Beautiful Gifts

Firstly, as promised, here is a better photo of our beautiful Green Wattle. It is really putting on a show this year. I keep hacking away lower branches and it now has a lovely shape…..and we can actually get out of the gate, which is a bonus!

We called in at Mick’s Mum’s on Saturday. She has been having a clean out and found a box of lovely green glass under a bed. She will have bought it at op shops and put it away for my birthday or Christmas or something and had promptly forgotten all about it. They were all rather cruddy looking, but after a quick cycle in the dishwasher they shone beautifully in the afternoon sun. She was sure that I would have all the pieces…but I didn’t. The castellated bowl is new to me (I do have a castellated sweet set, but definitely different), the leaf plate over the back is new, and my favourite is the elegant jug with little feet. There is also a pair of vases, which I haven’t washed up yet. I do have another pair the same, but the more the merrier.

We were also sent home with these gorgeous camellias. Mick’s Mum has a lovely garden at her unit. She has the luxury of water and everything thrives. I couldn’t grow a camellia to save myself. The green bowl was also part of my new gift. I did have one like this and use it all the time, however mine had some big chips and this one is perfect.

Aren’t we spoilt.

Just in the Nick of Time

I can’t believe it is two weeks since I’ve had a chance to sit and write a post. Life has just got in the way of things.

The weather has been just plain whacko in that time. We have had days up to 23 degrees, big frosts, howling gales and a bit of rain. The garden has started to wake up earlier than usual.

Our green wattle has been an absolute picture. It is so fast growing and a lovely shape. I’ll try to get a better picture of the whole tree.

The orchard is coming into bloom as well, so I hope we don’t get too many more frosts.

I haven’t done much more on Mum’s quilt, as I have been dithering about the next rounds.

Also, I have been working on this - Jenny and Cheryl’s Sewing Machine Cover Challenge. I didn't know if I'd get this done, so it is a bonus.

It is amazing how many of us sew all sorts of lovely things, but only have a white plastic cover on our machines.
I made a sewing machine cover for Mum for Mother’s Day and had planned on making one for me and one as a gift. The one I planned for me had lots of appliqué, so I knew it wouldn’t be finished for Jenny’s challenge.

I thought I’d make the gift one…….but what fabrics? What design? Jenny suggested Tozz’s “Notions on my Heart”…maybe….what about Tozz’s “Butterfly on my Heart” and these soft fabrics? Now we’re talking. I bought these a while ago – they were pretty and very cheap (always a bonus). Very much out of my usual comfort zone.

I’m really happy with how the cover turned out. I put pockets at each end to house the cord and presser foot. I took inspiration from Jenny and Bec and also did wavy line quilting. It really suits the soft fabric design. Jenny may have started something there.

Mick prefers the back to the front.

The only problem is that I really like the way the cover has turned out and I don’t think it will leave here. I think I will have to start thinking all over again about a design for the gift cover.

Go to Jenny’s blog and check out the other lovely covers that have been made. I’m amazed at the variety of designs and the creativity of the ladies out there. Thanks Jenny and Cheryl for the inspiration.

One Week On

I promise this will be the last of the daffodil pictures. I just can’t get over the amount of growth in just one week. There are even more buds coming on, but I think they will be past their best. I’ve had great fun with them.

The hyacinths are now starting to make a move. The white one has come out. Unfortunately isn’t a nice dense flower, but it is still pretty.

Poor photos again, as they were taken at night.

I have actually made a start on Mum’s quilt. A little bit of remodeling had to take place at the start as the panel had been cut a bit lopsided and one of the vine strips was too narrow for the pattern. I had to make them all a bit narrower, but I won’t tell if you don’t. It was fun looking through my stash to find 56 different fabrics that tone in with the panel for the flying geese.

Now I just have to work out what to put in the corners – I think square in a square always works well – and then have a think as to what the next rounds will be. Half the fun is not knowing how it will end up.

It's Here!!..and My Haven't They Grown!!

It arrived!

Selina was my mystery Wash Cloth Swapper and she has sent a lovely package. Don’t you just love the way it was wrapped in an old sewing pattern and tied with her own “Selina’s Vintage” ribbon. What a lovely touch.


And what a stash when it was opened. The accompanying card is also one of Selina’s own showing her much loved chenille. The wash cloth is hobnail chenille with a fine binding of 30’s style cotton – in keeping with Selina’s love of chenille. The colours are just right for our bathroom.

I’m going to have a lovely soak in the bath on the weekend with the Bath Tea and the organic soap – bliss....and I know the choccie won't be around very long at all!

Thanks so much Selina. I’m thrilled.

Now, off on a tangent……Look how my daffs have grown. This photo was taken on Thursday morning. What a contrast to Sunday afternoon! There are still more buds coming on as well. The hyacinths haven’t done much yet, so that is something to look forward to once these have finished.

Just as well I brought them in on Sunday!

Cheeful Daffs & A Better Choice

Just look at my little daffs today. It is now Tuesday morning and they have opened up heaps. They look really cheerful on a bleak looking day. It is a really dull morning so the flash on the camera took over. I hope we will get some decent rain.
This is what I will be using for Mum’s quilt. I just wasn’t happy with my earlier choice, so went digging in my cupboards. I had forgotten all about this. I bought the printed panel and border fabric at Millthorpe a couple of years ago. It is cheating, but the quilt they had on display was gorgeous.

It will be a medallion with blue thin borders. The vines and Jacobean flowers are the first border, then I will do a scrappy flying geese border and then make it up as I go along, finishing with the lovely border fabric. I think Mum will like this better than the other.

And…..while I’ve been typing this it has started to rain. Send her down Hughy!

It's Planting Time

Yesterday was our patchwork group get-together. We only had a few of us there but it was still a lovely afternoon. I finally finished Block 3 of Verandah Views. I’m seriously behind on this project. This was one of the three blocks I took with me to the Isle of Man to do and only achieved the top of the birdhouse while there and now it has taken me all this time to finish this one block. I will get there eventually.

Through the week I also finished off the Blue Wren wall hanging. It turned out really well. The border fabric looked quite drab by itself, but once it was put with the other blues it really came to life. I think Mum will like this addition to her blue wren collection.

I had today at home for a change. Mick was working, so I just pottered around doing housework and other mundane things. No sewing, but I now have inspiration for Mum’s quilt. More tomorrow.

Yesterday I noticed that the little bulbs I planted back in April (check out the details here) were starting to flower, so it is time to dig them up and bring them inside. Burying the pots in the garden worked really well. They are all nice and healthy and the soil lovely and moist – just ignore the weeds!

They looked a bit sad when they first came out of the ground.

With a bit of a wipe down and when placed in some old china with some sugar cane mulch to hide the pots they look OK.

I think the hyacinth in the terracotta pot may go to work with me, so it can cheer up my desk when it comes out.

The daffodils have already opened up more since I dug them up this afternoon and I’m looking forward to watching the hyacinths start to open up.

I'd like to leave the daffodils here, but they would be too warm in front of the heater. Joey looks quite snug under there.

Wash Cloth Swap Sent

Sue has received her parcel in the Wash Cloth Swap arranged by Jodie of Jellywares. This was a lot of fun and some lovely creations have been winging their way around the place.

I caught the cloth in progress in the early morning sun.

After a couple of attempts with different yarns I settled on this blue.

It shows the texture well.

I now want to try the scrubber that Jodie made. Hopefully before too long.

Thanks to Jodie for arranging this Swap.

Yulefest

We received an invitation to attend a “Yulefest Dinner” (as it was to be held on 1 August as we couldn’t all be organised in July). The invitation said “Ladies – posh frocks, pearls and tiaras. Gentlemen – don’t let the ladies down.”

My man DOES NOT wear a suit and tie!!! Not even to weddings. He always wears a nice linen shirt with no collar, hence no tie!

It would be letting the hosts down if we didn’t make an effort and he dragged out the dinner suit he hasn’t worn for about 10 years. He doesn’t come up too bad with a scrub.

I think we all came up all right with a scrub.

It’s just a pity the photos are a bit blurred.

The night was delightful. A beautiful Christmas Dinner served at a formally set table….drinking out of Waterford….silver service… what more could we want.

I just forgot to take photos of the dining room…Doh!

Unexpected Outing

This is what I was supposed to be doing today……..

But…yesterday morning we heard about this on the local radio…….

What to do? What to do? Was there ever any doubt? We're not very good at staying home.

So… we headed off to Crookwell to visit two Edna Walling Gardens. Edna Walling is Australia’s most famous garden designer from the 40s and 50s. I have had this book of hers for many years (picked up for $2 – absolute bargain). Quite collectible now I believe.

Yesterday was a beautiful blue day, but today was grey and bleak, a big coat and scarf day.

Edna’s books have beautiful black and white photos, so I thought I would do the same as I think they suit the winter look of the garden.

We firstly visited “Kiloren” owned by Rob and Jennie Churchill. The house was built in 1951 and the garden designed at the same time. Very little has been changed.

We have wanted to visit these two gardens for ages but have never been able to get over there when they were open.

Don't you just want to explore through this gate.

Edna’s trademarks are low stone walls, silver birch and solid wisteria walks.

Lovely, natural looking country gardens.

Winter is a lovely time to see the bare bones and structure of the gardens.

After “Kiloren” we went into Crookwell to have lunch and found this homely café. It is run by a couple in their 70s who give just wonderful service and old fashioned homestyle cooking. The building is full of collectibles on display.

Crookwell has a lovely main street. Unlike many country towns it does not appear to be in decline at all and for a Sunday was really busy. There were a couple of lovely gift shops and I found my little extra to go with the wash cloth swap. Very happy.

While we were having lunch it started to rain – steady, set in rain – so we abandoned the idea of visiting the second garden until another time.

So, we had a lovely drive home on quiet country roads in the bleak weather. It was lovely. We really enjoy being out and about in bleak weather. We had quite a bit of dirt to go on and some of it was quite slippery. I’m just glad we were snug in the car and not on the bike.

And yes…. I still have to do the BAS ***by Tuesday*** Aaaah!! (It might just be a day or so late.) Shhhhh! Don’t tell.

Feeling Better Now

You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I had them last Saturday (yes, I know, a week ago) to do lots of sewing and knitting. Well, I came down with the nasty tummy bug doing the rounds and got nothing done:<(

On the Sunday we had planned to go to Rylstone with the Historic Car Club for our Christmas in July lunch, and as Mick has missed out the last couple of years we went, despite me still being a bit off colour. It was the most glorious blue day and was even a little warm. It is a really pretty drive over there and the streetscape is lovely with old sandstone buildings. No, I haven’t got any piccies – blame my not feeling the best. I am so pleased we still went. We haven’t been to any Club runs for about 6 months and it was really good to see everyone.

I have been doing more wash cloth knitting in preparation for the Wash Cloth Swap. I tried some that I wasn’t really happy with, so they will be mine, and have now completed the one I will send off. It turned out quite well. I think I will do more of these as they are quick and easy.

This one is the first I did and it is for me in a waffle pattern, which is very effective - even on the back. I love the colour - it suits our bathroom well. The yarn is unusual – 75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic. It will be interesting to see how it wears.


I decided to try and do a stash busting quilt for Mum’s 80th. I found a nice pattern by Michelle Marvig in Quilters Companion for a medallion quilt and have pulled out these fabrics. I’m having a think. (Click on the photo to see the detail better.) Another alternative would be to do a quilt using 80 different fabrics. I would be able to come up with the number, but what design? I don’t know. I’ll procrastinate for a while.

It was patchwork today and I have finished the embroidery on the blue wren. I should have it finished very soon.

So, after a slow start, I have actually done something. Lots more to do though.

Le Tour

We are taking quite an interestin in the Tour de France at the moment. We don't have a TV, so don't get to see any of it, just hear it on the radio and see the papers.

The reason for our interest is twofold:

1. Mark Cavendish has won 4 stages (to date). Mark is from the Isle of Man and we really like the Isle of Man.

2. Mark Cavendish's lead out rider is Bathurst's very own Mark Renshaw, who Cav has stated is the best lead out rider in the world!

