Mug Rug Love

I recently had a birthday.  While it was not quite a "big" birthday it was made very, very special in lots of ways.

One of those ways was by lots of technology.  Through the joys of texting and facebook I got messages from so many of my lovely friends, Creative Memories buddies and extended family (even 3 of my Aunts that I hadn't heard from for a while)  My hubby spoiled me with an ipod and a new smart phone (welcome to the 21st century Nell!!!) Now I just have to work out how to use the damn thing LOL!

Another of those ways was through relationships - last year I went the whole day at work without anyone knowing it was my birthday.  This year the girls were determined that EVERYONE would know so I was thoroughly spoilt by gorgeous children and parents and staff (including a special brown paper package tied with my fav red and white spots - thanks www.bananarunkin.blogspot.com ) I had lots of hugs from sweet kidlets.  My teaching buddy made my favourite lemon almond cake.  My own kids each made their own handmade cards and decorated a sponge cake with way too many marshmallows and spearmint leaves!  Then my baby brother rang and announced that my sweet new niece, Izabella Grace, had put in an appearance on my birthday!!!!  It doesn't get much better than that.

And then there was this little handmade bit of love.  A very thoughtful present from my clever friend Nic www.nicolewood.blogspot.com  I love the quilting on it.  I love that it is in my colours and custom made to match my Happy Place!  Most of all I love that someone took the time, and the care, and the thoughtfulness to make it just for me.  Handmade Love.

It makes me happy every time I see it!!!

What makes you happy?

p.s.  This weekend we are at a quilting course with Lorraine Cocker.  Today I finally mastered the art of stippling - watch this space!

family time

Not a lot of crafting happening here lately because we have been having family time.  First my sis and mum and gorgeous little China Doll of a niece down from Queensland for a few days and now James' brother visiting from the UK.  Lovely time.  Family time.  Makes me miss them all so much more.  Makes me so very, very grateful for all that I have.

And while we are talking gratitude.  Tonight I started work on my soon-to-be-born-niece's quilt only to find that my quilter's pins all got left behind at our last quilt gathering so I had to hand-baste.  You know, we modern day quilters, we've got it pretty good!!! Thank goodness it was only a cot quilt!!!

Almost famous and most recently finished!

I recently had the honour of listening to Rhonda Anderson, the co-founder of Creative Memories, speak in Adelaide.  It was so amazing to hear her share her story and to recognise that she has touched and changed millions of lives just with one good idea.  She presented all of the SA Leaders with a special certificate so I was lucky enough to get a photo with her!

On the crafting front, this is the last quick finish - the Elf hat from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" (although I modified the pattern to use circular needles)  The yarn is my own navaho plied Stained Glass from kathysfibres.com

And in the spirit of sharing, because attic24.typepad.com was brave enough to show her shelves of doom I thought I should add my own photo of the disasterous sewing table before the move to the craft room this afternoon.  I had actually started the cleaning/sorting process when this was taken hence the two top shelves.  I am almost finished now and will try to post "finished" photos tomorrow.  Scary how many almost-finished projects I unearthed.  When hubby heard me groaning and came to investigate he said "Why don't you just throw them out?"  What a liberating thought.  I am TRYING to let some of them go!!!!

Happy weekend!
Nell
p.s. the little blue pieces of paper stuck to the shelves say "DO NOT START ANOTHER THING" sigh...if only I would heed my own advice!

Finished WIP and the next one!

Well here it is, finally finished binding on Saturday so technically my first WIP for March?

And here is hopefully the next to be finished?  This was a version of Rosalie Quinlan's "Rebekah Amy" quilt started in Melbourne at least 10 years ago.  Funny how your tastes change as now I feel like this quilt is a bit too tonal and muted - nothing to make it pop!  This will be perfect to practise all over quilting on though!

It is a very grey rainy day here and I have a very mischievious toddler and a house that desperately needs decluttering before a busy week ahead.
Happy Monday!
Nell