Sunday Blessings

Just a little look at the beauty I see around me.

While out walking the other afternoon, we spotted this native bush absolutely full of blossoms...a xanthostemon chrysanthus or Golden Penda not to mention teeming with bees.  It was late afternoon and a little dark for any good photos but we decided to make the most of the glorious days we are having at the moment and go for an earlier walk today and found the tree bathed in beautiful sunlight.

can you spot the bee?

The girls were really enjoying the time out exploring all their favourite spots.

Have a lovely week!

Sensational Girl

I was such a proud mamma last night. I love the way these children of mine make my heart swell to the point of bursting and the tears well up and I just want to show them off to the world. Well those are the joys of motherhood.

Last night was Miss M's turn. She graduated from her Fine Arts degree with Distinction last year but as her final assessment was based on a trip to NY, she missed the ceremony and had to wait until mid year.

Now I do have a rule that my darlings faces shall not be shown, so I took a photo of her looking at the Brisbane City skyline which shows off her beautiful gown and cap.

Afterwards we all walked to "The Point" Bistro in Southbank and had the most amazing meal I have ever eaten.

Grilled Barramundi with clams. I NEVER pick Barra but so glad I did last night. 

and for dessert Orange and Cardamom creme brulee with choc chip cookies.

Mr Ted had the most amazing  peanut butter ice-cream with his chocolate lava cake.

So if you are ever in Brisbane city, remember this Bristro.....I give it my highest recommendation.

Ooooo, one more photo! It may not be the London Eye but I was fascinated by our own Brisbane big wheel which had moving pictures of butterflies projected onto it from across the river. Spectacular!

This night was such a Treasure to me that I am linking up with Melody's Tuesday Treasures even though I am a day late!
 xxx

Homespun SAL

I just can't resist, no matter how hard I try, I just can't resist.

I have found another BOM to get stuck into!!

I would have been non the wiser but I had to head down to the pharmacy this morning because the dreaded "sore throat" bug has moved into our home.  The Pharmacy is next door to the Newsagent and I thought I would just have a little peek at the quilting mags.....you know.....since I was out!

One of my favourite aussie quilt mags is 'Homespun'. And there it was sitting on the shelf...The Christmas in July Issue. And it looked so Yummmy!

Page after page of oohs & aahs and then I stumbled across the new Homespun SAL which I immediately decided was a MUST DO!

It is called A Long Time Ago in Bethlehem and block one is called Hello. Block one and the materials/instructions are published in the issue and then you can log on to their website for the rest of the block patterns. Block two is already available and is called Kitchen Sink Camel (you will have to take a look to see why?)

 So there you have it, if you are thinking of doing this one, let me know.....I would love to see your progress!


I am linking in with Freshly Pieced - WIP Wednesday

Sunday Blessings

Debbie from Our old Homestead usually does a post called Saturday Snaps which always lift my spirits. I see almost everything through the lens of a camera and doesn't nature have so much to offer. I especially noticed this today while we were on a walk with the dogs but, alas, I had no camera with me.

 It did remind me that I was going to photograph the orange fungus growing in our garden atm. So when we got home I raced inside to grab my camera.

 The afternoon sun was just perfect for photography so I had to find something else to snap. 

 

Any thoughts on the matter?

I am so excited and cannot sleep? Can you guess why?

No, I am not going on an overseas holiday just at the moment!
No, I am not being spoilt with a new car, or a diamond ring or any material object for that matter!
No, no-one is getting married or giving me a "little treasure"!

The reason I am so excited is a bit simpler than all that......it is quilt challenge time!!!

The word got out the other day from Apatchy Quilting that a new quilt challenge is taking place. Last year I came third with my first ever landscape quilt
 

and these were the 1st and 2nd prize winners

came first

I really liked this one that came 2nd

We only had 2 months to work with last year, this year we have been given 6months....WOW!  I am probably going to need all that time as I have an amazing idea developing in my head.  The theme is "Colour Story".  I am thinking bright, bold and modern. Without giving too much away, I am planning on using a clamshell design and have been researching relentlessly to find a how to.  You see I really want to make my clamshells 3D and  so if you have any thoughts on the matter, I would love to know.

Nervous Nellie

I am a mother on the edge today. Mr Ted is heading out for a final interview at a new job. One that pays alot more than delivering pizza's.

IMAGE REMOVED

Fortunately, he had to come over to use the printer before he went because I opened the door to someone who looked like they were just coming home from a long night of drinking!! The collar of his suit was all mangled and had to be straightened. His hair hadn't been brushed so mum took care of that for him.....and no, I did not use spit!! His shoes looked like they had been attacked by a rabid dog so I rushed around looking for some of Hubby's shoes that he could wear and at the same time found a decent pair of socks because I can't stand to see a man in a suit sit down and show bare legs....makes his suit look too short (and white ones at that).

So now I will have to wait nervously, as the rest is up to him, as I whisper "Good Luck Sweetheart, hope it all pays off".

With Love

Just a little something I worked on last night. It will have a home but, after tomorrow, it is out of my hands.

 

Another curve ball!

2012 is turning out to be a "not so good" year.

If you read my blog regularly, you will know that I am a huge admirer of Sally Miller - designer, creater and just a fabulous all round person really. I wandered into my BOM class last week, expecting to see Sally and hear all about her trip to Bangladesh and catch up with my Farmyard blocks. It was a shock therefore to hear that Sally was in hospital. I am not going to go into details as that is a private affair but to know that my dear Sally was ill in hospital was enough to knock the wind out of my sails. I have since had a positive email to say that Sal is recovering nicely.  :)

On a positive note, it seems that visit to the "Crafty Lady" did get my sewing mojo back into gear and I have been determined to make a noticable effort in finishing off some of my numerous WIP's. I finished block 5 of the Farmyard quilt (lets just forget that I skipped over blocks 3 & 4 which still need to be finished!

Block 5 - eyes to be added to dog.

 and zoomed straight to block 7......I haven't even opened the pack for block 6 yet but hoping to do that on Wednesday when I meet with Marilyn, Lorraine & Zita for a sewing morning.

Block 6 is so cute

So I hope you are all keeping well, wherever you are as I have had enough curve balls to deal with in the first half of the year two thousand and twelve!
  XXXXX

My name is Cath, and I am a Fabric Addict

I missed out on my much anticipated quilt shop-hop back in April as I had 'that' unwanted trip to Ireland so todays outing almost, almost, felt like a consolation prize. I love the Crafty Lady's at home shop and studio as it is filled with gorgeous fabrics and books and buttons and things but somehow it reminds me of a colourful candy shop that you never want to leave!

This week saw her hosting her once a year sale and I was really keen to go. I took a couple of friends with me (Marilyn and Lorraine) and we all found something worth adding to the stash.

 buy 3, get one free......how could I resist especially since the fat quarters were $3.50 each!

As you can see, I just couldn't resist the bundles table, the blue bundle is 4x30cm and the pink/green bundle and the brown bundle are 5x fat quarters.  My brain went into a spin when I saw these gorgeous colours.......not 100% sure what I will create but ideas are forming.

And then there was the green....I always come home with green.  I find it such a balancing colour in quilts and you never know when you will be adding leaves or green tree frogs! I will have plenty here as this bundle was 95cm.

And lastly, I have been after this book for ages (just so I can add to my "little treasure chest"). I knew Sandy sold these but unfortunately the last one went the day before.  Sandy is an amazing woman and she kindly sold me her personal copy. Hoorah!

The best thing about going to the Crafty Lady's Studio is that it is so inspiring.....I couldn't wait to get home and do some more stitching.  Next time I lose my mojo, I know where to look.

Happy Weekend!