Where has the Time Gone?

It has been a month since I have blogged and I am amazed at how fast the time seems to be disappearing at the moment. 

Phebe has been consuming most of my stitching time and even though the progress is slow, I am loving every bit of it.

 I hand pieced all the dogtooth border and am now starting work on the next applique border.

See my fussy cutting?  I did a class with Di Ford at Threadbear last Sunday.  We had a fantastic day and I came home all inspired with renewed vision when looking at fabric.  I redid this flower through the week and have a couple more I want to change.  I was in "Phebe Heaven" as it was one of the quilts we got to study and she was hanging on the wall right behind my seat all day!!!!

I have been playing with a Sue Daley template.  A very cute little basket and I think I will stick to the red baskets.

This year, Jan and I decided we would join the Castlemaine Applique group.  We have a great time and get to see the most amazing quilts.  Meghan does a fantastic job of hosting and makes us feel very welcome.  

The above two photos are of the same quilt made by different quilters, Dorothy and Merri - absolutely stunning.

This beautiful quilt was made by Kerry.  The quilt is called "Queen Daisy" and is a design by Susan Smith, it is also another one I want to make one day.

I also finally got to meet Deb from "Needles Sticks & Hooks" .  We have been blogging friends for a while now and it was really good to finally catch up with each other.

We have also had a birthday this  month.  My beautiful big boy, Chris, turned 28 and here he is with his "Freddo Frog Ice Cream Cake", no pavlova for  him!

The weather has definately changed here and it is freezing.  These are the last of my roses till next Spring.  I love that striped one but I don't know the name, it always looks great in a vase with the other pink ones.

Sue-Anne xxx

Slowly Settling Into The New Year

I am slowly getting back into a routine, sort of, after the hype of Christmas. I have managed to do a little applique - yes Phebe has reappeared and I am very proud of these little flowers! I have absolutely no vision when it comes to fussy cutting and even less patience with fiddly little pieces so I am sure you will understand how happy I was to get these little darlings stitched down.

I also made a cover for the ironing board.  When I had the Friday Girls over to make our little quilts (the I'm not going overseas quilts) back in October, I was very embarrassed at the state of the cover.  It has only taken me 3 months to replace it!  This is the first time I have made one and although it is a little rough around the edges I think it looks pretty good and next time I will have a better idea on how to have a better fit.

I've been sewing some clamshells too.  I think I only have about 7 rows to go so may decide to put my all into it and get it finished.  It would be nice to actually have something finished for a change...

I also managed a little fabric shopping at Needles & Pins at Warrandyte.  I had to go down to Melbourne on Friday with Nicholas to pick up his Drift car.  Its a bit of a long story but was down there getting a specialist tune up after the motor getting rebuilt.  I took him down, he was going to drive his car back  and I planned to do a bit of shopping before coming home.  Anyway, turns out there was a last minute problem with the car and Nic couldn't take it home so, off I headed to Needles & Pins with Nic in the passenger seat.  We get there and he says to me "Please don't be long, I have to be back home before tea tonight".  I replied "Don't worry, I don't know anyone at this shop".  I walked in and who do you think was there - Di Ford - of Phebe and countless other beautiful quilts fame!  We had a great chat.  Di and the Secret Sisters are featured in the next Quiltmania due out so make sure you get a copy.  

This week also saw the family get together for dinner to say goodbye to Nic.  He has headed back to base now after having a month off.  That's him above with Chris and Amy.  All major dinners in this family have to be a roast and Nic's favourite dessert is Pavlova.  Now I don't make pavlovas - my father has always made them and this Christmas there was a lot of discussion as to how to make the perfect pav.  I decided to give it a go and make one out of the Donna Hay magazine.  I was quite ambitious as it is a double layer pavlova (two cakes) but I was so happy with how it turned out, that I am claiming bragging rights for quite a while.

There was no beading or weeping, the crust was silky smooth, tasted divine AND

look at all that marshmallow in the centre of it!  I also made raspberry coulis (another 1st for me) and everyone had two helpings.  I hate to think how many calories are in it...

Even Buddy was wanting to see what was happening up on the table!

Sue-Anne xxx

What a Month We've Had!

Last week saw us attending the March Out of our son Nicholas, with the Australian Army.  He has completed his basic training and is now in the process of learning his new trade of Australian Soldier.  We were so excited to see him and our time with him went far too quickly. 

Here he is with his brother.  Of course we are very proud of both our boys and I can see a proudness in Nic by the way he carries himself now.  Amazing how they can grow up so completely in such a short time. 

His quilt was completed a couple of weeks before and I couldn't wait to give it to him.  It is now with him to keep him warm and remind him of home.

Chris and Amy arrived home from their honeymoon a couple of weeks before the March Out and here they are at the airport with Lucy (their baby).  Amy's sister Kate made a sign and brought her to the airport.  I don't think I have ever seen Amy so excited as when she realised Lucy was there.  5 weeks is a long time away from the people/dogs we love.

Remember this quilt?  I finally got around to having it quilted and got it back yesterday.  Rose did a wonderful job with the quilting and now I have to make another binding.

I have also been doing a little machine piecing and this is the start of another quilt, Washington Sidewalks.  This was a pattern from Patchwork on Stonleigh's fabric club.

These are the latest Irish Circles blocks. 

Sue-Anne xxx