miss~nances life

Holiday story time

2012-01-27T21:23:00.008+11:00

Every Wednesday in January we have been hosting a story time at Work. Each week I had a specific theme and two stories were read each week.

First week our theme was animals. I read all set for the big wet - an aussie version of the ants go marching one by one....

2nd book was the very funny "Thank you for looking after our pets". The kids loved this book about some very strange pets - like elephants and penguins and a bonus houseplant, a Venus fly trap.

& my gorgeous story time kids.

2nd weeks theme was "My favourite story". I read "Each Peach Pear PLum", this was my very favourite story to read to my children when they were littlies.

Then Haylee, my daughter, read her favourite book that she reads to her pre school children, The very Hungry Caterpillar. Haylee then retold the story again and used a felt board with little felt piccies of each part of the story. Each child had at least one picture to put on the board. the enjoyed this immensely.

Haylee & I with our story time children.

Week three - beach fun. I read Looking for Crab & Magic Beach. We then had a ball throwing two beach balls around the story time area, trying as hard as we could to keep the beach balls off the floor.

We forgot to have a photo with all the children there, half had left b4 I was reminded.

And lastly this weeks story time theme was Australia. I read "The wheels on the ute" and "Are we there yet". Are we there yet was a very long story and I had to stop a couple of times to bring kids attention back, but we got there.

Only a very small group this week.

Catching up with family.

2012-01-26T18:14:00.006+11:00

Last Saturday I went with Haylee, my sister, Davina and niece, Erin to Gerringong Markets. We spent quite a few hours wandering around, looking at all the wonderful stalls. we bought quite a bit of fruit, some cheese & olives. The others bought some steamed pork buns & shanghai dumplings, I took a packed chicken salad. since I have started the FODMAP elimination diet I pretty much have to take my own food wherever I go. we sat on a hill overlooking the beach and ate our picnic lunch.

Tuesday we accompanied my niece to Penrith where she was having her hair done. we caught up with another sister, Jeneen, her daughter Natalie and our newest great niece, Violet. We had a great day of catching up & shopping. We were there for 5 hours and were lucky if we saw 1/4 of Penrith Westfield.

Here I am pictured with my sisters.

Haylee & i having a few cuddles with little Violet.

This top picture was taken by a lady sitting just near us but not before Jeneen made 2 attempts at setting her timer and just not getting back to her seat in time. It was soooooo funny, we were the food hall entertainment for the day.

Here i am having a laugh with my sister and then another cuddle with Violet.

we had a wonderful day and am really looking forward to doing it again in the not too distant future.

Giveaway winner

2012-01-22T21:42:00.002+11:00

I used random generator to pick the winner of my Violetta table runner

the winner is number 10 - JustPam

I will be in touch with you shortly.

TY all for entering my giveaway, I am planning on using other of my UFO's as a giveaway sometime soon.

3 more UFO finishes

2012-01-16T17:47:00.003+11:00

My 2nd finish for this year is this bag for Haylee. made from caring hearts that my Our Craft Forum friends nominated Haylee when she went to Kenya for a mission awareness trip in 2009. I made this bag while she was away over the weekend and surprised her.

The third finish was a Fig & Plum table runner, I made as the example while I was teaching my friend how to quilt. All I needed to do to finish was the binding. I finished late last night.

My fourth finish was a bunch of fibre book marks for work.

I have signed up for the FMQ challenge over at SewCalGal I really wanted to work on my FMQ as I have 4 quilt tops I want to quilt myself and wanted to do more that the meandering I have been doing (& not all that well I might add), so this came at a great time. Each month they have a tutorial by a guest quilter and giveaways as well. This months guest was Frances Moore and she showed us how to quilt flowing leaves. This was one of those patterns I really wanted to learn and I was surprised by its simplicity. I started by practising of some scrap fabric, I have gone over the pattern a few times as I just wanted more practise, I need to work on the rotating so my leaves don't go all in the same direction. I hope to complete a table centre with this pattern over the next few days.

Don't forget to enter my Violetta table runner giveaway in my previous post.

UFO challenge list & the long awaited giveaway.

2012-01-14T08:01:00.005+11:00

Last year I joined Sew Its Finished UFO challenge. I had a list of 19 projects I wanted to finish but am ashamed to say I didn't finish even ONE of them. So I decided to have another go this year and have found that I actually had 26 projects at least cut out waiting to be made/finished

. I also added 5 new projects and a few unfinished fundraiser items tot he list.

So here it is for all of blog land to see my UFO list:-

5 Quilt tops to be quilted then bound in order of importance:-
Double bed Mayflowers quilt (will be professionally done)
Sparkling gemstones
Iowa Girl Tablecloth
Row X Row Wall hanging
Christmas tablecloth

Other projects
Charlee’s quilt (BOM from years ago 4 blocks done – 2 cut out)
Burgundy table runner - blocks made
Fig & plum runner (binding + 3 others cut out and planned)
Jelly strip quilt as you go table runner
Flower appliqued frilly dilly bag (without frills) up to applique
Caring hearts bag for daughter
Abandoned swap bag – blue yellow cut out maybe table runner
Half apron
Several half made pot holders
Several cross stitch that have all but been abandoned
2 embroideries – Some bunnies & Bad hair day
Flannel blocks from block lotto to be made into something……
Cushion covers to be made from project scraps of lotto blocks
*Embroidery RR – 1 block to make and then all to put together & complete
Chorus of angels – cut out
Hand towel toppers

Newly added WIP’s
Consider the Lilies BOM wall hanging
Funky Cobblestone Quilt – cut out
Fibre bookmarks (work)
Library bag & first reader bag
Table runner from framed hexies

SECET Fundraiser Projects
Ruffled tea cosies x2 *
Mug rugs & wraps *
2 garden aprons – cut out

After compiling this list I knew i gad to come up with a plan to get at least a few projects made. So I started with the project with the least needing doing and that is the pictured Violetta table runner. All it needed was its binding sewn, I stayed up all night Monday 2nd January to finish it. AND to celebrate I have decided to make it a giveaway. Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. Don't forget to leave me a way of contacting you. I will leave the giveaway open until Sunday 22 January.

Now back to my plan to wade through my UFO list. I have purchased 7 pretty boxes and have sorted all my projects out into categories ie table runner, bags etc ( my quilts have been living in a crate for the last few years and are still there in the linen press). My next plan it to take one item from each box that has the least work to do and start there. At the moment I have a fig & plum table runner in my work basket behind my night time chair, I am 1/4 way through the hand binding.

For the quilt tops I have a friend who has a long arm quilter machine that she allows you to go and quilt your own for $10 an hour so I am planning to book in every two months to get my quilting done, hopefully I can bind each quilt in the months between. The double bed quilt I want professionally done but seeing as my son has moved back into what was the spare room and that quilt was for that bed there is not so much of a hurry to have it done. When one of my kids plan to move out I might do it then.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:45:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends.

may 2012 be a year of love, peace, safety & happiness for you and your families.

To celebrate the New Year I WILL be having that long awaited giveaway. I just need to get into my sewing room and finish one of my UFO's to offer as a prize. So will be back with a giveaway very soon........

Meeting Violet May

2011-12-30T10:27:00.005+11:00

My newest great niece made her first family appearance at our Christmas celebration and we all got a cuddle.

My Royce has this ability to get any baby to fall asleep on him. so he decided to take a nap too.

How cute and comfortable do they look.

Violet all dressed up in her Christmas finery and in Jackson's little red wagon.

Isn't she just adorable.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T20:45:00.012+11:00

The Comber Christmas started with our traditional champagne seafood breakfast & pressie opening ceremony. This year it was just the four of us for Christmas so we had a full on seafood day. A quiet day of relaxing and eating, even got a little gardening done.

Tuesday we had the Lucas clan over for a belated Christmas celebration.

My nephew Mark wasn't coming for Christmas but because of flooding in a Melbourne Coles store (he was on disaster call) was able to come at the last moment. we kept it as a surprise. Davina, his mum, walked in the door and asked where do we put the secret Santa pressies, Mark come out of my craft room and told her where, she started walking towards it and did a double take. then the tears started. then the hugs came. was great. Glad to be a part of it.....

Just a few piccies of our secret Santa gift opening for the adults.

Kids opening their pressies from us.

Kyle & Tasha opening pressies.

After lunch and pressies it was time to hit the pool.

Merry Christmas & HaPPy BiRThDaY JESUS

2011-12-25T10:51:00.005+11:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

I pray that you may experience Love, JOY & peace this Christmas.

Remembering that Christmas is the celebration of the greatest gift ever given, JESUS..................

I know that this year has not been an easy year for some (my family included), I pray that this message will have an impact on you. I couldn't upload the video as I wanted to so the link had to do.

Love, hugs and many many blessings to you all

Gail XXX

Two more work events

2011-12-20T09:24:00.003+11:00

On Wednesday 30 November we had local author & illustrator Bruce Whately came and present a special Christmas Story time. Bruce works as Jackie French's illustrator and they have collaborated on many books since their first "Dairy of a wombat". His latest books (yes he has THREE new releases), is "Christmas Wombat" with Jackie, "Tin Toys" with his son Ben and he has illustrated Ahn Do's "The littlest refugee".

He read several of his books including "Wombat's Christmas" and the one that started it all "The ugliest dog in the world" (1992). It was hard to find a complete list of Bruce's books as he is signed up to so many publishers. here is the most up to date list I could find.

He then spent some time drawing for us, singed many many books and happily posed for many photos.

Just last Saturday we had Joy McKean, Slim Dusty's wife, join us for an informal book signing. "Iv'e been there, and back again" was a book many years in the making and is I guess the story behind the songs and the family tours. She was delightful and I was surprised at how spritely she was. we had over 30 people come to meet her. Again I took pics of anyone who wanted one and after Christmas I will email them out.

I am a great aunt again

2011-11-26T21:20:00.002+11:00

My new great niece Violet may was born at 10.10pm last night, November 25 2011 . Violet is the

first child to my niece Natalie and her partner Keith. Violet is also the first grandchild for my sister Jeneen and the 8th grandchild for her partner Neale. she is so tiny, weighing in at 6lb3oz and 48 cm long. Look at her little tiny feet........

Life!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-25T21:47:00.004+11:00

A quick catch up on what has kept me from blogging for the last few months.

In September I met up with a small group of school friends to stat the planning for our 50th birthday reunion in 2013.

The beginning of November I met up with some old friend. I was a bridesmaid for Scotty and Michele when they were married 28 1/2 years ago. They were in town for an old friends 50th and we met up for brunch the following morning. They surprised me by inviting another old friends Steve Thomas along, was so good to spend the morning reminiscing.

The main thing that has kept me busy (apart from work ) was sewing for a taste of Christmas fundraiser. I spent months sewing for this big event. We also hosted a working bee here on the October long weekend and managed to make quite a few childrens aprons.

Our Christmas stall at "A taste of Christmas". This fundraiser raised $8000 for SECET.

The day after a taste of Christmas was Haylee's 25th birthday bbq celebration. we had around 45 people here for lunch. The day b4 I realised I did not organise a cake so i threw together a tower of cupcakes.

I am sure there's is a lot more to tell but I am tired and need to get some sleep.

Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! part 2 work

2011-11-25T21:06:00.009+11:00

Work has kept me very very busy - here's a little of what has happened in the last 4 months.

just last week we had a major event in our lil indy book store. Ray Martin made in in store appearance. we had over 60 people. Just a few had their piccy taken with Ray.

He was so lovey, he spent quite a bit of time talking to every customer, making them all feel very special.

he even had time to have a few photos with staff members. We even got a kiss goodbye.

Remembrance day display. also an entry in a competition.

This month we farewelled one of our long time staff members Sue with a dinner out at Red Raven. we also celebrated her 60Th birthday.

Am still loving my story times.

warm up for Novembers story - we are pretending to be trees growing.

November Story time - one of my favourite. we read "Little mouses big secret".

After our story about the mouse sharing his apples with others, we all wrote our name on our apple cut out and put it on our apple tree.

We then shared a basket of apples. We all sat around for a little while as we chatted and ate our little apples. No one wanted to leave.

October Story time - Possum magic

September story time - If you're happy and you know it - Australian edition

August story time - 5 minutes peace.

2011-08-23T08:47:00.003+10:00

Sorry bad blogger here, LIFE!!!!!!!!!!. I am hoping to get back into blogging soon and will start with a giveaway so come back soon to see what I have been up to.

Judy Mood Day at the Library.

2011-07-09T09:02:00.003+10:00

On Tuesday DeanSwift Books hosted a Judy Moody day at the library. Was a day of fun and lots of kids. There was a group of kids on vacation care with Interchange and my gorgeous great niece Charlee was one of them (in purple). The day started with a treasure hunt, then a design your own band aid, each child (and some mums) made a mood ring, then filled in a mood journal. There was also a photo booth, so Lydia (my workmate) & I dressed up in our finery and had a piccy taken. Lydia doesn't like having her piccy taken so she tends to pull dreadful faces, but I warned her dreadful face or not your piccy will be on my blog (& works one when I get it going sometime this week). Thanks Jess for the great work you did to make the day so much fun.

Keep an eye out as I will be having a giveaway in 6 more posts to celebrate 400 posts.

Good Food & Wine Show Sydney

2011-07-08T08:41:00.002+10:00

Last Saturday Royce & I drove to Sydney to go to the Good Food & Wine Show at the Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour. we left home at 7.30 and arrived in Sydney around 10.30ish. we met up with Mart one of Royce's school friends. We were a little disappointed with the food stalls - I was hoping to see more primary producers but it seemed to be focused more on packaged products and lots of kitchen appliances and utensils. There was a lot of wine to taste but neither of us was in the right frame of mind for wine, so we limited our tastings to 4 or 5 stalls (there would have been well over 150 wine stalls). We attended Matt Moran's cooking show followed by Tobie Puttock's. We really enjoyed Tobie's and found that we learnt more at his demo that we did at Matt's. AS Royce had been very unwell for the week leading up to the show we left pretty much after the cooking demo'. Royce drove us out of the city and we changed over at Miranda Fair where we stopped for a food break. We were wandering through the fruit & vegie shop where we ran into Royce's 2nd drama teacher from 1998, Royce had not seen Rod since he was in the Wizard of Oz with him in 1999. It was a lovely surprise.

TWO fabulous giveaways.

2011-06-30T09:40:00.004+10:00

Michelle from Creating from the heart is having a massive giveaway for her 3rd Blogaversary, this is one giveaway not to miss - a $150 gift voucher, spellbinder GRAND labels dies and a Spellbinders Grand Calibur Machine. Enter here.

AND

If you want to win a Accuquilt Baby Go & 3 dies pop over to Quilting Along the Gorge .

What have I been up to

2011-06-23T11:11:00.003+10:00

I have been very busy since my last real post so this post is to get you up to speed for the last two months.

At the end of May I went to Sydney with Brenda, Esther & Cathy to attend the Equip Christian Women's Conference. we decided to make a weekend of it. We left 10am on Friday morning and stopped at Miranda Fair for lunch then off to our Motel, The Novotel Darling Harbour. After dropping off our gear we wandered over to the Powerhouse Museum to see the Abba Exhibition.

We had a lot of fun, singing and dancing along with Abba. I also had my face superimposed onto my favourite ABBA album cover.

When you enter the exhibit you have your photo taken and you become a member of ABBA. I have always wanted to be Angetha so that's who I became.

After ABBA we caught a bus down to Circular Quay and had dinner down by the water, I had a delicious fisherman's soup, yummmm.

We were there during the Sydney Light Festival & had a great view of the Customs house and the lighting of the falling rocks was just amazing. we then caught a ferry back to Darling harbour so we could see the opera House better.

Whilst at Cockle bay we had to stop at the Lindt cafe for dessert. I had a bowl of 3 different 70% chocolate ice creams, mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

The next day we did a lot of shopping, went to our conference, had dinner on a boat and watched the fireworks from up extremely close. A bit too loud for me, fireworks still freak me out a little, but they were very pretty.

While shopping i found this gorgeous Review coat but had already spent my allowance so i came home without it. Mid the following week I found that it had been reduced to half price so i rang Myer and had it delivered. I love this coat and have worn almost everywhere I have been since.

June was Designer 2 swap month. we had to make an item from a Vicki Tucek design. Barb made this gorgeous table centre for me and I made the table runner below from Vicki's Out of The Box stitcheries for Geniene. I love the table runner so much am going to make one pretty much the same for me.

At work we have started a story time at work each month, I am the story teller.

This months was Out of the Egg by Tina Matthews, a modern retelling of the little red hen story.

At the end of story I gave each child a little green seed and they each planted it in a egg carton cup with cotton wool. They also went home with a little red chick.

I love story time and look forward to it each month.

Speaking of work we are now an independent book store called "Deanswift Books". we are having a little bit of a face lift and I will be back in a few week time to show you the journey.

And lastly it was my sisters birthday Monday just gone so I made her this set of 4 place mats to match the table runner I made her last year. She needs 12 place mats so I told her the other 8 are for her next two birthdays or I can help her make then for herself, we just need to find the time.

I sooooo want to win one of these

2011-06-18T10:05:00.004+10:00

If you do to Pop on over to Samelia's Mum's Blog for your chance to win a Accuquilt Go Baby and 3 dies. This machine will have us whipping up amazing projects in no time. While you are over there have a look at the tutorials Anorina is offering - i love the mug rug, soooo cute. She also has many many giveaways so its a great blog to follow.

I will be back later to share what has been keeping me from updating my blog, LIFE.

Kaisercraft DT Call out 2011

2011-04-30T11:12:00.021+10:00

I have decided to apply for a position on the Kaisercraft Design team. This post is my submission. I had to provide at least 8 projects made using Kaisercraft supplies. I use Kaisercraft products all the time so it was hard to choose just 8 to share. So here are some of my favourite items that I have made over the years, including projects for Scrap of Faith and retreat classes I have taught.

Free Standing Recipe Journal designed as a class at the 2011 Scrapping with Soul Retreat in 2 weeks time. Made using Candy Lane PP, printed chipboard. Nan's favourite stamps & sheets of plain chipboard.

Sunset LO made using Seaside Collection PP, Journal tags & Printed Tickets.

A collection of altered items made using Flutterby - a large vanity case, memo pad holder & wine bottle.

Mini Lunch pail using Flutterby made during a home lesson and the girls after our lesson.

A small selection of mini albums that I have created over the years.

Advent Calendar made for Dragonfly Scrapbooks Retreat Class, November 2010.

Cards made using Kaisercraft paper pads. These are so wonderful to make very easy to make simple but very beautiful cards. I added an embellishment or a stamp & I have cards ready to go. I often give sets of cards as gifts.

A selection of projects I made in my role as Design team member for Scrap of Faith. Christmas canvas, Altered mirror, love monogram mini lunch pail & altered coffee tin with tiara mini album.

Our stories layered album using Dancing Jewel, designed for the 2009 Scrapping with Soul Retreat class.

An alternative Our Stories Layered album using Lovestruck.

Bad blogger

2011-04-29T18:30:00.002+10:00

I am so sorry I have been a very bad blogger. Life has just been to busy. So I do apologise to my readers. hopefully we will be back to normal transmission soon.

I know I promised a blogiversary giveaway so stayed tune for that - it will be later than my blogiversary as i am sure it has passed.

Gorgeous giveaway

2011-04-07T07:52:00.003+10:00

Raggedy Station is having the most wonderful giveaway for this beautiful bundle of B&W fabrics. How nice are these.

How many UFO's do you have?????

2011-03-14T15:56:00.003+11:00

I have way toooooo many. So I have decided to join the Sew it's finished UFO challenge over at Sew it's finished blog.

I have sent off my looooooooong list of UFO's but have decided to also post them on here to keep me honest.

UFO list
5 Quilt tops to be quilted then bound in order of importance:-
Double bed Mayflowers quilt (will be professionally done)
Sparkling gemstones
Iowa Girl Tablecloth
Row X Row Wall hanging
RR Christmas tablecloth
Other projects
Charlees quilt (BOM from years ago 4 blocks done – 2 cut out)
Burgundy table runner - blocks made
Fig & plum runner (border, quilting & binding + 3 others cut out and planned)
*Violetta table runner, quilting and binding (for birthday box)
Jelly strip quilt as you go table runner
Flower appliqued frilly dilly bag (without frills) up to applique
Caring hearts bag for daughter
Half apron
Several half made pot holders
Several cross stitch that have all but been abandoned
*Embroidery RR – 1 block to make and then all to put together & complete

I am too scared to look any closer as I am sure there will be others.

Solar Springs

2011-03-11T21:19:00.010+11:00

I am home from my wonderful 3 day stay at Solar Springs. I had a marvelous time, feel very refreshed a little sore from the walks and classes i did but motivated to get my fitness regime started.

This is my room and the view from my room.

On my first day I threw myself right in and did the boxfit class, was a lot of fun but very hard work. After the class i had a swedish massage which was extremely lovely and really relaxing.

Day two started at 7.15 with a stretch class in the gym.

I met up with my bosses partner, Gertie, and her pilates friends, Jenny & Bobby. After a yummy healthy breaky we set off for the mornings walk to Erith Coal mine.
Then I had my manicure, last minute change so I wasn't able to do the archery as planned.

Wednesday lunch was quite spectacular, a buffet of gourmet salads and the nicest antipasto plate. I was going to join the pilates class but fell asleep when I went to my room to organise my class clothing. I then had a lovely, extremely relaxing facial.

After a really lovely dinner I joined 5 other girls & Grant the fitness coordinator on a nighttime walk to the glow worm den, wow was that hard work, I seriously did not think I was going to make it back. But I did. We were not allowed to take piccies of the glow worms so i did not take my camera at all on the walk. I freaked out a few times as the lady in front of me was very excited about any noise she heard and was giving a running commentary, including put her torch light on a possum sitting on a branch right above where we had to walk, if I stretched my arm out I could have touched him, which meant if he felt like it he could jump on my head. not a big nature girls here. But it was so worth the hard walk as the worms were well and truly glowing.

Thursday started a 6am as I wanted to get up early enough to photograph the sunrise over Morton National park, but the sunrise was very disappointing so no photos to share I am sorry.

7.15 I joined the stretch class, really is a great way to start the day. After another great breaky I had a swim, spa & spent some time in the steam room with a hair treatment on. Most of Thursday was geared towards mediation so I pretty much did my own thing. I also had a body scrub treatment.

Our last evening together was a blast. I had made friends with 5 other really lovely ladies that I ate most meals with and we decided after dinner to have a bit of a singalong.

I slept in Friday so missed the early morning walk but did manage to get to the stretch & unwind class after breaky. I didn't realise unwind meant guided mediation so I decided I would meditate on God and sang many of my favourite choruses and recited many bible verses in my head of course.

I then had my last treatment, a pedicure so now have the most gorgeous orange toenails. I had lunch with a few new girls who were only there for one night. I then had a swim, spa and steam before another boxfit class. WOW is that a real workout. By the time I changed I was ready to be picked up by John and came home.

I had a lovely, relaxing time and am looking forward to my next visit, March next year.

Solar Springs

2011-03-08T08:01:00.002+11:00

I am off this morning for my 3 days stay at the wonderful Solar Springs retreat at Bundanoon. I love this place. I can rest, relax, be pampered and do just what I want. I have booked in for 5 treatments - a Massage, facial, body scrub, Manicure & pedicure. I am also hoping that I can kick start my fitness regime whilst here. Starting with a boxfit class this afternoon. each morning I will start the day with a stretch class before breakfast. Then I will possibly go on the walk for the day and in the afternoon will do the scheduled fitness class. I have prepared Val Lairds Consider the Lilies BOM to take with me to stitch if I want, I thought about making up little baggies of cards to make but decided I would need to take too much stuff to complete them, so its just the stitchery & applique blocks going. And the food is quite amazing.

I normally go on my own as i have no problem in meeting new people but also I like to be able to do my own things not to have to work in with another's idea for the day. This time however I am meeting up with Gertie, my boss' partner. They gave us a Wellness day voucher as our Christmas pressie so I am using that for some of my treatments. Gertie has been there since Sunday and will be going home tomorrow, so we will maybe do a few activities together as well as sharing a table at meals. until she leaves, then I am totally free to do my own thang.

I'll be back Friday evening so look out for my post pampering post.

Blog hop Major prize

2011-03-02T08:06:00.005+11:00

Our major prize winner for Our Craft forum's blog hop is TraceyDK. Tracey's prize is making it's way to Tracey as you read.

I am 18 posts away from 400 posts so keep an eye out as my 400th post WILL be another giveaway, also I think April might be my blogiversary so that's another reason to celebrate.

Charming Wine Gift bags

2011-03-01T20:34:00.003+11:00

Check out this amazing tut for these Charming Wine gift bags over at the Moda Bake Shop

by Jen from ReannaLily designs Made from a charm pack - in fact you will make all 3 from ONE charm pack.

I so love these and think I will make a bunch for the birthday box.

I love the Moda bake Shop they have so many wonderful tuts.

And the WinNers are .........

2011-02-28T17:48:00.005+11:00

Firstly i would like to thank everyone who supported out craft forum blog hop. it was a wonderful weekend of sharing our joy of craft. All of us were very happy with the response, I for one am very excited that so many people were interested enough in my little blog and life to comment. Any with any further ado

The winners courtesy of random number generator

The winner of my altered tin full of craft goodies
is

number 20 - nanny moos (one of our hoppers)

The winner of a set of my handmade cards is

number 53 Karen - Karen is a new member so I am looking forward to getting to know you Karen.

The winner of the Whimsy charm pack is

number 10 - Quilter in the gap - who is also a new member of our forum.

Can you all please email me your address (in my profile) and I will get them all in the post by Friday. If I haven't heard from you by Friday I will redraw.

Our Craft Forum Blog hop

2011-02-25T08:21:00.009+11:00

Thank you for joining Our Craft Forum’s blog hop. So what is “Our Craft Forum” a craft forum for like-minded people who love crafts. Mostly patchwork, stitching, quilting and the like. It’s a safe place to make new friends who share a love of craft & to have some fun and a little bit of laughter along the way & to join in on swaps of all types.
This week end is designed to tell our blogging friends about our wonderful forum and to invite you to be a part of our forum.
Several of our members will be offering tutorials, giveaways and some tips of the trade.
The blog hop starts at my blog (here) if you want to join us on the whole journey please follow the links at the bottom of each post to find the next blog along the way.

Each person who joins our forum from this blog hop will go in the draw for a craft pack (picture above shows some of the giveaway, including fat Q's, ribbon, handmade goodies and lots of other sewing supplies).

So to join our forum, please go to http://ourcraftforum.freeforums.org/ and register. Once you have been activated please leave a message in "Blog Hop Giveaway". Entries close at MIDNIGHT EDST (Sydney time) Sunday 27 February.
So join in on the fun and maybe find a new forum, new blog and new friends along the way. You never know you may even learn something new or win a great prize.

Now to my giveaways, I have 3 giveaways a Whimsy charm pack, 6 handmade cards and an altered tin filled with 1/2 m of Picnic Parade fabric, bright & funky buttons, wall hanging pattern and melts for your incense burner. All you need to do to enter is to leave a comment on THIS post. If you join the forum come back and let me know and I will give you a 2nd entry. Entries will close mindight Sunday 27 February.

The next blog is one of my favourite blogs to visit The Pickledish Patch . Pop on over to see what my gorgeous & very talented friend Vicki has in store for you.

Giveaway closed please come back this evening to see if you are a winner

2011-02-24T02:27:00.007+11:00

More card creations. How cute is this button tree card - I found it on Split Coast stampers. Once I started making them i couldn't stop at one or two so I made 4.

A few masculine cards.

I think I am just about there with my stash of cards. But am loving making thesecards using a Kaisercraft paper pad, so much I am likley to continue to make more. You never know I might just have to have some as a givaway.

These cards I made with a friend last Thursday - well she made her own cards and I made these.

I found a very similar card on Split coast stampers but it was too big for our size cards so we tweeked it to work.

The purple one will have a greeting added once I know who its for and for what occasion.

Don't forget to come back after noon tomorrow for the "Our Craft Froums" blog hop. Starting here in my blog. I am a bit excited.

Lovely Day

2011-02-24T02:12:00.007+11:00

My Nephew Mark, who has lived n Sydney for many years, was spent the last few days visiting his mum, so we had a chance to catch up with a lovely family dinner on Tuesday night and a picnic lunch yesterday.

We went to a place that I have never been b4 Booderee Botanical gardens in the Booderee National Park, Jervis bay.

It was such a lovely place to have a picnicn lunch of prawns, cheese, crackers & marinated chicken wings.

After lunch we wandered around the gardens, so beautiful and very relaxing.

How gorgeous are these butterflies, there were about 6 of these fluttering very near to us while we ate our lunch.

Don't forget tomorrow at noon "Our craft forums" blog hop is on.

It's starting here at my blog.

Our Craft Forum Blog Hop

2011-02-19T15:06:00.004+11:00

This weekend Our Craft Forum is hosting a blog hop, from Noon Friday 25 to Midnight Sunday 27 February EDST . So what is “Our Craft Forum” a craft forum for like minded people who loves crafts. Mostly patchwork, stitching, quilting and the like. It’s a safe place to make new friends who share a love of craft & to have some fun and a little bit of laughter along the way & to join in on swaps of all types.
The week end is designed to tell our blogging friends about our wonderful forum and to invite you to be a part of our forum.
Several of our members will be offering tutorials, giveaways and some tips of the trade.
The blog hop starts at miss~nances blog so if you want to join us on the whole journey please go to http://missnance.blogspot.com/ and follow the links at the bottom of each post to find the next blog along the way.
Each person who joins our forum from this bloghop will go in the draw for a craft pack.So join in on the fun and maybe find a new forum, new blog and new friends along the way. You never now you may even learn something new or win a great prize.

Stay tuned

2011-02-18T21:55:00.001+11:00

next week I am participating in a blog hop with my craft forum friends. There will be tutorials, giveaways and a lot of fun so stay tuned for more details

Cards

2011-02-07T15:41:00.001+11:00

Trying to build up my card stash. Tomorrow I am starting card making with a friend who wants to learn more about card making.

Garden update

2011-02-06T16:48:00.002+11:00

It's been such a long time since I have given a garden update. I don't have piccies of the garden itself as I thought you might prefer to see what is coming out of our garden.The basket is what I picked this morning. I am probably getting this many yellow tomatoes & beans every day but the larger tomatoes including the 3 black russians in the top photo are only being picked every 2nd day, the cucumber have only just started fruiting again. The spring onions are getting huge and we only pick them as we need them, but we want to clear that space this week so we can prepare half of the onion bed for the broad beans to go in. The zucchinis are not doing to well so we have planted more and we have 2 watermelons ripening - we are very excited about them.

Even Feeny is excited about our vegies, he spent a good half hour last night pushing a green bean around the family room.

Work doings

2011-02-05T07:41:00.006+11:00

Today we hosted a book signing for Christine M Knight's first novel "In & out of Step". While we didn't sell many book Christine did talk to many people and gave everyone who came in a postcard of her book.

also yesterday I did our valentine display at work. Quite simple but very effective I think.

Bit of a catch up

2011-02-03T12:23:00.005+11:00

A quick catch up to show you what January looked like for me & my family.

On Saturday 15 Jan Haylee, her friend Amy, my sister Davina and my niece Erin wandered over to Bellachara in Gerringong for High tea and it was just wonderful. My niece ERIN was leaving on the Monday to continue her Navy training in Victoria.

Wednesday 19 was my great nephews birthday, here is his gift, an apron made form racing car fabric. I also made a gift bag and card to match.

Saturday 29 January was the fist Scrapping with Soul scrap day. Esther & I decided this would be a great day for her to learn how to make cards. here she is with her very first card. The purple one in the corners is my card.

January 31 was my birthday. My family took me out to Greenwell Point Chinese for dinner the night before. We use to live at GP so we thought it would be quite appropriate to have our 2011 family photo taken there.

My birthday itself was a disgustingly hot day so we spent the afternoon and early evening in our pool, which was broken up with a beautiful roast dinner cooked by Royce.

I was very spoilt and despite the heat had a wonderful day.

The Quilt

2011-01-18T21:58:00.002+11:00

As most of you, my blog readers know, I am a quilter and a Christian. Many years ago I subscribed to a weekly newsletter from Deer Lake Designs. One of those newsletter had this a link to a wonderful poem called The QUiLT at the time I shared it with my forum friends and had a mixed response to it. But the biggest response was from a few women who were going through difficult times. the found this poem to be helpful. I am not sure why I thought of it tonight, maybe one of YOU need encouragement. So I will leave you with the link and if you would like to pop over and read leave me a message.

Many hugs and blessings

Gail

New look for 2011

2011-01-16T20:54:00.002+11:00

I decided to change the look of my blog. I had to change the code on my last background as the server was about to close down and it just got too hard to do so I went looking for something new. I just love the header that I found on Simply blog it but couldn't get the background right. So decided to keep it very simple and just use a blogger background. I am really loving my new look, especially the 3 columns. I hope you like it as much as I do and that my new look makes visiting my blog a wonderful experience.

A belated HaPpY NEw YeAR

2011-01-02T13:08:00.003+11:00

Hope you all had a great start to the New Year and have a safe & happy 2011.

We saw the new year in laying on a blanket under the stars, star gazing. Our first day of the year was soooooooooooooooo hot that we spent most of the day in the pool. I was slathered in sunscreen, had a hat and a 3/4 sleeved collared shirt as I just get sun burnt so easily. We had 3 different lots of visitors to help us enjoy our pool.

So whats in store for this year. I really don't know but God does, I just need to trust him in the hard times and give thanks in the good, read his word daily, pray and be open for his guidance especially in areas that he needs me to change.

My plans are to continue to make as many presents as I can as well as aprons as a fundraiser for SECET. I also would like to quilt the 5 tops I have completed and continue to work on my UFO's.

At work we are calling 2011 the year of the positive & I would like that to be a part of all areas of my life. Putting aside all failures and start anew.

I am soooooo thankful that with God I can start anew everyday he doesn't remember any of my failures once I have confessed them. I need to work an letting go of how others have failed or hurt me. looking at every situation with new positive eyes.

So here's to a great 2011 THE YEAR OF THE POSITIVE

2010 a year in snapshot.

Christmas gifts

2010-12-28T18:40:00.004+11:00

Thought it was time to show why I hadn't blogged much in December. I have been wayyyyyy to busy making Christmas (& 1 birthday) gifts.

I made a cute little sun dress, 2 pairs of reversible shorts, a shaggy reading pillow, a shoulder bag, a tote, 4 aprons, 2 library bags and a first reader bag, a bag of scrunchies and some bibs. I also made a set of cards for my works secret santa.

I am starting to collect

2010-12-27T08:29:00.003+11:00

Have you noticed the new button on the side of my blog. Well have a look know if you haven't as I am very excited about this. Two very talented ladies - Vicki & Dawn, that I am blessed to call forum friends are starting a Block of the Month next year using a honey bun (or scrap fabric as I am) and lots of bits and pieces. Soooooooo today I am starting the collecting of my bits and pieces, I have been wanting to do a BOM for a while now but keep putting it off, so next year is the year.

To read all about it pop over to Vicki's blog to read all about it.

Christmas in a Nutshell

2010-12-26T18:10:00.001+11:00

We played this short clip at Church a few weeks ago and I had intended on sharing it in here but forgot until now. So it may be a bit late but MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my wonderful blogging friends.

I also wanted to share this Christmas day devotion from the Vine with you.

Christmas day

2010-12-26T17:57:00.007+11:00

Hope you all had the most wonderful Christmas day. I pray that each one of you spent time with your family and spared just a little time to think about the most awesome gift that was ever given - Jesus - he is the reason for the season.

We started our day with our traditional seafood & champagne breakfast then we headed back indoors to begin opening our pressies.

We all gave and received wonderful gifts this year. I got 3 dresses, a bag, pair of shoes, scrap totes, 6 bottles of bubbly, Natio gift packs & 2 necklaces with earings.

While John got tix to see Glass Onion, golf balls and a hybrid 3 iron (I think), T-shirt, 2 Morecambe & wise DVD's, port, chocs, Guinness, licorice, book & he and Haylee were given travel books for their Ireland holiday.

Haylee was also given scrapping totes, an album, Haircut voucher, Silver chain & cross, necklace, apron, a Music book, 2 CD's, big tin of jelly beans and a snowman marshmallow kebab.

Royce was given a set of golf clubs, motor bike helmet, chefs apron, box of chocs, snowman kebab, Beatles mug, Cook Book, James Wong book & a CD.

Christmas day part two

2010-12-26T17:53:00.007+11:00

Once we had opened our pressies we got ourselves ready to head over to my sisters to have lunch with part of our family and her partners family. We started with lots of nibbles then secret Santa and then we had a hot lunch of slow roast pork, lamb & chicken served with roast beetroot, potato bake, honeyed ginger carrots, beans topped with Parmesan breadcrumbs and zucchini pea and baby spinach salad. Then we had 5 different deserts:- two cheesecakes (mango and black forest), summer trifle, pavlova and citrus mud cake.

Our family photo.

Of course we needed the family photo shoot, how hard is it to take a photo of this lot. My sister Davina, Steven her partner and my niece Erin.

We really did have the most wonderful day. The kids decided to finish the day with a trip to the beach with the dogs.

And the WINNeR is ....................................

2010-12-18T20:44:00.003+11:00

The winners of my giveaway have been drawn by random generator

The winner of the pack of 8 Handmade cards is number 63 C+C said

& the winner of the pack of 6 handmade cards is number 67 Crystal Hendrix

Congratulations. Please email me your snail addies & I will get them off to you very very shortly.

ETA I have sent both winners an email & they have a week to claim their prize - if not I will redraw.

It's giveaway day

2010-12-13T08:12:00.006+11:00

Today starts the Giveaway Day that sew mama sew is hosting. Starts 9am (Eastern US time) on Monday 13 December. Lots of blogs and shop are joining in and offering some fabulous prizes.

The day I found out about this day I was thinking of a different way of doing a giveaway (whilst having a long hot relaxing bath) and here it is.

I will be giving away a set of 8 of my handmade cards (not necessarily those shown) & a set of 6 cards - yes thats 2 prizes. I am happy to post overseas and all you need to do to enter is leave a comment on THIS post, become a follower for an extra chance. Entry will be open until midnight Friday 17 and I will draw the winners on Saturday evening Oz time.

So pop on over to Sew mama sews blog and join in on the giveaway fun. I will be - hope to see you over there in blogland.

Quilters night out

2010-12-13T07:38:00.004+11:00

Last Wednesday night was my quilters Christmas dinner. We went to the Shoreline Restaurant and had a great night. The food was fabulous, even if the service was very very slow. we didn't get seated until 8 and left at 10.45.

I had the most delicious lobster mornay, mmmmm. We also took this opportunity to thank Brenda & Esther for another great year of leading us.

Advent swap so far

2010-12-11T08:57:00.004+11:00

I have been opening my advent pressies each day and so far this is what I have received so far:- gifts tags, tin of pencils, tin of mini purple bull dog clips, 2 lots of lace, a FQ blender, hand cream, candle, lavender sachet, mini journal with tiny tiny book mark, mini wall hanging, 2 pieces of pink ric rac.

Very happy with my litter gifties TY Ruth. I sent to Helen who has been very unwell and has had Internet /computer problems so i haven't heard how she is liking her pressies but I liked them so am hoping that she does as well.

Giveaway day

2010-12-11T08:43:00.002+11:00

I have decided to join in the giveaway day with Sew Mama Sew on Monday 13 December. So pop back on Monday to have a chance of winning a ........................................ you'll have to come back to find out.

our Craft Forum

2010-12-09T08:41:00.003+11:00

I have been a member of the Express Magazine's craft forum since 2004 and have really enjoyed being a part of this community. yes we have had some ups and downs. We have laughed and cried with many of our ladies. we have had new members come and go but we still have a core group of the "old girls". We have seen children and grandchildren born & cried with our ladies as the have lost dear ones. We have congratulated ladies as the graduated from uni, start new jobs & moved home and commiserated when jobs have not gone as planned. In short we have very much become part of each others lives. Along the way we have joined in on many many swaps.

But for some reason Express publications decided our forum needed an upgrade. With that upgrade they totally overhauled the forum which has made it very very hard to navigate and very few of our ladies were happy with the change, some even said they would not return. Thankfully the wonderful Vicki saw that we needed a new home and she has started Our Craft Forum.

So the swapping, laughing, crying, congratulating and commiserating is still going on. If you are a crafter of any type we would love you to join us. We have quilters, sewers, knitters, scrap booker, card makers, cooks, gardeners, mums, Nana's, aunts, sisters, daughters just to name a few.

More aprons

2010-11-28T11:38:00.004+11:00

Since the SECET fundraiser I have been busy making more aprons as commissions for friends. These are still as a fundraiser for SECET and if time allows I will continue to make them. I was given a big bundle of fabrics from one of my FB friends to use so have no excuse now. Hoping to cut a heap out and just sew one every now and then so I will have a stockpile for the next fundraiser - i think theres one in April.

At the moment I am still in the hexagon & framed hexagon swap - may leave it for a month as December is just too busy, if this weeks roster is anything to go by , I have been rostered on for 6 days straight, they may only be part days but is been a long time since I have worked anymore that 3 days in a row. Anyway back to the hexys- the framed one is for Natalie and the flowers is for Vicki, they should both receive them in the next few days. I loved making both of these as these are so my colours and have used some of my favourite fabrics in both of them.

1 Month to go

2010-11-25T13:21:00.003+11:00

Yes that right Christmas is only one month away. Scary thought huh. I have only bought 6 pressies and have plans to make quite a few more, I need more time. or perhaps I need to learn how to manage the time I have much better.

I decided after a few years of not participating that I would join the Advent swap in the craft forum. here is the bundle of goodies I have sent off to Helen and a sneak peak at her 25th gift.

Scrap retreat

2010-11-23T08:32:00.007+11:00

On Friday Haylee & I joined Kylie for our trip to Penrith for the inaugural Dragonfly Scrapbooks retreat at Castlereagh Academy, which is on the site of the first Westleyan Church in Australia. Right behind the academy is the Lake that that was used for the Olympic rowing events. In fact the cabins we stayed in were the Olympic Village cabins.

We had a wonderful time over the weekend, meeting new people, eating good food, and just plain having fun.

My BIG task for the weekend was to run an OTP class. A few ladies had wanted to make the Kaiser Advent Calender so that's what we did. Over two 2 hour sessions each of the 7 wonderful ladies completed the putting together & painting of the box and also the covering of the 24 little boxes.

After the class most of the ladies continued to embellish their calenders. I am extremely proud of what all my ladies went home with and I know each one of them were very proud too.

I didn't expect to get to much scrapping done over the weekend as most of my time & energy was put into the class, so I took bits to make up a heap of cards, I did manage to complete one LO also but have not taken a photo of that so will show you when it is done. We were given a challenge kit, we could make anything we wanted with the PP, piece of card stock, ribbon, 4 flowers and 2 brads. We were allowed to add three elements. I made this little box from a piece of chipboard, some ink and dimensional magic.

Haylee & I also took Kristy's simple card class using a Kaiser 6X6' pack. There was a lot of cutting involved as we cut enough pieces out to make 24 cards but only made 6 cards during the class. The purple cards are the three I actually completed as I wanted to add something to the other 3 cards.

It was a fabulous weekend and I WILL be back next year. Maybe you would like to join us. It was a very reasonable price and possibly the most relaxed retreat I have been to. The food was good and I believe it will be even better next year.

Dragonfly Scrapbook retreat class

2010-11-19T07:55:00.005+11:00

I am teaching this weekend at the DragonFly Scrapbooks retreat in Penrith.

Each lady will leave hopefully with an Kaisercraft advent calender looking much like one of these.

This is mine in it's almost embellished state. I added a ornament to each top corner but that pic is still on my camera.

Come back Monday to see the pics oft he retreat.

I am considering adding this as a class on my tutorial blog.

A Taste Of CHRisTmaS

2010-11-06T07:56:00.008+11:00

Today was the "A taste of Christmas" high tea garden party fundraiser for SECET that I have been busy making items for over the last few months.

I have posted many of the piccies up as I have made them but there are a few items I have yet shown you.

The large photo in this first collage shows you the goodies I made , I am really happy to say that most of the items I made had sold.

These are two of the three table runner I made (Beryl helped by doing the binding for me). Two sold - the scrappy one at the top of this piccy didn't sell but that's ok as I really liked it and will simply keep it for myself.

The other two runner were made using a cotton blossom JR that I bought form Jane a few weeks ago. It wasn't really my colours so was very happy to use it for the table runners.

I just love how this gorgeous bag turned out. I had this stitchery waiting to be stitched up and I just knew i would not get around to it so I gave it to Beryl to stitch, when she gave it back I turned it into this stunning bag with lots of pockets. The stitchery itself was made into a large pocket at the front of the bag. I added pockets on the side which are a great size for a water bottle and there is a large pocket right along the inside.

A collage of all my aprons. These all sold and I have orders to make 5 more - I believe I will get more orders. One lady wants a strawberry one made and has some fabric left over from curtains she has just made for her strawberry shed at her nursery.

I had to work this morning so I turned up just before they stopped allowing people to enter. Had a nice cup of tea with Lydia and a gorgeous array of yummies. And then wandered around and bought some yummy treats as well as a Zuzhinni relish and a quilted sun glass holder.

By all accounts the day was very successful with it very busy for most of the morning. Got a bit quieter in the afternoon but I think that is often the way. I guess I will find out at Church tomorrow or at Quilters how much was raised.

I am very grateful that God has given me a creative skill and that i can help to make a difference in his kingdom by sewing items to be sold to raise money to keep scripture teachers in our high schools.

AnD the WInNEr iS

2010-11-01T17:16:00.003+11:00

With the help of a random number generator I have my winners. We had 156 entries
and the winner of the Bookmark, sewing companion, FatQ and bag of lace etc is...............

number 49 -Robyn

and the extra prize of a sewing companion goes to..................

number 42 - Hope Faith Cherrytea

So if these ladies can email to claim their prize and pass on their addy me using the link in my profile within a week that would be great.

Blogtoberfest day 31 - the Finale

2010-10-31T16:39:00.002+11:00

Today is the last day of Blogtoberfest for 2010. I hope you have enjoyed journey through the month with me. I managed to post everyday this year and plan on being involved in next years one.

That also means that today is the last day to enter my giveaway.I will close the entries at midnight NSW (DSL) time. And will post up the winners after work tomorrow evening. So do pop back tomorrow and see if you were a winner.

Bloggers Quilt Festival

2010-10-31T09:08:00.005+11:00

Amy at Amys' Creative Side is hosting the 4th Bloggers Quilt Festival.

I have decided to join in the fun. This is a great way of seeing some very beautiful quilts.

This quilt is one of those quilts that I never thought I would finish. It's an American sampler and was the quilt my Quilting Bible Study group - The Rose of Sharon Quilters - made in our 3rd year of quilting, about 9 years ago, unfortunately I am not one to label my quilts so I am not sure of the exact year. It took me over 5 years to finish this quilt as I was very upset with the centre panel so I just put it away for several years.

This quilt was made in very different colours for me & was made for a very specific room, but it took me so many years to finish that we had moved house and the colours were no longer quite right. It now sits over the fence that separates my lounge room from the entry. Occasionally someone will sit under it, but it really was always meant to be a showpiece

This quilt taught me many blocks and techniques and will remain one of those "lifetime" quilts.

Going to highlight just a few blcoks for you:-

My favourite blocks was always the log cabin -even b4 i started quilting, this blosk just fascinated me, so I just loved learning how to. The turkey tracks was a challenge to get those curves right but i was very happy I persevered and got it done (I may never sew curves again though). I had always wanted to learn how to make a basket block and I got to learn 2 differrent baskets in this quilt.

Once I finshed putting the quilt together and found the right border & quilted each block inthe ditch I decided that this would be a great quilt

to hand quilt as well. The first block I tried to hand quilt was the log cabins and I just loved ther sanil trail quilting and this is how i always quilt log cabins now in my mind this is the only way to quit them (for me). Each block has some form of hand quilting, some more than others.

Two of the blocks were hand turned applique and with many of the techniques int his quilt this was very new to me.

I have since learned a much simpler way and hand applique but this was a great technique to learn and have under my quilting belt.

These two blocks (& the 4 log cabins) are completley hand quilted.

The hand quilting took me three years. I am so glad I did part hand quilt it but I am not sure i would ever tackle such a large project to hand quilt.

Blogtoberfest day 30 - Local Winery Visit

2010-10-30T08:48:00.011+11:00

My nephew Mark and his best buddy Beth were down this weekend from Sydney and after a family bbq on Friday night (photos to come) we decided to do a local winery trip today. So Beth, MArk, Davina, Royce & I headed of just after 11am.

We started with a High tea for lunch at Belachara, Gerringong, That was wonderful and we had the best prawn sandwich that we have ever eaten. The scones were quite amazing also.

We then headed to the Crooked River winery at Gerringong but were quite disappointed with the way we were treated there. But we still came away with some amazing white Pyjama port and a gorgeous pyjama chocolate port, so called cause the best way to enjoy them is to be curled up relaxed in your pj's.

Next stop Mountain Ridge at Coolangatta. We arrived at the tail end of a bus tour so we walked in to the most amazing atmosphere. Despite being ridiculously busy we were made to feel very welcome and quite special. The bus group left and the other small groups left and we were all alone in the cellar door. The treatment we were given there was incredible. Nothing was to much for them and they were very happy for us to try as much as we wanted (the place b4 had a limit of 5 tastings and we were reminded several times of this). We came away with quite a lot from here including an amazing Macadamia liquor and a Bramble port (blackberry seeped port) yummmmmmm oh and some beer made on the premises. we were also served, just b4 we left, a platter of home baked crusty bread with dukka and olive oil balsamic vinegar, yum. Because we were the only people there at this time we were told the history of the winery and their vision for the future.

From there we headed to the Two Figs Winery, which was at the top of the most ridiculous narrow dirt road. BUT look at the gorgeous

views of the Shoalhaven river we had.

When we arrived here there was already a tour bus there and another one arrived not long after we did so they were extremely busy. They had some lovely wine including a sweet desert wine called sticky fig and a great tawny port.

I kept running into a really nice guy who just wanted to have his photo taken, so if you my friend have made it here to my blog I hope you have enjoyed my memory of the day in photos.

Today has reinspired my son to one day own a winery with a self sufficient restuarant on the same property. Isn't it nice to dream.

I have had a few people ask how I do my photo collages. My sister in law Cathy told me About a free download programme called photoscapes. So I googled it and found their website. Downloaded the program and off I went. I have only just scratched the surface of what this editing programme can do but am very happy with what I am doing so far. When I have more time to play I will try out the other things it can do aside from collages. When/if you do download this programme the one thing I first struggled with was what part of the programe does the collages - so I will tell you its the "Pages" icon that is at approximately 2 o clock on the home page icons.

blogtoberfest day 29 - first roses of the season

2010-10-29T08:08:00.005+11:00

my roses are also loving the rain we are having at the moment and most of my bushes are well laden.

I have cut just a few roses to put in the house, there's still plenty more on the bushes.

Don't forget there just a few more days to enter my giveaway. Comment on any post to gain an extra entry - the more posts you comment on the more entries you get.

Blogtoberfest day 28 - how does your garden grow

2010-10-28T08:04:00.006+11:00

Very well thank you.........

Our vegie patch is just loving the rain that we are having every few days.

from top left is our tomatoes, legume bed,view from the legume bed to onion bed and tomato bed, brasica bed and root crops, this bed was mostly plated as seeds.

From top left - zucchini, cucumbers, beans & lettuce, dwarf peas and beans, close up of a bean plant - this is very exciting as the beans and peas were the first seeds we planted.

Our herb bed has gone quite wild with all this rain we have had. While I was trying to weed it out I found this little fellow watching me work, he was quite happy to sit in this large rhubarb leaf.

Blogtoberfest day 27 - celebration

2010-10-27T14:54:00.008+11:00

Our 25th wedding anniversary celebrations started a day early with my sister and her partner Steven turning up expectantly to share a drink with us for our anniversary and they bought this dirty great big box of chocolates and bubbly. Davina and her SIL made this for us.

John bought me this gorgeous silver jewellery set with little purple gems in it. Very pretty.
Apart form our night away I bought John a silver anniverary frame and popped the most recent (until last night) photo of the two of us in it.

After I finished work we headed to Gerringong and our night away from home. While we were there John booked his & Haylee's trip to Ireland next Easter.

We stayed at the beautiful Bellachara Boutique Motel in Gerringong and had dinner in their restaurant. I forgot to take photos of our meals.

I had roasted beetroot with puy lentils and fetta salad s, followed by beef fillets with a herbed polenta cake and baby vegetables and for dessert a passion fruit parfait with a sesame tuille.

John had brie & Riesling soup with walnuts and pan fried ocean trout.

On the way home today we did a little shopping. I came away with 2 shrugs, a red & a purple one. AND two pairs of shoes. I finally found a pair of black sandals that I can wear to work (only been looking for 2 years for the right pair) and how gorgeous are these little orange shoes, you can wear them as I have on here or put the strap behind your ankles.

Don't forget about my giveaway . You get an entry by commenting on each of my posts, thats one for each post and if you become a follower and let me know thats another entry.

Blogtoberfest day 26 - 25th Wedding Anniversary

2010-10-26T07:58:00.006+11:00

Today John & I are celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

My parents were so proud of me and they just adored John.

My sister Davina was my matron of honour and niece Simone was my flower girl & her brother (my nephew) Shawn our pageboy.

we were married at hanging rock, a beautiful setting with the Shoalhaven river flowing behind us.

John's friend Herbie (who was born on the same day as John) was our best man.

We were married on my sister Jeneen 20th birthday and my niece Kaycee's 4th birthday.

The group photo is me with my brothers & sisters before we left for the ceremony.

My sister Jeneen top right and niece KC bottom left.

Love you John - thank you for sharing your life with me. Lookig forward to the next 25.

Blogtoberfest day 25 - getting ready for tomorrow

2010-10-25T07:18:00.003+11:00

Sharing a few of my wedding Lo's with you Check back tomorrow to see why.

Blogtoberfest day 24 - One week to go

2010-10-24T09:53:00.005+11:00

Only one week to go to enter my blogtoberfest giveaway, go here for the original post and the rules. I have updated the photo of what I am giving away, just need to add lace to the bundle which is only a sample of what you will receive but this is the sewing companion and book mark

I also promised an extra prize when we got to 50 follower and if we doubled my followers.

I have decided to give away another sewing companion now that we have made it to 50 followers. AND if we make it to 80 (double my original followers) I will make one of my retro reversible aprons and add that as a prize.

Also to make it even sweeter, blog about my blog & giveaway, tell your readers to come over, tell me you sent them and follow me and the person who refers the most new followers will win a secret gift. Which will include a handmade item. buttons and a FQ.

Giveaway open until 12midnight sunday 31 October. Will post winners Monday afternoon.

Blogtoberfest day 23 - lots of yummy fabric.

2010-10-23T21:43:00.004+11:00

Earlier this week I received in the mail two big bags of fabric. A craft forum friend, Jane, was selling off some of her fabric stash so I went a little mad and bought up BIG.

This first fabric has been purchased specifically to make a present for a certain person (can't say too much as I think she may pop in here on occasions to see what I am up to), Will be starting on this project next month so keep an eye out I might do a few teasers.

I was very excited when I saw that Jane had some Fig & Plum fabric. I started a quilt at my quilters retreat in August with this fabric & didn't have enough to fit the bed. So after i have finished sewing for the fundraiser I am going to finish the quilt with THIS fabric. This will go in the spare bedroom.

This fabric is really not my colourings but I think its good sometimes to step outside of your comfort zone. Not sure what this will become yet. But it looks so pretty sitting with my stash.

I bought this set purely because I LOVE ric rac and that's what the large piece is - ric rac fabric - how cool. Again no plans for this one but I did find a really nice pattern on the Moda Bake shop for Charming stars quilt - it uses 3 charm packs but I could always just make it a little smaller.

How scrumptius is this fabric and it came with 10 (yes 10) matching FQ's.

Now this one is likely to be used in a swap but again not going to say too much in case my partner pops in here, but the gift uses 2 Fq's and a charm pack.

Although I think the fabric above may be more her colours I don't want to cut up the layer cake to make it.

Well I think I just may have to go off and play with my fabric again. I am thinking of putting it in a display basket until I get around to cutting it up.

Blogtoberfest day 21 - hexies

2010-10-22T19:47:00.002+11:00

This months hexy flower was made for Sandra. She wanted a cream centre with blue flowers, I hope I got these petals blue enough.

last months hexy flower was for Donna i had awful trouble with this hexy. I sewed two petals together straight down instead of going around the hexy, had to unpick it and then I sewed it back in the SAME place. And blow me down when I started on the other side of the flower I did the same thing twice again. And to make matters work once i finally got it in the post a week later than planned it didn't make it to its destination. Sooooooooooooooooo

I made Donna a second hexy flower and this one arrived this week and i sewed it together without any hiccups.

Blogtoberfest day 21 - The Rose of Sharon Quilters

2010-10-21T06:53:00.003+11:00

Each Wednesday night during school term for the last 12 years I have been going to Brenda's place (in white shirt in centre of photo) for my Bible study quilting group called the Rose of Sharon Quilters.

Brenda & Esther (in denim vest) have over the years taught us so much, lots of quiting techniques but mostly lots about God's love, Jesus sacrifice, how to live for God & share is word with other. They have done this in many ways the way that stands out the most is how they love each one of us and support us through whatever is happening in our lives with words of wisdom, comfort or encouragement, prayer and very often practical help (like meals, a cuppa, hugs and even groceries). I sooooo love these two women and am very very blessed to have them in my life. I have also loved getting to know all the ladies who have come over the years and simply love the group we have now, feel so comfortable with them that I can share with confidence that they will be praying for me and encouraging me to continue to live my life in a Godly way (which I don't always get right).

We have been through a lot as a group and in our separate lives and just knowing that we are all there willing to pray and support each other is such a blessing and encouragement.

We also have a lot of fun, laugh a lot and eats really nice suppers. And we just love having our photo taken.

Last night we started our new study - A John Stott study on Jesus. our last study was a book study, Calm my Anxious heart and i will share about that in another post as I need to take photos for it.

Blogtoberfest day 20 - New Shoes

2010-10-20T15:38:00.002+11:00

have I ever told you that I love shoes? Well I loooooooooooooooooooooove shoes. I decided I need to buy a few pair of sandles for summer for work so I trotted down to Rivers. I have totally become a rivers shoes fan, every pair of shoes i have bought from there lasts me a few seasons

(I am very very hard on shoes), usually cost less that $40, and are comfortable as soon as I put them on. I don't buy anything else there as I don't like the way the store is set up to find clothes - but I love their shoes.

Any so I head down there with $70 to try to buy 2 pair of sandals and unfortunately they had very little in the way of sandals so I bought myself these 3 pair of gorgeous shoes instead. The top right shoes are faux red patent leather with a red flowers stitched on them, they are adorable. The bottom left are a simple slip on with sequins all over them, a very Gail shoes. And the bottom right shoes is a sling back in reddy brown colour - these will be perfect for summer. I had to put back two other pair of shoes as I went way over my budget - but these 3 little beauties only cost me $85 - bargain...........

blogtoberfest day 19 - more aprons

2010-10-19T07:46:00.005+11:00

This blue apron was made for my nephews 8th birthday yesterday. He told me on FB yesterday that he has already worn it when he helped his mum cook nachos for dinner. I added a large pocket with separate areas to the pattern as kids need places to put things.

i didn't have any kiddy fabric suitable for his age so I used the fabric I used on the reversible aprons. I was very happy with how it turned out.

These are the aprons I made for the twins 2nd birthday on Sunday. A Bob the builder for Jackson & a Dora the Explorer for Isabella.

Blogtoberfest day 18 - WOW 52 followers

2010-10-18T07:53:00.004+11:00

I have been taken by surprise to see we have reached over 50 followers so quickly. Quicker than I expected so I have been taken off guard for the extra prize, will think about it today and post tonight what the extra gift will be.

Just a quick reminder of what i am giving away so far - have look here to see how to get more entries.

Blogtoberfest day 17 - Happy Birthday Isabella & Jackson

2010-10-17T09:01:00.004+11:00

Today is the 2nd birthday of my great neice & nephew, Jackson & Isabella. I made them an apron each, a Bob the Builder for J and a Dora the Explorer for I. Their mum and all the other ladies liked them the twins weren't so impressed, but they didn't seem to care for any of their pressies today.

Happy birthday XXXX.

I'm off to see My Fair Lady this arvo so I will be back with some piccies hopefully.

Blogtoberfest day 16 - SWitch women's conference

2010-10-16T20:40:00.003+11:00

Today was the inaugural Switch Conference at Waterslea. It's first women's conference for the Shoalhaven and it was a wonderful day of great Biblical teaching. The theme was faith in a fallen world and Jackie Stoneman walked us through Romans 12 in the first session finishing with we need to pray, cling to God and to support each other as we live for God in a world that does not want to know God.

The 2nd session (after morning tea) was quite confronting as we looked at the media's impact on our girls, scary is the word I would use and I have a bit more understanding of how fast our little girls are made to grow up and how sexually orientated media are including our music stars. we need to protect our girls and let them be little girls, not make them grow up faster than they should. We were shocked to hear that they made padded bras for 6 years old and push up bras for ten year olds.

We then had a noodle box lunch overlooking the beautiful Shoalhaven river. After lunch we had 2 electives - I chose Friendship evangelism and aging gracefully. I found both most helpful and now have some very simple exercise to do at any time of the day such as every time I get up from a chair I am to do it 5 times with out use of my arms and even try to do it one legged. This will strengthen my thighs so that in the event of a fall I will have the strength to stop myself from falling all the way to the ground. I was also encouraged to use the "ambulance prayer" (whenever you hear an ambulance you pray for the victim, the ambulance, and any medical staff involved) in all situations ie as i am going shopping for God to give me the words and for his love to shine through me to all I encounter.

What was exciting about this conference is that the women who organised it expected 100 women to be interested, they prayed that 200 would come but God bought 375 women to hear his word. some even came form as far as Canberra & Wollongong.

The other thing that was exciting about this conference for me was that it was the first conference Haylee & I have BOTH attended (even if we did go in separate cars).

Dont forget my giveaway, you can enter on each post if you want to to give you more chances to win.

Blgotoberfest day 15 - almost halfway there - time for a giveaway

2010-10-15T08:21:00.005+11:00

To mark the middle of Blogtoberfest I am having a giveaway which will consist of one of my sewing companions made with the sewing fabric, one of my fibre bookmarks, a fat quarter and a mixed bag of ribbons, ric rac, lace & buttons.

To enter make a comments on any of my blogtoberfest posts. If you become a follower (or already are you ) you will get a 2nd entry and if you blog about it and leave me link to your post you will recieve another entry.

Please make a separate post to let me know

Now to make it sweeter if I get to 50 followers I will add an extra prize and if I double my followers (80) I will add a third prize.

If you are reading my blog but do not have a blog yourself please send me a message me by going to my profile and following the email me link.

Blogtoberfest - self portrait challenge

2010-10-14T18:39:00.005+11:00

Cathy (tinniegirl) has challenged us to a self portrait today. I am so bad at self portraits I can never get the angle right and I pull these dumb faces. I have seen some done with mirrors so I thought I would use this little porthole style mirror on our antique wardrobe. And i am quite happy witht he result. Why don't you pop over to tinniegirls blog and join in the fun

Blogtoberfest day 14 - Bookmarks

2010-10-14T08:14:00.011+11:00

A quick piccy of me laughing like a goose with Karen & Haylee.

Here are my latest Bookmarks that I have completed, over 35 made this time, 20 have gone to the shop. We have now sold 115 of these at work. I am pretty chuffed with that. I have also made 8 for the SECET fundraiser and have one to giveaway as well as a bundle spare ready for whatever.

Blogtoberfest day 13 - A most excellent day with Karen & Steve

2010-10-13T08:43:00.008+11:00

My wonderful SOF Friend karen & her DH Steve called in for a few days on their long awaited Holiday, they are making their way from Rockhampton to Tassie.

They arrived late afternoon yesterday and we started our time together with a lovely BBQ cooked by John and a gorgeous lemon yoghurt pie for dessert, mmmmmmm. We then sat up to very late chatting.

This morning we decided after a fairly late start to head out to Jervis Bay. Karen was told we had the whitest sand in Australia and she wanted to see it. I took them to Huskisson as the first point of call and told them we would work our way down to a few more beaches.

Welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll - the best laid plans......

We parked at the Husky Pub car park and wandered along the water down to the wharf. As we did one of the dolphin cruisers was coming. We decided to watch it moor and as we did I was pretty sure my BIL Glenn was the skipper. When I heard his voice I realised it was, so I called out to him. Well to cut a long story short we ended up on his next trip out - on the Extreme Boat to do a lit bit of Dolphin and hopefully whale watching. He had just seen a few whales on the trip he just came back from.

We headed out to Point Perpendicular, saw a huge pod of dolphins - who are extremely hard to photograph - wandered along the edge of the cliff to see the amazing rock formations and then headed back into the bay as another boat had spotted whales.

This is the 3 of us with my BIL Glenn, the skipper (in red jacket) and few pictures of the amazing whales. We witnessed quite a show - there were two pods, 2 mother humpback whales and their calves and they gave us the most amazing feeding show.

Then they had a wonderful time playing around, flapping their pectoral fins, waving their tail around, breaching a few times and at one point one mother whale bought her calf almost right up to the boat for us to see. WOW that was so amazing.

The large photo in this collage is showing how close the whales came to our boat.

Needless to say after this we didn't get to the other beaches, but I don't think any of us were disappointed.

we finished the day of with a beautiful roast lamb dinner and chocolate tart. Cathy, Kyle & Tasha came over and joined us for tea also. This was the first time Cathy & Karen had met so that was pretty special.

A big thank you to Cathy who told us about photoscapes a free download that allowed me to make these great collages very quickly.

Blogtoberfest day 12 - the frogs are back

2010-10-12T15:57:00.004+11:00

During winter the frogs almost disappeared but they have returned and most are at least twice the size of what they were b4, some 3 times. One is the size of my thumb.

Blogtoberfest day 11 - Saturday in Berry

2010-10-11T07:39:00.001+11:00

On Saturday I went to Berry with my wonderful friend Andrea while Haylee took Andrea's girls to Gerringong for the afternoon. we couldn't believe how quickly the afternoon went. We had lunch at Jetz and then headed to the best candle shop ever, Candleberries.

We always start with a really good look around, smell lots of candles and then go off and do the rest of our shopping and come back to purchase once we have thougth about all the lovely smells.

We quickly popped into Quest - a gorgeous kitchen ware store but they didn't have a microplane but they should arrive this week. I have been wanting one for so long but thought they were just too expensive BUT several companies have put out one that is affordable (scanpan being one).

Then we wondered over to Sew & Tell where I picked up this gorgeous sewing fabric that will make some very lovely sewing companions.

We visited the new tea shop - oh my there were some beautiful teapot and cups in there.

Another shop I just love to visit is Haven & Space a home wares store. I picked up a gift for a friend (another days post) and this very cute little tray.

When we left haven & Space the girls had just arrived back from Gerringong but went their own way for a little bit while we went back tot he candle shop and who do you think we found in there - yep the 3 girls.

I bought myself a few different candle this time. A snickerdoole melt, green tea & rose tea lights, coffee candles and a lime candle.

Here are all my purchases.

Andrea bought this pack of charms to make a table runner. She would really like to learn to quilt but I think she needs to start small.

Andrea also bought me this trio candle on behalf of her dog Remy as a TY for looking after him last week.

Blogtoberfest Day 10 - 10/10/10

2010-10-10T19:26:00.005+11:00

Today was the tenth day of the tenth month of the tenth year of the 21st century. Sooooooo what did today bring you.

I slept in till 8am had a slow start to the day. Watered the garden, fed the sheep. Watched "Ace of Cakes" and the coolest episode of a show I don't normally like "Cake Boss" - they made the most amazing cake for Sesame Streets 40th anniversary. The cake was 3 1/2ft wide & 8 feet long. It had every character on it and all the buildings - it was awesome.

So today was really just a normal day in my life. Was yours????????? Or did you do something special to mark this special occasion.

Blogtoberfest day 9 - First Photoshop lesson

2010-10-09T11:12:00.007+11:00

Tonight my 13 year old friend Bella gave me my very first lesson in Photoshop. I have had photoshop on my computer for 8 weeks now and all I could do was upload, crop and a little bit of organising. So when Bella saw my PSE programme and got all excited we decided tonight was photoshop night. So we had showers, got in our jammies, had a big bowl of raspberry ripple icecream with raspberry sauce and slivered almonds and then started playing in photoshop.

Bella did a few things to show me what to do including changing the background of the frog to B&W and enhancing the colour of the frog.

Bella also took a photo of me and cut out all the background and put me next to a tree in a field of lavender, but blogger couldn't upload it.

Next we found this cool pic of a some macaroons and I made the background B&W and left the two pink macaroons in the centre.

We then found these fun tools that gave special effects to the photo. This one is plastic wrapped.

This one is textured.

And this one has an extra glow added.

Next we had a play with blurring. Bella had not tried this b4 but she found a tool to do the blurring and practised on this photo of my KC on her wedding day with her family. We blurred everyone but KC.

I then had a play at blurring this photo of my two gorgeous children & I. I had so much fun playing with these great tools, so be warned you will be seeing more of my photoshop creations.

Blogtoberfest day 8 - a few random photos

2010-10-08T09:01:00.005+11:00

We had Remy stay for a week while Andrea and the girls were on holidays. Ziggy just loves having Remy around to play with. I couldn't help but take a piccy when I saw them both asleep on Ziggies bed.

While wandering around our yard the other day I found this little self seeded crop of chives growing alongside one of our paths. Must remember its here and pick it when I need chives.

Blogtoberfest day 7

2010-10-07T18:27:00.004+11:00

Last night I cooked the most wicked beef standing rib roast accompanied by the crispest roast spuds and other yummy vegies. Even made a fab gravy out of the roast cooking juices. Yummmmmmmmy - well it would have been had I been able to enjoy it.

As I was getting the potatoes out of the oven the door closed on me burning both of my arms from below the elbow to just above it. Spent hours in agony last night with both arms resting on ice packs. I decided to ring A&E about 9pm to see if I should go in - she told me to soak it for 1/2 hour in cold water to see if that helps and then wrap it up. That's all they would do for me and they had a 3 hour wait.

What was really lovely through all this was how Royce my 22 year old son fussed over me. Trying to make me comfortable - even it it was pumping me with pain killers. He made sure when he left the house to go to bed (he lives in the granny flat across the driveway) that his father knew how to look after me. We have decided that his concern came from his experience of not being able to get comfortable or sleep well after his many many accidents ie falling off bikes and slamming his thumb with a hammer etc.

Any way I had very little sleep and ended up moving to the lounge at 5am to watch TV and try to get comfy on the recliner.

Today I kept up the painkillers and kept them bandaged until just a little while ago when I had a bath. I have blister the size of my thumbnail on the right arm and a blister 1/2 the size of my pinky nail. Have slathered them in aloe vera and re bandaged them both. Hope I sleep better today.

Blogtoberfest day 6 - SECET fundraiser

2010-10-06T09:12:00.005+11:00

I have been telling you for a little while about the fundraiser I am sewing for . Well its a Christmas High tea garden Party in November, held in the garden of a friend from church - Sue. She is opening her garden to raise money for SECET - Shoalhaven Employers Of Christian Education Teachers, they put paid scripture teachers in all 4 of our local Public High Schools.

I am hoping to get a nice stockpile up on many different sewn goodies.

I have completed 3 reversible aprons (pattern from tipnut) with cute pockets and a flounce in a co-ordinating fabric. The first pic is of all three aprons.

The first red apron is striped on one side, utensils on the other with a spot and checked trims (flounce, pockets & straps).

The 2nd red apron has a check front and utensils reversed side with stripes and spots as the trims.

The next three pictures are of the blue apron, firstly showing the front, the reversed side and the front with the back folded over to see them together. This is very similar in fabrics to the apron I made for the apron swap last month. Still wanting to make one of these for myself, but now am thinking I might keep a red one instead.

Blogtoberfest day 5 - vegie patch

2010-10-05T07:49:00.006+11:00

We have now planted out almost 5 of our 6 garden beds. it's so exciting to go out each day to see a few more onions standing up straight or an extra set of leaves on the tomatoes and I can't tell you how exciting it is to see a garlic, bean or pea sprout through the dirt. The first three pictures are of our onion beds. The first is our garlic peeking through. The 2nd photo is the onion bed b4 mulching (has a light straw covering) and the 3rd photo is it tucked up in its sugar cane coat.

These are our brasicas waiting to be planted & the bed after planting .

Our zucchini, cucumber and eggplant bed covered in a net Cage to keep out the birds.

Our legume & lettuce bed. There are afew peas & beans sprouts just poking through but you couldn't see them in a piccy so I deleted it.

blogger was not very co operative during this post so i hope the photo is with its appropriate explanation.

Blogtoberfest day 4 - A ME day

2010-10-04T09:34:00.005+11:00

Today is a public holiday and I am planned on spending the day sewing. After much procrastination and even a nanna nap I did manage to get into the sewing room. This is what I finished today. More sewing companions. I am hoping to have 10 of these made for the fundraiser in November (more about that in an upcoming post).

I am still working on more baby burpers and a few bibs.

It was nice to have a day to me as we had a visitor over the weekend and also had my sister & brother in law over for an early bbq tea in time for the men to watch the footy yesterday. Davina took the opportunity to do a few things on my computer while I kept on finishing the edges on some book marks

Blogtoberfest day 3

2010-10-03T10:13:00.003+11:00

Another of the sewing companions - this one was made for my GF Meryl for her birthday. I filled it with a pair of scissors, a quick unpick, tailors pencil, reel of cotton and a tape measure. She loved it and has decided to leave it at her dance studio so the next time she had to measure a child for a costume she would have a tape measure on hand (she didn't the day b4)

This is the second hexy flower I have made for the swap at my craft forum , this one I made for Donna. i can't believe that I had to unpick this at least 4 times as i made the same mistake twice in a row ie unpicked it then made the same mistake straight away at two different times, grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Blogtoberfest 2010

2010-10-02T09:01:00.006+10:00

I have decided to join in the Blogtoberfest fun again this year, albeit a day late.

Soooooooooooooooooooooo come back each day to see what I am up to. There might also be a giveaway or two to be had.
Yesterday we hosted a craft morning in conjunction with the library and Scholastic Klutz range of kids craft/activities. we had about 50 children join in through the morning. They had their face painted and then joined in on 3 different activities:- rubbings, origami and velvet art. Was a wonderful morning.

Sewing Companions

2010-09-20T21:04:00.003+10:00

Just loving making theses little sewing companions from tipnut.com

My collection of three.

The pattern comes with this tiny matching needle case.

I have made these for a fundraser and this one has already sold.

Leannes hexi for September.

Great Aunty Gail

2010-09-05T22:02:00.004+10:00

I have a new great niece - Olivia Jayne. Born 11.59 September 3, 6lb 90z, 47cm. we visited her on her 2nd day. She is beautiful.

Tasha's birthday quilt

2010-09-02T14:13:00.006+10:00

My niece Tasha turned 12 on Tuesday, but I only managed to get to give her present to her today.

Not the best photo - quite fuzzy really - but she was so excited when she realised I had made her a quilt and that I had used the same fabric as the bag I made her last year - I was astounded that she recognised the fabric from the back and she was only seeing the binding that 1/2" of fabric. The quilt I made her was in fact made with the same block as her bag from last year.

When she saw it was a quilt she said how much she wanted one. Now she doesn't need to drag her cover of her bed when she wishes to sit under one in the lounge room (sorry another really fuzzy photo)

Cuddling up in her new quilt.

The "Spiral Strips" quilt was made using a Butterfly fling Jelly roll from Moda. This is one of my favourite fabric ranges.

This is the 2nd quilt I have made with this range - I have given both away. I still have a layer cake and I making that up for me to keep.

A look at the quilting on the back, this was the first time I have tried swirls & I am very happy with the outcome. Dianne did the free form butterflies for me as I just couldn't get it right.

Spring has sprung

2010-09-01T22:16:00.007+10:00

Spring arrived with blue sky but not much sun, however it was a very pleasant day, and we didn't need to light the fire. We are very ready for spring - especially in our vegie garden .

Our 6 beds are waiting for the vegies to be planted, they have their blankets of hay keeping them warm and moist.

We went to a garden lovers fair and have bought a few of our plants, just waiting for planting.

We have birds visiting our yard and the lambs next door are springing all over the place. They are running out of grass on their property so they have been grazing on the bridle track which is just outside my sewing room window. I didn't think of taking any photos though. Will next time they are out.

Our tea for the first day of spring was a Nigella recipe - Chicken & saffron pilaf. It was yummy.

i came home from quilters with a bunch of lavender - another reminder of spring - a floral smell in the air.

Ist of September was the opening day for the craft forum's apron swap. I swapped with Donna and this gorgeous purple striped apron with the pink striped frill is what she made me. I LOVE it. Its so me and it's a quilting apron.

This is the front of the apron I made for Donna, I was so pleased with how this has turned out that I have one cut out waiting for me to make up for myself.

The apron I made for Donna is reversible - so here is the back.

Here is the lovely spotty hexy flower made for me by Judy.

What have I been up to

2010-08-27T09:13:00.009+10:00

Saturday 14 August was Royce's 22nd birthday but as I was
away at retreat we went to the Greenwell Point Bowling Club Chinese for dinner on the Sunday night.

I was given this lovely box of flowers by my dear friend Esther after I had minor surgery. Aren't they pretty, purple & orange 2 of my fav colours.

LAst weekend I was asked by my friend Andrea if I would give her a refresher course on sewing. So I gave her some scrap and let her practice for a little while. Once she had some confidence, she made this little pin cushion.

One very happy sewer.

I have joined a flower hexy swap in the craft forum and this is my very first attempt at making one. This is for Lynette. I hope she likes it - I am quite proud of my first attempt.

A sneak preview of the apron I have made for Donna - opening day is next Wednesday so you can't see it all just yet. I loved this so much I have one sitting cut our ready to make up for me. I am also hoping to make a few for the SECET fund raiser Garden party on November.

My niece is having her new baby girls next Friday and these are the bunny rugs and burpers I made for her baby shower last Sunday.

This months framed hexy was for Linda. I have made Linda a few things this year and had a little of the fabric left over so I used it on her hexy.

Jeanette made this hexy for me this month. I haven't been able to master embroidery so am very happy to be given a hexy with such beautiful work.

Quilters retreat

2010-08-23T18:19:00.006+10:00

Friday 14 August my quilting Bible study group - The Rose of Sharon Quilters - went to Upper Kangaroo Valley for a weekend retreat. We stayed at Clifton Cottage, a lovely home owned by Anglican youthworks and available to rent out.

We had a wonderful time. Clifton Cottage is nestled among rolling hills and has the most beautiful outlook. Here's Dianne taking in the scenery.

The following photos are views from my bed room.

We had such a relaxed time that I could just sit and contemplate my slippers if I wanted to..........

A small taste of the lovely morning teas we had. we ate very well indeed over the weekend.

A very fuzzy photo of Brenda & Esther our Bible study leaders, laughing as usual.

Ali, Cathy and Beryl organising our baked dinner on Saturday night.

When we were discussing a dessert Ali jokingly said said she could make jelly, Beryl said she would love jelly so Ali bought a pack of green jelly and we made a big bowl up just for Beryl to have with her white chocolate cheesecake.

I had a wonderful time and managed to make the centre of a double bed quilt. Just need to make it a little longer and put borders on and then it is ready to quilt. Will show a photo when I have the borders on.

Vegie patch progess

2010-08-09T21:17:00.005+10:00

Royce & I have been talking about starting a vegie patch for months now. Last week we finally made a start.

This is the size and site our vegie patch will be.

We began digging into the ground as Royce really wanted to try Pete Cundall's patch from scratch idea but is didn't work as the ground was too wet so we are now putting in 6 raised beds.

Royce is hoping to get a six year rotation plan going in the 6 beds.

3 beds made and filled with soil and mushy compost.

We have 2 1/2 acres so there are a lot of trees that drop branches and others that need to be pruned , so we have bought a mulcher and are making our own mulch. This will be used in the paths between the beds.

Pile of removed grass that will go into our compost bays when they are built and the pile of mushy compost that is being added to the soil as they go into the beds.

Straw for mulching the beds.

Sleepers cut waiting to be made into 3 more beds.

This is where we live

2010-08-08T21:24:00.005+10:00

I have had a request to see photos of our property - we live on 2 1/2 acres - so I thought the best way was to make a collage. From top left our house from the gate,looking down the driveway to the large shed, to the right of the shed is our pool and just outside of this photo is Royce's granny flat.Middle left - front garden, looking down the side of the house, looking back up the yard from where the last photo finished.Bottom left - Looking across the backyard to Royces Granny flat shed, this gate marks where the three paddocks start, looking from the gate back to the house. There are small gardens as well but I can't find the photos of those. Keep an eye out for the vegie patch progress posts coming up soon.

Shop Displays

2010-08-04T07:09:00.009+10:00

I have done a few fun windows at work recently so I thought I would share them with my friends (that's you!!!!!!!). If you have been following or reading my blog for a while you will know that I do most of the window at shop displays at work, but this Gruffalo display was done on one of my days off. I shared it with you because I have been very involved with the reason for this display and that is The Gruffalo Live is coming to Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (SEC)tomorrow. We have been working alongside the SEC to help promote it. We had 4 tix to giveaway - anyone who purchased a Gruffalo product went in the draw. The lady who won the tix has a disabled young adult son so he and a few of his friends will get to see it - I am very excited that she won. Also yesterday I helped judge the Gruffalo colouring comp that we had sponsored. We have some very talented up and coming artist in our area.

The following windows I am responsible for - please forgive me for the shocking photos we have the most reflective window and no matter how hard I try I cant take a pic without seeing all that is going on in the street.

This window as you can probably tell is a children's window - we had a great cut out for Mem Fox's new book "A Giraffe in the Bath" and some great new kids books that we decided it would make a great window.

The toys in the window are usually scattered around our children's section.

This little bean bag that the cow is sitting on is simply a bag of packaging beans wrapped in a piece of children's fabric. I was very surprised when I was told that customers have come in the shop to look at the bean bags we are selling. In fact as I was pulling this window apart I had a customer very upset that all the big cushions from the window had sold.

This is our current window - went up on Monday - a cooking window. I picked up this fabric from Spotty for $8m, its not that easy to see but it has cooking utensils and pots & pans on it. Looks really cool.

Our Local Mitre 10 loaned us the cookware for the window.

A close up to help you see the fabric better - click on image for a larger view

2010-08-03T16:54:00.002+10:00

Blogger was not behaving in my first post so I decided to just put up a separate post with a photo of Trish's table runner - not just a photo of the folded runner.

FINALLY finished

2010-08-03T07:37:00.007+10:00

It has been over 5 years in the making and I am proud to finally present my "Cabins Cosy" tablecloth.

This is made of of 36 offset log cabins blocks that have a bear paw block in the corner. The bear paws are made up with 1 1/2" half triangle squares that drove me to distraction. I was so disappointed with how each bear paw turned out that I threw them all in a bag in the back of the linen press and promptly forgot about them. Last year I pulled them out and completed the log cabins so this year when my Quilting Bible study group resumed I just had to put it together. The sashing seemed to take forever but finally came together. I then quilted it on Dianne's Long arm machine and frame. Last week I managed to sew on the binding and now it graces my table. I am really happy with ow it turned out and am really pleased that my quilting friends are so encouraging as I Just don't think I would have completed this without their encouragement.

The place mat swap that I have been a part of in the Craft Forum has now finished. here are all 6 place mats I received........

The gorgeous table runner that Sharyn made for me for our July finale.

& the VERY bright table runner I made for Trish. She requested bright fabric with a black back ground. I think I delivered.