Textile Tales

 Good morning....don't faint! I'm back again so soon lol! Have you jumped into the new year with gusto or easing yourself into it. I have done a little of both. I am still happily quilting my Gathered Treasures at night when it's a bit cooler...it's been so muggy and humid here.

Textile Tales is begun. First order of the day was to create a cover. I have it 6 inches by 7 inches and have cut the pages slightly smaller to fit inside. I used a cream base on the front to build on.

And a beautiful piece of Cath Holden fabric...that I couldn't bear to chop up for the back. I loved the vintage feel of it. The book is set in the 1960's, so it just had that feel to me.

I have used a light weight batting to give the cover substance. A few folks have asked me how I prepare my base for slow stitching. I cut the fabric about a half an inch larger than necessary and then press it to the back and tack it on place over the batting. I love the feel of this method when you add embroidery etc.

And then the pretty bits could start. I loved utilising this beautiful piece of selvage. I came home with a bagful from my visit to friend Fiona's. I love that you can use bits and bobs that would otherwise be discarded in slow stitching. 

I embroidered a little name plate and added a bee of course. Plus some old lace and embroidery. I am happy with the front. I just need to find a vintage bee themed ribbon I have for a tab under the button. You know how it is....put away somewhere safe....NEVER to be seen again until you DON'T  need it *sigh!

I have used bright pink here and there because the sisters house in the book was pink!

I am planning on quilting the back cover a little just for texture. So not quite done yet.

I do love that fabric....so that's the beginning of my tribute to.....

Earlier this week Granddaughter, Miss E. and I hit the art shop. She had a fist full of gift vouchers from Christmas AND  her birthday back in May. Miss E. had been hoarding them because she had her eye on a bigger prize. So she was cashed up. Mum doesn't have the patience to understand how you just have to caress every lovely pencil, brush and pen before making a decision lol! So Nana stepped in. Art purchases can't be rushed don't you know!

I was supposed to be there as chauffeur and guidance but of course I  CAN'T keep my hands to myself in an art store either....we had a great morning!  Not sure who enabled who! Like minds and all that. Plus she's good company.

Before Christmas I had gone on a little country drive with some friends and we visited this great gallery space called The Churn Room at Samford way across the other side of the river from me.

I bought these beautiful botanically dyed threads.....

So I'm looking forward to using them on my slow stitching this year. Aren't they pretty.

OK lovely people. I am off to have a play with some of my new arty purchases. I'm downright dangerous with a paint brush so wish me luck!

I wish you a day of being whatever you fancy it to be.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx 

Hello 2026

 Good morning folks. 2026 here we come. Did you have a boisterous New Year celebration or like me....went to bed with a good book and saw it in without fanfare. I don't believe in New Year resolutions or goal setting. The universe just finds those things hilarious...that we little humans make plans thinking we're in control!

I did want to round out all things Christmas by sharing some lovely mail I received and didn't get time to post about.

This beautiful Sashiko decoration from Fiona.

How lovely is this fabric postcard from Maria and cute ornie from Sue.

And the sweetest little stocking from Cheryl. 

Thank you friends. I love each and every one. Xx

Also still on Christmas my DD gave me Trent Daltons latest book....I love his writing. He is an 'all in' or 'all out' kind of author. I'm All In! 

But there was something a little special about it. DD got an autographed copy.....bit spesh!

I haven't started it yet as my beside pile is still in progress. My time over the holidays has been very quiet. Alternating between reading and hand quilting my Gathered Treasures. I promised I would show some photos of the completed top so be prepared.....I am not bordering it. Just quilting and binding.

A few close ups.....

I have made good progress on the quilting and so far have managed all the layers of embellishments. 

It's a bit strange doing random quilting with Perle 8 thread and regular quilting thread but then it's a collection of random things so I guess it works. I have enjoyed this project. And now quilting it has me enjoying all the treasures that I have chosen all over again.

The Roxy's Journal of Stitchery Vol 9 is about to start.....today in fact and is titled TEXTILE TALES. Our inspiration is to come from 6 books you choose....not a replica of the book in anyway just a nod to it with inspiration from it. They can be novels, childhood favourites, coffee table or art books or a mixture.

These are my choices.....

These aren't in order and as a card carrying book lover it proved a difficult task choosing. 

I have decided "The Secret Life of Bees" will be my first book.

So watch this space.

I'm not a huge fan of that big social media platform but every now and then they throw something up that is interesting. This next bit I am sharing is truly just for me to make note of.

When the mister asked me to meet up with him in the city the week after we met, we were both very young....not much money and so he bought me lunch in the cafeteria above Coles/Penny's store in Queen Street Brisbane....way way before the Mall. Brisbaneites will know where I mean....anyway the other day an old photo of it popped up on that social media platform.....so I am posting it for myself and posterity. 

Not at all elegant but the milkshakes were cold and delicious and it was the start of something special lol! So what seems very ordinary at the time can become a treasured memory.

Take care folks....go make some memories. 

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx 

Last Day of 2025

 Hello there. I do hope you have all had a lovely Christmas with those you care about.

I enjoyed my time spent with family. 

Christmas morning I had breakfast with my Daughter. Just us two. Her children were with the other person and she always finds it a bit difficult. So......

We decided indulgence was the key......DD made delicious pancakes with all the trimmings. It was a delicious way to start the day.

This little guy was trying to get in on the action the whole time...he's so cute but so very naughty!

A little sidetrack. Bare with me folks.....often when I begin an art piece there can be several renditions before I settle on the final version. Such was the case with the Kookaburras I drew for the Holmes Award a few years ago that now hangs in my lounge room.  DD always liked the one I put aside. I always liked the drawing but the paper I had chosen was difficult to work on. It was always special as my inspiration was a photo my husband took at Undara Lava Tubes camp grounds on one of our trips. It wasn't a great photo but was a lovely moment we shared  together and with them every afternoon when they came to visit late,  cackling and chortling to each other. Plus they are beautiful!

So I got it framed for her for Christmas. 

She loved it!  (Not a great photo but you get the idea from my drawing which is more accurate) And so much nicer than it languishing unloved in a big folder!

Boxing Day my family came to my home for a swim and dinner. By accident we seem to have begun a tradition of recreating a photo of my Grandkids in the same place at different ages....I really love this.....unplanned as it was. Hence the middle one not in the same order lol!

We had a great deal of fun....indulged in all our favourite festive food, played this ridiculous music guessing game which resulted in hilarious efforts, loud screaming, competitive insults and fall about the floor laughter. The neighbours must have wondered what on earth we were doing lol! Here are the mandatory Christmas family album additions. These people are what gets me through xx

I was especially spoilt by my family. Contributions helped me buy this....

A little lightweight to take away on sewing retreat because Big Bernie...my Bernina is way to heavy! It was on sale too, so was a big win.

Also this little bundle of goodies....all my favourites!

I have spent the rest of the season either reading or working on quilting my Gathered Treasures whilst watching the new series of Robin Hood. I have always loved the tale of Robin Hood right away back to reading it as a child and this one is enjoyable.

I am using a combination of Perle 8 thread and regular quilting thread....so far so good. Because everything was laid down on a base I haven't used any wadding so as to get the Perle 8 thread through...just backing. I will show you lots of pics of the top next post.

I finished this book and while I enjoyed it I didn't love it!

Here's a little compilation of art and sewing I achieved this year. I had great plans at the beginning of this year but as I have discovered grief doesn't care about your plans and can lay you low even after 3 years and you stall. I am learning to let it happen without guilt now and then when I am ready get back up and keep going!  Not trying to be depressing just telling it like it is! However sitting slow stitching and choosing art projects that took much longer but gave me a challenge was my saving grace this year. I loved the peace they bought to me.

Thank you to all of you that visit and leave lovely comments on my posts and come back even when they are sporadic. I appreciate you all.

My wish for you for 2026.

See you on the other side.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx