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