Helbel's world of craft..

Bit of this and that

2012-01-30T15:30:00.004+10:00

Not another "Country Keepsake" doll by Annie Smith...... yes it is, please meet "Sugar Plum" and of course she is as cute as her name.... I love making these dolls... as if you hadn't guessed that already. Thats an OPAM too, first finish for this year..... I have been doing lots but ongoing projects that will take a while to finish.

I thought I would pop in a small project amongst the larger ones as I need a new needle case so that makes it even better.

More shopping too, this is for a very simple table topper.

Saturday dolly girls working hard, don't they look serious.... well just in this photo. We are all making a simple quilt "Floral Dreams" by Quilters Barn bit of a change from dolls and a learning quilt for a couple of ladies.

Love the fabric for this one.

Last but not least..... last Tuesday we had these 2 lovely ladies from our FIS group visit us for a bit of stitching... I have known both ladies for some years online so it was great to meet in person and it was just as though we had been together for years and years.....we managed to get in a little bit of stitching between all the chatting and laughing.

De from QLD.. Vicki from Tassie.. me..Tereasa .. Teresa.

Thank you ladies for making our day so enjoyable.

Proud memories of being an Aussie overseas.

2012-01-26T18:44:00.002+10:00

Happy Australia Day to Aussies everywhere.
I hope you have had a terrific day.

This day has brought back memories of being a proud Aussie overseas.....
June 2008 I was very fortunate to be at the World Choir Games in Austria with my g/daughter...Corinne and my daughter ... Heather, marching in the streets of Graz proudly waving our Aussie flags and of course shouting.......

Aussie Aussie Aussie.... OI...OI... OI

It was great to see this Kangaroo cafe too.

Waiting for the medal presentations, hoping our girls are rewarded for all their hard work.

The girls are in the front (wearing white tops) it was also being broadcast on television in Austria.

Our choir "Cantabile" won 3 gold medals so they did Australia very proud.

Corinne (the little girl in the centre) with a few friends, we had a fantastic time.

A once in a life time chance that I will never forget and to enjoy it with my daughter and g/daughter was very special.

2012-01-19T17:13:00.000+10:00

I have been busy crafting but not a lot to show at the moment.
Here is block 3 of my Earl Grey Moment quilt by "Faeires in My Garden" so all is going to plan with this so far, Jenny is keeping me on track.

This has been slow going but trying to make some headway with it now, "Twilight Garden" from Faeries in My Garden again but this design is by Maureen Latta, love these fabrics, this is a wallhanging.

Centre panel

There are 20 of these little crazy patch blocks.

I had a shocking senior moment last week which is why I can't show what I've been working on ..... don't you just hate it when you make terrible mistakes..... there I was cutting happily away and then it hit me, I'm supposed to be fussy cutting the borders and didn't so had to buy more fabric..... grrrrrr stupid.

So hopefully I will get back to that later.

First post for the New Year

2012-01-01T16:19:00.000+10:00

My first post for the New Year is a Birthday Wish for my big brother Tom ..... here he is when we were young doing the "big brother" thing..... I didn't like Santa very much so he made sure I didn't miss out on telling the big guy what I wanted for Christmas.

Love to you and I hope you have had a great day.

Well I'm doing my first bit of sewing for this year too and can't wait to get all my new plans into action, I'm sorry for keeping everyones mojo last year but alas I still seem to have it so off I go while the mojo's hot.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T15:46:00.000+10:00

Thank you for visiting my blog over the past year, its so nice to have your comments.

I have made a lot of new friends in blogland who enjoy the same interests as myself and its been great to visit those blogs as well.

I hope that you all have a

VERY SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

HELEN

Earl Grey quilt

2011-12-30T14:19:00.000+10:00

An Earl Grey Moment quilt from "Faeries in My Garden" is coming along nicely, this is block 2 finished..... its all going to plan so thats good. Have a look at my friend Jenny's blog to see her blocks, we are doing this together which helps keep us on track.

Such a lovely quilt and has heaps of embroidery which is just my cup of tea..... a little pun there hehehe

Swaps and OPAMs

2011-12-29T16:10:00.000+10:00

What a wonderful way to lead into Christmas..... opening gifts everyday but alas it has all stopped.

The Advent swap organised by Fee was a lot of fun, Gai (no blog) was my partner and these are the last weeks goodies.

A calender, photo frame, lovely smellies, Christmas tea towel, face washer and hand towel, coat hanger.

The main gift is something very special, it even has my name on it.... my very own travel pack.

Tissues, soap and soap bag, toothbrush bag, shampoo bag and cosmetics bag, these will be just great to take on my next retreat.... I'm sure all the girls will be so envious.

I can now show the gifts I sent to Gai, hope she enjoyed them.

This is the main gift for Christmas day, a sewing bag with a pin cushion.. scissor keep ...needle case and a little potpourri to make it all smell so nice. These are all from the book "The Angel Story" by Anni Downs..... might have to make myself a set I think.
Thank you for being my swap partner Gai, I enjoyed getting all these goodies together and really liked opening a gift each morning.

Thanks Fee for organising such a wonderful swap.

Chookyblue's SSCSwap was great fun too, I received this gift from Laila for Christmas day, its a very useful size and will be put to good use thats for sure.

and theres more..... inside the bag were these goodies, a great stitchery, christmas buttons and fabric which is always useful.

Thank you Laila for my lovely gifts and of course for the christmas ornie.... the little owl....you can see here.

I was sending to Martine in SSCS..... firstly we had the tree ornie and this is the little fellow I made.
Its a free pattern I got from Anniescupboards

The christmas day gift is a wallhanging by Hatched and Patched called "Garden of Angels"

I popped in a couple of Aussie gifts, a little magnet pocket addresss book and lollies.

I enjoyed making these gifts for Martine and I hope that she liked them.

Thanks for organising this great swap Chooky is was a lot of fun.

I was making another Annie Smith doll "Wishes do Come True" to add to my decorations but she didn't get finished in time but she is ready now and I'm very pleased with her.... such a cutie I think.

One can never have too many dolls ...... well I think so. hehehehe.

Christmas Party Pressies

2011-12-22T19:54:00.000+10:00

I have finally taken photos of the beautiful gifts I received last Tuesday, these girls are so thoughtful and generous......

Tereasa gave these lovely old worldie gift tags and my favourite candles from Dusks....

Teresa made this lovely "Quilters Journal" can't wait to get a few things entered in it....... its great, the little gingerbread house will be eaten very soon.

I wish I could show you each page but there are too many so this is just a little peek.

This is a very nice christmas plate but of course there were yummie home made goodies on it but guess who attacked it before the piccie...... yep me and Gavan...... they were good too, it was wrapped so beautifully with the tartan ribbon and cellophane by Laurel (no blog) she is the cook of the group .... looked good enough to eat so we did.

Last but not least is the lovely Sandi and as you can see she made a terrific wall hanging.... love the verse..... and a covered note book.

Thank you very much girls, I love all these fantastic gifts.... you are all so very special.

Mouldy Oldies.......

2011-12-21T18:55:00.000+10:00

Its our 48th wedding anniversary today.

Ohhh my goodness, has it really been so long.....
Our photos are now looking very old but I guess we are probably looking that way too lol.
Gavan was so nervous that I thought he would fall over.

It was such a hot day in Sydney all those years ago but here we are today looking forward to many more years together.

Party day and the Ugly Fat quarter.

2011-12-20T20:01:00.000+10:00

These girls are fantastic and I love them, they do look very innocent in this piccie but....... they can be very naughty..... trust me....... hehehehehe
I see that Teresa has beaten me to blogland but thats ok.

Yes I know.... I'm the only silly one but there is nothing like a cute set of antlers, the flower pot was a gift in the advent swap, I was just showing the girls how it wiggled.

The Ugly fat quarter story.

It arrived in our group sometime ago with 1 girl and then was passed on to another and so on, I was the last to get it so I made little finger pin cushions out of it so now we all have a piece of the ...... Ugly Fat quarter..... I guess you had to be there to see the funny side of it, as you can see the girls got a shock when they opened their gift boxes.

I made them open all at the same time and the laughter was so loud.

Ta....da.....dah.....

I'm such a silly duffer though as I forgot to take photos of the gifts I gave and haven't yet taken any of the beautiful gifts I received but I will add them later.

Thanks girls for another fantastic day and I look forward to the new year ahead with you all as my stitching buddies.

Swaps and my decortations.

2011-12-18T10:07:00.000+10:00

More great gifts from Gai, this Advent swap organised by Fee is so much fun...... I am repeating myself here again..... but it really is.

Hand Cream.... essential stuff.
Coffee Mug with coffee and tea bag..... also essential.
Biscuits...... to go with the mug of course.
Lollies.... well that goes without saying.
Tree ornies..... very cute.
Fridge magnet.....funny "Cook's Motto..... Got more time for misbehavin, since I started MICROWAVING"
and last but not least a cute little flower pot, you can't see it but it does wiggle

Our "Friends in Stitching" online group also has a christmas swap with 5 little gifts and a main gift for the big day, mine arrived yesterday from ......... can't tell who its from though as some of the girls don't know who their parners are yet.... its all a bit hush hush

I needed to make this table topper quickly, while decorating for christmas realised I didn't have anything to put on the table so ..... tah dah....... this is what I came up with, I'm very pleased with it too..... as you can tell I love red..... christmas or not really.

Ooooo thats an OPAM too.

Thought while I was taking piccies of swaps and finishes I would show you some of my christmas decorations that I've made and been given over the years, its great to get them out and remember some of the lovely gifts made by other friends too.

Of course I had to show my "Tis the Season" quilt taking pride of place in my lounge room, turned out to be a perfect fit for that piece of wall.... I must say though it was more good luck than good management.

Love this quilt too, I made it in 2006 with my Tuesday girls, a bit of a sitich-a-long together.

So many memories of times with friends stitching away together.

Of course a christmas tree, with lots of handmade ornies.

Yes I'm a bit dolly made I know.

This is my "Be Merry" quilt, made in 2004.

I didn't realise just how much red is in my home but hey I love it so thats all that matters.

I'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and hope all your wishes come true, of course if you have been very very good I'm sure Santa will bring you lots of goodies too.

Thanks for all your lovely comments over the year, its great to have you visit my blog.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE.

More birthday goodies and Advent swap

2011-12-14T18:30:00.000+10:00

More lovely gifts, our online group "Friends in Stitching" have a birthday swap and I was lucky to have Razzy send to me, the town where Razzy lives starts with the letter "G" so all gifts had to begin with that.

My gifts are wonderful,
Gob stopper... hehehehe she does know me well, hubbie liked that one.
Green fat quarter.
Gail Pan design green tablerunner, beautiful.
Gingerbread babies.... yummie.
Gingerbread buttons inside the card, I wish we had smellinet, they do smell good enough to eat.

Thanks so much girls and a special thank you to Roseanne, I love them all.

Beautifully stitched too.

There is a book mark there on the side of the card too.

More goodies from the Advent swap, my partner is Gai (no blog), its so much fun getting a little gift every morning. These are gifts 4 to 10 .... loving this swap.

Decorations, lovely tin, Christmas cards and tags, pins and note book.

other very cute decoration..... the 1 and only Santa.

Looking forward to this weeks gifts.

Thanks Gai these are wonderful.

I'm a lucky birthday girl.

2011-12-14T17:52:00.000+10:00

I am such a lucky girl, it was my birthday on the 9th December and I had a terrific day with hubbie, Corinne and Kenny at the Sunshine Coast. We went to a lovely Italian restaurant called "Arnica's" the view was great too as you can see in these piccies.

Good food, good company.... what else could one ask for.

Oooops got into the desert before the photo, it was yummie.

Corinne and Kenny gave me these terrific gifts, they know me well..... I love chocolates and Christmas decorations.

Gavan gave me this lovely gold locket and oh no..... more choccies.....

Heather and June gave me this beautiful lavender soap, infuser mug and pocket dairy.

It was a really terrific day.

Its gettting very exciting !!!!!

2011-12-06T20:02:00.000+10:00

Wow it is getting very exciting now..... pressies coming and going all over the place......
This parcel arrived yesterday all the way from Norway, it was a bit battered on its journey but still safe and sound.
Thanks go to you Chookyblue for organising this SSCS fun swap and to Laila for being my partner.

We were allowed to open the ornie gift and of course I did, this cute little fellow was just waiting for me to let him hang on the christmas tree and here he is.

Love him Laila, thanks so much..... can't wait for the big day to come so I can see what is in the other parcel.

Soooooo cute.
Here is my helper DH, we are making christmas puddings..... 2 actually and they are huge..... not sure why we need 2 large puddings but thats what we have, christmas is at Liz's (daughter) home this year so we will take 1 there and I guess we will get fat eating the other.

Mmmmmm can't wait.

Advent swap

2011-12-04T10:55:00.001+10:00

I'm so lucky to have joined in this great Advent Swap organised by Fee .... my partner is Gai (no blog)

The first 3 gifties are great..... you can never have too many threads especially as I'm a stitchaholic.
The little ornie is so cute ... if you look very closely you can just see a hint of red, it changes colour all the time... I sat for ages trying to get a better piccie but it wasn't happening. Well I do think that Santa's elves ate my clinkers..... nah not really I must confess it was me, haven't had them for years and they were yummie.
Thanks so much Gai, I'm enjoying a giftie every morning... its such a treat.

I do hope you are enjoying your gifts too Gai.

Not another doll !!!!!!

2011-12-02T12:55:00.000+10:00

Yes it is another doll..... meet "Dimity"she is from "Country Keepsakes" by Annie Smith, I have been going to make her for sometime but just never got around to it..... do glad I did though.

She's a bit more serious than the other dolls but I think she will keep all my girls on their best behaviour.

First December OPAM finish.

Quilt finish and swap pressies.

2011-11-29T20:19:00.000+10:00

I've finally finished my "Jelly roll race" quilt and I'm very pleased with it, the colours are a bit out of the norm for me but I do like it for a change.
Ooooo I guess thats an OPAM too.

I ditch stitched the main part and on the border I made squares, you can't see it very well in this piccie as I used a matching thread. I was going to stipple the main area but seeing I'm the world's worst stippler went back to ditching.

My advent swap partner "Gai" ( no blog) has sent all these goodies and I can't wait for the 1st Dec to start opening the parcels.... well 1 each day should I say..... I will be good, I will be good.

Thanks Fee for organising this great swap.

Another great Ornie Swap

2011-11-27T09:06:00.001+10:00

We had another great swap in our "Friends in Stitching" group thanks to Sarah's Prim Treasures.
I was lucky enough to have Peg sending to me and she made this terrific rustic wall hanging which will look great when all the decorations come out for this christmas. Not sure but I think its a bit too large to hang on the tree as an ornie but maybe next to the tree..... just kiddin Peg.... I'm so naughty arn't I..... hehehehe.

I was sending to Bec but I wanted to do something a bit different this time so I searched the internet for inspiration and I was lucky enough to find it on "Freebie for Crafters" which then sent me to another blog "Hanging on by a needle and thread" so thank you for this terrific idea. Now I must make myself one too.

More spending and another block

2011-11-25T19:53:00.001+10:00

Yes I'm guilty .....more spending but who can resist a good bargain, lovely fabric from Homespun and Beautiful of course..... where else would I go shopping. Oh you might be surprised that I do have plans for all this fabric I'm buying lately so keep an eye on my blog next year and you might just see the results.

Of course I'm still slowly make progress on the "Wonderful" aka SKOW quilt and check out all the great blocks the girls are doing on the "Stitch-a-long" blog.

Swaps and finishes

2011-11-21T19:34:00.001+10:00

Well no.... this is not a finish but a start.... a bit of a fib there sorry...... its part of the Stitch-a-long.... SKOW not keen on that name so I like to call it "Wonderful" quilt.

Here is a cute finish though please meet "Totti" isn't she a sweetie ? another Annie Smith doll and yes I'm already working on the next doll..... just love making dolls.

She really is so sweet.

This is a Jelly Roll quilt called "Pandora's Box", I'm still having trouble with my quilt holder....he thinks if he does a lousy job that I won't ask him anymore, he's so wrong hehehehe. I bought this fabric from Tereasa's shop "Homespun and Beautiful" she has this range and others on sale, its always good to get a bargain when we can.

It was great to get all my swaps finished and posted so now I can get on with a couple of other gifts for family and friends. I had better get a move on with those though as the days just seem to be going faster than they used to..... or am I just getting old.... nah couldn't be.
These are for Friends in Stitching group.

Ooooops nearly showed you a gift with the ladies name on it ...tut tut very naughty..... its a secret.
These gifts are for an Advent Swap.

Friends in Stitching Ornie swap.

Phew thats about it for the moment, can't add much to the OPAM list until my partners have opened their pressies. Now off to do a little stitching.

Fun day and Block 1 done.

2011-11-03T20:41:00.001+10:00

First block of my new quilt project is finished, its "An Earl Grey Moment" by "Faeries in My Garden" I'm doing this with Jenny so we are definately off to a good start.

Our Tuesday group was very small on Melbourne Cup day but that didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves, good friends, drinks and yummie food all adds up to a great day.... sorry about the quality of the piccie, not sure what happened there as our drinks were alcohol free as we all had to drive home.

Lots of chocolate..... Laurel and I made short work of it though.

Secret sewing reveal

2011-10-28T08:51:00.000+10:00

Another little finish to show, I'm a member of an online group "Friends in Stitching" , we each have to make a gift for someones birthday but the theme this year was to use the first letter of the town you live in and wasn't I lucky mine begins with "J"..... boy did I have to put my thinking cap on...... I had to send to Kylie and these are the things I came up with.

                                          Jewellery wrap
                                          Jewellery kit, bracelet.
                                          Jasmine candle
                                          Jelly beans
                                          Japanese fabric
                                          Jingle bells, that one is a bit sus but a good idea I thought

All fitted nicely in this lovely box, I hope Kylie enjoys these gifts and had a terrific birthday.

No the box doesn't start with "J".

Big buying.... Bevy of Beauties and Saturday ladies

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000+10:00

Well its been a while since my last post but this is making up for it, firstly I have another "Country Keepsakes" doll by Annie Smith... please let me introduce the lovely "Holly" isn't she a cutie and a christmas project to boot.

Here is our little saturday group working hard and in deep concentration, they are usually making dolls and laughing but they are having a bit of a change doing a jelly roll quilt.

Cheryl and Jean

Noreen and our new lady..... oops forgot her name.

and of course our ....Bevy of Beauties.... we are very pleased with ourselves too but as you can see I'm naughty as my poor little "Totti" isn't finished yet .....she will be ready for her photo shoot next week.

Now for my big buying spree..... Homespun and Beautiful is having a huge sale and I would be stupid not to grab a bargain or 2.... 3.... 4 and maybe even more, who knows.

Now all I need is a few more hours in the day so I can put all these wonderful fabrics to good use.

but I do have plans for it all..... big plans obviously.

My next doll yes .... yes.... another Country Keepsake doll......" I Believe" and will he be ready for christmas.... well I hope so.

I did go to the craft show here in Brisbane last week and bought a few bits and bobs sorry no piccies as some of the items are for secret stuff.

Phew I'm tired now looking at all that work ahead, none of which will be done t day as I'm off to lunch with hubbie and friends so maybe tomorrow.

An Earl Grey Moment

2011-10-16T18:18:00.000+10:00

Here is my new BOM from " Faeries in My Garden" called "An Earl Grey Moment" it is such a beautiful quilt, my friend Jenny is doing it with me so hopefully we can keep each other motivated to get each block done monthly..... well thats the plan.

I thought I would begin with the Earl Grey Teabag that came in the parcel with a Nice biscuit while I sorted out the first block. Thank you Lesley for the teabag it sure did hit the spot.

And here it is my first block ready for stitching....... lets go Jenny.

Friends swap pressies for me.....

2011-10-04T17:58:00.001+10:00

I recieved my FRIENDS swap pressie from my partner Yana, its so exciting getting parcels in the post and not knowing what might be inside.... I think I'm a bit like a little child in a candy store hehehehe.

Here are my gifts all together.

F.... ferrero choccies
R.... redwork stitchery

I.... ink pad
E..... embroidery threads

N... needle case

D... doll

S..... a little stamp.

Thank you for organising such a wonderful fun swap Khris. Its great lurking around other blogs seeing all the lovely gifts recieved in this swap.

FRIENDS Swap

2011-10-02T11:13:00.002+10:00

I can now show the gifts I sent my partner Yana as she has opened her pressies, thanks for organising such a great swap Khris. We had to send gifts starting with the letters of the word "Friends" so I had to put my thinking cap on and hopefully Yana will enjoy these goodies.

This book is for Yana's little girl just an extra gift.

This extra gift is for Yana, she collects fridge magnets and of course the bag is always useful to carry stitcheries or other bits and bobs.

A newsy post.

2011-09-25T21:14:00.001+10:00

'FRIENDS' parcel is on its way to Yana my partner so get it to her safely Mr. Postie, this is a terrific swap organised by Khris from Sew Prim Khris.

Another lovely Annie Smith " Country Keepsakes" doll called Dream Angel, isn't she the cutest thing ?
Such fun to make, we have a small group on Saturdays at Tereasa's shop "Homespun and Beautiful" a little dolly club I guess you could say .... we will have another doll finished next week and she is also a cutie.

Ain't she sweet.....

Of course while I was at the shop I had to buy these wonderful fabrics ready for next years quilt, which we may be doing in the "Stitch-a-long" with Chookyblue.

Also the 5th block of the "Breast of Friends" quilt bites the dust, lots more to go but it will be done.

Last but not least is my lovely g/daughter Corinne with her new (secondhand) car, here she is checking the oil and water..... good girl.

She is wearing the biggest grin.... so happy she now has her wheels.

This weekend she came for a visit and was showing off the great wax and polish job she as done on the car, it did look so shiny....... well done kiddo.

Faeries and a New blogger

2011-09-23T15:04:00.000+10:00

Another "Faeries in My Garden" Gift of the Month project finished, lots of work in this one. I'm been doing this one with Teresa, we thought it would be nice to have it finished for christmas and looks like we have made it.... phew..... Teresa will post about hers very soon.

There are a few lovely charms on it which really gives it interest.

Its hard to see the beautiful fabric in these photos as its a bit shiny but hopefully you can see it okay.

I'd also like to introduce Sandi at "Sew Moore with Sandi" she is new to blogland so pop over and make her feel welcome, she's another very busy crafter and has lots to show..... don't forget to leave her a comment.

Friday Night Sew In

2011-09-11T12:29:00.000+10:00

I just found this great idea on Shez's blog so I thought I would give it a go, its always good to join other crafty friends and hopefully get a few projects done too. If you would like to join in the fun pop over to Heidi's blog and check it out.

Off to a good start

2011-09-02T15:56:00.000+10:00

What is your ironing board wearing this season?

I know ..... silly question..... mine is now wearing a little pieced number made out of scraps and of course the iron has its own block to stand on. I got the pattern from the Moda site, I haven't quilted it as they seem to wear out so fast seemed to be a waste of time, I just popped it over the old one .... now I have to make a cover for my old chair as its looking a bit unhappy being left out.

You really would think I have more important things to do and yes you are right .... I have..... but its nice to do something quick and easy for a change, it really cheers up the sewing too.

Oh well off to the next project.
I hope you are having a good day and getting lots of stitching done.

News overload

2011-09-01T16:28:00.001+10:00

Lots of news today... we went to the Beaudesert Quilters Retreat at Mt. Tamborine last weekend, fortunately it wasn't as cold as last year and of course we did enjoy ourselves.
We went to Gallery Walk for coffee and cake, then on to look at a few of the shops then back to the retreat.

Tereasa enjoying her yummie cake.

Sandi had scones and boy were they huge.

This is the project I worked on .... a jelly roll quilt.

Tereasa busy busy busy.

The theme of the camp was Masquerade/Bling and lots of the ladies really get into the swing of it all.

We only wore masks.... pretty nice trio I think..... a matching set.

The lovely Noela in her black and white number.

We also have to make a placemat with the theme in mind.

There was a paper bag swap of fabric and we all received a cute name tag and bling bag.

Here is my Jelly roll quilt with borders added, very happy with this one.

Tuesday was craft day with the girls and we decided to have a jelly roll race only 3 of us joined in but we still had a great time.... I came last.

Teresa and Mary working away.

3 little quilst all in a row, we all used Bali Pops and the colours are really lovely.

We also had a visit from Jo (she now lives in NZ) it was great to have the original gang back together.

Here is my jelly roll quilt top, I added a peeper as well as the border.

A finish and something new.

2011-08-15T12:49:00.000+10:00

I have another finish, I bought this pattern a long time ago and it just seemed to go to the back of the "to do list" so its nice to have her done..... shes a "Raggedy Pants" pattern called "Oh my Stars".

I'm not really a prim girl but I thought this one was a cute ugly prim.

And now for the new..... first the mess

Oh yes there was a lot of mess.

A man at work... don't you love that statement............... he takes the high work

and I take the low work.....

Tadaaaaaaa my new cutting table

When I won the voucher and cash for my quilts I decided to spend it wisely and of course I think I did. Mind you a $20 voucher and $50 cash doesn't buy a table but it was a good excuse to lash out on soemthing special.

So now I will have to get my Candlewick quilt out for pinning as I can't let the table gather dust, I must put it to good use.

Teddy's big day out.

2011-08-11T18:42:00.000+10:00

Don't forget to join the Teddy Bear's Picnic at Melody's blog, there are lots of bears going.

Well I'm here to tell you about this little bears BIG day out...... she belonged to my Mum who left me this day last year so I needed a cheerie day starting with pretty bright yellow flowers and Mum's favourite bear, I bought it for her some years ago so she is very special to me now.

Beautiful aren't they.... so cheerie.... Mum loved flowers and bright ones too.

We decided to go for another fly and of course this little lovelie came to join us, here she is getting ready for the flight, headset..... check

All ready to go, I have to sit on Helen's lap so I could see the view.

"This looks like fun "

"Ohhhh take off...... I'm scared "

Moogerah Dam, we are on our way to Warwick for lunch.

" Turbulence....... helpppppp" .... Helen couldn't even keep the camera still.

Its settled now so I'm helping with flying stuff from this book.

Mmmmm lunch was good, Helen and I shared.... fancy fish and chips.

I got to go in a taxi as we were 10mins out of town.... this is fun.

Our plane... looks safe enough so we are going back to Boonah to put the plane in the shed.

"Ohhhh no nasty weather, bit rough and a little rain.

I only opened one eye as we were landing as it was a bit bumpy on the strip so Helen got a blurry photo, she's not much of a camera person.... maybe I should have taken the photos.

Phewwwww all safe and now we are off home back to Jimboomba.

"I made it..... lucky me"

Flossie has a new cover

2011-08-09T19:53:00.001+10:00

Brrrr these cold nights have spurred me into making "Flossie" my sewing machine a nice cover, I didn't want her to get cold as she has been working so hard of late...... I think she deserved to be warm.

I saw a jelly roll pattern from the "Moda Bake Shop" so after a bit of tweeking here and there this is my version, I didn't have a jelly roll so I used left over fabric from an earlier quilt and I'm very happy with the outcome.

I just wanted something quick, simple and pleasant to the eye.

Happy stitching.

A bit more progress

2011-08-07T20:17:00.001+10:00

Slowly but surely I'm getting the "Breast of Friends" blocks done.... this is block 4 so now to get onto the next one, I will get this quilt finished.... hows that for positive thinking?

Tadaaaaaa my new baby.....
A "Cat and the Fiddle Design" called "Oh, Baby" isn't she just the cutest little girl, I feel so inspired to do more dolls at the moment so I'll have to think of my next dolly..... there are so many its hard to choose..... but I will.

She looks so cute sucking her thumb hehehehe.

Nothing much else to show but I do hope to be back soon with more projects as my mojo is still with me and I'm trying to make the most of it.

A fly over

2011-08-04T20:01:00.000+10:00

Today I went for a fly with my DH, it was a beautiful day for flying only a little bit of turbulence which just makes it more interesting. This photo is of the new "Wyaralong Dam" in the south east of Queensland and it was great to see it from the air.

Theres our town "Jimboomba" looks small from up here.

Our house is down there.... I was going to say that its the one with the silver roof but how silly would that be hehehehe

Time for a landing and hopefully a good lunch before going home.

The props look as though they have stopped, lucky for us they haven't.

We had lunch in the local old pub at Boonah and it was yummie so looks like a light tea tonight.

Its a great way to spend a few hours, when you are up in the air you seem to forget about the rest of the world and all its problems.

Oh well back to reality and home for a bit of stitching.

Tis the Season quilt.

2011-07-28T16:45:00.000+10:00

Wow another finish and I'm very happy with it too. This is "Tis the Season" wallhanging by Natalie Bird, I've been doing it with the "Stitch-a-long" group we also did one other project from the book mine being the album, its great to have it finished so come on Christmas I'm ready...... well not really but it sounds good. hehehehe

Label and all..... just showing off.....

Oooooo and thats another OPAM finish.

Lucky girl.......

2011-07-25T14:23:00.000+10:00

Well I'm a lucky girl, I put my "Blossom Lane" quilt and "Girls Day Out" quilt in the Mt Gravatt Show on the weekend and here are the results..... a first for one and a second for the other, it was so exciting to see them hanging with their ribbons on and with the first prize came a $20 voucher at Brisbane Sewing Centre and $50 cash.......pretty good I think.

I'm also lucky to be able to put this post on my blog really as we are having putor troubles so I'm not sure when I'll be posting again ...... I need to get off here before it shuts down as it seems to have a mind of its own..... we are getting a new computor next week. I'll be back soon I hope ......

My new girl.

2011-07-19T18:45:00.000+10:00

Here is my new girl "Celia" isn't she just the cutest thing, shes designed by Annie Smith from "Country Keepsakes" love making her dolls they have such character and always fun to make. I have the next doll chosen so keep watching this space for more dollies, the doll bug has hit me so I'm on a roll.

She's a slim little lady.

Beautiful in her own quirky way or do I have a strange idea of beauty.... nah I don't think so.

I'm off now to get all the bits and pieces for my next creation.

Do you know where your mojo is ?????

2011-07-17T14:23:00.001+10:00

Well I know where it is..... I have it and I'm not giving it back either ...... hehehehe.

Here are the last 3 blocks of the "Tis the Season" quilt from the "Stitch-a-long" group, its so nice to be this close to a finish..... if you pop over to the group you will see a lot of blocks in different colourways and they all look fabulous.

I'm so happy to have this little girl finished too... the poor girl has been waiting for me to get her done for so long ..... no I'm not telling how long but a long time..... so after finishing her I've got the doll bug again so you will be seeing more girls appearing very soon. This one is an Annie Smith doll called "Loubee Lou" and she was in a Homespun magazine some time ago, she is a beauty... love her.

She has been in a plastic bag like this for all that time.... so sad.

A few bits of her clothing had been done too, not much as you can see.

Here she is taking shape.

and woohooooo all done.

She looks as surprised as I am.

Yesterday I went to Tereasa's shop "Homespun and Beautiful" to join a few other ladies who were making "Jo Jingles" he's such a cute fellow, I must make him one day. I will be back later to show you who I was making.

Top friends, top times, top week.

2011-07-12T21:16:00.002+10:00

Last week started out just like any other..... Tuesday is always the best day as I spend it with my crafty friends and as usual it was fun and laughter, we were very good girls making our christmas project from the book "Tis the Season" by Natalie Bird.. ..... Christmas Joy Scrapbook Album, it was great to do together, we are all members of the "Stitch-a-long" group.

Teresa and Tereasa being very quiet which is something very unusual hehehehe

and I'm even being quiet.

Silliness is never very far away for us though, we are taking piccies of us taking piccies..... will we ever grow up.... nah I don't wanna......

Tereasa proudly showing her album, this is a first for her and isn't she a clever clogggggs.

Looking pretty good I think.
On wednesday my long time friend Jenny from Bundaberg came for a visit so of course that meant more laughing and crafting, here she is feeling right at home with our little dog "Pippa"

Cuppa.... cake and lots more laughing as Jenny joined us on Thursday for another craft day, Jenny knows all the girls well so more fun was to be had.

Sorry Teresa but I think this piccie is very cute, no she's not making a hat its a bag, it was just a silly moment. I'm not sure what happened but I haven't got a photo of the bag but if you pop over to Teresa's blog there are lots more photos of our fun day with Jenny.

On Friday Jenny and I took a craft shop tour starting with "Faeries in My Garden" then on to "Shabby Streak" after that the "Patchwork Tree" and finally "Thread and Ginger" and of course we had a very nice lunch and a coffee break, all that shopping makes us girls very tired, it really was a great day but I can't show my purchases yet as I haven't taken any piccies of them so maybe later.

I was a lucky girl though as Jenny bought this great fellow from the Shabby Streak shop and gave him to me as a thank you for having her stay with us..... isn't he terrific..... the lady at the shop was laughing as he is called "Stupid" and it gives me a giggle every time I look at him so the name will stick.

Heres another silly moment at my home with Jenny.... she has a photo of me doing the same thing so hopefully I can get one from her to show you.... this is going to be a teapot cosy .....

We had a great sewing day together making one of our "Gift of the Month" projects from "Faeries in My Garden" a lovely little set pot holder, teapot cosy and toaster cover.

This is my "Tis the Season" scrapbook album and I'm very happy with the final results, all I need to do is find the photos to put in it.

My "Breast of Friends" quilt has been sitting in the cupboard waiting for me to show some interest in getting on with more blocks, I've only done 2 and this one makes 3 so lots more progress needed.

It was a busy week but heaps of fun......

Hope my mojo stays for a while......

2011-07-03T16:49:00.000+10:00

Well here is another project that I should not have signed up for but I guess we all do that from time to time, its a button BOM by Lynette Anderson called "Christmas Fun" I purchsed it from Sarah at her online store "Patchwork Plus"..... love the fabrics but there is a lot of work in this one..... but fun.

Lots of needleturn but thats ok by me as I'm right at home with it.

This project is a special one as it was a kit given to me by a special friend Tereasa, I should have made it a while ago but I'm happy its finished now and I love it.... Thanks so much Tess.... its an "Always Stitchin" pattern by Debbie Magee called "Armchair Companion" not only beautiful but useful which is an added bonus.

Love Tereasa's fabric choices, she has such a talent for colours and putting just the right embellishments together.

Last but not least are my blocks for the "Stitch-a-long" group, we are doing the "Tis the Season" wallhanging by Natalie Bird, only 3 more blocks to go.... whoopeeeee

Ooooops a daisy, where did June go !!!!

2011-07-01T19:05:00.003+10:00

Ohhhh my goodness where did June go I ask you ??????

I had projects to show and add to my OPAM list but I guess they will now have to go into my July list, mind you I'm off to a good start so look out lots to show.

Firstly I have this "Faeries in My Garden" project called "Mi Lady's Unmentionables" from the Gift of the Month club, I've made it for a very special lady.... I hope she likes it.....

I've used Lavender in the shoe sachets and small sachet, mmmmm smells lovely.

Finished at last my "Girls Day Out" quilt by Libby Richardson, just love this quilt and it looks fabulous hanging on the wall... even if I say so myself.

Here is a few close ups of the blocks, the buttons really finish it off.

I must be off now to add these to my OPAM list.

B Happy Day

2011-06-29T17:55:00.000+10:00

I am the "B Happy Fairy"

Last Tuesday I thought our little stitching group needed a good belly laugh with lots of fun soooooo
a party would be just what we needed and I'm very happy to say it was a big hit.

Naturally every party needs bubbly ....only sparkling grapefruit as we all had to drive.....

Smiley badges and pretty yellow flowers to brighten the day.....

Mary is very good at this game.

Tereasa and Teresa playing games together

Teresa and Mary (no blog)

Lolly bags ...... don't they look fabulous with their teeth in.....

Cake with one candle each to blow out........ we nearly blew each other over, lots of girlie germs all over the cake.

Look at these cuties carefully water painting, its a tough job you know !!!!!

Lots of goodies

Gosh it really was a fun day and I hope we get to do it another day, good friends, lollies, cake, games what else could I ask for.

Luv you girls.

Lost ... Found....Fixed

2011-06-20T08:50:00.002+10:00

Well here I am at last after a few little holdups along the way, firstly I stupidly opened a junk email and of course something nasty took over our computor so we had to call the fix it man "Bill"..... then I tried to do a blog post but blogger was mucking up as well and wouldn't let me put any photos up so I waited ..... then our computor decided it would have a hissy fit all by itself so another call to "Bill" .... then I couldn't find the photos that I wanted to post about so I had to upload from the camera again.... luckily I hadn't deleted them.

So here are my photos..... this is a great christmas tablerunner by Hatched and Patched called "Festive Season" it has 3 terrific decorations as well, I made these for my friend Tereasa as samples for her fantastic shop "Homespun and Beautiful"..... just a little plug there hehehe.

I do have more to show but I will be back soon as I wouldn't want to put you in overload.

A proud and busy time.....plus TIS

2011-05-30T21:42:00.001+10:00

Things have been very busy of late but all enjoyable which is great.

Our daughter ... Heather was inducted into the QLD Police Service on friday 27th, we are so proud of her and wish her well in the future, she has worked so hard to achieve this as she broke her foot and required an operation ... metal plate and 5 screws ... so she was many weeks on crutches during the 7 month program as a recruit but its all been worth the effort and we couldn't be happier for her.... well done Heather, we love you. If you want to have a look at the ceremony the police have put it on Youtube which is terrific.

The Police Pipes and Drum band, they were terrific.

Heather and her daughters, June and Corinne.

Heather with the Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.

A very proud moment for her.

Saturday we went to the opera to see Puccini's The Girl of The Golden West, we both enjoyed it very much.

Sunday I went to the movies with Corinne and Kenny to see Pirates Of The Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides .... Johnny Depp is such a spunk..... so it was a terrific few days.

Its taken me quite a while to do this post as we were having a very nasty storm fortunately it passed quickly,bn I popped out to take a piccie of the front lawn and as you can see lots of hail.

Oooooops nearly forgot to show you my TIS stitch-a-long blocks for May.

Woohoooo Blossom Lane finished......

2011-05-15T16:23:00.002+10:00

I'm so excited..... I have been working on this quilt for quite a long time .... its finally finished and hanging on my new quilt shelf...... I'm so very very happy with it as if you couldn't tell hehehehehehe. This was a BOM from "Faeries in My Garden" designed by Maureen Latta, its in the most beautiful fabric and hanging proudly on the wall behind my bed ....... I love it.....

I'll have to find a few more little treasures for the shelf but that won't take me long I'm sure and thats another OPAM finish whoopeeeee....

Happy and sad Mothers Day

2011-05-10T16:59:00.000+10:00

Here is the happy part......

My Mothers Day started on Saturday actually, Corinne (g/daughter) and Kenny (bf) asked us to join them for lunch at Maleny in a most delightful german restaurant called "King Ludwigs" .... it was just fantastic .... food, service and view were just stunning, if you ever get the chance to visit there you won't be disappointed ...I didn't know which photos to show everything was so nice so you get to see the lot.
Here we are arriving ready for lunch with good company.

This is the view of the Glass House Mountains from the veranda of the restaurant..... fantastic and so relaxing we could have stayed there all day.

This is my light lunch.....Corinne had the same

Don't you just love the glass, its filled with sparkling Apple cider from Tasmania.... mmmmm

Gavan's main meal, Kenny was laughing at me taking photos of all the food, I guess it was a giggle .

Kenny's main meal, can't remember the name of the dishes.

Wow this was desert.... yummie sticky date pudding, it was fantastic.....

Kenny's desert, looks good don't you think.....

Corinne and Gavan both chose the same desert.

A couple of photos of the inside of the restaurant.....

We were seated on the veranda overlooking the wonderful view, there were lovely shawls for the ladies on our chair, what a lovely touch.

Sunday my family came for lunch which was great so we had a very relaxing day with great company.

Mothers Day was also very sad for me this year, its the first Mum's day without my Mum but having family with me was a big help, I really miss her.

These warm goodies my son Rob and his partner Mel gave me, I'm off to a retreat in August so they will get a work out then.

My (daughter) Heather and (g/daughter) June gave me this beautiful frame, I'll have to find just the right piccie for it.

Here is Gavan working out on the WII fit we bought on Saturday so we can get on track with our fitness or at least thats the plan .....hehehehe .....doesn't he look a trick.

I do hope you all had a very very Happy Mothers Day with family and of course lots of goodies.

What a little cutie

2011-05-07T19:50:00.000+10:00

Isn't she a little cutie ...... Phoebe ..... a "Melly and Me" pattern, I've made her for Tereasa's lovely shop "Homespun and Beautiful" and I think she is really great in this fabric.... funky but very pretty as well.

She certainly is a show off, I'm sure she would great in almost any colour.

Melody's Tuesdays Treasures.....pets

2011-05-03T16:53:00.001+10:00

Loved reading Melody's blog for her "Tuesday Treasures" pop over to read her story it is a must read, mind you I'm having trouble typing as our little dog "Pippa" is sitting on my lap with her head buried under my arm as we are having a storm at the moment and she is very scared.
My story isn't very exciting but this is the first dog I have ever had as an inside pet, all our dogs were outside, anyone who knows me are amazed when they know our Pippa is in the house and even more amazed that she sleeps in my bedroom..... no no not on the bed I haven't changed that much........ she is the funniest pet we have ever had, she is a Jack Russell and has energy to burn.... we love her dearly.

This is the way my hubbie and Pippa spend most evenings..... a picture no artist could paint.....

Looks innocent doesn't she but she is only resting after tearing her cute Tiger christmas present that Corinne gave her..... tore it to bits...... its now only a long piece of yellow material without stuffing so it needs to go in the bin.

and this is her other way of having fun.... killing snakes..... this one is on its back but I wasn't moving it for a photo even if it is dead..... Pippa did this while we were having our craft day, shook it and broke its back. She has been bitten but fortunately it was only a whip snake which won't kill anyone but it did make her sick .... did she learn ..... no ..... she has had a brown snake bailed up under a flower pot, shes also had a baby red belly black snake and killed it so I only hope she doesn't get hurt by these nasty snakes.

So who's been a naughty girl ?

2011-05-02T19:22:00.001+10:00

ME...... thats who !!!!!!!

Tereasa and I went to the Mother's Day Craft Extravaganza yesterday, we both were very naughty but I think we deserved it hehehehe, the event is held in support of the Mount Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade so we did our shopping with only the best of intentions and we are mothers too so its all good. I took my camera so I could show you the great stalls but I was so excited with buying that I forgot to use it.

Here are my purchases..... a beautiful bag.... a must have

and of course these goodies I just had to have as well.....

ooooops these tooooo

aren't they just beautiful and so necessary too.

I'm starting a wooden birdhouse collection.

This little fridge magnet is a special gift for my Corinne.... g/daughter.... she loves music.

Tis the Season and a finish

2011-04-29T16:39:00.001+10:00

Aprils blocks done for the "TIS stitch-a-long" online group organised by Chookyblue, its the best way to keep motivation going and getting a project finished.... pop on over and see what everyone is up to.

These are door knob decorations, they are samples for my friend Tereasa's craft shop Homespun and Beautiful its a Hatched and Patched pattern ..... "Festive Season" .....and has a beautiful Tablerunner but I haven't finished that yet, its very large so it might take a while before you see it here.

Oh yes that is another finish for the OPAM list.

A very SPECIAL Easter.

2011-04-27T14:36:00.004+10:00

My special Easter began with a visit from a dear friend "Glenda" we have known each other for many years but we get a bit slack on the visiting side of things sometimes so it was just great to see her on Good Friday and I couldn't let her leave without a Faerie gift, one of the little doorstops I made a few weeks ago. It was terrific to spend the day with her.

Then things just got better after that day, my son "Rob" called with a lovely surprise, his son "Thomas" was coming for a visit from Sydney, we haven't seen Thomas since he was 18months old, reasons far too complicated to explain here. It was so good to see him with his Dad, he has only seen his Dad once in all that time so you can imagine it really was a great day for our family and of course they all came for Easter sunday, I was sooooo happy..... just fantastic. So now you have to see lots of piccies of my family..... sorry but I'm happy for us all, best Easter we have had for such a long time. Of course Thomas is a terrific little boy and seemed to be right at home with us all, we do hope that he will be able to visit his Dad more often in the future.

Thomas, he's 9yrs old and he is on an easter egg hunt.

Me ... Thomas, Dad and his partner Mel (she was trying very hard not to be in the photo)

Thomas with his cousins Clayton and June, they were all young when they saw him last but made friends as though it was yesterday.

Jake, Clayton (brothers) and Thomas.

Naturally all children have to have silly photos.

Stacks on the Mill.

And of course you are never toooo old for easter egg hunting, Corinne is 19 now but she still loves to be a kid at Nan's. Corinee wasn't able to join us on Easter sunday so naturally the Easter bunny came on monday for her and she did get to visit Thomas at Rob's house which was great.

Thomas with his Auntie Heather and Auntie Liz.

As you can see my Rob doesn't like having his photo taken so this was a " must I " photo.

Do you like Liz's hair ? You never know what to expect when you see Liz, its always different. hahaha

Another visit with Thomas before he goes home to Sydney.

Boys and their toys, never thought I would see these 3 together, its just great.

Pop, Dad and Thomas.

Playing with the remote controlled chopper.

What a super weekend and I even managed to fit in a bit of stitching too but that can wait for another post.

Finishes and other stuff

2011-04-13T15:13:00.001+10:00

Its great to finish this project "My Garden" by Lynette Anderson as I joined the new "Christmas Fun" project and the first one has arrived from "Patchworks Plus" I promised myself that I wouldn't start it till the other was finished so far my plan is working.

I bought the kit from "Homespun and Beautiful" and I'm very pleased with the lovely fabric.

The had painted buttons are so cute and really make the quilt come to life.

These are the fabrics and pattern for "Christmas Fun" , they are just waiting for me to start, I'd better get a move on as the next one is nearly due. Sarah at "Patchworks Plus" has chosen lovely fabrics for this little quilt.

A great win for me from Michelle at " Rag-Tag Stitchin" in her March giveaway, love the pattern and the extas are adorable too, cute bear tag, thanks so much Michelle.

Mmmmm my g/daughter June cooked potato bake for us the other night and it was terrific.

What a ptiy she covers hers with all that sauce, doesn't really need it I don't think.

Another finish are these little baskets from the "Hatched and Patched" pattern "Lets Celebrate" very easy to make and I'm sure they would make great gifts with sewing goodies or choccies in them, its a sample for my friend "Tess" at "Raggedy Station" for her new shop "Homespun and Beautiful".

And....... proof the my friend "Teresa" is really still doing the "Gardeners Journal" quilt even though she has begun the "Tis the Season" project, I promise to keep her on track and make sure she finishes, you will find both these BOM's on the "Stitch-a-long" blog so pop over and have a look at all the wonderful progress the girls are making.

Another finish for OPAM

2011-04-07T08:57:00.000+10:00

Another "Faeries in My Garden" Gift of the Month finish, this one is called "Parisienne" a lovely cosmetics or shower bag. Its a great size and the fabrics are really beautiful.... can't wait to use it...... I will keep this one as a little pressie for me..... naughty but nice.

Ooooo a giveaway

2011-04-05T19:55:00.000+10:00

Tereasa is having a wonderful giveaway to celebrate the opening of her new shop "Homespun and Beautiful" and of course I had to enter, I was at the new shop today and saw the fabric in the flesh.... so to speak.... its beautiful and the lace button is something really different so if you want to enter then pop over to her blog... Raggedy Station.....and look for yourself at the wonderful prize.

A Faerie's finish

2011-04-03T17:22:00.020+10:00

Not sure if I have fixed my problem with photo uploading ( with help from Chooky ) we will see ....

I have been working on this project for a little while now as it has a lot of fiddly bits but has come together nicely in the end. Its from the "Gift of the Month" from "Faeries in My Garden" the pattern is called "Dee's Dressing Table Set" I love the fabrics ..... this will be my first OPAM for April.

Jewellery Box and Manicure case.

This is the Manicure case lovely embroidery design.

Inside the case

A Picnic and a problem !!!!!!

2011-03-31T15:15:00.000+10:00

Well its Teddy Bear's Picnic day again, these bears get more picnics than I do but they do love them so I guess its all good. These cuties I have had for a long time and they smell sooooo nice, the poor little things have aromatic oils poured in an unmentionable place..... tut tut tut..... but they don't seem to mind which is good .... they brought cake with them .... not a lot of cake but a small bite each. There are other friends joining them at the picnic so if you would like to check them out pop over to Melody's blog and you find other picnic links there.

Now for my problem, I tried to upload more piccies of finishes for OPAM but blogger won't let me, I get a message that I have used my piccie quota and I now need to pay to put more photos on my blog..... has anyone else had this problem ?..... so sad..... I guess my finish will have to wait till next month.

Does anyone pay for photo space on their blog ?

Kingaroy retreat and stitch-a-long.

2011-03-26T19:48:00.001+10:00

Well here we are stuck in traffic for quite awhile.... nothing going either way.... finally we were off again but we did stop for a little break.

We found this cafe so lunch was then the order of the day.

Teresa was trying to get out of the picture but she couldn't escape my camera, Laurel was a good girl though.

Happy hour at the "Quilter's Rest" at Kingaroy, fabulous place away from the world, no television or radio.... just stitching..... fantastic.

We thought this was very funny, Jenny and I had our little irons and were using the same ironing board for our bear clothes.... the table was very large ... thought it made a cute piccie.

Here we are with our bears, we both bought a kit at last years craft show and thought it would be good to make them together. The bear "Goodnight Irene" was already made... we only had to make the clothing and they look fabulous .... well we think so.

We didn't know all the ladies but we all soon made friends quickly and heaps of laughing, chatting and sewing followed.

These are the goodies I bought at our retreat, there is a great little craft shop there as well so of course one can hardly leave without a purchase or 2.

I've also finished the first 3 blocks for the "Tis the Season".... the "Stitch-a-long" group are doing this together this year, its great for motivation with so many ladies doing the same thing.