Finished!

A couple of finishes in threads and pencils. The Splendid Sampler block 28 by Charise Randell was too cute not to stitch but I decided to needleturn applique this one instead of foundation piecing it. I love this one.

The latest block is all traced out ready to go....a sweet stitchery by our Jenny-of-Elefantz. ..looking forward to it so much.

Oh and I  caved to the grumbles from the Teddy tin, so they're back in the hoop lol! This little girl is Priscilla.

My big finish is my latest art project. It has taken me quite a while.  I love the big cats and I have wanted to draw a pair of lions for ages. Reference photos were difficult.  I  found 2 separate ones on Pixabay and drew them as a pair....shishhhh! The female was too big so I had to draw her smaller.....as I draw freehand it was quite a challenge to get them correct. My poor very patient teacher lol! I have to admit that I really love how they turned out.
I have called the piece "Mr.& Mrs. Regal". Worked in lovely Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils with a pastel background.

When I have licked my wounds with something a little easier I have a gorgeous Tiger that has been waiting for a while....oh I must be nuts lol! So happy though that I am completely crazy! Ok back to my hand quilting folks!
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

State of the Nation. ...around here!

Finally we have had a couple of cooler evenings....not cardy or fire weather but cooler enough to get the trusty old hoop out.

I made some progress last night and rediscovered why I  loved this Robyn Pandolph design....

The fabrics are so pretty too!
Another Blessings block is prepped and applique is under way.

Splendid Sampler blocks. ....
Hmmm! Finally got a paper pieced block the RIGHT SIZE! No one is more surprised than I am. I am playing nicely  but folks will never be a fan.

Block 30 is also done....so lovely and quick...

I adored the block by Charise Randall but really wanted to make this block. I decided however that I would like to applique this one. All prepared and ready to go.

So that's the state of my nation! Oh except there are rumblings and beary grumblings from the Bear stitchery tin but the girls will have to wait their turn.....after all I do only have one pair of hands!
Have a lovely weekend folks.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Frustrating!

Being without internet or phone for several days has been extremely frustrating to say the least!  So apologies for no post reading, email or comment responses. Splendid Sampler blocks are now behind as they couldn't be accessed.
However, there is a little gem within each frustration they say....mine happened to be that a bit of other stitching got done.
Miss Beatrix Bear is now finished and she almost has a new friend, Miss Viola Bear completed.

 Some binding has been also stitched down. ..

Look at that beautiful quilting.....makes me very happy looking at it while I sew. Fiona from BubzRugz is such a clever cookie.
In the midst of all this frustration a beautiful "just because I was thinking of you" parcel arrived from my lovely friend Sue from Kiwikid. Sue knows how much L'ucellos in Melbourne is on my bucket list. So on a recent visit she got them to pop a gorgeous piece of French General in one of their iconic packages just for me.

 How spoilt am I! I was so thrilled.....quite made my day.
To know that someone thought of you and acted upon it whether by kind word or gesture is one of lifes blessings. Thank you Sue for your beautiful kind heart x
On the subject of life's blessings...
Monday was our youngest Granddaughters 3rd birthday. We celebrated on Sunday with morning tea. There was much dressing up. Miss E. sees no reason (and nor do I) why girls can't be Super heroes. Batgirl and Batman are her favs....poor old Princesses and faeries don't rate lol! So much excitement over blowing out the candles on her Batgirl cake.

Oh and the all important taste test.

Nothing like sharing it all with your cousin...especially a bit of face painting.

I just love these two rascals. They both had rough starts in this life particularly the birthday girl so this photo feels me with unashamed joy! They are definitely forces to be reckoned with lol!
Remember to lift up and encourage the women (even the tiny ones) in your life.
Found this on FB and just loved it.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Bits and Pieces for FNSI

Last night I settled in for a bit of stitching with other bloggy friends over at Wendys from Sugarlane Quilts. Nice to know you are stitching along with others from all over.
My efforts were bitsy. I sewed the binding down on this little cot blankie panel for my new great nephew...who won't need it if I don’t hurry.

 I also whizzed up a couple of burp towels to go with it. So finally his giftie is ready for wrapping....just loved those little leggings and pullover too.

I then wanted to make sure the next Blessings block was under way so some prep work done for the next circle.

I finally finished off with my little furry girl Beatrix. Her little face was starting to come to life in the hoop the night before.

I stayed up quite late stitching (sleeping isn't my friend these days ) and got a good bit done. I think she is very sweet.

Well we all think our children are the best.....my make believe ones are too lol!
Thank you  Wendy for having us at your place again. Also Happy birthday month xx
I am off to the shops as yesterday I managed to loose a bag with lovely cards, gift wrap papers, ribbons and other doings for a little party....quite a haul for someone! Don't even know where I  lost them. I tell you this aging caper is not for the faint hearted!

Enjoy your day,
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Getting out of Town

Today is Mr. R's birthday and he decided he just wanted to high tail it out of the city. So we headed south to one of our favourite haunts. Brunswick Heads.

We settled in for lunch. We are so bad at selfies...

A little drinkie....

Delicious food...

Birthday's require a little cake too.

A nice wander along the river helped walk off our lunch....so peaceful!

On the journey home we took a little detour to Cabarita beach...many memories from our youth lol! It is such a pretty spot and I had to snap a few piccies.

Beautiful beach!

Bit of creative photography lol!

I may not like their footy team but I  do love NSW northern coastline.

Such a nice day and a perfect "city slicker " mini escape.
Happy birthday to my beloved.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

ACTUALLY Up to Date!

I am enjoying it! Yay! I guess it helped that Splendid Sampler  blocks 25 and 26 were right up my street as they say...
Block 25 - Pretty Dresden

Block 26 - a very cute sewing machine

I so wanted a black one but nothing in the stash looked ok. However I was happy with my choices in the end.
Attention lovely Bear folks: I'm about to do a little tracing out for my new Bear project. Backgrounds are cut and threads being chosen....

I know I say it about all my Bear people but I loved it when these cuties emerged from my pencil and I have been looking forward to stitching them. I am not in a rush to get them done and plan to enjoy seeing them come to life.
Mr. R. is cooking tonight.....our favourite Chinese food. So lightbox here I come.
Enjoy your evening,
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Nearly Caught Up!

Catching up seems to be my new blog mantra! One thing working on all these teeny blocks has made me appreciate is how lovely it is to work on "bigger" Blessings blocks. I now have 4 completed...

and almost number 5!

Did I mention that I love this quilt!
Block 25 in Splendid Sampler was designed by Anne Sutton. I really enjoyed it.....so cute!

Block 26 is ready to go now..

May block for

was "evergreen with a hint of brown". I chose the more sage greens that are in our bush rather than the bright evergreen colourway. So May's Dresden Plate is done.

Another little Dresden plate awaits me...so happy stitching all.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

A New Week.

I hope you enjoyed a little spoiling on Mother's day if it was your special day.
I had lovely messages, hugs and a little spoiling. My Daughter is a lovely cook and yummy desserts and cakes, a speciality. So we set the table with our pretty things..

And really enjoyed the delicious lime cheescake she made....ohhh! So lovely!

Pretty gerbera to plant, chocolates and a donation to the art fund added to my spoiling.

Speaking of art, my latest project, a sweet little blue faced honeyeater in the grevillea is finished.

For some reason I enjoy drawing grevillea....I do love them....especially as they attract the birds. I seem to be stuck in a little bird phase at the moment!
Sewing wise I stitched the bonus pretty little hat block for Splendid Sampler.

 Very pleased that the new block is applique. ...woohoo!
  Enjoy your evening.
  Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx