This and That and Pattern Release.

It's drizzling and drearie here today and I for one am enjoying listening to the raindrops on the roof and feeling cool.

I am still managing to keep up with the Splendid Sampler quilt blocks...
Here is the latest Block 7 designed by Amy Sinibaldi called "snug as a bug"

Please excuse the tiny piece of lint that has landed between bunny's ears. I am using my French General stash and scrappies for these blocks but I wanted to ensure a bit of a different colourway and so added a touch of that gorgeous blue. My aim for this little stitchery block was to follow that theme. I have added little French knots to the flower centres on the rug, blue running stitch on the rug and around the block and a blue bunny....oh and rosy pink socks. I think it will fit in well with the others.

There is so much secret sewing going on around here at the moment and in all manner of containers...

I am making progress on a sample for my local quilt shop Quirky Quilts Qld in a softer, prettier colourway.....

Hopefully I will get it finished today.
In Art class I have been working on a "heart" project which I will share at a later date and learning how to add colour to your Scratchboard work....
My first "furry" Scratchboard with colour....a Cheetah cub.

Its a fascinating medium...this little chap is only 6"x 6" so quite a lot of detail in a small area. I'm now working on a 3rd and loving it. However my coloured pencils are still my first love.
PATTERN RELEASE....

"PLEASE COME TO TEA" stitchery designs is now available for $14.00 AUD + postage and handling if you are outside Australia. You can order by emailing me at michelleridgway53@hotmail.com. Paypal payment is preferred.
A sample of the designs....

Our DD had a birthday yesterday......and celebrated with "extreme CAKE!"

A girl after my own heart. Many Happies Liss xxx
My sewing machine awaits so I  must not dally!
I wish you a day of simple pleasures,
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

FNWF and extras

Last night was March's turn for

Lovely Cheryll over at Gone Stitching gathered us altogether. I decided to work on a pretty little stitchery that I need for next month....I enjoyed quietly stitching away whilst Mr R. and I caught up on some favourite shows.

I needed some 'quiet' stitching after working very diligently on Block 6 of TSS. I think I may be improving as it actually worked out the correct size....nobody was more surprised than moi!

I am really liking how the blocks look together....however Block 5 is too small so I am going to unpick and try again....wish me luck! Our latest block was designed by Natalia Bonner. Thank you.

I so love my little Dresden papers, I just have to have a couple on the go.

I am asking you all out there if you have in your stash a fat quarter somewhere of the following fabric....I believe that it's called Sticks and Stones Dogwood dark tan colourway by Laundry Basket Quilts.....I just need a little....

 There is a beige but I  really need the darker one.

Happy stitching. Enjoy your weekend.
A little thought from yours truly....
"Beautiful fresh energy cannot enter a locked closed up room.....you must throw open the windows and doors to release the old and stale and usher in the new. So release the old and stale that no longer serves you and allow room for the fresh and beautiful. You never know what kind of wonderful is knocking on your door just waiting for you to open it"

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Giveaway Winner

Good morning all. Happy Monday. Before I tell you Mr R's pick as winner I would just like to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my 1000th post. I appreciated each and every one. Some I couldn't reply to....if that was you, I thank you now. Please continue to visit. I love to have you.

WINNER!
The winner is : HELEN from Helen' Patchwork Passion. Congratulations  Helen. If you could email me with your postal addy I shall get your little parcel in the post.
Thank you everyone.
I did a little stitching last evening but yesterday I was too hot so I just played in my journal with my pencils. I use it to try things out. Want to see?
This little photo was a reference my teacher no longer wanted....I really liked it.
WIP..

Finishing off...

I also loved a photo on Pixabay and wanted to draw it. I wanted more practice on water droplets.

So what am I  up to today?  Off to art of course!
I wish you a beautiful day.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Lazy Sunday

Yesterday was just a  bit warm for me.....spent a bit of time in here....cooling down!

The bird bath in my garden is evaporating quicker than I can fill it! At least today is slightly milder....slightly! So hence being quiet and lazy.
"Project Baltimore " is underway! Borders are cut. Fabrics are sorted for the swag and templates are made.

Just waiting for the fabric to dry so I can press it and get cutting....shouldn't take too long in this weather.
Block 4 for TSS is completed...

So cute! This one was designed by Jen Kingwell. Being all snuggled down in my comfort zone with this one....loved every stitch!
Blessings is enjoying a stitch or too also. I am steadily appliquing the cirle down on Block 4.

Ok off for a cool drink! Maybe even another dip!
Embrace this day....don't just take it for granted.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Another UFO!

If you are a long time follower of my blog then you may remember my Baltimore style quilt that has now been languishing in it's box for several years.
Well no more! She is out! Sometimes you have to make the decision to go with what you have or never finish a project. I have decided to go with what I  have....
9 completed blocks. They are quite big blocks...16 and half inches. I have had them laid out on my spare bed for a few days rearranging them and just looking at the line up. I am now happy with this layout.

 I am  a  big fan of the "floating" blocks so there will be no sashings to take away from all the work in the blocks. The final border will float too and I am going to attempt a very simple swag on this to finish it off....wish me luck!

Last evening I went with my friend the beautiful Janeen to this.

We have heard Elizabeth Gilbert speak before and throughly enjoyed it. This time was just as much fun. I love her down to earth, straight talking view on life and creativity. Nice to share the experience with a friend also.
Ok lots to do today and then on to drawing up a simple swag....she says not scared a bit!!!
I was going to enjoy a lovely relaxing weekend away with family but a certain little grandie is now a little sickie so I see some stitching on the horizon instead!
Have a lovely  weekend folks....be it simple or bold!
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Block 3 Plus a Bit More

Block 3 in Splendid Sampler is finished. I think the hearts are so sweet. This design is by Melissa Corry.

It's really nice to be using those little bits of favourite fabrics. I am quite pleased at how the 3 blocks look together. I  think I am getting a little braver as I go along.

You will be pleased to know that HEXIE UFO now has a new name. It took me a little while but I decided on "Cherries and Chocolat " Lots of pieces of Moda fabrics Chocolat and Double Chocolat were used in the hexies and quilt and...well because there are "cherries"! I am really happy with how it has turned out...all the borders are on...

I think it works ok.

I even got the binding ready because it is not going back in the drawer!!!!!

On a different note. I said if my Scratchboard workshop project turned out ok I would share it. Apparently it was a very hard subject for our first go...who knew! Anyway I am really glad I did it....Sophia!

I have to say....sorry Sophia but the little fur baby I am working on now is much more fun and even prettier lol!
Well I must get back to my pile of admin.....nice spending my little break with you.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

A Milestone!!!

This my dear blogging friends is my 1,000th POST! What a lovely journey I have had with you all. You have taught me so much, supported, encouraged, made me laugh and you continue to inspire me with your kindness, friendship and your amazing creativity. You make me so proud of the women in this world!
I thought a little gift from me to you was in order. There are 2 parts to my little gift.....
The first part is for Aussie girls only, sadly because of Mr Postman's charges.

As I love a cuppa with friends I have for you a copy of my new pattern "Please Come to Tea" ...11 stitchery drawings with a tea time theme, a pretty tea towel, 2 Tilda fat 1/4s, pretty paper napkins and of course some Twinings Teabags (and no the teapot is mine...a family heirloom thank you)
A sneaky of the designs....

I shall get Mr. R. to chose a name around Monday of next week.....and pop your gift in the post to you. This is for my lovely followers whether you follow by email or by post...leave me a comment to let me know if you would like to be in the draw.
Part 2 is a little teacup freebie which is on my sidebar called "A Cup of Kindness" because I wanted to share a little gift that my dear friends across the world whom I also treasure could also be part of and enjoy.

Hopefully (note I said HOPEFULLY) by clicking on the image you should be able to download it. My quality control officer you see has been swanning around on a Balinese island and so I had to fly solo. LOL!
If I crashed and burned it will get put right.
So thank you for your friendship and every beautiful comment you have left me or just for reading my musings about my life and art. I truly deeply appreciate each and every one.

May the long time sun shine upon you,
all love surround you and
the pure Light within you guide your way on.
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx