Halloween Blocks Swap

I participated in Jane's Halloween Spooktacular Block Swap and these are the blocks I've received. A big thank you to all the ladies who participated and especially to Jane for all her hard work. I'm looking forward to playing around with these blocks - although they won't be together in time for this Halloween, but maybe the next...

Quilt As You Go Class

It's not all work and bushwalking. Yesterday (Saturday) I went to a quilt-as-you-go class with the lovely and talented Glenda Olesen (no blog that I know of) who is an accredited teacher, judge and quilt valuer with the Western Australian Quilters' Association (WAQA). She showed us several different ways to join quilt blocks or quilt sections.

I chose to try a method using overlaid sashing strips both front and back.

Of course I didn't have anything prepared, so during the week I quickly whipped up some hourglass blocks from a pack of 7inch charm squares and did some simple quilting. It will be a 4x4 table topper. This is as far as I got in the class time. This will not be a UFO! It is rough as anything but will work overall.

After determining the size of my sashing, I trimmed back the blocks, butted the batting together and zig-zagged them together. My blocks are about 6 1/4 unfinished so I chose a one inch sashing.

The back of the quilt is sashed as well, but with a smaller sashing than the front so those seam lines won't show on the front. I put these on by eye and then they didn't match up exactly, but I'm not going to worry about that as it blends in well and won't be 'in your face' unless you look really close.

These fabrics are just yummy. With spring in the air it's all about purple - when the iris's bloom you know it's a good time of year. The light coloured fabric has a hint of shine that I just can't capture in a photo. Pity only one little square of it...

Not much sewing for today. After church I have four pair of pants to hem for my husband and of course all the household chores I didn't do yesterday (sigh). No housework fairy here....

Hope your weekend is full of sunshine and laughter and a little sewing for good luck!

Cheers

Shari

Bush Walk

While I'm working like a mad woman lately, it's not all about work. Sunday we had the opportunity to go on a lovely community bush walk called "Trek the Trail". While it did rain we did have 'lengthy fine periods' and managed to have a lovely morning. So here are some shots of our beautiful Australian bush. The old young guy at the end is my Mr Fixit. This is only 10 minutes from me! The interesting grass trees used to be called blackboys - but not anymore. Read about them here.

Hope you've had time to enjoy and appreciate the natural environment in your neighbourhood!

Cheers

Shari

A New Blog

So here is a fabulous new blog you need to check out.

I'm quoting from Cheryl of Willowberry Designs:


"this is what we're all about.....

A merry band of Australian designers sharing a few of their original and varied designs freely for your personal use...

Among the Gum Trees is the brainchild of Jenny of ELEFANTZ who has brought together a group of nine established and emerging designers to offer something new and exciting to the crafty world - their own original designs - to download free of charge!"

Doesn't this sound exciting! Please visit Among the Gum Trees and read all about it - there may be a giveaway involved....

Breast Cancer Research Fundraising and a Giveaway

Julie at Bush Baby Jag is having a wonderful giveaway to fundraise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Rosalie Quinlan has donated a bundle of her gorgeous fabric and a signed copy of her new book! Julie has two quilting friends who have also contributed prizes... Kaaren and Robyn. Please pop over and see how you can help...

Spring Flowers

We were at the in-laws on Sunday for Father's Day and I snatched literally a minute to snap these photos... the light was fading so not much time... their garden is a wonderful mix of natives with a few other flowers thrown in...

Today is windy and rainy - not much sunshine about...

Giveaway Winners

Thank you to all who entered my little giveaway.

The winner of the blue wallhanging is Simone.

The winner of the pink cushion cover is Christine.

Please send me your addresses! Thanks!

Cheers

Shari

For all Bag Lovers

I came across this amazing website that has links to dozens and dozens of bags! You are sure to find one that is just perfect. Gotto go now! Going back for a visit~

Cheers

Shari

Giveaway

I'm having a little clean-up and thought I might give these two items away. I've had them for a couple of years and I got them from U-Chus.

Pop over and check them out.

The blue one is a wall hanging and it measures

about 23 inches by 33 inches.

Detail.

The pink one is a cushion cover and it measures

about 15.5 inches square.

Detail.

Neither has waddding or is quilted.

I just love the naive applique.

It's time to share the love.

Leave me a comment telling me which you would like,

the blue or the pink.

I'll pick the winners next Tuesday, the 8th of September,

effective 6am local time.

Hope your days are full of sewing and laughter!

Cheers

Shari