I've been away but now I'm back!

I've been away since Monday in Brisbane taking Jaden to appointments at the Royal Brisbane Childrens Hospital. Nothing serious, just checkups. Jaden takes after me in that he was born with a Cleft lip (me a cleft lip and palette). But it looks so great now and the Royal Childrens have such wonderful specialists there. It was the usual round of Orthodontists, Surgeons and Ear nose and throat Specialists. All looking good and home again now. Thankfully we don't have to go back now for another 12 months.

I have had three wonderful ladies join up for my pay-it-forward exchange, Clare, Viv and Melissa. You can check out the links to their wonderful blogs on my sidebar. Please do.

Here is a pic showing off some of my knitting skills just for Melissa from thistledewfarm.blogspot.com as I promised. This is the Jumper and Beanie that I knitted for my DH (this is actually him in it in our front yard) to wear on a work trip around Melbourne/Victoria last winter. It is made from Alpaca/Wool and little bit of acrylic. It was so beautiful to knit and did not take long at all. This is the first ever adult jumper I have ever knitted. He loves it and wore it quite alot whilst he was down there. I've knitted a few little jumpers for my boys and everyone now has beanies or hats of some sort now.

My sister has become addicted also but now is more into crochet. Here is a little something she made for Jamie (my dh). He asked her to make him this bear to take to work and put on his computer. I don't think he realised how small it would be. He just loves it though and it is currently travelling with him while he's working in Brisbane for the Recovery Relief from the storms they had recently.

I'd better go, more cleaning and organising my house before Jamie comes home this weekend. Was my chance to declutter. Going well so far.

Happy Crafting!!! D :=)

Nothing much happening here today.

I have not done much by way of craft today as it has been my special day with Jaden (4). Every Friday when dear Bailey (2) is in daycare, Jaden and I do something special together. Today we went swimming as it is sooooo hot and muggy here at the moment. He has been having swimming lessons lately and I thought the two of us could get in a bit of practice. He was very excited to be able to show off his new skills today to Grandma who came with us just for this purpose. Within no time at all he has changed from a screaming banshee if even flicked with a minute bit of water to a drowned water rat who I just can't keep away from the stuff. Even in the bath he has been donning the goggles and calling out to me to check on his progress. Usually when I'm trying to get tea ready. But I am so proud of him.

I did have something exciting happen today craftwise. I had some fabric delivered to me by my postie fairy. I have been eagerly waiting for the backing/binding to arrive to finish my Rosewood Cottage Quilt (shown on the left here). I ordered the fabric from Abbi May's Fabric Shop. It is one of my favourite shops at the moment. I realised I had run out of the fabric that I used for the outer boarder and I had wanted to bind the quilt in the same fabric (might I say I started this quilt some time ago and and have not been able to find the said fabric anywhere. Until of course I discovered some at Abbi Mays much to my relief). As the fabric was on sale I bought enough to bind and back the quilt in the same fabric. They have been wonderful and it arrived so quickly from the U.S. Now I can complete a quilt on my "UFQ" list and one of my goals for this year. Yippeeee. It is so exciting getting fabric in the mail.

Happy Crafting. D. :=)

My Turn to Pay-it-forward!

I was so excited today to discover that I was one of the lucky three to sign up for Janelle's Pay-it-forward exchange. Thanks so much Janelle for doing this exchange.

Janelle is from http://www.threadsoffriendship.blogspot.com/ Make sure you visit their blog. I love it.

I think this is such a wonderful idea! This is how it goes : it's the Pay It Forward exchange, based on the concept of the movie "Pay It Forward", where acts of kindness are done without expecting anything in return, just passing it on, hoping that the recipients will do the same and pay it forward, like a never ending chain of kindness... How to proceed ?I will make and send a handmade gift for the first 3 friends who post a comment to this post, requesting to join this exchange, and promising to pay it forward to 3 other persons, etc.... I don't know what my 3 gifts will be. Your PIF won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent within 365 days (ample time) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. I'm more than happy to send something internationally - so everyone can be involved!!!

What better way for everyone to join hands around the globe and share our crafty goodness!!! So, who wants me to make them something - then you go and get to pass it on?

Have fun crafting!

D. :=)

Where do I start....

I have been really bad this week and have hardly had time to even look at my blog let alone anyone else's. I have so much catching up to do, lucky I've made myself a cuppa (and a few biccies) so I can finally catch my breath and have some reading time.

My dear hubby left on Monday morning on a flight to Melbourne for a two week trip around Victoria for his work. Yippee I secretly thought (though of course I miss him dearly) Craft till whenever, after the kids are in bed. Wooohooo! But alas things don't always turn out the way you plan. I have re-organised and cleaned my house and done some much needed decluttering (Garage sale time for sure) with not much crafting happening yet. And since I have not been getting my share of inspirational time reading all these wonderfully talented women's blogs out there I have been feeling a little bit lost.

Oh where oh where do I start....This is my first night without anything stopping me from getting in and doing something, anything. But I can't decide which UFO to pick up. I can't believe how terrible that sounds. This is a table runner that needs finishing. All I need to do is sew the binding down. You would think I would have done that by now. Maybe tomorrow...

I am so wanting to hurry up and get all my christmas stuff out and decorate the house already but unfortunately can't get motivated there either. Sad I know, but true. I'm hoping that maybe tomorrow something might kick in now that I don't have to do a trip that I was gearing up to do this week. December is such a short space of time to show off all your chrissy stuff so I usually start early November. This year I've been a bit slack in that department. I had even thought I might go all out this year and decorate with all my lights but am feeling a bit down and haven't got around to it. I had better get in soon or before I know it Christmas will be over (this is a Santa I made last year which I have have just unpacked with a few of my other hand made things. Will post them tomorrow too). So much to do tomorrow....

Oh well at least I've been plugging away at my Red and white Jacob's ladder quilt and nearly have it all together. I laid it all out last week and finally decided on the layout and now am steadily sewing the blocks together. I think I'm on my second last row. Won't be long now and I will have a little surprise giveaway to share with you. That gets me a little bit more excited.

Here are a few friends I have made that I will have to put away until after Christmas.

Oh well....until tomorrow. Happy crafting. D. :=)

An Amazing Quilt Giveaway!!!

You just have to check out Dana's (Old Red Barn Co) amazing Quilt giveaway! These quilts are so gorgeous. You would be mad not to have a look at her amazing blog with these beautiful quilts. I just fell in love with these fabrics and would absolutely love to give one a home. Quick, stop what your doing and just go and do it now, I'll understand you leaving here and I'll catch up with you again later. lol. Happy Drooling. D. :=)

Nature at Play

I am adding a second post today as I just noticed that the last one I just put on was the 13th Post. I just could not leave it at 13. (Silly I know)

So I thought I would share with you some pics I took yesterday of what I thought must be a bit of a phenomenon. I was on the phone to a close friend who told me to go outside and look up at the sun, so I did and these are a couple of the pics that I took of what I saw. A full circular rainbow going around the sun which was directly overhead. How bizarre. Unfortunately I could not get a pic of the complete circle because when I would look up, the sun would hurt my eyes (of course) and I would just point my camera and shoot, hoping all the while that I was pointing it in the right direction. I thought it was pretty amazing as I had never seen anything like it before. Anyhow, I had better go get organised for the afternoon session of mummy chores (Kindy pickup, soccer, Hmmmmm what to have for tea....). Happy Crafting. D. :=)

50 little blocks ready to be sewn together....

All 50 little blocks are made and ready to be sewn together. They are just waiting for me to get the time to sit and organise them into the right order (which for me can take a bit of effort as I find it so hard to do random) lol. But here they ready to go. (Hopefully this won't turn out to be another UFO.) Pressure is on now. I'd like to have this together before craft night this week. We'll see. Happy Crafting. D. :=)

Some Giveaway's to check out.

I have just discovered, thanks to Stina, these gorgeous giveaways (check my side bar for the links). You have to check out Abbi's gorgeous blog and she is giving away a quilt. How generous of her. I've now got another new favourite. Happy Crafting D. :=)

Festive Charm Tablerunner Update

Just a quick update on how my Festive Charm Tablerunner is going... Well I have hardly been able to sleep since starting this project because it's just about all I can think about (so I'd better hurry up). I can't believe and never imagined how starting a blog could get me so motivated into getting my UFO's finished. I just want to get everything finished so I can show you all. I think discovering so much inspiration at my fingertips from other like minded people has been so wonderful. (such an understatement I know). Anyhow, here is the update on the runner.

So far, in between organising Jaden for his first two orientation days in readiness for Prep next year (I don't know who is more excited him or me for him - he's growing up way to fast), parent meetings for prep and kindy commitee breakup meetings (me being the secretary of minutes) I have 25 petite little blocks ready to go and the other 25 just needing the top and bottom rows attached. Then it will be down to deciding on the placement and then joining them all together.

Here are a few of the first 25 completed ones and this next pic is of the remaining 25 yet to be sewn. Not far to go now.

I'm having fun doing this project. So thanks Ruth for this one. I think this could be a good chrissy pressie project, quick enough to whip up a few at once - I won't get to far ahead of myself just yet, one project at a time (cause who needs more UFO's, certainly not me) lol. Will keep you posted.

Happy Crafting. D. :=)

Phew! At last some Craft.

I just had to let you know that I've just finished cutting my charm squares ready to make the lovely Ruth's Festive Charm Table runner. I'm very excited and can't wait to sew them all together. I'm hoping to do that tomorrow when Bailey has his rest (Jaden will be at Kindy and only bare necessities to be done when it comes to housework lol). Gee, I must sound terrible. Well I did say I was addicted. I'll probably dream about sewing them in my sleep tonight (as I quite often do about my projects)(please tell me I'm normal)lol. Anyhoo, better go get some sleep or else I might need a nanna nap tomorrow and wouldn't that be tragic not getting any sewing done. TTFN (TaTa for Now) Happy Crafting. D. :=)

Took some time out - Been Camping

Well, since DH went back to work today after having two weeks off, he decided that he would like to getaway somewhere at least once on his holiday. So we took the boys on an adventure and did an overnighter. We took the camper trailer to Cedar Grove Camping grounds in the Amamoor State Forest (where they hold the annual Gympie Muster). Absolutely beautiful there and it was rather quiet too which was really nice. This is my first panorama shot with my new camera. This is the lovely creek which is the swimming hole for this camp spot. The boys just loved it (even though I thought it was freezing cold).

Was the perfect spot and day for a little hand stitching though. Of course you really didn't think I spend the weekend without some craft did you. (lol) I took my secret squirrel project with me to try and get finished so I can hopefully share with you soon. More on that later.

I thought I would also share with you our setup when we camp. Quite modest my also with a touch of home. (I know you've seen these before but this is how they are lovingly used). lol. I also forgot to mention the shaggy cushions that I had made to match each of the boys quilts.

And of course the room would not be complete without the main bed. I must say it is all quite comfy.

Our surroundings are so beautiful and it really is quite a nice spot. We had some unexpected visitors early Sunday morning much to the delight of two little boys.

Just a few more pics of our camp site and surrounds and I'll stop boring you (after all it is suppose to be a craft blog). lol

There are some really great walking tracks around the site too. Jaden and I went on our own little adventure which was really special for me. I so enjoy my special time with him. They are just growing up too fast. (sob) Anyhow that was what I was up to this weekend. Would love to show you all the pics but I'd be here all night and there are more important things tonight like hello !!! Craft!!! lol. Happy Camping, I mean Crafting. D. :=)

Fun Giveaway!

I just thought I would let you in on a wonderful giveaway I just found at http://seekatiesew.blogspot.com/2008/10/two.html. You must check out Katies blog. Lovely indeed.
Be back soon. D. :=)

Another Project Started (Don't tell anyone)

I know, I shouldn't be starting anything, but it's only a little one......

I got inspired today reading Threads of Friendship's blog (Janellybelly's table runner). It was so lovely I went straight down to my newsagent and bought the lastest issue of Aust Country Threads (Vol 8 No. 12) and came home and selected my fabrics. This beautiful table runner was designed by Ruth Buchanan who produces some gorgeous work. It was too beautiful resist. I just couldn't help it. Here is a pic of the fabrics I have chosen. These are from the Bound to the Prairie 2 Range by Kansas Troubles Quilters for Moda. Sorry I can't show you a pic of the finished product, you'll just have to wait till I'm finished, check out Country Threads or visit Janellybelly's blog and see her gorgeous creations. I can't wait to start it. Might just go and do that now. he! he! he!

Happy Crafting D. :=)

Check this blog out - I just loved it.

You just have to check out Tracey's blog. I was really impressed and fell in love with her work.
http://scraphappyquilts.blogspot.com/ Go visit it when you can. Happy Crafting and blogging. D. :=)

One more thing before I go to bed...

Just thought I'd Welcome Marnie with her new blog which I'm sure we'll see some great stuff from in the future. Check out Marnie's blog at pandanipatchwork.blogspot.com

Had a great craft night tonight. It was Amanda's last night tonight before we loose her to the bright lights of the big city Melbourne (I'm very very sad). Can't wait to start our net craft nights Manda. Even though we will be loosing Amanda, I welcome our "New Girl" to the block - Fenella. Fenella, hope you had a good night too and want to come back to our mad Cackle.

Nighty nighty, sleep tighty, See you in the morning lighty. (lol that's what I say to my boys every night. They reply " when the sun is shining brighty).
D :=)

Well all blocks are done. Show and tell tonight.

Well, since it was my day with no children yesterday (Jaden at Kindy and Bailey's day at daycare) I decided I would get motivated and finally finish the remaining blocks for my Red & White Jacobs Ladder Quilt. Here they all are - all blocks finished and here is a pic (don't take any notice of the blue quilt underneath.

They are not together yet but I thought I would give you a sneak preview of them before they are finally sewn together (they may not necessarily stay in the order that I have them in in this pic). I hope to get the top together with the white boarder in the next couple of days.

I also got to spend the day with one of my wonderful friends Karen (who is also part of my craft group). I actually started the Cackle Club about six or seven years ago now and Karen was my first ever member. She was so motivated by craft and was one of these ladies that always said "I wish I could make that" and I would reply "But you could" and so the Cackle Club was formed. Karen is also an Angel Story Quilter (below is a pic of my unfinished ASQ - sorry it's not real clear) who has only a few blocks left to do and has already started putting a few together. I helped her start another quilt yesterday which she is very excited about. I had such a lovely day yesterday. Thank you Karen helping me take my mind off some things.

DH (on holidays) took the boys fishing today (which Jaden caught his first Bass - He is very proud indeed as are Daddy and I) and all I did today was blog hopped. I must say I found some really exciting and inspirational blogs out there. It has been my first real opportunity to have a look since I have become blog hooked last week. I have certainly added them to my blog list. I was very excited to get an email from Gail Pan, my dream designer, today. I had been on her blog (which you really must visit) having a read. I love her designs. Here is a pic of the "My Heart of the Home" Backpack I made from one of Gails designs. It won me a beautiful fabric bundle from Homespun Magazine a little while ago. I have decided on the quilt to make with them but of course I have decreed that "No more quilts to be started until I finish some UFQ's" Drat that decree - I wish no-one had heard it....There were too many witnesses to take that one back. I tried. One day not so long ago, when I got a new parcel of fabric delivered I stupidly commented "OOOh I can now start my Muddy Garden Quilt. But of course what I got from DH was " But you said....blah blah blah" "Yeah I know what I said" I better get cracking on those UFQ's hey! lol.

That reminds me too - It is my 1 week anniversary. It has been a week since I started my blog. Happy anniversary to Me!!! lol.

I'd better go and tidy up the table for Craft tonight and send an email to Gail. I'll have to see if I can get a pic of the girls to share with you. lol. Must also say a friendship filled hello to my Craft Girls - Barb, Beth, Amanda, Kelli, Jodi and Karen who all touch my life in a million wonderful ways.

Happy Crafting for now. D :=)

All very exciting!

I can't say how excited I was with my first comments to my blog. I think it makes it sink in that you really aren't alone in the world and that there are others out there that might like what you do and are excited about the same things. Well what aya know. Thanks.

I have actually had a little bit of time to myself today to catch up on a UFQ (though I do have a list of those that I might tell you about later). I have been working on a quilt that I have decided to do due to our little groups secret santa fat quarter swap last christmas. I had decided then that I would love to do a red and white quilt of some sort with intentions of maybe adding some redwork here and there and that was the colour scheme that my secret santas went with. Well, a couple of months ago I got out all my red and white fabrics and decided on a quilt to use them all in. A Jacobs Ladder design.

There is no redwork but I am happy with my choice and am hoping that it turns out o.k. Some of the fabrics are really lovely and all the white is different for each block. They are white on white fabrics that have not been so easy to come by. I intend to have 3 crosses across and three crosses down which means there are 36 blocks in total and each block is 12" finished. I think I might do a white boarder to show off some quilting and then bind the quilt in a strippy binding of all the reds that I have used in the quilt itself.

I also received from Beth (one of my Happy Cacklers) another fat 1/4 for my bithday that I celebrated just recently and have made a block to add to my quilt to remind me of her. I have been working on my last few blocks. I have over the last couple of months been doing a block or two here and there and last tally was 31 blocks. Well, I cut the last few and have been working on them today. I think that when I am finished putting them all together, I just might celebrate with a little give-a-way of something with my left over blocks. Will certainly keep you posted on that. I can't wait to have this one finished. Will post some pics of my other UFQ's later when my children have gone to bed. Their saturday night movie is about to start and I it's my turn to do popcorn.

Happy Crafting. D :=)

Stage 2 Complete

Well, I have been madly running around with my camera getting pics of just about anything and everything I have made for show-n-tell. Just to bring you up to speed of course and then it will be hopefully things I have finished from here on in (not lol). What would I do without some UFO's - oh what am I thinking - I'd start new ones of course. Anyway here are some pics of some quilts I have made.

This is my first ever completed quilt. I made this for my Dear Hubby (DH). He calls it his swag quilt. Though I nicely informed him (like heck it will) it will never be used for his swag. It is way to big anyway. Having said that though, we do use it in the camper trailer when we go somewhere.

This is one that I made for my eldest son Jaden when he was two (he is now almost five). This Quilt is called "Bear Hugs" from The Chook Shed. The bears can be changed to girl bears with bows on their heads if you are doing it for a girl. I have used scraps from my stash for the main part of the quilt.

Jaden just loved it when I made this for him (and of course still does). It gets used for just about everything. Well loved indeed.

This one I have recently finished for my now two year old son Bailey. It is a little hard to appreciate the farm animals but believe me they are just adorable. Included in this one are Chooks, Cows, Horses, Pigs and Sheep. It is a pattern called "Calico Friends" by Calico Farm Designs.

Unfortunatley I don't have a photo of this quilt completed but this is my first flannel log cabin. I made this one for my mum for her 50th Birthday last year. It is a double sided quilt as I ran out of fabric for the back and ended up piecing all the left over strips to insert into a panel in the back. I was really happy with the finished quilt. It had been quilted by a lovely lady by the name of Cheryl and she had done a gorgeous job of it. I was quite sad to have to give it away but at least I know I can visit it anytime. Cheryl also quilted DH's quilt for me.

Well that's some of the completed quilts that I have done for now. I might post some pics of my UFQ's later. The boys are back from their fishing expedition and it is now my job to view their catch lol. Hugs2U. D.

At Last!!!!

I have finally done it. I have been nagged (nicely of course) at by one of my close friends not mentioning names (Beth) to do this so now I have created a blog. I have been meaning to do it for some time now and have finally taken the plunge since one of my lovely crafty cacklers has decided to make her own big leap and move away to Melbourne. She will be dearly missed. This is to keep in touch with you Manda Panda.

Anyway, all that said and done, this is my first time at this blogging and hopefully over time this blog will start to look better with age (apparently like most women I'm told since I've just had another birthday and heading deeper into my thirty's).

Must go and do some more craft (and Mum things) as this is my day off. Will update you soon with photo's of all my UFO's and projects that I have in the Bank and of course projects that I have already completed. D:>.