Farmyard Crafts

Are you getting ready for SSCS 2012?

2012-01-26T11:59:00.002+11:00

Believe it or not.... I have finished my Christmas ornament for whoever might be my 2012 SSCS partner!! It's gorgeous.... cross stitch... beads... perforated card... totally different to anything I've ever done before!

NO PRESSURE (!) CHOOKYBLUE! BUT ARE YOU DOING SSCS IN 2012?!

Christmas Roundup....

2012-01-07T10:28:00.002+11:00

This is the hanging I made for Sue in our FIS (Friends In Stitching) Christmas Swap. I've had a great time being a part of this group in 2011. I'm not going to continue in 2012. Life just seems to be getting busier and I don't have the time to do it justice.

This is a Tilda stitchery "Hi Santa, I wish for peace on earth." The hat is all beaded with gorgeous red seed beads.

These ornaments are my favourite ornament pattern so far! This is my SSCS Ornament that I made for Berit. I think for next years SSCS (hint hint Chooky!) I'm going to try a cross stitched ornament. Better start now!
This hanging is a favourite too - it's a Leanne's House design. It's gorgeous!!

Lise from The Chocolate Cat always spoils me. She's such a lovely person and I was really surprised to receive this "Friendship" charm square pack from her for Christmas. We visited with her and her family in July when we were on holidays down south. Thank you Lise!

That's all from me. Buddy Boo has just headed off for his nap. Might be time to watch a kids dvd and do some stitching!! Hope you're all having a great 2012 so far!!

Advent Swap

2011-12-30T08:00:00.002+11:00

I took part in the Advent Swap again this year (I think I skipped last year)!

It is a direct swap - and my partner was Teresa from All Things Vintage. Teresa sent me the most lovely gifts. I am really lucky. Thank you, Teresa!!

This table runner will be headed to a special spot - it'll be perfect!
My mother thought this might have been hers - I had to make sure she didn't steal it!

Lots of gorgeous gifts!

More gorgeous gifts!

And the final photo! Thank you so much Teresa!

SSCS Gifts and FIS Gifts

2011-12-30T07:47:00.003+11:00

This year was the 4th year I've participated in Chookyblue's SSCS. I had a glitch this year with my parcel not being able to be posted until just before Christmas due to being flooded in. I hope that my partner receives her gift really soon!

I received a gorgeous gift from Oddbjorg all the way from Norway. She sent a pouch, tissue cover, zippered bag and some gorgeous soap. Thank you so much Oddbjorg! Thank you so much Chookyblue for organising yet another great swap!

The next few photos are what Jan sent me for our FIS Christmas Swap. Thanks Jan! I was lucky enough to be able to meet Jan back in July when we were on holidays and passed through the town where she lives! The gifts Jan sent are: covered coathanger, little bag, tissue cover, gorgeous tree hanging, needles, threads, teabag holder, handcream, cute ribbons and a gorgeous Christmas decoration!

Thanks again Jan and Oddbjorg for your gorgeous gifts!! :)

3 MORE SLEEPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-22T17:22:00.002+11:00

3 MORE SLEEPS!!!!!!!!!

I'm kind of excited and kind of not excited. All of our Christmas plans have changed due to us being flooded in. But that's okay - we have presents for the kids and plenty of special food to eat. We will miss out on eating lunch with 120 relatives... and just have the 5 of us here. A bit different to what was planned.

The kidlets are sick of the countdown to Christmas. They want it to be here NOW! (As I'm sure most other children are!)

I probably won't get back here before Christmas again. So I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a really wonderful Christmas time as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Updated Photos!

2011-12-15T11:34:00.002+11:00

Mr Farmyard went up in a chopper yesterday to have a look around and to check on the very water logged sorghum. Here's a few more pictures... more recent than the last lot.

Below is the very sick and dying sorghum.

Below is our house.... but this is a good shot of the water all around. Even where it looks like there isn't water.... there is. The weeds and stubble are higher than the water level.

And a closer one of the house. Crazy amounts of water around!

After Mr Farmyard was finished I got offered a quick ride in the tiny, 2 seater, no doors chopper. Wow! A new appreciation as to why we cannot get anywhere. There is literally water EVERYWHERE!!!

SSCS

2011-12-15T10:28:00.002+11:00

Thank you to my still secret santa for the SSCS gift! I know my partner is from Finland, and I know her surname... but her blog is not one that I follow I don't think. I could go looking through the sidebar on Chooky's page to do some detective work - but I think I'll just leave it a surprise. I love it that all of these Scandanavian ladies knit so beautifully!! A couple of years ago I had a partner from Norway - and received gorgeous knitted items too! THANK YOU SECRET SANTA!

Our neighbours came back through town and picked up our mail for us. A bit of a shame I didn't know they were going or I would have sent my parcels to town to be posted!! The roads are still closed and the water is going up and down all the time and different parts of the road are inaccessible at different times. We do know of people that are getting to town through lots of water and boggy roads - but honestly - I have 3 small children - I don't feel the need to be risky and drive them through lots of water to post parcels. And I also don't want to risk the $500 fine from the Police for driving on those roads in the first place!!

So I'm still apologising to my SSCS, FIS and ADVENT Swap partners. Your parcels are still at my house. But look at it this way - the longer they are here the more little things I can make and add to the parcels!!!

Home Sweet Home!

2011-12-05T09:08:00.002+11:00

A view from the air of our home.... and our new waterpark!!

It's amazing how much water there is around the place.

This (below) is lots of peoples new mode of transport!

The roads to school are badly damaged and still cut - so it looks like our children might not see school before the end of the year! 10.5 weeks holiday seems like a bit too much!

Now I need to get my boat out... row to town... to get my SSCS and Advent parcels posted. Sorry to my partners. Unfortunately I can't control the weather. Hopefully I can get back to town with them by the end of the week. Our little town is still cut off... so no mail in or out from there. Our bigger town which is almost 1.5 hours away with the state of the roads... it's just been opened. Fingers crossed I can get there shortly.

When it rains.... it POURS!

2011-11-30T16:55:00.002+11:00

We've had just under 9 inches of rain where we live. We had about 3 inches one day and we decided to leave and head away for a few days. Then we had 6 more and we've been flooded OUT! Oh well!! We are resting comfortably with family and having a good time being in civilisation for a little while!

The only downside is that my SSCS Swap and Advent Swaps are rained IN! OOPS!

We'll attempt to get home in a few days. But we really can't do anything about it until the roads are reopened. There isn't any way for us to get home right now... short of a chopper!

Friends In Stitching....

2011-10-27T09:33:00.002+11:00

I have been really blessed with being able to be a part of a great online group called "Friends In Stitching". I had a birthday recently and in my mailbox the week before was a gorgeous gift from a "Friends In Stitching" friend. We each send a gift to one person in the group so everyone receives something beautiful on their birthday. Thanks De! De lives in a place that starts with "B". So all of her gifts were "B" gifts!

"B" .... buttons.... bookmark.... binding... blue balloons.... blue pen.... beehive pincushion and scissor holder...
It's nice to get such a special treat!!

Why don't dreams come true?! LOL

2011-10-18T13:49:00.002+11:00

I dream often.... of waking up and finding that this dear 'lady' has been to my home while we have peacefully been sleeping.

I don't know why she never turns up though!!

I've decided that keeping a home clean (especially while having 3 little children) is almost as enjoyable as bashing my head against a brick wall.

Today I have scrubbed the kids bathroom and toilet, cleaned my kitchen - I have this terrible bench right inside the main door that we use that ends up as a dumping ground - it is now clean! I've also cleaned my sewing desk - which is now doubling as a desk for a laptop for the bookwork I have to do for Missy Moo's preschool. (I have to add that the stuff that was on the desk hasn't been dealt with - just moved!!!)

How do people keep organised? I haven't done any sewing for days and the house still looks like a bomb has hit it!!

I've stayed motivated all day and it's now 2pm. I'm going to pull up a chair and have a break while Buddy Boo sleeps and the big kids are at school.

Anyone want to be my cleaning fairy?! PLEASE?!

I DISLIKE REVERSE SEWING!

2011-10-03T10:46:00.003+11:00

I've decided that there is no point in rushing thing!! I started this bag (and actually had done it all except for the lining!) back in January when I spent a few days at Chookyblue's place. It took me all of about an hour to complete. No point in rushing!! ;)

That brings me to my question - why do I (we) leave these things until the last minute and when we know that things might only take an hour to complete? Seems quite silly really!!
This version of TTS has been like a thorn in my side. I machine quilted the whole thing and then decided it looked terrible. I have spent MANY hours on the couch unpicking it!! Finally last night saw the end of the unpicking!!! YAY!!! Now I have to re-iron it and re-baste it and start hand quilting. I should have just hand quilted it in the first place!!!!

Hope you're all doing well!! For those QLD'ers that have kids back at school this week - enjoy the peace and quiet!! We still have one more week off here. We are all very tired and are enjoying the time 'off'!

Rightio - off to find something in my wips basket that might only need an hour to complete!!

Getting there ...... SLOWLY!

2011-09-19T14:41:00.002+10:00

We are counting down... after today we have 4 more school days until our holidays from school. 2 whole weeks - no buses, no packed lunches, no ironing, no packing bags, no remembering where the heck Buster Jim has put his readers that need to go back TODAY (!). I'm looking forward to some down time and even though I might not get much time to myself over the next 2 weeks - at least it'll be a little more free with the routine.

A friend asked for a coin purse for her Miss 3. We thought (Missy Moo and I) that this cute strawberry print would be great!

Another friend ordered some toys a few months ago (no rush!) for her little boys. I still have to say that Mrs Perkins is a favourite pattern. This one I made a while ago but have been slack on getting around to making the T-Rex (Bit Of Whimsy Doll Pattern) to go with it. All done now!

Mr T-Rex.
Now I'm slowly plodding through orders - have received MORE orders (as well as the ones I already have) for some swim bags. I only realised the other day I need more of the waterproof fabric - so I better get organised and order it!!
Hope that everyone is doing really well and that holiday time with your children is wonderful!

Stitchery of the Month Club - Under The Mulberry Tree

2011-09-16T20:04:00.004+10:00

(photo credit goes to Cinderberry Stitches)

Isn't that the sweetest thing ever?! I just LOVE it. Doesn't surprise me that Missy Moo has already claimed it (when it's finished) for her bedroom!
I joined up with Erica at Under The Mulberry Tree to be a part of her Stitchery of the Month Club. I was a part of it last year and I have a couple of FAVOURITE projects from that club. When I saw that Erica was starting the club again I was excited. This time it is only 6 designers over 6 months. All my favourite people! Leanne's House, Rosalie Quinlan Designs, Cinderberry Stitches, Janelle Wind Collection, Holly Wolfe Designs and Melly and Me (and we all know she's one of my favourite ever people!!).
"Sew Deer" is the first project and is by Cinderberry Stitches.
I have started stitching and am really enjoying it. I'm excited to do the "SEW DEER" buttons too. I think it adds a whole new and exciting dimension to the project. Great job, Cinderberry Stitches!

It's not too late to join in! Go do it now. Come on PEG, you know you want to!

Heavenly Pancakes!

2011-09-12T12:35:00.003+10:00

(this image is from 'Art of Dessert')

Wow! That's the only word my mouth had time to say after taking my first bite of these pancakes. I got the recipe from here. I love google when it's helpful - and on the weekend it was very helpful! The kids wanted pancakes but I remembered that I'd used all the eggs! Oh dear! So I searched for an egg free recipe. to be honest - it took extra time to make them and it has different ingredients than normal pancakes - but it is WELL WORTH IT!

Egg-free Pancakes

2 cups plain flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 cups milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup melted butter.

Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil and orange juice. Combine dry and wet ingredients. Slowly add in the melted butter. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into a hot nonstick pan (if you don't have non stick - make sure you regrease your pan EVERY time!). Cook until you see a few bubbles rise to the surface and it's dry around the edges, then flip over to cook the other side until lightly browned. Serve with butter and maple syrup or whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Or if you're like me - eat them for breakfast and lunch and then dessert the next night too (with icecream and maple syrup!).

I seriously would take the extra time and make this recipe next time. It's a bit more posh than our basic "Day to Day Cookery" recipe - but it's totally worth glamming it up for pancakes!!

Friends In Stitching....

2011-09-09T16:08:00.002+10:00

I have been so slack and haven't taken a photo of the gorgeous stocking that Jan gave me for a Christmas Stocking Swap that our lovely group did. I was lucky enough to meet up with Jan in Ballarat while we were on our family holiday in July.

Thank you so much Jan for your beautiful sewing! I'm going to have to make myself something to put that gorgeous button onto too!

I love rainy days....

2011-09-09T15:58:00.002+10:00

We've added another inch of rain to our desperately dry crops. It's so lovely. Rain days often mean that we are stuck on the farm too. Mr Farmyard has had the day at home and also Buster Jim couldn't get to school due to the roads being so horrible.

It means that things are a fair bit busier here with everyone hanging around - but it does also give me the opportunity to finish off some little bits and pieces!

Another girls apron. I'm planning on doing a market at Buster Jim's school closer to the end of the year and thought I better start making a few things and putting them away so it's less of a crazy rush right at the end!

(Side 1)

(Side 2)
A boys apron for a friend's little boy... he will be 3 and he LOVES baking!
(side 1)

(Side 2)

And last but definately not least - another friend asked me to make some little coin purses that would match some girls handbags she bought off me. I found this delightful pattern online (I'll have to find the link!) and it's so cute and pretty easy!!

Well, that's all from me at the moment. Busy sewing and living life! I've got an owl on the go and have a few orders that I'm way behind on. Lucky they are all people who are happy to wait! Better not keep them waiting too much longer though!!

Hope everyone else is well and that the change of season is returning the mojo some have lost!

Ahh........ now I can relax.....

2011-09-02T14:17:00.002+10:00

Buster Jim and Missy Moo had a blast at the Book Week costume parade. Missy Moo doesn't go to school there but she still wanted to get in on the action. Buddy Boo was walking (yes... he's started walking finally!) around and kept having a staring competition with the Principal. He was dressed like the alien out of Toy Story... so he was pretty funny looking!!

Next year I'll have two full costumes to do - so hopefully it's something easy!

Outerspace.....

2011-09-01T15:15:00.003+10:00

It's that time of year again (second year we've been doing book week).... BOOK WEEK!
Saying those words puts some parents into a spin. What to do, what to dress the kiddies in? Ours was made harder this year by the choice of a theme! Usually you just pick a favourite book character and it's easy done!

Last year Buster Jim just HAD to go as "Gingie" out of Shrek. We figured that since "The Gingerbread Man" is from an old fable we could use him!

For 2011 they chose a theme of "Outerspace". So of course EVERY kid wants to go as an alien. Today has been alien sewing day. I decided to model my alien costume on Melly and Me's "Come In Peace" toy.

We have a cape.....

and a mask....

I just can't finish the alien suit until Buster Jim gets home from school.... measuring his size off his clothes isn't working so well......

Who else is 'slaving away' over Book Week costumes?

How could I have forgotten?!

2011-08-31T16:55:00.002+10:00

I have 2 finishes for the OPAM. My dumb brain forgot to remember that I actually finished a quilt this month!! I can't use baby brain as my excuse anymore but I'm sure there's an equivelant version for those with little children!!

So Peg and Kris.... I have 2 finishes!

OPAM for August.....

2011-08-31T11:18:00.004+10:00

It's that time again. OPAM tally for the month. I've got 1. Yes, ONLY 1! I feel like I've been chasing my tail this month. We only arrived home from holidays towards the end of July. We had only been home 2 weeks and had an unexpected trip away (2000klms) for a funeral. We got home after that and I don't feel like we've really stopped. School has been busy for the kids.

I should buy a house in town - I'm sure it'd be much easier! Only problem then would be that Mr Farmyard would have to do the travelling and that's not fair on him either. I go through little phases of hating the distance we are from town! This too shall pass!

We had another unexpected trip to town on Monday night - Mr Farmyard was doing the mowing. Buster Jim and Missy Moo were outside in the sandpit playing. Buddy Boo and I were inside getting dinner organised. All of a sudden I heard the mower stop, some really loud screaming. By the time I got out there Mr Farmyard was holding Missy Moo, (poor Buster Jim was standing watching in shock!) - there was blood everywhere down Missy Moo's face, neck and dripping down her clothes. A log had gotten flung out of the mower (from about 25 metres away) and hit Missy Moo in the head. She's all good - didn't even need stitches. Not in a hurry to repeat that experience! We had also had rain about half an hour before the accident - not a fun trip to town on dirt and gravel roads!!

Things like this remind me to be so thankful that we live near enough to a hospital and there are people that are far worse off than we are.

Here's my 1 finish for August!

Another Birthday Celebration.....

2011-08-29T13:00:00.002+10:00

We have recently had another birthday celebration in our household. A number 6 birthday. The request was put in for this cake. (And yes, the picture in the book looks a little different to this!) It's a jungle cake and has snakes, lizards and frogs in the treetops.

Now, we had an inch of rain the day before we were due to entertain Buster Jim's mate (and family) for lunch. Because of where we live... the roads are very terrible when wet... so we didn't want our friends to be travelling and getting bogged. We decided that we'd do the driving instead. Now, we generally are pretty smart people. But not when we made this suggestion.
This is what the cake looked like after an hour in the car going over slippery, bumpy and horrible roads.
On the up side... we all laughed about it and decided it was a knocked down jungle cake. And yes, it did still taste good despite it's looks!

Subscriptions...

2011-08-16T10:20:00.002+10:00

Until today I have been the proud owner of a subscription to a very well known and popular crafting magazine. I have had this subscription for a good many years and before I had a subscription I used to stalk my local newsagency waiting for the latest issue to be released. I think I have almost all of them.

Lately, I've really not been as excited about receiving my copy of this magazine. There are sometimes things in them I want to make but more often than not there isn't anything in them that interests me.

Last week I received a letter with my last magazine to say that my subscription had run out. I have decided to not renew it. That means I now have NO subscriptions at all.

Are my tastes changing or is the magazine changing what they choose to put in it?

What is your favourite magazine and why do you love it?

Sold to the highest bidder!

2011-08-09T14:52:00.004+10:00

We had a quick and unexpected trip home to my parents place last weekend (I had to cancel a trip to Chookyblue's house.. :( ....) and I took my TTS Quilt with me to show my mummy... she bought it. I just have to do a quilt label for her and then sew it on the back next time I go home.

The 2nd quilt was going to be for me. BUT, one of my mum's sisters saw the photo of this one and commented on how great it was. She's battling breast cancer at the moment - so I thought I might either finish off the 2nd quilt or whip up another one for my Aunt as a surprise gift!

I think part of the blessings of being creative is that I can give gifts that normally people wouldn't receive. A real blessing.

Tis The Season!

2011-08-02T11:38:00.004+10:00

Here it is.... Tis The Season.... finished!
All hand quilted and crinkly. Just the way I like it!

Love the fabrics.... to be honest I'd never really even looked at these types of fabrics until I started this Tis The Season quilt.

Noticed a mistake after I finished!! OH NO! I'll have to sink the knots and finish stitching the star!

A huge thanks to Chookyblue for running the Stitch-A-Long! It definately has given me the motivation to get this finished. Our local show is in just under 2 weeks and I really wanted to have it finished to put in for that.

Now I have quilt #2 to assemble (blocks finished!), border, wad, back, quilt and bind!

Problems Commenting?

2011-07-25T08:08:00.003+10:00

Has anyone else had problems commenting on Blogger? I haven't been able to comment on some Blogger blogs for months. It's not the old style ones like mine... it's the newer ones where they ask you to select what login you're using and then comment and then it gets you to log in after that. (Does that make sense?! Farmgirl and Vignette have both of these types.)

If anyone else has fixed this problem please let me know what I can do to fix it!!

Holidays are fun... but it's nice to be home!

2011-07-23T08:45:00.003+10:00

We've had a bit of a break away for a few weeks over the school holidays... what a great time we had! Just over 4700 kilometres in about 20 days.

We let the kids choose what they'd like to do while we were away and seeing the penguins at the Melbourne Aquarium is something they chose. Puffing Billy was a fun time out for the whole family - I do have to admit I was a little nervous seeing all the kids sitting on the edge with their legs hanging out... I let ours do it on the way back!
While I was off spending time with a great friend, some of her friends and the kiddies.... Mr Farmyard went for a drive with some other friends and saw some snow... we didn't end up getting back there for the kids to see. NEXT TIME!

We had a couple of days travelling the Great Ocean Road.... it's so beautiful and well worth the visit. I'd suggest if you have a baby... don't do it yet... lots of walking around hanging onto them!! We did get the pram out as much as we could. I do have to admit we got to one place (Loch Ard Gorge) and I volunteered to stay in the car with Buddy Boo while the rest climbed up and down stairs to their destination!

After we left the Great Ocean Road we had some time with a few different bloggers.... Lise(we had dinner with Lise and her family... we had an amazing time with them and I think that my kids would happily go and live with the Horsey One... she was so much fun!!), Jodie, Jan and Rachel. Was so lovely to finally meet these girls...! We had a great time catching up at Jodie's place... the kids ran 'riot' and had a great time annoying the teenagers while the adults chatted, drank coffee and feasted on the delights on offer!

It's lovely to be home. Buddy Boo hasn't been well so we really need some time (and the right medication!) for him to rest and get better.

Holidays are LOVELY... but it's always nice to come home!

We visited these guys and gals too... I just LOVE them!

Blessed.....

2011-06-20T07:43:00.002+10:00

I am blessed to be able to sew... we had a very last minute invitation from Missy Moo's friend for a playdate which happened to be the day before the friend's birthday. I struggle with buying gifts for little people because in our little town there is nothing inexpensive - a little boutique store which (don't get me wrong!) is gorgeous but not really for those 'just because' type occasions. I remembered that I'd saved a link "somewhere" (!) for a cute little apron. Thankfully it didn't take me too long to find the link.

We whipped up this cute reversible apron for Missy Moo's friend. If you'd like the pattern - it is a free one by Four Wise Monkeys and you can find it here.

Of course we used one of our favourite ranges of fabrics... "Where the Wind Blows" by Melly and Me.

Another giraffe by Melly and Me as well. I have a few more to make as well! I better get moving! I also received "Sewn Toy Tales" in the mail as well this last week. I haven't had a good look through yet because Missy Moo won't give it up! Can't wait to whip up a few of those new little friends as well.

What special mail have you had this week?? There are lots of new sewing books being released right now.....

Germs... be gone!

2011-06-16T07:37:00.002+10:00

I've been missing from blogland for almost a week now! The dreaded gastro has infected our house and we've all been sick. It's even come back a second time for Buster Jim and Missy Moo. We even passed it onto the grandies... oops!

Here's hoping that the sun shines brightly today and I can get the mountains of washing done that are waiting to be done (after a few days of rain).... the laundry looks like a bomb has hit it.

Once we get back on top of life again I assure you I'll be back.

Mrs P... I love thee!

2011-06-06T11:11:00.003+10:00

A friend asked me if I would be able to make Mrs Perkins for her new grandson. I had never made a Mrs P (by Melly and Me) before. I started it yesterday and finished it this morning. So easy and she looks great... or I should say Mr P looks great. Made it up with some gorgeous tiny strawberry (on blue/aqua) fabric. I almost wish he was staying to live here with me.

I found this bag kit on sale at Under The Mulberry Tree the other week and decided I loved it and wanted to make it. It took probably two nights to stitch and about 2 hours to stitch up. So awesome and looks so cute. It is a Rosalie Quinlan Designs pattern.

And finally... Tis The Season has been a real delight to stitch. The stitcheries probably take me about 1.5 hours to do and I sewed up the first (of two) quilt tops on Friday. I have had to order more fabric for the backings (for both quilts) and the borders and binding (for the second quilt). I have half a block to finish stitching for the 2nd quilt and I can sew that together too!! I can't wait until I can quilt it. I've decided to hand quilt it which will not take too long at all.

If you're interested... head over to the Stitch-A-Long blog and see what everyone else is up to.

What a HOOT!

2011-05-30T11:34:00.002+10:00

These are the latest cute little animals I've been making. I got the pattern online somewhere (purchased a pdf file)... and I do have to say that mine aren't as cute as hers! Oh well! Babies don't care!

These two are headed for some special twins we know for their 1st birthday. Their mummy LOVES owls... so I hope they like them too!

Speaking of special birthdays... not long now until our Buddy Boo turns 1! I honestly have no idea where the time has gone! So we're starting to plan a cake (or maybe cakeS!) and have a quiet family get together for his special day.

I think I need a big storage shed...!

2011-05-30T11:14:00.002+10:00

I keep doing it... keep buying more fabric.... I can't help it... it's an addiction...!! Actually, I can't pass up a bargain, really! My local closed down. But there is a little dress fabric store that stocks a little bit of quilting fabrics... the things I love the most are her sample swatches that she has that her supplier leaves with her to sell when he doesn't need them anymore.

I scored these 6 decent sized (maybe 12" squared) pieces of Breakfast at Tiffanys by Fig Tree Quilts for $4!

I have no idea what range this is... but it's 27 approximately 12" squared pieces as well. (next two photos) This was $8 for the lot.

This next one is the whole range of Fandango by Kate Spain and the pieces range from 12" x 8.5" to 12" x 16".... this was a steal!

Now.... you know I love Swell. Well... after searching for quite a while I have found a store that still has some on the bolt! VERY EXCITING!! I bought 6 metres! Will be used for quilts. GORGEOUS!

Anyways.... that's all really! I should try to stay away from my little dress fabric shop I think! ;)

A little bit of sewing....

2011-05-22T09:48:00.000+10:00

I have been doing a little bit of sewing... not much though!

Another cute handbag for a friend's 2 year old little girl.

A sheet bag for a 1 year old little girl for daycare.... if anyone sees anymore of this fabric... I think it's a Free Spirit print... please let me know!!! My shop was all sold out when I went back to buy more!

Another lamby for a not yet born little bubba.

And another lamby for a very premmie little girl baby.

I have a few more custom orders to get finished. Really need to get those done really soon!

So at least I have 4 things for OPAM this month!!

Giveaways....

2011-05-21T09:38:00.000+10:00

I can't say that I'm a particularly lucky person at all. But 2011 has been 'my' year! ;) I've won three giveaways from friends blogs this year!!

This arrived in the mail for me on Tuesday. It's from Lise at "The Chocolate Cat". Thank you so much!! It's gorgeous! There's a great pattern in there with the matching ceramic hat button. Two skeins of Cottage Garden Threads. Two great brooches... close up photo down further. AND CHOCOLATES! :) Yummo! Thank you Lise!! I'm lucky to have you as a blogging friend. :)

There's a brown brooch and a cream coloured one with red beads... believe it or not... they are a zipper! Very cool!!

Just cause I can.....

2011-05-20T09:26:00.002+10:00

I know... you're all saying... "but you don't need anymore fabric"!!!!

I met up with Kris from Tag Along Teddies last week while passing through her town. I won a prize in the OPAM group!! How exciting! I promised her I'd visit and pick up the prize to save her some postage. She joked that her lunch (of course we went to her local... which has a cafe next door!) cost her more than the postage would have! But she wouldn't have had the pleasure of my company either, if she posted it. So she really did win in the end!! LOL. As always, it's lovely to see Kris! This is what I won. Missy Moo has been begging me for a Jelly Roll Quilt... the bouquet looking one... this will be PERFECT for that!! Thanks Kris and Peg!

Of course I might have had to buy some fabric (some is from Qld and some from Tassie!). Lots of FQs.

And some yardage.....

I've had a few people ask me to make some wallets like mine from last year or the year before... can't remember... so I needed some supplies.

The Quilted Crow had so many goodies.... I was reserved... and bought two patterns and two civil war type packs. They are gorgeous. That shop is just beautiful. We could have spent our life savings just on wool!!

That's all... not too much really. If I was driving (instead of flying) I'm sure the damage would have been worse!

The Quilted Crow... and Jo!

2011-05-19T09:10:00.002+10:00

Now, I couldn't go to Hobart and not have a quilty shop tour could I?

Jo met me at Frangipani Fabrics ... we checked out that shop and maybe bought a thing or two! Then we went zipping around Hobart (I had no idea what direction we were going in... glad that Jo knew where she was going!).... we finally arrived at "The Quilted Crow"... I've heard lots about this shop. But really... it's amazing. I don't think you'll get how amazing it is until you go in there. It's beautiful - the Church is gorgeous. There are so many beautiful samples in the shop too. OOhh... and all the wools. So gorgeous.

I just realised I didn't get a proper photo of Jo. You can just see her standing behind the red car with Buddy Boo in his pram. We had a great time. Did a bit more shopping at the Quilted Crow.

Then we headed back to her place for a coffee and a chat and a craft room tour. Lots of chatting, laughter and it was so lovely to meet her and her family. Wishing I had more time to hang out there and chat more. NEXT TIME! I'm thinking that my family need to have a Tasmanian getaway!! Thank you Jo for taking the time to catch up .. I know it was a hassle to have an afternoon off work! LOL!

Whirlwind.....

2011-05-19T08:58:00.002+10:00

Buddy Boo and I went on a whirlwind trip to Tasmania during the last week...

