Quilter Car Sticker

I don’t really go in for those stickers you see on the back of peoples cars that show the number of people in their families (great way for burglars casing your house to work out if everyone has left because they know how many people are in your family) but I think this particular one is just too cute ... I am seriously tempted to get one!

http://www.littlequiltstore.com.au/shop/product/sticker-quilter-large/

Recent Quilting Technique Workshop

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of participating in a quilting workshop across town (an hour and a quarter's drive away) run by published quilter, Mary Williams, where I learned how to do a machine applique technique for a stained glass look.  My good friend, Eve, met me there, and we were joined by two friends from the Gawler Quilting Circle.

My friend Eve chose to do the rose version and I chose the candle - I hope I can get it finished in time for Christmas!

http://www.marywilliamsquilts.com/ws_stained_glass_applique2.html

Of all the varied groups I've mixed with during my life (students, dog training/showing, military, diverse work fields, ballroom dancing, homeschoolers, and even church/religious people/groups) quilters are by far the most friendly and genuine people I've ever met - they have been there for me when others have not.

Hopefully when I finish my candle wall hanging I will remember to post some photos here!

In the meantime, here is Mary's version:

PRIZE WINNING QUILTS ... FOR SALE, TOO!

My very first quilt (the green and red one) is called Evening Rose and is a single bed/lap quilt size (147.5cm/58" x 168.5cm/66.5").  $470

The second quilt I made finished (the blue and yellow one) is called Star Bright and is a lap quilt/wall hanging size (138.5cm/54.5" x 140cm/55").  $365

The third quilt I finished (the pink, cream and green one) is called Butterfly Kisses and is a receiving/cot blanket size (75cm/29.5" x 95cm/37.5").  $140

The fourth quilt finished (the cream and black circlet with pink ribbon) is called Wreath of Roses and is a wall hanging which is also a giant/continental size cushion cover (79cm/31" x 83cm/32.5").  $180

MY LIFE NEEDED A NEW DIRECTION ... SO I CHOSE QUILTING

When life throws you a few nasty curve-balls, and you need to find a new interest (and friends), try quilting!  Definitely not cheap, but extremely rewarding and the women are so much fun - all in all very therapeutic.

Here's some of what I've been up to ...

English paper-piecing is something I never thought I'd do as it is all hand-sewing, but I couldn't face crocheting another to keep my fingers busy when I was out and about or couldn't use my sewing machine, so when I saw the "This Goes With That" pattern by Sue Daly of Patchwork With Busy Fingers I got over my revulsion for hexagons and have been enjoying this for a couple of years now:

Here is one person's interpretation of the pattern:
http://qfdcreative.com.au/blog/this-goes-with-that-and-the-fussy-cut-club-block-of-the-mont.html


And here is the original pattern from Sue Daley:
http://www.busyfingerspatchwork.com/shop/product/this-goes-with-that-quilt/


And here is what I've done so far (actually I've done a whole lot more, I just haven't photographed them yet):

FOR SALE - Collectible Piquot Ware Tray Set

Piquot Ware  (expensive and collectible)  matching creamer, sugar bowl and tray.

Highly polished aluminium magnesium alloy (one piece castings - machine finished) with sycamore wood handles.  This set is stamped "T6" and may date from as early as 1949.

Collection from Evanston/Gawler.  Would like $40 for the set.

Beautiful Handcrafted Items

I have a dear friend, Anna, who makes the loveliest felt and felted items (pencil toppers, dolls, purses, book covers), the majority of which are Catholic themed, though not all, and markets them under the name of Stitchin' Traditions.

Another friend (albeit a cyber-friend) is promoting Anna's wares via her blog page (http://starrymantle.blogspot.com.au/), however the full range of items can best be viewed at her Etsy page:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchinTraditions?ref=si_shop

Pop over and take a look and these unique and sweet items!

A long time between drinks ...

Hi folks

Well, it's been a long time since I last posted - life has taken some twists and turns that we hadn't planned on, and that have taken quite a while to accept and get used to.

In December 2010 we had to sell and move from our beautiful old country house on 5 semi-bush acres and move to a township block further north.  We were very sad to leave our secluded property but, as we are still in a country town, all is not lost.  Fortunately the township has proved to be reasonably quiet and friendly, too

Another enormous change has been that our homeschooling journey has come to an end (at least for the time being) - the stresses and uncertainties of the lat 18-24 months have played havoc with my health as well as the overall well-being of the whole family, so the very difficult decision was made to put our boys into school.  I am praying that by the end of the year various factors will have improved which may enable one or all of the boys to return to homeschooling.

In the meantime I have been filling some of the empty hours through the day with my new hobby, which is patchwork quilting, and am hoping to be able to make items to sell as an aid to our poor financial position (excuse the pun!).

All we can do is focus on the positives in order to move forward, and hope that these new directions lead us to a better place in life.

Cheers!