quilting mum

New Beginnings

2008-12-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

My new home is here... I hope that you will come by and visit.

Thanks for all your comments and interest, its been great fun. The new blog will be much the same with a bit more of this and that.

Deb

Christmas in the Park

2008-11-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

The boys are off tonight to a great family tradition... Christmas in the Park. You take a packed tea and then sit in the boiling hot sun till it gets freezing cold and then listen to Christmas songs. It's actually heaps of fun, 100 000 people go and sit in Hagley Park with their friends. It's heaps easier now that there's cell phones, cause you can find you friends easier!! I'm gonna stay in bed. I'm thinking right now that it would be great to be a penguin mummy and shuffle the egg to the penguin daddy and then whip off across the ice for dinner!!

I think I have some photos from last year...

View from my bed...

2008-11-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

This time next year this will be a distant memory. Just to remind myself, that yes I did lie around on beautiful sunny days on the weekend, just making a baby!

Plans...

2008-11-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to sew borders on these three quilts...

Make some plans for this lovely pile of fabric from Fabrictopia...

Finish this table cloth, this quilt and this wall hanging....

Make two of these tops, and two aprons...

but instead I am going to stay in bed, watch Grey's Anatomy, unpick the mistake in Chrissy's quilt and try and feel a whole lot better!

I'm going to do this...

2008-11-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

Pop over the Esther's Blog, she has a lovely lovely BOM for free. I love RED and this looks like the perfect quilt to use it on. I'm going to do Red Work because I like doing that and I think it will look good with a bunch of red fabrics from my STASH!

Precious moments....

2008-11-25T23:11:00.000-08:00

Daddy and Roo doing reading (don't look at the messy room!!)
Chrissy eating breakfast!

I LOVE WEEKENDS!

2008-11-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend I made a new bed for Mondo, our black spoodle. He is thrilled to bits with it! I made the top for the quilt for Caleb and gave it to Shenleigh so I'll have to photograph that when it comes back!

I also helped Chrissy tidy her room. I've failed as a mother in teaching my child to be tidy. My goodness. How do people get their kids to be tidy? to be fair I'm not a paragon of tidiness myself, but I do pick up after myself. I hate to whinge about her, cause she is great really, but I just wish I could help her to be tidy. Anyway as she is about to move into the bathroom, yes the bathroom, (the shower is coming out and the bed is going in) I thought I would make her a new quilt....

It's mainly a Henry Alexander fabric called "madison" with some fat quarters for accent. I got the idea from the Last Minute Patchwork Gifts book and it works really well.

It's bright and breezy and it came together so so so so fast! She loves it.

I also used almost the last of the left overs and made this quilt with a Heather Bailey fabric called "Pop Garden" that I can't rave about enough! I got it from Fabric Worm and I love it love it love it!

Once again an easy peasy quilt, but I find I need to do some quickies every now and again and it gets the whole speed sewing thing out of my system and I can concentrate on careful sewing again! Both these tops can go to Shenleigh to be quilted I think!

I also sewed the bindings on the Ugly Quilt, which doesn't look ugly now and I gave it to Justin next door, and the Cousin's Christmas Quilt which is all ready for them now. Last weekend I had a real go at those Christmas presents (hence no pictures) and am really on track now with that. Today we have had a fantastic family day, went to a BBQ and had a lovely time with our friends.

David has been busy too, he's getting projects done outside, our property is starting to look like we love it at last!

ps We will still have the ensuite, so we will all be clean! Just in case you were wondering... but an unexpected baby has to go somewhere which means one child goes in the bathroom!!

Virtual Quilting Bee...

2008-11-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

I came across this on One Shabby Chick's blog. There's nothing shabby about that Chick, my word, I love what she does! Anyway this is a virtual quilting bee and it looks like fun. Is anyone in the Australia/New Zealand area interested in trying to get a bee started? If we had 12 people, we would each get a quilt a year for the simple sewing of one block a month. Any takers?

By the way I hope this is not copywrited - please let me know if it is. I looked carefully on the blog and couldn't find a contact or any sign of it being a Secret Society!!

It's a girl!

2008-11-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

10 Fingers, 10 Toes, a beautiful heart...

Thank you God for our miracle daughter.

We love you already and can't wait to meet you!

This is why we make quilts and cushions....

2008-11-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

"Thank you mum," said the six year old, "The cushions are just what I need for my nest!" Cushions, quilts, soft toys - happiness for this six year old. Sorry the photo is a bit dark, but you get the idea!

The Ugly Quilt

2008-11-12T23:07:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness this turned out soooo huge. James is standing on the coffee table holding it up above his head. All I did was cut all the ugly fat quarters into strips and then sewed them into one long strip and then sewed them into lines. I'm not sure what we will do with it!! Hopefully it comes under the "One man's trash is another man's treasure" catagory! LOL!

Purchases from America

2008-11-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

These came today from the Fat Quarter Shop, that was so fast. I'm so stoked with these. I'm not sure what this large bundle is called, we don't get them in New Zealand as far as I know, but it looks like it will be fun to use.

A Day Off...

2008-11-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

Today I had a day off as a reward for all my hard work on the Enviromark audit! I use the absolutely last of all those left overs and made 5 cushions. The Welcome one, was a Candlewick embroidery that I had framed for Aunty Jean but it made a nice cushion too. So instead of the friendship quilt, I made Liz a wall-hanging, a quilt for the sofa and a cushion, two quilts for our chairs and these five cushions! I'm happy and it was great to have a nice day off.

Chrissy and I had some fun together too which was great.

For Shaz...

2008-11-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sharyn really wants that frayed quilt I made and i did say I would give it to her, but I really want to make her a bigger one and the fray thing is not good! so I tracked down this fabric (which she loved) in Texas somewhere and I will be able to make her a beautiful quilt I think that she can actually lie under, not just over her knees. What do you think of this Shaz?

More left-overs...

2008-11-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

Nobody likes the fourth servings of dinner, but these left-over keep right on going! I cut all the rest of them up and strip pieced them and cut them into 4 1/2 inch strips. Then I went onto Fabric Worm and found this fabric which I hope will match and ordered two metres to put between the rows.
Even with the NZ $ being so low and the postage, it is still way cheaper to buy it from Fabric worm. I wonder what it will be like and how long it will take to arrive.

Oooh pretty!

2008-11-10T22:21:00.000-08:00

The left-overs quilt is finished. It's sooo pretty. I'm not sure about the frayed edges thing though, I don't know if I'll do it again, it's a bit out of my comfort zone!

Ugly Quilt

2008-11-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

The other night I was lying in bed and I suddenly decided that I had way too many bits of fabric in my "stash" that I don't like! So the next day I picked out 16 of them and I've decided to make a strip quilt for the car. It's so funny how your tastes change and things you used to like, now - now way! Actually these don't look too ugly in the photo, but believe me, THEY ARE UGLY!

Enviromark

2008-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Some of you will know from reading my blog that I've been working on policy and such like for our painting company. This is the logo that we are working towards earning! Its called Enviromark and it shows that our company will (a) comply with all the relevant legislation, (b) have identified how to be more economically sustainable on an on going basis and (c) have the systems in place to keep up to date on an on going basis.

Although the writing and researching of all these policies is very tedious, the result means that our company will be running effectively and efficiently, especially (for us) in regards to Health and Safety and the Environment.

Tomorrow the audit!

Butt Lifting - lol

2008-11-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Chrissy earned $40 babysitting and so I took her to buy some new jeans. We got two pairs for $99 from Jeans West. She has the most amazing figure, look at this back view! hehe, she forgot to take off the label and we have been having a giggle about the label pointing to where you should look.

Being Productive...

2008-11-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

I have been hugely productive this week. I don't know why. Actually I think it is the amazing pregnancy vitamins I started taking in sheer desperation - I can stay awake past 7.30 pm. So this week in the evenings I have...

Sewed together the Truly Scrumptious quilt (by Cinderberrys) and sandwiched it for quilting
Cut and sewed together a quilt like this and sandwiched it for quilting.
Cut and sewed together the top and the back for the cousin's Christmas quilt
Cut and sewed together (with James' help) Aunty Jo's Christmas present

Here is the dining table early saturday morning and ...
by 5pm here is a crazy log cabin for Martin, Melissa, Katrina and Sarah for Christmas. It's the second log cabin I've done, the first was last Sunday. I don't think I've really mastered it yet, but it's heaps of fun to try. Believe me this rate of progress won't last!

Being Inspired...

2008-11-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this book. Truly people, rush out and buy it, if its the only book you buy. Oh my I'm so inspired!Look at this quilt in red and turquoise. Just look at it...

Hmm, the turquoise is not a colour I have much of in my stash, but here is a start, I'm sure I can rectifiy it.

Books...

2008-11-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

I love Amazon, although I don't love the fact it won't sell me quilting magazines because I live in New Zealand!! But look what the postman brought me this morning!! Four new beautiful books to immerse myself in.

Working from home...

2008-11-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

I started this project on my birthday. Its the Truly Scrumptous Quilt, I can't remember who it is by. We photocopied the embroidery pattern straight onto the fabric because we thought the black and white would look cool. It's so fake! but I love it. I went to buy some batting today because I thought I would hand quilt it, but I didn't buy enough - grrr so will have to sandwich it another day.

Here's my wee boy who is feeling poorly, I think he has a throat and ear infection but have to wait till 4pm tomorrow to see the doctor - poor wee darling.

Here's why working from home is not all bad! I spent most of the day sitting on the sofa with small boy cuddled up to me while I wrote policy (and read blogs).

Getting side-tracked...

2008-11-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

This morning I have a wee man who is not feeling that well at all. In our house when someone is sick they say "Mummy Me" (daddy's can mummy too) so I've brought my laptop into the lounge and I'm writing a Register of Environmental Legislation, a David Robertson Decorators Environmental Policy and a whole lot of other stuff before the audit next week.

Anyway of course you have to check your emails and read a blog or two as well to counteract the tedium of writing such documents! Check out "Anyone can Quilt"... Sarah has such an inspiring blog... and the most amazing fabric stash! Apart from the fact I love the title, it's a fun blog to visit.

Hugs and Kisses

2008-11-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

I just received my pattern for this quilt. I brought the iron-on transfers. I thought that it would be a good project for when I get hugely pregnant!! Its from Helen at Hugs 'n Kisses. Pay her a visit. She does lovely lovely things. Now... I wonder what fabric I should use!! It also came with a free pattern for a cute bag and a bookmark with this saying...

Yesterday is a dream, tomorrow is a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope... look well, therefore to this day.

Sanskrit Proverb

Sunshine and sunday afternoons!

2008-11-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was feeling good and even went to church in the morning which was great. In the afternoon Liz and I went to the Art Centre to get a quilt hanger for this wee wall hanging which we decided looked better in her house than mine. When I came home I was looking at all the leftovers, there were loads because orginally it was going to be the Friendship quilt (by Natalie Bird??) and I had an idea. Three hours later - presto, a altered logcabin quilt for Liz to throw over her sofa and add to the cottagey feel of her sitting room. I had so much fun doing this. I was inspired from this book (yes another book I bought) which has a really funky quilt in it. Actually you should go and visit Anne Marie's blog. It is very inspiring indeed. Anyway I just used the log cabin block and it looks great. Sometimes I just like to just make something for little or no reason!!

Finishing off odds and ends

2008-11-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this book. I brought it a year ago and have just started using it. I'm inspired to make some little christmas gifts like this...

I was also inspired by Manda and made this picnic rug out of my trademe purchases, I put polar fleece on on the back for those beach occasions when you need something warm to wrap the wet kids up in to go home...

It must be something to do with being pregnant, but in the last two weeks I've been finishing off projects. It's amazing how many projects just needed a small amount of time to finish off. I've put the binding on 3 christmas wall hangings, my friendship wall hanging, my left over orange crush wall hanging and also finished Rhys' quilt. Its feels so good to tidy up all these loose ends!

Rhys quilt was just a metre of dinasour fabric that I thought he would like and I added two borders. It looks great (Shenleigh made a great job of quilting it) and it actually quite large. Rhys will love it.

Purchases!

2008-10-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Having finally got my head around the fact we are having another baby (!) I decided the time was right to think about a baby quilt. It's going to be perfectly plain with their name on it...

So this is the boy option for Baby Thomas (if that's what it is!)
and this is the girl option for Annie Rose (Baby Rose) if it's a girl!
and then there was a whole lot of fabrics at $2 per metre which I just could not leave behind. Actually they haven't photographed that well, but they will be fun to use!

Teenagers

2008-10-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

The other night David worked out that we are going to have a teenager in our house for 22 years straight - such great planners we are!! Anyway this weekend three of Chrissy's friends came over, cooked their dinner and stayed the night. We had been instructed to get the house tidy and to remove the annoying little brothers for the night. We also removed ourselves for a couple of hours to the neighbours for dinner.

It was so lovely to get to meet these girls and talk to them and just see how nice they are! Teenagers are great, once you get to know them :)

I didn't get one stitch of sewing done this weekend, hopefully will get some things done this week. I have lots of plans to make some little Christmas Presents so need to get on to it, oh actually and one big present - a large quilt for the cousins. Hmm better get started!

Spring Inspirations....

2008-10-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

This week I have started feeling better. It's great. Actually it's fantastic. I've even been to Aquagym for 20mins aquajogging.

The weather is beautiful this week. The sun is shining and the flowers are looking beautiful. I don't have as many flowers as I would like,
but the hardier ones are surviving neglect and the dogs (and children).
The colours of spring, lime green, purple, pink, bright blue and yellow are really inspiring me.
Even the weeds are looking pretty!

I'm inspired by all these spring colours and the thought of summer ahead. I've decided to make a picnic rug quilt. Don't these fabrics just make you think if cloudless skies and cucumber sandwiches?

Off the UFO List

2008-10-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

I sewed the bindings on four quilts last week so they are offically off the UFO list. It's a good feeling isn't it. Then I updated my UFO list and discovered that it has magically got longer. Yesterday and today I have been feeling better so I am hoping that it will last then I can get some projects underway! I have lots of plans for things to make for Christmas. I just can't help myself, I love to make people things!!

My parcel went last week...

2008-10-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

i think its safe as to post these pictures as my angel has NO IDEA who I am!! So much fun. I enjoyed putting it together.
I actually didn't make these two items, but I was too sick to do that at the time and a I wanted to get it away, so hopefully my angel will forgive me for cheating. Aren't they beautiful, I hope she likes them. Actually I hope she can read English because I can't read her language!!

It's arrived....

2008-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

From my lovely lovely stitchers angel in ITALY (how exciting is that?) It is the lovely and talented Ale at Cakes and Cross stitch!
Beautifully wrapped gifts!
A lovely letter, thanks Ale!

A teddy for the baby - not this one the baby that is coming in April. Sooooo soft and fluffy.
Handmade cross stitched bibs for Baby - will be best dressed baby thank you.
A cross stitched apron and some kitchen gifts. Very thoughtful.
Beautiful, beautiful handmade gifts for me. Too nice to use. I love them.

Thank you so so so so much. You put so much thought into this. I love it all. Thank you thank you thank you.

Finally a project finished!

2008-10-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is the rest of the jelly roll that I used for David's quilt (Mystery Quilt at Kaikoura). It's amazing how far a jelly roll will go. It's the first time I've used one, but I would buy one again as it is lovely to use the whole range of fabrics which we NEVER get in New Zealand. This quilt is the third one quilted by Shenleigh on her machine and it looks great. Christina, my neighbour who turned 40 on Saturday loved it! The only reason that I managed to do it was because it was straight sewing, my brain has gone on holiday and have not been able to do any hand work for a few weeks. Hopefully will feel better soon.

This is how our baby would look now...

2008-10-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

13 Weeks - looks quite human!

I'm in love...

2008-10-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

with this beautiful fabric I brought off Trademe. It is a heavy cotton and the colours are so rich and lovely. What am I going to do with it? It's way to nice to just cut up willy nilly!

Side tracked

2008-09-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to price the exterior of a weatherboard house and some remedial work inside. Often these days my camera is full of pictures like this...
Hmm nasty paint peeling of the ceiling, and who's smart idea was it to paint it pink?? but the house was set it a garden that the owner had been very busy working in and I could not resist to take a couple of photos of the spring flowers....
Spring means you can take bigger breaths and lift your face to the sunshine. Spring means you can leave your thermals behind (mostly) and enjoy the breeze on your skin.

A good night...

2008-09-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Last night we went down to the opening of the exhibition for David (and the Art Class) paintings. There were so many beautiful paintings. I wanted loads of them!!

But David... he did so well. He sold his Tamarillos, he won People's choice award (first and second) for his Peninsular Sunrise, and a lady from a neighbouring gallery at the Art Centre wants to talk to David about hanging his paintings in her gallery!

He was so happy and we were so proud! Well done honey. If you are in the Christchurch area, do go down the the Art Centre and look at the Art and Friends exhibition.

Sewing Progress

2008-09-21T13:50:00.001-07:00

Just in case you thought that NO quilting is being done, well you are almost right!! I have been feeling so poxy that all my energy goes into working and at the end of the day I blob! But I did manage to sew the rest of my jelly roll strips plus a few extra 2 1/2 inch strips into a quilt for my neighbour who is going to be forty soon. Shenleigh has a brand new long arm quilting machine, so what a shame, she needs things to practice on!! Hurray it's all beautifully quilted, which is great. I'll post some picture soon.

Hurray for Cultural Diversity!

2008-09-21T13:39:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we spent the afternoon at the town hall watching the Junior Kapa Haka competition. We watched three schools including our own Hillview Christian School. Our James has been doing Kapa Haka for seven years and has really enjoyed it. Because it is primariliy a Maori Culture event, of course the other groups were all maori and they did amazingly well. However in our group, the girl leader was Nigerian (Bearnice) and one of the boy leaders was from Ghana. The girl doing the poi was Asian, I also spotted amongst all the collection of blonde, white skinned children, children from the Cook Islands, England, Australia and of course Maori children. It was a real melting pot of cultures, but they were united in their passion to do well. It was fantastic!

And, amazingly they got Third! how cool is that? This is what it really means to be a New Zealander. It means all of us getting along and celebrating together.

Thank you to the Hillview Kapa Haka kids who demonstrated this so well.

Weekend in Auckland

2008-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

My dear in-laws gave me a ticket to Auckland for my birthday so off I went on Friday. It was so nice to see the cousins again and just hang out with them. It was also nice to not to be cold and enjoy some sunshine! This is the Sky Tower which is a real landmark - I didn't take this photo!

Catch up!

2008-09-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

The weekend before last I tidied my sewing room with a little help from my friends! You literally could not walk in the door...

but after a few hours work... it is a place to sew and create again. I got rid of LOADS of stuff. I gave away all my stamping and card making equipment. It actually felt good to release it to someone who will really love it. I haven't really used it since I had Reuben and it actually made me feel guilty, 100s of $$$ worth just sitting there.

I have not done any sewing for the last two weeks, oh apart from a wee bit on my day off on my birthday. Usually I potter away in the evenings, but I have NO energy at all and so nothing is happening. I was getting worried about my Stitching angel, but then I remembered I have a beautiful project bag that I made a while back so I think my Stitching Angel will be getting that!!

I'm not really complaining as its just part of being pregnant, but oh my goodness, I can't wait to feel better again rather than like this.....

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts

2008-09-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

I don't usually do this, but Jane at "Jane's Fabrics and Quilts" is having an amazing give away for her birthday! click over and see. She has an interesting site and worth a visit!

Surprise Project....

2008-08-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I'm going to be 40 in a week? also I have grey hair, bifocals and had a hip replacement? Yes well, guess what?

I'm going to have a baby! Yes it's true, it's not a joke (although it may feel like one!!) I really am going to have a baby. Our big kids (15, 12) are surprised out that we are still 'doing it'!!! but they agree that a girl would be ok! Our little guy (6) doesn't know yet, he doesn't understand about time etc and it would be too far away for him to be a reality.

I can't believe how tired I feel (like an old lady) so my usual productive self is finding it hard to get anything done. Anyway it will be fun to have a baby in the house again. Lets just not think of those sleepless nights, pooey nappies and extra washing and think instead of the amazing miracle of another wee person in our family adding more colour and joy to us.

Finished projects...

2008-08-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

This week we've sewed the bindings on three quilts and hand sewed them down. My older son James (12) is really really good at this now. He enjoys it too. So that's a bunch of UFO's finished. There are two more quilts at the quilters (thanks Verina xxx) but currently I'm just ticking away at some hand projects. Oh yes and I need to make something for my Quilters Angel. Here's a hint, I don't think my quilter speaks English as a first language!!

It's funny but I'm a bit worried about these projects. What if they are not good enough and my angel is disappointed? I'll just have to make them with lots of love and hope she likes them. My angel likes Reds and Pinks so I think my projects will be mostly pinks as I have some lovely ones in my stash i could use.

I'm also working on a big surprise project, come back monday and I'll tell you what it is!!

Wee wall hanging

2008-08-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours last night and put this together for my niece. We started it together, but I used the wrong visofix and it was too hard to do blanket stitch around. so I just sewed and quilted it and then used gold glitter fabric paint on the edges. It looks great and i think she will like it.

Cold weather...

2008-08-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

it is freezing here - rain and snow down to ground level.... roll on spring!!

Help!

2008-08-10T00:32:00.000-07:00

My Atom feeds have stopped working. Can anybody help??? I don't know why and don't know how to fix them!

A sewing weekend....

2008-08-10T00:19:00.000-07:00

My friends Shenleigh, Shona, Barbara-Anne and I went to Coalgate and sewed manically all weekend! I started cutting four (yes four) of the Christmas Story quilt one for each of us. I've done blocks A (pictured) B and most of C. It's going to be lovely. We are going to try and get them done by Christmas.

Shona made us Rice Pudding - yum our favourite!
Man, can we make a mess!!

Shona's bright quilt (they were using the quilt as you go pattern from kaikoura)
Barbara-Anne's more muted but still lovely quilt.

New glasses...

2008-08-05T13:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, yes i did take a photo of myself! but these are my new glasses! I now have the modern version of bi-focals, which means I can type or sew and look up and still see - bonus! The novelty has not worn off yet, plus they are a bit stronger than the last ones so I can see the leaves on the trees again, and notice the hair on my children's head! Clarity is a wonderful thing.

Done at last....

2008-07-27T01:23:00.000-07:00

At last at last the three quilt tops are put together! I'm so happy, I just have to figure out if I have to quilt them or beg Verina to do them.

Purchases...

2008-07-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

This is for Aunty Jo for her birthday and Christmas (they are close together) I just need to get some quilter's muslin for the hearts to go on. Jo (if you are reading this) I hope you like these colours I thought they looked great!
Here's a cute alphabet quilt I want to make with these funky fabrics. We went to the Doll and Bear show and both Shenleigh and I had a bit of a spend up!!

I want this car....

2008-07-27T01:16:00.000-07:00

it's so cute! I love it.

My child... the model!

2008-07-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

Chrissy had the opportunity to do some modelling for UndercoverWear on the weekend. She looked fabulous. Someone straightened her hair beautifully and she just smiled and smiled and looked amazing!

I was so proud of her, i thought I would burst!!

A google knol!

2008-07-24T18:49:00.001-07:00

Hi there, I'm trying out a new google thing called a knol (who knows why??) it seems to be basically a page that you can type anything and just put it out there. So I've put in a yummy recipe for a passionfruit cake here.

10 commandments for reducing stress

2008-07-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

Here is a remind on ways of reducing stress....

Thou shalt not be perfect, nor even try to be
Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people
Thou shalt leave things undone that ought to be done
Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin
Thou shalt learn to say "No"
Thou shalt schedule time for thyself, and thy supportive network
Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly
Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive at times
Thou shalt not even feel guilty
Especially, thou shalt not be thine own worst enemy, but be thy best friend.

Thanks to Physical Sense, Physiotherapy, for these!

Quick post

2008-07-20T12:41:00.001-07:00

It was cold and wet on Saturday, and i seemed to have drawn the straw for family taxi driver! Any way I did fit in some sewing this weekend, I quickly finished a bag that my neice Melissa had done the embroidery for. It was her birthday, so I spent Saturday afternoon and finished it. She's happy with it!

I'm still working on my three tops. They are all at the same stage....
Here's David and Chrissy trying out a new quilt at Coalgate....

Our A 2 Z Adventures...

2008-07-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

David and I have a new blog. Working with our coach recently we were talking about how having weekly 'dates' can be quite lame and not really helping to connect with each other. Mike was encouraging us to have 'experiences' together, so we decided to take turns going through the alphabeth, choosing experiences! So far we have had A (A conversation) and B (Bus trip and coffee at Borders Bookshop). It's so much fun - it really makes you think outside the square and there's the element of competition just to add some spice! I have C (I know what I'm going to do) and David has D and so on.

We want to see how many people will join us. Time invested in your relationship is never wasted. If you are interested, leave a comment and we'll put your names on the blog.

We are having fun!

An award....

2008-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Look what I got from Amanda - my first ever award! Thanks so much Amanda - I'm thrilled to get it.

The rules are as follows:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog/
2. Link to the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

I would like to nominate....

Linda who has a busy interesting life that I enjoy reading about and is a beautiful quilter!

Helen who makes lots of lovely quilts. Thanks for sharing!

Candace who has such a beautiful looking blog and shares lots of bits and bobs!

Katie who is soooo funny, I enjoy reading her blog. She has an AMAZING garden!

Lucy in Holland who takes beautiful photos and makes inspirational mini quilts!

Merith in Australia. I wish I could see in her cupboards. The sheer quantity of things she achieves is mind-boggling!

Keryn also in Australia (sister of Merith). Those girls are incredible I don't know how they do it!

so many amazing blogs... such a shame I have a day job! Thanks everybody for all your great contributions!

Quilty progress...

2008-07-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here's my wee helper! He is such a light sleeper than no matter how early and how quietly I get up he comes to join me!! The fabric on the right is my impulse purchase. I just loved them so much. The colours are actually much brighter than the photo shows.

Works in progress, the one on the left is the 'Kiwiana' (New Zealand) fabric and the one on the right is for my dad. I think he'll really like the colours.

This is the Christmas Story quilt. My friend Shenleigh and are are going to work on them together. Who knows we might finish them before Christmas (don't hold your breathe)!

And another work in progress!!

Sewing plans!

2008-07-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

Another weekend hurray! I wish that I could just sew all weekend. I can't get used to working full time and not being able to squeeze in any sewing time! I've got three quilts I want to make before the end of August...

One for my dad - I made him a wee one at Christmas, but he actually seems to like it so I'm going to make him a lovely one to snuggle under for his birthday!
One for Eva - she's coming over in August.
One for Mum to take to Korea out of New Zealand fabrics.

I'm going to do them all quite a simple but effective design. Hopefully I can get one done this weekend. I had a bit back tooth pulled out yesterday and feel a bit poorly today, but it won't stop me from some sewing!

I also brought some gorgeous fabrics yesterday, I couldn't resist them. I'm going to do them as a hexagon project just to plod away at in the evenings. I love having a hand project on the go. I'll put a photo in here later.

Stitchers Angel

2008-07-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've joined my first swap - see the pretty badge to the right! I've never joined a swap before because I didn't know if I'd meet the standard, but I know I can do stitchery!! I've been doing embroidery since I was 12 years old. Read Hugs from Helen to find out about it.

Work in progress for today....

2008-07-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at foundation piecing!
Here is a quilt I'm so happy with its for our bed!! I embroidered around all the hearts at a sad time in my life and looking at the quilt makes my heart warm because so much has changed!

Best reason to get out of bed at 5am!

2008-07-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yes the Tour started today. In a household of cycling mad boys, getting up early is compulsory. Its one of those things that once you start watching you get hooked!! Two years ago I came home from the hospital having just had my hip replaced. I lay on the sofa and David put on the cycling. The first few days I moaned and groaned but then... I was hooked! Now we look forward to it. Even James got up early. Yes he is lying under a quilt that doesn't have its binding yet!! I have to find the brown fabric to bind it and haven't had time to get it yet. Oh well, still warm and cosy....

Saturday Sewing...

2008-07-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Another top! I was trying out this pattern from Alycia with some fairly poxy fabric that I had. It was so fast, I cut it out last weekend and sewed it up in one afternoon. The contrast was not strong enough but it still an ok top. I think I'll call it "Candyfloss"! I think I'll try and find some flannelette to put on the back and then it can be one for the kids to slob around under!! I've got some lovely fabric cut out to make one for someone I love (can't say who!!) and I think this pattern will be just right. The bag is for a quilt I made but haven't given away yet. I'd lost the letters I made in the abomination that is called my sewing room (gosh what a mess in there) so I can sew them on now.

Junior South Island Cycling Champs...

2008-07-04T23:19:00.001-07:00

This is my little champion in the grey looking at the camera!
A determined look on the final straight!
This is Justin ready to go. These boys are so tough, it was freezing cold, raining and slowing, oh my goodness! The wind was blowing a gale - nasty!! James did good though, its his first time and he's really getting into it. He is doing heaps better since we started treating his asthma (oops won't win any parenting prizes there seeing as we didn't pick it up for ages!!!!) and as he is hitting puberty, he will start to develop some serious muscle which will make him happy! Its just so great to have teenagers who are keen on sport. Bring it on!

It's snowing at home...

2008-07-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is cold cold cold cold!!!!

The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.

Henry Miller

This is cold...

2008-06-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

It was so cold this morning when I went off for my swim (!!) that the hot water I put on my car froze instantly, and there was ice on the INSIDE of my windscreen! Figure that out.

What to do on a wet weekend!

2008-06-29T01:37:00.000-07:00

A finished project in place. This is the guest room in our cottage at Coalgate. Doesn't it look inviting? I wish we could get our act together and get it rented out more!!
Here is a boy completely relaxed with his little dog, lying in the bean bag watching Kids TV. We spent the day at Coalgate, just blobbing! I cut out two quilt tops and then spent the rest of the day reading. David was reading and painting and the kids were just mucking around. It was so peaceful. It was pouring with rain and freezing cold (3 degrees) out side, but lovely and cosy inside!

A neat story....

2008-06-27T22:33:00.001-07:00

My friend sent me this very cool story! I don't know where its from or who to give credit to, but I love the lessons in it!

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraizing a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes, but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. 'Hello Barry, how are you today?' 'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas....They sure look good.' 'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?' 'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.' 'Good. Anything I can help you with?' 'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.' 'Would you like take some home?' asked Mr. Miller. 'No, Sir.Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.' 'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?' 'All I got's my prize marble here.' 'Is that right? Let me see it,' said Miller. 'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.' 'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked. 'Not zackley but almost.' 'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble,' Mr. Miller told the boy. 'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. 'When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like redafter all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.' I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man.

A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. 'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. 'Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho .' With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral : We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old friend. Green stoplights on your way to work. The fastest line at the grocery store. A good sing-along song on the radio. Your keys found right where you left them.

It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived

Work...

2008-06-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

How in the world did I end up with so many mind numbing jobs to do. Ooooooh help I'm so bored. My brain has SLOOOOOOOWED down and i can't think any more.

Photos

2008-06-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Found the camera down by the sofa!! Here is a bag containing the little boy quilt! Can't show the finished quilt or the recipient might find out.
Here is a wall hanging James helped me with the design. It's made from the left over Orange Crush quilt bits....

Weekend

2008-06-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

I can't find my camera so I can't take pictures of my weekends work - I've offered a chocolate bar as a reward so I expect one of the children will find it pretty quick!! We had a great weekend. David took Reuben to a father/son day at Wainui with some friends of ours. They caught some (tiny) fish and had a generally great day. I did some sewing. I sewed bindings on three quilts and James has nearly finished sewing them all down. I cut all the fabric I had for my hearts quilt and sewed about 18 blocks (its easy peasy). James and I worked out a design for the left overs for the orange crush quilt and made a wee wall hanging. I made a bag to put the quilt in that we're giving away to a nice boy. What else?? hmm. Oh yes my youngest sister popped over on Saturday afternoon, we haven't seen her for ages. So she stayed for tea and we watched the rugby together. Good family day.

Yesterday we went to church and then had a bit of a tidy up here. Then David and James went cycling, Chrissy did some 'study' and Reuben had a play date with Olivia. Shenleigh and I snuck out to the quilt shop in town and I got two pieces of fabric for my hearts quilt. Then we went to spotlight and I brought 4 duvets for $7 and $10 each to use as quilt backs and fabric for a quilt for Jeremy and Eva. They are coming over in August so I'd better get that one made up quick. I'm going to use this quilt by Alycia. It looks simple but effective.

Then last night I was typing up some of Ashleigh's life story and David and I were doing our coaching homework. All and all a nice weekend!

The roller coaster..

2008-06-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

Photographic evidence.... I actually have been on a roller coaster. This will be my one and only ride so had to have photo of it!

Family holiday....

2008-06-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

We've had a great week. Last Thursday we flew to Brisbane leaving behind the SNOW and COLD and arrived to the warm warm sunshine. It was great. We've had a very stressful few weeks and it was great to have some family time. This is the actual beach, its real. We walked across the road from the camping ground and hey presto, magic beach.

This is the kids at the Great Australian Outback show. it was Fantastic. The absolute highlight of the trip. It almost made me wish I was Australian!!

This is me and my brother. I flew to Melbourne to see him. We had a great time just hanging out. It was fantastic.

Some what difficult to wake up this morning to -2 degrees and ICY!!! all good though.

Time to catch up...

2008-06-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

I made some journal covers... the first one was a bit small, so I gave it to Reuben, the third one was just right. It's for our business coach, John O'Connell.....

We had a big snow dump on the weekend so we went out to Coalgate to enjoy the snow. Here is our cottage looking beautiful.....
And here (drum roll please) is my Orange Crush quilt, which I call Chatharsis....

I got up at 5.30 to finish this quilt top. I've been working on it for a while, and I wanted to steal some time for me to finish it. I'm calling my quilt "Catharsis" because I used all the scraps from the various bits of my journey over the last few months. I had the pink from the "It's ok to be feminine" quilt, and the orange and grey from the "Keep with the process bag" and some other stuff too. I ended up using all the greys from the "Grey day" quilt too. I resisted using them at first, but then I found that as I did, the colours blended together, and I made peace with myself over that part of the journey. It's kind of hard to explain, but Catharsis is a process of finding healing by making things, and it certainly works for me! The result is a very striking quilt, full of precious pieces. I'm absolutely thrilled with it. Here are the lessons I learnt as I worked...

You have to look again at the hard places and see how they fit in the big picture.
You need to develop new skills to make progress.
You have to make peace with your fears.
You have to make peace with your past.
Nothing is wasted, even the ugly bits.
You need to use all the pieces you have to make a whole picture.
No point hanging on to old stuff, it can suit a whole different purpose in its new role.
You have to have faith in the designer.
It doesn't matter if others are future on that you, as long as you keep on with the process.
You can cheer the others on, but nothing beats doing it yourself.
One day all the lessons you've learnt will come together and make sense.
Not till the end will you see the whole picture.
Others can have exactly the same instructions and end up with a completely different result. That's ok.

A wife of noble character...

2008-05-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

I guess that most people who read their bibles or go to Church know about the Proverbs 31 woman! Currently i am redefining who I am. I have been supporting David in his painting business for the last 16 years, and working in it doing whatever necessary for the last 20 months. But now I am steping up to the mark and am doing operations - running jobs, pricing work, sorting out guys. Its a new step for me (as I learn to delegate and juggle the home responsibilities to David who is stepping out). I am encouraged by reading this this morning. It isreally something to aspire to, and who would believe it was in the Bible so long ago. I am working towards being a measure of this woman. Please God help me.

10 [b]Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm[c] clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Lorcan's Quilt

2008-05-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

This is the quilt i did a few months ago for the cutest little Irish baby you ever saw! It was my first ever attempt at turned applique, but I forgot to take a photo. John kindly sent this through to me - thanks John. Its not too bad from a distance. It was supposed to be for a boy or girl, but it looked a bit girly! I'm hopeless at doing the unisex thing - either one or the other suits me. If you click on the photo you see the applique - don't look too closely though!!

Step four!

2008-05-24T19:05:00.001-07:00

Hurray step four is done! I have caught up. They look great, I'm so happy with them - can't wait for the next step.

Rebranding!

2008-05-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

From this... 11th Christchurch Boys Brigade....
to this... Opawa ICONZ! don't they look great! We are excited about the new change and the service went well this morning.

Step 3

2008-05-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have done Step Three! Hurray :) I was so behind, but now only one behind!! Some simple sewing was just what I needed this week. I have not been sleeping, so got up early and cut the triangles and then it was easy to sew together.

Courage...

2008-05-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

Reuben...

2008-05-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here's my wee darling in recovery. Isn't he so cute?

Mystery Quilt...

2008-05-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

I've just come back from taking Roo to the hospital for his MRI. He's lying on the sofa recovering from the general anaesthetic! Here's some picture from the weekend. I went to Kaikoura with three others and we made a mystery quilt. That's my best friend, Shenleigh in the photo. Actually it was very hard work, but the result speaks for itself. There was A LOT of sewing and cutting for one weekend! I made it for David and he actually likes it (surprise surprise) which is a bonus!!

Drugs and Alcohol

2008-05-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spend four hours learning about drugs and alcohol in the workforce. I learnt many horrifying facts.

On any given day 10% of your staff will fail a random drug test.
On any given day 10-15% of your job applicants will fail a drug test.
After a fatal accident at a Christchurch workplace, 50% of their workforce failed the test.
All of the high schools in New Zealand have a P problem.

I also watched this video. Enjoy....

Weekends...

2008-05-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend I've finished the bag. I brought the kit from Grandmother's garden when they were in Christchurch. It is a HUGE bag and Chrissy is worried I might use it as an everyday bag (not cool at all apparently!!) but no, it will be a great bag to stuff projects into!
I am a magpie. Here are the treasures we got from the St Martins Church fair on Saturday. The large tin with the dog on is for James and also the suitcase, he's been wanting something to transport his art stuff! The other bits and bobs will find homes somewhere (much to David's disgust!). So much happiness for so little money!

First day at new school...

2008-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the little lad happy as can be. He didn't even want me to stay with him so off home i came. It is just so lovely to be able to walk to school again, especially through the crisp morning air. I've really missed that.

This is so cool...

2008-05-03T15:45:00.001-07:00

I borrowed this picture from Bonnie (Quiltville)'s Amazon page.... Been doing that this week!

Patchwork as therapy!

2008-05-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have to say that life has been a bit tough lately one way or another, which culminated this week in a melt-down from me! I have come back to Coalgate with the boys and engaged in some mindless sewing. The boys have been watching movies and playing with the lego. Apparently Winston Churchill used to lay bricks when he was depressed, well sewing simple seams helps me! Here are three, yes three tops I've made this week. The one on the left is just three inch strips pieced - the fabric is so pretty that it seemed a shame to do anything too fancy with it! Its is theraputic I think to be creating something, something that you can look at later and enjoy. It helps me anyway... along with chocolate, wine and some peace and quiet. Unfortunately I forgot to authorise all the wages last night for our staff and so they will all be supremely grumpy (justifiably) with me. I've been reading "Don't sweat the small stuff" and so today I'm telling myself that 100 years from now it won't matter, actually to be honest next week it won't matter, so I'm trying not to get too stressed about it!

School Holidays

2008-04-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

I took five kids to Coalgate. At Coalgate we have built a cottage, it is 45 minutes from our home in Christchurch, but the life style is light years away from our frantic life here! I took a 14 year old, a 13 year old, two 12 year olds and a six year old. We made stuff, we sat by the river, we lit a huge fire and cooked marshmallows. We watched movies and tv and generally hung out. It was good, tiring but good. What was I thinking? Motivated 5 kids to get organised was a mission!!

Yes I am sewing!!

2008-04-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend I've started the quilt for David. I'm making it out of his old shirts. I hope he likes it. I'm also making some progress on the wall hanging for my brother. I'm hoping to visit him in June so it would be cool to take it with me. The kids and I are going to be in Coalgate most of next week so hopefully I should get heaps done! I want to make another one for another little boy too. Nothing like being ambitious!

ANZAC Day

2008-04-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

Yes we were in the City at 6am to join the ANZAC day parade. Here are the photos to prove it!

Here are some of my lovely BB Boys in their uniforms waiting to march in the parade. It is actually really great to get up early and remember all the young men who went off to war for us. The BB Boys love going (plus I take them to McDonalds afterwards!!!). Its that thing again of being a little part of something big.

Orange Squash!

2008-04-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my 142 blocks for step two of the orange squash quilt. they look great, shame they don't match the first 150 blocks!! I'm hoping this will all come together although I am having doubts about my ability to choose colours.

They have arrived!!!

2008-04-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

The first three designs by Chrissy for her Candy! land T-shirts! Well done Chrissy, you are an absolute Champion. I love you honey xxxx

ps the t-shirts are $25 each if anyone wants to buy one!!!

Reuben's last day....

2008-04-16T16:30:00.001-07:00

Here is the very large cake I made Reuben for his last day of Hillview! All the children really enjoyed it. They made him cards which was very cool.

Chocolate Cake

8 oz (225 gm) soft butter
2 c sugar
2t baking soda
2 C milk
3 eggs
3 C flour
¾ C Cocoa
1 t salt
1 ½ t vanilla
1 T vinegar

Soften butter. Sift in dry ingredients. Add milk and vanilla. Beat 2 minutes, add eggs and vinegar and beat until well mixed. Divide between lined well greased tins. Either 4 x 19cm tins, 2 x 23cm tins or 3 ring tins. Bake at 180 deg.C for 45-75 minutes.

For girls only...

2008-04-13T01:12:00.001-07:00

I don't think any guys will be reading this blog. Why is it girls that the one weekend in living memory that you get to go away with your husband, that you WILL get your period? Why? does this just happen to me?

Another week, another cycle ride!

2008-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

100 km, 2 hours 45 minutes!

What can I say? He's just so fast! This weekend the Grape Ride in Blenheim. David is to happy with his time, I am so happy he got in safely!!

We are having a lovely time with our Cuzzies! Blenheim weather is mild, the country side is great and our children are in Christchurch - its all win win!!

Orange Squash Mystery Quilt

2008-04-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

These are my fabrics for the Orange Squash mystery quilt. I don't actually have enough of some of them, but I'm determined not to buy any for this quilt, so will see how I can fake it!!
Here are my 150 4-patch blocks in progress. They are all leftovers from other projects.
Actually I reserve judgement on whether this will work or not. Will have to wait and see!

Its officially autumn....

2008-04-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

I've got socks on!!!

A Challenge to you all....

2008-04-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

I just spent the evening putting things in an Album for Aunty Jean. I can't believe someone can get to 87 and not have a photo album! She is turning 87 on Thursday. I got her handful of photos and added a few more, I got four certificates she got in the 1930s for playing the piano. I got some of her birthday cards and some of her cards with Bible verses on and I put the whole mixture into an album. I put all the dead people (from the funeral cards) at the back!! It actually looks amazing and I managed to fill the whole album which I am stoked about. It took me the whole evening but it was worth it. I think everybody should have a photo album. I'm a big fan of them myself. I make them for my mum and dad and David's mum every Christmas. I make them for my kids and I make them for our family.

Life is full of ups and down, and its great to sit on the sofa for an hour under a quilt with one of the kids and look at photos and remember the fun times! Ian Grant says "Children need a past, a present and a future" and I agree. I take photos of my Boy's Brigade boys and make an album for them too. Their parents don't do it, and the boys LOVE to see how much they have grown! I take it to camp and they spend heaps of time looking at it.

It's important to take photos of the ordinary stuff too, because things change, but when you look at the photo it helps you remember. Digital cameras are great, and people take heaps of photos, but they don't print them out. I think that is a shame, print those photos people, stick them in albums. Technology changes so much, you could easily loose them when time marches on and you can't access them anymore because you have upgraded.

I challenge anybody reading to go and print their photos. Let me know how many you print. I would love to know! I will give a prize to the person who prints the most photos...