The Stitching Room

A bit of DYI

2012-01-30T09:00:00.003+10:30

The area near my sewing machine generally looks like this. I was sick of never finding the bobbin that went with the thread I was using. Like most things in my life an idea floats around my head for a while then it pops out into reality.

this was the solution to my problem.
some wood some dowel some fabric some paint and some modge podge
problem solved.

one would never have fixed the problem
the colours in these are not great but I am sure you may have seen this fabric around.

On Saturday night after an extremely hot and humid day this storm blew in
sunshine on one side of the house and grey clouds the other
the wind blew and the rain came from a different direction - straight in our front door something that rarely happens.

A quilt and the birds

2012-01-24T23:05:00.004+10:30

I have finished Tony's quilt and have loved every minute of the process.
It is paper pieced and hand quilted although hand quilting a quilt in Australia in the summer is not pleasant. Here is a mental picture you might want to forget me in my underwear quilting the alternative is me dressed normally with the air conditioner on full blast and the family dressed in winter clothes.

and the label

It has been hot here and the birds in the neighbourhood have been enjoying every bodies sprinklers and bird baths here are some shots I took the other morning.

missed the bird got the water droplets LOL.

Our neighbours bird bath is quite the place to be there is much splashing and quite a lot of bullying.

and then it is up in the tree to dry.

You may have guessed I'm on holidays

2012-01-12T09:41:00.003+10:30

This productivity will dry up next week as I am back to work.
These have been such fun projects, they are samples for the shop.
The patterns are by Annie Smith of Country Keepsakes and there are about 5 different hand puppet patterns all with 2 different puppets in each pattern.
Lorraine has all the patterns along with some of Annie's dolls patters which are so very cute.

My 2 had hand puppets and loved playing with them Gemma instantly said when she saw these were are Sooty and Sweep.
They are in a box in the roof waiting patiently for grandchildren LOL.
Shame there isn't more creative childrens play and less TV and computer games.
This is Victor and the other puppet in the pattern is Frankie(Frankenstein).

Meet Marmalade she has Chuckles the clown with her.

The baby is growing and we are having weekly visits with my girls who are not that fond of other dogs.

41C = time in the sewing room 2

2012-01-08T07:42:00.003+10:30

This idea has been in my head for quite a while it took our recent hot weather to get it out. I wanted a strap for my camera where I could could wear it over my shoulder and it be wide enough to make it comfortable and have my camera sit on my hip. I also wanted 3 pockets one for my lens cap, another for my phone and another for my keys and some money.
The wonderful Amy modeling the strap.

phone pocket and lens cap pocket.

phone pocket

zipped key/money pocket

I am now set for camera walking in comfort.

41C = time in the sewing room

2012-01-07T08:28:00.003+10:30

It has been hot here in SA which means time in the sewing room. I THINK I saw something like these in a Mollie Makes Mag some time ago. I went to the op shop and bought the jumpers a while a go and they have been sitting folded in a draw patiently waiting.
I am really pleased with how they turned out better than I had expected. The first one took a little fiddling getting the top right and the second one was super quick. The jumpers cost $3.00 each and I used buttons from my tin, some of which came from my Gran.
I did buy 2 buttons from Hettie the lovely red rose buttons they were the big spend at $5.00.

Meet Honey

2011-12-31T20:33:00.001+10:30

This is Honey Gemma's new baby. She is very cute.

It's over for another year

2011-12-30T09:15:00.003+10:30

I have been very slack with posting my SSCS gift not sure what has happened to the last few days.
I received this lovely parcel from Lyn in New Zealand.
Thank you Lyn I am sure I will put all these beautiful things to good use.
A BIG thank you to the elf for her fantastic organisational skills in putting this swap together.

Some Christmas snaps

Where we had our Christmas lunch a wonderful picnic under a shady tree.

this is what happens when the elf has a little too much to drink on Christmas eve and then eats too much for Christmas lunch.

Not enough time

2011-12-12T09:16:00.004+10:30

Christmas madness has hit.
Are these not the cutest little things. I was luck enough to win these in a give away. Lisa and I have been chatting for years, she takes lovely photos and knits gorgeous thing some of which she sells. I have put a cotton reel in to show their size. I have the sneaking feeling that these 2 will disappear from my house and go live with Gemma as she loved them, or perhaps I commission Lisa to knit Gemma some as I think I would like them to live with me.
They are knitted in the softest wool.

My SSCS parcel has arrived from Lyn ........ cute little pudding ornaments.
Thank you Lyn I will wait patiently to open my other gift.
A BIG thank you to the elf supremo for organising the swap.

One of Lucas' friends asked me to make a stocking which I quickly whipped up yesterday.

and finally some cuteness our friends dog had puppies 3 weeks ago they are the sweetest little things. This one had just had a big drink and could not lift its belly off the ground.

Finally show sewing

2011-11-25T11:15:00.004+10:30

I have been sewing but some I couldn't show so now for the reveal.
An Advent Calendar for Charoltte.
I have had fun bringing this together hopefully I will get a pattern written for
Christmas in July 2012 LOL.

Gemma and Sean moved into their new home on Monday, I frantically put this together as their settlement was quite short.
A new quilt for a new home.

All quilts must have a label.

A bag for a friend.

and another one.
I love this grey linen.

and the bag of goodies to fill the advent calendar which is on it's way to Moonta as I type.
I am amazed that every toy you buy these days has some sort of warning attached to it. I have not bought stuff for small children in such a long time. Is there no common sense any more we live in such an over protected world.
Well that was my little rant for the day.
Have a great weekend.

Playing

2011-11-16T23:42:00.003+10:30

I have been sewing but nothing I can show, enjoy my camera play.
Kangaroos Paw.

Aggie

Don't know........................ it grows in our back garden !!!!!!!

Sadly while out walking I found this after a windy night how clever are these little birds to weave their nest just using a beak and their little feet.

Missing Again

2011-11-06T14:26:00.004+10:30

Gemma was in a wedding yesterday, it was a hot day and although the ceremony was at 5pm it was still really hot.

The lovely bride.

After taking some photos Tony and I headed to Grange for a bite to eat and a walk out the jetty. It was an hot overcast evening, with the sun peeking through the thick cloud cover.

I was out and about the other day and I happened to have my camera in the car.
I had to pull over and take a photo, it made me smile.

Life has been hectic and it doesn't look like changing as Christmas is looming.

The winner is and some other stuff

2011-10-12T18:05:00.004+10:30

Batiklover said...

Love catching up on your blog when I have time. it is always so fun and fresh!!! and real!!! Thanks for some great stories, photos and just a glimpse into your world.

Would love to win the pattern for your new purse, you have such great talent!!!

6 October 2011 2:39 PM

So if you can send me your snail mail address i will post you a pattern.

Last weekend was the Port Adelaide Festival Tony and I went for a wander on the Saturday night to see the buildings lite up and then again on Sunday as the weather was lovely.

The One and All

a tall ship training vessel.

These days this is not a common site, the bridge opening.

and closing

The Yelta

The bridge that ruined The Port (thanks Mr Rann)

I'm not sure exactly what this was, but it was amazing the way it moved in the wind.

Then on to a late lunch at North Haven.

I have loads to do at the moment but I have spent the afternoon make scrunchies with my niece, she is off on her Netball teams end of season trip. As is everything with my niece it is always last minute we made 20. They are off on a house boat for 3 nights it did sound like fun however I think I would like it more with about 18 less girls.

The weekend that was

2011-10-05T09:09:00.004+10:30

It is hard to believe it is Wednesday and I haven't posted for 3 weeks. It was a long weekend here in South Australia. If you are looking for cratyness you can leave now I have been doing bits and pieces but nothing to show.
Saturday morning I got up to this.

Lucas and Nic got home at 1am and decided to sleep in their swags in the back yard!!!!!!!!!Then the troop started arriving it was Grand Final Day and the BBQue was at our place.

I am not sure why they decided to dress as 70's tennis players.Sadly I had to go to work I left Tony with the camera here are some of the results.

Not quite my standard of photography LOL. Not sure why we needed a photo of the lounge and the front door looking out.

There was tree climbing if you look close you can see a blue shirt up the tree apparently he got to the top, footy and who knows what the broom was for out on the Circuit.

There was a swim in the lake although it was not hot and a shopping trolley which was found and returned the next day to the nearest shopping centre. So in all it was a long day with lots of sore heads.
Sunday saw Gemma and I playing with cupcakes.

Monday was very peaceful it was just Tony and I we went for a walk down the beach and had a meal sitting out side in the lovely sunshine.

It always amazes us how well behaved some dogs are or reminds us how unruly our dogs are.If you have gotten this far you have done well so I though I would give away a copy of my bag pattern that I have final finished writing. Just leave a comment and I will pick a name next week.

My 2

2011-09-18T17:03:00.000+09:30

Gemma and Lucas walked the City to Bay this morning. I dropped them into the city at 8:00am. Lucas got home at 5:00am so is not looking too bad for 2 hours sleep.

Gemma thought she had had a good week :

she has learnt to conjugate verbs in Spanish(she and Sean are learning Spanish),

she has learnt how to decorate cup cups

and has walked 12 Km.

I don't think my 2 look at all alike.

Quite a while ago I bought Gemma a cupcake workshop with the The Cupcake Lady yesterdayshe went and had a wonderful time this is what she came home with.

This one was especially for me with pearls and pins and buttons.

I wish I hadn't clicked to update blogger I liked the old way much better.

Red and White quilt tick

2011-09-05T16:36:00.004+09:30

I put the last piece in Tony's red and white quilt last night.
I have really enjoyed making this quilt it is a Sue Daley pattern.
I really enjoy paper piecing.

We saw this quilt when we were in Qld last year, we were in Eumundi and I had the pleasurable task of visiting Sue for the shop.
Tony very rarely comments on quilts but he did on this one.
Now he has his own I am not sure how I will quilt it.

You can not get good help these days.
This is Tony taking a photo of me supposedly with no head but oh well
----- me again twice in one year.
Shame about the weeds in the back ground.

this one happened because I was walking towards him.
The skirt is a Nicki pattern and like all her patterns is very easy to follow.
I wore it to work today and got quite a few comments.
Thanks to my friend who lives around the corner for her invisible zipper foot.
I must get one when I am next at Otto's.

I joined the Label crew here and each month you get set a pattern and a set of very cute labels.
This was my first pattern and I just love this fabric.

each month you get a label with your name on it.

Making, baking, knitting and I hate winter.

2011-08-29T16:21:00.006+09:30

I saw a little skirt in "Molly Makes" it is a great magazine.
I whipped this one up in no time this morning as a shop sample.

Posted off some bunting for Jackson, it is for a friends grandson so is winging it's way to the USA.

I was asked to make a dog from a book.
Meet Fido.
I dyed the wool just to get it right.

a couple of books one for Gemma so we can play bake.

and this little beauty for me so many cute tea cosies to knit.

I think this will be my first one.
I will have to con someone into the croqueting a couple of flowers for me.

and this is another reason me and my washing machine hate winter.

Monday evening sewing

2011-08-25T20:20:00.005+09:30

We have had a few girls come to the shop asking if we did classes making children's clothes etc. I thought it is something I could do so starting Monday 12th September I will help those who need a little guidance with bags, toys, children's clothes.

If you are interested ring the shop the class room will be open from 5:30 for those who would like to come straight from work and perhaps eat some tea before hand.

Playing

2011-08-21T21:54:00.005+09:30

The sun was shining today so I spent some time playing.
I dyed some wool flannel which is still soaking and played with Clarice.

going

gone.

It was such a lovely day Tony and I took the dogs for a walk along the lake, as we set off this fellow and his 2 very patient children were setting up their boat.
On the way back we sat and watch them set off.

I love a Sunday when the sun has shone and spring feels in the air.
And all the kids home for roast lamb tea.
Got rid of the black it just didn't feel right.

“Synchronised Travel” 1

2011-08-17T12:16:00.003+09:30

“Synchronised Travel”.

Here is what to do, camera in hand (take a photo at each step):

1. First stage is your starting point (Take a photo).

I started near home it's winter and I hate the cold, I was dodging showers.
Council workers

2.Walk in any direction for 50 or 100 paces, then turn 180 degrees (photo).

Still not doing a lot

3. Continue walking in that direction until you see something blue (photo).

4. Make a left turn & walk 50 to 70 paces (photo).

Bin day today

5. Walk in any direction until you see something that either is or looks like the number 7 or 11 (photo).

I had a chat to the man at #7 he was out digging his garden.

6. Take the first left & continue walking until you find somewhere to sit (photo).

I sat on the edge of the lake even in the freezing cold a group of school children were out canoeing.

7. Choose any direction & walk for 25 or 50 paces (photo).

lots of water laying around.

8. Continue walking until you see an unusual colour, shape or texture (photo). Turn 180 degrees.

this roof always makes me smile - not sure why.

9. Keep walking in any direction until you see an archway or an unusual architectural feature (photo).

the family that live here are Asian they have an offering at the door.

10. Head for home but continue looking for something that catches your eye. When you find something, take your photo with it.

REALLY ugly power lines urrrr

no matter how cold it is there is always someone fishing.

I found “Synchronised Travel” at Sarah's
who linked it from "Punky & Me" the rules

It was fun and it made me get out and camera walk so it must be good.
I have been playing with my blog a little I was spurred on my Lizzie

I am in two minds about the colours let me know what you think.

Another Bag

2011-08-06T20:37:00.003+09:30

Perhaps I should have called this blog the Bag Room.

This bag has been running around my head for a while and finally on Wednesday it became real.
Gemma had talked about a bag this shape, size etc etc etc.
A friend had one similar.
I had played with a few bits of fabric trying different things, so I am pleased with how it turned out.
Actually I love it.
I bought the fabric from Ikea when I went with Lucas last Monday on the mercy dash for the swag bag.

The lovely Viv who I roped in at work today modeling it.
I love her green top.

Another thing I love is the fabric behind it "hometown"
Lorraine has the whole range.
I think I like this range more than any others that I have seen in quite a while.
I have made a quilt out of a charm pack so got the fabric to make the borders today.

not the best photo of the internal zip pocket

It has 3 great pockets one for my keys, one for my phone and one for my glasses.

a nice chunky zip.
now I will most probably have to make one for Gemma as it was originally her idea.
I will also try to write a pattern but words are always hard for me.

Swag Bag

2011-07-26T07:37:00.006+09:30

Lucas had yesterday off and in true Lucas style he was organising his stuff for next weekend.
He and a few mates are flying to Brisbane for Splendour in the Grass(music festival)

You have to love that tree of candy.

He is taking his swag and a few clothes.
He had thought his old school bag would some how turn into a
"Tardis"
but this was not to be.
So
after lunch yesterday,
a quick trip to Ikea
a swag bag was born

new bag with old school bag only Lucas could think he would fit everything into this bag.

swag, pillow & sleeping bag all rolled up and in the bag ........... add a few clothes and he is set.
He wouldn't take many clothes as they do not shower for days urrrrrr.

I even put a D ring so he could pad lock it closed for the plane.

Finally sending HUGS to Norway no words can explain what they, as a country must be going through.

Class or perhaps a chat.

2011-07-17T09:41:00.003+09:30

If you are interested Amanda from Sea Breeze Quilts is doing a
Needle Turn Applique class at Hetties Patch on Sunday 7th August.
I thought I might go and brush up my needle turning and have a chat as well.
See the post on Hetties blog for details.

Playing

2011-07-14T21:07:00.006+09:30

I have been having fun playing along with

learning lots of little trick.

A few week back Gemma and I went and listened to Jane Goodall, she is an inspirational and amazing women.

One of the messages she was passing on is the mandatory labeling of Palm Oil one of the reasons the forest are being cleared and the great apes are loosing their habitat.
Please take a few minutes to sign this on-line petition.

While I am on causes if you have Private Health cover please head over here and sign this petition click on the red tab at the bottom.

While I am here and pondering and asking everybody to sign petitions I went to my first 3D movie last weekend - how amazing is it. I must be getting old. We went and saw Transformers it is a bit of a family thing. Gemma said to me before it started I wasn't allowed to reach out and try and touch things.
I sat on my hands.

AND FINALLY
I really don't get e-magazines.
if I buy a magazine it is to curl up on the lounge and leisurely flick through it.........you just can't do that on a computer!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great week
Molly says thanks to everybody for their kind wishes she is getting better wearing a sock or a bucket........... roll on Monday when the stitches come out.

One of those week

2011-07-07T20:25:00.004+09:30

This is Molly she is 15 and she is my girl.
Last week she had a lump removed from her leg, I have had 3 hours sleep each night. She can not get her bandage wet which means each time she wants to go outside I have to put a plastic bag on her foot. She doesn't cope with change, so this has been very traumatic for her. Monday the bandage comes off and then another week until the stitches come out. I am not sure she will forgive me for this. Tomorrow when everybody goes out for the first time she has to have a Elizabethan collar ( a bucket over her head) she is going to hate that.

Lets hope next week is better.

Day 3

2011-06-19T16:57:00.003+09:30

Something a little different today our friends son was cart racing at Strathalbyn so we drove over for a few hours. We saw him race twice and he got a first and a second. It is a noisy sport and as the cart go by they flick up mud so not a place to go in your Sunday finery. Jays older brother is in England driving Formula Fords at the moment, it would be nice to think I could one day say I know a formula 1 driver.
I have just realized these photos are in reverse order.

Day 2

2011-06-18T18:19:00.003+09:30

Today saw me up early for a walk along the beach it was cold and winding without much sun.
I wish I could add sound to these photos as it is an amazing roar....... Then it would be a video wouldn't it LOL.
We had a lovely Greek meal and I have even got some stitching done.
Life is good.

There is not much beach with all the swell however I did manage to walk from our beach house to the rocks along the beach with out getting wet.

It was cold and it amazes me that these boys sit out in the water waiting for a wave, I am sure my toes would snap off.

Day 1

2011-06-17T15:57:00.003+09:30

We have had a nice day some walking and eating and sewing. All of these photos have been taken around Port Elliot. I am loving Izzie(the iPad) however doing a post on her is time consuming so lots of snaps and few words.

Time away

2011-06-16T20:33:00.003+09:30

Tony, Gemma and I are down at Port Elliot for a few days I am looking forward to doing not a lot, a bit of stitching and playing with Clarice.
It is a full moon at the moment and as I sit here watching a program on Polar Bears the waves are crashing in on the beach below.
See you tomorrow with some more photos.

Bad blogger and a quilt for shayla

2011-06-05T17:19:00.004+09:30

Can someone please tell me how we are in June already.

This is a very ordinary photo of this quilt it really doesn't do it justice. That is what you get for leaving it to the men in the house. The weather had been bad all week and I had to go to work and Lucas had to take it to give to Shayla, so I left it in the boys hands.

Shayla is one of Lucas' close friends he has suffered from ulcerative colitis over the last 4 years to the point that he has had surgery removing the effected part of his bowel and he now has a colostomy hopefully for a few months at least. The boys gave me some money and I put in the rest. This quilt suits Shayla so much I loved making it.
The boys took it into hospital to him last Saturday.

I must admit none of the photos are great I have been very time poor at the moment, and the weather hasn't been great.

I think everybody knows Cat in the Hat.
I loved how it turned out.

Every quilt must have a label.
Lucas assures me I don't want to know what T-Rex means!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also made some bunting for Sean's cousins little boy Francis and at the moment it is winging its way to Spain with Sean. We saw Sean off at the airport this morning on a 5 week surfing holiday in Spain and Portugal.

Random stuff

2011-05-22T19:15:00.007+09:30

I finally got around to finishing a quilt for Sean. He wanted a quillow I am yet to make the pocket. Not a great photo the wind was blowing.................. this quilt caused me problems from the start it is a really easy quilt when you cut enough fabric........... which I didn't and it went wrong from there. It is the same fabric range as Lucas' quilt. It is even more appropriate for Sean as it has a sea theme.

I couldn't help myself I went into Borders while I was doing the work banking and left with this.
Being a bit of a bag lady I couldn't go past it.
I am sure I will be making something from it very soon.

How lucky are the kids of today aren't these just the best sprinkles.
Gemma came over and cooked some cup cakes last weekend and had these to go on the top.

I made this little basket as a shop sample it is from "ink and spindle". Lorraine is going to stock their kits this is one of them. Their fabric is lovely I have one of their cushion kits waiting to be made. I have the same fabric.

If you are not fond of spiders perhaps signing out now would be a good thing.
I am fairly sure it is a Golden Orb Weaver.
It has been at my sisters house for about a month getting bigger and bigger.
They are fascinating to look at. The small spider on her abdomen is the male.

The girls are 25

2011-05-15T15:58:00.003+09:30

Firstly thanks for all the comments on my moan last week.
Last night Gemma and Lisa celebrated their 25th birthdays the theme was 1920's everybody put in a great effort and dressed accordingly.
Warning photo heavy post.
The birthday Girls
Gemma & Lisa

Kev (Lisa's dad) and Al (Sean's step dad)
I think if I had been in a restaurant in the 1920 and Al walking it I would have expected him to produce a machine gun and shoot everybody........perhaps I watch too many movies
I am thinking The Untouchables.

Lucas and Falf.

Falf's boy friend Scott................... no matter what he had worn those dreads just wouldn't pull off a 1920's outfit.

me looking very pensive I was trying to fix Gemma's beads.

Alicia my niece and Sean

Nick the only person allowed to use my camera.

The cake made by Lisa's mum Jan who is a great cook.

A bit of dancing

Sean, Gemma Liz (Sean's mum) and Al

Me, Gemma Lucas & Alicia

The family

Jan Lisa's mum and cook extraordinaire and Liz

Jarrod the golfer and Ben Lisa's boyfriend

Me and my boy

I am sure a lot of you know who Tony Robinson is but a lot of people think Tony looks like him here is even more proof of it.

This is a most unusual post for me as you get to see me this will not happen again for quite a few years LOL.

Mothers Day and a MOAN

2011-05-08T14:26:00.006+09:30

First for the MOAN.

If you read my blog you will know that I work at Hettie's Patch a really lovely quilt shop in Adelaide. I love working there and Lorraine the owner is a really lovely person which is why I can not get over the fact that people steal from the shop. Recently we have been noticing it more and more, for about 3 weeks in a row some horrid person was making a bag and helping them selves to Pelon a bag wadding. You might be wondering how we know this - we always take the small rolls to the counter and measure and cut them with a cutter the person who was stealing was just hacking off bits with a pair of scissors.......... nice hey.
Then yesterday someone who liked one of the Flower Sugar range removed ? metres off the cardboard bolt popped it in their bag and then stuffed the cardboard bolt behind a shelf.
It makes me sad to think women who share the same passion as I do for creating can do this........... it leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth. There are quilt shops all over the country shutting down as it is not easy to make money owning a shop - Lorraine constantly battle the internet where you can buy fabric cheaper than she can buy it.
I find that there is no substitute for a shop where you can go have a chat and a play and feel those wonderful fabrics - keeping the shop running is expensive Lorraine pays staff, rent, super, insurance the list goes on and I think she has one of the best ranges of fabric I have seen but if people continue to steal then one day no quilt shops will exist for women to get together and solve the problems of the word while doing something they really love.
Nikki of You Sew Girl has recently experienced a similar thing.
There I have had my moan and gotten it off my chest Lorraine would never rant like this she is much too nice a person.
To the people who are helping themselves I would love to be the one who catches you.

To a nicer subject
It is Mothers Day here today and this day 25 years ago I was in labor and I got the most wonderful present Gemma. How can that be 25 years ago it only seems like I blinked - I am so proud to be her mum she has grown into a beautiful young women.
Happy Birthday Gem
I have also been to the Bower Bird Market and here is what I came home with.

a print from Bespoke.

A cushion kit from Ink and Spindle

a red leather purse to put my glasses in - in my bag.
and while I am showing you purchased 2 new pairs of shoes.

2011-05-01T10:34:00.001+09:30

Still learning uploading the way I aways do so am really happy with it all at the moment. One of Lucas' mates is here giving me pointers. It is always great to have a young person around to give tips.

Izzie

2011-05-01T10:27:00.001+09:30

Izzie, a photo by The Stitching Room on Flickr.

Meet Izzie my new play thing. I have worked out uploading photos, bought an app to upload to Flickr and this is my first attempt. I love Izzie as she comes with most places I go. So if I find myself waiting I can catch up on blogs or play some solitaire.

Lest We Forget

2011-04-25T07:30:00.001+09:30

Cross of Remembrance
North Adelaide

Adelaide by day and by night

2011-04-22T08:55:00.003+09:30

I have an assignment for school so I thought I would show you what I am up to come for a walk along the Torrens with me.
By day

by night

notice the planes lights in the back ground

I love this one because of the pelicans

being silly

have a wonderful safe Easter.

no words needed

2011-04-20T21:27:00.003+09:30

Lets hope whoever stole this can only enjoy it in their own company.

A Quilt for Charlotte

2011-04-17T13:31:00.004+09:30

I have been busy making a quilt for Charlotte(seen here) she was 2 last week. I used a couple of patterns and a bit of my own imagination for it.

I pieced the back.

so many things for her to find.

I also added a Charlotte to the quilt courtesy of Kellie's - "Worry Doll" pattern.

All quilts must have a label.

I was really happy with how it turned out and I am waiting to see Charlotte and play "I spy" with her.

OK......... can someone tell me

2011-04-06T20:49:00.005+09:30

WHO STOLE MARCH?
It seems like I have missed a month!
Not sure what I have been doing
I have been doing a bit of sewing.

back when I first started blogging I received this as a gift and I love it.
It is on my camera bag.
I have made a few similar ones as gifts.

then at Christmas Gemma received this from a friend. It was at the time I was busy making things for our stall and Gemma thought these where a good idea.

I played around with plastic and fabric and got very frustrated with the plastic so these were born.
I made a whole alphabet they are cute but very time consuming.

and are better than the piece of yellow ribbon I had on my luggage

Then with some more playing these were quick and easy.

Kaffe Fassett anyone

the reason they are so quick and easy is I bought myself one of these ..........
a Teflon Foot for Bernie and sewing plastic is no longer a problem.

Sharing and some snaps

2011-03-21T18:09:00.004+10:30

I'm not sure if I am the last person to discover these but if not let me tell you about it. It is the best thing it holds 10 threaded needles. Perfect for non stop sewing. Once you have threaded your needles and put them in you wind it up and the threads are kept neat and untangled. Each needle and thread just pulls out when you want it. It's hard to describe but I love it. It is a clover product called Dome Threaded Needle Case I got mine from Hettie's Patch.

It has a lid to keep everything safe.

Another great buy is this case also from Hettie's

It is strong and large enough to hold all my English Paper pieces and material for

this quilt.

Tony and I went to Encounter Bay this weekend here are a few shot,
we went for a walk on Saturday afternoon.

we walked around the bottom of the bluff to a small jetty where a lot of men were fishing with out much luck because this cheeky fellow was having great fun in and amongst their lines.

he caught a fish and popped onto some rocks to eat it isn't it the cutest face.

Sunday morning I was up early for a walk

along with lot of fishermen heading out to sea.

I love swallows they remind my of my dad this little fellow was happy to sit on our balcony rail.

A deal

2011-03-16T16:56:00.004+10:30

Does this sound fair?
A friend of mine who was once a chef makes the very best sponges.
Tony loves them.
So Tony brokered a deal I would make this bag for her and she would make him some sponges.

this is another bag from Lisa Lam's "Bag making Bible" I have definitely got my money out of this book.
Heather wanted the bag for her daughter who has just had a baby. I think it is perfect for a new mum as it is very roomy and has lots of pockets.

the most scary part of this bag was these snap locks....... I always worry about them working out................. and if they don't having a hole in the bag.

I have also made another pencil roll for one of the women from gym........... she wanted pink I think I covered that.

A trip to Moonta

2011-03-06T20:54:00.003+10:30

We went home to Moonta today.
I took Clarice I wanted to take some photos in one of the sheds at my mothers house.
This shed is filled with memories for me I spent a lot of time up there with my dad as a small child I think it is where I learnt to be handy.

a lot of things are missing now and no one goes up there since my dad died but it still fills me with memories.

The roof is coming off...................... this was taken from the neighbours yards.

A view down the lane of my Papa's old house towards the side of the shed.
My mothers house is on the block behind my papa's old house.

The front of my papa's old house

the old laundry

I also got to catch up with my niece and my very beautiful great niece.

she had a lot of fun with a bucket of water

but sadly there was NO MORE WATER.

Especially for Shay

2011-03-02T19:50:00.005+10:30

I got one of the many hard hats that roll around our place and didn't use the random number thingy as Shay thought being the first comment it never picks # 1.
Sadly for Shay neither did Lucas.

He picked out Michell so if you send me your snail mail address I will post you a pattern for the Bunting.

Crazy busy here so not a lot to show.

A GIVE AWAY

2011-02-23T19:36:00.004+10:30

I have finally gotten around to writing a pattern for the Bunting I make.
If you would like to win a copy leave a comment and I will pull a name out of a hat next Wednesday evening.

A really bad photo of the pattern.

Twilight markets are finished so I am now free to sew for myself yee haa.
Amanda and I enjoyed our evenings of people watching. I covered my costs and made a bit, but it is something I will not rush into again.
It is hard to compete making handmade as apposed to manufactured in Australia.

A bag for school

2011-02-14T09:29:00.003+10:30

If you knew me when I was young this statement would really make you laugh.
I am going back to school.
I was a terrible student I could get quite a few testimonials to that fact.
However this year I decided I would go back to school and do year 12 digital photography. I'm sure I will be a better student this time.
The pressure is on though Lucas got a 19 for the same subject.
Me being me I had to make a bag for school. I wanted something big enough to carry an art folder and have pockets to put a few bits and pieces in.
I used this book for help with the outside pocket.
If you are after a great bag making book I recommend it.

I bought myself a kit from Hetties on Saturday.
I love Japanese fabrics.

It makes this lovely purse.
It is all hand made so it is the perfect project for weekends away.

1 of 3 done and dusted

2011-02-07T10:22:00.004+10:30

We started with a blank canvas

and ended up with this
we were pleased with our efforts.
There were a lot of people there and it was very crowded for a while but it settled down.

Lydia had her face painted
I watched the face painter what a great job seeing all those smiles when they first look in the mirror to she what she has done.

Then the sun set

to leave us with this.

I did O.K. covered the cost of the stall and made some money so it is all good.
It was especially great to catch up with all our bloggy friends shame we didn't have more time to chat.

A Strange Walk

2011-02-02T20:44:00.005+10:30

Last night Lucas and I went for a walk doing a letter box drop for this

and look what we came home with

He is obviously someones pet he was in the middle of the road with the ants worrying him.
I didn't want him to be run over so he came home with us.
We got some very strange looks............ it's not your usual pet to take for a walk.

I put a sign up on a tree near where we found him hoping to find his owners, and one in the local deli.

look at his lovely shell markings

if no one claims him I will ring the zoo or animal welfare or
if any of you Adelaide bloggers would like a pet turtle let me know.
I would love to keep him but he would cause chaos in my back yard pond and Molly would spend every hour of the day trying to kill him.

Bags anyone

2011-01-30T09:45:00.003+10:30

Getting ready for the stall next week.

Lucas whipped me up a stand and some bag production has been happening.

come if you can Amanda and I would love a chat.

Australia Day

2011-01-26T17:11:00.003+10:30

It's Australia Day here in oz
join Tony and I on a walk along the beach
The crew set up their shade early so I expect by now they will be fairly messy.
They went well prepared with volleyball nets and bocce.

We will walk to the Jetty and back

patriotic tattoos

prepared for fishing

lots of line

and even some fish.

experiencing the fun of water at an early age secure between mum and dad

playing in the sand

many boats on the horizon

sun glistening on sand.

nearly at the jetty

turn around and head back

patches of shells

great sandcastles waiting for the tide to wash them away

Morgan
I did leave her with my sensible hat

The boys

Lucas before he left this morning hoping he is sensible enough to keep that hat on and not get tooooooo sun burnt.

Hoping everybody had a wonderful day.

Feeling Guilty

2011-01-23T07:57:00.005+10:30

Down here in South Australia we have been luck to have not been touched by the floods having said that the water is flowing south and the Hydrologists(a word I have never heard used so much before) say the flood waters are heading for the Murray.

It has been a devastating time and daily we are bombards with vision and sad stories. I have donated to the flood appeal and have sent a small parcel of sewing bit and bobs off but I have been feeling guilty that my life goes on unchanged.
I think the way news is purveyed has a lot to do with it, it is constant hour upon hour day after day.
Which is why I have put off doing this post
it is full of pictures of a wonderful day spent with Lucas while he was on holidays.
My car was due for a service and it would take about 5 hours. Where we have our car serviced is a fair way from home so I usually pack a sewing bag and just sit and wait. As Lucas was on holidays he suggested he would pick me up and take me to Monarto for the day.
He is such a good boy.
Lots of pictures here so leave the tour when ever you want.

who says the weather isn't crazy thick fog on a January morning on the drive there.

you have to love those eye lashes

Lucas and I decided if this was in the wild we would be dead well before he got to use

they are so human there hands, fingers and nails are so like ours

well done if you made it to the end

Being silly

2011-01-11T08:03:00.004+10:30

Lucas bought me a new camera strap for Christmas.
I know I know I have lost a lot of weight and look years younger but you get that around Christmas.

So
the other night we went for a walk after tea, I wanted to try shooting from the hip which is made easy with my new strap. We started off and I lagged behind, Lucas of course knew I was taking photos from the sound of the camera and me laughing.

I started getting a little silly after a while.

This is my dear son flicking me the finger while I was trying upside down photos and laughing a lot.

I got better at it.

This one I looked through the finder.

and this one also
grandpa and grandson spending some quality time.

I'm on a roll

2011-01-03T22:15:00.003+10:30

a pencil roll that is.

I have been busy making for our Market Stall.

colour coordinated pencil slots.

Bernie is feeling a little abused never has she been asked to sew like this.
Sean had put a hole in his wet suit knee and after much wrestling the knee is patched.

Water catching sunlight............and I need to dead head the roses.

A day at Denby's

2010-12-28T21:20:00.004+10:30

Tony and I went to a friends farm for the day.
After lunch we went for a walk lots of photo opportunities.

Then out to check the sheep it was a hot day

Flowers or perhaps weeds????

Then to a lookout near the farm.

The dog came in the back of the ute.

Then on the way home we stopped at an old farm house.

The locusts were particularly bad near Blyth so we stopped to check the tennis courts, not sure there will be much left after these hungry bugs have had a feast.

They are really horrid and fly around you as you walk.

SSCS and a Sale

2010-12-27T09:11:00.007+10:30

This is the lovely gift I received from Laila in ChookyBlues Christmas swap.
I was very lucky to receive this lovely bag.

I think it is all the more special because it has Norwegian on it.

A very cute thimble and 2 new projects for next year.
Thank you very much Laila
I loved my SSCS gift.
and a BIG thank you to the elf extraordinaire
ChookyBlue

A Sale
Hettie's is having a sale and I was luck enough to pop in late on Christmas Eve as the girls were getting it ready and picked up this lovely fat 1/4 bundle.

I love these colours
not bad for $59.00

My SSCS for Ranette

The same bag in brown.......................... another gift for a friend.

My breakfast
shame my food habits take a distinct plunge after such a healthy breakfast.
LOVE the colours.

And they said it couldn't be done.

2010-12-23T08:34:00.005+10:30

on Tuesday at sewing I was still doing the stitchery for this.
The girls where doubtful that I would get it made to give as a gift on Wednesday.
It was done and dusted by 7.30 and I even fed the family.

The pattern is an Anni Downs one and I was sad to give it away I loved it so much.
I was lucky Hetties had the same fabric that Anni had used in her sample.

Under the cover of darkness 2 weeks ago with step ladder and trusty staple gun I put big red bows around the trees in our circuit. It was blowing a gale and freezing cold Lucas helped me for about a minute then decided I was mad and it was cold so went to bed.
There are about 25 trees........ now wearing big red bows and looking very festive and no one in the circuit knows it was me.

Merry Christmas

A family who makes reindeers together

2010-12-19T18:21:00.003+10:30

laughs together.

This afternoon Gemma and I did some cooking
but we also made reindeer which quickly became a family thing.

it's serious work when Tony puts on his glasses

those damn antlers just wouldn't stay there

and soon(actually it took quite a while) we had a herd.

My friend Amanda and I are going to dip our toes in the Market pond.
In February we are going to have a stall at the Grange Twilight Market.
You will find us on Sunday February 6th - 13th - 20th between 5pm and 9pm at the Grange foreshore.
Do come say hello.
I thought I had better get sewing so last night while Tony was working and Lucas was out I whipped up another basket.
I love this owl fabric I wouldn't be sad if I don't sell this.

inside

This isn't for the market
Gemma wanted a bunting made for Adelaide who is 3
you have to love the little ballerinas.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

2010-12-15T08:17:00.003+10:30

How great is this.

All I can say is I WISH I COULD SING.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.

SSCS all the way from Norway

2010-12-14T18:24:00.003+10:30

The postman delivered my SSCS all the way from Norway.
Thank you Laila I love my ornaments they are stitched so beautifully.
Now to wait for Christmas day to open the other present.

How cute is this?

2010-12-05T12:55:00.004+10:30

I worked at the shop yesterday and we got a delivery of these very cute fabrics. I thought I would make up some kits for these handy baskets. I bought a kit home and whipped this one up this morning. The fabric is Melly's new range and is super cute. Not sure which one I like the best. There are other colours in the range Lorraine has them all in the shop.

Meet Bella who would do anything for food unlike her mother Molly.
One night through the week I went to put them to bed and this is how I found Bella fast asleep with a midnight snack close enough to gobble up through the night. It was obviously one of Lucas' chips as it has sauce on it, and guess what it wasn't there in the morning.

Not quite a Christmas ham

2010-12-01T23:10:00.004+10:30

I made a couple of pressing hams today filled with wood shavings and ready to use for some hats I am making. I made one for myself and one for Amanda we both mentioned the other day how useful one would be and that you never really see them in the shops.
I found a great tutorial here.

Gemma needed a new bag the last one I made had developed a hole from rubbing where her mobile phone sits in it.

Phone pocket.

It rain heavily here today not exactly the usual start to summer.

I am not fond of Starling but I did feel sorry for this baby he was looking very forlorn sitting in the rain.

lilies on the back yard pond.

A few things

2010-11-29T09:19:00.003+10:30

My ChookyBlue SSCS gift is winging it's way to America.
I can show you the ornie I made it is a pattern by my friend Amanda. I only made one but there are 6 in the patten and all are super cute she has the pattern for sale on her blog.

She also gives you the words to a song relating to each ornie to print out and put on the back.
She is such a clever girl.

Last weekend Lorraine and I went to Melbourne for Quilt Market we had a great weekend. We caught up with lots of people and saw lots of lovely stuff.

We got to catch up with Kellie

Kellie is going to be doing another workshop at Hetties in April next year if you are interested ring the shop to book.

saw her new quilt up close and personal it is a terrible picture they really need to do something with the lighting at the venue.

Kellie is going to kill me for this but here she is with the Homespun Quilt.

One day I am going to make this quilt.
At the end of a long day we finally had tea after a lot of difficulty finding a place that had a free table.

This one is for you Donna.

and who would be a mother duck
more snaps over on Snappy Friends.

A nice day

2010-11-17T17:52:00.004+10:30

Today I went to my friend Diana's to teach her and her lovely daughter Amy how to smock. Amy has just discovered what fun sewing can be and has been busy make little Poppy some lovely little clothes. She has done a wonderful job even putting zips in a sleeping bag. I was really impressed.
The weather was lovely so we decided to eat outside look who watching from a near by tree.

After looking at me for a moment he then went back to sleep.

A few things

2010-11-16T17:47:00.004+10:30

I was lucky enough to win this as a give away on Ric Rac's blog, which saved me some money as I most probably would have bought it. I have a couple of Toni's patterns.

The books is well presented with all the pattern sheets in a separate folder in the back of the book.

I am a lover of slippers............ well comfortable shoes really these caught my eye.

My very clever son just finished this............... it was an old set of draws which he has sanded and added a back panel and stained. Gemma has her eyes on them now.
He is so much like me always doing something handy.

No wonder bees love sunflowers a friend gave me a bunch of them the other day and they were so laden with pollen it was amazing.

While I was out snapping the book I couldn't resist this lovely Kangaroos Paw.

Cross Stitch World Tour

2010-11-13T08:26:00.000+10:30

ChookyBlue had an idea to show our cross stitching, head over to her blog she has a world tour happening. I haven't cross stitched in ages but these are a few I have done in the past.
The photography is pretty average trying not to get a reflection on them was difficult.
This was in Gemma's room.

Lucas

a quick and easy one

I love this one because I consider the saying to be true.

a pair they hang in our family room

This one is in the kitchen.
A rather bad photo sorry.

New carpet

2010-11-07T16:26:00.003+10:30

The prospect of new carpet sounds really nice..................BUT to have the entire contents of your house in one room is very challenging. I am only just getting the house back into order. The new carpet is lovely, I have thrown out so much stuff........you know stuff that you think you will use but never do and now that I have thrown it away it will be the very thing I need in the coming weeks LOL.
I had to empty my sewing room there were some interesting finds there, jelly rolls layer cakes etc etc etc.
I have also had a very sight cold but with any form of cold for me I end up with a cough that goes on for weeks and weeks.
IF I suddenly stop posting and commenting in blogland you know Tony has carried out his threat to smother me with a pillow. I cough all night long.
I have been slowly playing with my hexagons.....I really enjoy the process.
Thank you to my helper Gemma.

Some foxgloves.

amazing spots

a bit like a nose with hairs LOL

I know I know

2010-10-25T17:26:00.003+10:30

it's another bag.

I love this fabric so thought I would make a shop sample.

My garden is full of roses at the moment.

Not another bag mum

2010-10-10T10:55:00.003+10:30

Remember my last post well Lucas went to bed one night this week saying
"not another bag mum"

Gemma has a few weekends away coming up and she wanted a bag that she can carry on as hand luggage.
I should have taken a photo with the zip open it is really roomy with a zip pocket inside.

The pattern came from this book if you are after a good bag making book I recommend this one.
Lorraine has them in stock at the moment.
It has patterns but is full of helpfull hints and lots of pictures.

Now for something not baggy......Lucas and his mates went to a fancy dress last night here they are before they left. Lucas went as Captain Jack Sparrow. I dyed some wool and made his dreadlocks added some beads etc. I skin glued 2 pieces to his chin so I thought we did quite well. I thought Captain America was fantastic however he thought he would need a catheter as going for a pee was a marathon effort. Not good when you are a 21 year old male out for a night on the beers LOL.
You may be wondering why Nick is laying with a carpet over him????? he went as Princess Jasmin's flying carpet.
His girlfriend went as Princess Jasmine.

Oh joy some nice weather

2010-10-04T12:15:00.004+10:30

I made a quilt for Lucas just before we went away so as the weather was quite nice this morning I finally got to take some photos of it.
I should be hung the other way but there were bees in that Wisteria.

The label.
Lucas' room is across from my sewing room and when he goes to bed and I am sewing he always pops in to say good night.
I seem to make a lot of bags and when he asks me what I am making he always says
"It's not another bag is it?"
hence the label.

Finally some nice weather and after some great winter rain things are blooming.

This white iris has been covered in flower sadly they don't last long.

I love this shade of purple.

I think the rain has been good for the Bluebells I haven't had any in the garden for a few years.

Missing in action

2010-09-28T22:24:00.004+09:30

After I have dragged myself up from the depths of despair I am now back to reality. My wonderful holiday is over .................... back to work and staff problems which has seen me working more days than I want. The house was still standing and clean to a 21 year old boys standard............... I have nearly caught up.
So what is a girl to do when she is working lots of extra days...................................... buy herself some fabric to make a quilt.

A few more beach shots from my holiday we returned to South Australia to freezing cold weather I still haven't gotten over the shock.
Roll on summer.

Pottsville a lovely little surf beach in Northern NSW.

This made me laugh the women in the front of this canoe was paddling and the man in the back was enjoying the scenery.

This was where we stayed in Broad Beach if you look hard enough you can see Tony and Gemma out on our balcony a long way up.

Our view out to sea.

Gemma was impressed that we were across the road from Pacific Fair so at the drop of a hat she was off shopping.
While we were in Broad Beach I got to catch up with another bloggy friend Jodie we had a lovely chat and a coffee at Pacific Fair.
It was nice to catch up Jodie we will do it again next time.

Playing at night

My friends finished mosaic taken at night sadly it doesn't do it justice.

Maleny a place to relax

2010-08-29T06:53:00.006+09:30

We had 4 days in Maleny which was lovely such a wonderful part of the world.
The weather turned cooler and I had to get my jeans out again.

While walking to a waterfall this fellow had Tony running like a girl.
An Australian Water Dragon I think.

Look at those claws.

We spent a morning walking through Mary Cairncross Reserve it was an amazing walk. The trees were so large and tall they make Tony who isn't that tall look even smaller.

Lots of Fungi it fascinates me as we don't see it much at home.

A Pademelon hiding in the undergrowth.

more fungi

This is were we stayed and I would recommend it for a relaxing break.
Rosebrook Cottages.

Our view out over the valley

There was a lovely little river near our cottage this is Tony playing Pooh sticks.

A statue near our cottage.

A wonderful end to the day.
Thank you for all your comments I do appreciate them but I am struggling with the replies as the email is set up differently on this computer. It is very laborious opening and relying and I am not sure why I have tried changing the setting but to no avail.
I will deal with them when I get home.

Hervey Bay

2010-08-24T08:32:00.003+09:30

I really enjoyed Hervey Bay it was warm and a great place to just walk around.

We drove to Toogoom one day this single tree looked very lonely.

This was Burrum Heads a short drive from Hervey Bay.

This was the view from our apartment window.
I sat and ate my breakfast each morning watching the whale watching boats leave.
This morning it was foggy but still warm.

Hervey Bay has the best water park called Wet Side.
Imagine the fun as this bucket fills and then empties.

Fun for everyone even the teenagers.

While walking out the Urangan Jetty we noticed these little crabs on the sand below.

There were thousands. When you walk on the beach near them they bury themselves.

Urangan Jetty is very long and when the tide is out there is a lot of sand.

Trees I have never seen before with the most amazing roots.

Quaint old pub in Howard.

A walk in the Botanic Park at Hervey Bay was full of excitement for Tony.......... being a pom he is not keen on lizards and crawly things.
He nearly died when this Goana dropped out of the tree and walked away.

a little further along a frill neck soaking up the sun.

he was OK with butterflies that looked like bark.

not keen on insects............................. which I think were mating.

Fungi

really not keen on webs ........... always wondering where the spider was

Hervey Bay has a fruit bat colony

as they stretch their wings then wrap themselves up they do remind me of images in the movie Dracula.

Good on yu Blogger

2010-08-21T07:41:00.003+09:30

If you haven't read Chooky's blog which I'm sure you have Blogger have come up with a spam filter........... what a great idea.
Have a look here.
I have just gone back and put some comments from Spandex Lycra in the spam bucket.
Then again perhaps they were not spam just a hint not to wear spandex or Lycra LOL.
The snap is the Hervey Bay Marina.

Whale watching

2010-08-20T07:42:00.004+09:30

Yesterday I went whale watching to say it was amazing is an understatement.
They poked their noses out of the water to see us.

They showed us their tails.

The sun glistened off them.

They rolled on their sides.

Catching them breach the surface was hard so lots of photos of splashes.

Lots of fin slapping

Barnacles on noses

and on fins

Blow holes

Nearly caught a breach

There were so many whales they approach the boat and checked us out they played with each other while swimming around the boat. They were so close you could almost touch them. They were so close my long lens could not focus.

We motored out past Fraser Island.

This was the boat I went out on I would recommend them the crew were friendly and informative.

They are truly amazing creature but sadly they are still hunted.
If you ever have the chance to see them I recommend it. If you have the chance to sign a partition against whale hunting please sign it and feel free to add my name.
I am always conscious of humans interfering with the animal kingdom and worry that the boats may affect the whales. The women who was our guide said she has been doing the tours for 12 years and has seen the number of whale in the bay increase.
I do hope the Australian Government does something to stop the Japanese hunting the whales.
They are the most amazing creatures.
If these photos haven't bored you too much there are more on my Flickr page just click on one of the photos and you will be taken there.

On a mission

2010-08-18T19:59:00.003+09:30

Today I got to meet Sue Daley from "Patchwork with Busyfingers"
I was on a mission for the shop so I got to fondle all her lovely quilts.
The middle quilt is the original "Pies & Tarts".
She was so inspiring and her quilts were wonderful.

We had a wonder around the Eumindi Markets
We saw men juggling knifes, fire and tennis rackets while balancing on goodness knows what.

We have just had 4 lovely days at Alexandra Headland and the weather was wonderful.
I enjoyed sitting and watching the waves.

I know you may be sick of beach photos.

a lovely sculpture near a pond.

Where we stayed.

You can see our balcony on the 3rd floor where I have been sitting and reading and sewing hexagons.
Life's hard on Holidays.

Birds on Mt Tambourine

2010-08-14T20:58:00.005+09:30

We went for a drive in the late afternoon the sun was just about down.
This was taken near Oxenford.

If your an Aussie you will know what this is.

Yesterday we went for lunch in Mt Tambourine. We stopped at a Polish restaurant for a coffee the view was amazing.
Just up the road handgliders were taking off and riding the currents.

There were lots of birds these I did not recognise.
I am sure my friends Julie and Graham would be able to help me!!!!!!!!

The Rainbow Lorikeets were particularly friendly and very naughty.

They loved the sugar and stole all that were not grabbed by us for our coffee.

When people had finished eating and left......... they flew in and helped themselves.

They were also very keen on the milk.

They had even worked out how to get the saucer of the top of the jug.

They were not frightened by us at all.

It was a fantastic view but not a particularly relaxing coffee fighting of the birds...... but well worth the stop

Just so you know I haven't just been sight seeing

2010-08-13T07:05:00.004+09:30

However I haven't been doing this either.
This is a work in progress by my friend Kerry, she is very talented.

Here she is hard at work.

It is the floor to their ??? I'm not sure what it is, in their back yard.

This is their lovely garden.

This is where I have been sitting

making these.........I have caught the hexagon bug from shirley

now in my head they are going to become a large quilt.........but perhaps I am only dreaming.

I have finished this little project for the shop.
The pattern is by "Patchwork by busy fingers"
I did change the stitchery though.

We are heading up the mountain(Tambourine) today to have lunch then we are leaving my friends and heading north.

Ballina & Byron Bay

2010-08-08T15:02:00.004+09:30

Today saw Tony and I spending the day in Byron Bay. I was beautiful and I was warm we rang Gemma in Adelaide as we sat and looked at this view and she said she was cuddled up by the fire. It was just perfect.

This is the view from our apartment.

This is another view.
Perched on top of that very ugly communication tower is

THIS.
I think it is a sea eagle.

Yesterday we drove to Alstonville this was a sweet old pub in the main street.

A flower I have not seen before.

Friday we had a look around Ballina and Lennox Head

The whales are on the move we saw some more on the way home today.

Pandanas (could be spelt wrong) trees are every where.

This is such beautiful country where rain forests lead down to long beautiful beaches.

For Sean.
Not sure if these are good or bad waves ?????

This was this afternoon at Lennox Head.

Tones thought he might hire a long board for an hour and give it a go LOL.

Across the boarder into Queensland tomorrow.

Armidale to Ballina

2010-08-06T11:55:00.005+09:30

Yesterday we woke up to a very cold(-2C) but beautiful sunrise in Armidale.

We drove along the waterfall way stopping at Elbor.
One day we couldn't find a tree today we were surrounded by them.

Elbor Falls were beautiful but the wind was freezing.
Top fall.

Lower fall

Mountains and trees.

This was the view from the Dorrigo sky walk.

The area is call New England and Tony and I could see why, it did resemble English country side.

Then we headed to Ballina-403 Km.
Thank you for all your lovely comments I am having some trouble replying to comments not sure why it could be the mobile internet I have. I appreciate all your comment even if I don't get back to you.

West Wylong via ChookyBlue to Armidale

2010-08-04T20:08:00.003+09:30

Very photo heavy post
We left West Wylong in the rain and traveled all day in grey skies. We stopped outside Parkes to have a look at the "Dish". As you can see it wasn't a nice day.

This dish was involved in relaying pictures the day of the first moon landing.

Then it was onto ChookyBlues place(475km) for a 2 night sleep over. It is funny meeting someone you have chatted to on line for such a while. It was as I expect we were like old friends. It was great to meet the Chook family and have time to just sit and chat. Tony and I had a great time Chooky is so warm and welcoming it was great. We laughed and talked . Here are some snaps of our stay.
The creek that was very watched (well the level anyway).

I often see these marker and until these last few days have never paid much attention to them. This creek is very close to Chookys place you may remember her photos of the flood. It is the short way out of her house. Mr Chooky thought we could drive through it.
As city slickers we erred on the side of caution and took the long way.

Some birds around the house

The girls who provided a very yummy lunch

The Warrumbungle Ranges

We experienced umbrella grass something we don't get in South Oz.

The boys showing their muscles

When we met Chooky in town she said the road to her place was a bit wet but she thought we would make it in our car.
To say the drive out there was a little nerve wrecking was an under statement.
To add a little excitement to the very wet boggy road were these.

Tony and I were constantly amazed at the amount of water laying around, on the side of the roads and in the paddocks, so very different to South Oz.

The chooky children thought I was mad as I kept saying how cute and sweet the cows were. They could tell I was a city slicker.

I could have taken this one home LOL.
Yesterday afternoon we went for a drive with Chooky. Our top speed on this road was 60km she drove it like a true rally driver, dodging cows as we went.

Saly this morning we had to leave. It was foggy as we drove off on the wet, slipper cow covered road. LOL.
I must admit this morning we didn't have to dodge the cows they were all out in the paddocks.

The day brightened up and we travelled 453Km to Armidale
The Warrumbungle ranges

Lunch in Coonabaraban

On toward Armidle forcasted temp over night -2 Celcius.

Thank you Chooky for a wonderful visit remember you now have to come see me in Adelaide.

Day 2 Mildura to West Wylong

2010-08-02T07:41:00.004+09:30

Yesterday saw us drive 565 kilometres from Mildura to West Wylong. We left Mildura in rain and arrived in West Wylong in rain however we didn't drive all day in rain. We crossed the Hay plane and if you have ever done that you are still trying to forget it, it is approx 200 kms of this.

360 degrees of nothing.

Lots of trucks

The town of Hay is in the middle it is a little oasis as the Murrumbidgee river runs through the town.

This is where the rain started again as you can see by my lens.

The Road trip begins

2010-07-31T16:53:00.005+09:30

We left at 9am this morning leaving a gloomy Adelaide behind.
There was a lot of long straight roads.

Lunch was at Renmark.
Lots of house boat action there.

How nice it would be to arrive and park outside the club have lunch and a drink then off you go again.

A lovely old paddlesteamer

Fountain near the river.

More open road

We arrived at Mildura(403 kilometres) around 3pm having crossed the board into Victoria.... and moved our clocks 1/2 an hour forwarder.

You just have to smile

2010-07-28T08:33:00.006+09:30

A friend sent me this email.

It's almost swim suit time

A road trip. Do you want to come along?

2010-07-27T19:12:00.004+09:30

On Saturday morning Tony and I are setting off on a road trip to Queensland for 6 wonderful weeks.
I am looking forward to heading to the warmer weather and will try and post some snaps each day.
We are going to have an exciting visit with someone on Tuesday so you need to stay tuned.

On the sewing front I recently finished this as a gift for a friend.
I really enjoyed making this it is so bright and cheery.

It is an Anni Downs pattern.

It's been in my head for a while

2010-07-14T12:31:00.004+09:30

This bag has been in my head for a while and on Sunday a few of us girls got together for a Sewing Sunday. I very rarely take my sewing machine but I wanted to get this bag made before we go on holidays(more about that later). I wanted a bag I could put my camera and one lens in along with my purse, key and phone. I am more than happy with it.

It has a nice thick comfortable strap that goes across my shoulder and front.

I also made a very quick pouch for my other lens.

While I was on a roll I made one for my friend Lorraine.

A very quick gift for my friend Julie who looses her scissors.
The stitchery is an Anni Downs one.

Sorry they are not quite in focus it was COLD outside and I was in a hurry to get back by the fire.

It's cold

2010-07-04T11:08:00.004+09:30

Those of you who know me know I hate winter with a passion.......................it has been really cold this week, not cold like you northern hemisphere girls but cold for Adelaide.
I did have a lovely bright spot in the week the postie left me a parcel. It has taken until this morning for me to take some photos while the sun is shining.
It was from my friend Shirley.
Thank you Shirley your parcel was a really bright spot in a cold wintry week.
It's her birthday today and I got the present.

It was packed full of goodies some lovely hand dyed fabric, a pattern and some of Shirley's very clever beading and a cook book. I love the card also as when you open it it make the sound of a Robin singing. It drives our dogs made if you put it on the ground and open it they walk around trying to find the bird it is so funny to watch.

The little beaded thimble holder is amazing.

Yesterday I woke up to a thick fog so after navigating my way to and from the gym I took these. The roses that I haven't pruned were covered in webs.