Finishing Stuff!

Inspired by this (the Patchwork Apple's Civil War and Repros exhibition) I went home and found the BOM medallion quilt that I started about 6 years ago.  I just could not for the life of me get the centre square to work.  I tried so many times and it just never fitted so I threw the whole lot in a cupboard and forgot about it.  At the exhibition Jane had the original quilt on display and I still loved it (funny how some of the quilts I loved 6 years ago are now ho hum and others stand the test of time)  Anyway, I came home and hunted for the pieces.  Not an easy task amongst the mess. That is when I discovered that some parts from the first block were missing in action so I had to find similar fabric.  After lots of hunting and searching I was about to press the replacement fabric when what should I find on the floor next to the ironing board... the pieces all ready to go in a zip lock bag - sometimes I seriously think the Big Guy Upstairs just loves to teach me a lesson and I guess that this time it was a lesson about keeping things a bit tidier and being a bit more organised!  Anyway, to cut a long waffle short.  I pieced this:

To give you a bit of an idea, the little red and cream half square triangles measure one inch across.  I know it is not perfect but I am so proud of this block and so glad that 6 years later I can move on!!!

As I sorted through the mess I also found a little dress that I had started for Maddie.  Knowing my reputation for not finishing things in a timely manner I had cut it as a size 4.  I really wish I had known how ridiculously easy this pattern is!  It is "Miss Madeline" by Samantha Coffey thehandmadedress.blogspot.com 

The fabric was picked up on the trading table at Spinners and Weavers for next to nothing.  Now I just have to wait a few years for Maddie to fit into it.

Oh, and just in case you needed a laugh.  Guess what happens when you leave your sewing machine AND scrapbooking supplies unattended?  This was taken post-event when the culprit was made to clean it up and as she scrubbed she kept saying "No! No! No! Ahh, pretty!" and shaking her head and then nodding!!!  She certainly is our little clown and I think at least 3 times as cheeky as her siblings!

Happy Monday!

Keep smiling,

Nell

p.s. Creative Memories Pens are archival quality and won't run, bleed or fade. They are totally waterproof.  My sewing machine is destined to be "Ahh Pretty" for a very long time!

New Inspiration

I've just discovered this new blog treefalldesign.typepad.com and have enjoyed a pleasant half hour of oohing and ahhing over her beautiful children's clothes - I think it is mostly the colour combinations and patterns that I love, and that real sense of yesteryear simplicity.  Whatever it is, Manda McGrory makes making children's clothes look effortless and between her and Toni Coward they have me itching to clean off the scrapping table and get busy sewing for my girls.  WATCH THIS SPACE.

Oh, and I found it interesting that even someone that talented feels funny when they wear clothes they have made themself.  I can totally relate to that (which is one reason why I hardly ever sew for my self!)

I am happily stitching at a farmyard quilt from Alicia Paulson's book (destined for my bestie's 2nd baby) and tonight while I read craft mags in the bath I found the perfect pattern to use my stash of Dr Seuss fabric.  Now the big question is really what to work on next LOL

Tomorrow is The Patchwork Apple's Civil War Exhibition (at the Woodside Institute Hall)  I have seen several of these quilts and they are STUNNING.  Cannot wait to go and drool (and Jane will have the shop set up there too so if she happened to have the new Moda 3 Sisters Etchings in a Jelly Roll it might just have to come home with me)  Oh the possibilities!

Happy weekend!

I think I need an intervention!

I probably shouldn't be writing this.  I am tired and grumpy and probably need an early night but I also know I won't sleep and I won't settle so I might as well write here and maybe, just maybe, be held a tiny bit accountable.

My house is currently a disaster zone.  We have just been away for a few idyllic days down at my inlaws beach house.  It seriously looks like a magazine house.  Everything is sleek and glossy and clean and simple.  It feels restful. 

Coming home was not restful.  There is "stuff" on every horizontal surface in our home.  We have too much "stuff".  Way too much "stuff".  "Stuff" that might one day come in useful.  "Stuff" that I might one day get around to fixing. "Stuff" that doesn't have a home.  "Stuff" that we can't throw out because we don't know quite what it is (or belongs to - "is that the spare bolt from the dryer or the bit from the kids swing set?")

I really need to re-read Fly Lady.  I really need to make next week Purge Week.
A room a day...
Wish me luck...

Oh, and if you happen to visit, don't let me pretend that the house isn't always this bad.  We both know the truth!

Softies For Mirabel

Just when I had privately decided it was time to stop doing so much for other people and start finishing some of my own projects!


The thing is, it makes me feel good to help others.  You get that soft squishy self-gratifiying feeling inside.  And these kids really need it!

I love the quote by Mother Theresa "We cannot all do great things, only small things with great love", and also the one that says "Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can" 

So come on! Join in! If you're local and can get your softie to me I don't even mind posting it for you!
Keep smiling,
Nell

Loving Right Now..

*That our holidays have started a day early (Hannah woke up with a sore throat so no school run for us today)
*Having all of my nearest and dearest together under one roof (James has holidays too)
*My grown up baby who insists on wearing piggy tails and dressing herself - is there seriously anything cuter than a not quite two year old in piggies?
*That her new favourite phrase is "but I LOVE you!" with a big smoochy kiss
*The prospect of a bit of sewing/quilting/mummy time with my gorgeous quilty friends tomorrow (and there might even be a little bit of good food and good wine and good coffee, and I know there will be lots of talking and projects shared)
*The feeling of satisfaction that comes with the end of a busy term and the prospect of two long, lazy weeks ahead
*The luxury of a second cup of coffee and catching up on favourite blogs while my children entertain each other
*The prospect of two new baby quilts for two of my dearest friends - the thought that maybe I will make a start this weekend
*Knowing that a friend who was going through a tough time will be receiving unexpected flowers
*Seeing my local community once again rise to the challenge when one of our little families experiences tragedy

We live in such a special place.  Despite 3 days of rain and miserable weather I feel like I have such a lot to be thankful for this morning.
Have a fabulous weekend,
Keep smiling,
Nell
xxxxx

Too Busy to Scratch ...

Long time no blog... It has been crazy busy around here.  Too crazy busy.  Since last I blogged there has been a Creative Memories Conference in Sydney (with a flying catch up with my dear friend Ness) then a flying visit to my sister for some squishable time with this sweet little eskimo baby:

This was such a quick visit that there was no time to catch up with Brissie friends or extended family.  I am trying really hard not to feel guilty about that (still love you Gerty and Jen and Helen and Katherine and Kylie-Anne I promise!)  It was lovely for Mads to have some quality time with the grandies

And I finally got to play Auntie to that sweet little niece.

She is every bit as divine as she looks and living vicariously through my sis is truly the next best thing to having a fourth child which unfortunately is not likely to happen :(

In amongst all of this there has been school photos, preparations for a school concert and a Kindy Jungle Dance Party and I have been doing a few days of Temporary Teaching at kindy (3 days a week) while my dear friend Margot is unwell.  There have also been quotes for the new scrapping studio (building in the garage LOL), a mammoth pile of mulch, 6 adult sized zebra costumes, a brief calzone cook-up and too many winter lurgies to mention.  I have been dreaming of Spring, and a slower pace to life.

Maybe next year I will learn to find more of a balance.  Maybe next year I will learn to say "no" a bit more (and maybe not open my mouth quite so much)  Maybe next year I might even get back to my sewing machine?

May your September be full of Spring flowers and quiet days.

xxx

The Power of Words

I love having an emergent writer in the house.  I love the little notes that get left in unexpected places.  I love the quirky spelling.  Most of all I love that my own daughter is beginning her own love affair with literacy. Just like her Mum and her Author Auntie, she is a bookworm, and a writer, and she is coming to know the power of words.
p.s. if you can't quite read it the text says "you have to make this" with an arrow!