Thursday's Teddy Bears Picnic with Melody

Today I have dear little "Merle". She is a Lauralla Bear by Leanne Triggs from her "Heart strings" collection. She is a sweet little lass and measures 9 inches. Her lovely little chair was a gift from my friend Ann and another friend Sue painted the little teds on the chair back. I love the faces on Leannes bears they are so cute. Merle is busy looking for her coat as she doesn't want to get cold at the picnic today as it's cloudy and cool outside.

 I also wanted to share this cute teddy tea towel I bought a few years a go at a teddy bear show ...I can't remember where exactly. I haven't been able to bring myself to wipe any dishes with their cute faces though.To see who else will be there visit Melody at http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com/

June Gievaway

Well it's time for another giveaway. I have a Vintage theme going....a pattern for a scrappy vintage inspired quilt, 2 pieces of fabric, lace and postcards from my friend Tracey. Just leave me a comment to be in the draw. I'll draw it next Wednesday June 15th 2011.

TEA & CAKES
I am excited to tell you that "Tea & Cakes" Quilt pattern is now finished and available for sale. If you love teddies and tea time things then this is the project for you. It consists of pretty stitcheries and applique.It measures approximately 120cm x 130 cm. All stitchery designs are single sheeted for easy tracing. The cost is $16.50 AUS postage and handling included within Australia. Payment may be made through Paypal, Direct debit, cheque or money order. Email me at
michelleridgway53@hotmail.com to order your copy

Tuesday's Treasure with Melody and finished table centre.

When I found out that a favourite book of mine was being made into a movie I groaned as more often than not I am dissappointed. However when  "Out of Africa" by Isak Dinesen (nom de plume fo Karen Blixen) was released I went along with trepidation and as soon as I heard Meryl Streeps beautiful voice say the first line form the book....."I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills." I was hooked. I loved it even though research has shown a few embellishments. The photography was glorious as was the music. I have lost count of the number of times I have watched it and played the CD. Robert Redford as Denys Finch-Hatton doesn't hurt either. I am a huge Robert Redford fan. So This is my Treasure today....."Out of Africa"..book, film and CD and all the pleasure they have given me.

Visit Melody for more Tuesday Treasure at http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com/
I have finished my little Hexagon table centre and I think it has ended up looking quite sweet. Not sure what I will do with it yet. Still thinking.
Happy Stitching,

Michelle.

A Special Day....

On Friday our youngest little Grandson celebrated his FIRST BIRTHDAY and Family and Friends joined him for a party in one of our lovely local parks on Sunday. He enjoyed lots of hugs and kisses, presents, pram rides around the park and lots of his lovely "teddy bear" birthday cake. He is a gorgeous little boy.

His cousin can be seen tucking into a cupcake as well.
Today is also QUEENSLAND DAY when Queensland celebrates the anniversay of becoming a seperate state in 1859. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEENSLAND!!! I love my state.... from it's tropical green mountains, beautiful white sandy beaches and it's rich ochre coloured outback. The photo of my  "Cooktown"orchid featured in an earlier post is actually our states floral emblem.
Have a great Monday everyone,

Blessings Michelle

FTF, Floral & Colourful Friday

Well I am posting this early before it is actually Friday as 'the light of my life' needs the computer for most of tomorrow so I won't be linking until late afternoon so......my FTF this week is my sketch pad, pencils, pens and trusty eraser. These simple tools take me to a whole other world at times and I can get lost for hours and hours as my husband will attest too. I don't need to eat or feed him (poor bloke). I love what appears from the pencil on to the paper....it is never ceases to amaze me and I am not taking all the credit here either. I certainly believe I have a very gifted silent partner. I know it  probably doesn't sound very exciting but to me I have loved scribbling and doodling since I was a child. My Mum always says when I was sent to tidy my room I could be found lying on or under the offending untidyness drawing. They truly are a favourite thing!
Visit Shay for more Favourite Things at http://fairybreadmusings.blogspot.com/

I have combined my Floral & Colourful contributions as Robyns theme this week was flowers so I have some real and some china ones. The little baskets were gifts from my work mates when I retired and MIL and are Royal  Doulton. The orchid belongs to a friend of mine and is such a beautiful colour.I just had to have a photo.The little daisies I took a photo of at a little place in Victoria called Gembrook. I couldn't believe they were growing everywhere and people were walking all over them...I thought they were so sweet. Lastly my "Snowflake" shrub is in flower and I love it because it doesn't care whether I am a gardner or not it just keeps on flowering year after year doing it's own thing. It always looks gorgeous. So visit Robyn at http://daisyquilts.blogspot.com/ and Bronwyns at
http://korumburraquilting.blogspot.com/ to see other floral magnificence.
Catch up with you when I take possession of the laptop once again. Have a great Friday.

Blessings Michelle

Thursday's Teddy Bears Picnic with Melody

Peppercorn and Aubergine are joining the picnic today. These two are always together and would probably be my favourites. I bought them together at the Melbourne Teddy Bear Show a number of years ago and I couldn't decide between them so I ended up buying both. I then needed a couple of panadols and a good lie down after such a splurge (I'm not known for splashing out without a great deal of consideration) But they make me smile everytime I look at them and they are so soft...they are a mohair/alpaca blend and are the exquisite creations of my favourite bear designer "Kathy Harry of Strawbearies"
"Aubergine" has bought her prettiest violets and a lovely cupcake to share and "Peppercorn" has bought his favourite Honey jar filled to the brim. I hope the clouds stay away today because it's such a lovely morning for a picnic. I going over Melody's at http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com/ to see who else is coming to the picnic.

Bear Hugs, Michelle

Quick Post.

Just a quick post today as I am "flat out like a lizard drinking" as we say down here in OZ. I am nearly there and I can see the end in sight. I have loved every minute spent stitching all of these Christmas projects I have to confess. I have however also been taking time out to stitch some little 'just because' projects and all you hexie girls out there have been my inspiration...so thanks. I have stitched some of little drawings so they would fit in the larger hexagons and I hope to make a little table centre....so here is where I am up to so far.
Have a great day wherever you are,
Happy Stitching,

Michelle