. I think this could be my first UFO for the year and am too scared to work out just how old it was.

Lastly my peg basket, another very old UFO ... binding added and hand stitched down. Just 3 buttonholes and buttons and another UFO bites the dust.

I'm very pleased with this month's FNSI and can count two things for March OPAM ... how did you sew?

One Christmas Item Reminder

2011-03-18T14:44:00.004+10:00

stumbleupon.com

For those of us who would like to make One Xmas Item a Month ... here's a little reminder that the 25th is only one week away ... wonder what goodies everyone will be sharing this month.

Merry Sewing

A Little of This and That

2011-03-17T11:20:00.007+10:00

Since my post on Friday 'things' became very busy and will continue to be busy over this weekend also ... but it's all good :o)

Saturday night I managed to stitch the second block from Paula's 'Home Sweet Home' BOM found here or by the link on my sidebar. Finished block is 4 1/2" square.

I've been meaning to share all my lovely hexies that have been coming or going since joining the Inchy Hexagon Swap hosted by Jane of Want It, Need It, Quilt.

December 2010 made for Shruti

December 2010 received from Janet

January made for Jessica

January received from Jacqueline

February made for Elizabeth

February received from Joanne

Time once again for Friday Night Sew-In this Friday the 18th. If you haven't signed in yet there's still time ... just pop on over to Handmade by Heidi.

Wishing all a lovely weekend.

Colourful Fridays

2011-03-11T06:45:00.002+10:00

Good morning and welcome to this spotty dotty day!

Colour Friday really makes you open your eyes when out and about ... these moths/butterflies were enjoying some pollen in my garden and waited patiently while I raced back inside for the camera.

You may have noticed that when I photograph bags, they're usually hanging in a tree ... this tree ... one of the poinsiennas in our garden.

Do you know the chances of finding a ladybug when you want one? Twice in the last fortnight I had one land on me when I was outside and without my camera. So with camera in hand I ventured out to the garden with eyes peeled ... this shiny ladybug was spotted on a rose leaf.

Robyn has many more spotty dotty items to share so pop over and say hi. From there you can visit other Colourful Friday players too.

A Meow of a Giveaway!

2011-03-10T10:15:00.002+10:00

Jody of Jody's Crafty Creations has answered the call of we cat lovers with ...

Sandy at Cookies and Cream Craft is going to make one cat lover very happy with a pattern giveaway so 'Poppet' over and put your guessing cap on.

Drafty was Jody's first creation to keep those nasty drafts out.

O.F.W. ~ SAH Robin 9

2011-03-09T19:40:00.007+10:00

Today I finished off the last three 1/2" hexie flowers for the last round of Stitching Round the Block. Sorry it has to be in black and white Kerry, can't have you getting any ideas.

We will each have our own blocks returned at our next patchwork day on the 23rd March so I still have some work to do. I also cut the green fabric into squares ready to baste the last hexies for my table top.

To visit more colourful gardens head over to our lovely host Karen for more links.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After the little flowers were done, I pulled out my two SAH Robin blocks to see how I could add some embelishment for round 9. I thought maybe a dragonfly to go with the snippets of dragonfly fabric used in the blue piece.

Jayne thought she'd help me out in case the breeze tried to flip it over.

On the tan piece I decided to add a touch more blue and stitched 3 little blossoms down the left side.

Each month our lovely host Kate gives a small direction for the next round and then it's time to put the thinking caps on. If you'd like to see other gorgeous creations head over to Stay-at-home Robin.

UFO Thursday

2011-03-03T09:50:00.008+10:00

My craft cupboard is full and tidy once more. I've kept the new found UFO's out of the cupboard in the hope that the UFO Fairy might make an appearance.

Bead Work

(an Angel in progress)

Chicken Scratch

(needs the remaining white stitches completed)

Chicken Scratch

(just needs sewing into a pot holder)

Counted Threadwork
(maybe half done?)

(close up of stitches)

Patchwork Peg Bag

(just needs the end bindings and buttons)
Shadow Applique

(needs basting threads and then stem stitch edges of fabric)

So now I have a few more UFO's to work on. :o)

O.F.W.

2011-03-02T17:46:00.005+10:00

No excuse now ... I managed to track down some more of the green for my leaf hexies ... phew!
So now I can finish off my hexie table topper and get to the quilting part.

I've been cleaning out one of my craft cupboards which holds lots of craft "stuff" from before I began patchwork and quilting ... and I found these crochet hexagons. No idea where they've come from or who made them but they were in a bag with balls of wool.

Another item that I have no recollection of ... 1" hexie template and the fussy cut template with clear plastic in the centre.

A few other UFO's came out of hiding as well ... I'll share those tomorrow for UFO Thursday.

I hope this horrible Aussie heat isn't affecting too many gardens.

Another Hot One!

2011-02-28T10:02:00.003+10:00

The fog had rolled in by about 7am this morning ... this usually means we're in for a hot one ...

Mr and Mrs Whistler Duck brought the family out early this morning to forage through the dewey grass for all sorts of tasty treats.

Taken about an hour later, they'd moved to the front yard for a little shade.

Here are those elusive magpies that wouldn't co-operate for Black and White Friday. It's only 10am and they're already staying in the shade.

Hope your week is sew productive.

Colourful Fridays

2011-02-25T10:52:00.004+10:00

BLACK & WHITE

I had a few ideas for black and white this round.

Do I take a picture of our black horse and a white cow ... don't think the cow will co-operate.

The tyre on the tractor is black with a white rim ... too hot to walk up there.

Then I thought of a zebra but I've only ever seen those on tv or in books.

Magpies! ... Lots around at the moment but everytime I walked out with my camera, they flew away. My memories of magpies are riding my bike with an ice cream bucket for a hat as protection from the swooping mother magpie. Once the babies left the nest, they would happily make friends with you hoping for scraps.

On Monday afternoon the storm clouds gathered ... with the intense heat over the last few days it was inevitable! Mother Nature provided some black and white. (The black shadow top left must be a bug on my lense ... only UFO's here are in my sewing room)

Enjoy your black and white Friday. :o)

One Xmas Item A Month ~ February

2011-02-25T10:23:00.003+10:00

Good Morning ... I'm running way behind ... I guess I must have needed it because I slept in over 2 hours this morning.

How did everyone fair this month with their Christmas items? I'll be honest and admit to only making mine yesterday. At first I couldn't decide which project to make ... then time started to slip away from me ... so scissor fobs to the rescue.

I think they'll make great little stocking fillers or small gifts for sewing friends. They're so adorable to make and I have more fabric squares ready to add to my scissor fob stash.

To make up for my indecision ... I've already chosen my March project. A Christmas Bon Bon (or two?) from Hatched and Patched.

I think I may have worked out this Linky business so please add your name below. Let's enjoy visiting each other and sharing our Christmas Items for February. You might also like to use the list in my left sidebar to go bloghopping.

OFW ~ UFO Thursday

2011-02-24T10:27:00.005+10:00

Yesterday was patchwork day for me with our little group. So I started on these little 1/2" hexies ... not much progress you say? ... well there was also the 'can't do without' cups of coffee and chatter and checking out what everyone else was making.

Not sure if I really want to go back and find when I started this quilt ... lets just say it's status of UFO is long standing. I was going to unpick the border and find a border print fabric ... now I've decided 1/2" hexie flowers are needed to adorn the green ric rac with some green yo-yo leaves.
Can the decisions one makes regarding UFO quilts be considered as making progress? :o)

May your hexie gardens blossom and your UFOs continue to progress.

Friday Night Sew-in Results

2011-02-19T15:22:00.003+10:00

Can only share a peak of my sewing for FNS.

It's the 3rd round of 'Stitching Round the Block' ... this Wednesday is our groups Patchwork Day where we pass the blocks forward without the 'owner' peaking! I need to get stitching!

O.F.W. and Other Sewing

2011-02-17T10:43:00.009+10:00

My 1" hexies table top has come to a standstill until I can sorce some more of the green fabric. It only needs 12 more hexies to finish the border on the top left side and then I'm ready to back it and quilt.

My hexagon making won't be at a standstill though ... I've moved onto 1/2" hexies. This little fellow was for my SAHR project ... more will be made to add to a UFO quilt.

Another shabby bag hanging from the poinciana tree ... this one was waiting for buttons to be attached at the base of the handles ... I'd bought some and lost them so now I've bought more and attached them straight away.

Last night I finished off some applique for round 8 of SAHRobin ... notice the little hexie?

This one has two red hearts blanket stitched on.

This sewing caddy with matching scissor fob will be in the post shortly as a New Beginnings kit
once I make up a little drawstring bag to keep the kit all together.

And lastly these two little drawstring bags have already been sent on their way.

Phew! Still have a couple of things to tick on my February 'to-do' list including the third round of Stitching Round the Block ... we swap next Wednesday so I'd better get stitching.

Now if I can just squeeze in some progress on a UFO and make something for Christmas before the 25th!

Fridays

2011-02-11T09:29:00.004+10:00

Two weeks have flown by and today is Colourful Friday ... the colours of Valentine's Day.

Each Colourful Friday, I've decided to challenge myself with posting only one photo. A picture taken by me which I think best depicts the chosen colour or colours. Lucky my rose bush could supply the red bud and of course the chocolate block is a little shorter since taking the photo. :P

You'll find links to more Valentine goodness over at Daisy Quilts.

YYYYYYYYYYYYY

Sign-up is now open for FNS which is happening next Friday the 18th. I popped over here to sign up.

Now to decide what I'll be working on.

UFO Thursday and Mail

2011-02-10T14:14:00.006+10:00

Ooooops! :) I mis-titled my post yesterday. It should have said One Flower Wednesday but I must have been thinking about UFO Thursday at the same time.

My lack of organisation means another week has gone by and I haven't made any more progess on the strip insertion UFO. I'll try and do better for next week. Thought I'd share a couple of other projects instead ... the bag is currently unfinished so maybe that counts?

An idea for scissor fobs popped into my head on Monday so I got straight to picking some fabric squares ... cutting ... sewing ... then last night had a chance to stuff and add a button top and bottom.

Today I finished sewing squares together for a shaggy bag ... ready for clipping and washing. Then comes platted handles.

My mail lady handed these over to me yesterday while I was in town. Just because the roads were cut in January and I couldn't go to town ... didn't mean I couldn't do some shopping.

This morning after reading Jessica's 'WIP Wednesday' post, I sat down and wrote out a list. I have a My To Do's Notebook and don't use it very much so now I have written down all my projects, WIP's, UFO's etc I feel a little more organised. Up until now I've just been thinking about all the things half done and getting nowhere.

UFO Wednesday

2011-02-09T17:46:00.002+10:00

Woohoo for Wednesday! Today was our first patchwork day for the year and it was great to meet up with everyone again.

I took along my hexagons looking like this at the start of the day ...

and inbetween chatting, coffee, chatting ... turned them into this.

Plus I made a few more green hexies ready to add. Almost there!

It's A Mystery

2011-01-30T17:26:00.002+10:00

If you like a little mystery ... then click on the above button right away ... sewing of hearts for Valentine's Day.

Colourful Fridays

2011-01-28T07:34:00.004+10:00

Yeah! It's time once more for a little colour in our Fridays.

To get things rolling, we could choose our favourite colour ... but that means decision making ... so I found a way to combine my first and second favourite colours.

Colourful Friday will be each fortnight and our next challenge is the colours of Valentine. If you'd like to read more or view more colours, hop over to Daisyquilts colourful post.

Where did this week go? I didn't forget One Flower Wednesday or UFO Thursday ... I've just been busy with visitors, visiting and everyday stuff ... progress pics next week.

One Xmas Item A Month ~ I spent a lovely morning yesterday visiting the blogs on my sidebar to see what everyone has been sewing. It's a lovely feeling to have something finished ready for next Christmas and hopefully I won't get to December and think of all those items I wanted to make but didn't get round to.
It's an even nicer feeling to have blogging friends sewing along together and to pop round for a visit and see what they've made. Thankyou for sharing.

One Xmas Item A Month

2011-01-25T06:41:00.000+10:00

Todays the day ... the 25th ... the day we can share what we've made to get a head start on Christmas.

Firstly I'd like to say a BIG THANKYOU to all the wonderful ladies who have joined our merry group. I was pleasantly surprised that so many were thinking like me ... in need of making an early start on items for Christmas 2011. Whether making something for ourselves or for gifts, lets share with, and encourage each other along the way.

My January item is a little something for me! This cute wreath designed by Vicki Tucek which I found printed in 'Handmade - Christmas Special'.

Now safetly tucked away with the other decorations ready to be displayed when the time comes.

If you have your 'One Xmas Item' to share please leave a comment on this post so we can go visiting.

Remember nothing is "a must" in this group ... no deadlines ... if you're not ready for January then there is always February.

If you haven't joined yet and would like to please do ... just leave a comment on this post.

Happy Sewing

Friday Night Sew-in Results

2011-01-22T18:40:00.003+10:00

Does anyone else have the same mystery as me? I stitch and stitch with not a lot of progress to share. I did manage to join 2 rows of flowers and started a 3rd row.

I’m not sure if there’s a right or wrong way to go about joining the flowers … this is how I’ve been stitching them.

First I joined two green hexies to each flower … then joined each flower into a vertical row … next I’ll stitch each row together … finishing by adding a row of green hexies around the outside.

I’d love to know any other ways of sewing them together. This top should be approx. 40 inches at the widest. Maybe some more stitches tonight.

UFO Thursday

2011-01-20T17:22:00.007+10:00

On Sunday I dug out this UFO ... a 'Strip Insertion' wall hanging begun at a workshop in January 2010. It's taken me until today to actually make a start and I've been inserting the dark green strip on the left into several blocks.

I think there is a total of 14 blocks all in various stages ... some as above ... three yet to be cut into strips ... and now some are looking like the picture below. I still love the fabric and enjoy the technique ... just need to make the effort.

Flood Relief Fund ~ As some begin the long road ahead of rebuilding lives and communites, others still watch and wait as flood waters continue to rise and fall. Today I read on Helen's blog about two more ways of making a difference. Y

One Flower Wednesday

2011-01-19T18:36:00.004+10:00

My last 5 flowers had their 'leaves' attached today.

Then it was time to lay all my flowers out in the 'garden' to view the final layout. There may be some more juggling of colours and I will need to make more green hexies to add a final row all the way round.

The finished size will be approximately 35" (flat side to flat side) and 40" across the 7 centre row flowers.

How does your garden grow?

Friday Nights and Giveaways

2011-01-19T15:36:00.003+10:00

Do you love this fabric as much as I do? Then you better go here or here and quickly ... to be in it to win it! Green Fairy Quilts is having a giveaway over at Jaybird Quilts.

It's time once more to get comfy and take part in Friday Night Sew-in ... this coming Friday. Heidi has the signup sheet so head on over if you'd like to take part.

Quilts for Queensland

2011-01-16T13:46:00.003+10:00

Yesterday while the power was off, I joined the earlier prepared green hexies to the next ten flowers. Only five to go!

Today (with power back on) I pulled out some 2 1/2" strips and made some 12 1/2" blocks for Corrie who is organising Quilts for Queensland.

OFW ~ UFO Thursday

2011-01-13T07:24:00.004+10:00

One Flower Wednesday

Last night while watching TV, I basted some more green leaf hexies. I have enough here to join to 10 more flowers.

UFO Thursday

My first UFO was a very quick one. I'd started this bag before Christmas as a gift but needed some ric rac to finish off. Flood waters made getting to town difficult but we've managed once and I've been able to finish it off. It's now wrapped and waiting to be delivered when it's possible.

Crafters Unite for Floods

2011-01-12T10:06:00.005+10:00

We are fine ...

My sincere thankyou to wonderful blogging friends who have expressed their concerns.

We stay glued to the television watching the devestating events unfold.

If you would like to help, here are just two ways in which fellow bloggers can assist with flood relief efforts.

Toni from Make It Perfect is organizing an auction among blogs with funds to go to the flood appeal.

The lovely girls from Among the Gum Trees are asking for your help ... to help those affected by the floods in Queensland.

OFW and Mail

2011-01-06T09:37:00.005+10:00

Can you believe I was so into tidying the house yesterday that I never got around to posting for One Flower Wednesday?

22 flowers now have their 2 green hexies attached.

The yellow flower will remain in the centre with alternate pink and purple flowers ... then I'll play the placement game with the rest once they're all finished.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our last mail before the floods brought this lovely hexie all the way from Janet for December's Inchy Swap. I thought it would be nice to embroider names on the centre hexie.

Our first mail in over 2 weeks contained news papers, christmas cards and ... my next blog book. I sat down and read through January to March ... oh the memories! Now to arrange to have 2010 in print. They are such a wonderful keepsake.

May your hexie gardens blossom in 2011.

Giveaway Among the Gum Trees

2011-01-05T10:20:00.003+10:00

Yes, the Gum Tree Designers are celebrating the start of 2011 with a super giveaway. Just pop over to their blog to read all about it and be in the draw to win!!!

While you're there, take the time to check out each of the designers as they each have something to share on their own blogs ... Joy; Fiona; Vicki; Dawn and Jenny who is sharing her 'Give Thanks' BOM for 2011.

Already there are so many new and wonderful things to be found in blogland.

SAHRobin 7 and Some Gardening

2011-01-03T13:08:00.006+10:00

Quick off the mark for a change, I've finished January's round 7 for the SAHRobin and it's only the 3rd. Today the blue scrap box came off the shelf and to the bottom I have added a 5"x5"; 5"x6" and 5"x5".

Yesterday I went with the tan scrap box. The next step will involve embellishment so I can't wait ... but guess I will have to.

All of this rain has to be good for somethings ... just ask my roses. I don't think they've ever looked this healthy and have gone a little wild.

Above is after I spent an afternoon weeding ... below is the other half to be done.

Then out with the pruners to give them a light hair cut ... I don't want to loose all the buds yet.

Brutus The 5th

2011-01-01T17:48:00.004+10:00

Please excuse Brutus ... he's feeling a little fuzzy after a late night watching the fireworks.

This is the 5th Brutus from Bronwyn at Red Brolly and he's my 7th completed stitchery ... I went a little out of order.

I've also found this cute tag and added some text. For those who'd like to join in making 1 Xmas item a month this year ... see earlier post or link on left side bar ... you might like to add this button.

Happy Sewing

A New Year Begins

2011-01-01T10:20:00.003+10:00

To all my blogging friends and those I am yet to meet ... wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year with as much sewing as your heart desires.

Thankyou to the ladies who have committed to making 1 Xmas Item a Month (see link list on left side bar). No pressure girls ... we're just here to support each other, enjoy sewing and get a head start on next Christmas.

If you're looking for some other inspiration to help your sewing along this year, here a few sites I've found this morning.

'Once a Season Swap' ~ Gone Stitchin

'Sew It's Finished' 2011 UFO Challenge' ~ Sugarlane Quilts

'UFO Thursday' ~ Cookies and Cream Craft

Another Brutus finished last night in the fading hours of 2010 so I shall share a pic later.

A Goal for Christmas 2011

2010-12-31T17:23:00.006+10:00

A while back during the hussle and bussle of finishing off things ready for Christmas, I mentioned to Marina and Carol about getting a head start on Christmas 2011. As far back as assignments for school, I was the one staying up late the night before getting them done.

So ... next year ... which is tomorrow for us Aussie girls ... we've decided to complete one Christmas item each month. It can be something for ourselves or something for gift giving. Then on the 25th of each month, we'll post a photo of the finished project.

Would you like to join us ... you are most welcome, just leave a comment on this post. We can all give encouragement to each other and I'll see about adding a list on my sidebar of participants.

My next Brutus is almost finished but not quite ready for a photo shoot so below is a pic of my very first quilt. It was started at a workshop in 1995 and even though it may look finished ... those horizontal lines you can see in 3 blocks are still the basting threads.

My other goal for 2011 is to attack my UFO's.

Happy New Year

Lost For Words

2010-12-29T20:08:00.004+10:00

With the weather so mixed up ... rain, flood, snow and fires ... I'm lost for words.

Nature can be harsh but nature can also be beautiful. This little willy wagtail is just outside my dining room window on the awning bracket. I watched them (mum and dad) busyily building their home ... and then noticed much nesting ...

While they were out and quickly took this photo with the use of a mirror and what did I see?

I'm pleased to report that I have now seen mum or dad feeding tiny little beaks so I shall wait my chance for another photo.

Today while the rain stopped, we took a drive to check the creeks near home and spotted this fellow on the edge of the bush. Isn't his neck just the most beautiful blue.

Today was not only One Flower Wednesday ... but it's the last Wednesday for 2010. As I only managed to attach green hexies to 2 flowers, I'll wait till next week with a photo update.

Stay Safe

Brutus #6

2010-12-28T16:03:00.003+10:00

Still sitting and stitching :o)

Brutus #6 is complete and I'm about to trace the next one ... I'll go back now and do number 5 next.

Please stay safe what ever your weather.

Stitch or Swim

2010-12-26T14:42:00.003+10:00

Water water everywhere ... not just here but everywhere ... and if it's not raining, it's snowing. May you all stay safe.

The creeks and rivers in the area have been up and down for most of December. Sometimes flooding us in for a day or two ... and then we make a quick dash to town for supplies. At the moment we've been flooded in since the 20th ... so what's a crafty person to do? Sew of course.
This is Brutus #9 completed in one day ... now #6 is in my embroidery hoop and waiting in line are numbers 5, 7, 8 and 9b.

Christmas morning I was thrilled to open my goodies from Pat for our 6 Xmas Items Swap. Pat has truely spoilled me with such lovely goodies and I must wonder if she has been reading my mind. Fabric to play with, some yummy chocolates, nice smells, sewing accessories and the ideal item for rainy weather ... a 2 in 1 'Elm Creek Quilts' novel.

My heartfelt thanks to Pat ... and to Maree for organizing this great swap.

I have made many wonderful new friends through blogging and swaps in 2010 and look forward to those continued friendship and making new friends in 2011.

Thankyou Y

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T16:45:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I did a little baking ... oh boy are they delish!

Warm Wishes and a ...

Happy Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T09:39:00.003+10:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with love and laughter.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-12-22T17:19:00.003+10:00

It's the last Wednesday before Christmas ... been raining all day ... perfect for gardening.

Another 5 flowers with their leaves have joined the bunch.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Hexie New Year.

Stormy Afternoon

2010-12-19T15:54:00.003+10:00

Thankfully not severe like the storms through the week ... just lots of rumbling and lots and lots of rain. We've had 2 storms since lunch and water is gushing everywhere ... dams overflowing ... creeks breaking their banks ... and me enjoying some sewing.

With the end of December close I grabbed both my blue and tan scrap containers and my "100 Quilt Blocks" book for inspiration to tackle SAHRobin Round 6.

This month Kate's instruction were to add a 9" x 3" and a 4" x 3" piece to the left of our project.

I'm so happy with the way thes two projects have evolved and can't wait for January and the instructions for Round 7.

Friday Night Sew-in Results

2010-12-18T09:05:00.005+10:00

Ages ago I was a lucky winner of Clare's Craftroom and won a pattern for her Catch-it Bag ... big thankyou to Clare. I don't think I blogged about it at the time because I was going to whip one up straight away and then share ... but time got the better of me.

So I decided to make one each for two little girls for Christmas and yesterday I finished this sweet pink bag.
What to work on for Friday Night Sew-In ... the second bag of course.

Sadly ... the weather was hot ... I was hot ... and my machine decided it was hot too ... and several arguments followed with much unpicking and I gave in. So I went and sat in front of the fan and made two each of matching 1" yo-yo's to make hair accessories.

I hadn't seen "The Santa Clause 3" before so I enjoyed watching/listening to it. Hope your Friday Night is productive.

Friday Night Sew-in

2010-12-17T09:27:00.002+10:00

Looking forward to tonight ~ it's time for Friday Night Sew-In.

Planning now for a dinner that will almost cook itself with little clean-up afterwards ... "Santa Clause 3" is on TV ... thinking about which craft I will sit down with.

What will you be working on?

What's Keeping Me Busy

2010-12-16T07:38:00.012+10:00

Photo heavy post ... you may like to make a warm or cool drink depending on the season.

December 1 was swap day with my good friend Kerry. Each year we think of a gift idea and swap for Christmas ... this year was a Christmas Decoration ... I made this Christmas Bauble with yo-yo's.

Kerry makes the most beautiful dolls and Santa now lives at my house ...

... along with his mates. Santa on the left rocks side to side and plays 'Jingle Bells'. The 2 cups I picked up at a Thrift Shop last year.

The last couple of weeks at work is always hectic and always sad to farewell those who are moving on to new adventures next year.

Last Friday we travelled to attend DD's Graduation Ceremony. Four years at Uni are now behind her and she begins a new chapter next year.

Our trip home Sunday brought with it the problem of too much water ... we eventually got home after making a much longer than usual trip. These are the creeks just around our home, luckily passable enough. The road to town was cut for 2 days when the river went over the bridge.

Tuesday we raced into town for more supplies and to finish Christmas Shopping incase we get flooded in again with the threat of more storms and waters yet to come down the river.

I had to bide my time knowing there was a parcel sitting at the post office waiting my collection ... finally safe and sound beneath my Christmas Tree ... my 5 parcels in the '6 Items Xams Swap' from lovely Pat. I was very impressed just with the wrapping and are you asking where is number 6?

I thought it OK to open the parcel tagged 'Christmas Item' and was thrilled to find this lovely table runner which I placed immediately on my dining table as I didn't have a Christmas Runner.

Pat also included some Christmas Ornaments which now hang on my little fibre-optic tree especially for swap ornaments. Thankyou Pat, I can soon open your other goodies. My parcel was posted to Carol but I forgot take a photo first. Hope you enjoy them Carol.

Last but not least, DD enjoys growing succulents and this little beauty was on show yesterday.

Grant the Sunrise Weather Guru is predicting more storms today so I hope you all stay safe.

Two more gifts to make so the sewing machine will be busy today.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-12-15T15:33:00.004+10:00

This week I managed to make some more green hexie leaves and yesterday stitched them to some flowers ...

... now the 4 flowers above have become 10 flowers with their leaves attached.

Gee that makes me just over 1/4 of the way there ... not including a border of some sort.

Wishing you lots of hexagon time in the holidays.

Just a Couple of Things ... Quickly

2010-12-05T08:42:00.007+10:00

Yes ... it's chocolate and it's keeping me going at the moment ... chocolate and caffiene!

Soon I will be able to take some 'time out', sit down and relax for a bit but until then I will make the most of a quiet morning and catch up with some blogs.

My good friend Kerry alerted me to In Stitches and their Holly Jolly Blog Bingo. There's not much time left to join in so click below to find out more.

This year I went for my PhD but don't think I quite made it so I'm hoping for a better result next year. Visit Myra's blog to find out how you too can achieve a PhD. I've set myself with 3 projects.

Sadly I struggled with Colourful Friday this week as 'Teal' had me stumped and time had me beat ... sorry :( Better pull my socks up and get crackin' as there's another busy week ahead.

Can't remember when we've had a full day of sunshine either so the washing is once again strung out on the verandah and we just won't mention the word housework.

Hope your weekend is what you want it to be.

Healing Hearts and O.F.W.

2010-12-01T19:21:00.003+10:00

Not much to share for One Flower Wednesday today. I did manage to make 4 hexie leaves while waiting for other ladies to arrive for our last patchwork day for 2010.

Our day started with the regulation cuppa and added to this were some lovely yummy treats to celebrate our Christmas Break-up Morning Tea. We also finished the day with more yummy goodness for afternoon tea.

Time then for some machine applique on these heart blocks which I had prepared at home. These are my contribution towards Healing Hearts blocks and will be on their way to Shirley tomorrow.

Colourful Friday ~ Silver

2010-11-26T12:08:00.000+10:00

'Silver'

I quick stroll around this morning brought these items to my attention ... without going into the cutlery draw or my purse for silver coins. Even worked out how to take a picture of my camera with itself.

How silver is your Friday?

When Things All Fall Into Place

2010-11-26T09:12:00.007+10:00

Ever have one of those times when everything just seems to fall into place? They don't happen often enough but lucily for me it did for me.

The rain stopped and the sun tried to shine ... the road was JUST passable ... and I was able to make it into town to enjoy one of these! (also had to keep the chemist in business - nasty bugs keep hanging on)

So what's great about that you ask? ... I had the absolute pleasure of sharing time with Robyn of Daisy Quilts. Thanks Robyn ... it was wonderful to meet up with you ... I could have kept chatting all day. :o)

Now this week has been rolling along gathering speed. No time for flowers on Wednesday, I've been busy sewing costumes for school concert which is only a week away.

Still stitching at night and Brutus and the Sisters have now joined the other finished blocks (just as soon as I give them a press)

Some other stitching has also been happening. Myself and 3 friends in our local patchwork group are taking part in Helen's 'Stitching Round the Block'. As we only meet once a month, that is when we'll swap our pieces around, so next Wednesday will be our first swap. Here's a sneak peak at my colour choice.

Today is also Silver Friday so I hope to post later on with some silver pictures ... how can I take a picture of my camera ... with my camera?

Saturday Catch-up

2010-11-23T20:37:00.005+10:00

I seem to be making a habit of playing catch-up.

Below are two cross stitches that I did for my son and daughter...not before I had already done 7 for friends and family on the birth of their children. The nice thing though was that my two had a say in the design of their cross stitch. They helped choose which pictures were added to their Birth Record as I planned each design out on graph paper.

I have managed to play with fabric this week ... little yo-yo's for a secret project.

One stitchery completed and my next Brutus stitchery is almost ready to share. Maybe when I can grab another spare minute in the day?

Don't forget to try and find some 'me' time in your week ... I know ... it can seem almost impossible at times. What do you do for 'me' time?

Wednesday and Friday Catch-up

2010-11-21T09:06:00.005+10:00

Wednesday seems so long ago ... I've made a start on my filler hexies and have decided to go with green for leaves. Thankyou for all your comments on my colour choice in a previous post ... they were very helpful. I've worked it out that by joining two 'leaves' to each hexie, when I place them down, the gaps are filled.

Around rolled Friday and I was nowhere near my computer to share my photos for Colourful Friday's brown/chocolate or to go visiting other blogs. You'll find more chocolatey goodness over at Guest Host Bev C.

No time for Friday Night SewIn this month either :(

Then along comes Saturday/Sunday ... family ... and non-stop rain ... so I've grabbed a quick moment to keep in touch and then I'm off to bake some scones for morning tea. Stay tuned for Saturday's Cross Stitch photos. While you're waiting pop over to Chookyblue to see who else is cross stitching.

Pincushion Swap and a Special Book

2010-11-14T08:56:00.004+10:00

Camera in hand it was off to town on Friday and a visit with mum. She also took part in the Pincushion Swap hosted by Jeannet and here is the lovely pincushion made by Lyda in Holland.
Mum has a picture of the pincushion she made and sent to Lyda on her camera but that will be require a longer visit to be able to share the picture.

Some very special mail arrived about a month ago and I keep meaning to post but haven't got round to it until today.

I finally took the plunge had 1/3 of my blog reproduced in a book at Blog2Print. I had followed the link from Chookyblue quite a while ago but was never game to go through with it. Now I wish I had done it sooner and will be going ahead with the next installment shortly, especially while the dollar is up. (This book titled 'Country Roses' covers my blog before I changed the name to 'Nells Notions')

It's so wonderful to be able to leaf back to when I started blogging and have 'ah-ha' moments. Like a diary with pictures ... full of memories! And yes that is my 'blue moon' rose on the front cover. The back cover has a photo of my feline girls.

The weather is drizzly here today and I have lots of sewing or stitching in mind. Hope you have a creative day too!

Colourful Friday ~ Lilac

2010-11-10T17:57:00.002+10:00

Friday once more!
Lilac?
Actually it's supposed to be Lavender

I have no idea WHY I thought lilac but the photos still work...good thing I had a photo of lavender products (bottom right).

A colour I thought I didn't have much of until I opened my eyes. The jacaranda tree has left a carpet of lilac on the ground now. I almost missed this Spring quilt haning in my lounge ... my first swap quilt received in the Four Seasons Quilt Swap. And of course I must have hexies in nearly every colour. Taking centre place is 'Blue Moon' and top right is a sewing mat I made for a gift.

I'm looking forward to all the lovely lilac to found in blogland today. :o)

SAHRobin Round 5

2010-11-07T17:00:00.002+10:00

Sunday today and I've been on a bit of a go slow ... enjoying the break from the hustle and bustle.

I did bring out the cutting mat, cutter, rulers and two clear shoeboxes of fabric bits and pieces ... put my thinking cap on ... and came up with the next step for the SAHRobin.

Step 5 asked us to add a 4"x6" piece and a 4"x7" piece to the top of our blocks creating a 4"x13" piece addition. It takes me longer to think about what to do and choose the fabrics than it does to sew them up.

The blue one below is a little different. I wanted to use two 4"x4" blocks so the checkers had to be 4"x5".

I'm really enjoying the challenge and love how the two blocks are following their own direction. If you'd like to see more wonderful creations by other quilters, Kate has a blog just for Stay-at-Home Robin.

It's Pincushion Day

2010-11-06T08:53:00.006+10:00

It's finally here! International Pincushion Day!

A few months back, Jeannet had the wonderful idea of a pincushion swap and I along with quite a few others (about 150) joined up.

Wednesday my pincushion arrived all the way from Holland, beautifully handmade by Nicole. She has done some very fine cross stitch on linen and attached this to a lovely piece of fabric for the top of the pincushion and added sweet buttons. Thankyou so much Nicole.

Nicole also included a lovely teabag caddy. I look forward to enjoying the tea.

Below is the pincushion I sent over to Nicole ... and yes ... I'm rather hooked on hexigon flowers
at the moment. Which is how I found my way to Jeannet's lovely blog. Thankyou Jeannet for hosting a great swap.

In The Pink ~ It's Colourful Friday

2010-11-05T07:44:00.001+10:00

It's been a busy busy week but I did manage to find a few pink things around the place.

How pink is your day?

Have a wonderful Friday!

OPAM October

2010-10-31T20:21:00.004+10:00

One last item for October's OPAM.

A summery pincushion lazing in the mint patch.

Beautiful FRIENDS!

2010-10-30T15:30:00.006+10:00

Guess what was waiting for me in the mailbox Friday afternoon? My parcel from the lovely Dawn of dawnhaydesigns filled with FRIENDS Swap Goodness.

Inside the post-pack what did I see?

Seven pretty parcels just for ME!!!!

Dawn was ever so clever and left a clue on each label as to what might be inside.
And what was inside?

F ~ Fabric ... a Lumiere de Noel charmpack ... GORGEOUS!
R ~ Natalie Ross pattern
I ~ Item to use ... a beautiful purse or pouch
E ~ Embroidery Threads
N ~ Needle case with monogram and the cutest little robyn button
D ~ Doll Brooch and Key Holder
S ~ Scissor Fob ... already on my scissors.

A huge THANKYOU to Dawn for a delicious array of goodies.

And what did I send in return?

F ~ Four little parcels
R ~ Roses gift wrap and cards
I ~ a notebook for Inspiration and a little tapemeasure in Inches
E ~ Embroidery Hoop
N ~ Needle/Tread Keeper
D ~ Drawstring Dilly Bag
S ~ Scarf

Another huge THANKYOU to the wonderful Khris for organising the FRIENDS Swap once more. This is the second year I took part and I have been blessed with two lovely ladies whom I am lucky to call friends!

Colourful Friday ~ Halloween

2010-10-27T11:20:00.001+10:00

{If it's not Friday then you may choose not to read this yet :) I'm trying to post date it for Friday morning but it didn't work last time}

Halloween brings to my mind black ... and orange ... and cats.
My girls have their halloween coats on.

I was too slow and missed the witch zooming by on her broom.

One Flower Wednesdays

2010-10-27T09:51:00.004+10:00

How fast does a week go by? It's Wednesday again already!

This little yellow flower is made from 3/4" hexies and is for another pin cushion.

I auditioned some layouts on graph paper and came up with this design. The good thing is that if I go with this layout then I have just the right number of flowers made.

Please ignore the colour layout as I just plonked them down and will have to move them around a bit to even the colour out. I was wondering how a white filler hexie would look but I've always had a green pathway in mind and I do think I prefer the second pic with the green fillers.

Your opinions are most welcome. Not sure yet how to finish the outside off but all in good time.

This top measures 36" across the widest point and 32" from flat side to flat side. Just right for a small round table.

Happy Gardening

Brutus 3

2010-10-26T07:21:00.003+10:00

Another completed Brutus stitchery. Here he is with Sue and Cynthia.

I almost had a cat-tastophy when I learnt that this particular varigated thread had been discontinued. After a few phone calls I managed to track down enough skeins to finish all the stitcheries.

What are you stitching?

Colourful Friday ~ Orange

2010-10-22T07:35:00.000+10:00

Just a few orange things around my home. Off to town now but I hope to come visit your orange-ness later today.

O.F.W. ~ SAHR4

2010-10-20T15:07:00.004+10:00

Hooray for Wednesday! ... middle of the week ... I don't go to work on Wednesdays ... and it's One Flower Wednesday.

I've been super busy trying to get the housework done and play with fabrics.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Some of my fabric play has been for round 4 of SAH Robin.

Why does the camera ... or is it just me? ... make the blocks look wonky?

I've also managed to wrap all the gifts for the FRIENDS Swap and now just need to wait till I can get to the post office.

Off to do some more housework. Atleast I feel like I've achieved something today.

Green Friday

2010-10-15T08:00:00.000+10:00

Living in the country ... and after all the beautiful rain we've been having ... there is green as far as the eye can see.

Here are a few more green things I found around the house.

Happy Green Day!

One Flower Wednesdays

2010-10-13T11:00:00.003+10:00

Wednesday again, yipee! Two more flowers to add to my garden.

With all the wet weather we've been having, you'd think I would have more to show for being indoors.

I've been up to my ears in bookwork but made sure I took time out for One Flower Wednesday. So it's back to the books for me ... sadly I can't come visiting your gardens just yet.

Hope you find time to be creative today.

Stitch by Stitch Brutus Appears

2010-10-10T09:07:00.004+10:00

In the evenings I like to sit and stitch while glancing at the television now and then. It helps me to wind down from the days rush and bustle.

My second Brutus block from Bronwyn Hayes 'Catalicious' is DONE! And I started on the next one last night.

A stitch a day keeps the troubles away.
Enjoy the weekend!

More Blue Friday

2010-10-09T06:34:00.007+10:00

I'm back with more BLUE!

I haven't had time to play with a collage maker yet so I'm still doing it my old fashioned way.

Speaking of time ... I hope that today I can pop round to check out all the blue in blogland
and reply to all the lovely comments. It's always lovely to hear from friends.

Colourful Fridays ~ Blue

2010-10-08T08:45:00.005+10:00

Well here it is BLUE Friday and of course I'm having trouble uploading ALL the photos.This is half. Hopefully through the day I can get to share the other half.
I'm left wondering ... are there so many blue things around my home because blue is my favourite colour or ... is blue my favourite colour because I am surrounded by it?
I didn't even start on the clothing.

Hope you're having fun with blue. I'll be around to visit soon.

One Flower Wednesdays

2010-10-06T20:37:00.002+10:00

Talk about speed gardening. This little hexie flower was quickly stitched this morning before heading out for the day.

I hope you've had time to 'stop and smell the flowers'.

Happy Gardening

Colourful Fridays

2010-10-01T08:47:00.003+10:00

Good Morning!

It's RED Friday today!

Robyn has the links to more 'red' delights.
Who else is playing?

One Flower Wednesdays

2010-09-29T13:25:00.002+10:00

I decided to do some petal preparation last night ...

... so that today I can share two more hexie flowers.

These two bring my total to 32 and I think I've decided on a layout. Will share a pic when I have another play with them.

Happy Gardening