QUILT WITHOUT GUILT

Another Challenge Quilt

2011-08-16T13:50:00.000+10:00

Running late as usual, just completed the 'Out of Africa' challenge for Challenging Ourselves

I did a google search for Africa and came across the Tinga Tinga drawings and paintings.They were the inspiration for my quilt. Love the colours and naive style of paintings used.

The quilt measures approx 14.5 x 14.5 inches (37 cm square).

Time Flies

2011-06-10T20:49:00.001+10:00

I have been keeping myself busy and doing lots of quilt top making. I now have lots of tops to be quilted. Here are some pictures of what I've been up to.

Art Quils Around the World and Challenging Ourselves challenge quilts:

Two colour challenge -

Doorways -

Self Portrait - I think I overdid the the lips

This was a tricky one, we had to name a colour we seldom use and then make a quilt using that colour -

Christmas Gifts - Emma's Trees. Made in memory of a friend's daughter who sadly passed away leaving a very young family.

Baby Quilts made as gifts, Peter Rabbit was a panel that I free motion quilted.

A Pooh Bear Quilt made for a very recent arrival.

I know that I have other completed tops but I've looked through all my photos and it looks like I will have to get busy with the camera.

Holiday Pictures

2010-10-03T13:18:00.000+11:00

1956 Hudson

We have just come home from a week away with the car club. We were based in Warrnambool for the week, there is plenty to see and do on the shipwreck coast. This trip we used the '56 Hudson Hornet

12 Apostles

Loch Ard Gorge

Hopkins Falls

The Four Elements - a challenge

2010-10-03T12:57:00.000+11:00

September 15th was the reveal date for the Challenging Ourselves Four Elements Challenge, Earth, Air, Fire and Water.I had lots of ideas but none that included all for of the elements. In the end I made four separate postcards, they were going to be stand alone pieces but I felt they looked better as one piece.

Water


Air/Wind


Fire


Earth - Ploughed fields

Stone Soup Completed

2010-09-06T12:28:00.000+10:00

My Stone Soup quilt is finally completed, thanks to Kathryn for thinking of the challenge and for being brave enough to cut up everyone's quilts.

The completed quilts that I've seen so far are fabulous, click Art Quilts Around the World to see them.

Those who participated:

Stash Reduction

2010-08-22T12:08:00.000+10:00

Finally managed to finish a couple of stash reduction quilts. Two tops down and about 20 to go. I'm not counting the tops until the pile is somewhat depleted.

I know compared to some I don't have a lot of UFO's or WIP's but I do like to see my projects completed.This quilt measures 80x63", machined pieced & stipple quilted with cotton batting.

Some of the fabrics I've used are over 10 years old.

A close-up of the blocks.

A smaller quilt, this one only measures 51x59"

Again made completely from the stash,machined pieced and quilted, cotton batting.

A close-up of the blocks.

Return of Stone Soup

2010-07-31T18:03:00.000+10:00

Stone Soup has returned home, all 15 pieces of it. I couldn't resist taking a photo, don't mind the white name tag/placement pieces. I will remove them before assembling the quilt.

Thanks to Kathryn for the challenge and for being brave enough to cut up all the quilts.

A Work in Progress - Bargello

2010-07-31T09:31:00.000+10:00

Ever since I began quilting I've been fascinated by Bargello Quilts. I love the colour and the movement.

There is now enough of my current project to show what I have been working on.

This is the first half of the quilt top, the second part will be brighter, more of the orange and yellow.

It is coming along slowly,. I'm also working on other projects at the same time of course. Two challenges, 'Doors or Doorways' for the AW20Q and the 'Four Elements' with the Challenging Ourselves.

The Elements project is nearly completed but I've drawn a blank about the Doors. I don't think that I have ever looked at so many doors, gates, entrances and exits in all my life. I'm sure something will surface eventually.

Yesterday a friend and I went on a shopping expedition. Had a lovely day out and visited six different quilt shops. Not a lot of purchases but a great day out. I bought a few black and white fat quarters, some thread and some fabric to use as backing on one of my quilts.

Cold winter day today, I have soup on the stove and the fire going in the family room. Time to uncover my sewing machine and finish off some postcards and work on my 'Elements' quiltlets.

Stone Soup Challenge Revealed

2010-06-30T21:33:00.001+10:00

Today is the reveal for the latest challenge from the AW20Q group. This is a 2 part challenge, firstly we were sent a still life photo to interpret into a 20 x 15" quilt. The completed tops were to be sent to Kathryn and she will cut them into 15 pieces and then return a selection of pieces to each participant. The second part of the challenge to be completed by the end of October (I think) is to re-constitute the pieces of the different quilts.

We will then each have a very original artwork, similar but not the same as anyone else.

This challenge wasn't as easy as it sounds and I had a lot of trouble initially. I was very pleased to get the top finished and in the mail.

A huge Sigh of Relief....

2010-05-26T21:50:00.000+10:00

I have some good news, the tumour I had removed last week was benign. The Drs suspected it was but as you know there are always those little niggling doubts especially when the surgeon wanted it removed as soon as possible.

I haven't really been feeling up to sewing, haven't been able to concentrate. I have been doing a little knitting and will post some pictures when I find where I put the camera for safe keeping.

Another Challenge Completed.

2010-05-15T20:12:00.000+10:00

Sometimes I don't think I have enough to do and I like a little extra quilting to occupy my day. With this in mind I joined the new group Challenge Ourselves. May 15th is the unveiling of our first group challenge, 'Hidden Treasures.'

I like to think of bulbs as hidden treasures. I love all types of bulbs, each year they emerge to fill the garden with their bright colours and perfumes.

I photographed a bulb and used the picture as the basis for this first challenge.

This is my interpretation of the daffodil bulb, it was drawn free hand. I have used free motion quilting and satin stitch.

The back ground is pieced from various creams and light browns.

The quilt measure 15.5 x 18 inches (approx 39 x 46 cm).

All cotton fabrics with cotton wadding.

March Challenge - Flora

2010-03-31T22:35:00.000+11:00

Today was the unveiling of our first AQAW challenge for this year, the subject was 'Flora.'

I decided to use the 'discharge dying' method for this challenge. A single piece of black home spun was cut, dyed, stamped and used for the front of the quilt and the binding.

I picked some different sized leaves from the ficifolia tree (flowering gum) in our garden and made stencils from freezer paper.

Using a spray bottle and bleach solution I discharge dyed around the leaf templates. The pieces on the bottom left and right hand side were pleated, tied with string and then dropped into the left over bleach solution.

The leaves have been outlined in gold thread.

The circle shapes are stamped in gold fabric paint using a gum nut as a stamp.

Black and White Quilts

2010-03-28T12:03:00.000+11:00

At the beginning of March 2008 I decided to make a black and white hexagon quilt. It has taken me 2 years to complete. It took ages to decide what colour to use as a background, finally decide on the yellow/mustard colour and I'm pleased I did.

The quilt is hand pieced, machined quilted and measures 74.5 x 63 inches (189 x 160 cm).

The second quilt in the B & W series is this QAYG (quilt as you go). The pattern is by Monica Poole I do like her designs, the instructions were clear and easy to follow (even if I did change them slightly).

I used bright fat quarters to piece the backing.

The completed quilt measures 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm).

This quilt and the next one are my current projects (along with the quilt from the previous post). All 3 are in need of borders.

I have a red, white, black and grey stripe for the borders on this quilt. I bought the fabric for another B & W quilt (haven't taken a picture of that one yet) then decided the red was the wrong colour.

My challenge quilt that is due at the end of the month is completed but you will have to wait until the 31 March before I can post a picture. The challenge was 'Flora' not flowers. I wonder what everyone has come up with this time???

Failed Resolutions

2010-03-23T22:23:00.000+11:00

On January 1st I made a New Years resolution, I was going to make a blog entry every week. As you can see I've failed miserably. Life just seems to throw a spanner in the works.

I have been busy quilting and will post some pictures shortly of the quilts I've finished this year. Until then I will show you the quilt hanging on my design wall at present.

Below is the original fabric that I used.

We had a massive hail storm recently and I couldn't believe the size of the hail stones, fortunately we didn't suffer any damage to the house or cars but the garden took a beating.

Happy New Year Everyone!!

2009-12-31T21:40:00.002+11:00

Wishing all my friends a safe and happy 2010,
may the coming year bring you much love and laughter.

Latest Challenge - Mandala

2009-12-31T13:02:00.004+11:00

Our latest challenge from Art Quilts Around theWorld was to make a Mandala. Still being in my black and white mood and because all my B&W fabrics were easily accessible I decided to use them again. I did start another mandala but wasn't happy with the design or colour.

This is my completed design, very simple but I am pleased with it.

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-22T19:25:00.004+11:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wishing you all a safe and Happy Christmas/Holiday Season and all the very best for the New Year!

Where the Earth Meets the Sea

2009-10-18T14:44:00.009+11:00

The past couple of months have been a little hectic for me. My father passed away, my husband has been unwell and has had a trip to the hospital. Daughter 1 has recently moved house and is now in the Northern Territory for 5 weeks holiday, our youngest daughter has moved all her things home (including the cat) and has now gone overseas for 3 months. Middle daughter is planning on moving house at the end of this month. We already have her cat, I'm just hoping that no more furniture comes home or our house might just burst at the seams.

"Where the Earth Meets the Sea" was the title of our recently finished challenge with Art Quilts Around the World .

I'm having trouble uploading the pictures, will try again later or you can see them and the other quilts on the above link.I've managed to upload these 2 photos, I've given up counting how many time I've attempted to do this.

I've called my quilt Earth/Sea, blues for the ocean, then cream/tan for the sand and finally the browns and greens represent the earth. The glass beads are different shapes and sizes and follow the colours of the fabrics.

August Happenings

2009-09-05T15:30:00.003+10:00

August has been a busy month. I've been working on various quilts, finishing existing projects and starting new ones.

These 2 tops are new projects. The brown quilt is a partial stash reduction quilt, I'd bought a couple of the fabrics because they caught my eye.

The baby quilt is one I'm making for my daughter to give to a friend.

I hope to have it completed this week or next. The baby isn't due until November so there isn't any rush.

This Scrappy Autumn Quilt is totally stash reduction, can you tell that I'm rather fond of autumn colours? I do seem to have lots of browns and greens.

Photos of the completed Blue Scrappy Quilt. The backing was pieced from the stash.

It's hard to see but all the fabrics are blue. I've had most of them since I began quilting and this is one way to use them up.

Something At Last!

2009-09-02T21:59:00.004+10:00

Weeks ago my friends and I went to the Quilt Fair at Jeff's Shed. I had meant to post about our day out but I am a pretty slack blogger. I purchased a few things, some fq's, books and a new quilting frame. I've finished 3 quilt tops since then. On the frame in these pics is the Scrappy Blue quilt I'd shown last time - well the first I showed you all the first block!

The quilt is now finished and when the weather is a bit better I'll take a photo of it.

Today I mailed the ATC's I made for a Purple & Green Swap, I hadn't been in a swap for ages and it was fun playing around with all the different greens & purples in my stash.

Half the fun of quilting is pulling out fabrics and deciding (or trying to) on which ones to use.

Stash reduction is still an ongoing project and my next quilt is going to be in pinks, probably in a disappearing nine patch.

A Quick Trip Away

2009-07-28T09:52:00.004+10:00

It has been a very busy weekend for us. Saturday eldest daughter and her BF came to stay and to collect the Peter Rabbit quilt that I made for them to give to friends.
It was a quilt panel and all I had to do was the quilting and binding. I used the new machine and it was quite a learning experience.

I will be glad after Friday when I've had my first lesson on operating the 'beast.' The machine is great to use but the instructions booklet is next to useless. Talk about trial and error.

As a thank you I was given these lovely iris'. The were just buds on Saturday but when we came home yesterday most of them were open.

Sunday lunchtime Himself and I packed a bag and took off to Lakes Entrance for the night. He wanted to visit Lake Tyers to see the water wheel there.
Some people would think we're crazy driving 4 hours to look at a water wheel. It was fun to get away, go out for dinner etc.

Yesterday we drove home via Yarram instead of coming straight down the highway. It was good to see some other parts of Gippsland.

Forthcoming Visitor

2009-07-17T12:30:00.002+10:00

I am still trying to use up the fabric in my stash, it seems to be a never ending challenge. I've made a couple of autumn toned quilts, a few scrappy ones, a green one and now I am working on the blues again. This is the first block of the new project. I love HSTs, you can do so much with them.

Last week was my mother-in-laws birthday. We went to Melbourne to have lunch with her and other members of the family to celebrate her 92nd year.

On the way home we called into the Camberwell Sewing Centre and came home with this little addition to my sewing machine collection. I think it will be lovely to sew and quilt on when I've had a little more time to play with it. I hope to go back to the shop in a week or two for a lesson.

I'd like to introduce Pino. Pino belongs to our youngest daughter. The very same daughter who is going overseas for 3 months, guess who is going to look after Pino????
This is an 'inside cat' we already have a black cat who lives outside, should be interesting when they meet through the window. The 'Man of the House' hates cats, especially cats inside the house. I should be in for a fun 12 weeks.

Connections Challenge is Finished

2009-06-30T19:52:00.004+10:00

Words are one way we communicate and connect with each other.

I struggled with this challenge and after 5 or so false starts and thinking about the meaning of the word I decided to make a crossword puzzle.

I looked up 'Connections' in the dictionary and found many definitions and synonyms.

I printed the crossword & grid onto white fabric then attached it to the black background. The other words were printed directly onto vliesofix and then ironed onto the background fabric. I tried various bits and pieces from the hardware store but didn't find anything that I thought enhanced the quilt.

This quilt measures 20 x 15 inches (51 x 38 cm)

Give Away

2009-06-12T18:43:00.002+10:00

Just been to visit http://bozzysblog.blogspot.com and Lynda is giving away a beautiful bag pattern that she designed.

What a wonderful prize to win, might just have to purchase the pattern for myself.

ATCs & Foggy mornings

2009-06-01T12:57:00.005+10:00

Once again I have been slack with my blogging, nearly a month has passed since I was last here. I haven't been up to a lot in the past month, my Mum come and stayed for a few days and we had a great time together, shopping, going out to lunch etc.

This picture was taken early Saturday morning, not long after sunrise, as the sun was coming up over the hills, the valleys are covered in fog and there was a heavy dew.

I participated in an ATC swap recently for those that didn't go on the SCQuilters retreat in Adelaide. I'm finally getting around to posting pics of the one of the ATCs that I made (forgot to take photos of the other set)and ATCs received in the swap.

This last ATC is the final one from the end of year 'Seasons' swap with my fellow ATWIAQs

Thanks for swapping Robyn.

I've Been Keeping Busy

2009-05-03T14:51:00.003+10:00

It's hard to believe that more than a month has passed since I last posted, sorry about that. I have been keeping myself busy with sock knitting and quilting 2 quilts for a friend. I will post some pictures when I finish the binding.

I'd like to introduce Jonathon Jack, for a short time in the years before quilting I made bears. I made a bear for each of my daughters and nieces. After that the novelty of making bears wore off. JJ is the only bear I kept for myself, most people think he is very ugly but I think he has a charm all of his own.

Below are a couple of blurry pictures of the socks I've just finished.

Last week I went away for a few days to Phillip Island. It was one of our sewing getaways. This is the result of 2 days of concentrated sewing. We had most of the blocks cut before we left. The pattern is featured on the front of Homespun Magazine, No. 70, Vol 10 and the pattern is by Keryn Emmerson. A great pattern to use up the stash. The only fabric I had to buy was for the dark cornerstones and the first border. I still have to add the borders.

Hello to all the followers of my blog!

Brave New World

2009-03-31T13:38:00.003+11:00

When I first read the challenge was titled Brave New World I had no idea what I wanted to do. After mulling over the theme for a few days I started thinking of depression and how it affects us and those around us. My quilt was going to be based on the blackness of depression and the gradual lightening of spirit when one gets help to overcome the struggle and face a 'bright new world.'

All those ideas went out the window when the bush fires hit our area on February 7th and we had 5 weeks of constant alerts to the fire threat.

Driving around the area after the fires it was amazing to see how quickly some of the plants and tree ferns had started to shoot. After all the destruction these little plants were forcing their way through the ash etc to face a 'brave new world.'

I based my quilt on a photo I took at Drouin West. Most of the quilt was made with scraps left from previous projects.

The construction of the quilt:

Sketch of the photo

Transferring the background design onto freezer paper.

Quilted back ground before adding the insert of the enlarged new growth. The greenery in the small rectangle was free motion machine stitched.

The insert, is double the size of the original and the greenery is made from hand dyed scraps and vliesofixed onto the quilt then stitched, again using free motion.

The final product.

Coming & Goings

2009-03-07T09:18:00.007+11:00

Postcard that I made to exchange with Jenni S in a 1-1 Swap

Postcard that I received from Jenni in the same 1-1 swap.

Socks that I have just finished and given to my friend as a thank you for all the nice things she does for me.

What would we do without a good friend that is always there when you need a hand or share your excitement and good news with?

In the Mail

2009-03-03T22:07:00.010+11:00

ATWI20Qs postcards and ATC received in the mail. Tulip postcard from Marloes, ATC from Celia both representing Spring.

Winter Blues from Lynn.

On a lighter note......

2009-02-19T22:29:00.005+11:00

Postcard received from Simone ATWI20Q End of Year Swap

Seasons Postcard made by me in the ATWI20Q 'Seasons' Swap
Thanks Lynn for the picture.

ATWI20Q 'Seasons' Swap 'Bushfire Season' made by me.

ATC's received from Chole & Fionie ATWI20Q end of year Swap

ATWI20Q End of Year Swap postcard from Marloes

ATWI20Q End of Year Swap postcard from Linda

ATWI20Q End of Year Swap postcard fromJoy

ATWI20Q Seasons Swap postcard from Marian

Bushfires - 2

2009-02-19T22:21:00.002+11:00

Some more pictures taken of the aftermath of the fires.

These top two were taken on the road I use to get into town.

The third one is some of the debris that were blown into our yard on the night of the 7th

Bushfires

2009-02-13T21:20:00.003+11:00

Last Saturday night was a night from hell, I never want to experience another one like it. We were very lucky to suffer no damage or loss. My heart goes out to others who have lost their loved ones and everything they own.

It was hot, 47C plus and with the forecast of strong winds things weren't looking too good. When the wind change came through the fires from Bunyip Ridge were swept around the hills to the west of us. I have never experienced winds like these. On Sunday we went to call on neighbours to make sure everyone was safe and the number of trees down in our road was unbelievable. One neighbour had a huge gum tree fall, it just hit the corner of his verandah, missed the cars parked in the drive-way.

The sky darkened in a matter of minutes. We were covered in ash and embers. We had to be outside checking to make sure there were no spot fires.

I took the opportunity to get these pictures. It was amazing to watch the black smoke sweep across the hills behind us. It looked like a rain cloud.

The electricity went off not long after this and we
relied on candles, torches and a battery operated radio for news about what was happening. Around 10.30 pm the telephones, both the land line and mobiles went dead.

Our girls were getting frantic when they couldn't contact us until the next day.

These last 2 pictures are the fires still burning in the hills to the west of us, about 5 km from here.

They were taken on Wednesday.

All our water tanks have been contaminated with ash, everything reeks of smoke but we're here and have suffered no loss. We are very fortunate and are counting our blessings.

On a lighter note, we had an unexpected visitor Saturday night. Himself was sitting listening to the radio when he looked down and saw the pattern on the rug move ....... most unusual! Turns out is was a small tiger snake slithering along beside his foot. I have never seen him move so fast. I can tell you it's really hard to find a snake by torch & candlelight. Managed in the end after much furniture moving.

2009 - Already!! Happy New New

2009-01-12T11:24:00.004+11:00

I can't believe that it is already the 12th of January. Belated Happy New Year greetings to everyone.

We have had a hectic start to the year with both a wedding and funeral last week. Husband's aunt passed away at the age of 96. We travelled up to Swan Hill for the funeral, it's a six hour trip from here so we stayed overnight and caught up with family the next day.

We had a picnic lunch on the river bank. I managed to get sunburned for the first time in years. I though that I was sitting in the shade all the time.I thought the flowers on this tree looked lovely but I have no idea what they are called.

The picture below is what the countryside is like away from the river.

.

Op Shop Bargains!

2008-12-28T10:37:00.004+11:00

Yesterday morning I went to the library and for coffee with a friend. On our way home we visited the local op-(thrift) shop. I found these two bargains, my youngest daughter has been wanting an old style hand beater/mixer for ages and I thought that the apron was too good to pass up. All the work that has gone into the apron and for only 50c! I'm sure she will be pleased with the new additions for her kitchen.

All Finished

2008-12-22T12:19:00.004+11:00

All my handmade Christmas gifts are finally finished. The bag is for our oldest daughter and the pink cushion is for the youngest.

The cushion is to match the quilt top that I made when we went to Phillip Island. I hope to get the top finished sometime in the New Year but I'm not making any promises, lol.

Christmas Gifts

2008-12-11T16:35:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I made these two cushions for middle daughter as part of her Christmas gifts.

I have one more cushion to make for our youngest daughter and then I'm all finished.

Still need to wrap everything and find a Christmas tree.

Such a relief to have all the shopping/gift making finished.

A Recent Visitor

2008-12-05T14:58:00.004+11:00

This male King Parrot was a recent visitor to our backyard. He seemed to be very tame, inquisitive. and posed for photos without any problems. He was approx a metre from me when I took these pics.

I did think that he had come to feast on our fig tree but he seemed much more interested in what we were doing to the hydroponic garden experiment.

Mail - Coming and Going

2008-12-05T14:41:00.002+11:00

I was lucky enough to win this shopping bag in a give-away from Jan at Jan's Musing it folds up nicely and fits into it's own pocket for easy storage. I do like the label which reads "Hey Fantastic Look No Plastic." Thanks very much Jan.

...and now some ATC's that will be going out in the mail before the end of the month.

The birthday postcard has already been sent and received.

Around the World in 20 Quilts Challenge

2008-11-30T15:35:00.003+11:00

Today is the day we unveil our Stellar creations from the AW20Q challenge. The challenge this time was to make an A4 size quilt and the theme was 'Stellar.' I didn't know the word could have so many meanings.

I had a couple of false starts and finally decided to try needle felting. I've used black felt for the background and a mixture of wool, mohair, silk and angelina fibres to make my cosmos.

I have also used silver metallic thread.

Seed beads of various colours were used to represent stars or particles of cosmic dust.

The quilting is in a circular direction to signify the spinning cosmos. I used raw edge stitching to finish the quilt.

Where are the days going??

2008-11-29T13:07:00.003+11:00

I am surprised at how quickly the days are going, it's the end of November already! My sewing machine and I have been spending a bit of time together but with the weather being wet and windy I haven't taken any photos of what I've been stitching. I did make these postcards for a swap and I've popped them in the mail today.

This is a picture of the blue tongue lizard that lives under our back patio. He has an annoying habit of popping up in the least likely places and giving me heart failure as I think it's a snake when I here the rustling.

He has been living around the house since he was about 6" (15 cm) long, he is more than double that now. I have been trying to get a photo of him for ages but he is pretty camera shy.

More quilt pictures will be coming shortly.

In the garden.......

2008-11-10T14:11:00.004+11:00

I was mowing the grass yesterday, one of those things that I don't really enjoy but has to be done and I thought I'd post some pictures of the garden.

My Mum gave me this rose, I just love the colour and it also has a nice perfume. It's one of my favourites.

It was so windy here at the weekend that most the other roses have been savaged by the wind.

This is a picture of my very neglected orchid, it is badly in need of repotting. I was so annoyed with it not flowering that I moved it around to the back of the house and lo and behold this year there are four flower spikes.

The yellow climbing rose is still a work in progress, it's only been in a year or so.

Hexagons & Pink Quilts

2008-11-04T09:36:00.002+11:00

Last week I pent 3 days away with my quilting buddies. We had a great time shopping, sewing and eating out. We each made a quilt top, this is the one I made. They are all the same except we've each used slightly different colours. I've just realised that this picture doesn't have the striped border. Will have to post another pic next time. My youngest daughter saw the fabric for this quilt and has commented on how nice it would be on her bed. She loves anything in pink. Might just have to get it finished in time for Christmas or her birthday on Dec 23rd.My hexagon quilt is coming along slowly. I'm up to the outer borders now. I was going to put three rows of the black hexagons around the edge but think it will look too heavy. Might do a couple of rows of the background colour and then see if it needs anymore borders.

Spring is Here

2008-10-22T19:34:00.005+11:00

Not a lot has been happening on the quilting front so I thought I'd post a couple of pictures of the garden.

With the arrival of the warmer weather the 'Man of the House' decided it was time to do some gardening.A little excessive I thought!

Looking towards the lilacs and the second of the 'no-dig' gardens, we're using re-cycled tanks as the garden beds. Just planted lettuce, capsicum, onion and silver beet in this one. We've just had to cover it with netting as the birds have been having fun scratching through the mulch and most the seedling have been up-rooted.

Once again we missed out on pruning all the apple trees but the display of blossoms makes up for the lack of apples.

The first of the 'no-dig' tanks gardens. I planted cos lettuce, silver beet, garlic, coriander, thyme, parsley, sage and chives in this one. We have so much cos lettuce that I can't give it away. I've been picking it for months now and with the warmer weather it seems to grow overnight.

At last some quilty pictures

2008-09-29T14:19:00.010+10:00

My Disappearing (or chopped-up) 9 patch quilt has been completed. I thought I'd posted a picture of this in an earlier post but obviously not.

I have been busily finishing things off over the past month or so. This is the green quilt from the strip swap.

The quilting is different size leaves, free motion, I thought they would look good on the green background. Some of my leaves have very unique shapes, lol.

A close up of the quilting. I used a variegated thread for the quilting.

After knitting the red socks I decided to be a little more creative and add a pattern. In real life the red socks are bright red, not as pinky as they show up here.

New Challenge

2008-09-17T07:57:00.001+10:00

Now that the Tree challenge has finished on AW20Q
we have been given the theme for the second challenge - Stellar - lots of ideas are whirling around in my head. Tie dyeing, wool felting, beading, embroidery??? And there is more than meaning of stellar. Thinking busily here.

Disappearing 9 Patch & Recent Purchases

2008-09-16T14:47:00.008+10:00

Over the past 18 months or so I have been trying not to buy any new fabric and use what's in the stash. I've stuck to this pretty well but a girl has to break out every now and then. These are the fabrics I bought in New Zealand when we were there:
I only got 1/2 metre of each. Thought they'd be good for landscapes.

These 2 lots I bought just because I liked the colours.....what better reason?

Today I am going to start a quilt using the brown floral & the matching fabrics. I'm still trying to get over buying the orange, definitely not something I'd usually purchase.

Haven't decided yet what to do with the stripes, spots and floral, maybe a bag??

Something else finished

2008-08-30T09:34:00.005+10:00

I forgot that I'd also finished this table runner last week

Bags, This 'n That

2008-08-29T20:58:00.013+10:00

I'm surprised this week that I've actually managed to catch up with most of my swap commitments, it's a good feeling to be up to date. Now, if only I could get the housework caught up with, a spring clean is definitely on the books.

I had plans to finish the quilting on the Disappearing 9-Patch today but got caught up helping out with the cattle. Never a dull moment around here.

I did get this bag finished, had it all nicely stitched and was admiring my handiwork when I discovered that I'd stitched a flower-head pin inside the lining.

It looks aqua here but is a blue/grey colour in real life.

I also finished this months block for the Home Sweet Home BOM I'm working on, the block was supposed to be two birds. Every time I attempt to applique birds they look like something from a horror movie ...... beware the killer birds!! My quilt will be a little different to all the others as my block contains a flower garden.

This is a picture of the blocks I've completed so far. This quilt is in country/autumn colours. Once again I'm only using fabric from my stash (with a little from a friend when I need a better colour).

Home Sweet Home

2008-08-10T15:22:00.002+10:00

I've just finished sewing the binding on this little wall hanging. It is for a swap I participated in with one of my quilt groups.

I have also been working on a couple of other things and will post pictures of them soon.

Sorry the colour is a little dark.

Trees

2008-08-08T14:38:00.005+10:00

My tree challenge quilt is finally finished and before the deadline too!!

The fabrics are all hand dyed, the trees are decorated with sequins, beads, angelina fibres and buttons.

I wanted to make something bright and cheerful and I think this works.

Close-ups of the trees.

Tree Challenge cont'd....

2008-07-22T22:27:00.002+10:00

My trees are slowly growing. There have been comments from a certain member of the household.....he thinks they look like balloons, lol.
Some people have no sense of imagination!

Hopefully tomorrow I will get time to finish off the last little tree and I can post a picture of them all 'dressed up'

Trees

2008-07-15T09:10:00.004+10:00

I started my tree quilt yesterday. As usual the hardest part was finally deciding what to do.

It's a pretty rough sketch but gives me something to work from.

I want this to be a bright, nonsensical little quilt so have picked some of my hand dyed fabrics for this project.

The trees have been cut out and fixed to the background. Today when I finish being a builders assistant I will start the background quilting and with luck be ready start stitching the embellishments on tonight.

Disappearing 9 Patch

2008-07-04T14:47:00.004+10:00

As I mentioned back in April (that seems like so long ago now) I found a bunch of 6" 9 patch blocks and turned them into disappearing 9 patch blocks.

Since then I've participated in another 9 patch swap, this time using 9" blocks. Rather than have two smaller quilts I've combined the two swaps to make a lap quilt.

Initially I had the smaller blocks in the centre then changed my mind (of course I didn't change it until I'd stitched everything together).

I'm thinking about backing it with polar fleece - no wadding - and then quilting it. Decisions, decisions, lol.

Summer Quilt Finished

2008-07-03T22:06:00.003+10:00

This is my finished my quilt for the Four Seasons Summer Quilt Swap, I'm pleased with how it has turned out and hope the recipient likes it.

Lovely cool blue/greens remind me of the ocean on a hot summer day. It will be in the mail in the next few days.

Where do the hours go??

2008-06-20T16:31:00.006+10:00

I have been busily working on my Four Seasons summer quilt, it hard to tell from the picture but the background is a very pale green. I'm thinking lovely cool refreshing colours to take the sting out of a hot day. This is the centre block, I've since put it on point and added the borders.

Also making ATCs to swap and quilting a quilt for a friend. It is to be a 25th wedding anniversary gift for her sister & brother-in-law.

I have been trying to get up to date with all my commitments so I can think about the challenge with the online group Around the World in 20 Quilts . The first challenge is 'Trees' I have some ideas about what I'd like to do and will try to get started next week. The fabrics have all been selected and they are crying out to be used.

A Garden Visitor

2008-06-06T22:07:00.002+10:00

We have had some cold and foggy mornings lately. I'm not complaining as a lovely days usually follows.

This king parrot and his friends have been visiting our garden, I think they are lovely to look at but our citrus trees are suffering. They've cleaned up all the chestnuts and have been feeding on the lemons & cumquats.

I have attempted to upload some pictures of the ATCs and quilt related pics but blogger isn't in the mood to co-operate, maybe tomorrow (fingers crossed).

Green Strips, Step 2 and Mother's Day

2008-05-11T21:01:00.004+10:00

As you can see I have finished cutting and re-sewing my green strips. Everyone who has seen them has made the same comment...."it's very green!"

My original idea was to to applique a jacobean style tree/flower onto the centre of the top but the more I look at it the more I like it as is (could be that I'm lazy as well, lol). It is busy enough as it is without the applique. Decisions, decisions, what do you think? Any suggestions?

Today is Mother's Day, our two older daughters came home this weekend, the youngest was home last weekend as she had to work.

I was lucky enough to receive some flowers, a signed copy of Jeffrey Archer's book and some fqs. They know just how to spoil me. The man of the house also gave me a bay tree and has nearly finished my 'no-dig' herb garden.

I got to cook dinner last night and lunch again today but I didn't have to do the dishes or tidy the kitchen afterwards. If I'd known that I'd have made more mess.

Here is a picture of the latest addition to my sewing machine family. It is an old Singer, from 1936 according to the serial number. The gold work is in excellent condition, the machine came complete with rubber floor mat, instruction booklet and all the accessories seem to be in the tin. The wooden carry case/suit case shows some minor signs of wear. It sews well now that I've had a little play with the tension.

It is definitely no featherweight, weighs in at approx 22 kg and I want to carrying it around too often. Now All I have to do is find somewhere for it to live.

Strip Challenge

2008-05-06T13:00:00.005+10:00

Recently I participated in a swap with one of my on-line groups. We each had to make a set of strips for each person in the swap in their chosen colour. These are the strips I received.

Now the fun begins, I have until October 1st to make these strips into a quilt top. I have started chopping up the strips and stitching them back together. I'd like to applique a Jacobean type flower/tree on the top of the quilt but some members of the family think it might be a little 'over the top.'

We will have to wait and see........ I'll ask for opinion when I finished this step.

Hexagons

2008-05-02T14:50:00.001+10:00

The hexagon quilt is growing slowly, sorry the picture isn't very good. I'd take another one but the camera has flat batteries.

Hearts & Stars......It's Finished!!!

2008-05-02T14:33:00.009+10:00

This quilt has been a WIP (work in progress) for longer than I care to remember. I have had at least 3 other attempts to quilt it and each time have unpicked what I'd done.

I'd quilted in the ditch around all the red & blue blocks and tried various designs in the cream area, in the end I gave up stippled the whole thing.

Another quilt made from the stash!!

To celebrate finishing something I made this cute little bag ..... well I'd show you a picture but Blogger doesn't want to co-operate!

I take back all those evil thoughts I've just had! lol The picture decided to upload after all.

Now to tackle another long term WIP.

Storm Damage

2008-04-03T18:33:00.004+11:00

Yesterday there were gale force winds all over the State. We had this huge black wood tree fall across the road not far from the house. Looks like we will have plenty of fire wood for the coming year.

Disappearing 9 Patch

2008-04-03T18:21:00.004+11:00

This is a picture of a quilt top I'm working on. I found a pile of 9 patch blocks when I was cleaning out the stash and looking for something completely different. There had been a lot of talk on one of my quilting groups about the disappearing 9 patch block and I decided to try it with these blocks.

I'll have to add some borders to this top or make some more 9 patches as it's a little small at present.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I'm pleased with how it's going so far.

Below are some of the links I found doing a google search.

http://snippetsofaquilter.blogspot.com/2007/10/charm-square-quilt.html

http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/04/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial.html

http://quiltsatcs.blogspot.com/2007/04/disappearing-9-patch-tutorial.html

Hexagons

2008-03-23T09:50:00.004+11:00

I've finally made a start on my hexagon quilt. I'm using 1" hexagons in black and white, bordered with a yellow/mustardy colour.

I put a few together to see what they would look like. The colour in the picture isn't quite right but you get the drift.

This is my hand sewing project while I watch TV at night with the boss. Football season has started and I need something to keep me sane. It's still a little too warm to knit.

Spring - Four Seasons

2008-03-22T21:21:00.012+11:00

This first picture is the start of my 'Spring' Four Seasons Quilt, I've spent a long time making up my mind about what to do this time. I have Iris bulbs outside my laundry window and also near the letter box that bloom every year. I don't know who planted them, I've lived here for nearly 25 years and they have bloomed every year.

After completing the applique I wanted to frame the flower and tried various ideas with pencil sketches.....drawing is not one of my talents.

Finally decided on log cabin blocks in a variety of purples. If I don't have visitors tomorrow I hope to get the quilting done.

I was going to add a few more pictures of my current projects but I'm having trouble uploading them, maybe it will be better in the morning.

IFQ BOM 2nd Block

2008-02-25T22:15:00.005+11:00

Here is a picture of the second block from the Home Sweet Home BOM, it went together really quickly and I like the way that the stems are incorporated into the piecing and not appliqued onto the block.

Would you believe that it has taken me days to upload this picture. aaaghh!!!

The picture below is of my friends heritage quilt, we've been working on these quilts for 12 months. I haven't taken a picture of my completed quilt yet. To tell the truth neither quilt is finished as we're still working on the borders.

You've seen the picture of my blue centre in an earlier post.

New Four Seasons Swap - Spring

2008-02-25T22:11:00.004+11:00

I've signed up for the 'Spring Season' swap with the Four Seasons swap. If you're interested in taking part in this swap, click on the Four Seasons logo and find out all about it. I have 2 lovely quilts thanks to Jessica and Dorian.

AQC - Aust. Quilt Convention

2008-02-25T13:43:00.009+11:00

Last Thursday my quilting buddy Rhonda and I caught the train to Melbourne to have a look at the quilt convention. We arrived just before the doors opened and left in the middle of the afternoon.

I'm sure we visited every stand at least twice, if nor more. I found some more black & whites for the English paper pieced hexagon quilt that I want to start this year. I also found the background fabric, thanks to Rhonda's eagle eye. The picture I took isn't true to colour as the fqs are black & white.They show up blue here and the background fabric is a lot brighter. I'm still a novice with the digital camera.

I was searching for something the other day and came across this table runner, all it needed was sandwiching and quilting. Another UFO or WIP as I prefer to call them bites the dust.

This afternoon I decided it was time to clean out the boxes of quilting and crafty bits and pieces that I have had stashed away. I seem to have ended up with more mess than when I started. I honestly don't know why I've kept some of this stuff. Tomorrow I have a pile of fabric to put away where it belongs and find a new place to store the patterns etc that I uncovered.

I also found a nearly completed quilt that I'd forgotten all about. In a sensible moment I even put the fabric for the binding with the quilt. It only needs a little more quilting and the binding stitched on. If I get my sewing table cleared, I might have a go at it tomorrow. At the moment you can't see an empty spot with all the unearthed 'treasures.'

Partridge in a Pear Tree

2008-02-11T15:08:00.000+11:00

This lovely little bird has flown a very long way to take of residence here and has settled in very well.

A very big thank you to Jessica for making me such a lovely little quilt. It will take pride of place next Christmas when I do our decorations.

Time Flies

2008-01-29T13:20:00.000+11:00

It is hard to believe that the first month of the year is nearly over. School starts again this week after the long summer break and I will have to remember to slow down at all the school crossings.

Today my house smells like a 'pickle factory'. This morning I picked the remainder of the beetroot and pickled them. I've also made some rhubarb chutney.

We spent some time this morning weeding the vegie garden, it's hard to find what is left in there as the pumpkins and weeds have taken over. While wandering around the garden I picked the first of the cucumbers & zucchini , we're doing much better with them this year. Last year the cucumbers in particular were a real flop.

Also picked a couple of kilos of plums, not sure yet whether to just stew them or make them into jam.

I'm finding it very difficult to get motivated and into the sewing mood, I did make these 2 blocks as the first installment of BOM that I signed up for. I'd like to make it in country/autumn colours.

I'm also trying to make it from my stash, even after two years the stash doesn't seem to have diminished. Honestly, I didn't have a very big one to start with and most of the fabric I've bought lately has been for backings.

Rain, Glorious Rain!

2008-01-20T11:12:00.000+11:00

We have been enjoying some lovely rain, the garden and our water tanks really needed it. The weather has also been a bit cooler and I've managed to get some sewing done.

My January Journal quilt is finished, the theme was 'Seasons' and the techniques were Embellishment, Machine Embroidery, Free Motion Emb, Bobbin Thread, Metallic Thread, Buttons, Charms etc. I had planned to make a quilt using the 4 seasons but when I started pulling out the fabrics I found the bunch of artificial flowers and the rest is history. I did do a little free motion stitching and used metallic thread and beads.

Four Seasons Quilt Finished!

2008-01-11T08:53:00.000+11:00

My Four Seasons winter quilt is finished. I would really love to be somewhere cool, cold even. It is so hot and windy here today. It's true to say that I am not a summer person!

I had planned to take a series photos of this wall hanging as I worked on it, but you know the saying "the best laid plans of mice & men...."

Instead of making a traditional label, I red worked the sign and then wrote all all the relevant info. Hope my swap recipient likes what I've done. It will be in the mail next week unless I go into town before then.

Foggy Morning

2008-01-05T11:55:00.001+11:00

Just a couple of pictures taken early one morning from the patio looking over the roses and vegetable garden and down to the valley.

It can be quite eerie at times watching the fog creep up the valley.

Sometimes we can't even see the hills on the far side, it is just a sea of white.

Four Seasons - Winter

2008-01-05T11:49:00.000+11:00

Even though it has been very hot here, 30-40C off and on since Christmas I've been working away at my Four Seasons quilt. The design was taken from an old Piecemakers calendar, instead of applique I decided to do red work.

I have the strips cut out to do the borders and then I'll have to think about quilting.......any suggestions?

It's Over

2007-12-26T22:10:00.000+11:00

Another Christmas has been celebrated and survived. We have had 3 days of festivities, youngest daughter's birthday is on the 23rd Dec, Christmas Day was spent here at home with the immediate family and today we went to my sister's and spent the day with assorted family and friends.

This was the last time that we are having the extended family get together as two of my sisters & brother no longer want to do it. Next year it will be down to just my middle sister & her family, Mum and us.

I enjoyed having the girls home all at the one time, doesn't happen very often now that they have all flown the nest. Middle daughter had to work for a couple of hours yesterday and most of today and I think that it was great that she managed to make it home for lunch yesterday.

I hope everyone has had a happy & safe Christmas.

ps My sister really loved the flower quilt!

Things in the Post & Shopping

2007-12-21T20:10:00.000+11:00

I received the the postcard & ATC's
(right) from swaps I've been in.

The theme was
Christmas and some people are very
clever with what they've done.

This week the mail man has been very busy. He brought me this very quirky wall hanging (left) from my friend in NZ. I'm sorry the detail doesn't show up very well here. It's a crazy lady (looking a lot like me) running amok snipping everything in sight with her trusty scissors. You just have to smile when you look at it.

Wednesday I went to lunch with a girlfriend and of course we had to do a little retail therapy. I bought 16.5 metre of fabric for a grand total of $24.75. I plan to use these as quilt backing through the coming year. I bought some more black and white fq's for a project that I have in mind for a next year - a b & w grandmother's flower garden quilt, English paper pieced. Something to take with me when we're travelling about.

Also bought 6 reels of quilting thread that was on special on a buy one, get one free from a local quilt shop.

Christmas is coming

2007-12-17T21:24:00.000+11:00

I'm happy to say that all my Christmas gifts are wrapped and ready to go under the tree. Just need to get the fresh vegetables etc next week and everything is under control.

Today I packed away my sewing things from the dining table and I'm already having withdrawal symptoms. The house has been tidied, beds made up for the girls on Christmas Eve, middle daughter has to work Christmas Day for a couple of hours but will be home for lunch. She works again on Boxing Day, Jan 26th so won't be able to attend the extended family lunch.

I'm participating in the Four Seasons winter swap and with luck I'll come up with some ideas, very hard to think 'winter' when it's been so hot here.

In case I don't get a chance to post again this week, I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and all the best for the coming year.

Christmas quilting

2007-12-05T16:51:00.000+11:00

This is the ballet bag I made for my 7 y.o. niece Matilda. Purple has been her favourite colour for as long as I can remember, this year pink has become another favourite.

The ballerina is an iron on patch. I was going to applique a pair of ballet slippers but this caught my eye and I thought it would look better.

These are a couple of the ATC's I made for a recent swap, I must have deleted the picture of the third one I made. I've been playing with the macro setting on the camera, looking at these pictures I need a little more practice.

I am also in a Christmas postcard swap and finished off my postcards today, they are all ready to mail in the morning.

Daughters & Cars

2007-12-04T16:07:00.000+11:00

Life in this household has been fairly hectic of late. Middle daughter has moved house yet again, her new flat is very central to shops, public transport etc. It has been freshly painted and has new flooring. She is sharing with a girlfriend from school.

Christmas shopping has been started and nearly completed, I spent two days shopping last week, one at Fountain Gate and the other at Chadstone, talk about shop 'til you drop. Called into Spotlight and bought some pre-quilted fabric to make my 7 y.o. niece a ballet bag. Will post a picture when it's finished. There hasn't been a lot of other sewing done.

Last night youngest daughter was in a car accident. Fortunately no-one was injured but her car is a write-off. We took the car trailer down to the city today and brought her car home. Now we have to start the claim via our insurance company. I have loaned her my old car so she can get to work and home again.

She is planning on moving closer to her job and if she gets the place she applied for this week she will be within walking distance of the book shop where she works.

Flower Quilt

2007-11-14T19:06:00.000+11:00

There was no wind whatsoever today until I went outside to take this photo. Every time I took a shot the breeze would lift the bottom of the quilt. I was too lazy to go back inside to get the masking tape to hold the quilt flat.

This quilt is a Christmas gift for my younger sister. The floral blocks were made by different people and I've had them packed away since 2004 when the row by row swap finished.

I have shadow quilted around each of the flower sprays, stitched in the ditch around the dark green borders and stippled the cream background.

I still have to make the label and think up a name for the quilt, any suggestions?

Thanks to all who have sent messages and prayers for my mothers, I'm so pleased that they are both on the mend.

Mother's ..... Part 3 & Something Quilty

2007-11-11T16:43:00.000+11:00

There is good news and not so good news. My
Mum is fine, nothing showed up in any of the tests she had. Mum-in-law is still in hospital, she has had a shoulder replacement and pin inserted into her arm. At 90 years of age she is finding everything very confusing. We don't know yet whether she will return to the retirement home or have to go into a nursing home. Mum is fine, nothing showed up in any of the tests she had. Mum-in-law is still in hospital, she has had a shoulder replacement and pin inserted into her arm. At 90 years of age she is finding everything very confusing. We don't know yet whether she will return to the retirement home or have to go into a nursing home.

I just love the colour of this rose, my Mum has one in her garden and bought one for me after I admired it. Of course I've forgotten the name of the rose.

This morning I spent an hour mowing some of the lawn, with all the rain last weekend the grass (and weeds) have really taken off.

This is the centre block of the blue quilt I'm making,. At present I'm working on the machine applique of all those little pieces. The centre will measure 36 ' square when completed. The 40 12.5" blocks that make up the rest of the quilt are finished. I might redo one of them though as I'm not completely happy with it.

I've finished quilting the floral row x row, now to trim and do the binding. This will be a Christmas present for my younger sister - the one who pointed out that everyone has a quilt except her.

My Christmas shopping is going very slowly, I have started but only just. Finally decided to give eldest daughter's boyfriend/partner a pair of my hand knitted socks. We don't know him very well and that's all I could think of. What to get for my brother still has me stumped. We do a Kris Kringle for the adults in the family so I only have to think of two gifts.........you'd think it would be easy!

Mother's! cont'd

2007-10-31T22:53:00.000+11:00

Both Mums are on the mend. My Mum has had a heap of tests and we're waiting for the results. My Mum-in-law ended up having a cast put on her broken arm and is finding life a little difficult. She is 86 and this fall has taken it's toll. Thanks to all who sent their good wishes.

On a quilty note, I have begun the quilting on the row by row. I had enough background material to do what I wanted to and fingers crossed there will be enough of the dark green for the binding. I'll post a couple of pictures when there's something to look at.

Mother's!

2007-10-24T19:34:00.001+10:00

It seems to be the week for both my Mum & my Mum-in-law to have falls. Monday evening my Mum had a fall and is now sporting a couple of very black eyes. She got to have a ride in the ambulance and spent the night in hospital. Every day this week my sister gets to take Mum for various tests etc. I'll be pleased when we know what's going on.

Mum-in-law had a fall in the nursing home yesterday and has broken her arm.....up near the shoulder. They can't put it in plaster so she will be trussed up for the next 6 weeks or so. She is still in hospital. Himself can't go and visit her as he has caught one of the various flu bugs going around and he doesn't want her to get it.

To brighten this up I took a picture of the first bunch of roses I've picked this year.

A Work in Progress (or a UFO?)

2007-10-09T15:00:00.001+10:00

After my recent tidy of the stash and finding all these WIP's (works in progress) that some would call UFO's I decided that I should attempt to finish some of them.

This quilt dates back to 2003 when I was in a row by row swap with an online group. When it came home I wasn't sure what to do with it so the rows have been waiting patiently for me to be inspired.

I cut the pansy row into 3 blocks, bordered them and all the other rows with a mottled dark green and this is the result so far. Sorry you can't see the pansies in the top row very well, I couldn't take a picture of the quilt hanging as the top & bottom rows aren't joined yet.

I might just have enough of the cream background fabric for the side borders if not I'll just bind it as is with the dark green.

Thanks to all who have left comments, makes me feel that I'm not talking to myself.

Four Seasons Fall Quilt

2007-10-03T16:26:00.000+10:00

Fabric fondling is the best way to calm your nerves after a harrowing experience.

Yesterday I had a face to face confrontation with a metre long tiger snake. Not one of my favourite things to meet.

My day was much improved when I received my fall swap quilt from Dorian in LaGrange Park, Il.

Dorian was also kind enough to enclose some fabric. A very big thank you Dorian for the quilt and the fabric, the quilt is perfect colours for my family room and will be on display for all to see. We're going into summer here but that isn't important.

I also received my 'cream to gold' charms from another swap I'm in.

Wouldn't it be lovely if the postman brought squishy fabric parcels everyday?

I couldn't go to my regular sewing day this week so I've been working on my blue quilt at home, only 6 more blocks and the centre to do and it will be finished. I'm thinking of doing some type of floral applique in the centre. Will complete all the 12" blocks first and see what I think.

A UFO bites the Dust

2007-09-28T10:37:00.000+10:00

It has taken 12 months but this table runner is finally finished. All that needed doing was the binding.

I had wanted to do the binding in the maroon, unfortunately I didn't have enough. Working only from the stash can be a bit tricky. To tell the truth I didn't think I had enough of any of the colours used so this poor little table runner has been sitting on the bottom of the UFO pile.

A couple of weeks ago I thought it would be a good idea to tidy up the stash and put all the fabric adorning the dining table, piano and various other bits of furniture back where it belonged.

Much to my surprise I found enough of the cream for the binding, just made it with a 3 inch strip to spare.

Odd Socks

2007-09-24T14:58:00.001+10:00

These are the latest socks to come hot off my needles. I made them from wool I purchased on ebay and I didn't notice until I'd finished that they are both slightly different.

My middle daughter has been after me to make her some more sock so she might get these. She really wants some with cables or patterns but I like to knit while watching TV and don't want to do anything that needs a lot of concentration.

Coming up to summer I probably won't be doing all that much knitting. I have started another pair of socks and was thinking of crocheting a bolero style to for number 3 daughter. Decisions, decisions.

I posted off my 4Seasons swap over two weeks ago and still haven't heard if it has arrived, do hope it hasn't gone astray in the mail. It went overseas so will wait a day or 2 more before I start chasing it up.

Spring

2007-09-22T16:23:00.000+10:00

I have a new camera, just a cheapie but at least it works without too many hassles and swear words like my older one.

Now, I just have to master the art of using this new little gadget, the older I get the less technical minded I become.

I can remember getting very frustrated with my parents every time they bought some new electrical appliance, I was the one that had to read all the instructions. Now I find myself doing the same thing!

Anyway, this morning I took some pictures around the garden.

After lunch we took a walk up the paddock to open the gate for the cows. They weren't overly impressed with having their picture taken and turned their backs on me.

Looking around you wouldn't think that we live in a 'drought declared' area. The recent rains and early warm weather has greened the countryside. Our annual rainfall is still way down on the average. We're very thankful for what rain we've had.
The blackwood trees didn't do too well, the lack of rain has really affected them

They are along the boundary of the same paddock the cows in the earlier picture.
At least we will have a plentiful supply of fire wood when they drop their branches.

Finished Fall Quilt

2007-09-14T12:13:00.000+10:00

This is the front and back of my Fall Quilt for the Four Seasons Swap, I posted it off earlier this week and now I have my fingers crossed that the recipient will like what I've done. I've called it "When the leaves fall, the geese fly north for the winter."
I told you it was a long name for a little quilt.

Landscape Quilt

2007-09-08T16:46:00.001+10:00

I have been slowly plodding away on the landscape quilt. Today I decided to add the borders. I have already done some free motion stitching and when I sandwich it I will quilt around all the trees, hills etc.

I surprised myself and managed to get the mitres on the outer border right the first time.

I still have to applique or embroider the dead trees in front of the bottom dam.

I'm pleased to be ahead of schedule with this instead of leaving it until the last minute.

This picture on the left is the one I worked from for this quilt, I will admit to using a little 'artistic licence.' You will also notice that the quilt is a mirror image of the original picture.

Spring

2007-09-02T10:56:00.000+10:00

Last week I took these pics of the cherry plum trees in the back garden. Spring has well and truly arrived.

We had pretty windy condition on Thursday and most the blossom has blown away. It looked like it was snowing at times.

Today I plan on mowing some of the lawn and helping DH put the fence up along the back of the vegie garden. Since we moved the garden further up the yard the vegies are suffering from the strong winds we've had lately.

It's a nice day for working outside. I really feel like curling up with a book or my knitting and taking it easy today.

It was my middle sisters 50th birthday during the week and last night we went out to celebrate with family and friends at a restaurant close to their home. The food and company were both great and I'm glad we went even if it was a two hour drive home.

Quilt Show

2007-08-26T08:31:00.001+10:00

Yesterday DH and I went down to visit my Mum and take her out for lunch. I'd read of a quilt show in Mt Eliza so we visited that before going to lunch.

Mum had never been to a quilt show before and I think that she enjoyed herself. We saw lots of lovely quilts, unfortunately I didn't take the camera.

We had lunch at the local RSL (returned services club) in Frankston, the meal was very nice and the place wasn't overcrowded. Saved me having to cook a meal that night.

A friend gave us some daphne and I'm attempting to strike cuttings. I love daphne and over the years I've tried grow it without any success. Keeping my fingers crossed this time. We have also been getting the vegetable garden ready. We've planted out broccoli (some weeks ago but still a little late), silver beet, broad beans and lettuce.

Soon we will start building the glass house, I say we but it is DH's project - I just get to act as the builders lackey.

Dratted Binding!!

2007-08-20T22:03:00.000+10:00

I was hoping to have my Fall quilt finished today, did the backing yesterday and put the binding on. When I looked at this morning I wasn't very happy about how I'd stitched it down so I've unpicked the lot and will have another go tomorrow.

Sorry, no photos this time, you might be able to read the labels. lol. Pictures will have to wait until after the quilt arrives at it's new home.

For a little quilt, it sure has a very long name.

Decided to add this pic, just to give you something to look at. It was taken here on the farm.

More Pics

2007-08-17T19:59:00.001+10:00

Some more pictures of my heritage quilt. The quilt is made up of 40 x 12.5 inch blocks with a 36 inch centre block.

I made a similar quilt a few years ago and the ladies I sew with on Tuesday wanted me to help them make the quilt. My original quilt was made using seeded homespun with cream lace and doyleys and a number of beige to brown threads for the stitching.

For a change I decided to use a blue background with white lace etc. After making the first few blocks I thought it needed a little something to give it a lift so I chose the colours you can see in the previous post.

I've also used a number of seed beads on the lace as a highlight. We have 20 blocks near enough finished and that means we're just about halfway.

Four Seasons, 2nd installment

2007-08-16T17:26:00.000+10:00

As I was working on this little project yesterday, I had a sudden thought........ what if the recipient looks at it and thinks "Yuck!"

I'm thinking whether to do an applique or a stitchery in the centre panel, we'll see what happens.

Two posts in one day, I'd better go and finish cooking dinner.

Blue Quilt

2007-08-16T17:15:00.001+10:00

As promised yesterday here are some pics of my heritage quilt, just one of my current projects. The blocks still need to be trimmed to size.

I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on.......

2007-08-15T18:08:00.000+10:00

This morning I packed up my sewing things and went off to meet up with my sewing group.

Remembered everything except the wadding for my quilt as you go heirloom quilt that we're making.

I spent the day tracing the applique patterns onto vliesofix and ironing them to the blocks. I now have four blocks ready to be stitched down.

We have now completed 20 of the forty blocks needed.

Tomorrow, if time permits I will post some pics of the finished blocks.

Four Seasons, Step One

2007-08-14T14:24:00.000+10:00

This is the first installment of my autumn/fall quilt

I have come up with an idea and I hope it works.

Today I selected all the fabrics that I want to use, this is going to be a scrappy little quilt.

Except for the borders and binding each fabric will only be used once.

Four Seasons

2007-08-13T18:33:00.000+10:00

Sometimes I wonder what I've gotten myself into. Last night I received my partner in this swap. After looking at her blog all my previous ideas have been thrown out the window......... back to the drawing board.

Had a quick look through some books and online and have a glimmer of an idea. We'll see how it goes.

Landscape Swap

2007-08-11T21:45:00.000+10:00

As you can see the landscape wall hanging has progressed slowly. I have done a little more than is shown here.

Still trying to decide how to frame/border this quilt.

I'm feeling quite pleased that my better half recognised what it is supposed to be.

It has been very windy, last night 2 trees were blown down, tomorrow if it isn't too wet we will go and retrieve some more firewood.

Quilt Swap - Four Seasons

2007-08-07T16:33:00.000+10:00

Thanks to Sheila for the help with adding the Four Seasons blog logo. We are both joining in this swap and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully I'll be able to get all four mini quilts completed.
I'll keep you posted.