Quilting

Raffle Quilt

2011-09-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

My camera went missing a while ago had some friends over and somehow tidied it away into the tidy hole. But then it turned up in the drawer of the coffee table now I did look there but it must have been a man look. Anyway its here again had a few photos on it to catch you all up on so I am going to start with what I took last week.

I donated this quilt for Kylie to raffle fundraising for guide jamboree she is a leader and its in January in Hamilton (I think)

So she raised $47 luckily the lady who won was delighted but I did say to her I think it would have been cheaper for me to donate $50 next time. It certainly didn't cover the cost of the quilt.

2011-07-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a small group of us went and said our final good byes to our friend Elaine her daughter Emily found this spot on Wellington's South Coast that had a view of the island at Island Bay Elaine's favourite spot. Once we had placed the ashes in the water we had a glass of champagne Elaine would have approved of that.

On a quilty note I was trying to lay out a table runner ( I don't have a design wall big sigh)thinking I'd be able to sort it out tomorrow bad move Freddi decided it was more fun to race around on the floor rustling the flannel backed table cloth so needless to say I didn't get the tablerunner laid out ready to sew.

Lyall Bay Beach

2011-07-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful winters day that after I had taken my 16 year old son clothes shopping. I don't know why clothes shopping for someone else is not as interesting as looking for fabric. Anyway it wasn't too bad he has grown out of all his tee shirts and hoodies, the sales were on and I got off lightly 3 tee shirts and a nice hoodie later we were able to escape the shopping mall.
Poor Bolt had been locked in the kitchen all morning waiting for her walk since I had the car she is allowed in we went around to Lyall Bay Beach which dogs are allowed on about half the beach. You can see ti is a beautiful beach we are so lucky that dogs are allowed on this beach as there are not many beaches in Wellington dogs are allowed to run freely.

And yes I think she enjoyed herself luckily there were quite a few other dogs to play with

Mums 80th

2011-07-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

I've just come back from another quick trip to Hastings where my parents live and remembered I had these wonderful photos we took at the beginning of June when it was my mother's birthday.

We were so lucky it was a lovely day rather hot which is very unusual for June in New Zealand.

The first photos is the birthday girl and my youngest son Josh. Then a family photo which hasn't got my middle son Michael in it as he was unable to come with us.

And the last is the Mission vineyard where we went for lunch such a lovely spot.

Retreat weekend

2011-07-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Had another productive weekend last weekend at our guild retreat managed to finish 2 of the top quilt they are both the same using a Kiwiana panel cut up, sashed with bright colours and black and white sashings. One is going to Korea to my nephew's baby its not due till January I am so organised.!!! This time anyway. I made another just because I had 2 panels so will either give it to the hospital for the childrens ward or keep it myself.

I got the top together well almost for the Block of the month from the Fatquarter shop I have enjoyed working with the bright colours and another early one as its a xmas quilt.

I actually managed to workout the layout for this muddle with a lot of help but forgot to take a photo anyway this quilt was a challenge that was meant to be finished in May 2011 I'm getting there. For some reason I have not enjoyed making this quilt it has been a struggle all the way through.

2011-07-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post for the aussie girls these bananas were $4.08 not bad compared to what you are paying over in Australia. And they are delicious

I am here

2011-06-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

last night when I was at our guild meeting I saw fellow blogger Jenny of http://www.romanyquilting.blogspot.com/ and she mentioned in passing my blog hadn't been updated for 4 months. Thanks Jenny for the reminder it has been at the back of my mind but managed to not do it.
I've had a wonderful few months been to Kiama to the Southern Cross quilters yearly retreat. I do enjoy going to these retreats they are always such fun.

This year it was held in Kiama New South Wales what a beautiful spot.

I was very fortunate to be able to do a class with Merelyn Pearce who this week won Best of Show at the Sydney Quilt Show. She was a wonderful sharing teacher. Here is the link to the winning quilt. http://www.quiltersguildnsw/quiltshow.com/

While on Sydney I also made the bus trip to Rookwood cemetery where one ofmy great grandfather's is buried. It was such a hot day hunting for graves what not the best decision. Anway here is a photo of how packed the cemetery is and the grave where my great grandfather Edward Arthur is buried in an unmarked grave with his sister.

No visit to Sydney is complete to me without a wonder around circular quay it is such a beautiful spot and yummy pizza for lunch.

I came home for 10 days then off to The Quilting Symposium in Queenstown I decided to drive down as I wanted to do some family history research at the same time.
I was lucky as my hubby drove down with me to Dunedin flew home then flew back down to Queenstown to meet me after the symposium so I didn't have a long drive on my own.
Our first stop was Oamaru what a pretty town we were able to fill in the morning wondering around waiting for their little family history centre to open. There wasn't much there on my great uncle he had been fostered by a family there and I was hoping to find a bit more information which I didn't but as he was killed in WW1 there was a cross with his name on it in Memorial Drive. It was amazing how many young men were killed from a smallish place like Oamaru and what a great memorial to them all. It was very sad though looking for his cross there was so many and lots of families lost more than one son.
The good news was even though I didn't find out what the relationship was to the family that fostered him I did discover he was a much loved member of their family.

Next stop Dunedin, I was born in Dunedin and haven't been back for many years not as an adult anyway. I meet a cousin I hadn't seen since we were children and that was interesting we found lots to talk about. Her mother was my mothers sister who died in her early 30's. By this time we had moved to Hastings in the North Island and sort of lost contact which is very sad as I discovered my cousin did not have a very happy time after her mother died.

After that I went to Gore I was lucky enough to stay with my friend Jackie. I was hoping to find out some information on anoither great grandfather , I'm not too sure when he moved there from Dipton but I know my grandfather grew up in Gore. The house is still standing how lucky was that.
I loved Southland what a beautiful part of the country. Certainly going back again.

Had to add these photo's Dipton memorial hall and Dipton cemetery where the family are buried. Dipton was a small town in lovely country side. The cemetery was in a lovely quiet location with lots of birds chirping away.

And then the reason I went down to the South Island Queenstown Symposium.

Queenstown was just beautiful as it was autumn and all the leaves were turning and falling off the trees.
I did 2 classes there, one with Noeline Johnston tumbling blocks the photo was the class sample. And a portrait class with Jocelyn Leath from Western Australia. They both were wonderful tutors and I learnt a lot from both of them. Need to finish what I Started in class
.

In my next post I'll show you what I have been making in the 4 months of no blogging.

2011-02-18T23:40:00.000-08:00

Earlier this evening we wondered down to Island Bay beach to see the Queen Elizabeth sail past the Island a very popular event there was 20 people there including us. And I learned that with my camera if you keep pushing the button its actually got a good zoom.

2011-01-31T17:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday 5 of us went to Upper Hutt for a class on Diagonal Madness by Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Marbly we had a great time the day just flew by. Kaffe and Brandon wondered around the classroom giving suggestions to us all, and tempting us to buy fat quarters from Sharon at Thimbles and Threads who had organised the day for us.

The person who had their cut fabric nice and tidy like this shall remain nameless but I am so envious what a great idea.

My quilt on the wall with Kaffe Fassett at the end of the day when we all looked at all the quilts and he said what he liked about each quilt. He was so positive about all our quilts had something different to say about each one. What a wonderful day.

2011-01-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Here it is my completed top in blues, with white strips for the rainbow scrap challenge on So Scrabby's blog. I really like it. So now thinking what I will do next month with the colour. Might not go for something so big!!
The ghost behind is josh my 16 year old. He's always willing to hold up a quilt for a photo.

Rainbow scrap challenge

2011-01-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

I've just started this months challenge which was using blue scraps from

http://superscrappy.blogspot.com/2010/12/rainbow-scrap-challenge.html

I layed out a few blocks so I could get an idea what the quilt was going to look like so far I like it and it won't take long to get the entire quilt top finished which will be by the end of the month.

2011-01-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

Even though I haven't been blogging I have been quilting i started the quilt above just before xmas and its gone to Auckland for a wedding over the weekend. It's been made using the last of my Kaffe Fassett stash ( yes I know what that means need to buy more) using some blocks my daughter had made for her quilt. It looks good I did wonder whenI was putting it together. On the back is the quil ting pattern Sticky Bun I choose when doing the quilt on my friend Sue's long arm machine. It's my favourite at the moment think I will have to stop using it.

The above quilt is one using almost the last of my Japanese fabrics the pattern is called Vanetien Dream and its out of a Fon's and Porter magazine. I am donating it to the hospice my quilting guild has been making quilts for.
And there is naughty Freddi wanting to bring a gift in the cat door lucky for me I saw her coming and was able to lock the cat door. This is one part of owning a cat I hate. Bird Murdering. This poor little thing was dead when it got here as we had a look and it was too late to do anything

2011-01-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

Well here they are I've finished all my Bronwyn Hayes cat blocks decided a red frame around each block would look good and have no idea what to do now. I would like to make the blocks into a lap or single bed size quilt so either need to make some more blocks (don't really want to do that) or decide on lots of filler blocks.
I've had a count up of all my UFO's and got a shock more than 20 I've signed up for a challenge on one of my groups to do one every 2 months so that's 6 definitely going to be finished.
I'm working on one UFO at the moment and have lost motivation already guess that's why I have so many of them.
Today after walking the dog doing some gardening as our bin gets emptied tomorrow and it's not much point paying for empty bins. Then all the usual housework chores I don't feel like quilting so wasting time on the computer blog surfing. There are some beautiful quilts on blogs.
Now time to think about dinner we are having vegetable lasagna the 2 boys of the house both made faces and asked why I wasn't making the ususal lasagna. Little darlings.

2010-12-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Xmas to all my friends hope you have a wonderful day full of family friends and laughter.

2010-12-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

Well here she is back home and ready to go again

All you ladies with large sewing rooms look here this is mine a small corner of a bedroom where I am sleeping at the moment as I have a cough that does not like me laying down so I cough all night and poor DH is getting disturbed not as much as me though.

I've been making lots of these filler blocks to go between the nine patch swap my quilting group did this year I think I must be half way there I need to make over 300 can't remember the exact amount I worked out.

2010-12-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

My sewing machine has decided it's been over used and us now not working the way it should be so I've taken it to the quilt shop I bought it from.

it will be ready next Tuesday so I'll have 10 days without a machine. Think about all the things I will actually get down around the place lots of gardening and sorting out cupboards all the jobs i have been meaning to do.

And blog hopping.

While playing around on blogs yesterday I can across a new BOM starting on the 1st of January featuring Celtic designs.

http://craftluv.blogspot.com/

So go on over and have a look

2010-12-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

I had lunch with a friend the other day at the cafe in the rose gardens at the Botanical gardens thought you would like to see some of the beautiful roses and the baby ducks waiting on the fountain to be filled again after cleaning

2010-12-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

On xmas morning the neonatel ward is decorated in a xmas theme all the babies will have on a little red had and booties like these there is also a gift on each of the babies beds for the babies including a quilt

Hospital quilts

2010-12-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday we handed over all the quilts for the childrens ward at the hospital here are some of the displays.
Sue was asked to make 60 and there were a60 handed over.
They made a wonderful display.

2010-11-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

On this Wednesday we will be handing over all the quilts that have been made for the childrens ward at Wellington hospital these are my contribution. My friend Sue from http://www.suebsquilting.co.nz/ has been busy organising all the quilts. I don't know how she does it runs a business from home has 3 special needs children and still she is able to give more of herself.

Last Thursday night was our smas break up at quilting guild go over to Jenny's blog http://romanyquilting.blogspot.com/2010/11/come-dressed-for-christmas-party.html to read about it. What a great night they had a competion of guessing the name of the xmas carol after a line or two was played, I thought I was good on carol's but no I am not didn't guess many of them at all. after. Also check out her blog always something going on.

More Giraffe Quilts

2010-11-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Some more giraffe quilts for gifts I now only have one left looks like some more need to be made. I don't mind as they are such fun to make I love the bright colors

2010-10-04T01:11:00.000-07:00

I was soooo busy last week it was our guild quilt show here's a glimpse of the quilts hanging. They are all so wonderful it was a real pleasure helping to hang them.

My favourite quilt beautifully made.

2010-10-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

Last week Kylie Bolt and I popped into the Botanical gardens here in Wellington and were greeted by a wonderful display of tulips.

2010-09-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the promised photo of my quilt interesting that I hadn't taken a photo of it previously. I have just designed a word document that I can load photos into and am making a quilt journal. I'll print the pages off and put them into a folder with the plastic inserts and I will finally have a record of all the quilts I've made.
Today I spent the day at a friends and used her long arm quiling machine and quilted 4 baby quilts will take a photo once the binding is on them.

Prize winning quilt

2010-09-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well this is me looking really excited what a dreadful photo maybe because I really hate having my photo taken.
Anyway I won my quilt won Best of Show in my guild Pinestream quilt show. Actually I was probably still not recovered from the shock as i couldn't believe I'd won. See the cup I'm holding I really won.
The batteries in the camera decided to finally die on me so I haven't a larger photo of my quilt strangely I didn't take one when I'd finished it so when Bob comes to see the quilt next weekend I'll take a better photo. You really need to see the whole quilt.
My friend Jenny mananged to get a better photo http://romanyquilting.blogspot.com/ so hop over there and see and read her excellent blog which she keeps up to date.

So can't bet that one can ya.

I also had a wonderful weekend the ladies from the Pinestream quilt guild in Upper Hutt are such a lovely lot I enjoyed their company at yet another of their retreats. I managed to get a lot of quilting done and when I have bought the new camera batteries I will post photos. And as usual the food was delicious and plentiful.

2010-08-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well I've managed to complete the centre of the quilt. Stupidly I had left the rest of the quilt on the floor and someone had let the dog out of the kitchen where is is banished at night time, and somehow she managed to get into the lounge and went to the toilet on the quilt blocks. We have had toileting issues with Bolt since we got her but I had just been saying she was improving. So I take it all back.

Finished no 2 block of the Block of the Month from the Fat Quarter Shop love the colours that have been chosen. Guess no 3 block won't be far away.

My latest Quilt

2010-08-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

This quilt is moving on very slowly considering I need to take it up to my friend who is going to quilt it for me on Monday. I have decided to put it in the Wellington quilt show and hand in for all quilts is at the end of this month. I have had a horrible cold this week and the motivation has been a bit on the slow side but I will have heaps of time over the weekend as DH will be at a few sporting events and won't be required to take me out for coffee.

Fredi the cat was not too impressed with my layout and preferred her way not too sure about it myself.

2010-06-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Here it is the third little giraffe quilt luckily the recipient was a boy who has been named Lennox. After two daughters the parents are thrilled with a son. I am looking forward to meeting the little chap.
I actually did some quilting this morning went to a friends house to try and finish a quilt for a friends mum who has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease. Its almost finished I thought we might have got it finished this morning but had to hurry home to meet a dog trainer who has ideas of how we can actually get Bolt toilet trained actually it's common sense but don't look forward to the 4 am start!!!!!! Bags not me for that one.

2010-05-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Had an early morning this morning took DS1 to the airport he's off to Canada with a years working permit. He's meet a lovely girl from Terrrace and going to be with her. Good luck hope it all works out for both of you. Do you think you might let me be your facebook friend again Sam?????????????

So what else to do with an early start just as well it has taken me most of the day to get this Mariners Compass homework from my first class done. Tomorrow I'll do the centre which was what was the second class I was at the Bathurst Squilters retreat and missed it. So of course I procrastionated and am paying for it now. I decided not to worry about the homework till this week not the best idea especially as I put the fabric and class notes somewhere safe and still haven't found them. Luckily I went to the class with a friend and was able to copy her notes. I know the bag with the class bits in will turn up now. But I am pleased with this version love the colours, they are not really my colours so this is it most of my reds are gone now.
I'll be able to show you the completed block when finished. I might wait till Friday as that's flaunt day

friday Flaunt late again

2010-05-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

These are 2 baby quilts I have made for I guess you would call them my hubbys clients he asked for quilts and of course I was able to drop everything else I was making and made 3. I need to buy some more cotton batting to finish the last one and I will get it quilted by my friend Sue(http:// www.suebsquilting.co.nz) who has a long arm as hubby was a bit disappointed I did these myself. But I think they are cute and I did enjoy making them I'm going to make a few more and have a supply for when needed.

Friday Flaunt

2010-05-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

As I haven't been flaunting for quite some time I have a flaunts for the next few weeks.

This quilt was a block of the month can't remember who by now but took ages when I finished it didn't know what I should do with it and Bam my SIL was diagnosed with breast cancer so she was thrilled to get it. And I was so pleased it found a good home

These bags were gifts I gave to my angel and mortal in the angel swap at the Bathurst retreat I love the pattern and will make a few more. The pattern was from Dawn Hayes.

Freddi

2010-05-12T23:54:00.000-07:00

Uploading all these photo's I came across this photo of Freddi she came to live with us when our second to eldest son came back to live she is such a sweetie. Hopefully he'll forget to take her with him if he leaves home again. Sadly our cats have not been so welcoming to her usually there is a cat screaming match each day.

Bathurst

2010-05-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

I have just arrived home from a few days away at they Southern Cross quilters retreat in Bathurst NSW. Had a great time catching up with old friends and making new ones. There was lots of laughs and great food.

Fancy a letterbox like this?

The Bathurst race track we had to drive part of the way around it to get to our accomodation

2010-05-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

These kangaroo's were in the grounds of where we stayed

The lovely quilt I made to give to the person who travelled the furtherest to the retreat, I received abeautiful quilt last year with New Zealand birds on as I travelled the furtherest

Parking in Bathurst they back into the angle parks, luckily I didn't drive this time.

We stayed at the original goldfields in Sydney.

2010-02-26T23:34:00.000-08:00

and the blokes had a helicopter ride to the top of Fox Glacier they really enjoyed it.

2010-02-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

And of course we got to see some amazing scenery

2010-02-26T23:30:00.000-08:00

We went to Franz Joseph glacier to see our eldest son, while we were there he turned 24. He has made some lovely friends there, they put on this party for him. It was a fun evening.

2010-02-26T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have been away first on a Plane from Wellington to Christchurch then a train to Greymouth

We went through Springfield as we are in New Zealand didn't see Bart, Homer or Madge

2010-02-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

We have been having such wonderful weather, yesterday we walked around to red rocks, Owhiro Bay, this walk is less than 5 minutes in the car from us. I have to admit I haven't been here for a few years but think it might become one of our regular walks. Bolt looks like she enjoyed the walk.

2010-02-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a bit quiet with blogging but have things happening here we have a new kitchen but have had to live with no light in the kitchen dining area. Someday i will be able to show you it all finished. Luckily the new kitchen is up and running

2010-01-14T23:25:00.000-08:00

Here is my Friday flaunt for this week an Amy Butler pattern which I made bags for my daughter and myself. Just love the pattern and will make another bag or 2 but will have to remember not to use such stiff interfacing it is not necessary.

Here is Bolt bored while I was making net curtains for 2 newly painted rooms. And underneath is what Bolt did to one curtain so might have to buy and make a new curtain which is really annoying as I would rather quilt. It's been bad enough having to make these curtains.

New Year resolutions

2010-01-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about these every year they are almost the same.

Lose weight, this has to happen healthwise as I have had a heart attack, diabetes runs in my family and I had it when pregnant with my last child. I worked out to get to the weight I should be I need to lose 20 kgs, so I must be quite overweight.

Hopefully putting this on my blog will give me the incentive I need.

Finish those UFO's well thats another from each year I haven't counted how many I have but guess it will be the same as last year as I have started a few and finished a few.

Make at least 6 quilts for the day ward at the cancer centre, I started a few when my friend was diagnosed with cancer and I really want to make these as she didn't survive. A few of these are UFO's

Don't buy fabric I do not have plans to use in a quilt that means fabric on special, as I do not have a sewing room any more and the kids have bought lots of their things back with them there is no room!!!!!!!!! I need to use what I have.

One of my selfish resolutions is to have more time for myself I sometimes find i am running around having a great social life and when I am actually home I only seem to be doing housework or catching up with other chores and not enjoying being home or spending enough time with my family

And lastly update my blog more often

Thats it I think how about you have you any New year resolutions?????

Friday Flaunt

2009-12-31T17:33:00.000-08:00

This wasn't finished this week but was made as a xmas gift for a friend of mine, she'd admired the original quilt which is below when staying with us. And as she' d lost her mother earlier in the year I thought a quilt would be a good xmas present for her. As have I now
made 3 of these quilts now I am not planning on making anymore in the near future.

This is the original quilt which was a BOM from https://www.susanclaire.com I know she has some patterns still but they aren't up on her website. (well I couldn't see them) Susan has some lovely ideas for quilts so it's worth a look to see what she has.

And this one I made for one of my son's girlfriend when she was 21. It's my favourite.

2009-12-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

Its so windy here in Wellington NZ the chair has blown over in the wind. The wind must have had a strong gust as there is a fence behind. Too windy for gardening so sad might even allow myself to do some quilting!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-30T01:21:00.000-08:00

Squilters an online group I belong to has had members showing the view from their sewing rooms. Since I have been banished back to the dining room this is the view from the dining room window and the table that I have managed to make a mess on since xmas day.

Half pint quilt a long

2009-11-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

Well I managed to get the blocks put together last weekend when I went off on another quilting retreat. I do think retreats are such a wonderful escape from life and i can enjoy my favourite things quilting and food with lovely people. On Thursday I am hoping the finish the quilt top.

Advent Swap Day 1

2009-11-30T21:49:00.000-08:00

look this is what I recieved from Tami for the first day of the advent swap. What a cute little ornament haven't seen anything like this before Thanks Tami I love it

Class with McKenna Ryan

2009-11-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I was lucky enough to do a class with my most favourite quilt designer ever Mckenna Ryan of http//www.pineneedles.com it was a great day learned how McKenna actually makes her quilt and we used wonder under what a great product once I have used up the visoflex I have i will be using wonder under.

This signed little block was the block we made in our class, wasn't McKenna kind she ended up signing the whole class well 13 of us blocks. It makes them more special.

Here I am with McKenna Ryan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diet needs to start now.

2009-11-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

I have not finished any quilts for a while but I have a few on the go. I'm off on my guild retreat at the weekend so hopefully will get the half pint quiltalong top put together, a few more Dear Jane blocks and another Japanese doll quilt finished.

As there is no photos to show you thought I'd show you where my great great grandfather James McDonald was born. This beautiful little village is Helmsdale in Sutherland northern Scotland. He wasn't the only member of his family to come out to New Zealand his parents and a few of his siblings came out too I'm not too sure when though. Another one of the mysteries in life but guess if I keep delving into records one day I will find what I am looking for.

Dear Jane

2009-11-06T20:46:00.000-08:00

Another 4 Dear Jane blocks completed I was away at a retreat a couple of weekends ago and decided every time I go away to a retreat I need to do a few more blocks.

At the moment I am working on the Half Pint quiltalong might have a photo to show you tomorrow as there is rugby on TV tonight and I would rather quilt..

Stitchers angel swap

2009-11-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here are the beautiful gifts I recieved from my stitchers angel swap, aren't I lucky they are all beautiful. Thank you Janet I love them all.
I have been missing in action I thougbt there was something wrong with my camera or computer as I couldn't get the photo's to upload, you will be pleased to know there is nothing wrong with either the computer or camera it was me. Ha ha. So back to blogging no excuses.

2009-10-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my daughter Kylie's birthday she is in India for another 3 weeks then back home again. We arelooking forward to her being back home after haveing almost 4 years working in London.
Happy Birthday Kylie hope you have a great day. How can you be 27 where has the time goes. The way you are going you will be older than me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Some bags I have been making. Life has been pretty hectic here I sure notice the difference in housework and washing having a full house again.

2009-10-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Day 3 making herself at home.
Thankfully the cats are not so petrified and are coming inside, even if their eyes are just about popping out of their heads.

half pint quiltalong

2009-10-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Over on The Charming Chatter Blog Kelly has started a new quiltalong called Half Pint Quiltalong.
Pop over and have a look. For the life of me I can not get the button thingy onto my blog.
http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2009/10/lets-quilt-along.html#comments

Day 2 with BOLT

Well today's discovery is she doesn't like being left home alone, I popped out to get some groceries to come back to the cat door destroyed and dog vomit. She had got herself into such a state she madeherself sick. So this is going to be interesting, I might not be able to go out. Hopefully in a couple of weeks she will have settled down.
DS3 took her for a walk and her collar broke!!!!!!!!!!!! she must have damaged it trying to climb out the cat door.

2009-10-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

This is our new dog is called BOLT which might have to be changed. The cats are terrified, Freddie the grey cat must have jumped out the bathroom window and spent the day out on the roof over the kitchen area. I wondered where she was and thought she was under the house. Then she jumped off the roof when Michael climbed up to get her, I have been calling and calling her as I was worried she might have broken her legs, but she's ok I just was letting her in and the dog came to see what I was up to so don't know where she is but at least she's ok. Tabby is hiding under the house. Suppose they'll come in when they are hungry.And I left the cat food up on the table but being a bigger dog she managed to rest on a chair and eat the food. But she is beautiful and has a lovely nature, coping well with her first day in a strange house. Never a dull moment here.

Friday flaunt

2009-10-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Finally here is a flaunt for Friday. This is for my fathers 80th birthday I started it last Sunday so I managed to get it finished in less than a week.
We are meeting my parents for lunch tomorrow so will give it to him tomorrow.

2009-09-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

This little cutie came to live with us a few weeks ago when my middle son come back home. Sadly for Freddy she has been made feel very unwelcome by the 2 resident cats Tabatha and Sooty. Its like world war 3 poor Freddy can not come into a room without hissing and growling from the other 2.

Haven't had time for any quilting but thats changing have to finish a photo quilt for my dad's 80th he was 80 last week, but we are not seeing them till this weekend.

Sweet Nostagia BOM

2009-09-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

While I was checking out my friend Jeanette's blog today http://www.ribbonsandrosebuds,blogspot.com she mentioned a giveaway on http://dorothybakerdesigns.blogspot.com so while I was checking it out I saw she is offering a new Block of the month starting on the 15th of September so hop on over and check it out.

Friday Flaunt

2009-09-04T01:16:00.000-07:00

One of the online groups I belong to has a Friday Flaunt to show what you have been up to during the week. So I will see how I go after having to pack up my quilting room as its turned back into a bedroom. I probably have enough fabric for a year of flaunting.
The TV programme packed to the rafters has nothing on us.

Anyway this was an easy quilt using Kaffe Fassett blues made for friend who has decided to try apartment living she says she is going to read in the afternoons so I thought she needs a quilt to snuggle up with too. And I quilted it myself on a friends long arm machine this is my first go on her machine certainly a lot to remember. I will have forgotten what to do the next time I want to use the machine

2009-09-04T01:08:00.000-07:00

Since I had to be very restrained while away I couldn't resist these patterns both by Bronwyn Hayes from www.fionamarie.com. I also signed up for the Global Christmas Shop Fiona is running.

I think a lot of my friends will be getting the hot pads for xmas.

And I have been eyeing up this BOM for a while. Fiona offers this as a pattern only BOM so means I can use my stash for fabric. (Maybe)

Stitchers Angel swap

2009-08-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

I joined this wonderful swap again this year had 2 lovely partners last year.
I need to get myself organised and start on this years gifts.

I have been away

2009-08-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have been away for 4 weeks had a great trip and am back again to all the ususal household chores.

2009-05-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

As you know I haven't posted for quite a while, no reasons really just been busy doing other things. But am back on top of things and will post more often.
These are the latest 2 quilts I have finished the top one Noahs Ark is for a baby, supposed to have been a girl but was a beautiful little boy. I made the bottom one for the big brother he has taken a liking for my hubby which of course Bob is very flattered. The pattern is a freebie online from Fat Cat patterns. We are so lucky that Cindy gives us access to all her wonderful patterns for free. For some reason I am unable to post the link on this post if you google Fat cat patterns you will see a fantastic site full of freebies.

2008-12-19T20:31:00.000-08:00

My favourite xmas quilt think it might have been a row swap in 2002 I just love the colours it brightens up the room.

2008-12-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd add photos of our xmas trees as we have 2 sitting rooms we have the 2 trees.

2008-12-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

Its been a very sad week here this week our little shadow was put to sleep on Monday. She had kidney disease which is very unusual in dogs. I miss my little girl don't trip over her all the time

2008-12-06T00:56:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been over a month since I last posted on my blog.
So today I added the xmas background.

Happy Birthday

2008-10-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

It was Joshuas 14th birthday yesterday. As his father was over in England visiting family a few surprises arrived for Josh. Balloons and a gift box of choccy's and sweets. Bought a smile to his face. Josh was a bit disappointed Bob was not going to be back for his birthday.
The poor dog modelled the balloons too and no she didn't rise to the ceiling which was what josh was checking.

Stitchers Angel

2008-10-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

These gifts are on their way to my swap partner somewhere in Europe. Hope you like them.

Dear Jane

2008-10-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

TR3

E9

A few more Dear Jane blocks trying hard to catch up

2008-10-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

I am finally update on Lynette Andersons cute BOM Noahs Ark.

2008-10-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist this photo Miss Tabatha looking rather beautiful in the garden, or weedpatch

2008-10-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

Here is block no 5 of Judy Laquidara Star BOM I am trying hard to keep up with this one.

2008-10-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

As I haven't added anything to my blog for a while thought I would add the photos I had taken to show my daughter of the front garden now spring is on its way here.

Block 4

2008-09-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

Block 4 of Judy's BOM I am enjoying making these blocks , the instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

Block 2 and 3 of Judy's star BOM

2008-09-17T02:00:00.000-07:00

Block 2

and

Block 3

of Judy's star BOM

Baby Dear Jane

2008-09-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

Yes I am still alive life here has been a bit hectic but is now back to normal. I have quite a few of Dear Jane blocks to cat ch up on and I am cheating and doing the easiest first.

RS11 Hills of Jerusalem

M-11 Rickshaw

A-2 One Two buckle my shoe

L-3 Reflections Abound

2008-08-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

This lovely quilt was made as a group quilt by my quilt group for one of our members 60th birthday.
Her birthday was actually a couple of months ago but sadly on her actual birthday she was in Canada actually at her mums funeral.
So we decided she needed a party and a quilt to cheer he up.
We had a yummy lunch and birthday cake.

2008-08-09T00:40:00.000-07:00

I came across Judy Laquidara's blog a couple of weeks ago and saw she was starting a new star BOM. http://www.patchworktimes.com/

This is my first block it wasn't too hard to do so hopefully I will be able to keep up with this one. Just looking forward to the next block now.

stitcheries

2008-07-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

If you pop over to Cath's blog she has a free stitchery the first one is up and there will be 26 of them isn't she generous
http://cathroncountrydesigns.typepad.com/cathron_country_designs/

2008-07-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

As usual I haven't posted for a while I have been busy making Dear Jane blocks so will add the photos of them later.
Here is my finished Orange crush quilt the top is ready to go to the long arm quilter.

2008-07-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

I have just joined the Stitchers Angel Swap that has been organised by Helen Stubbings. it sounds as though it will be fun click the button on the side of my blog and check it out.

2008-07-10T03:34:00.001-07:00

A1 Pinwells gone awry
Another Dear Jane completed did this one now as it was easy. I am still quite away behind will have to hurry up to catch up.

2008-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I thought I had better show a photo of my Noahs Ark blocks by Lynette Anderson as I have the link to her blocks now on my blog. It took me quite a while to sort out to load the link. Yes I am a bit slow.
I had stitiched all the blocks just hadn't added the little borders.
They look really cute.

2008-07-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

I have actually finished one of my many UFO's this isn'too old I started it last year don't know why I had to start it I think I had just had lessons on making a New York beauty quilt and was really keen. Luckily all the fabric has come from my stash and it used most of the brights I had.
I will be giving it to the baby next door who is' now about 6 months old and no baby quilt from me. Thought if I didn't give him a quilt soon he will be a teenager.

2008-07-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind in my Dear Jane blocks but hope to catch up over the next couple of weeks as it is our winter school holidays and my 13 year old son would rather spend time with his friends or playing on the xbox. So I will be spending time at home quilting.
This is block K8. Its one of three I started today the only one actually finished. Lucky for me it was nice and easy.

2008-06-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

I have been quiet again had the flu but did a bit of quilting finished these 2 cute blocks for one of my Monday Munchers quilt group Shanon is having a very wanted baby and we are all making blocks for a quilt. Both her mum and mum in law quilt so we are leaving the baby quilts to them.
Almost finished Orange Crush so will have a photo of the quilt top very soon.

2008-06-08T01:20:00.000-07:00

Today I was trying to catch up with The Orange Crush mystery so
managed to complete steps 2 and 3.
Hope mine looks half as good as Bonnie's.
Had 2 helpers sleeping on my scraps
easiest way of seeing what I want usually

2008-06-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

BR1 rosemary's rainbow

2008-06-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

B2 Sweet Tater Pie

2008-06-04T01:41:00.000-07:00

B5 Hot Cross Buns

2008-06-04T01:39:00.000-07:00

K11 Columbine

2008-06-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to catch up with all the Dear Baby Jane blocks
this one is H1 Peek a Boo

2008-06-04T01:21:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit quiet here in Blogland, 2 months from my last post. In that time I went to Christchurch for a few days in our school holidays with 13 year old Josh. He was a bit bored but I enjoyed looking around.

Then it was off to the beautiful city of Perth to the Squilters retreat. This is an online quilting group had a great time catching up with all the regulars. Eating drinking and talking not much more necessary to having a good time.

Back again to the freezing cold catching up with all the jobs necessary to keep life comfortable.

2008-04-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

These Two quilts I picked up last week from Sue who has a long arm quilter. The top quilt was a mystery my Thursday morning quilt group ran I was extremly thrilled with the way my colour choices turned out. I did get a bit of help from the lady who works in the fabric shop.
The bottom quilt has just been tacked for me to hand stitch it has been on the go for at least two years it will be interesting to see how long it takes me to quil this one. Luckily I have a spot on the wall where I want to hang it.

2008-04-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the first Dear Jane block I have made for a couple of years it is B1 Batchelors Buttons. I first started my Dear Jane 5 years ago it was not a project for a beginner quilter I guess that could be way I floundered.
Anyway I stumbled across a blog where there is a bit of assistance with the blocks as they are being made, and to make the blocks as a group. 2 Blocks are going to be posted each week.
Here is the link to the site if you are interested. http://dearbabyjane.blogspot.com/

Now I am looking forward to finishing this quilt top.

2008-03-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

2 more UFO's finished the xmas quilt on the top was started 2 years ago when we were on holiday on the Gold Coast, took me ages to decide on the fabric to use but now I think it looks really great.
The bottom one is a table topper made from charm squares I just added the borders from the stash.

2008-03-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

Miss Tabby looking beautiful josh took this photo this morning (while he was having a sick day) couldn't resist adding this photo to bore the animal haters

2008-03-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

FRIENDSHIP SWAP
This is the back and front of the bag I made Khris from the C-R-A-F-T yahoo group friendship swap.
Will add a photo tomorrow of the lovely table topper I recieved from my partner KA.