This & That

I have sewn the binding on the little Christmas quilt...

and it is all finished even down to the label on the back...

I thought when I looked at it finished what a Jolly little gathering they were so that's what I have decided to call this pattern "A Jolly Holly Gathering". It measures around 26 inches square.You will also be pleased to know I have written the instructions for it (yes I have been busy) and just need to get it printed. YAY!
I have been asked recently for two of my other designs to be in pattern form so I now have patterns for
"Teacups & Roses Table Runner"

and sweet little "Angel of the Tea Party"

So that is the sewing bit covered.
Last night our local footy club had their end of year break up and as we live very close to them we were able to sit on our verandah and watch their fireworks over the roof tops...

It was great to just sit and watch and enjoy them.

Today is the day my Husband and Son wait for all year round I think....the big race at Bathurst when all the big V8's go head to head to be King of the Mountain for this year. If you followed our trip you will know Mr R. took many turns on the track when we were there and has the piccies to prove it. I am sure he will be driving every corner with them. Lol.

Boy Heaven!!!

My Daughter loves photography and is constantly snapping all kinds of things and she often sets herself little projects and challenges from time to time. One of which recently has been a Super Heroes theme. She has taken some great photos of my Grandsons but she sent me this one of my little "Super Heroes" having a rest on the see-saw after the shoot...Superman and Donatello (Ninja Turtle) lol.

I also love this one she took at the museum of my oldest Grandson...

I think it expresses the awe that little boys have for Dinosaurs. Love it!!!!
Ok! That is it from me today, must dash. A busy day ahead.
Enjoy your day and of course we are barracking for the Holdens!!!!!!
Blessings Michelle xxx

Little Gift from Me

Well last year I complained about not enough summery days and I think I am getting my wish....it is 'quite' warm already this morning and a very hot day is expected.
I have made a start on my Christmas stitching as I said earlier and all my little puddings are complete plus 1 lonely little Santa hat...because it was a little fiddly and I ran out of patience.

I think they are very cute and I will finish the other little hats....11pm last night was too late to be "doing fiddly".
I have also made a quite a bit of headway on my framed hexies and even stitched some together and unstitched others trying to find a pleasing layout. Sometimes my minds creation doesn't filter through to my fingertips but I think I now have a design I like. That's the trouble when you have had an idea in your mind for a verrry long time. However that means a couple more stitcheries to draw and stitch. This is my stash so far...

I have become a little obsessed with them...loving them.
You may have noticed this under my sketchpad on my sidebar.

It is a little freebie for you to download. I am quite late with it as it was to be for Spring but I have managed to still make it. I have left "Wintermate" up because I know a lot of you girls in the Northern Hemisphere like a 'frosty' for Christmas and it will be your winter soon.
Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Blessings Michelle xxx

Stitching at Diane's

Last night was our stitching get together at my friend Diane's home. We had a lovely roll up and lots of chatting and laughing took place as is the norm when we are together. We missed you Rob...hugs xx
Last week it was Diane's Birthday so you have to have cake and a candle to blow out.

I have told you before that our lovely friend Diane has exquisite taste in all she does and particularly her fabric choices. So we were not at all surprised to see this gorgeous quilt she is making for the arrival of her very first Grandbaby. Monica and I were smitten straight away because of these little feathery friends..Diane used the little birds from her "Tail Feathers" quilt pattern by Cinderberry Stitches.

Diane's Daughter wanted something bright and happy.

Isn't it sweet? I am sure it will become a much treasured quilt by it's little owner as time goes by.
Enjoy your day everyone.
Blessings Michelle xxx

In the Hoop

Good morning everyone on this glorious Wednesday morning. It is so lovely to be up and about nice and early when every thing is new and fresh.
Well I got the borders on my little quilt yesterday.

Sorry the photo is a tad blurry....must be the inept photographer I have on staff at present.
It is now in the quilting hoop and all ready for tonight's stitching group.

I have also been trying to get myself organised for my Secret Santa gifts so a little sneaky of one...

As someone famous once said "that's your lot for today".
Find time today to be very kind to yourself....spend a few moments (or longer) doing something you love.

Sourced from Let's enjoy the Beauty

Blessings Michelle xxx

Country Threads & Show and Tell

Good morning all. I do hope those of you who shared the long weekend with me here in Queensland and elsewhere had a good one. I was silly enough to decide to finally get into my front garden for a spot (a lot) of weeding and to plant a couple of new native shrubs...boy I nearly expired it was very hot. Just have a bit of mulch to go and it will look a lot better. Still have the big one to go.We thought we would have nice warm spring weather to get it done before the heat of summer but I am not so sure now.

Sewing wise I have been continuing on with my hexies and I have my little Christmas stitcheries sort of together...

It just needs borders now and I think it will be a very sweet wall hanging for Christmas.

Speaking of things Christmas, Country Threads have their Christmas Issue out and I am in very good company with Deb from Frog Cottage, Jenny from Elefantz and also Fee from Fee's Shabby Shack and many more of our great designers.

My little offering....you may remember this little sneaky.

Well here she is with the rest of her gingie mates...

I hope you will enjoy stitching it and that the "gingie fans" are appeased for another year. LOL. I get lots of requests for "gingie themed" projects....not that I find it a chore being smitten by these sweet little folk as much as any of my "gingie followers"
Now to Show & Tell. I love seeing what you are stitching and even though I don't always get time to post about them be assured I appreciate every piccie and email. So here are few I have been saving...
My lovely friend Lorel (no blog) stitched my "Cup of Friendship" cushion..

A lovely lady by the name of Irmgard (no blog) all the way from Canada stitched "Cupcakes Kisses" for her DIL as a gift.

and a close up of one of my favourite blocks...

Joy in Bundy (no blog) has been very busy as always and stitched my little "Angel Tote"

She also stitched my little "Gift Teddy Tote" as well..

Lastly but by no means least we have Jeanette from Jeanette's Place who stitched my "Mini Christmas Stars"...

and also "Walter, a Very Respectable Snowman" who is very close to my heart...lovely Jeanette!

Thanks so much everyone for choosing to stitch one of my designs and for taking the time to share it with me.
I must away lots of jobs to do today but (yes there is always a but..) just had to say the Jacaranda's are out people and it makes me happy. I took this photo in Grafton NSW last year. My little tree is just bursting in to blossom but I couldn't get a good photo so I am cheating...

Have a great day,
Blessings Michelle xx

The Long Way Home & FNWF

Yesterday I travelled to the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra to be exact with two of my friends to give our love and support to our friend who was saying goodbye to her dear Husband.
Afterwards we had lunch at one of the clubs over looking this lovely view.

I had local crumbed whiting with salad and chips....yum! Queensland as I discovered on holidays does the best fish and chips. After lunch being a bunch of quilters (can't you sniff out a quilt shop within a 50 km radius too) we decided to go the long way around home....and headed north towards Marcoola. Thankfully we had Monica on board (little techno whizz) and a GPS and we stumbled upon our destination after a scenic drive through the airport...so funny. Still don't know how we got there. lol. But we arrived at this little gem.

We had a lovely time....Monica and Diane deciding on a purchase. There were so many gorgeous things to choose from.

If you are a Lynette Anderson fan you will adore her little store. I bought some lovely background fabric, some more red and creams for my hexies and a couple of giftie things too.
We were delighted with our purchases.

The lovely girl who assisted us with our purchases was kind enough to take our photo.
We weren't too late getting home but I was a bit weary so not a lot of stitching took place. It took me ages to actually decide on what I was going to work on. I did however get all these little items cut out ready to stitch...

and these...

I only had a little bit to go on this little stitchery so I was pretty confident of finishing it...

Unfortunately my eyes slammed shut and it was....Goodnight Sweetheart!!!
Thank you Cheryll for once again being our lovely hostess.
I am looking forward to popping over to visit all the other Friday Nighters and see what you all got up too.
Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to let those you love know they reside cherished in your heart.

Blessings Michelle xxx

More Hexies

Good morning everyone. Yesterday I had a lovely day catching up with my friends at stitching. Many of us had been away on various trips so it was great to hear of each others adventures and compare notes....but I have to admit I did not do one stitch...too much talking and laughing.
Just as well I have been working away ever so diligently on my hexies. I am having so much fun with all these lovely fabrics and my 'old' but not forgotten stitcheries are very happy to be out of the box finally. I think also the fact that a lot of these fabrics came as gifts from blogging friends is adding to my enjoyment. Still lots to go. My sewing chair was nice and tidy when I came home from holidays...not anymore!!
Here's my progress to date...

I also finished this jolly little elf...

That's it from me. I must go hunting and gathering to fill the larder. It is a little bare.

Before I go I want to send my love to my dear friend Robyn. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessings Michelle xxx