Just for Ewe Designs

Back again

2012-02-04T21:22:00.001+11:00

Well, it has been over a month since I have had anything worthwhile to blog about....after Christmas and the New Year, eveything has been sort of busy, but no major events to speak of....However, today I collected my two new little kittens and have spent the day with them settling in to their new home. Initially, I was a bit worried as the little girl basically cried all the way from Geelong to home....not sure what the problem was....but anyway...they both seem to be settling in and making the place their own....so without further ado, I woud like you to meet Coco and Indi....the girl is Coco because she is chocolate coloured and Indi is short for Indigo because he is a blue boy.....I just hope I don't let this blog become solely about the cats....if there gets to be too many photos of the cats...please let me know!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012-01-01T09:48:00.000+11:00

Wishing all my readers a very Happy 2012...Hoping your year is filled with blessings and great things.

Last Days of December

2011-12-29T22:54:00.000+11:00

Well, time sort of ran away from me in the lead up to Christmas and I didn't quite get to finish the DPP photos....but I thought I would show a few of the photos I took prior and after Christmas.

I made 2 of these Christmas Cakes...a Nigella Lawson Chocolate Fruit Cake and the recipe can be found here.....it is truly DELICIOUS!!!

A beautiful pot of basil....so generously given to the leaders of the Girls Groups we lead at Church....and a very generous gift voucher for a favourite nursery and gift shop...Acorn Nursery in Surrey Hills....the girls are such a delight and a blessing and this was such an unexpected gift from the Mums'.

The newest member of my brother's family....little Daisy...she is so cute

and two new members of my family....yes, I am getting 2 Burmese Kittens....and I visited them this week to meet them for the first time....they are so sweet....anly 5 more weeks until they move into my home....

As the Kittens are near Gellong, I decided to make a day trip and head to the Wool Museum in Geelong. I then went for wander along the waterfront and after visiting the kittens, I decided to head towards Queenscliff and catch the Ferry across Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento...it was the most beautiful summers day....I will show some more photos in the next few days....

AND THE WINNERS ARE.....

2011-12-19T23:18:00.001+11:00

Hi everyone and a HUGE thanks for entering my giveaways...sorry I didn't get around to drawing these last night as promised....but here are the winners of my Advent Wallhanging and my Table Topper

The winner of the Advent Calendar is.....Mary C

and the winner of the table topper is...Carla G

I will be in contact with both of you to get your snail mail addresses so that I can post your packages before Christmas....once again, thanks to all who entered and left such lovely comments....

DPP Day 19

2011-12-19T23:18:00.000+11:00

DPP Day 18

2011-12-19T10:14:00.000+11:00

We had our Church Carol service last night which was wonderful as always....sadly my photos aren't so lovely...but I decided to pop a photo in anyway...sorry about the blur!!

DPP Day 17

2011-12-17T21:14:00.000+11:00

Well, here is the finished and decorated cake....my Niece initially saw the cake with only the icing and coloured sprinkles, but her face after she saw the completed decoration on the cake was absolutely priceless....and her little friends' faces when we cut the cake.....I originally found the recipe for the cake itself here....and am very glad that I did...

DPP Day 16

2011-12-16T23:31:00.000+11:00

Tomorrow is my Niece's 6th Birthday Party and again she asked if I would make her cake...she then chose what she would like....this is the assembling of the cake

Recipe

2011-12-16T09:08:00.000+11:00

I recently posted a photo of a Peppermint Fudge slice which I made...I have since been asked for the recipe...so here it is....enjoy!!!!!!!!

CHOC PEPPERMINT FUDGE SLICE

Ingredients:

2 packets Chocolate Ripple Biscuits

250 grams Cadbury peppermint Cream Chocolate

100 grams butter (Unsalted or salted)

1 tin condensed Milk

Whiz biscuits finely in food processor

Chop butter

Break chocolate into pieces

Put all ingredients into large microwave bowl and microwave on high for 3 minutes

Mix well and put into lamington tin/tray lined with baking paper

Refrigerate until set

Cut into small pieces

ENJOY!!!

DPP Day 15

2011-12-15T20:21:00.000+11:00

One of the lovely things about where I live is that often in the morning, I wake to see hot air balloons floating across the skyline and this morning was one of those days

DPP Day 14

2011-12-14T20:25:00.001+11:00

I wonder what this could be going to be????? Stay tuned for Saturday where all will be revealed...

DPP Day 13

2011-12-13T21:40:00.000+11:00

DPP Day 12

2011-12-12T21:49:00.001+11:00

This is a photo of my dear Dad (with my nephew) who today underwent a hernia operation....not a huge op in itself, but pretty major considering my Dad is 86 years of age....I am just very thankful that he has come through the op pretty well....I visited him tonight and he was up and about and joking with the nurses....

Second Giveaway item

2011-12-11T18:58:00.000+11:00

Hi and firstly, my apologies for not having shown this earlier today as promised. This is my second giveaway item for the Quilting Gallery Blog Hop Party...it is a felt table centrepiece with ric rac. It is approximately 45centimetres across.....(I think around 17 inches for those that are non metric!!)...Anyway, if you would like to win this...just leave a comment and I'll pop you in the draw....if you wish to go in the draw for both of my items, just say so in your comments.
It seems too, that from seeing other blogs and giveaways, that some are waiting till next week to announce the winners...so I thought I would do the same....so I will announce the winners at the end of next weekend....I did not realise how many offers of prizes there would be and I am sure it must be taking people a long time looking through everything which is on offer....(oh and by the way...the jar of chocolates is NOT being offered!!! Sorry!!!)

Day10

2011-12-10T18:44:00.002+11:00

I have just found my favourite new place to visit...the new IKEA located in Springvale....I usually head toward the city to go to the Richmond store....but I think those trips will be history having discovered the one in Springvale....firstly, I do not need to contend with so much traffic heading towards the city. Secondly, parking was a breeze AND free!!! And added to that, there are a whole lot of other homemaker style stores...such as Domayne, Provincial Home Living and a new storage store...so I will be definitely going back for many a return visit....

Giveaway Time with the Quilting Gallery Blog Hop Party

2011-12-10T09:04:00.000+11:00

Here is a photo of my giveaway item....I know it is too late to use it for this year, but it is an Advent Calendar which I have made from a pre-printed panel. It has quite reasonably sized pockets for holding treats. "Hop" on over to the Quilting Gallery to see a full list of those participating in the Blog Hop Party!!! (I am not sure what time Australian time they will be listing all the participants)

To win this, simply leave a comment and I will draw a name on Monday night (Australian EST) to allow for those international guests to make a comment too...yes I am happy to post overseas....though bear in mind that it might not get to you before Christmas...look forward to playing.

I will then announce another giveaway item on Sunday morning Australian time...check back here tomorrow too!!!

Day 9

2011-12-09T22:51:00.000+11:00

Day 8

2011-12-08T08:13:00.000+11:00

DPP Day 7

2011-12-07T21:10:00.000+11:00

STOP PRESS!!!! GIVEAWAY COMING UP

2011-12-07T08:07:00.000+11:00

Just a bit of notice that the "Quilting Gallery" is hosting a blog hop party on Saturday and I am participating by having a giveaway on my blog....so pop back here on Saturday to see what I would like to give my readers a chance to win.

See you later today with my photo for the day too....

DPP Day 6...not so Christmassy!

2011-12-06T22:00:00.000+11:00

As I went to put some water in a watering can today, this littel guy jumped out (in my kitchen)...so I quickly found somewhere safe in my garden to send him....I love finding these little guys in my garden...

DPP Day 5

2011-12-05T23:06:00.000+11:00

This is a little Nativity decoration I bought in Germany...it has a windmill thing at the top which when you light the candles, the heat moves the scene around....there were some simply lovely Christmas decorations in Germany....it would have been very easy to go overboard...

DPP Day 4

2011-12-04T23:15:00.000+11:00

A couple of exhausted children after a weekend at their Aunty's....we had heaps of fun!!

DPP Day 3

2011-12-03T23:11:00.000+11:00

Today I have spent the day with my niece and nephew and tonight I took them to look at some of the Christmas lights around the area where I live....this one was mentioned by a work colleague as being completely over the top....and it WAS!!!

DPP Day 2

2011-12-02T23:49:00.000+11:00

I took this photo when I was visiting Berlin in October...it is at the site of the Berlin Wall where a church had been torn down as it was on both the East and West of Berlin....This memorial is outside the Chapel of Reconciliation and is aptly named "Reconciliation". The Chapel itself is an amazing piece of architecture and a real peace about it.

December Photo Project

2011-12-01T23:36:00.000+11:00

I have decided to give the December Photo Project a go again this year and hope I am able to keep up with posting a photo a day throughout December.

So here is my first photo...I have recently started getting some fruit and vegg delivered and this was my very first delivery...

Food Glorious Food!!!!

2011-11-24T22:28:00.000+11:00

So, the past couple of weeks has seen me doing a spot of cooking.... first up was this peppermint Fudge Slice. I help out with a girls group at church and a couple of weeks ago we had an overnight camping trip and one of the girl's and her Mum brought this slice....which we all raved about...so they kindly gave me the recipe and I had to make it on when I came home...and then took it to work....it went down a treat....

Last weekend was my nephews birthday so I made these little guys....and I thought you might like to see a photo of the cake his Mum made too...
To make the cars, all you need is a packet of the small "Milky Way" bars, some "Tiny Teddies", "Smarties" and "Life Savers" lollies....assemble them and voila...easy peasy and ever so effective....even the adults at Tom's Birthday hoed into them!!!

Today at work we had a staff meeting and shared lunch....so I made these carrot cupcakes and was inspired to make matching edible decorations for them....

I have been a bit slow in putting more of my Europe photos on my blog(s) as I have been trying to make a few photo books from them...and this has been quite a time consuming activity....but I will get around to it....In the meantime, enjoy the above photos!!

Pinterest anyone?

2011-11-11T02:54:00.000+11:00

So...I have only just discovered Pinterest...a virtual pin board where you can "pin" things which you find on the Internet which inspire you or that you like or want to remember....so guess what? They have a Waiting list!!n of course, they don't tell you how long it is, but reading a couple of forums, it coul deb quite long! Alternatively, you can be invited to join by another member...so my BIG favour is....if any of my readers have an invite they would like to use...I would love to be invited...there are some great things on there already...and I can't wait to start my own little board...thanks in anticipation!

St Peters and the Vatican

2011-11-02T20:10:00.000+11:00

Along with all the beautiful artwork in the Vatican Museums, the architecture was also incredible...here are a few of my favourites.

I am inspired to make a quilt after seeing this table...

A wonderful holiday!

2011-10-29T21:54:00.002+11:00

For those readers of my regular blog, I have been away for the past 6 weeks on a most wonderful holiday in Europe. I did blog regularly on my other blog which I set up specifically for my holiday so that I could keep family and friends updated with my adventures....if you are interested in reading an almost daily record of my travels, you can do so over here. I wasn't able to post photos whilst I was away, so for the next little while, my posts here are going to consist mainly of some of the photos I took whilst away.

I left Melbourne on 13th September and have been home just a week tonight....My computer decided to crash last Sunday (when I opened an attachment to an email...silly silly me!)....anyway, my computer is back....faster and better than ever...I had some extra RAM installed which is FANTASTIC....especially as I have been able to download my music onto my I Pad!!! YAY.
My first stop in Europe was Rome....I probably liked Rome the least of all the places I visited...but on reflection, I think this was primarily because it was my first stop and I was completely overwhelmed....I travelled by myself and this was the first major overseas trip I have ever taken...anyway, I really did love Rome and will return one day in order to see the things I missed out on and I am sure next time, I will be much more confident...hopefully not getting lost and also having more appropriate clothing....Rome was HOT....and I had taken mainly cool weather clothes....plus I had major blisters on my feet...so all in all...a somewhat difficult time....but I still made the most of it all and saw heaps....

First off, I had a brief stopover in Hong Kong...where there was an incredible display of costumes...so I had to take a photo!

This shot is near where I was staying in Rome...this wall is part of the old City Wall.....It was incredible to be in a place where everything is so old....I think was what I found the most mind blowing thing about my whole time away...everywhere had such history attached to it and age!

Will be back again soon with more photos!!!

Christmas Quilts

2011-10-03T06:30:00.000+11:00

I attend a patchwork group/class on a regular basis and earlier in the year we decided to start on a "Block in a box" Christmas Quilt where each of us chooses a colour theme and fabrics and make one block for ourselves and then pass the box on to the next person each month...sort of a round robin...anyway, here are the photos of a few of the blocks which I have been working on over the past few months....

Friday Inspiration

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000+10:00

Deary me...is this the most beautiful Dear Jane quilt EVER?????...made in Kaffe Fassett Fabrics....inspires me to make my own Dear Kaffe quilt...hmmmm... dream on Lisa....

Inspiration Friday

2011-09-23T22:25:00.000+10:00

My apologies to those of you who aren't into Blue and White....but I need to warn you that this colour scheme will feature very regularly on my Inspiration Friday as is it absolutely my most favourite colour combo in the whole world....I juest never seem to get tired of blue and white....I do believe that this photo comes from the blog Absolutely Beautiful Things....one of my very favourite blogs for inspiration

Inspiration Friday

2011-09-16T22:18:00.001+10:00

How fantastic is this cake???? Yes it IS made from icing...I might just have to try and use this to inspire me to made one at some stage....could be a good challenge don't you think???

Vignettes

2011-09-15T21:22:00.002+10:00

I have been meaning to take a photo of this vignette which I put together some time back of a selection of things which my Mum passed on to me, as well as a few of my own pieces....some of them are quite tacky or kitsch...but I think they all go together quite well...and they do present a talking point for visitors....

and a close up of a few of my favourites...

Friday Inspiration

2011-09-09T22:15:00.000+10:00

Well, I think I have decided to make Fridays my day to show you what is inspiring me....

Just love this selection of blue and white...I am sorry, but I am not sure who I should acknowledge this photo as belonging to ...It may be Design Sponge....

Inspiration #2

2011-09-02T22:07:00.002+10:00

Welcome back to my next Inspiration instalment....this is yet another photo from The Purl Bee and yes, another mini quilt....I love the rainbow colours in this...

Inspiration #1

2011-08-26T13:00:00.002+10:00

I thought I would showcase some of the things which I find on the web which inspire me....this is the first of many to come I hope...The Purl Bee is a wonderful site which has loads of free sewing, knitting & crochet projects and is filled with inspiration...I just love this..being the blue and white girl that I am...

Fishing

2011-08-25T20:40:00.001+10:00

My sister in law gave me these photos of my niece and nephew when they went camping ealrier in the year....they are so sweet...they were only pretend fishing, but I think they were having fun anyway.

Busting Out!!

2011-08-21T21:22:00.000+10:00

I recently popped a photo of the bust I decorated for a friend's daughter's school...here are a few photos from the opening night of other completed busts which were my favourites....sorry that a few of them are a bit blurred

This one belongs to Holly, my friend's eldest daughter...

and this one is her second daughter, Maddie's...made with pages from the good old "Melways"

and a few of my favourites...

Craft and cooking

2011-07-30T22:33:00.014+10:00

Well, I have been busy on and off completing various projects. This is for one of my work colleagues who has gone off to have a baby...I made this quilt out of a very cute range of fabrics called "Little Apples".

I made this quilt from Leesa Chandler's "Under the Australian Sun" range for my cousin and her husband who I will be staying with when I visit Germany later in the year as a thank you.

I have 2 work colleagues having babies within weeks of each other and we had their farewell morning tea this week so I decided to try my hand at making macarons....and these little beauties were the result. They were a HUGE hit with my co-workers...and in the end, very easy, once I had reduced the cooking time and the temperature. The first batch I made looked absolutely perfect, However, they were as hard as rocks....so into the bin they had to go!!!
Here is a link to the original recipe.

Finally, one of my friends' daughter's school is having a fundraiser for the school and the Olivia

Newton-John Cancer and Wellness centre.

They are having an exhibition amongst other activites whereby students and others can decorate a "bust" for display...the event is called "Girls Bust Out" and I have decorated a bust for the exhibitions. I had loads of fun decorating this with recycled sewing bits and pieces... I can't wait to see all of the other busts next weekend.

For those of you in Melbourne who are interested in attending, the details can be found here.

Fun Project

2011-05-30T23:13:00.001+10:00

Here are some photos of a recent project I have been working on....I discovered an online class called "Remains of the Day Journal" through a blog called "Dispatch from LA". The designer makes THE MOST amazing journals out of fabric scraps and papers and ephemera. I am going on a ~~little~~ BIG overseas trip later in the year and decided I also needed a journal. I am not really one to write in a diary (except for work stuff) but thought it would be an ideal opportunity to write a journal whilst I am away.

So here are some photos of my completed Journal Cover and a few of the pages I hope to write on, collect tickets and other bits and pieces whilst travelling.

The Journal Cover closed:

The Cover fully open:

Inside the cover: I just LOVE this fabric...Kaffe Fassett at his best!!!

Some of the pages/inserts for the Journal:

You may have gathered by some of the pages that I might be travelling to Europe...yep, my very first trip to Europe... I am going to Italy, Paris, London, Brugge and Germany....nearly 6 weeks away and I am so excited about this trip and the adventures I am going to have...it is still several months away...so I won't go on too much about it....hope this journal is inspiring to you....checkout this blog to see more wonderful journals.

Swap Updates...lots of photos

2011-03-14T15:55:00.000+11:00

Thought it was time I did an update on some of the recent swaps I have been in and what I have sent and received. The latest thing in swaps seems to be mug rugs....mini quilts that are basically fabric drink coasters...I recently sent these.....The first one I used some of the fabrics from Leesa Chandler's Under the Australian Sun fabrics

For the second one I did a Bronwyn Hayes stitchery as the person receiving these likes cats....

In return I received these two lovely mug rugs...and in my favourite colours!!!!

And from the recent ALQS5 swap I received this...

and from the Creative Colour Challenge I received this lovely package which included some yummy sweets, a gorgeous piece of fabric and this mirror which has been collaged by the designer...Thanks so much Debbie...

and this is a sneak peak of what I sent to Debbie....she hasn't received it as yet so I hope it is still a bit of a surprise...

today it has been such a lovely day that I have spent some good time in the garden. and decided to take a couple of photos of some of my plants which are in flower..the above is a grevillea...as I was hacking into one of my native rosemary plants which have become so overgrown they have tipped over, I discovered this little treasure and its precious contents....I just hope I haven't scarred the parents off so that they abandoned their nest....needless to say, I stopped the pruning of that bush for the time being...

I then moved to an area which has become overgrown with blackberries (very nasty weed here in the Yarra Valley) and promptly got bitten by a bull ant....my ankle has swollen and it is SOOOOOOOO itchy!!!!! I decided then to come inside to update my blog!!!

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend...see you again

A new Challenge

2011-02-09T21:13:00.001+11:00

I have signed up to a new artistic challenge where we create something in our favourite medium using Complimentary colours...and has to include blooms, leave and flora....should be fun...already I have a few ideas running around my brain....stay tuned!!!

Another Little Quilt Swap #5

2011-01-25T22:31:00.000+11:00

Here is my completed journal quilt for ALQS5 being run by Kate....This is the 4th of these swaps I have participated in and they always manage to stretch me....a good thing at the moment as I have been very unmotivated to be doing much in the way of sewing....hoping to get my sewing mojo back soon...have a great AUSTRALIA DAY tomorrow....

How to help the people of Queensland

2011-01-12T17:49:00.004+11:00

(Photo: Getty Images)

Well, those of you who are here in Australia who read my blog would be living under a rock if they haven't seen and heard of the news of the floods in Queensland.

So, for those who wish to help out, head on over to this blog where Toni is organising an online auction for other bloggers to donate items to be austioned/raffled and the money raised will be given to the Flood Relief Fund.

I don't really have anything ready to contribute to the cause other than a couple of unquilted quilt tops....and no way of getting them quilted in a few days....and given that I don't have huge numbers of visitors to my blog, I am unlikely to get much interest anyway. So, I will simply direct you over to Toni's Blog where later in the week she will list all of those participating.

Please help those who so generously gave following the Victorian Bushfires of 2009 (when Queenslanders also suffered floods back then too).

Got a spare 5 minutes???

2010-11-29T10:38:00.000+11:00

Just HAD to pop this link on my blog....it is absolutely AMAZING....I have watched it a few times now and each time it brings tears to my eyes....ENJOY.

A few snaps

2010-11-04T14:10:00.002+11:00

Here are a few photos of some small projects I have been working on.

I recently participated in a "Friends Swap" and these are what I sent to my partner...I am still waiting for my own package to arrive from India...I hope it gets here soon as I

am becoming a little bit impatient LOL!!!...STOP PRESS... My package has just arrived...how exciting!!!...anyway, here are the photos of what I made/sent...

I am also in a swap through Scquilters which is a mini row by row...we each made 2 small blocks and sent them on to different people who put a border on each time...this is the recent block which I worked on...I am quite pleased with how it turned out, especially given that brown really doesn't do it for me. It is also my first ever effort at making "Flying Geese" blocks...

I will put the photos of my own parcel once I have downloaded them onto the computer later...see you later

...later...here are the photos I promised of the gifts from the "Friends" swap...all beautifully wrapped in some delicious fabrics

I am having great difficulty downloading these photos and have spent way too much time trying to do so...anyway...here is what I received (the photos are above)

Flowers

Ribbon

Interesting Fabric

Eshanika (tiny little doll)

Notebook

Dishtowels

Small Pouch

Fun times with friends

2010-10-10T19:57:00.000+11:00

Well, I have had quite the busy couple of weeks with my dear friend Joy getting married last weekend...Joy has been widowed for over 20 years and this year she met a lovely man whom she married last weekend....the flowers in the church and hall were beautiful...as was the Bride herself.

I have also been away this past week at Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road. I went with my brother and his family and we had a fun time, although the weather wasn't great, but it was fun anyway. We saw some cute and cuddly (or not) Koala's in the trees...this one is a mother and her baby...I also went on a trip to see platypus in the wild which was very exciting.

Then this weekend I had friends come for the day on Saturday and we did some serious crafting...the girls did a fantastic job on their Babushka dolls.....

and then today I had my friends around and finally gave the kids their quilts.....yay.....finally....only problem with these photos, is that I can't work out how to turn them around the right way within blogger....so you'll just have to look at them sideways!!!

oh and finally, a work colleague was getting married this weekend and for her celebratory morning tea at work the other week, I made these special cupcakes for her....

Excuses Excuses

2010-09-20T21:10:00.001+10:00

It seems that I am always starting off my blog posts with a long time no post, where has the year gone blah blah blah comment and here is one yet again. Really, I cannot believe we are over 1/2 way into September...and dare I say it, only 3 months until Christmas...aaaaarghhh....
So with all that off my chest, here is a little of what has been not really keeping me busy...you see, I haven't really done much in the way of sewing since May....I have nearly completed the 5 quilts for the children of one of my friends...just the binding to be finished on one of them....these have been on the go for a couple of years....so it will be a great relief to finally complete them....but I have also been distracted by other things...including playing with my new toy...my Apple I-Pad....it is so handy....I just love it!!!

This past weekend has seen me have a night in town seeing this.....and staying at this Melbourne Institution....

Yes, last night I went a saw the Melbourne Production of Mary Poppins...one of my favourite childhood movies...It was FANTASTIC!!!! I could easily go see it again....the sets and costumes and dancing were wonderful....

Beforehand I went and had an early tea at Pellegrini's Espresso Bar.....where I had the yummyest (sp?) Lasagna and Watermelon and Lemon Granita....

And I shouted myself an overnight stay at the Windsor which was really lovely

How are these flowers in the foyer of the Hotel???? Just beautiful!!! and of course, I am quite partial to the blue and white bowls...

and finally, here is a photo of a little lady I made a while ago....I used some of the vintage fabrics given to me some time ago....

Well, that's about it for now...hopefully I'll be back a bit sooner next time... we'll see how I go!!! Till then..stay well.

Another little project

2010-07-31T19:54:00.000+10:00

This is a little project I completed recently as a practice for a new pattern which I bought a while back...Some time ago I was given some retro'ish fabrics and decided to use some of them on this project...I gave it to a work colleague who had been particularly supportive whilst I was going through a difficult time...the face panel was included with the pattern from here.

Finished Projects

2010-07-11T14:17:00.000+10:00

Just thought I'd show a couple of completed projects...the first is a quilt for "Another Little Quilt Swap"...have a look at some of the lovely quilts which have been made...I will be receiving one of them in the next little while....

This framed picture is of some lace coasters which my friend Sue made for me at Christmas and I have finally managed to mount and frame them....I am really pleased with how they turned out...thanks Sue....

More photos

2010-07-06T06:00:00.001+10:00

Here are some more photos which I took of some of David Bromley's Artwork....I tried to link to some information about the artist but the site didn't load properly....so just enjoy these photos....

Relaxing weekend

2010-07-05T06:00:00.005+10:00

Hi all...long time no blog....this weekend I have spent a lovely relaxing time around the area of Daylesford in Victoria. I drove up early Friday morning as I had booked a day at the Hepburn Bath House and Spa...starting with a couple of hours in the bath house and sanctuary, then lunch and after lunch, a 1 hour massage....I was so very relaxed after this "self care"...something I haven't done before....Then on Saturday I spent the day enaging in one of my favourite past-times...stitching...at the Daylesford Craft Experience at this gorgeous place...the 3 designers who had provided patterns for us all were Melly (of Melly and Me), Jodie (of Vintage RicRac) and Annette (Eriksson).. each had designed 3 patterns of very different styles, but I think you would be hard pressed not to find something to ones liking....

These photos are of Lake Daylesford and I was able to walk to the lake from back of the studio where I was staying

On Sunday I went and had a look at an antique place on the outskirts of town which was mentioned on this site earlier in the week and I thought I would take the opportunity to see it for myself....what an amazing collection of antiques, furniture and art work....I will post some more photos throughout the week....

Isn't this sculpture fun?

After I left Daylesford I headed to Castlemaine where I just had to visit this shop...called "Habadash"....it sells vintage and antique buttons, lace, ribbons and other wonderful sewing ephemera....these are my purchases from there...

Happy Holidays

2010-05-24T20:25:00.001+10:00

I have just returned from a lovely week in Western Australia where I stayed with a friend who lives there and we travelled down south to Albany where her son and his family live.....I have been to WA many years ago but never to Albany so it was lovely to see a bit more of the land where I live. Her son has a farm and it was the first time I have ever been to a farm and had a ride on a whizz bang tractor.....I will post a photo once I receive some and also of the cows and their sweet calves. But here are a few shots from my holiday, as well as a photo of the gal I made as a thank you for having me stay....Sue has decided to call her "Floss"....

Yes, of course I had to take a photo of the sheep!!!

Slack and busy at the same time

2010-05-08T20:39:00.002+10:00

Hi all, I have been very slack in keeping this blog up to date....have been busy busy busy doing a variety of things...Actually, I really don't know where the time has gone....

Firstly I need to update those kind people who commented on my previous post...I decided to make my stitchery for both Catherine and Doreen....I haven't forgotten you ladies...after I have completed one major project which has a bit of a deadline...then I'll get cracking with your stitcheries....

I had my birthday on Anzac Day and a friend was visiting from interstate...that particular weekend I went out for lunch on the Friday, had my friend and her family for dinner on the Saturday and then gave myself a little afternoon tea on the Sunday....I think I have been recovering ever since....It was lovely to have friends come together and share in my Birthday...usually the day is mainly spent with my family...so it was fun to share it with a few of my dearest friends....of course I forgot to take a photo of the cupcakes I made...this was the best photo....they were white chocolate mud cupcakes with a white chocolate ganache icing....and I made some cute blue buttons from icing modelling paste.....very yummy and a big hit with young and old....

I have been busy making a project for a friend and am not able to show it off just yet....just let me say that I am pretty chuffed with it so far.....

I am however able to show you a completed project which I made for my friend Sue for our Christmas Stocking swap....it is quite a large sack and I had fun making it....I just hope I can fill it adequately....

Well, I think that's about all I will share for the moment.....I won't promise to post again really soon....will just see how I go....

Something new....and a giveaway

2010-03-28T19:21:00.002+11:00

Hi all, I thought it was time I did another post...the weeks just seem to fly by don't they? I can't quite believe we are almost into April.

We have our annual church camp coming up and I was asked if I would take a craft group on the Saturday afternoon....initially I assumed that it was to be for the children, but then I found out it was for the adults (ladies...I am assuming....though blokes would also be welcome LOL).....so I then got really excited and have designed this little stitchery based on one of my favourite bible verses.....

My writing when it comes to these crafty things is fairly average, so the lovely Leanne Beasley graciously agreed to do the writing for me.....I am really quite pleased how the project has turned out.....and am very much looking forward to spending some crafty time with some of the other lovely people from my church, as well as all of the other activities on the weekend.

I would also like to make one of these for a reader of my blog....so if you would like to leave me a comment, along with your colour preferences, I will draw a name after Easter and get stitching....
Hoping your week is a good one....

I'm baaaaaackkkkk!!!!

2010-03-07T22:05:00.000+11:00

Hi all, well, where has the past month gone? I don't really know...it's not that I have been overly busy, other than the usual work, church, family things.....anyway, a couple of posts ago I promised a photo of one of my latest completed and very longstanding projects and here it is....I showed photos of this partially completed sometime last year...well, I have been busily working to complete the binding on this my "Wedding Quilt"..... yes, that is what I have been calling it since starting on it way back too long ago to remember.... all I know is that I started it on a holiday with my parents to Apollo Bay.....sadly the photo just doesn't do the quilt justice. It is very very big and hangs over the sides and bottom of my queen size bed by about 12 inches. I could have tried photographing it in the next day or two hanging from the clothesline, but given the amount of rain we have had this weekend, this might not have been achievable... anyway, here it is.....now all I need to do is meet the person I am to share it with....will keep praying for him....

Summer Days

2010-02-07T20:15:00.001+11:00

This weekend I went to Cruden Farm, the property owned by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch near Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula.
They had a Twighlight Jazz Picnic and a few friends and I took a picnic tea down there to enjoy each others company, listen to some jazz and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of this property. Dame Elisabeth is over 100 years of age and is a wonderful philanthropist who regularaly opens her property to the public in order to raise funds for various charities. We actually saw her yesterday as she was transported around her property on ride on mower type vehicle. What a generous and gracious lady.
These are a few photos of her beautiful property.
PS....Monday 8/2....it is actually Dame Elisabeth's Birthday today....she turns 101....

Project Update

2010-01-26T22:58:00.001+11:00

I thought it was time for an update of what I've been working on recently....and hadn't realised that it is over 2 weeks since I last posted....boy does time fly!!!!

I am currently working on semi-secret project for my friend Sue in Western Australia. We are going to do a Christmas Stocking swap with each other. Basically we each make the other a christmas stocking/sack/bag and then each month send each other a gift to be opened on Christmas Day. This is a sneak peak of what I am making....sorry about the poor quality photo

I am also back to making softies....just some more Melly and Me Phoebes and Mrs Perkins....

I am really pleased with the boy "Phoebe"

I'll also have another major completed project to show in a week or two....a very longstanding one which I am taking to be quilted this week...stay tuned...and have a great week

Sewing fun

2010-01-10T21:20:00.002+11:00

I have been working on a couple of little projects the past few days. One is for a work colleague who turns 30 today. The other is for someone who participated in the Sttichers Angel Swap in 2009 over at "Hugs 'n Kisses" but didn't receive anything from her Angel. So I volunteered to be her replacement Angel.
The green and cream pear on the right is for the girl at work. I made it from some lovely linen fabric I bought from Ink and Spindle.

And these are what I have made for the other person. The pear on the left above and the other things below....I forgot to take a photo of what I made to put in the little package....ooops

I also recently made this handsome chap as a thank you to a friend's son who did a favour for me recently....he really should have coloured pants on, but the recipient is a Collingwood/Magpies supporter (one of our local AFL teams) so I made him in the team colours and also made a little Magpies button as well...I can see my self making a lot more of these chaps....he was lots of fun to make (he is one of Melly and Me's Patterns..."Magoo" for those interested)

A new header

2010-01-02T12:03:00.001+11:00

Thought that it was about time I updated my blog header....the above photo comes by courtesy of a dear friend of mine (Hi Sue), whose son owns a farm and she was kind enough to take a couple of photos for me. I hope she doesn't mind me using this photo....

The Year that was.......

2009-12-31T06:00:00.002+11:00

2009 was a year of many contrasts, sadness and changes. Contrasts especially in the weather...from floods in Queensland to bushfires here in Victoria. Along with the fires and floods saw much sadness as the loss became a reality for many people....loss of loved ones, homes and a feeling of security. For me personally, I had change in the way of a new job, most unexpected but which has been a real blessing and joy. The thing which I keep remembering is that God is in control of all that happens in our lives and world. Whilst we may not understand why certain things happen, it is a real comfort to know that my heavenly Father has all things in his hands and knows exactly what and why things are allowed. I continue to feel secure in this knowledge and pray that you too might know this reasurrance in your own lives.

Wishing you all a most blessed 2010....

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:00:00.002+11:00

Wishing you all a most joyful and happy Christmas....and may you be blessed as you spend time with loved ones celebrating the birth of our Saviour.

DPP Day 24...More Christmas pressies

2009-12-24T06:00:00.001+11:00

I made these for my friend in WA...Hi there Sue....hoping you like them...you should have them by now...the best thing is that my dressmakers mannequin can model them for me which makes taking photos of these sorts of things soooooo much easier....

The brooch was inspired by a post on Heather Bailey's blog here...talk about maximum effect for minimum effort....know what I'll be making more of next Christmas....

DPP Day 23

2009-12-23T07:00:00.002+11:00

Yesterday on my home visits I went into the Hills and couldn't resist this photo opportunity....it is in Sassafras and is a lovely little antique & collectibles shop....the photo doesn't really do it justice....

DPP...Day 22

2009-12-22T20:26:00.000+11:00

I have been busy making more Christmas presents...these are canvases which my Niece and Nephew can hang their artworks and drawings....

DPP Day 21

2009-12-21T06:30:00.002+11:00

So, this is my first ever attempt at making a Gingerbread House....and quite possibly my last....not quite the enjoyable process which I had envisaged....it has a distinct lean....however, I have to remind myself of some words of wisdom which my father loves to impart....and that is that a blind man would be very happy to see it...and the recipients were very happy with it....I filled it with chocolates....what do you think?

DPP Day 20

2009-12-20T07:00:00.001+11:00

DPP Days 18 & 19

2009-12-19T21:32:00.000+11:00

Well, there is nothing like killing 2 birds with one stone....I have been struggling to find photos to post....but went for a drive today and took a few shots. One is of some really interesting architecture amongst some of the wineries in my local area. This first photo is looking back towards one of the berry farms where I have been buying my raspberries.

DPP Day 17...Nativity

2009-12-17T06:00:00.001+11:00

Dpp Day 16...Advent Calendar

2009-12-16T22:23:00.000+11:00

This is my new Advent Calendar I have made this year....the colours fit in well with my general decor...for those who know me well, they know I love Blue and White...and at Christmas I just need to add a splash of silver to add a bit of bling!!! I actually haven't put anything in the drawers....perhaps next year!!

DPP Day 15..Christmas Decorating

2009-12-15T22:16:00.001+11:00

Day 14...Yummm....Cupcakes

2009-12-14T07:00:00.001+11:00

Day 13...Happy Birthday

2009-12-13T23:24:00.001+11:00

From my niece's Birthday party today.....

Day 12...Birthday Cake Fun

2009-12-12T17:51:00.000+11:00

My Niece turns 4 this week and I recently bought the "ABC Book of Childrens Cakes". My niece was looking through it one day and actually chose this cake (and no I didn't do ANY prompting)...so I have spent this afternoon decorating the cake for her little party tomorrow.....

Dpp Day 11...Angels we have heard on high

2009-12-11T06:36:00.000+11:00

Day 10.....Helping others

2009-12-10T07:29:00.000+11:00

Recently I was thrilled to be asked to help Leanne with some stitiching for her new block of the month....I was so delighted to give her a hand and this is a little part of the block which I stitched....I am so looking forward to starting this new BOM....it is just LOVELY!!! Thanks Leanne for the priviledge and trust you showed in allowing me to help.

DPP Day 9...Yummmmm

2009-12-09T12:00:00.003+11:00

For me, Christmas also means Summer and the onset of Berries galore....and raspberries would have to be my favourite....I am also lucky enough to be within a short drive to the local berry farms to be able to buy these or pick my own fresh from the farm gate....

DPP...Day 8...more gifts

2009-12-08T07:00:00.002+11:00

DPP...Day 7..Gifts

2009-12-07T23:32:00.000+11:00

DPP...Day 6..More Christmas preparation

2009-12-06T08:00:00.001+11:00

DPP...Day 5...Preparing for Christmas

2009-12-05T21:38:00.000+11:00

DPP...Day 4

2009-12-04T07:00:00.004+11:00

Watch out....I'm coming to tickle you

Photo..Day 3

2009-12-03T21:28:00.000+11:00

This lovely couple are visitors to my home and enjoy the tasty morsels of seed I put out for them....they are also incredibly tame....beautiful

Photo a day....day 2

2009-12-02T21:41:00.002+11:00

Photo a day in December

2009-12-01T17:38:00.002+11:00

I have set myself a challenge from this website/blog....to take a photo a day from the 1st to the 25th AND share it on my blog....quite a challenge for me as I rarely can keep to this sort of thing....so I'll see how I go.

This is my first photo...I did promise to show this a couple of weeks ago....a full size dressmakers mannequin which I have wanted since I was quite a young thing and was visiting friends of my parents who had one in their home....I have dreamed of getting one for many a year...

My Place and yours.....Collections

2009-11-24T19:53:00.000+11:00

The theme for this week is "collections" and how could I resist posting on this topic....I have too many collections....fabric, buttons, cooking gadgets, paper, books and thse list goes on and on....but I have two favourite collections which I would share here....most of my friends will be able to guess my first collection....my sheep....and that is how I came by the name of my blog....
So here are a couple of photos of some of my flock!!!

My second collection is my little collection of dressmakers dummies/forms.... Not as many as my sheep, but some favourites....and I also recently purchased a full size one....will post a photo of this another day....to see lots of others collections, check out this here....Lisa

My Place and Yours...Blog HQ

2009-11-01T23:00:00.000+11:00

Pip over at Meet me at Mike's is running "My Place and Yours"...where someone each week is picked to choose a theme for the following week to share....I am a bit slow to get going with this but thought I'd share my own Blog HQ this week. I have been really struggling with organisation around my home recently...especially with all of my craft stuff....believe me....I have WAY TOO MUCH...however, whenever I start to sort through some of it , I realise that I do need most of it because even though I may not use it every day, most of the stuff I do use throughout the year....so in an effort to get more organised, I bought a new desk...I had been using an old table which was quite functional, but really looked very untidy.
So here is my new computer set-up and where I spend lots of lovely time looking at all of the inspiring blogs out there....

I especially like that I have a slide-out desk top for the keyboard and mouse, and that the computer tower itself has its own shelf. I guess the only think I would change is the size available for my printer.

This is my little collection of dressmakers mannequins...I recently bought myself a full-size one which I have been wanting for many many years...even before I began sewing....Will post a photo of this another time

The other great thing about the desk is that it has a magnetic whiteboard....these are a few of my favourite magnets. The bottom three are covered in fabric and I bought them at the recent Northcote Makers market which I went to.

Finally I can add photos...HipHipHooray

2009-10-18T22:22:00.002+11:00

Well, I have no idea what has been happening with my blog, but everytime I have gone to post some photos recently, I have have been unable to do so....I had just about reached the point where I figured that it might be time to close down my litle blog and take it as a sign that it wasn't what I was meant to be doing with my time....well, on checking again tonight, I see that I can (for the moment) do proper posts...so let's just see how I go!!! I can't even recall what I wanted to post a photo about... Let me think!!!!!
Oh yes, the stitchers angel swap I am in....here is what arrived a couple of weeks ago.....A most lovely Rosalie Quinlan angel....you might recall I made a heap of these last year...but this one is particularly lovely with the embroidery on her wings...and this very cute little ceramic token which says: "shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars"...anyway...thanks so much to my Angel who sent these...and sorry I haven't been able to thank you previously.....

And here are a few photos of what I have been busy making for the person I am an Angel to.....

Last weekend I also went to a market in Northcote and bought this lovely little collection: some buttons, fridge magnets, beautiful cards, really lovely wooden box, a fabbo brooch and a couple of notebooks made with old novel covers... we really are spoilt here in Melbourne for some wonderful hand made markets....

Problems with posting

2009-10-11T15:57:00.000+11:00

I had intended to do a blog post this afternoon, however, I don't seem to be able to add photos so I will wait a day or 2 to see if the problem fixes itself....

MYSTERY MAIL

2009-09-16T09:00:00.005+10:00

I came back from holiday last week to discover a larger than expected package in amongst the rest of the mail....and look what I received...

and some detail....my favourite things...the colour blue and sheep....

I am currently participating in this swap so I can only assume it is from my secret angel....so thanks to whoever she is....I just love my new additions to the kitchen....although they are too nice to use...so I am going to hang them where I can enjoy looking at them....

I have quite a busy week this week so in the next few days will try and post a few photos from my recent holiday in Queensland.

I also start a new job on Monday so I am feeling quite refreshed from my holiday and ready to take on lots of new challenges....chat again soon...Lisa

More busy-ness and activities

2009-08-20T21:18:00.001+10:00

This weekend just past I spent a lovely time with dear friends celebrating their 40th Birthdays'. I was one of their Bridesmaids when they were married 17 years ago...so it was extra special to be able to celebrate their special day with them.

We drove to Port Fairy which is about a 4 hour drive from Melbourne and is on the West Coast of Victoria....such a beautiful area...

This is place we had our dinner...Merrijig Inn

and this is my selection of yummy food....we all were given a most delicious cauliflower soup in a tiny espresso cup for an appetizer.... and of course I just had to make a quilt for my friends....I have been wanting to make them one for some time. They are into quite modern things as far as decorating goes, so I really had to put my thinking cap on for this...but am quite delighted with the colours...and thankfully, they love the quilt. Not the best photo as I was still sewing the binding on as we drove to Port Fairy and this was taken on the bed at the place I was staying....

and finally.... a couple of photos of the most appropriate shop for me.....sheep AND blue and white

BUSY TIMES!!!

2009-08-20T09:06:00.006+10:00

Well, I have been so busy recently that I think I need several posts to catch up....so firt things first....

I recently participated in this swap again and this is the parcel and quilt I received last week.....it is called Carrots and Cupcakes....thanks to Pippa...I LOVE it!!

A dear colleague from work recently left so I made this for her....the pattern is from Heather Bailey....I was so pleased with how it turned out..........I can definitely see myself making loads more of them for gifts..

My Brother and his family recently had a holiday up North and so I made these for my Niece and Nephew and filled them with things to occupy them on the plane....

Will try and do another post in the next day or two....

Mocha Soy Latte...with chocolate

2009-07-02T20:47:00.000+10:00

This is the name of my latest completed project. I have had this fabric for a few years to make my brother and his wife a quilt. I finally got around to making it and am really pleased with the result. My brother and his wife were also very happy with it.

Have a great weekend!!!

More photos

2009-06-13T00:12:00.004+10:00

As promised, here are a few more photos of the projects I tested out for Melly and Me's book...the satchel bag....I fell in love with this fabric...it feels like linen and is very groovy.... and then bumble bub......

and the quilt to match....not yet quilted....but a friend has just had a baby and I am thinking it would make a nice gift for her new bub....

and more to come over the weekend....

A Surprise Package

2009-06-09T18:00:00.013+10:00

As I mentioned some time ago, I was honoured to be asked to be a test pattern sewer for Melly of "Melly & Me" for her book. Well, Melly received the books last week and this is what was awaiting me when I arrived home from work today: a yummy tin box from "Smiggle"...hmmm I wonder what is in it????

The Book...."Kaleidoscope"...with wonderful photography and so much inspiration.... and a package to be opened....which contained......

One of Melly's Kokeshi Stitcheries...in my favourite colours of course....some coffee and chai to enjoy whilst I am browsing through the book...and also my most favourite chocolates in the whole world....Lindor Milk Chocolate Balls....yummmmmmm... and a lovely notebook and sweet thimble all the way from Korea....thanks Melly!!!! It was my absolute honour and delight to be asked to help out with the test sewing for your book...

I can now show you some of the projects which I tested from Melly's book...

The Robo Back-Pack....I have had this fabric for ages and it was just perfect for this little number....which I will eventually give to my nephew...

A bag for me......'coz I always need more bags!!!!

I'll be back later in the week to show you a couple more projects....In the mean-time....happy days to you....Lisa

Show and Tell

2009-05-03T19:11:00.007+10:00

Thought I'd show you photos of a few projects which I have completed in the past few days.
A colleague from work is a volunteer with an organisation which provides support to the partners of men who are in prison. She asked me some time back if I would make a banner for them to display at their get togethers....here it is...

Another colleague from work's sister and her family had their home and all of their posessions destroyed in the recent bushfires and it was really on my heart to make their 3 children quilts...so here are the completed quilts....they are basically all the same design, but I used slightly different fabrics in the one for the little girl, and just added different coloured borders.

I am now looking forward to taking them into work this week for her to give to her niece and nephews'....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

2009-04-25T22:30:00.000+10:00

As well as being ANZAC Day here in Australia, I just happen to be celebrating my birthday today also.
I received these packages from a swap I am in .....and had fun opening these with my niece tonight....

I have had a lovely day catching up with friends, chatting on the phone and having dinner this evening with my family.....and of course I had to have some help blowing out the candles on my Birthday cake......

ANZAC DAY

2009-04-25T08:55:00.004+10:00

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning.

We will remember them.

......Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

For more information regarding the significance of this day to Australia and New Zealand, have a look here.