We went up here (Mt Wellington) and it was a clear view when we left to drive up there... foggy by the time we got to the top... very windy... we ran straight for the observation deck which is totally enclosed (thankfully!) and then had to run back to the car while it was snowing - this snow wasn't nice and soft... it felt like I was getting thousands of needles jammed into my face! Buddy Boo did not appreciate it. Luckily his Pa was there to help out and got him back to the car safely (while his Grandma and I struggled to stand upright in the crazy wind and snow!).

The reason for our trip was for a Wedding. Mr Farmyard was planting... so he stayed home with the bigger kids. The Wedding was held here... (Cascade Brewery)... gorgeous!!

(this photo should have been before!) This is Buddy Boo all rugged up for Mt Wellington!

This was the view of Hobart once we got to the top of Mt Wellington. The song that played in my head the whole week was "Four Seasons In One Day" by Crowded House!

We fitted in a fair bit while we were there. I met a blogger friend... that was fun!! (More in a post to follow!) Hobart is a lovely city and I can't wait until I can take my whole family back there and get to explore the wonders of Tasmania!

Stitch-a-long.....

2011-05-02T15:02:00.004+10:00

I'm a part of Chookyblue's Stitch-A-Long group. It's been fun (gruelling) and great (scary) to be a part of a group where we can keep up together enjoying stress free stitching... (get our backsides booted and the whip is cracking to force us to keep up and stitch!!!!).

I have finished another 6 blocks. Since I'm doing 2 quilts - I have 6 blocks to go and 2 quilt labels.

I've chosen the next two fabrics for the last 6 blocks and I think it'll look great together. Next task - find my dining room table so I have space to cut more fabric!

Pop over to the Stitch-A-Long group and see what everyone else has been up to.

FIS - Anni Downs Swap

2011-04-16T07:59:00.000+10:00

I had to make for Sue for this swap. I made her a Birdsong Jewellery Box and a Maisie's Flower Garden pin cushion. I added a gorgeous candy Easter Egg too!! I hope it's yummy!! I was amazed when I opened my gift from Kerry at Cottage on the Hill. She made a gorgeous project bag... it's almost like she's been in my head... and knew what I wanted!! I have been wondering what to store my new addiction of hexies in... problem solved!! They'll fit beautifully in this great new bag. Thank you Kerry! I've been eyeing these purses off.... as all the girls from GDITC post pictures and show us their beautiful new Anni Downs purses. I LOVE IT! I'm so excited that I have one of my own. It was one thing that I was going to order a kit and make one for myself.

Kerry even added an "M" on the back of the purse.

Thanks so much Kerry for your lovely gifts!! They are certainly going to a good home!! (I just have to make sure that Missy Moo doesn't get her hands on them... she loves purses and bags!!)

What a Day....

2011-04-15T22:49:00.002+10:00

If any of you have the lastest Quilters Companion magazine you'll recognise this. It's gorgeous! I spotted it and though it'd look awesome on denim as a bag.

I think it works really well. The recipient loved it! This is Buddy Boo's scarf for winter this year. I needed something that was very tightly knitted or crocheted so that he couldn't rip his teeth into it and ruin it. I'm not good at crocheting at all. It's not perfect... but it will do!!

I have shown this beautiful kitten before... but I added (at the request of the new owner!) and little kitten sized lap quilt... "big mice, small mice, I love all mice"!!

And another Bit of Whimsy Dolls T-Rex. These ones are popular! This one (and the kitten and bag) are for Buster Jim's preschool teacher from last year. She LOVES stuffed toys. A big kid really!!

And tonight was the grand opening of the FIS Swap presents.... I'll be back tomorrow with some photos...... night world!

Precious....

2011-04-14T16:21:00.002+10:00

Today we've had some precious times...

Buddy Boo is heading for 10 months and starting to eat 'real food'... just in smaller pieces! He LOVES vegemite sandwiches and does make a massive mess... but nothing we can't clean up after he's done! (And yes, my boy is wearing a pink bib... he gets whatever the kids pull out of the cupboard for me!)

And... I'm never lucky... ever... but this last couple of weeks I have won two giveaways!! One of them is from the delighful Ric Rac... I knew that there was a squishy woollen parcel heading my way... but I was totally surprise to find that there was this gorgeous penguin in there too!! My big two kids have been trying to adopt him and look after him... but I've told them he's mine... all mine!!!!!!! ;) Thank you, Jodie! :) Buster Jim has been asking me to help him learn how to sew (cause he thinks he's ready and big enough!). So I let him stuff and do two seams on the machine. He thinks he's a pro! Good on him for wanting to give it a go. Now Missy Moo (4) thinks she's old enough to do it. She even said - you don't need to show me anything I already learned how to do it all!! So today we've made two little boy dolls (Bit of Whimsy Dolls pattern) and tomorrow we'll make a girl one.

OVER AND OUT FOR TODAY! I have more custom orders I need to get to!

My thing.....

2011-04-13T09:56:00.003+10:00

I think I've found my 'thing'. I really enjoy making lambs and stuffed kids toys. These lambs seem to be a constant work in progress at my place. It seems to be the one thing that people ask me to make all the time when they have new babies arriving.

I've never tried a red one before - looks cute though! My only worry is that the washable pen I used to trace the face features will still not wash out. So, a word of warning... wool and washable pens may not always mix! The photo actually makes it look worse than it is.

This spotty lamb is gorgeous and a special request by a special friend for her sister who is expecting baby number one. I found more pressure sewing for her than anyone. I wanted it to be better than perfect. Not possible, I know!!

Off to the machine - I have a list as long (or longer) as my arm of things I need to complete. I did make a little flower handbag for a friend's daughter on the weekend while they were visiting - but as usual - it disappeared before I remembered to take a photo of it!!

If you had to choose a lamb... what colour would you choose?

I dislike secret sewing.....!

2011-04-11T07:54:00.002+10:00

I love nothing more when I've finished a project, to take photos and share the excitement in having another thing finished. Secret sewing (Swaps) are not so much fun... until opening day anyway!! I have been sewing for my FIS online sewing group - the first swap I've done with this group. I'm pretty excited to get it in the mail today. It'll be winging it's way further south.

In the meantime... here is a photo of a wall hanging (stretched over a canvas) I made for Buster Jim's school mate. We had our first birthday party of the year.

Anyways, we've had rain today - so I'm stuck on farm until at least lunch time... when Mr Farmyard finishes his shed jobs and can drive me to town. (I get bogged far to easily!)

Easter Parade......

2011-04-07T21:01:00.002+10:00

I have been busy doing sewing... but just nothing that I can show yet! This is something that Buster Jim and I made together tonight... felt ears, cardboard top hat, paper face and eyes, and a cute fluffy tail on the back! All ready for school tomorrow for the Easter Parade.

He looks soooooooo cute in it!

Friendship.......

2011-04-03T08:16:00.002+10:00

I know I'm not the only one that has developed great friendships with "imaginary friends"! To be honest, I struggle with maintaining friendships. I think this has been largely due to my life changing alot in the last 7 or 8 years since getting married and starting a family. Lots of my friends didn't do this at the same time as we did. Lots did it earlier than us and others still haven't gotten married or had children. I know it's all in everyone's timing. But it does make things harder when single or childless friends expect us to still be running around like we used to be!

Moving to the 'middle of no where' has seriously depleted our friend pool too! Don't get me wrong, we have made some lovely friends out here but the distances make it hard to catch up often. And it's so easy to get very comfortable and not go out alot!

I have come to rely on my "imaginary friends" more than I would have thought was 'normal'! I know lots of husbands think that we're weird to have had such strong bonds with women we haven't ever met! But I think it's lovely! I haven't met any axe murderers yet (obviously!)... they've all been lovely. One in particular is so similar to me it's scary!! We get on like a house on fire and I wonder what life would be like if we had never connected through blogging. Thankfully we live relatively close (in the grand scheme of things) to each other and that means we do get to see each other a few times a year. Another... lives at the other end of the country... and I'll be so excited when we finally get to meet!

Anyways, this is really a post about my ramblings!! I just think that the friendships that blogging women have got are so precious and special!

Anyone met any awesome blogging mates?

Thank you!

2011-03-30T15:02:00.004+11:00

Thanks to everyone that commented on my "Help" post! I've decided it's not the people that have no immediate time frame that are stressing me out. It's the ones that think I have loads of spare time (cause I have two in school and preschool now!)... and want their things made within a week. And honestly, that's not how I roll! I had a request from someone the other day for three swim bags.... I loved her comment in our conversation... something like this.... "and seriously, there's no rush... you can take a few months if you want" .... !!! Love it!! I won't take a few months. But it's nice to have no pressure.

I think it comes down to - I can only do what I can do. I'm happy to post things within a few days (hard to post every day living where I live!)... if it's made and ready to go. But if people need something urgently - it's just not going to happen!

Okay, just adding a photo of this one.... a bag (another one!) for a friend's little girl. I made another one exactly the same as this yesterday too for another lady. They are popular! Better do an end of month count up for OPAM too!! Hard to believe we're almost at the end of another month. My Buddy Boo will be 1 in less than 3 months. SCARY!

Help!

2011-03-28T11:46:00.002+11:00

I've started doing a bit of sewing for other people.

Any tips on staying motivated to make time to sew for other people?

I'm stuck! Family is the most important thing to me. So maybe I shouldn't make stuff for other people? I just don't seem to have the time!

Drumming up some support....

2011-03-27T14:54:00.003+11:00

This frostbitten, shaggy guy is a singer. His song "Paper Sails" is currently #29 on the Triple J (an Aussie radio station) charts. He has travelled lots this year promoting his music and seeing lots of new places like the UK, Germany, Japan, USA and NZ. He occasionally has a stop over at our place too.

If you're interested in hearing his song and helping it climb higher in the charts - go here. He's a great guy. My kids love him. He's the fun uncle (cause he doesn't have his own kids!)! Hmm, hope the other uncles don't read this blog!!

More Tis The Season.... and some yarny stuff.

2011-03-23T13:06:00.002+11:00

This is where I'm at with the Stitch-A-Long Tis The Season quilt. I am halfway through both quilts. I just need to get moving and do some borders on the remaining 12.

Buddy Boo and I are going on a trip in a few months to somewhere south and cold! I was going to knit him a nice scarf in rib stitch (I have made a few of these already) but I saw what he did to Missy Moo's scarf yesterday ... his teeth make nice little stitch pullers... took me quite a while to pull it all back into place and make it look not ruined! So I decided to try this Crocheting thing again. It's not straight.... but seriously.... I don't care! It'll keep his neck warm... or his mouth full .. typical baby... chews on everything!! I'll see how it goes. Nice and plain!

I totally forgot to photograph two other dishcloths that I've made (like the blue one)... one in the pale olive green and another in a sand/cream type colour. I sent them to someone ... I hope they are alright! I haven't used one of my own as a dishcloth. So here's two more I whipped up for myself.

Just have to weave in some ends... and they are done.

And no, none of these are wips. All NEW projects! ;)

Tis The Season......

2011-03-18T06:40:00.002+11:00

I've really gotten into stitching Tis The Season as part of the Stitch-A-Long blog. I don't think I've mentioned before what fabrics I'm using for it. I am using two different French General ranges - one is La Petite Ecole and the other is Maison De Garance. They are gorgeous.

I have now finished these blocks - (above) and have started another block. I have decided to make double the amount and either make two quilts or make lots of extra projects. I'm really looking forward to getting these done!

So my job for today... cut and sew and trace the remaining 12 blocks to make up enough for the 2 quilts.

Dolls Quilt Swap has arrived...

2011-03-16T20:27:00.002+11:00

Chookyblue received the Dolls Quilt that I made for her in the Dolls Quilt Swap. Now, if any of you are observant... you'll notice something... if you can't remember what the Dolls Quilt looks like that Chookyblue sent me.... go here.

We have been in stitches about our swap!

Doll Quilt Swap... Yippee!

2011-03-15T15:13:00.002+11:00

I love mail! Today when I got home from my day out I had a parcel. Now, I've been expecting this parcel... and very excited about receiving said parcel. The person that made this beautiful Doll Quilt for me has been sneaky and not giving anything away. So pleased now to be able to see what it is!! Chookyblue and I got each other in a direct swap... which is cool... because we know each other pretty well... well... we think we do! And we are alike in LOTS of things too. Can't wait for Chookyblue to get her parcel from me - hopefully tomorrow!! Will be so much fun!

She did send me some cards and a notepad too - but in my excitement... I forgot to photograph them! Will have to do that later!

Thanks heaps to Christine for running the Dolls Quilt Swap... I'm really looking forward to the next one!

This matches my "yet to be quilted" quilt... and I'll either use it as a wall hanging... OR... for my bedside table....!

Thank you Chookyblue. :) I love it!

I Am Blessed....

2011-03-13T16:49:00.002+11:00

I am blessed to have parents that think for themselves.....

They are travelling in New Zealand at the moment. They have hired a campervan with a gps. Today when they stopped here... the friendly gps lady told them to continue 150 metres and then do a u-turn.

I am blessed to come from leaders... not followers! ;)

The Bluebird has been in hiding.....

2011-03-09T08:40:00.002+11:00

I'm definately not a "new years resolution" kind of girl. But 2011 is going to be the year of confessions and finishes! Last post I talked about BOMs. Almost all of us have at least one lurking in the cupboard. I know of a few girls that are on par with me or maybe even have more!! You can out yourselves if you want to!! They know who they are!

This is "Little Bluebirds" by Janelle Wind. I started this as a BOM with Kerry from Cottage on the Hill in 2008. I think I had the centre panel stitched within a couple of weeks of receiving it. The needleturn then scared the heck out of me so it got put to the side. I then cut out all of the star pieces when Block 2 arrived and started to sew them together. Nothing worked, seams weren't right even with a 1/4" foot. Got sewn and unpicked several times. No good!

Since Mr Farmyard kindly bought me a new machine last year - everything seems to be going together much better - so over the weekend - voila! - block 2 was done! I then got brave and attempted the scalloped spotty border in the middle and started to learn how to do needleturn. The bluebird is terrible - I will be pulling it off and doing it again!

See what you can achieve when you put aside your fears of having no skillz (as Annie from Flowergarden says!) and giving it a go?

Next.... I'm going to try a tart and a pie. (You didn't think I was going to stick with one project for any length of time did you?! lol)

Vignette..... Block 1!

2011-03-06T15:16:00.002+11:00

I've been good and working lots on my BOMs.... I won't really need to tell you that this isn't an existing one though I guess. It's a new one. Vignette by Leanne's House. It's gorgeous. Leanne is putting out a new magazine every 3 months with the blocks and instructions in the magazine. Block 1 is finished.

