I have been having one of those days where I was feeling quite sorry for myself. I’m tired (despite having a nanny nap), have a bad headache which won’t leave me and quite frankly I’m feeling a little peed off at a person (who shall remain nameless) who informs me (in only the nicest most caring of voices and manner) that I am doing too much sewing and that I should be saving my money instead of buying more fabric …..and not it’s not my hubby or kids! Deep breath - This too shall pass. I will get over this and quite frankly that person will either shut up or be told to shut up.

All those little aggravations disappeared when this email popped into my inbox from a friend. Sorry there are no pictures to accompany it - I cant work out how to load them. Still the message is a good one.

I AM THANKFUL: FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT’S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.


FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.


FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.


FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM EMPLOYED .



FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A

PARTY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A

LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.



FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES

ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE



FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS

MOWING

WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING

,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .


FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING

I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT

BECAUSE IT MEANS
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.


FOR THE PARKING SPOT

I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE

PARKING LOT

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN

CHURCH

WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS
I CAN HEAR.



FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND

IRONING

BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.



FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING

MUSCLES

AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN
CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.



FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.


AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH

E-MAIL

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE

FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING

OF ME.

I hope your day is a good one.

Love and hugs

Catherine

PS  I promise I shall resume normal blogging soon….vbg.  There are some projects on the go ie I have bought the bits and pieces I need for them - now just to settle down and play and then photograph them.  Ohh and the block of the day blocks have been recommenced - two down and I haven’t lost my touch with half square triangles - thank goodness…..roflmol.

Good grief two posts in one day.  Whatever has come over me…..vbg.

The Home Circle quilt is quilted - at last.  It seemed to take forever when I started it, but the last few rows went very quickly.  Who knows why that happens.

I used mens shirts from the op shop as much as possible.  The brown coloured block (bottom left) was a fat quarter and there are another couple in there that are also from fat quarters.  The light fabrics are all shirting however.

A close up of some really bad feather quilting.  I hadn’t tried feathers before and found them interesting to say the least.  I think next time I should really practice them in a straight line before I get carried away and try them in circles.  It was fun though doing all those swoopy lines….roflmol.

This is very much a “utility quilt” designed to be serviceable and not for best which is why I experimented with the quilting.  There are two rows of feathers in these blocks, then a row of “naive type” flowers then I just stuck to stipple stitch.  Probably not the way the quilt police would like me to do it but I don’t care.  I hate the idea of spending hours practice quilting.  I would rather practice on a utility quilt and at least get another ufo finished.     Now to do the binding which will probably take me more time than it did to sew the blocks together.

As promised here are the photos of James and Nicola’s sewing efforts from the other weekend.

James was so proud of himself. He picked the fabric - I just love the cowboys and horses on it. Sorry you have to turn your head to see them……I didn’t notice he had it sideways until I uploaded it to flickr.

James did 90 % of the sewing. I cut it out - an 8 year old boy and a rotary cutter should not make each others aquaintence just yet I feel - and he sewed the seams by machine. He even did the hand sewing to close the gap after stuffing it. The buttons were his choice and with guidance he even managed to sew the threads that pull it in and give the pincushion it’s shape.

Of course the pins had to be put into the pin cushion in their colour groups - what a pity he doesn’t do that with my pincushions.

Nicola finished off her needlecase on the weekend too.

She cut all the fabrics herself and did all the sewing - including any top sewing and the buttonhole stitch around the felt pincushion and did a really good job too.

The inside came up really well. The bulges are the tape measure and thimble already residing in their new home. James was very impressed that Nicola used the remnants from a pair of Pj’s I had made him as the lining fabric for the needlecase. He liked the fabric he informed us…..lol.

All that fancy sewing on the front panel was Nicola’s attempt to try out each stitch on her new sewing machine. I think she managed to use a fair percentage of them in the end.

Both kids are really happy with their sewing endeavours and James is now asking when will I cut out the pieces for his needle case. Now I have cleaned up my sewing room, sorted out piles of fabric and generally dusted and rearranged stuff treasures I feel a whole lot more inclined to do so.

So today I had big plans of posting heaps of photos and updating on what’s been happening now my house is clean - but nothings working right.  I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes op and it’s only 10 am.  Results of an early start yesterday, a late night finishing my book, wandering around the field days and looking after Elise who is home sick again today….sigh.

So instead of fabulous happenings that are occuring here I will point you to some stunning eye candy and interesting blogs.

A new blog I have discovered Cupcake Bakeshop is the bees knees on cup cakes.  Honestly my mouth was watering the the photos of the cup cakes made and the recipes are clear and easy to understand.  Good thing I was just looking because I don’t think eating just one cake would have been enough…vbg.  I really must have a go at some of the recipes when I get back into baking.

Tracey at Oz Country Quilting Mum has been counting her chooks……. all  Ninety Seven of them.  Good grief and to think I felt a bit over run when I had just twelve…lol.  Check out her photos of some of them - they are stunning and I really do think I should start trying some new breeds.  It’s the expressions on their faces I love and their feathers - yes I know it’s obvious that chooks have feathers but if you ever thought they just have plain simple straight feathers - then think again.  Have a look at Tracey’s.  They are so cute.

Chookyblue is participating in a Cyber Stitch along - check out the stunning fabric and goodies she gets to use.  The Cyber stitch along is being hosted by Mrs Martins Quilt Shop and looks like being heaps of fun.  I’m seriously tempted I must admit - although I think I may be in serious trouble with Ashley if I spend any more on fabric.  Maybe I could sneak it in and tell him it was already in my stash…..roflmol.    Who amd I kidding - I bet he knows every piece of  fabric I have just cause I have already shown him….vbg.

Right I’m off to have a cuppa and a very boring biscuit then onto cleaning my sewing room.  It’s a real disaster and I think a clean up is needed if I’m to achieve anything.  Have a lovely day.

There is much excitement in my house - well ok so only I’m excited cause I’m the only one who can see the difference - but my house is CLEAN!!!  Well sort of - if you don’t look in the bathrooms, the laundry and the sewing room…..and the rumpus room.  However the main areas - lounge, kitchen, dining room and entry are all clean.  There was so much dust - half of someones top paddock was residing on my cupboards and hiding my pictures - courtesy of the dust storm a while ago.  Yes i know I’m slack and I should have cleaned - but my excuse was my op and I’m sticking to it….vbg.

Anyway the house is semi tidy - a little more done tomorrow and I should be really starting to see results.  There is now a pile of ironing waiting for me - all those lovely lace doileys and table toppers - but that job might wait a while….well until the ironing basket is over flowing again.

On the sewing front I managed to finish all the “Home Circle” blocks for the quilt I was making on the weekend and have the top sewn together and loaded onto the gammill.  As at 5 pm this afternoon at least three quarters of the quilt is quilted - a minor miracle when you consider I love making the tops and the quilting bit (although enjoyable) still fills me with the collywobbles at the thought of using the gammill even after all this time.  Photos as soon as it’s done.

James and Nicola sewed on the weekend as well. James made a pincushion and Nicola a needle holder  using the same pattern from Cinderberries that I had used. The pattern is so easy and Nicola had a ball making it. I have taken photos just not loaded them onto the computer yet, slack mother that I am.

To reward myself for all my hard work cleaning I checked out one of the op shops in town today and scored a lovely grey wool cardigan.  Super warm and comfy and looking brand new for a princely $4.00.  Hunting a little more I found a lovely 70% wool coat that is thigh length in navy blue that fits perfectly and will be just the thing for the cold winters that is coming.  I have been hunting for a jacket that I like the past couple of years - who would have known that I would find one for $5.00.  Both items are washed and hanging in front of the fire to dry so I can wear them to the local Field Days tomorrow.

Ashley has an early start as he is on the Field Days committee and is also the Electrician and as such has to make sure there is plenty of power for those who need it.  I’m going to meet him for lunch and have a wander tomorrow just to see if there is anything interesting.  it’s always a pleasant day out - just the two of us and a huge crowd of others…vbg - and we always find something to look at not to mention the fact that hubby buys me lunch……yipeee.

Right I’m off to read my book - another Anne McCaffrey, or should I say her son Todd’s “Dragons of Pern” books.  I love them and was sure I had read all that the local library had in stock - but then I found this one.  So far it has me hooked - if I’m lucky there might still be half a block of chocolate hiding somewhere that I can enjoy as I read…..lol.

….and I have been meaning to post for a week but life got in the way - again!

I have finally been allowed to drive so this week has seen me down the street every day restocking the cupboards somewhat, returning and borrowing new library books, taking kids to school, youth group and swimming and just general running around.  Next time I complain I’m sick of being at home feel free to throw something at me.  All I have wanted is a whole day at home and it hasn’t happened - yet!!!  Today might be the day.

Last weekend was a long weekend commemorating Anzac Day. Ashley was organised enough that all his jobs were done so we could do some fencing.  Milly and Ajax keep finding ways out of the yard to chase the rabbits which seem to like our lawn above all others.  Much of our time is spent shaking the tin of Goodos (dog biscuits) and calling them - finally when the scent of Mr Bunny has gone cold they return.  Yes I know terribly obedient……not.

So we spent three days putting up this lovely colour bond fence - to keep the dogs in and to give us some more privacy.  The neighbours wood shed looked directly into the lounge room windows and when they went to get wood the dogs decided our yard needed defending and barked themselves hoarse…..much to everyones disgust.

The chicken wire that was on the now colourbond fence has been moved to this front fence in an effort to contain Milly.

Ashley was so proud of himself as it was finally all done - when Milly spotted the gate - which we thought was securely covered in wire and jumped though.  Needless to say the Master Of All Things Fencing was not impressed and Milly got the distinct impression she was in trouble.  Problem solved.  Gate is now secure to the point that you can’t go through it.

A pile of rubbish was burnt - at night - cause that’s when the flames look best and it was the only time it was dead calm with not even a breath of wind.  The pile isn’t as big as it looks - just tinder dry and up it went.

My Duet Rose is blooming madly despite being incredibly neglected. In fact all the roses are covered in flowers - a last hurrah before Winter I guess.

The Cyclamens are just coming into bud.  I bought a punnet of five plants for about $3.50.  Only three have survived but they look fantastic.  I love cyclamen flowers - stunning colours, dainty flowers and pretty tough too….vbg.  I really must get some more.

The postman was also nice and bought some fabrics I had purchased from Ebay.  Got to love shopping there….vbg.

Some lovely bright fat quarters.  Elise snaffled the last lot I had bought so I thought I should treat myself to some more….roflmol.  Well any excuse is better than none.

Also two charm packs arrived.  “May Pole” and “Friends and Flowers” by Moda.  I haven’t used charm packs before but I couldn’t resist these.  Now to come up with a pattern that I like.  Ohh and the roses are more from my garden, “Hazel” not a particularly nice rose when in bud, but once the flowers open, it’s just magnificent.

Ohh and the big news is my stitches are finally out.  I was to have them out last Friday but being a public holiday the surgeon wasn’t working so they were to come out Monday.  Monday lunchtime his clinic rings and says he has been caught in surgery and to come in Tuesday.  By this time the stitches are starting to get a bit infected (I always react to the thread they use) and my hands are so itchy.  Anyway they are now all gone - I have the all clear to do what I want - although pruning 50 roses or chopping down trees is a bit beyond me just yet.  The surgeon was really pleased with how well they have healed and how I don’t have any pain - yipee!!!!

So now I’m off to sew. I’m determined to finish all the home circle blocks for Elise’s quilt - only about four to make and I can put the top together then quilt it.  It is all made from recycled shirts from the op shop (apart from one or two fat quarters that snuck in) and I have decided to use flanalette (also from the op shop) as the backing to add a little extra warmth.  Photos soon.

I hope your weekend is a good one.  Thank you for putting up with the somewhat spodic posts of late.  I will try to improve I promise.  One thing I have kept up with is everyones blog - and the inspiration!!!!!!  Wow.

Remember when I said I was hunting through my magazines for an easy needle case for the Prospective Quilters to make?  Well I’m still hunting - but it’s ok Tracey from Quilting in Connecticut who does the most amazing quilting,  has come to my rescue with a link to a free needlecase.

Check out Cinderberry Stitches - full of stunning photos, beautiful stitchery and the best needlecase pattern I have seen for a long time.  It’s on her side bar under - funnily enough - Free Pattern.

Of course I had to print it out and then wander oh so casually into the sewing room and start pulling out fabrics just to try the needlecase out.

1930’s fabrics appealed  although I’m not sure the red with flowers is strictly a 1930’s fabric - but it suited my purposes.

I guess the most frustrating part of the entire process was watching Elise cut out the fabrics for me as handling a rotary cutter or even a pair of dressmaking scissors is still out of the question.  I was patient - incredibly patient and only offered the occasional word/sentence/paragraph of advice which Elise kindly ignored until she got to the point where I was told “Open your mouth once more and I won’t cut  your fabric”.  Honestly is that the way a child (who is super wonderful and smart and funny just in case you are reading this Elise) talks to her poor Mum who was truly champing at the bit to get into sewing up this cute little item?  But I digress.

Fabrics cut, instructions read and an hour later (I was working very slowly for me) the needlecase was sewn.

The lining fabric (the blue floral) definately isn’t 1930’s but I love it.  I padded the felt with a small square of batting to cushion the needles (or in this case pins) a little more and the bottom pocket was divided into smaller pockets to hold tape measures etc.

The Verdict - simply brilliant. I would love to make another one with the delightful stitchery pattern that is provided but that’s a job for another day.  It is a wonderfully simple pattern that is quick and easy and ideal for small gifts or for learner sewers to make.  My Prospective Quilters (ie Elise, Nicola, James and Belinda) are going to pick a really nice piece of focal fabric for that from center panel as they aren’t quite up to that kind of detailed sewing yet.

I just have to show you my latest fabric purchases that arrived today in the mail.

Six stunning yards of tone on tone fabrics which were severely lacking in my sewing stash just happened to catch my eye the other day while checking out Thousands of Bolts.  Well I ask you - how could anyone resist these - particularly with all the projects I have found that I simply must make….vbg.

Finally - after much hair pulling, trying new ways to put in a needle and replacement of the belt, James’s Pinnock Sewing machine is working…….and boy is it working. Talk about quiet. Not even my Janome is that quiet and it sews beautifully.

Cost of Sewing machine $10.00

Cost of new belt to run said sewing machine $7.50

Look on small boys face when he finds he can sew all by himself on his very own machine…….

PRICELESS

And just because it’s never a good post about sewing machines unless I throw in a picture of the latest purchase………

This is Nicola’s new (early birthday present) sewing machine - Yamata . Not a brand I had heard of before but a bit of research on the net looked promising and the price (on ebay) was even more so - $90 including postage. Nicola’s birthday isn’t until October but she is experimenting more and more with her sewing so Ashley and I thought it only right to reward such industry with a machine that can do a little more than the basic straight sewing. Might I add Nicola loves it and doesn’t mind that she received it early - I wonder why….vbg. It sews like a dream, is a really good weight so it doesn’t slide around all over the sewing table and has really clear pictures printed on the machine so you can see how to thread it…..always a bonus….vbg. Ashley pulled it apart on the weekend and oiled it thoroughly (it was sounding a little dry in some areas) and it’s perfect. it is very similar in set up to my very first Janome Sewing machine which is nice as I have heaps of bobbins that won’t fit in the one I use now. I should add here that the machine is sitting on newspaper cause Ashley got a bit carried away with the sewing machine oil in some parts and Nicola and I figured that the resultant drips are definitely not good for fabric.

I really must pop in a link to Zigzaggers - a blog I found in the usual way - following link upon link. It is dedicated to researching older style sewing machines - the reviews being written by the owners of those machines. It’s quite fascinating to see what they think of them. There is a review on an Elna Grasshopper sewing machine. I looked seriously at one of these on ebay not that long ago - and despite my hubby’s best efforts (long after I had decided that the price was too high) we didn’t win it. After reading the review I wish we had - not that I need another sewing machine - but what can I say it’s green!!!!

Understandably, I have had quite a bit of time on my hands if you will forgive the pun.  There hasn’t been a great deal I can do - in fact the rest has been quite nice - if I ignore the fact there are times when I’m so bored with books and DVD’s I could scream.  Still it has been very, very nice not to do housework or cook meals or any of those mundane things that life throws at us and lets fact it - slopping around in my nightie for a week has been pretty decadent….wicked grin.

I had my visit with the surgeon today (one week ago I was operated on).  He was very pleased with my progress - no pain, no pins and needles and good movement in both hands.  I was slightly more over the moon I can tell you….lol.  Unfortunately the stitches aren’t to come out until Monday 28 April.  The hands having thicker skin and being so prone to being stretched and bumped need more time to heal and strengthen.  I can now get them wet which means I can now shower on my own (much to Ashley’s disappointment…..wicked grin) and for the first time I was dressed in something other than my nightwear from the skin out.  Got to admit it does feel weird wearing a bra after a week of not having one on.  Yes I know I’m strange….lol.  I can even clean my teeth and do my hair - yipee…..roflmol.  Haven’t got to the make up stage yet so things are still pretty scary in that department.

I have been going though my craft magazines to try to find simple projects for Elise and Belinda to make.  Mainly I was looking for a simple needle case they could make.  Yes I know I could draft one up with no problems but it’s time the girls started to work out simple sewing instructions - written ones that is.  We (that is I) have decided that going back to basics is a good idea.  Both girls have a cardboard box that will hold all their supplies in it and they are going to spend the next few lessons (when I can finally sew again) creating a pincushion, needle case, and  pencil/sewing stuff case so they have their own things.  A slightly devious means of making sure I can find my pins etc when I want to sew…..vbg.  James thinks he might like to have a go as well and Nicola (while already being semi organised in the sewing department) has expressed an interest to.

Of course no needle case has come to light - yet!!! Mind you with the number of magazines I have that probably isn’t any surprise.  I have been finding all sorts of projects that I had wanted to do but forgotten about in the course of my reading an these have been duly noted and stacked in a pile (separate to the other mags) so when I have a moment or two (I wish) I can start a nice new project.

Despite not being able to do anything I have been cruising the net and buying a bit more fabric.  It’s so easy to buy even when you can only use one finger….roflmol.  Half a dozen yards of tone on tones in cream from Thousands of Bolts - my absolute favorite online quilting store and some charm packs from ebay - well at least one charm pack on ebay,  I still have to see if I win the others.  Ashley is beginning to wonder just how much fabric I need.

In my defense I have to say my spending is nothing compared to what Ashley has spent buying a new engine for the bus (it’s sadly underpowered - try doing 70 km per hour down the highway towing a race car - it’s quite embarrassing not to mention dangerous when others try to pass on blind corners) and all the associated bits and peices he needs.  He tells me that what he has spent is for the whole families benefit - well so are my quilts……at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Right I had better go and pack.  Ashley is racing this weekend and has decided that we are camping at the race track (a whole 40 mins from home) tonight so he can be up bright and early tomorrow ready to race.  It’s his first race in the new buggy and he is understandably nervous but has lots of friends that are racing as well who will make sure he is ok and organsied.  Ashley tells me this is the first of many weekends away racing - hence why the bus needs repowering.

Apparently he has to do five laps of a 15 km course on Saturday and yes it will be on dirt roads like the photo above.  I just hope the wind is blowing away from us otherwise we are all going to be covered in  fine red dust.  The weather promises to be lovely - fine and sunny and not to hot so it should be pleasant if nothing else.

I must say a huge thank you for all the lovely comments and emails I have had since the op.  They mean so much to me and I do appreciate them all.

Chat to you soon

Catherine

Quick post cause I’m one finger typing.  Surgery went really well and was home by 12.30 pm - yay!!!

One inch long cut in right hand with 3 stitches and minimal bruising.

1.5 inch cut in left hand, 7 stitches and major bruising (can’t be lucky all the time…groan).  Will find out Friday when I see the surgeon again the reasons why so many stitches.

Swelling has gone down in fingers and I have feeling and NO Pins and Needles…..doing happy dance.

Still can’t do much - hands resent any normal motions and will for a while.  Drinking my cups of tea from a straw is no fun : o (

Not doing any housework, cooking or anything else is heaps of fun  ; - )

So far not bored (reading heaps and watching DVD’s) but would love to be able to sew but can’t see that happening for a while.

Thank you for all the lovely well wishes and prayers.  They are very much appreciated.

Hugs

Catherine