Collecting "Remembering Roma"

Yesterday I zipped up the Warrego Highway to meet quilter extraordinaire FIONA and friend at the halfway point between her home and mine. The reason being for a catchup, cuppa....

and to collect my "Remembering Roma " quilt I had stitched in memory of my Grandmother. I entrusted it to my dear friend Fiona and oh my her beautiful quilting has made it shine. I cannot stop smiling every time I look at it.

So many little sweet details in it.

I have some lovely French General fabric from L'ucellos for the binding. I am thrilled to pieces with it. What a clever friend...thank you xxx
On my way up to Fiona I went via another clever friends house, my friend Tracey White....she had a little order for me which is a secret so....sorry can't share yet.
Tracey will have her beautiful work at the Vintage Fair at Linen and Lace this weekend and also the Christmas fair at Tambourine Mountain.  Anyhoo! As I was leaving Tracey slipped a little gift into my hand....one of her sweet Shabby Chic Christmas ornies....takes me right back to childhood!

Seems to have been the week for being spoilt this week. Our family also has a special visitor from the UK staying at the moment. I was surprised with this beautiful mug.
In my very favourite mug shape....makes a perfect brew.

It's very "Downton Abbey" don't you think! Love it!
I must fly......when you play one day, the chores sit and wait for you.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Patterns Orders and Osprey

I have had a  few people who have wanted the new pattern but I was unable to reply to you. If I have not responded to you please email me privately at michelleridgway53@hotmail.com.
Also just a little reminder no more orders for this pattern after the 3rd October until November....

Secret stitching has begun......

I have also begun another art project....this time with,the aim of completing in Scratchboard. A beautiful photograph of an Osprey by Kev Webb a talented local.

I started the Scratchboard today....it's extremely time consuming as all the sketch must be scratched out with tiny marks using special tools.

I love this technique and have several very accomplished friends who are encouraging me to improve in this area.

I love that I can use my drawing to achieve a different effect. I am also going to have a go at tinting it with pens and coloured pencils......excited!
Must away, stitching awaits!
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

2 More Blocks

I  think after all these little pieces in Splendid Sampler I will need to  applique something really BIG!  Anyway 2 more to pop in the box....

I seem to have very messy edges with these two...but at least they came out the right size..

As the blocks mount up I am finding it harder to find combos with the fabric I have left. But! I am determined only to use what's in my French General stash.....fingers crossed!
Saturday  I was gifted by my friend Robyn an orchid she was splitting up.....so beautiful!

I  have placed it in it's new home....really hoping it thrives.
Namaste and Blessings
Michelle xxx

Happy Birthday Diane

Yesterday I joined my stitching friends to celebrate a special birthday for our lovely friend Diane. Hey Diane....warning photo heavy! Hahaha!

We had a very nice afternoon tea with of course cake (a Theresa special yum!) and loads of other lo-cal treats.

We each made a block or two like this...

and made our beautiful friend a quilt...

Another lovely friend Robyn hosted the afternoon tea and also was responsible for turning our blocks into that gorgeous quilt....clever girl!

This is one of those "herding cats" type photo....laughs and good fun.

We had such a nice afternoon......people say "nice" is a bland word but for me it means......comfortable, at ease, sharing, laughing, affection, friendship, hot coffee and cake.....and letting a friend know she holds a special place in your heart.

I'll take "nice" any day! Happy birthday Diane xx
Thanks so much Robyn P. For your hospitality and generosity.....also missed you Monica, Robyn M and Sue.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

L'il Aussie Christmas Decos

A pattern is now available for them.

The cost is $14.50 AUD + P&H for overseas customers. I am only taking orders up until the 3rd October and I won't be available until November for further orders.
Paypal is my preferred payment option.

I hope you enjoy stitching them as much as I enjoyed creating them.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Progress

Two little Splendid Sampler blocks to share....
Fee Ransleys sweet little stitchery block.  Block 60. I so enjoyed this one.

Block 63....Icing on the Cake!

September Rainbow Scrap Challenge block is ready to be stitched on to its background block.

I have also been working on my teeny hexie flowers. They are now a pretty little mini quilt and await some quilting. Love them! I see a French General one in my future!

A few secret sewing things happening too.
Art is happening as well....love this one. It was inspired by a late afternoon wander near Lake Hume to photograph a gnarled tree root in the water. A little Willy Wagtail decided to photobomb my shot. I had always wanted to draw it but the photo wasn't great. So I  have  used a little artistic license to recreate the memory.

I used my beautiful coloured pencils and also had a play with Pan Pastels for the background.

I awoke this morning with a rotten headache......but it eased enough for me to get the instructions done for L'il Aussie Christmas Decos. So the pattern will be ready tomorrow people.
Ok. I have earned a curl up in my chair on this showery old afternoon.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Quick Trip

We took a quick trip to visit family up on the Fraser Coast....a beautiful place.

I never miss an opportunity to go out to my cousins farm for a cuppa and a chat....we have been great mates since childhood (partner in crime lol)

He grows delicious mangoes, avocados, lychees and another exotic fruit.

Came home with juicy oranges picked right off the tree.
This is Queensland sunshine....we picked up on the drive home.

Mr R. and I always love a walk along the historic jetty 868 meteres long....used to be over 1,000 meteres long...

Lovely view of the bay from the end...

It was a glorious day. Even the gulls took time out to take in the view...

I love the foreshore. I have seen so many changes here since childhood.

The bay is a safe harbour for the giants of the sea, to give birth and rest in the warm waters before their long arduous journey south. I adore the sculptural tributes here to these gentle giants...

So not a stitch was done.....but I  loved our impromptu trip!

This gorgeous boy was the vicious watch dog we encountered! Don't you love that smile! Ok I am going to try and smile about the unpacking and laundry lol!
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Sewing and Things

Yesterday I  cosied down in my sewing cave to address a couple of the machine pieced Splendid Sampler blocks. I am sorry that I don't have their block numbers because they are randomly done....but I do say big thanks to the designers.

I thought this one wuld be really hard but just goes to show...ya should read the destructions! Went together really easily.

I even managed to get yesterday's block done too.

I have traced out our lovely Fee's block already for stitching.
This little bloke....

Has joined all his mates.....

A lot of you very nice folks want a pattern so I  shall do one up next week for the set of 7 for you. So glad you liked them.
I decided recently to get several of my drawings made into greeting cards. They arrived yesterday and I am quite chuffed with them.
What do you think?

Off to give my new plants a drink.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx