Blog Break

I'm going to sign off for a few weeks. Time for the summer break.

Will catch you up with any news when we get back.

At the moment my Mr Fixit is reading my APQ (Australian Patchwork and Quilting) - the article about the crazy quilt that sold for $70,000.

Hope he's not dreaming... I'm totally not in that league!

SSCS What I Sent

This is the quilt I made for Linda at linsueray.

When looking through Linda's blog to find out a little about her, I discovered that although she lives in the mountains, she really enjoys her trips to the ocean when she's able. I thought a little reminder of the ocean would be good. The birds are sandpipers, not seagulls - lol.

I hope she likes it.

This is the ornament I made.

It looks huge in the photo, but it's not.

Another successful year with Chookyblue's SSCS.

Pop over to her blog as she's posting all the swaps.

Wonky House Sketch

I joined Jane's Wonky House Block Swap

and have finally decided on a design.

Not sure yet how I'm going to put it together,

but I really like it so will figure it out.

Jane has opened another group if you want to join in.

Santa's Holiday

We all know where Santa goes on Boxing Day.

SSCS 2011 Received

Once again we've had a lovely swap organised by Chookyblue.

Thank you Chookyblue!!

The lovely lady who made these items is

Cheryl at Polka Dots & Rick Rack.

These gorgeous snowmen holding their Christmas treats... just too cute.

This is as close to a snowman as I'm ever likely to be here in Oz.

This darling notebook is a perfect size for my handbag, sewing bag or next to the computer. Lots of options here! And I love writing things down. The lovely feel of pen on paper... am I the only one?

Look at this tea towel!! Red plaid!! My favourite! And a snowman snow globe. And of course, rick rack trim!!

Thanks Cheryl! This is just too cute.

This gorgeous wool ornament I showed you before, but here he is again.

This is my third year in participating in this swap,

and each time I've had such lovely lovely gifts.

Thanks again Cheryl!!

In other Christmas news, this year I did not set up a big tree.

Here is my Christmas vignette.

Of course every tree needs a star, so I sewed on this delightful ceramic button.

I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas!

Season's Greetings

May your home be a peaceful haven this Christmas.

Potholders (Again)

So I made two smaller potholders to go with the bigger one.

The 'front' is the red Cat in the Hat and the 'back' is the all-over white print.

For daughter Number One, by special request.

Jesus Came for Everyone

Chinese Nativity by Yu Jia-de found here.

Navajo Nativity found here.

African Nativity found here.

Aboriginal Nativity by Mathew Gill found here.

Australian Nativity by Rachael Flynn found here.

Isaiah 9

6For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
***
Matthew 1

18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
***

May you find time to set aside all thoughts of trees and turkeys and santa to ponder the wonder of it all - that Jesus became a baby to live and die for us - that His very life was the greatest gift of all.

***

John 3

16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,f that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Jane's Wonky House Block Swap

Jane is hosting a wonky house block swap and I joined in. There are a couple of spots left if you are interested. Click the button above to go to her post about the swap.

Edit: I also found this post for this 'wonky town' quilt.

Below is a mini quilt I received from Helen. This is a great wonky house quilt!

Thanks Helen! I'm still loving it!!

Potholder

Potholder made from scraps of Dr Seuss fabric.

Two layers of batting - one is insulbrite and the other cotton.

Approximately 9 1/2 inches square.

I will make a friend for it and then give the pair as a Christmas present.

International Disturbed People's Day

I received these photos in one of those emails that gets sent around with words of encouragement and friendship etc. We are supposed to send it on etc. I don't usually mind getting them, and I even occasionally send them on. These photos particularly appealed to me so I thought I would share them with y'all. They are meant to be in honour of International Disturbed People's Day. (PS There is no official day so this is just an excuse for a bit of humour - and the world can always use more of that.)

dis·turb 

verb (used with object)
1. to interrupt the quiet, rest, peace, or order of; unsettle.
2. to interfere with; interrupt; hinder: Please do not disturb me when I'm working.
3. to interfere with the arrangement, order, or harmony of; disarrange: to disturb the papers on her desk.
4. to perplex; trouble: to be disturbed by strange behavior.
verb (used without object)
5. to cause disturbance to someone's sleep, rest, etc.: Do not disturb.

Origin: 1175–1225; Middle English disto ( u ) rben, disturben < Anglo-French disto ( u ) rber, desturber < Latin disturbāre to demolish, upset, equivalent to dis- dis-1 + turbāre to confuse Related forms
dis·turb·er, noun
pre·dis·turb, verb (used with object)

Synonyms 1. bother, annoy, trouble, pester.

The gist of the email is that even if you are a disturbed individual (as in a little off), your friends will love you and be there for you. Be happy in your life and forgive others. Live each day to the full and remember to dance like no one's watching. Worthy sentiments all.

The sheep are my favourite.

Some of my days recently have felt like this.

There are some very clever (a.k.a. disturbed?) people out there.

House Ornament

I met today with my lovely quilting friends (a.k.a. Girlfriends).

We had a wonderful lunch and swapped presents.

This is a little house ornament I made as part of my gift.

The back.
I made this from a pattern by Kim at Retro Mama.
I didn't follow the pattern very well,
but I am happy with my result.
You can find the pattern and tutorial here.
I will make more of these,
and may even follow the pattern next time.
Hope your Christmas plans are going well!

Little Helper

This little gecko watched me hang my laundry.

My garden is literally a desert,

but even the smallest creatures can find a home.

SSCS 2011 Received

I participated in Chookyblue's Secret Santa Christmas Swap (SSCS) and I have received my package from the lovely lady who "got" me. Look at that beautiful quilty card! And red spots and yummy rick rack.

Very appropriate!

This is the lovely gift I've received from

Cheryl of Polka Dots and Rick Rack.

This ornament is just too cute!

And the only snowman I am likely to see anytime soon here in Oz!

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the fine work involved in making something like this. The attention to detail and all the little stitches and special touches. Just too precious. This is one ornament that will live in my sewing room. He's just too adorable to pack away in a box and bring out once a year! Thank you so much Cheryl!!!

Ironing

Quilt Labels

This is one way that I do labels.

*The base of the triangle (which is the top long edge) is on the selvedge so I don't need to turn that edge under.
*The other two raw edges will be secured in the corner behind the binding.
*I heavily starch the fabric.
*The lines are ruled with a hera marker.
*I used magic tape
to secure the edges while I wrote my information. It easily lifts off without pulling on the fabric. (This is the same tape I use for foundation piecing 'repairs'.)
*I used a .5 black pigma pen and neatly printed:
**the name of my quilt
**'adapted from a design by...'
**who the quilt was for
**my details
**swap details
**date
**location.

I also use pre-printed labels (when I can find them) and labels I print myself (when my printer has ink).

How do you make your labels?

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American family and friends.

May you have a joyous time.

To all my other friends, may you have joyous occasions with family and friends. And maybe find an interesting vendor like David Lansing did when he went to Mexico.