MY SOUL IS FED BY NEEDLE AND THREAD
....ohh and pencils and paper

Saturday, March 16, 2024

March Progress

 Hello there. Here we are in the middle of March already.....I don't know about you, maybe you are organised and lead an ordered life but I always seem to have a myriad of things happening at once. Lately I have tried to make progress on WIPs.

All my Owl and Hare blocks are now together and I have begun the little scrappy border.

So good to be nearly there! Sunday Stitchers have a WIP challenge to help us get those projects closer to their finish. I chose to work on a Sashiko project I have had for so long. I made my monthly deadline for March....block 3 is complete....pleased about that!
We at Sunday Stitchers have also banded together to complete a stitchery quilt begun by our dear late friend Inca. I have my contribution ready to hand in on Sunday. They are actually really bright in real life. 



I've kept up with my weekly 60 minutes art challenge. 


Got thoroughly engrossed in this book as I did in his first....Boy Swallows Universe. 
His tales are dark, brutal, heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. They have bought about many interesting conversations with others....seems to be either love or hate.
I have been also been trying to get back to my Nature Wanders...a few pics from my latest one. See if you can find the little Dusky Moorhen amongst the Lillies.





Water Dragons kept surprising me on the paths, sunbathing. I love their markings....most scurried away but the middle one was like.....NOPE....walk around me human lol! Such attitude!


Watching the ducks glide serenely across the pond is so calming. These two are Pacific Black ducks. So pretty.

So glad I went.....
Look at those reflections! Nearly missed this sweet Mama sitting on her paperbark nest. She might just end up on paper.

Hope you enjoyed my little wander and thanks for wading through another looong post. Before I go a big Nana brag...last night watched our youngest Grandson battle through to the grand final in basketball....heart stopping game. Don't know why I bothered getting a seat. Spent the whole game on my feet.....both sides were awesome! Mr. C dropped 6 baskets in the final quarter....was fantastic and his Grandad would have loved it!
Wishing you a weekend doing something you love.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx 










Friday, March 8, 2024

 When I sat to write this post several days ago it was an overcast showery day....which was lovely. All the raindrops dripping from the leaves in the garden were a balm to my hot and bothered self.

It's overcast again today and cooler....relief!
This past week I have spent on lots of different projects and managed a couple of little finishes. 
Every year at Easter time I usually treat myself to a new little item for my collection. This year I decided to make it. I crossed stitched these little bunnies and made some tiny pillows. I have been meaning to do so for years....



I also wanted a new table centre and made this one from framed hexes.

So I am all set to add these to my collection. 
I have begun trimming (remind me to trim blocks as you go next time) and sewing my Owl and Hare blocks together. I am having to take it slowly because I hurt my shoulder reaching back to turn off my bedside lamp....shesh! And it doesn't like long sessions of rotary cutting. But some is better than no progress. 

A lovely friend recently offered me some of her no longer required embossing folders and cutting dies. So I was keen to have a play and made some cards....
I am very slow in the card making area but it was fun....love me some pretty embossing!
Even though I would not say Autumn weather has arrived, I am working on my Autumn trio for the Celebrate the Seasons slow stitching SAL...I love orange and all those earthy colours.
I seem to have acquired a few UFOs in my art drawer as well as stitching. I began this one...who knows when and decided it's time had arrived. If you have travelled outback Queensland you will recognise the subject from the Hebel historic pub. As you know I am partial to rusty old things. I think the thought of drawing all that grass was the reason it went in the drawer. Finally progress is being made!
Today I am hoping to get a few more Owl and Hare blocks trimmed.
Today is also my lovely Daughter's birthday. 
We love something a bit naughty so I definitely see some cake on the agenda soon to celebrate.
I shall leave you with this quote. I love it and rings true. We all struggle at times when we aren't liked or included and can't seem to fathom the reason....so keep this in mind.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx 





Thursday, February 29, 2024

Gossiping in the Garden

 Hello friends. My friend Fiona @bubzrugz and I joined together to sew Anni Downs Gossip in the Garden quilt. I was lagging behind even though we don't pressure each other to finish. I was behind because my sharp mathematical brain had completely stuffed up my border fabric calculations. But after some thought I used what I had left and added EPP scallops along the border strip's.

I had a lot of jiggling with the scallops to make them fit.....

I felt rather pleased with myself but when I sewed them all on they didn't quite meet but I cannot get them any better so calling it finished!


And no only my quilting Faerie will see that lol! I absolutely loved working on this quilt.
I have been also working on a little secret embroidery.....a sneaky.
Slow stitching has been my Seasons Trio. My Summer set is complete and just waiting on backing and a little sleeve. My inspiration was a piece of May Gibbs fabric. I have been a fan forever.




When my friend Shez came to stay she was very naughty and spoilt me with beautiful gifts. Earlier for my birthday she had made me a beautiful bee inspired drawstring bag with a set of her apple and pear pieces. I now have a gorgeous little project pouch to match.
..she knows that I love bees....even named my Daughter after them. Any guesses?

Look at that sweet zipper charm....love it!
But wait there's more. Shez added to my secret obsession with Erst Wilder brooches...a beautiful King Parrot....a perfect reminder of my Royal Visitors on my verandah. 

Completely spoilt!
I don't sleep well these days and read into the night. So I am giving into the weariness today and spending it quietly with a little stitchery project I am working on for Sunday Stitchers. 
I wish you all a happy Thursday. I am being completely indulgent and leaving you with a little ditty I penned long ago. I found it when looking back on my early blogging days. I have been a blogger for 13 years. My blogiversary being the 4th January. I think I am imagining myself there with the Faerie folk. Hope you enjoy it xx
"Silent Songs"
Amongst the bush ferns with tight curled fronds,
Dance wee faeriefolk to tunes of which they are fond.
I can't hear the music though I strain my ear.
The dancing butterflies let me know they are near.
They seem to enjoy the music so much, flittering and fluttering as they dance on the flowers with a soft gentle touch.
Maybe the tune is the wind through the trees or maybe it's birdsong carried on the early morning breeze.
Do I imagine that I can hear it?
Maybe not.
- Michelle Ridgway.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx