A Weekend Away to Binalong

"Where's Binalong?"  That's what most people asked when we said we were going there on a motorcycle ride there at the beginning of September.  Either that or they made the comment "Oh, that is such a pretty ride through the valley", or "Oh, it's lovely up that way".  No we weren't going to Bylong or to Binnaway.    Binalong is somewhere that people from our area don't generally visit, as it is halfway between Yass and Harden.  For us to travel south(ish), we generally have no need to go across that road.

The ride was arranged by the Panorama Motorcycle Club, of which Mick has been a member for a couple of years, but we haven't had a chance to ride with very often as yet.  This weekend sounded an ideal opportunity to get to know them better, as well as visit somewhere new to us......Yes, we haven't been there before, or if we have it was a very long time ago and we can't remember it.

We took "Sophia" the Moto Guzzi for the run. (Hence our previous day out, just to make sure she was running well). I didn't get a photo of all the bikes together, but there would have been about 20, I think.  We had 24 sit down to dinner on Saturday night.

This, being our first big ride with the group, was always going to be an interesting experience, as each group has its own dynamic.  Some suit us, some don't.  This lot were great to ride with.  We are not speed demons by any stretch of the imagination and there was a small group of four bikes that rode together at a sedate pace.  Just nice to go with the flow and enjoy the scenery along the way.  After a quick regroup at Tuena, we stopped for morning tea at Crookwell.  We were wondering how it would go with such a large group all wanting a coffee.  No worries.  They just went to all different cafes.  Too simple.

Lunch was at Boorowa. We had time to have a wander up the street to the op shop, where I bought a little ball of scrummy gold yarn, which I think will be just enough to make a little shawlette, as well as some wool for Mum to use in the rug she is knitting at present.  Oh, and I also introduced a couple of the girls to the "Courthouse Crafts" store, where I stocked up on some tomato relish. Two shops I like to visit whenever we travel through there.

The weather was perfect for motorcycling, except for at Crookwell, where it dipped to 9 degrees.  Mostly it was in the low 20s.  As we travelled south, the landscape changed to having quite a green tinge to it.  A nice respite from the dry at home.

Once we reached Binalong it had been arranged to visit a private motor museum.

How's this for a beast??!!  It is a 1908 MAB, made in France, but somewhat modified by the current owner, who does use her on rallies.



There were other interesting cars, but I just enjoyed looking around the neat and tidy workshop.

Those drawers would be perfect in my sewing room.  Apparently, I wasn't the first lady to make that comment. 

There was even a little cross stitch.

This was our home away from home for the night.  It doesn't look all that imposing from the front, but what a treasure.

The beer garden was great.  Yes, it even had a garden, with herbs, and a fire bucket, as well as plenty of parking for the bikes.

There were beautiful old leadlight windows.

Unlike most old pubs, this one retains so many original internal fittings and finishes.

A rather pleasant place to spend some time.

We were served a delicious meal in here.  We pre-ordered when we arrived and received great service, which was no small feat with so many of us. The food was great for dinner and again for breakfast.

The smaller "Public Dining Room" had a display cabinet with the original hotel china.  The pub must have been quite a busy place in earlier times.

The rooms had  basic fittings, but the beds were comfortable and the original hand basins spotlessly clean. (I forgot to take any photos.)

It really was the perfect country pub to stay in.

So, what about the village of Binalong.  Well, it dates back to colonial days and its main claims to fame are that Banjo Patterson went to school there and that John Gilbert, the bushranger, was killed there.  Of course Mick and I had a nice wander around town.

This is now a private residence.

The garage is up for sale and the locals really hope that the business is able to be kept open.

Binalong Traders had only opened a couple of months before our visit.  They had some lovely wares.  A couple of things may have been brought home.

There is a great mural on the side of the store depicting the final moment of John Gilbert's life.

This old pub is also now a private residence.

The Mechanics Institute looks like it is still very operational as the local hall.

The old railway station.

The railway used to run right through town, but it was moved a little further back and a "new" station built.  

You will notice that the "new" station is between the two tracks and the only access is via stairs from a pedestrian overpass.  However, all the stair treads have been removed, so there is no access at all to the station now.

The old original pub is beside the current version.

The Courthouse is rather impressive.

The simple Anglican Church.

The Catholic Church.

The former Convent, where many local girls were educated.

The former Presbytery.

The CWA Rooms, which were originally a garage.

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Being early spring, well actually, we were there for the first day of spring, we enjoyed seeing all the blossoms.

But, let's keep things real.  That is frost on the bike.  Fortunately, it had warmed up before we headed off.

We had a great time with the group and hope to participate in one of these rides again.  It was well organised, without being regimented.

I'll share what we got up to on the way home soon.

A Bit of a Catch Up - Where to Start?

Other than posting about my stitching, I've been rather quiet on here for the last couple of months or so.  That is not because nothing has been happening, rather the contrary, we've been so busy.  It happens every year once winter is over, but this year seems to be have been especially so.

Now, where to start?

Firstly, I'll begin with the sad.  Mick's Dad passed away at the beginning of September.  He was 88.  It wasn't totally unexpected, as he had been frail for quite some time.  However, that never makes it any easier. He will certainly be missed.  

Then, on a brighter note, my Mum celebrated her 90th birthday in the middle of October.  There seemed to be a rolling succession of celebrations.

It all started with morning tea at the cafe where she regularly meets up with friends.  The owners provided a beautiful cake and gave her some lovely flowers.

Next, we had an afternoon tea at our place.  It was beautiful weather, so we held it outdoors.  I was able to use the table cloth embroidered by Mum, her cups and saucers and sugar and creamers, along with some of her pretty plates for the food. 

It was just family and close friends, which was lovely.  The above is my brother and I with Mum.

Finally, the aged care facility where Mum now lives hosted a morning tea there for her.  It was just for her closer friends that live there and a few of her other friends.  They did a beautiful job.  It really was lovely.

Next, I'll fill you in on some of our other doings....... There have been plenty.

One Monthly Goal for November

I can't believe that we are up to November already.  Where has the year gone?  

Anyway, it is once again time to set my stitching goals for the month.

This one was very easy.  Now that I have my completed pile of Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks it is time to turn them into a flimsy.  That should be fun and I can't wait to have a play with the lay out on my design floor.

If I'm really lucky, I may even get it quilted by my quilting fairy.  That is, if I'm organised and she is available and not already booked out.  We'll see how we go.

Now, normally, I aim to have four Splendid Sampler 2 blocks completed each month, but given that I want to play with the RSC quilt and it is November, so some secret stitching type of stuff seems to happen, I've decided to just aim to complete one block.  However, to compensate for that, I've decided to bight the bullet and complete the very detailed Grandfather Clock block, rather than keep putting it off.  If I get any other blocks completed, that will be a bonus.

As always, I have to thank Patty for keeping me motivated.  Pop over to Elm Street Quilts to see what others are aiming for this month.

One Monthly Goal for October and Other Stitching

Phew!  I've met my goal for another month.

I have completed four more Splendid Sampler 2 blocks.

Some are getting a bit more complicated now.  "Full Circle" (top right) was supposed to have EPP and Freezer Paper piecing, but I machine pieced the centre hexy and used fusible machine applique for everything else.  Much simpler for me to achieve.  I think it still looks OK.

Now, I have also completed a couple of other things this month.

I made an Aussie themed table runner.   This was part of a gift for my good friend Loulee.

I will have more on the reason for the gift in a future post. 

The other recent finish was a couple of tea towels embellished with Christmas caravanning fabric.  One I kept for our van and the one pictured winged its way to New Zealand to Jenny for her van.  I also popped in one of Mum's crocheted kitchen towels.

This was a little thank you for a parcel I received from her.  You see, a little while ago Jenny made a bag using selvedges, which I rather admired.  She kindly offered to send me the magazine with the pattern for the bag.  

When the parcel arrived there was not only the magazine, but an interesting patchwork book.  I have read several books on Australian quilts, but this one, dated 1987, was a new one to me. Thanks Jenny.

So, I have achieved my One Monthly Goal of Four Splendid Sampler blocks, my final three Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks and completed something for Kris' One Project a Month.

Pop over to the Elm Street Quilts, So Scrappy and Tag Along Teddies to read all about them.

Completed Rainbow Scrap Challenge Blocks

I am very happy that not only have I completed the RSC blocks for October, but for the entire quilt.

The nominated colour for October was darks.  I had actually completed my brown blocks a little while ago, as by making these as leader and enders I was ahead of the schedule.

However, after initially planning to make thirty blocks for my quilt I decided a while ago to make it larger, so have made a few extra blocks in some colours.

My final three of these were finished on Friday.  Once again, I was leaving things to the last minute.

I'm really looking forward to laying these out on the design floor and playing around with placement before putting the quilt top together next month.

The RSC is such an easy, fun way to make a quilt during the year.  What I really enjoyed was using it as a leader and ender project. Something that I've never done before, but from now on I'd like to have a leader and ender project sitting beside my machine at all times.  I'll have to work out what I'll do next and have a cutting episode.

Pop over to So Scrappy to see what the other girls created this month.

Setting my One Monthly Goal for October

I can't believe that it is already October, and therefore, time to set my OMG for the month.

September was a busy month. However, October is going to be even busier, with something on every weekend and welcoming some very special visitors to stay with us.  As a result, I don't expect to spend a great deal of time in the sewing room, meaning that once again, I am setting rather modest goals.

My main goal will, as usual, be to make four Splendid Sampler 2 blocks.  The remaining blocks are getting to be a bit more detailed, so that is all I will reasonably expect to get done.  Any more will be a bonus.

In the background I will make my final three blocks for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt.  This month's colour is black/brown/grey and my blocks have already been completed.  I will finish these three extras and then share them all.

Then the fun part will take place next month, playing with placement and putting the top together.

I'd like to get some extra stitching in there, but anything further will be a bonus.  Maybe November will be a bit more productive.  We'll see.

I'm linking up with Elm Street Quilts.  Pop over and see what the others will be working on this month.....probably a lot more than me.

I Sewed in September

It's been a bit quiet around here during September, but that doesn't mean that life has been quiet, rather quite the opposite, just no blogging.

Happily, I did meet the stitching goals I set myself at the beginning of the month.

Firstly, the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

I already had the purple blocks completed from previous leaders and enders.

Therefore, I had set myself the goal of completing a further three bonus blocks to help make a slightly larger quilt.  I have another three cut out to make the final number of blocks.

Next, my One Monthly Goal was to complete six Splendid Sampler 2 blocks.

 

Job done!  It wasn't even a last minute rush.  I was surprised to find that there were still some relatively simple blocks to complete.  Of course, each month means the more detailed blocks remain.

Each month I also like to have at least one finished project for One Project a Month with Kris.  On Friday it was time to make something.  

A new ironing board cover was very much needed.

Whenever I've been ready for a new ironing board cover I've just found some fabric I like and delivered it to Mum with a request for her to make it for me.  Now that she lives in residential aged care I can't do that.  Time to put on my big girl pants and make my own.

Normally, I buy a drill fabric, but lately I haven't been able to find anything that I like, or the design is directional and would be sideways on the board. I kept looking each time I was in the fabric shop. Then, recently, I spied a fabric in the clearance bin in the home decor fabric section that I liked, and best of all, it was only $3.00 a metre and was 150cm wide.  That meant that I could have the directional print going the correct way.  I bought two metres, as the fabric doesn't look as durable as the drill, so I figured I could make two and it would still be cheaper than the normal fabric, and with less waste.

 I know it sounds silly, but I felt rather intimidated by this make, as I have no pattern to go by.  Time to bight the bullet and cut a pattern off my existing version.  The style works really well as it is fitted around the pointy end of the board, not just elastic all the way around.   I don't know where Mum got the pattern, but I'm guessing she cut it off an ironing board cover that she bought many years ago.

 I wasn't going to unpick the stitching to see how it comes together, so I just cut it off and then added a seam allowance.

This is how it looked when placed on the fold.

So, really all you have to do is cut the end of the fabric at an angle, for the pointy end and round the corners for the other end. Run a zig zag all the way around and then press under about an inch wide casing around the edge starting at the start of the angled cut.  Next, lay it flat with the seam up the middle, like in the photo further up, and draw a curve, which I took off the original cover.  I then stitched on the line a couple of times for strength and cut off the excess leaving half an inch seam allowance.  Thread your elastic and stitch down the ends.  

Too simple.  It really was a quick easy project.  My curve at the pointy end isn't quite right, but it will certainly do the job.  Next time I may cut a pattern for the curve off my actual ironing board.  

Now to put it on the ironing board.

Ta da!  Do you notice something amiss?  Yep, the pattern is upside down!! Duh!!  What a duffer.  However, as you walk into my sewing room it is facing the right way.  It would be perfect for left handed people and also, they say that it is clever to turn your ironing board around the other way to iron yardage or table cloths.  It would be facing the right way for that too.  Oh well, I'm still going to use it as it is.

While I was on a roll, and most importantly, while I had the fabric direction in my head, I made a second version.  This time facing the correct way.  It has now been put away, together with my old one to use as my pattern, for when the current version wears out. 

They certainly look nice and fresh compared to my very stained one. 

I still have some left over fabric, but just  not quite enough for another version.  However, I reckon if I add a bit of something else to the top and bottom, it would be hidden underneath, so we may make another one shortly.

I'm linking up with So Scrappy and Elm Street Quilts.  Pop over and see what the others have made this time.

One Monthly Goal for September

It's that time again - time to decide what to achieve during the next month.

Life always seems to start to get busy in September, what with the warmer weather and longer days.  Not as much time to spend in the sewing room.

Therefore, in keeping with my plan of setting achievable goals each month I plan to make six blocks towards my Splendid Sampler quilt. 

In the background, I will work on my Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks.  As I've been using them as a leader and ender project, I've actually made all the ones I prepared at the start of the year.  So what's a girl to do, but cut out another six blocks to make a larger quilt.  I hope to get at least three of those made.

Hopefully, I will get a little something else made so that I can keep up with my plan of having at least one finish each month for One Project a Month.

I do think that is all achievable....well, at least I hope it is.

Pop over to Patty at Elm Street Quilts to see what other plans are being made for September.