When Mark Renshaw was still at school he did work experience at the engineering firm where Mick worked and was so good Mick (who was the hirer and firer) gave him an apprenticeship. But....he was too good a cyclist.... and left the job. He has done well, an Olympic Gold Medal in 2000 at Sydney, before going professional. It think it was a better option than being a sheet metal worker.

Go Mark and Mark and Team Columbia.

Blue Wrens and Lovely Things

I had a great time today doing the appliqué on the blue wren. Yes, it is just going to be a wallhanging and I’ll make a separate quilt.

I just have to do a bit of embroidery to finish off the panel before doing the borders etc. I’m quite pleased with the way it is coming up.
I also finished knitting my wash cloth. I do like it and the yarn matches our towels and bathroom so well.

Mick picked up his old BMW bike from our mate Norm today. There had still been an electrical fault and Mick just couldn’t find it. He spent hours and hours looking for it. It just needed a fresh set of eyes and Norm has now found and fixed the incorrectly wired fitting. So, the bike should be up and running and registered in the not too distant future and we will be able to start using it. It is our hope to take this bike and sidecar over to the Isle of Man next time we go.

Norm and Cath sent this little gift home for me. They bought it at an auction last week in a box of stuff.

What a lovely thing. A Hussef. (I hope I have spelt that correctly.) My dad still has his from his army days, although his is quite different. This will definitely find a home in my collection of bits and pieces.

I bought another lovely thing yesterday when I was in town. I noticed in the “Garage Sales” section of the local paper that the second hand book shop had 50% off everything. I had been eyeing off an old 1950’s Singer Sewing Book, but have been too ikey to pay for it. So, I went straight to that section and it was not there!!! Mind you, it is quite a while since I have been in there. Anyway, I had a good rummage in the craft section and buried on the bottom shelf I found this. A Singer Sewing Book dated 1972.

The dust jacket is somewhat tattered, but the book is in perfect condition. I love the section on how to use all those wonderful old Singer attachments. I have LOTS of Singer attachments. Not only do they fit my old Singers (I have my Grandmother’s 1918 model and a 222K Featherweight and a couple of others), they also fit my Elna and Janome. I’m looking forward to having a play one day.

Over the Rainbow

It has been a lovely sunny morning here this morning…..and then…..there was a noise…..rain…..I rushed out the back to take off the washing I had just hung and was confronted by this.....

The most beautiful full double rainbow……and to top it off….. you can just see the moon setting between the two rainbows.
I couldn’t get the full rainbow in my photo, but just take it from me, it was stunning.

Just after I took the photos it was gone.

On the crafting front, I have been quite busy, believe it or not.

Although this doesn't count as a July finish, I have finished my second knitted square for Wrapped with Love and have delivered them to the local library. They are having a "Knit In" on 7 August. The wool was just long enough, I'd only have a couple of metres left. This was finished earlier than expected (my knitting at Mick's Dad's project) as we went in to watch the first session of the Ashes cricket match.

I have also knitted two more short scarfs (I'll try to take photos later today) and have started another scarf in lovely purples (so that I have some knitting for the State of Origin Football on Wednesday).

I also stumbled across a new swap about to start. Jodie of Jellywares is having a wash cloth swap. I have never made one, so decided there is no time like the present. I found some patterns on Ravelry and bought some cotton and have made a start on one for me as a trial. Thoroughly enjoying it. No photos, as I will probably use this pattern for the swap.

Yesterday I finally was able to go to our little patchwork group again, after missing three sessions. It was nice to catch up with everyone again and see what they have been up to. Although it is supposedly a patchwork group, a couple were embroidering (including me getting back into the Verandah Views blocks) and most were knitting. None were doing patchwork.

I did a show and tell of all my bits and pieces I brought home from the Isle of Man. I think I will have to make a pincushion from the Roof Pattern and then show the others. When I get around to it....

Mick is at work today (although hopefully knocking off at lunch), so I am starting my Blue Wren panel. I'm starting to think I'll just make it into a wallhanging and then make a separate quilt that will suit Mum's bedroom better. We'll see.