Catching Up - April - Out and About

I haven't done many blog posts since we moved house back in March - yes, we have been here for just over three months.  I really don't know where that time went.  We still have loads to do, but we have been doing other stuff as well.  It is about time I recorded it all, for my own memory as much as anything else, before I forget what we got up to.

I'll start with April, as the end of March was just flat out getting settled into our new home.

Firstly, at the beginning of April the National Ariel Motorcycle Rally was held in Bathurst.  A few of the Historic Car Club members volunteered to act as corner marshalls.  There were some lovely bikes entered.

Our corner was in Blayney.   Here they come.

Don't you love this original old bike.

After we had done our duty we had the rare opportunity to go for a walk up the street of Blayney, check out the shops and have a nice morning tea.  Normally we just drive through on our way somewhere else.  Years ago I used to do quite a bit of relief work in Blayney, so it was nice to revisit.  

The local churches looked lovely in the sunshine.

We had a big day out in Sydney, attending the Caravan and Camping Show at Rosehill Racecourse.  The plan was to do a bit of homework towards a future plan.  

Mick and I have a habit of making rash spontaneous decisions..........

We pick it up at the end of September.

Another highlight of the month was the Bathurst Show, which we always like to attend.  Unfortunately, the craft exhibits continue to shrink each year.

Outside there was lots to see.  There was a really good display of blade and machine shearing.  The blade shearer was still at school.  They had lots of little kids come up and help shear a sheep.

The wood chop is always a good spectator sport.

Of course side show ally is full of sound and colour.

We have discovered that the front verandah of our new home is the perfect viewing position for watching the fireworks.

We had a lovely day out attending the Springwood Quilt Show, but I've already shared that here.

On our way home we saw the new memorial at the Oberon RSL.  It commemorates the horses that went to war.  Notice the back to front boots in the stirrups.  I remember seeing that representation of World War One battalions with no one left when we attended the ANZAC marches in Sydney when I was little.

Of course we attended the Dawn Service in town on ANZAC Day.  There was once again a very large crowd.  How it has changed over the years.

Dad always attended every service held on the day.  The only service Mum attended was the one in the afternoon held at the memorials at the gate of what was the old Army Camp (where Dad did some of his training and later became the migrant camp).  I have never been to that service before.  So, this year Mick and I took Mum out.  It was a lovely sunny afternoon and the service low key.  It was really touching.  Here are Mum and I next to the plaque commemorating Dad's battalion.  I was surprised to see that the plaque on the left of the photo was for the 54th battalion for the First and Second World Wars.  Mum's uncle was a member of 1/54 AIF.  What a coincidence.

Finally, the Motorhome Club of Australia held its National Rally in Bathurst for a week.  They were based at Mount Panorama and had an open day for the public to visit.  Obviously, we went along.  What a great turn out and what a good thing for Bathurst to host.

Phew!  No wonder there didn't seem to be any time for blogging.

Hopefully, I'll get to do some more catching up soon.

Bathurst's Winter Festival

After the success of last year's Winter Festival as part of the Bathurst 200 Celebrations, it has been decided to make it an annual event running for the two weeks of the school holidays.  The theme this year is "Fire and Ice". We do get a definite winter, as has been experienced over the last couple of weeks, so it is a great idea to embrace it.

This year the ice skating rink is double the size and much more professional looking, there are two night time street parties and we have a ferris wheel in addition to the giant slides.  

On Saturday the party was entitled "Ignite the Night" and the illuminations of the court house and other buildings were turned on.  We will go down one evening during the week to have a better look at the buildings all lit up.  Even the trees had fairy lights in them.

Last year we ventured down town to the party while it was still daylight, but this year we didn't get there until after dark.  There was once again a huge crowd, of all ages.  Lots of families with young kids, which was great to see.  The weather was ideal - cold, but not icy and for a welcome change it was not raining.

We enjoyed wandering around soaking up the atmosphere, listening to the music and enjoying the street performers. There was a great range of local food, wine and beers being showcased. The above photo was taken when it was nearly all over. You couldn't move here earlier in the evening.  Our old next door neighbours have a vineyard and winery and were serving mulled white wine.  It really hit the spot.  I'm not a big wine drinker, but it was rather moreish.

We were treated to a display by some professional ice skaters.  They make it look so easy and graceful.

Then we enjoyed watching everyone else skating.  Every now and then a flurry of fake snow would drift over the skating rink and the carillon would change colour in the background, creating a great atmosphere.  Everyone looked to be having so much fun, unless they were falling over.

One thing I really wanted to do was go on the giant ferris wheel.  It was my favourite ride when I was a kid...Obviously, I'm no dare devil.  

This one dates back to the early 60s. It looked so much like the one that we used to ride on at the Bathurst Show.  After asking the operators, yes, it is the same one we used to go on.  However, the cars are now totally enclosed by cages.  A sign of the times I suppose.

I loved the way it reflected in the windows of the council chambers.

The view of the streets from the top was great. It's funny, I don't like heights at all, but love the ferris wheel.  I just don't look down, just look out, if that makes sense. It was a tad chilly at the top.

Mick was enjoying himself as well. Just a big kid at heart.

Next Saturday night the the theme is "Brew and Bite", so we are expecting some more great food and drinks.  We will also be entertained by the return of the silent disco and an ice hockey game.  The first to be played in Bathurst. I had a look at the weather forecast.  It is supposed to be possible showers every day except Saturday.  I do hope that is the case, as it should be another fun evening out and about.

Modern HST Sampler - Block 13 - Turnstile

I can't believe it!

Once again I have completed the block on the day it was released......and my points are going rather well too, considering the HST blocks are gradually decreasing in size.

It is a bit of a challenge getting enough interest and contrast in the fabrics, all being blue, but I'm happy enough with how it is coming together.

One thing I have changed on quite a few of the blocks is the technique I have used for making four blocks the same.  The only time I had any drama with sizing was on the second block where the blocks ended up with a biased edge.  Whenever four blocks are required I have just been making two at a time so that I can have the edges on the grain.  I'm happy with that.  I did the same when we were to use the tube technique, which also would have ended up with biased edges.

It has certainly made me more confident to make patterns with HST, as I shied away from them in the past.  Of course, making sure they are made oversize and trimmed down makes the world of difference as well.  I've also been pressing the seams open, which has made them sit nice and flat.

Now I look forward to the next block in a fortnight.

Thanks to Alyce from Blossom Heart Quilts for providing the blocks.

Modern Half Square Triangle Sampler - Block 11 - Starshine & Block 12 - Rockpool

It was a bleak, wet, winter's day here yesterday, so time to go into the sewing room and get out the blue and white fabrics to make the next block for the Modern HST Sampler.

This one used my favourite method so far, being making eight blocks at a time.  

I found the gingham in a box during the week and it fits into the mix nicely, adding a bit more variety to the blocks.

I was up to date once more, even if it is only for a day.

This morning the next block was released, so, while I was on a roll I selected the fabrics and cut out the squares before I went to work.

Now the block is finished and I'm up to date once again. You have to be happy with that.

This marks the half way point in the quilt, so time to put all the blocks together to see how they look. I must say that my points are getting better as we go along.  Not so much reverse stitching now.

It's a rather limited colour palette, but I'm only using what I have here already.  I have lots more blues, but they aren't in this tone. I'm happy enough with how it is progressing.

I'm intrigued as to how detailed the blocks will be over the next few months.

Thanks Alyce for organising us all during the year.

More Orange Finishes

I have been busy making some more items to go with the coasters I made a couple of weeks ago.

Firstly, I made this little tray.

It is a hybrid of a few tutorials that I had seen.  I started with two nine inch squares, ironing on some fine interfacing to the lining.  Then I used some scraps of very thick iron on interfacing, almost like felt, and cut a base five inches square and the sides five by two and a half inches and ironed them onto the orange fabric.  This is where I stuffed up made life difficult for myself, by only allowing a partial side opening for turning it out.  I ended up having one whole side open before I could effectively turn it right side out.  I will know for next time.  A quick over and over stitch on the top of the corners and job done.

The purpose of the tray......

To hold my coasters.

The next project was some place mats.  Nice and simple.  Let the fabric do the talking.

I wanted the finished size to be 18 inches by 12 inches, so cut the orange 12 1/2 " x 6 1/2".  Then I cut the charcoal 1 1/2" wide by 12 1/2" long.  The only problem was that the charcoal fabric was longer than my orange. Huh?  I'd cut the orange with my 12 1/2 " x 6 1/2" ruler.   Doh!  Second stuff up.  My ruler is actually only 12" long.  There's a trap for young players.  No worries.  Just trim back the charcoal and keep going.  Thank goodness it wasn't a pattern where the finished dimensions mattered.

I'm rather pleased with how they turned out.

I didn't want a puffy look, so was able to use some thin bamboo batting scraps I had in a box and I didn't bind them, but rather turned them through and top stitched the edges before quilting.

A simple ditch stitch in the seams and then a diamond cross hatch in the centre.  All rather simple and just the look I was after.

There is still one more piece to make in this set, then I'll show where they are going.

Firstly, I have to design make something up for the table runner.  I'll keep you posted.

Yet Another Finish

I think Chooky will have to have a party more often.

I've just finished another project on the "To Do" list.

A friend told me she didn't want to see me going to Spotty for quite some time, when she saw the size of my stash, but I did sneak in to buy these fabrics, as I had a special project to make, and didn't have suitable fabrics at home.

These coasters were made using this clever little tutorial.  So simple.

They may be a finish, but they do have a couple of accessories still to go with them........Back to the sewing room.

On a Roll

After a rather totally non productive few months on the sewing front I've actually achieved something this week.

The timing of the Chookshed Birthday Party has been perfect.  I can't believe it, but I had nothing at all on this weekend and Mick is working.  The weather is bleak, to say the least, so what better way to spend the day than in the sewing room.

At the beginning of the year I started the Modern HST Sampler QAL as hosted by Alyce at Blossom Heart Quilts.  Blocks are released fortnightly with a total of  twenty four in the quilt. I made the first three blocks and then we went on holidays and moved house.  End of story.

Ten blocks have now been released.  I managed to complete another three on Thursday and the remaining four this afternoon.

I'm up to date....until the next block is released on Monday.  It's good to be back on track.

Now to decide what to work on next.

Party, Party Party!

I'm going to a party this weekend.

Chookyblue is celebrating the 4th Birthday of her Chookshed this weekend and lots of girls are going to party along.

Click over here to see who else is joining in.

I have lots planned to sew.  Let's see how much I achieve.