A Little Finish

I knew when I  bought this William Morris styled fabric that I wanted to make a little something for a very creative friend of mine who just happens to also love the Tree of Life motif. I decided to draw up and stitch my own  Aussie version and make a little draw string bag.

I thought it would be perfect to hold her meditation mala beads when not in use.

I am really happy I got to use this fabric for her and get it finished. ..yay!
I can treat myself now and go back to my pencils and this rather challenging rose!

My son grew it and it is beautiful.
I hope you are enjoying your day.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

'Tis the Season to be Jolly

I am probably like many of you and enjoying celebrating the Season with dear friends, catching up, sharing a meal and exchanging gifts. I had a lovely Christmas lunch today with my stitching sisters. Lots of goodies and Secret Santas were exchanged with much joy and laughter.
I just had to share this sweet little "Frosty" I received as part of my gorgeous Secret Santa gift from my dear friend  Kay.

He snuggled right in with the 'chilly' gang that live on my dresser at Christmas time.

Isn't he adorable!   I was super spoilt and had such a lovely time....no dinner for me tonight!! Catch and cook your own dinner!
I do love pretty Christmas cards....

Not a lot of stitching has been happening but I am verrrry slowly constructing another ring for the Blessings quilt.

Thank you to my beautiful friends for a wonderful day and another year of caring frienship and fun...we are so blessed!
Sending love to my dear friend Lorel and her family xxx

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

I'm on the Nice List

I belong to a lovely group of friends and at this time of year we have a very special Christmas swap....boy I must have been a better girl than I thought...or else Santa didn't get to hear about any naughty stuff lol! Look at my beautiful parcel.

We get to open one a day until Christmas. ..aren't the Angels beautiful.  I have popped number 12 under the tree....

Day 1 was a strand of twinkly lights and some more of those adorable Angels with a message to add the parcel Angels to the twinkly lights as I  open each parcel.

Day 2....the sweetest little bag and lovely bracelet which I am going to wear to lunch tomorrow.  Big hugs and thanks to my Christmas elf  and friend Melody xxx
I love Christmas post! Even as a child, having extended family living distances away in the country it was exciting to receive greetings and cards from them at Christmas.
There was usually a newsy letter (no emails or texts ) telling us all their doings. To this day I still love to receive a  card in the mail.
So when my friend Christine sent me a lovely card and the sweetest Angel ornie I was thrilled.

Thank you so much Christine...you know already where it is hanging lol!
Today was my last art class for the year.....huge sad face :( Almost got this cutie finished.

I have loved every second......don't want to wish my life away but hurry up January.  I am off to hang up my pretty Angels to cheer up.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Sweet Little Surprises

As you all know I have a thing for tins....my Mum gifted me this gorgeous one depicting May Gibbs gumnut babies...a childhood favourite.

Its full of yummy shortbread too....perfect companion to a cuppa.
Another beautiful Beatrix Potter card to add to my special collection arrived from my dear friend  Sue in the UK....thank you! It really made me smile xx

Look at this very swish little Reindeer dear Keryn sent to me....adorable! Thank you.

It's very happy on my friends tree xxx
I have a message for a lady called PAT who commented on my blog about a pattern. If you could email personally Pat at michelleridgway53@hotmail.com as I couldn't reply to your comment...thank you.
Have a lovely day all. I am  off for "Coffee & Cake".
Namaste and Blesssings Michelle xxx

Questions & Answers

I have had a lot of enquiries about some of my patterns and so I thought I would do a little post and answer them here. I am so thrilled that you like what I do....thank you! It appears lots of you have eagle eyes whilst enjoying my Christmas decorating lol! Hence the questions....
Firstly, lots of you saw some felt ornies that Cheryll from Gone Stitchin' featured on her blog a little while ago that she enjoyed stitching.

After numerous requests I have made them into a little pattern for you.
The following patterns are still available also -
Christmas Sentiments Ornaments.

Christmas Goodie Bags.

"C" is for Christmas.

A Jolly Holly Gathering wall hanging.

If you would like any of these please email me. Being the designer I am always happy to assemble a pattern for you if I don't have it in stock.
Now for things non Christmas. I had planned to have finished the "Tiny Teacup Teddies" before Christmas but unfortunately I won't have the pattern ready until the New Year...I have promised "EARLY" January and so I will do my very best.

The design is all put together so it shouldn't take me toooo long! Promise! Hang in there dear Teddy Lovers.
The other question I have been asked a lot about is my Calendar Bears. It seems that they have just run away with your hearts and they are very pleased with themselves....let me tell you!

This pattern will also be available from me in January.
I hope this has answered some of your questions for you. I am always happy to hear from you.
Also don't forget my little Christmas gift freebie on my sidebar for you...."A Heart Friend"
Enjoy your evening.

Gingies are so cute!
Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx

Such a Nice Thank You

Each week when I  travel to Yoga I give a lift to my friend Lindy. She is such a lovely fun person and I enjoy our journeys so much. She also a very good cook. Lindy of Chinese heritage and knows we just adore her delicious little wontons. Yesterday she arrived with a brimming plate full....

Oh my they were delicious and sadly have disappeared down the rabbit hole. Lindy also gifted me the sweetest little Angel ornament from the Oxfam shop...

She is made from recycled paper and is just beautiful. Such a lovely thank you. As I was not even standing behind the door but in a completely different room when culinary skills were given out, this was a real treat. Thank you so much Lindy xx
Sewing wise I have been working on the circles on my Blessings block.

I  think the  leaves don't look too bad now in the overall scheme of things.
Ok must fly. I am  off to art and then I have Nana duties with 2 rascally little Grandsons. Have a beautiful day.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

New Art Space

Something a little different to share. My art teacher Sandra Temple has been offered a new art space for her students on a Tuesday which we tried out for the very first time last week....and it has air-con...very civilised! Here we all are working away diligently.

It is at a privately owned sanctuary at Berrinba which is about 20 minutes from my home.... and has lovely grounds and resident koalas....they weren't coming out to see us first visit...but we are hopeful for future visits.

You know what a sucker I am for an interesting piece of bark...well just loved this!

Thought my overseas friends might like to see an Aussie creek in summer (at least there is some water) I still love to wander beside a creek though...

Lovely rocks and trickling water...

Wonderful fallen logs....homes for critters and perfect to perch a little Aussie bird upon in a future drawing perhaps.

It was a lovely spot to spend our coffee break...there is something rejuvenating about being out in nature.

I am really looking forward to many more meanderings and inspirational times here. I hope you enjoyed your little wander with me today.
A bit of "tropical Christmas" to finish with. Have a lovely day.

Namaste and Blessings,
Michelle xxx