Kylie's Stitch 'n Sew

2012 Quilting Bee

2012-01-08T14:14:00.000+10:00

Hmmm, well this blog has been a little neglected hasn't it? Over twelve months since I have posted. Truthfully it's been over 12 months since I sewed anything! so in an attempt to get my sewing mojo back I have joined an online quilting bee.

The idea is (I think!) each person is assigned a month (mine is September). Before your assigned month, you need to decide on a block and send each member of the quilting bee pattern, fabric and any other resources you think they will need or will help. Each member of the quilting bee will then sew the block and then send it back to you and before you know it, you have enough blocks for a quilt! What an excellent idea! So with any luck, this will help revive my quilting and sewing blog mojo. The other bee participants and their months are:

February - AJ

March - Bec
April - Adds
May - Denni J

June - Joy

July - Milly
August - Mands
September - me
October - Helen

Let the sewing begin!

Healing Hands

2010-07-31T19:51:00.000+10:00

On Monday I went to drop Kira off at daycare. One of her carers has not been well for awhile. We were all aware that she was scheduled for surgery on an ulcer. In Kira's pocket was a letter that let us know the devastating news that J had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. And it has spread. My heart broke. J is a gorgeous woman, and while I don't know her age, I would be surprised if she is 30. The kids love her, as do the staff and the parents. Even worse, she had an infection from the ulcer surgery meaning they need to delay her cancer surgery. I cried.
My thoughts immediately turned to a quilt. Something quick, that I could get to her before her next surgery. My first thought was a stacked coins quilt in greens as that is J's favourite colour. But then I thought I would like to include the kids who a knew were missing her. I drove back to daycare to talk to K, J's partner in the preschool room. "I have an idea," I said, "but I need your help." At the end of the day, I picked up Kira and a stack of traced around kids and staff hands. And this is what I have done with them.

I have another 6-7 kids hands to collect on Monday. They will then be surrounded by the staff hands. The backing will be green and it will be stippled in white. It will be called Healing Hands. I hope it works.

Sudoku top finished

2010-07-02T15:19:00.000+10:00

So the sudoku top is finished, but I am not entirely happy with it. (not unhappy enough to undo it mind you!) I just seem to have issues getting things properly square!

Don't have enough batting to sandwich it, so that will have to happen another day. In the meantime, I think I'll hit the couch with a book!

Shopping for a Sewing Machine

2010-06-29T14:23:00.000+10:00

As those of you who read my blogs would know, I rather sadly lost both of my grandmothers recently. One in December, and the other in early February. They were both wonderful women who unbeknownst to me, left me a small amount of money. I have decided to use the money to buy a new sewing machine. So, keeping in mind I have around between three and four thousand to spend, what do you recommend?

I currently have a Pfaff which I love. I am pretty brand loyal, but can be swayed. It will be used for piecing and quilting. Below is a list of things I know I want. What else would you suggest?

I want:
Automatic needle down
knee life on the needle
some pretty quilting stitches
a larger space to fit bigger quilts
an extension table

So, what are your suggestions??

I'm Back!!

2010-06-21T19:52:00.000+10:00

Long time no blog and really must hang my head in shame! If for no other reason than way back in April I won one of the OPAM draws. Kris from Tag Along Teddies sent a lovely prize my way.

A lovely little note book, a bag of scrumptious buttons, a delectable mini jelly roll from Moda and a cute heart button.

So, a big belated thank you to Kris for a gorgeous gift.

Since the end of April there hasn't been a lot of sewing going on. A few pencil rolls, but nothing else. My problem has been lots to be started, nothing to go on with! I was struggling to get motivated. Figuring sewing was about enjoyment, I decided to just let it go for awhile, but in the past couple of days, I've had the urge! So today I started a sudoku quilt for a friend's son.

It has a transport theme. Be prepared for more of this in the coming days!

Giveaway!!

2010-05-12T12:20:00.000+10:00

Head over to the Rowe Timson Photography blog for the chance to win a mini session! Lovely photos for a Sydney or Gold Coast family! Just what mine needs at the moment.

Good luck!

A few last minute April finishes!

2010-04-29T19:03:00.000+10:00

Drum roll please!!!

(image from: http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_2504_basic-drum-strokes.html)

The quilt 7 - 8 years in the making has been finished!!

Still unnamed, but finally finished!! There was much cheering. It's not perfect, it won't win any awards, but it is done. This is where it will live.

Although it has already been dragged off the back of the couch by my 4 year old.

I also get to add another pencil roll, made with the Maisy fabric. This one was for my daughter's best friends 4th birthday. They are travelling to Bali for a holiday soon so hopefully it will be useful on the plane.

A friend who is travelling to Europe in about eight weeks with her two sons and her nephew has asked for some for them so expect to see a few more in the coming months!

Sewing hasn't been the only creating going on here. I've also taken to baking. It's a new thing for me, but my husband is pleased I am expanding my domestic skills! (Please read that with a very, very lighthearted tone!)

Retromummy posted a recipe for an very easy and yummy pear flan. She scored it off Frills in the Hills. I must say, the first time I made it, I didn't have enough pears so added some apple as well. This worked a treat and I am tempted to try it with apples only. This was my second attempt.

I seriously had this prepared and in the oven in no more than 30 minutes! So easy and very yummy warm or cold.

I also discovered a recipe from in a Donna Hay magazine that looked delicious and easy. It was called Apple and Caramel Dumplings. So I had to have a go.

I must say, yummo!! The recipe can be found at Donna Hay's website, here!

I will tell you though, don't think you can prepare the dumplings in advance and put them in the caramel sauce until it's time to put it in the oven. Makes for very large dumplings! Oops.

Another Pencil Roll

2010-04-17T14:02:00.000+10:00

Expect to see a few of these this year! I have decided it is the birthday present to give!

A friend's daughter had her birthday yesterday and I forgot! So I quickly whipped up a pencil roll, added some crayola pencils and a drawing book and...

(Guess what her name is!)

I am so loving these pencil rolls. Another huge thanks to tutorial over at Little Munchkins for making it sooooooo easy!

I have another one to whip up today for my daughter's best friend who turns 4 on ANZAC day. I plan to use this fabric I bought when we were away over Easter.

I've bought a Maisy colouring book and story book to go with them. I plan to use the white middle fabric for the back, the blue for the pocket and the green for the front.

That wasn't all I bought while I was away. There is also this Maisy panel

There is also some transport themed fabric to make another sudoku quilt with. The mum of the little boy I made the Sporting Sudoku for asked if I could make another for her other son. We decided on a transport theme.

I've ordered the rest of what I will need from Equilter so am now waiting on squishy mail! The mum is a teacher like me and a wonderful friend, so I am going to make her an eye spy quilt as well. These caught my eye as being good for that!

Finally, I spotted this panel and just had to have it!

I had no idea what I was going to do with it until I was talking to my niece about what her favourite colours are and she said hot pink and lime green. She turns 18 next year and after a trip to Europe last year has caught the travel bug. I'm thinking this will be the basis of a quilt for her.

I've finished quilting this sampler quilt and am currently sewing the ends in. Hope to get the binding on sometime today!

What's your weekend hold?

This one has a Story

2010-03-28T13:36:00.000+10:00

and it is a Story with a capital S. I've just finished this top

I quite like it and all I had to do was add the red border. The story goes like this:

Back in 2002/ 2003 a friend and myself decided we wanted to do a quilting course. My son was less than a year old, I think I was back at work, I'm not 100% on that. We found a local quilt shop that was doing hand piecing classes and we signed up. Each week we would be shown a different block, taught how to make the templates, how to cut it out, how to sew the block together. After six weeks we would be given another 6 weeks of no classes to finish off as many blocks as we wanted. We would then return to the shop with our blocks to be shown how to finish it all off. So we bought all our materials - fabric, needles, thread, scissors, template plastic - the lot. About 4 or 5 weeks into the course, I had the box with all my stuff, included finished blocks (I was half way through the Jacobs Ladder block) in the boot of my car. I picked my son up from daycare and on returning to the car, took the box out to put the pram in and forgot to put it back in! Needless to say I never found the box and lost everything! So, I started again - remember this was all hand pieced! New fabric, new thread, new needles, new everything. I sewed my little heart out and was determined to have all 12 blocks done by the finishing class. We went down the coast one weekend and I took only the block I was sewing at the time - Jacob's Ladder. I lost it. Got home, didn't have it, never found it. I don't think I will ever sew another Jacobs Ladder as long as I live!

Anyway, I caught up, had all my blocks ready and was ready for our finishing class. About a week before we were due to do our finishing class the shop went up in flames. Literally burnt to the ground! They never reopened. So I had twelve blocks and no idea what to do with them. In the end, they went into a cupboard and stayed there for quite awhile.

Fast forward to 2007 and I decide to get myself a mother's day present I want - another quilt course. This time I go for a course that starts with hand piecing and progresses to machine. This time the shop doesn't burn down and I walk away with this.

Very different from my first. It has hand piecing, paper piecing, applique and machine pieced blocks. It is also hand quilted which is pretty atrocious, but at least it was finished!
So now at least I knew what to do with those blocks I had, but still they sat in the cupboard. In October 2007 I finally put the sashing on and joined the blocks together.

Alright! I was almost there, surely I would have it finished by 2007! However, once again, it went into the cupboard, sitting in the back of my mind, begging to be done. The other day I went and bought some red fabric for the border, some blue for the back and I swear it will be an April finish, one way or another!

So, once I finish here I am off to sandwich the quilt. I'm still not sure how I am going to quilt it - suggestions are welcome. Another problem is the name. I have had a few thoughts.

From the Ashes - the ashes of the shop, the ashes of lost blocks

Lessons Learnt - I learnt so much sewing this quilt, including log cabins by hand are no fun, measurements count and left long enough, a quilt will quietly reproach you every time you open the cupboard and don't take it out to finish it!

Finally Finished - self explanatory

Second Time Around - the second lot of blocks I made for this quilt

1200 Kilometres - the distance between the house it was started in and the house it will be finished in!

Long Time Coming - again, fairly self explanatory.

And, having trawled through my earlier blog entries, I discovered this entry from October 2007!

Emma suggested Burning Desire - both representational of the shop burning down and my desire to finish it!

Leah suggested Bright Beginnings.

So, what do you think I should call it? And how should I quilt it?

Pencil Rolls

2010-03-20T17:35:00.000+10:00

I've been meaning to make my kids some pencil rolls for ages. Given that at Easter we will be heading to Canberra, which means up to 14 hours in the car, I decided it was time!

I was given the link to this excellent tutorial over at Little Munchkins. It was so easy to follow and works beautifully!

This one is for Luke

This one for Kira

And here they are both rolled.

I want to buy the kids some new pencils for them, but this was the best I could do for now! I can see lots of these being made for future presents!

A March Finish!

2010-03-15T15:21:00.000+10:00

I have a March finish and it's not at the last minute!

Presenting Back to Front!

And the back.

It still needs to be labelled as does mums quilt and Luke's Frog Quilt, so last night I designed and printed all three on printable paper. It's tonight's job.

I must admit, when I went upstairs to bed last night and I checked in on the kids, it was lovely to see them both snuggled under their quilts. They are perfect for this time of year - too cold for just a sheet, too hot for a doona. The quilts are just perfect!

Rainy Days...

2010-03-03T12:45:00.000+10:00

...are perfect for quilting.

Doing dragonflies all over. I have a template which I trace around and then follow loosely. (Creative license I claim!) I am having some issues with what sort of marker to use. I find the chalk/ dress maker's pencils don't show up well enough and the fade pen I have that says it fades in 24 - 48 hours is more likely to fade in 24 minutes! What do you use??

Feb Finish - hopefully not to late!

2010-02-28T12:47:00.000+10:00

I will be emailing Kris a link to this post as soon as I have finished it, so hopefully I will make it into the Feb draw!

I have finished mums English Tea Garden Quilt!

I finished sewing the binding on last night, but we were on Straddie and couldn't post about it. I did try sending an email with a photo via my phone, but reception was not the best!

So, obviously the pic above is the front. I wasn't sure I had enough backing, so I added a pieced strip.

It's the first time I've quilted something with a cross hatch pattern and while it's not flawless, I'm pretty happy with it!

The big question now is, do I send it to mum straight away or do I wait until we go to Canberra in April to hand deliver it? Hand delivering would save on postage, but I don't know if I can wait that long!

Why sometimes putting something away for awhile is a good thing.

2010-02-24T12:08:00.000+10:00

Remember this quilt back that became a front?
Remember this panicked call for help?
Remember one, two and three excellent quilters who gave me wonderful ideas?

Well, despite those wonderful ideas. I could not get motivated to finish the quilt. So I did what all good quilters did - put it away, stuck my fingers in my ears and sang LA, LA, LA very loudly until it stopped yelling at me and decided to sulk quietly instead.

The other day I was rummaging through my scraps when I discovered a pile of blue 3.5in squares and my mind started ticking. I pulled out the backing fabric that had fallen short, made some measurements, drew up a design and whipped up this.

So now I have a back! I'm thinking of being a bit creative with the quilting and doing dragonflies in yellow. What do you think??

BTW, I finished quilting mum's quilt and am spending nights sewing the binding on. Hope to have it done soon!

Pinning

2010-02-07T09:53:00.000+10:00

I'm pinning my mums quilt. I tried last night and it was a total disaster! It's the biggest thing I have ever done and I could not get the backing to stay straight. Because it was hot, I was sweaty, I couldn't put the fan on because it blows the fabric around and the tape would not stick! In the end I gave up in disgust. This morning, I am trying a new tack. Pinning it bit by bit on the dining room table. Will let you know how it goes later!

FebFast 2010

2010-02-04T12:09:00.001+10:00

For various reasons, I have decided to participate in FebFast 2010. FebFast is a fundraiser where participants are sponsored to go alcohol free for the month of February! The festive season was a very good one for me and I am trying to lose some weight and get a bit fitter this year. I thought this would be a good way to kick it off and support some great charities in the process, so go on, click on the link on the side and sponsor me!

From the FebFast website

FebFast is a charity that is now in its third year of operation.
We work to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs on young Australians by raising funds to support organisations working in research, prevention and service delivery concerning alcohol and other drugs use by young people.
We conduct a national education, awareness and fundraising campaign that invites people to sacrifice their alcohol consumption during February, and at the same time raise funds to support youth alcohol and other drug services.
Over the past two years we have seen more than 3,500 people take up the FebFast challenge to give up the grog for amonth. Collectively these people have raised more than $700,000 to support our cause.
Funds from our last two campaigns have been distributed to 13 organisations around Australia.
Proceeds from our 2010 registration and fundraising efforts will be shared amongst the Australian Drug Foundation (that operates nationally), YSAS (the Youth Substance Abuse Service) in Victoria, The Ted Noffs Foundation in NSW and the ACT, Mater Hospital’s Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service in Queensland and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.

Donate
Donations to FebFast are tax deductible in Australia. Please consider contributing to our work.

Beneficiaries
FebFast is a charity that is now in its third year of operation.
We work to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs on young Australians by raising funds to support organisations working in research, prevention and service delivery concerning alcohol and other drugs use by young people.
We conduct a national education, awareness and fundraising campaign that invites people to sacrifice their alcohol consumption during February, and at the same time raise funds to support youth alcohol and other drug services.
Over the past two years we have seen more than 3,500 people take up the FebFast challenge to give up the grog for amonth. Collectively these people have raised more than $700,000 to support our cause.
Funds from our last two campaigns have been distributed to 13 organisations around Australia.
Proceeds from our 2010 registration and fundraising efforts will be shared amongst the Australian Drug Foundation (that operates nationally), YSAS (the Youth Substance Abuse Service) in Victoria, The Ted Noffs Foundation in NSW and the ACT, Mater Hospital’s Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service in Queensland and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.

Donate
Donations to FebFast are tax deductible in Australia. Please consider contributing to our work.

Beneficiaries
Proceeds from our 2010 registration and fundraising efforts will be shared amongst the Australian Drug Foundation (that operates nationally), YSAS (the Youth Substance Abuse Service) in Victoria, The Ted Noffs Foundation in NSW and the ACT, Mater Hospital’s Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service in Queensland and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.
Proceeds from our 2010 registration and fundraising efforts will be shared amongst the Australian Drug Foundation (that operates nationally), YSAS (the Youth Substance Abuse Service) in Victoria, The Ted Noffs Foundation in NSW and the ACT, Mater Hospital’s Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service in Queensland and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.

No January finishes. :(

2010-02-04T11:58:00.000+10:00

Life has been a bit hectic. I had an operation on my eye on Tuesday to insert a cache lens. This was after a failed attempt in August to insert an ICL (implanted contact lens.), which left me a cataract (which has now corrected itself, thank goodness!) and an misshapen, enlarged pupil in my right eye. While the pupil cannot be fixed, I am pleased to say the cache lens procedure has worked a treat and I now have almost 20/20 vision out of my right eye!! My left eye is scheduled for Monday! But, before that, I must travel to Newcastle (leaving this afternoon) to sadly attend my maternal grandmother's funeral. She died on Tuesday morning, just before I went into surgery. She was 91 and while it was not unexpected, it's not easy. My other grandmother died in December at the age of 98, so I have lost my last 2 remaining grandparents within 2 months of each other and to put it bluntly - it sux.

All that, plus life in general has stopped me from a January finish. I have however, finished the last two borders and therefore the top!

Border 5 was more of the blue material. 2 inch strips this time.

And the 6th and final border! Yay!

Despite buying the amount of fabric required for the backing, I wasn't overly confident it was enough, so I have added a strip of 6.5x12.5 in strips to make sure. I think it will look good. Now all I need to do is sandwich it and start the quilting - most probably on the weekend. It will definitely be a Feb finish!

Another 2 borders

2010-01-25T17:52:00.000+10:00

I've got another 2 borders on my mums quilt. The third border is the one that has taken the longest as it required 24 square in square blocks. Although my square in squares are not perfect, they are getting better as I go.

Border 4 was another round of 3in squares. What I am most proud of with this quilt is the care I have taken with my seams. Making sure they don't get flipped over while sewing and getting them to line up.

Next I need another border of the blue material, followed by the last border which will be made from 6.5x12.5 in strips with four 5x12.5 in strip in the corners.Still hopeful for this to be my January finish, although it will be close!

I also received the second order of fabric I've been waiting on to finish the strip twist quilt. Although now I have it, I'm thinking of starting all over again!

And I reversed, traced onto vilesofix and started to cut out the frilled neck lizard.
Getting to the point where I will actually have to start doing stuff with the lizard instead of prep work! Eeeeeeeeeeeek!!

Yay! A Fabric Delivery!!

2010-01-14T16:06:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I got home to some squishy mail from the Fat Quarter Shop. It held the fabric I needed to keep going with the quilt I am making for my mum. So, today, despite the fact I should be cleaning my house for the house guests who will arrive this evening, I cut and I sewed! But first, what was in my package??

Maid of Honour blue Double Stripe for the backing of mums quilt,

Alliance Blue Boxes Under the Bed for borders within mums quilt,

Sweets Multi Heart O' Plenty and

Michael Miller Pink Sprinkes on Top.

The last two were to pad the bag out :)

So I cut the last of the fabric I needed for mums and started sewing.

This is the centre panel with the first border. The centre panel is made up of seven 4.5x16.5 in strips. The first border is 1.5 in strips..

The second border is made up of thirty six 3.5in squares.

There will be another 4 borders. The third is made up twenty four square in square blocks that will measure 6.5 in sq. The fourth will be sixty 3.5 in squares similar to the second border. Fifth will be 2 inch strips of the blue fabric used in the first border. Finally, the sixth border will twenty eight 6.5x12.5 in strips with four 5x12.5 in strip in the corners. If you want to get a general idea of what it will look like, check out this post. I am still hopeful I will be able to make this my January finish.

Frustration!!

2010-01-11T07:38:00.000+10:00

OK, I have hit a wall! I have 2 projects almost ready to sew together, but am waiting on the delivery of some material before I can go any further! I've started to prepare the stuff I need to start the lizard and I am contemplating doing some work on my Block of the Month, but it requires more cutting and I want to sew!!

On other news, I've decided to take on a 100+ books in 2010 challenge! I think it's too much to subject what should be a craft blog to, so if you are interested in following what I read, check out my new blog - Kylie's Reads. I know, I'm up there for creative titles. I'll still track on here and put what I am reading in the side bar, but won't be posting about them.

Off to try and decide what to do.

OPAM Challenge 2010

2010-01-08T08:54:00.000+10:00

Yep, I'm signing up again for the One Project a Month Challenge. I managed a total of 8 finished items last year. I am really hoping to manage at least one a month this time.
This year, places are limited, so if you are interested, head over to Kris at Tag Along Teddies or Pegs at Happy in Quilting to sign up.

Currently reading...

2010-01-07T07:07:00.000+10:00

Every Secret Thing by Marie Munkara. I'm reading this for book club. Only pages in and it has already made me laugh out loud several times (can be embarrassing on the ferry!) A friend who has read it already told me I will cry as well. This is the story of a catholic mission in the Northern Territory and their often vain attempts to convert the local bush mob. My favourite part so far is when a child asks the bishop this question about the serpent in the garden of Eden.

"But why did Eve eat the apple? Wouldn't the snake have tasted better?" queried Jeremiah
"And why aren't there any black angels? Why are they always white?" asked another.
"And if God made the world, then who made God?"
"And why is his name dog backwards?"
His Most Anxious, head spinning from this onslaught, looked to Sister for assistance. But Sister, harbouring a long-held contempt for his Most Sleazy and having borne the brunt of similar questioning herself, continued to clean up her desk and ignored him.
"Er, well, the snake might have been poisonous, " he proffered.
"Poison snakes don't clomb trees!" Ruth flung back amid murmers of assent from the rest of the class.
"Well how do you know that it lived in a tree?"
"Look here," said Cecilia, showing him their text with a beautifully illustrated depiction of Adam and Eve being shamefully ousted from the Garden of Eden while the snake leered at their retreating backs from a nearby bush.

I must warn you (and it's most probably fairly obvious from the above passage) the book is not exactly complimentary to the Catholic chuch.

I have also managed to squeeze in another book.

The True Story of Butterfish by Nick Earls. I first came across Nick Earls in my role as a teacher librarian and his young adult books. Very rarely have I found a young adult author whose adult books are just as good. I'm fairly sure it was a passage from Bachelor Kisses that had me laughing so hard I could hardly breath. Butterfish is the story of one half of once highly successful band and his return to Brisbane and a "normal" existence. It was hard not to draw parallels between Butterfish (the name of the band) and Savage Garden. One band member very out there and appearing to love the hype, the other more reserved and wanting to stay in the background. Two hugely successful albums, followed by a band break up. Earls himself acknowledges the similarities, but assures us that's where it ends. Hmm, think I may have to add Nick Earls to my list of authors to read all of!

What to do??

2010-01-03T13:30:00.000+10:00

So many options! My sewing mojo has returned with vigour and I am excited about so many projects. I have so much I want to do this year and here are the three I am starting/ contemplating at the moment.
A couple of years ago I got a copy of a magazine called Country Favourites. No 2 to be exact and immediately thought a quilt in it called English Tea Garden would be great for my mum. I've been collecting fabric ever since.

So yesterday I started cutting - there is alot of cutting!

For Christmas Leigh got me this kit.

I've never attempted anything like this before and I am excited! It came from a patchwork shop in Tuncurry called Just Patchwork. I had to unpack it all and take a look!

Now I'm even more scared! The pattern is huge! If you look over in the top right part of the pattern, you will see a 1cm2. Gives you an idea of how big it is. I've made a list of the extras I need to buy for this and will hopefully be able to get them sometime this week.

The third thing on my want-to-start-now list is a strip twist quilt using this jelly roll I got awhile ago.

So hopefully this is the start of a busy and productive year! Wish me luck!

Currently reading...

2010-01-01T15:02:00.000+10:00

All You Need is Love. Fifteen Journeys into Motherhood by Suzy Zail

I picked this up while doing the Christmas shopping. It's the exact right thing to start the new year with. Fifteen different women tell their story about motherhood. Same sex parenting, single parenting, donor egg, grandmothers raising grandchildren. The common theme - love.

Now a question, I finished My Life Among the Serial Killers today. Given I started it in 2009, but finished it in 2010 (only just, but still!) which list do I add it to??

Completed items 2009 and 2008

2009-12-31T16:14:00.000+10:00

MY FINISHED PROJECTS 2009

JANUARY
Mystery Designer BOM 7 (doesn't qualify)
Miss M's bag
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Sudoku quilt
Rocket quilt
APRIL
Mystery Designer 8, 9, 10 (Don't qualify)
MAY
JUNE
JULY
Eye Spy Quilt
Mystery Designer 11, 12 (Don't qualify)
G's Quilt
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Luke's Frog Quilt
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Four eye spy quilts
Nanna's name plate

Completed Projects for 2008

2009 Reading List

2009-12-31T15:58:00.000+10:00

I want to save my 2009 reading list, but not keep it on the side bar. I need the space to start 2010! This is the only way I can think of to do it! There's a few stats about my year of reading at the bottom if you are interested.

A few stats.

56 books started in 2009
55 finished (don't see me finishing my current one tonight!)
31 authors
39 adult books
16 children's/young adult's books
9 non fiction.

Series I have read:
Wire in the Blood (Val McDermid)
Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
All of Sharon Kay Penman's historical novels including the Welsh Trilogy, the Henry II Trilogy and the Justin De Quincy Mysteries
A Series of Unfortunate Events (Lemony Snicket)
No 1 Ladies Detective Agency (Alexander McCall Smith)
Harry Potter (JK Rowling)

Currently reading...

2009-12-31T15:29:00.000+10:00

My Life Among the Serial Killers by Helen Morrison M.D and Harold Goldberg.

I've read less of this stuff this year than I normally do - only three others I can see as I peruse my list. It's not a matter of losing interest, more of finding it harder and harder to find good stuff. I find Helen Morrison a little arrogant and condescending not only of her readers, but her peers. She has a theory, it's the right theory and everyone else is wrong. Most probably not what she means to portray, but the way it comes across. She is very willing to completely discount the effect of childhood experiences on these depraved killers, which is something I don't think is correct. Then again, I'm not the trained forensic psychiatrist who has spent countless hours interviewing and studying serial killers.

During our trip away I also managed to read a few other books. Apart from finishing off Eclipse before we left, I finished the series, reading

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

and

Fever of the Bone by Val McDermid (the most recent Tony Hill/ Wire in the Blood book)

I've really enjoyed keeping track of all these books this year and plan to do so again next year. Any one else interested in keeping track of their reading? No target, just a way to share what you are reading. Let me know, I love to see what others are getting into - lots of good ideas!

And the Winner is... (Finally!!)

2009-12-31T14:59:00.000+10:00

So sorry for the delay! As I should have predicted, things got way to manic towards the end to even think about drawing the prize! We got back yesterday (2 days later than planned, but we were having such a good time!) and I've finally had time to sit down and do the draw.

I took the highly scientific approach of writing down everyone's name and assigning them numbers before heading to random.org to generate three winners

Which came up with:

27 - Becanne (who gets the FQ's)
22 - Amummy (who takes home the scraps)
5 - Jazzyjaes (who scores the strips.)

So thank you for taking part. Hope you had fun!

Inspiration

2009-12-18T15:45:00.001+10:00

y but I have been a busy blogger today! I've just finished fixing this bag for a friend.

Can you see what it's made out of??

Yep! Buttons - the whole bag!! The handle had broken so I sewed it back together and now I am all inspired. I'm thinking boxes....

Please travel safe these holidays.

2009-12-18T13:36:00.002+10:00

This video celebrates the 20 years of Australian Transport Accident Commission commercials. Please be warned the video is graphic. I flinched several times while watching it. This is a link to an article about it as well. It is, however, a timely reminder. If you are traveling this holiday period, please do so safely.

Nanna's nameplate

2009-12-18T10:17:00.000+10:00

When we were in Newcastle the other week, we went to visit my grandmother. She is in a nursing home and I noticed that all the other residents had lovely name plates on their doors. Nanna hasn't been there long and doesn't have one, so I decided to make her one.

It's my first attempt at applique and I must thank Barbara Brandeburg for this super simple tutorial!

This is the back.

I took the opportunity (given the back is not likely to be seen by many!) to quilt it using a contrasting colour. I'll take it down to mums at Christmas as I know she will be seeing her shortly after.

Time for a Giveaway!

2009-12-15T16:00:00.001+10:00

So in celebration of me finishing my November challenge I thought a giveaway was in order. In fact, I'm having three! Rules are simple:

1. Post a comment here giving the prizes a preference of 1, 2 and 3 (gets you one entry)
2. Tell me which of the four I made you like best and why (two entries)
3. Link it to your blog (three entries)

First, a picture of each of the quilts.

1. The red border

2. The yellow border

3. The blue border

4. The on point quilt

Highly original names I know! They were actually named after the people who received them, don't worry!

Second, the prizes!! As I said, I have three different things to give away.

First off, three fat quarters and one 10x42 inch strip. The fat quarters and the strip are of the backing fabric I used on the quilts.

Fat quarters

and the 10x42 inch strip

Second is ten 5x42 inch strips left over from a jelly roll I used.

Finally there is a bag of scraps from the quilts

We leave on holidays on the 21st so I plan to draw the winners on December 20. They won't be posted until we get back on the 28th.

Good luck!

Finished!!!

2009-12-15T06:50:00.000+10:00

Woohoo!!! I've finished the remaining three quilts!!

I knew two were going to be for Kira's current carers at daycare, but wasn't sure about the last. Then it occurred to me that Kira changed rooms half way through the year. Problem is, there are two carers in that room and only one spare quilt. Then I remembered this quilt

which I finished back in July! For various reasons, it never made it to who it was suppose to go to, so I have decided to give it to one of Kira's carers.

So, finished, and pretty close to deadline! I think the sewing mojo is back. I put the machine in for a service when I finished the machine stuff the other day, and got a call last night to say it was ready so I'll go pick it up today. Have a few ideas of what to do. I'm also still planning that giveaway, so keep an eye out in the next day or two for that!

Lastly, thanks for all the comments and encouragement! It really has helped to keep me on track.

Currently reading...

2009-12-15T06:37:00.000+10:00

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Thought I would sink my teeth into some light holiday reading. (and yes, you may groan out loud at that really, really bad pun!)

So did I make it???

2009-12-11T14:49:00.000+10:00

Close! I got the one for Luke's teacher finished which is good since today is the last day of school. I am pleased to say I made her cry!

The other ones need to be finished by Tuesday when Kira goes to daycare. So, I'm off to sew!

(BTW, am planning a giveaway to celebrate all this. Not sure what yet, but stay tuned!)

Currently reading...

2009-12-11T07:41:00.001+10:00

The Household Guide to Dying by Debra Adelaide. Yet another book I picked up at the library because it looked interesting. Delia is dying of cancer. She is a writer who has written a series of household books - The Household Guide to the laundry...the kitchen...the garden...you get the idea. So as she comes to terms with her own mortality and tying up the loose ends of her life, she writes her final household guide.

I am, by the way, morning the end of my Sharon Kay Penman jaunt. Over the past 12 months I have read or reread her entire list in chronological order. Truly the best way to learn history I feel!

Will she make it??

2009-12-06T18:20:00.000+10:00

OK, so I have until Friday to finish these four quilts - can I do it??? I have all four quilted, bindings on one side and all I have left to do is sew the ends in, stitch the binding down and label. Even if I don't get it all done, I reckon I will come close!

So, some photos. I ended up quilting each of them a different way. First up is the one with the yellow border.

(apologies for the dodgy photography. For this I chose the beetle fabric for backing. I quilted it in an all over yellow stipple. Quite happy with the result - my stippling gets better every time I do it!

Next is the on point quilt.

This was backed with the shell fabric. I stippled the solid triangles in a matching thread. This is my favourite. I think it's the most effective.

Next the red bordered quilt.

(again, apologies because you can see the edge of the blue one underneath!) Backed with the crab fabric. This was quilted with a beige/ mushroom thread. I took something from each square and quilted it on the whole nine patch. Great idea, didn't work quite as well as I imagined. The close up shows a bottle, see what I mean by it didn't work as well as I thought it would??

Finally the blue bordered quilt.

Backed with the African print. Again, quilted with the beige/ mushroom thread, I quilted a star in each nine patch.

The sashing on each except the on point has also be quilted using a matching thread. Either swirls or stippling. All of them were stitched in the ditch first and all have the beige/ mushroom stitching on the back.

So, what do you think?? Will I finish by Friday?? Off to sew some ends in! (after I fold the washing!)

Love a Giveaway!

2009-11-30T22:02:00.000+10:00

Check out this giveaway from Amanda at Polyclarific! She makes some stunning stuff. My fave - The chocolate heart bookmark! Looks good enough to eat!

Opinions please!

2009-11-30T21:12:00.000+10:00

So I've got one of the eye spys quilted - the one set on point. Did a stipple in each of the solid colours the same colour as the solid. I'll post pics when I get back. I've also put the binding on so can take it away with me in the vain hope I get some time to sew. Would love to do it in the car but the results could be very messy if you get what I mean!

Now, I've had an idea for the other three. I plan to quilt something from one of the eye spy prints on each nine patch. Originally I was going to do it in the beigy/ mushroom colour that I used to stitch in the ditch. Then I thought, what if I do it in the colour of the binding? So, I've done one square of each. and I'm still not sure! So, with apologies for the horrendous lighting, what do you think???

This is a red key.

and this is a brown flag. You should get bigger images if you click on them. So, any opinions???

Craft this Weekend

2009-11-29T17:42:00.000+10:00

Truth be told, there wasn't as much crafty stuff this weekend as I would have liked! Various things have interrupted my weekend, including the sad news that my grandmother died on Saturday morning. She was 98 and not in the best of health, but it's never nice to hear of the passing of a loved one.

On a more positive note, a friend of mine is due to have a baby soon (overdue actually!) and on Saturday afternoon a group of us got together for a blessingway for her. It gave my weekend a nice symmetry.

At Kira's birthday last week she was given several crafty presents which she has been at me to help her with. Problem is she usually asks at about 6.30pm! Not productive crafty time. So yesterday, we finally got to sit down and make some jewellery!

First the serious business of choosing a bead

Concentrating on threading it.

Pulling it down the string

And finally wearing the finished product!
As you can see, I also finally managed to find a use for all those little tupperware containers that seemed like such a good idea when I bought them - but never use!

I did manage to get some quilting done today. I have done the stitch in the ditch on all four of the eye spy quilts and have started the FMQ on one of them. Not a hundred percent sure what I am going to do with the other three, but have some ideas floating around. I hope to get the FMQ on one finished tomorrow and the binding on, so I can take it with me to finish as we travel interstate to say goodbye to Mumma.

Paperwork

2009-11-27T09:53:00.001+10:00

My deadline is looming, but I have to get through this paperwork (bookclub, work, personal and P&C)

before I can tackle this

sitting patiently for me.

Hoping to deal with the paperwork today and hit the quilting tomorrow and Sunday. Wish me luck!

Gotta love a Giveaway!

2009-11-24T06:53:00.002+10:00

Head on over to Corrie's blog, retromummy for the chance to score some gorgeous grandmother's flower garden fabric. On second thoughts, don't bother, I don't need to competition!

It's late, I'm tired...

2009-11-17T23:21:00.003+10:00

...but I just had to blog my 4 sandwiched quilts

It's likely to be Friday before I even get a chance to touch them again, but I am well on the way. Now, I need to pack the dishwasher and hit the hay! Night all.

Tops 3 and 4

2009-11-17T07:08:00.002+10:00

Tonight we sandwich!

Phew!!

2009-11-16T18:14:00.005+10:00

So the plan was to finish all the tops by Sunday night. Great plan and on track...until on Saturday night my machine started to eat the material! It was fine as long as I didn't try to sew anything. Bobbin was threaded fine and the thread was catching with the top - couldn't work it out. Loaded it into the truck to take off island on Sunday, knowing there wasn't anywhere open on a Sunday, but it saved me lugging it off on a trolley. (the joys of island living!) Transfered it into the mainland car on Sunday so I could take it in today. The lovely Margaret at Bayside Stitch Craft took one look and realised the thread had slipped out and the machine was no longer threaded properly so I got to bring it home - although she made me promise that once I had reached my deadline, I would return it for a much needed service!
While I was there I had to have a look to see if I could find anything suitable for a backing for my tops. I found these treasures.

So now it's full steam ahead! Leigh is away for the week so once the kids are in bed, guess what I'm doing???

How Aussie are You?

2009-11-14T16:43:00.005+10:00

I don't know how Joyce found me, but I'm glad she did! I took this off her blog. So, how Aussie are you??

1. Been dive bombed by a magpie Frequently! Although if you feed your local ones it does help
2. Have seen a crocodile Yep. Even held a baby one
3. Have seen a snake in the wild Yep. Had Leigh bring one into the house to show me one night!
4. Been bitten by a snake or other aussie wildlife Never bitten by a snake, but have had bites from lizards, crabs and a variety of birds
5. Patted a koala Only at Currumbin
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild - Had to deal with them while on playground duty! Swerved to avoid them on the road.
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge -Not yet
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane Not yet
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House - Yes, but never been inside.
10. Swum at the beach All the time.
11. Had fish and chips on the beach Oh yeah - Even better if the fish has been caught minutes before.
12. Been stung by a jellyfish Yep. Ouch. Vinegar works well
13. Had sunburn that peeled Yep. Really not recommended.
14. Camped under the stars Love it
15. Visited Uluru - Would love to.
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria Again, not yet, want to do it on a motorbike!
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria Again not yet
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends At least once a fortnight, if not more often
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket And hit a 6!
20. Watched a real cricket match live PM's XI match at least 3 years in a row. The things you do for love!
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup Absolutely, even won one every now and then
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington No, and it doesn't really interest me.
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game Oh yeah! I wanna be a Wallaby!
24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram Once. Had a ball!
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic Again, once. Hated it. Definitely a warm climate girl!
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef Was proposed to there, honeymooned there and have been back one other time. Love it

27. Been to Kakadu - Stunning spot! Would love to go back at a time when we can access more of it. (HINT: don't go just after the wet!)
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road -Nope. One day
29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer Nope, but it sound great.
30. Survived a cyclone Nope, and quite happy to keep it that way thank you!
31. Survived a bushfire Canberra 2003. Hopefully never again
32. Experienced a big flood Nothing big.
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Would you like me to sing for you? They are great in concert
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. Yeah, but why does he wear a hat and waistcoat, but no pants??
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid Both.
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo What's that Skip, there is someone out there who hasn't seen your show? Not me Skip, love it!
37. Own an Australia Flag - No
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair Both verses
39. Eat Vegemite -especially on toast!
40. Drink Milo yep. And sprinkle it on ice cream
41. Know what lamingtons are made them even. Not a big fan though
42. Know what Pavlova is Mmmmmmm, pavlova
43. Know what Tim Tams are oh yeah. Hide them from the kids!
44.Eaten a meat pie Yep
45. Gave or received a “dead arm” Yes
46. Have owned an Akubra hat No, but I would like to
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog - No, but my sister has. Gorgeous dogs.
48. Been to a B& S ball - or know what one is - A night I would really rather forget.

49. Drive a ute No, but would love to own one.
50. Say G’day Yep
51. Can cook damper -Not for a long time, but yes
52. Can make billy tea -best there is.
53. Supported a sausage sizzle - Support, run, work at...
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music -No
55. Owned chooks or know what they are- Don't own but would love to if I ever have the room.

56. Call the toilet “the dunny” - Yes, but hate the term
57 . Wear thongs (on your feet…) - All the time
58. Support Aussie music - Is there any better??
59. Enjoy a beer - nothing better on a hot day.
60.Swallowed a fly - not a pleasant experience

Currently reading...

2009-11-14T07:22:00.003+10:00

Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman This is the lastest Penman book so the last I will be reading in until a new one comes out. I really enjoy her writing. This is the last in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Friday Fun!

2009-11-13T16:40:00.008+10:00

I love Fridays. For a start, I don't leave the island - a day at home to relax, unwind from the week and prepare for the weekend. We usually start our day with playgroup down at the front beach. In nice weather, we swim, otherwise we just play at the park. Someone nearly always buys hot chips for the kids - no fruit for us! Without fail, Kira and one of her little friends will ask if Kira can go to G's house. G's mum is a lovely lady who is more than happy to have Kira over, giving her a bath after the beach and lunch. This, as you can imagine, frees me up to do some uninterrupted sewing. I have been working through the week to finish the rest of the nine patches, which I have done. Today I finished off the second top.

I've done a few things differently. I added the squares into the sashing (sure there is a technical name for this, but I can't remember it!) and bordered it in a solid colour. I liked the effect of the solid border so much, I decided it was definitely what the first top needed. I took Lily's advice and went for an aqua tone, although in the photo it looks more blue.

It helps a lot I feel. So two tops down, two to go. Hope to knock them off tomorrow, giving me a whole month to quilt and bind. That's doable, isn't it??

After I finished the red bordered top, I went to collect Kira where the girls informed myself and R, (G's mother) that G was going to come to our house now. So I came home with two girls. I took a break from sewing while we made biscuits. Now, I'm not the worlds best baker and the last time we made these biscuits they weren't the best, this however, was a much better attempt.

They could be a little darker in colour on top, but at least this time they're not burnt around the edges!

When I went outside to photograph the quilts, I discovered this!

A strawberry! With more on the way. Yum! All in all, a pretty good Friday! How was yours??

First top done!

2009-11-08T17:37:00.003+10:00

Here is the first of the four tops I need to do.
At least that's my attempt at an arty shot of it! I was quite pleased with how quickly it came together - took just over 2 hours sewing time, a little longer when you factor in the getting up to put washing on the line and make kids lunch.

I'm thinking it may need another, slightly thicker border is a single solid colour to frame it. What do you think? Any colour suggestions??
I'm thinking of trying to set one on point too - but it won't be until I near the end and I know I have time to stuff around!

I also sewed the nine patches for the second one

and started the nine patches for the third.
(They're the messy pile of chain pieced fabric near the machine!)

All in all, a most productive day!

This is...

2009-11-07T12:59:00.002+10:00

what 324 3.5in squares look like divided into 4 piles!

(Sorry about the crappy photo, not good light here today!) Don't you love that bug fabric on the top? I think it's my favourite. Now to sew them together!

Fussy Cutting Frenzy

2009-11-05T06:26:00.005+10:00

First of all, a big thank you for all the positive comments. You have all made my day and given me a bit of confidence to believe I can actually pull this off!

So, I was suppose to get up at 4.45 this morning to go paddling the outrigger, but when I woke, the clock said 5.08! Oops! Set the alarm - didn't turn it on! Felt so guilty, I couldn't go back to sleep so decided to get up and do some cutting. My morning start looked like this

A cup of tea, and fabric to cut! I need 4 x 3.5in squares from 81 different fabrics for these quilts. That makes a grand total of 324 squares! The other day I cut 16 fabrics, this morning 14. 30 fabrics down, 51 to go. 120 squares down, 204 to go. The title "Fussy Cutting Frenzy" came to me while I was, surprisingly, fussy cutting several of the fabrics. While I didn't have to fussy cut all the fabrics, it was needed on several. Slows down the process significantly, but worth the effort.

I actually managed to get close to an hours peace. The rule in this house is children are not allowed out of their rooms until 6am. Luke can tell the time on his digital clock and Kira knows not to come out until Luke does. At 6 on the dot, they both came tumbling down the stairs, spied my cup of tea and immediately asked for one.

What a perfect way to start the morning!

BTW - had an idea for something while I was cutting this morning - stay tuned and I'll let you know more when I work out if it can actually work.

It will either be and great success or a huge failure!

2009-11-01T13:17:00.004+10:00

I don't know if you have noticed, but lately my sewing motivation seems to have packed up and gone. Not sure where, but I wouldn't be surprised if the half dozen people who read my blog have gone with it! I have no real excuses for my lack of motivation, life is no busier than usual, no major upheavals to be dealt with, just a feeling of lethargy when it comes to sewing. So, I have made a decision - I either give up or try and sew my way out of it! As the title says, it will either be a great success or a huge failure! First step was to finally set up a table in a corner and put my sewing machine on it. The idea being an easily accessible machine will hopefully inspire me to actually use it!

It doesn't look much and the cover is not off the machine, but it's a start. The window gives lovely natural light (although not so obvious today with it being cloudy!) and it's at least somewhere in the house that I can call mine.

The second was to decide on a project. The obvious one was to finish the back that is a front quilt, but despite the brilliant ideas from some lovely readers I'm just not feeling the love for it at the moment. So I've decided to go big! It's time to try and knock out a couple of quilts for teachers and carers! I've decided on eye spy quilts. I need three. I'm going to attempt 4. The challenge, to have it done in time for last day of school - Friday December 11. Can I do it? I hope so!! The quilts will all be the same design so hopefully that will make it easier. A start has been made. Fabrics have been chosen, design settled on and cutting has commenced. This is what my dining room table currently looks like.

I'm starting to feel interested, excited even! I want to blog about this on a very regular basis so I stay accountable in some way. Would love some feedback to cheer me on! I'll even come up with a giveaway at the end to thank those who keep my spirits bolstered! An entry for every time you make a comment, and it will be drawn on December 14 regardless of whether I have finished or not. In return, I promise to start making more comments on your blogs. Are you ready?? I hope I am!

Currently reading...

2009-11-01T12:58:00.005+10:00

Once again, due to my slack blogging skills, I am playing catch up! Two books for you today.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Having read the first one, the OCD in me now insists I read the rest. I put this on order at the library thinking as number thirty something in line it would take ages to get to me. Took less than 2 weeks! Given it's popularity, it's a short loan book (2 weeks instead of 4) and not renewable (funnily enough) so I picked it up as soon as I finished my last book. Didn't take me long to read and I will put the next one on hold when I'm at the library next.

Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi by Geoff Dyer. This is the next book for our book group. It took me awhile to get into it, but am quite enjoying it now.

This brings my total of books finished to 49. Geoff will be number 50! My break down is:

Kids books - 13
Young adults - 2
Adult - 34.

Although looking at the list I can't find Twilight, so maybe it should be 50 read, 3 of them young adult. I'd like to get as close to 34 adult books as I can. The high kids books number was mainly due to the Harry Potter series and The Series of Unfortunate Events.

Currently reading...

2009-10-19T08:50:00.002+10:00

Prince of Darkness by Sharon Kay Penman

One of those authors whose back catalogue I've been working my way through. This is the second last of hers. Will be sad when it's over, I quite like they way she writes. Back here
I said I didn't enjoy her mystery fiction as much as her pure historical fiction. Later on I said I was enjoying them more. This one I am positively devouring!

Sampaguita Quilts Giveaway!

2009-10-18T11:41:00.004+10:00

If you have never checked out Emma's blog, Sampaguita Quilts, I suggest you do so right now! She is one ultra talented woman and she has just opened her own etsy shop! To celebrate, she is hosting a giveaway with the kit for this quilt as the prize.

Not only that, she gives you the chance to have more than one entry simply by posting on your blog or buying one of her quilts! What I want to know though, if I win and make the quilt top, will she quilt it for me???

Meanwhile, Xena has posted a meme I thought I'd have a go at. Answers are suppose to be one word! Not sure if I can limit myself!

1. Where is your mobile phone? bag.

2. Your hair? needs a cut (broken the one workd thing already!)

3. Your mother? Canberra

4. Your father? hmmm....

5. Your favourite food? pasta

6. Your dream last night? no idea!

7. Your favourite drink? Champagne

8. Your dream/goal? Happy healthy kids

9. What room are you in? office

10. Your hobby? sewing

11. Your fear? blindness

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here

13. Where were you last night? friends

14. Something that you aren’t? skinny!

15. Muffins? blueberry

16. Wish list item? hmmm, where to start

17. Where did you grow up? Canberra

18. Last thing you did? Took Luke to nippers

19. What are you wearing? Shorts and Coochiemudlo Island Surf Life Saving Club T-shirt

20. Your TV? off

21. Your pet? Odo the lizard and Grassy the budgie

22. Friends? plentiful

23. Your life? fantastic

24. Your mood? bit tired, but apart from that good!

25. Missing someone? Mates in Canberra

26. Vehicle? two

27. Something you’re not wearing? makeup

28. Your favorite store? Ikea

29. Your favorite color? red

30. When was the last time you laughed? last night

31. Last time you cried? after my eye surgery

32. Your best friend?Jo

33. One place that I go to over and over? the mainland

34. One person who emails me regularly? Megan

35. Favorite place to eat? Anywhere I don't have to cook!

Currently reading...

2009-10-08T16:52:00.002+10:00

An Open Swimmer by Tim Winton

Every now and then I get it into my head to read through the entire back catalogue of an author I really like. Currently on this list are Sharon Kay Penman, Val McDermid and now I have added Tim Winton to that list. I love Tim Winton's work. He is by far and away my favourite author fullstop. I find myself reading passages of his work again and again just to savour the way he writes. *sigh*

Oh, you'd be glad to also know, I have finally finished The Orchard.

Currently reading...

2009-09-30T10:51:00.002+10:00

Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. This is the memoir of John Elder Robison who wrote Look Me in the Eye.

I'm still reading The Orchard as well, but find I can't read it at night as I need to really concentrate and by that stage I'm lucky if I can manage half a page! So The Orchard stays in my handbag for ferry trips and timing wasting on the mainland.

Thank you

2009-09-29T16:37:00.003+10:00

To Jenny, Emma and AJ who have all given me ideas on what to do with the back. I'm going to map out all the ideas on graph paper and then try and choose whose brilliant idea to use! Thanks girls.

Design help needed!!

2009-09-27T14:00:00.006+10:00

I'm putting out a call to fellow bloggers and quilters - I need help!! Due to some disastrous cutting errors and fabric being out of stock problems, I have the following the fabric to make a back for this quilt.

OK, this is what I have available to use.

Dragonflies - one piece 43 x 76 inch. (includes selvage in the 43)
one piece 43 x 27.5 inch (includes selvage in the 43.)
Ribbit - one piece 43 x 13.5
nine pieces all 3 inches wide with lengths of 43, 18 (four pieces), 7 (four pieces)

Lillipads - one piece 43.5 x 35 inches. Unfortunately with this piece, half way along the 43.5 side the fabric is cut approx 5 inches on one side and about 3 on the other so using it as a whole piece would require trimming.

Back needs to be around 60 x 75 inches. this gives me a few inches each side.

My original plan was to use the dragonflies as the back, but I just don't have enough! Any brilliant ideas?? Feel free to email any designs to me at kylie(dot)purdie(at)gmail(dot)com
All help gratefully accepted!! Please!!!!

10 Years Ago Today...

2009-09-25T09:33:00.004+10:00

I married the man of my dreams, the love of my life.

My, but we look young! I was 28, he a spring chicken of 26. I can easily say it was one of the happiest days of my life.

People tell me we still look at each other like this. I laugh and say "God, how sickening!" but inside I glow with pride and happiness that ten years on it's still the case.

I can truly say we have never had to weather stormy seas in our marriage. We have always stood shoulder to shoulder and faced what was coming. I can think of no one else I would rather do it with.

Happy Anniversary babe. Here's to another 10.

And the winner is...

2009-09-25T09:26:00.003+10:00

ME! A little while ago I entered a giveaway over at Carrose Creations and was lucky enough to be one of the winners. This lovely little bundle arrived in the mail last week.

I haven't had a chance to look at the handmade yet, but am looking forward to it as it's a magazine I don't buy for myself. The card purse has already been pressed into service as has the bookmark. I don't expect the chocolate to last long either!

Thanks Car, it's all gorgeous!

Currently reading...

2009-09-22T21:55:00.003+10:00

No 1. Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.

The book that starts the whole series! I'm now reading three (3!!!) books at once. I need to read this by Sunday, actually sooner as I have a friend who is in the same book group as me who needs to read it by then as well. I've managed 172 of the 250 pages today. I have read it before so that helps. Should be able to polish it off tomorrow and hand over to my friend. Thank goodness for school holidays! Also still reading The Orchard (which is the next book club book) and Dexter of course. My question about Dexter, however, is this: it's an omnibus of 3 books. Do I record it as one book or as three?? I'm on the last one so I need to know soon. What do you think?

Finally - Finished Frogs!

2009-09-21T08:50:00.003+10:00

Much to Luke's great excitement, I have finally finished frog quilt!! There was much happiness and rejoicing. Good timing too. With the weather warming up here, it's getting too hot for a doona, but it's still too cold for just a sheet. A nice quilt is perfect!

Kira was feeling left out, so she stole the quilt from the back of the couch and put it on her bed.
Think I know what I am doing with what was suppose to be the back of Luke's quilt!

Currently reading...

2009-09-18T12:34:00.003+10:00

The Orchard by Drusilla Modjeska.

I haven't finished Dexter yet, but am also reading this. The Dexter book is too big too put in my handbag so have put this in to while away the ferry trip to and from the island.

Currently reading...

2009-09-09T12:31:00.003+10:00

Dexter: An Omnibus by Jeff Lindsay

Loved the series, thought I would try the book.

Happy Birthday to me!!!

2009-09-06T11:58:00.005+10:00

Once again this year I am taking part in a birthday swap. I love this. I send everyone on the list a FQ for their birthday and in return, on mine, I get lovely squishy mail! This is what I have received this year.

This lovely lot was from Caryn

Xena

Krisit

Sam

Bec

Cylie

Finally some lovely reds from my mother in law. Got to love a MIL who feeds your habit! :)

Thanks girls, they are all scrumptious and really made my day.

Currently reading...

2009-09-06T11:45:00.005+10:00

Dragon's Lair by Sharon Kay Penman The more I read of the Justin De Quincy books, the more I like them!

I've also read
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith

A Photo a Day in August - 30

2009-08-30T14:39:00.002+10:00

I turned up to Luke's parade the other day and was completely surprised when he received a You Can Do It Award for Confidence. Specifically for demonstrating leadership in maths investigations. YCDI is a social/ emotional programme they run at the school focusing on confidence, organisation, getting along, persistence and resilience. I was so proud!
Sorry for the blurred faces, I don't know the kids or their parents so won't publish their faces.

A Photo a Day in August - 29

2009-08-29T16:38:00.002+10:00

So I've missed a few days again! This time I have excuses ranging from job interviews (went well, fingers crossed should find out by end of next week) to eye surgeries. I had something called an Implanted Contact Lens (ICL) put in my right eye, with the left eye scheduled for next Thursday. Surgery seem to go well, sent home. Ended up with a horrendous headache which we put down to the general anesthetic. Went back in for follow up on Friday only to find out the headache was caused by increased pressure in my eye. Normal pressure is below 21 - mine was 42. Drugs to bring it down didn't work, so it was decided to put me under again and take it out. So three million eye drops later and another op I was back to square one. So, today, 24 hours later, this is what my eye looks like.

Lovely isn't it!!

A Photo a Day in August - 23

2009-08-23T17:52:00.002+10:00

A slight cheat - this was taken by Leigh this morning on as he paddled his kayak

A Photo a Day in August - 22

2009-08-22T09:57:00.003+10:00

Luke had Odo out of his tank. Odo headed for the warmest spot he could find!

Frog Sandwich!

2009-08-20T17:19:00.002+10:00

I sandwiched one of the frog quilts today. One of the things I love about this new house is the large expanse of hard wood floor space. Perfect for sandwiching a quilt without having to worry about people stepping on it!

Sandwiched and pinned!

A Photo a Day in August - 20

2009-08-20T17:08:00.003+10:00

Whoops. Missed a few! Finally saw dolphins today, they swam right past the jetty as I was waiting for the ferry to come home. Unfortunately, my phone chose then to run out of battery! So instead today you get

fabric! This is the fabric I will be using to finish my two frog quilt tops. The dark blue on the right was chosen by Luke as the backing for his original top. The lily pads next to it may be the backing of the other one, or maybe the blue with yellow dragon flies next to it. The green on the end will be used as a sashing on the back that is now a front! The green and the dark frogs came from one of my favourite online fabric shops - Bug Fabric!

A Photo a Day in August - 16

2009-08-16T19:30:00.004+10:00

A mangrove seed I took about a week ago. Everywhere we have gone today, I've forgotten to take a camera with me!

A Photo a Day in August - 15

2009-08-15T21:42:00.001+10:00

My kids. What more do I need to say!?

A Photo a Day in August - 14

2009-08-14T16:01:00.002+10:00

Back on track. More amazing garden colours from next door.

A Photo a Day in August - 13

2009-08-14T07:23:00.002+10:00

Yes, I know it's a day late! These flowers are on the fence line between ourselves and our neighbours. They almost look plastic! I love the colours in the plants up here.

Sweetie Pie Bakery Felt Cake GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-08-13T15:59:00.000+10:00

Sweetie Pie Bakery Felt Cake GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Head over to Grosgrain and check out these amazing felt creations. And she gets to give one away!!!

Seriously, what little girl wouldn't love one of them?? I know mine would.

Currently reading...

2009-08-13T15:21:00.003+10:00

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith.

The last time I read a book from the No 1 Ladies Detective Series, I mentioned that I thought I had missed one. I did. This is it.

A Photo a Day in August - 12

2009-08-12T20:48:00.003+10:00

Eleven days before I missed a photo - not bad. Yesterday was manic. Today was a pupil free day here today for most, if not all, of the schools in the Redlands. . It was also a public holiday for all Brisbane city workers for the Ekka . Luke still had gymnastics and I still had to work this afternoon. So off we went on the 2.45 ferry - along with all the day trippers heading home!

The photo was taken with my phone, from the back of the ferry. It was chockers, but everyone was happy and in a good mood.

A Photo a Day in August - 10

2009-08-10T11:41:00.003+10:00

This is what you want the water to look like when you turn up to paddle at seven in the morning! When we got there on Saturday, there was white caps - not good! Lovely paddle this morning around the island - a couple of dolphins but too far away to take a photo. Maybe next week.

A Photo a Day in August - 9

2009-08-09T18:29:00.002+10:00

Another beautiful day at Coochie, so we decided to take the boat over to Peel Island. Was hoping for dolphins, but sadly, once again no luck. I am paddling tomorrow, so hopefully...

We went for a lovely walk around Peel Island and came across some wonderful mangroves.

Some times I find it hard to believe I live in a place so beautiful.

A Photo a Day in August - 8

2009-08-08T16:54:00.004+10:00

Sorry, no dolphins. When I got down to the front of the island this morning it was very windy! The guys went out at about 6.30am and nearly capsized twice when the wind picked up. We went for coffee instead!

We needed some ground cover for the front garden. We've planted a fair amount of stuff, but we needed to put some stuff lower to the ground. This was a haul.

Our garden is made up completely of Australian natives. Best thing about natives is once they are established, they pretty much look after themselves - perfect for Leigh and I who are lazy gardeners. We were very fortunate to have Leigh's parents give us money for the garden and they have pretty much funded our front yard! That and the generosity of some of our neighbours who have donated plants as well means we will hopefully have one kick arse garden in twelve months!

A Photo a Day in August - 7

2009-08-08T07:36:00.004+10:00

Yesterday we took the boat out (which is why the photo is a day late!) and ended up pumping for nippers at a place called Blakesleys on Stradbroke Island. Leigh and the kids pumped nippers
and I took photos. I found this little guy on the edge of the sand.
I'm off paddling the out riggers this morning. Taking the camera and hoping for some dolphins!

Monthly Checkup - August

2009-08-07T09:11:00.002+10:00

Only a week late this time!

Completed projects July - two! The Eye Spy quilt and G's quilt. I also finished the last of the mystery designer blocks.

Projects started -None. Concentrating on getting stuff finished!

Books read -6.. (Last counted Look me in the Eye)

So, current projects as listed at the side of my blog.

Blackboard Quilts - No progress.

Sampler Quilt -No progress!

Luke's Frog Quilt -Backing done, but won't be used as a backing. (See previous post!) I now need to buy some new backing and batting to finish this off.

G's quilt –finished, labelled and ready to go!

I Spy quilt – finished – needs labelling - waiting on a friend to do some stuff around this before I can label it.
Designer Mystery Block quilt – all blocks made. Next to do sashing and complete the top.

Other things I really need to get onto this month are:

Luke's Quilt - need to finish off. I want this on my completed list this month
End of year presents - I want to make a start on my end of year presents for teachers and carers. Thinking more eye spy quilts. Most probably 3 made in conjunction with each other.

A Photo a Day in August - 6

2009-08-06T16:32:00.003+10:00

This is the only photo (well this and two similar ones!) I've taken today. Despite the fact my son has been home from school with conjunctivitis since Tuesday, I have still made him do his spelling homework and reading. One of his spelling activities was to make his words out of clay or playdoh. We made the playdoh yesterday and did the words today.

In which I realise I have made a monumental stuff up!

2009-08-06T07:56:00.002+10:00

I've been working on the disappearing nine patch for the back of Luke's quilt. The front of Luke's quilt will be quilted using stitch in the ditch. I was going to do a back alternating frog and blue squares in 9 inch blocks. Then Emma pointed out how difficult it would be to line the quilting up on both the front and the back. Taking this into consideration, I decided instead to do a disappearing 9 patch which can be very random, thus it not mattering so much about the grid quilting. Now here is a picture of the completed back. Can you spot the problem??

Yep, I completely forgot why I chose a D9P (randomness) and made a very organised, non random backing! There are now three options.

1. Unpick the back completely and make the D9P random. (BTW, this option will not happen!!)

2. Use the back and just accept it may look silly, but know it will only be on Luke's bed.

3. Turn the back into another front and find some plain backing fabric for both.

I'm leaning towards 3, as are the lovely quilters I talk with over at EB. What do you think??

A Photo a Day in August - 4 and 5

2009-08-04T17:54:00.005+10:00

Tomorrow is Wednesday. Wednesday is hell for me, so the chance of taking a photo is minimal, so today you get several photos for days 4 and 5.

This is Coochiemudlo Island from the mainland. This is where we live - a 7 minute ferry ride from the mainland.
More island.

The other end of the island - closest to the mainland.

This is red rock. Coochiemudlo is a local aboriginal work for red rock. Most of the island is made up of this and it gets every where!
Sun on the water. Taken from the ferry.

A flower and a staghorn I encountered on my walk down the hill to the ferry.

I Love Chain Piecing!

2009-08-03T16:56:00.002+10:00

It makes sewing a large number of blocks so much easier! Today I made 48 of these:
in about 2.5 hours chain piecing.

On the left if a pile to be sewn together, behind the machine the pile already done! Chain piece the lot, cut the threads between and voila! 48 Disappearing 9 patch blocks which are currently being sewn together to form the back of Luke's frog quilt! If you click on that link, you will realise I finished the top over 12 months ago. My poor boy - he has been so patient. I promise no other sewing until this is finished!

A Photo a Day in August - 3

2009-08-03T16:54:00.003+10:00

These shells live in our bathroom. They have been collected from Coochie beaches as well as Stradbroke. I've cropped the picture to hide the bottle of mouth wash behing the sink! *blush*

Currrently Reading...

2009-08-03T11:35:00.003+10:00

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

I've started a book group with some friends. Actually, it's more an excuse to get together once a month, have a few drinks and a chat! This however is our first book.

A Photo a Day in August - 2

2009-08-02T12:54:00.001+10:00

Water fern in our pond. This fern is amazingly soft.

A Photo a Day in August - 1

2009-08-01T15:56:00.003+10:00

I followed a link from Tinniegirl to The Byron Life where Megan is hosting A Photo a Day in August. I followed it thinking "Yeah, maybe, it might get me into blogging regularly again." Then I saw Megan's photo. A little girl, on a swing, wearing a butterfly jumper with sand, trees and water in the background. Kira loves swings, owns the exact same jumper and while not exactly like Coochie, the background was close enough I took the whole thing as a sign and decided to join.

So, what to photograph today? I cleaned upstairs today and afterwards finally took photos to put up on facebook for everyone to admire my new house! Nothing really worth posting here, but then I went into Kira's room and she was sitting at her desk drawing. Perfect.
Now, I am by no means a great photographer, but I like this. The desk she is sitting up use to belong to Leigh's mother. When they were up here to help us move, they bought it with them and Nanny painted it pink, just for Kira. It fits perfectly under her window and she loves sitting there and colouring. It happens at least once a day. The lid of the desk lifts up, storing all her pencils and papers. I'm hoping she inherits her great grandmother's artistic talents.

I hope I'm not too late!!!

2009-07-31T12:38:00.003+10:00

And if I am, it's my own fault, because this has been finished for a couple of days now and I have done nothing!
Finished! just needs labelling and delivering. I assure you, the picture on the actual quilt are not blurred! This is the first quilt I have tried FMQ with and I was quite happy with my effort. There are butterflies (as seen below) and stippling. Quite like stippling, I found it very therapeutic! expect to see more!

Currrently Reading...

2009-07-27T11:21:00.004+10:00

Look me in the eye by John Elder Robison John has Asperger Syndrome. However, he wasn't diagnosed until well into adulthood. Growing up he was just thought of as weird and, as he got older, dangerous. Getting a diagnoses answered a lot of his questions.

In other news, I have almost finished sewing the binding on the quilt, so there will be a crafty post soon!

Currently reading...

2009-07-23T14:15:00.005+10:00

The End by Lemony Snicket. Yep, another children's book! This is the last of the Series of Unfortunate Events books. An enjoyable series, but one I am not likely to re read like I have the Harry Potter books.

By the way, once I log off here and hang some washing on the line I am going to do some sewing! Look out for an actual sewing update soon.

Currently reading...

2009-07-20T13:38:00.004+10:00

The Spiderwick Chronicles - The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. I've been reading Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone to Luke and I have been wondering what to read him next. I'd heard of The Spiderwick Chronicles, but had never read them so I bought the first one and thought I would check it out before I read it to him. Looks like a goer!

By the way, I just did a quick count, because I read a lot of children's books! I have read 23 adult books this year. Not bad!

Currently Reading...

2009-07-14T10:42:00.003+10:00

My Father's Keeper: Children of Nazi Leaders--an intimate history of damage and denial by Stephan and Norbert Lebert.

Another subject that facinates me is the holocaust. I find it unimaginable what the vicitms of the Nazis went through and even more unimaginable is that you would do this to someone else for any reason at all. Often we forget these men who we (quite justifiably I feel) call monsters had families who may or may not have agreed with their parent's beliefs. Either way, what we see a man to be and what his children see him to be can often be two completely different things. As their child, how do you marry the two??

Monthly Checkup - July

2009-07-10T15:58:00.002+10:00

Thought I might as well get this updated too while my connection seems to be holding... (should have kept my mouth shut! Have had to restart twice to get this done!)

Welcome to my July check up! I'll include everything done since my last check up in April. *blush*

Completed projects April - June - none! I totally blame moving. Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Projects started -Again, none. See excuse for completed projects.

Books read -14. Just short of 5 a month. (Last counted Celluloid Killers)

So, current projects as listed at the side of my blog.

Blackboard Quilts - No progress. Still.

Sampler Quilt -No progress!

Luke's Frog Quilt - Still cutting – bit is my next priority! He has been so patient!

G's quilt – quilted – needs binding and label.

I Spy quilt – finished – needs labelling
Designer Mystery Block quilt – all blocks made. Next to do sashing and complete the top.

Other things I really need to get onto this month are:

Luke's Quilt!

Currently reading...

2009-07-10T15:28:00.002+10:00

Finally a currently reading post with only one book! I really enjoyed The Miracle at Speedy Motors. Only problem with those books is I read them so quickly.

Onto the second last book in the Series of Unfortunate Events - The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket.
Only one more after this! I wonder how it all ends???