Now that I've finished block 1 I've ordered the second Magazine. My kind husband asked this morning about what has happened to the rest of my BOMs that I've started and hardly completed. I acted dumb. What BOMs? He's smarter than me. He doesn't forget stuff unfortunately. So, I've pulled out "Little Bluebirds" by Janelle Wind and have been working on that this afternoon. I remember why I put them away (other than cause I'm slack)... I was having 1/4" issues with my old machine. I've whipped up the second block of Little Bluebirds and it looks great. Now I'm just finishing off the needleturn applique on the centre block so I can attach the block 2 pieces to it.

Anyways, my time has been cut short. Mr Farmyard is having a sleep. The two bigger Farmyard kids are outside playing and the littlest one is screaming the house down while in his cot. He doesn't give in easily! I better go settle him!

What BOMs do you have hiding that you need to confess to????? Come on... a confession will be good for your soul.... ;)

Sweet Little Bags.....

2011-03-04T18:01:00.002+11:00

Does anyone else find it hard to know what to sew for that inbetween age for girls? The "tween" age! I do! I decided that some little denim bags would be cool though. Minimal applique - matching lining too. They are about 14" by 9" with handles.

Another great item to add to my market stall at the end of the year. That's if my friends on FB don't buy them all before then!
I'm enjoying playing with denim more. I think denim and bright fabrics are my thing... and handbags... they have always been my thing! ;)

What cool sewing item have you made for yours or someone elses "tween"?

4 more for the OPAM! (Oops, I just typed OPSM... maybe I should wear mine more often!)

Oooh... a new project!

2011-02-18T10:25:00.003+11:00

I have some really exciting news... I've joined a SAL (Stitch A-Long!). It's going to be fun. It's very exciting. I have everything ready to go. Almost. I had already chosen a beautiful pinky/red colour to do the stitching in - but it really doesn't go with the fabrics. I'm sure I have something in my over abundant DMC collection that I can use instead. I found the Fabric Patch online... if only I knew that existed when I was on holidays just near there the other week! I would have visited in person! I've bought some beautiful French General fabrics from two different ranges but I think they'll work in together nicely.

Getting a little organised for some Christmas sewing this year. Lots of people seem to have this Maisy's Flowers Pincushion.... and I just love it! So I bought a kit for myself. Can't wait to make it - I love sewing with wool.

And yes JOJO and CHOOKYBLUE.... I did say "CHRISTMAS". Got to start getting organised!!

Making a start...

2011-02-15T08:25:00.003+11:00

Another BOM? Yes... another BOM! You have to admit... for a lover of all designs that are from Leanne's House... I couldn't pass this one up!

Vignette. Beautiful. Vibrant.

AND... when I heard that Nicky was getting moving on stitching her block one... I just had to pull mine out, finish the tracing, add the parlan and start stitching too so I don't get left behind well and truly! I'd really love to attempt to have block one done before the next magazine comes out next month! I better get stitching... and while I'm at it... hire a cook, cleaner, nanny, gardner, and general dogsbody!!!! Anyone need a job?! ;)

More Swim Bags....

2011-02-12T22:19:00.002+11:00

I put a picture of Buster Jim's swim bag on my Facebook album and a friend saw it and within minutes had requested one each for her boys. So here they are... two more groovy swim bags.

I can't believe that this is the second time in a week that I've started something and finished it all in one day. Thank goodness for a patient husband that helped lots with the kids while I sewed!!

PIF and a Cake....

2011-02-12T08:44:00.002+11:00

Some friends and I on Facebook have taken part in a Pay It Forward thing again this year. This time it's actually 5 gifts to be made in 12 months. I did this last year with Missy Mack... and just managed to get my 3 gifts made in time for the 12 month cut off!! I thought this time I'd get in and get them done earlier if possible!

This is the first one I've completed and is for my buddy, K. She commented that she loved this pattern so I quickly bought it and the fabrics (exactly the same as Melly's 2nd sample!)... it arrived to my friend yesterday - so I can now blog about it!

It is called "Raspberry Ripple" by Melly and Me.

This is "the cake"! Simple but effective. Missy Moo chose it. We did make it smaller than the one in the book - really... how much cake do 4 people need? Did some fondant hearts to make into flowers. My next challenge is to cover a whole cake with fondant!

Little Miss 4!

2011-02-11T08:42:00.002+11:00

It's Missy Moo's 4th birthday...

you should see the crazy weird photos she can take with this thing! I'm thinking it shouldn't be 6am and dark when she uses it!!! She got lots of photos of the 'dark'! At least she's having fun with it.

Happy Birthday MM!

Last minute sewing.....

2011-02-09T15:03:00.003+11:00

I have decided that deadlines are really great for me. I had really put off making a swimming bag for Buster Jim. I really thought that I had another week... until a note came home on Monday saying that they would be starting swimming lessons with school on Thursday. Today is Wednesday. Started bag: Wednesday. Finished bag: Wednesday. What is with that? That rarely happens! Deadlines. I need them.

It's all lined with "pul" so SHOULD hopefully stay dry for him.

He'll be so super excited to see it when he gets home from school.
Missy Moo is going to cry cause she doesn't have one.
That's life.

She gets her turn shortly to be spoiled.... she has a number 4 birthday coming up.

Flood relief with the Country Quilt Co.

2011-02-08T12:30:00.002+11:00

When I first saw this advertised I just knew I wanted to take part in this. Because of location and children it's hard to provide hands on help with cleaning up or cooking. I can't donate lots of money, but I can buy kits and sew and donate my time to help make some special quilts that are to be auctioned off and the proceeds to be donated to the Flood Relief Fund.

I bought two kits which have two preprinted stitcheries in them and threads included... they even already have some sort of weaveline backing on it as well.

It's such a little thing I am able to do to help. I am nearly finished stitching block number 3 and once I've done block number 4 I will be packing them up and sending them back to The Country Quilt Co in Ipswich (in QLD) so they can be sewn up and made into quilts.

I know there's lots of ways bloggers have been helping out. Everyone is doing such a great job doing what they can to help.

FIS Block 1

2011-02-05T06:16:00.002+11:00

I've joined a new to me group that is full of fun crafty ladies ... they do a BOM and just recently the first block was chosen. I decided that it might make sense to try and get these done as soon as possible as you all know what I'm like when given the opportunity to procrastinate!!

This block is called "Cathy's Campfire" and I think the finished size is 6.5" or 6". I haven't actually measured it to make sure I did it right! I had a few little hiccups - but that's okay - nothing some reverse sewing couldn't fix!

Can't wait until the next one!

Preparations....

2011-02-03T16:26:00.003+11:00

This coming week is going to be a bit different for us here.

This week... we will be entering a different stage in our lives.

Buster Jim is starting big school! He will be starting Kindy on Monday (or prep if you're from a different state!)... he is so excited. I am excited too for him... but I'm definately going to miss my little mate. He's the child I can reason with and talk to without having any problems!! I guess it will give me more time to try and work out the one that isn't so easy! ;) We've nearly finished organising his uniforms. Most are ironed ready to go... but I have a few things left to get off the line and label and iron. His books have been covered and his backpack is all ready to go as well.

Now we just have to work on the expected crying that I'm assuming goes with this first day of school.

Buster Jim will be fine... and no tears.... can't say the same for his mummy!! (I promise to go hide in the car should the tears start to fall!)

Hard to believe he's gone from this... to being old enough to go to school!

Relaxation at the beach....

2011-01-31T08:46:00.002+11:00

We've just returned from having a week of family fun and relaxation at the beach. Although we live in New South Wales... it's actually quicker for us to visit Queensland beaches! We made the lovely Sunshine Coast our home for the week.

As some will understand - farmers never relax unless we can get them away from the farm. Mr Farmyard is exactly like this and doesn't seem to get a break unless we turn off his phone and make him very unaccessible to other people. Even weekends off sometimes seem to get interrupted by someone needing something on the farm or needing to be picked up and brought back to get machinery... there's always SOMETHING!

This is where we went.... (not my photo though... we were so relaxed we hardly took any photos either!).... it was just wonderful to have some much needed family time after a very long drawn out harvest season. (The funny thing is... they've only just finished harvesting the winter crop from last year... and they are starting to harvest the sorghum (summer crop) today.)

I did actually get a fair bit of stitching done while I was away. As per usual everyone was limited as to how much they could take because I needed to fit in way too many sewing projects - just so I had options! ;) I only worked on one. Down In The Garden block 5 - the one with the crazy amount of stitching in it. I've done about half of it. It's so beautiful. Leanne is very talented!

I did meet a blogger while I was away.... thanks Kris for the catch up! We met up at The Quilters Angel at Highfields (near Toowoomba) and had lunch and I'm sure Kris' ears hurt after listening to Missy Moo chat chat chat! We'll definately be catching up again!

Okay, there's loads of unpacking to be done. Missy Moo has just dragged herself out of bed (it's 9am!) ... I better go tend to her needs and get them settled playing so I can get this unpacking done!

Time to say goodbye.....

2011-01-15T07:23:00.002+11:00

This is our puppy Tilly... she came to live with us when Buster Jim was just over one...

She has been a faithful pet... great with the kids... only ever knocked them over when they got in her way (!)...
She's heading off to the vets to be put to sleep... as her 4 year old body is riddled with cancer and we had no signs of it until it was too late to do anything for her.

So farewell precious Tilly.

Catching Up With Chookyblue....

2011-01-14T08:52:00.005+11:00

During this past week saw us take a road trip to Chookyblue's place. Thankfully my kids are very good travellers because it's a LONG way to anywhere from where we live! You won't find pictures of children or mothers... we simply didn't have time to stop and take photos! We stitched and chatted and just had a great catch up. Bookworm and Fairygirl are so great with my little people and I bet they are thankful for the peace and quiet since we left!!

I am sharing the space on my table with puzzles and games... so here's the table runner that I whipped up (I guess it did help that I had all of the little pieces sewn together and just had to arrange them and continue sewing)... go to Chookyblue's blog and she might have a post of her runner that she got made too!

These precious little lambs have been in pieces for a couple of weeks and I took them along so I could mess up someone elses house with chenille! ;) SORRY CHOOKYBLUE! (NOT!) I still have three more of these to make before I can say I'm done with these for now.

Key fobs.... zipper pulls.... these are awesome! Thanks Chookyblue for providing the hardware to make these! I think they are fantastic... and the kids love them too. I do have to add that I made one for my key rings that are double the length of the kids ones... Mr Farmyard is not too impressed with the size of it... doesn't fit in his pocket well.... and it'll probably hit his leg as he's driving along. Lucky we have two sets of keys for the car... he HATES keyrings!! (I might add it made it all the more fun making my large key fob knowing that information!!)

And while in town yesterday... I noticed this magazine sitting on the shelf. I'd had one of 'those days' and felt like treating myself ... it comes with fabric, threads, felt, buttons, ribbons.... lots! I'm going to try and get the first one now!! Love it! A few Tone Finnager patterns in it too.

Anyways, hope you are all having a great Friday. I know, I've been so slack with BOM Saturday... will get more motivated once I get some boring housework done and get a bit more organised!! I know... I'm a #2 crafter! It'll never end!!!!!!!!!!!

Ooohhhh...........

2011-01-08T12:50:00.002+11:00

I found this while doing a little bit of browsing today...

Patchwork With Busyfingers - Pie and Tart BOM

I'm totally out of my depth. TOTALLY.

But I oh so want to do it.

Can anyone talk me out of it or into it? How is it made?

2011 - My first finish!!

2011-01-06T17:01:00.002+11:00

As some of you might remember I started this block in April 09 when it was first released as part of a Homespun BOM. It's by Leanne's House and I just fell in love with it the moment I saw it. But I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it for a while and then when I finally decided I was going to make it into a cushion - I put it aside to start something else (I know... I wouldn't believe it either.. starting something new before finishing the other project?!?!).

I'm pleased to say that it's now FINISHED! And it's in my favourite Swell fabric too ... so it's even more impressive!

Farewell 2010.....

2010-12-31T09:22:00.002+11:00

It's hard to believe that it's this time of year AGAIN!

Hope everyone has had a great Christmas and that if you're doing something to celebrate New Years - have a great time! I'll be celebrating New Years like I always do - sleeping!!! It's too hard with the little people to stay up or out late... and then we pay for it for the next few days cause everyone is tired and cranky! I'm sure you know what I mean!!

Anyways, I've done a tally and I've completed 56 projects this year! I'm pretty happy with that - especially since I've had a baby this year too!

Happy New Year to you all and wishing everyone a really wonderful 2011.

Flooding.....

2010-12-29T10:56:00.002+11:00

This is Dalby. My hometown. I grew up on farms around Dalby and then lived in Dalby until I got married and the moved to a farm outside Dalby until we moved south 2 years ago.

As most of you in Australia may have seen on the news (and apparently the BBC is covering the story in the UK too, and NZ has had it on their news) Dalby, Chinchilla, Theodore, Mundubbera, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and many other towns have had major flooding over Christmas. You can see in the photo - down the bottom - the bowling greens well just slightly up and right of the greens is the town pool! Doesn't look so nice!

It is just amazing. Some people have had water through their homes. No one really knew where the water was going to go this time as there has been so much development since the 80's - and the last major flood. Our old home on the farm is apparently surrounded by water as well. What fun we could have been having! NOT!

So, saying lots of prayers for the people that have been affected in these towns. My parents place is high and dry - well... they have a swimming pool (flood) in the back yard but they live on the 'high' side of town. They feel so bad for everyone that has been affected and have been driving around alot checking on people they know in the low laying areas.

What crazy weather everyone is having. Snow storms in Europe and America, flooding and fires in Australia, earthquakes in New Zealand. It's a bit scary as we have loved ones in each of these places at the moment too!

Hope everyone is well and safe!

SSCS - Gifts....

2010-12-28T08:55:00.003+11:00

I'm finally back with pictures of my SSCS gifts.... the ones I sent and then ones I received.

This picture below is what I sent to Yvonne.

Odette sent to me... this beautiful sewing/stitching bag....

and a turkey for my plastic bags... not sure how I'm supposed to hang her up...!?!?

Thanks heaps Odette for the great gifts (and the cross stitches as well! forgot to put a picture of them and the ornaments again!), I really appreciate all your hard work that went into making everything!

Thanks to Chookyblue for yet again organising a great swap! From what I hear.... she's signed up for SSCS organising for life!! ;)

I joined another blog! (cause I have lots of spare time!)

2010-12-27T07:19:00.003+11:00

I have joined a new blog! I'm so super excited about it - it's especially for people that are going to be doing projects out of "Vignette" - here it is. Perri has put a post on there today that is for an Issue 1 Vignette give away - of course I don't need Issue 1 - but I know of a few people that haven't got it yet that might like it. So pop in and see what it's all about.

More Dinos!

2010-12-26T09:50:00.003+11:00

Buster Jim already has a Dilbert the Dinosaur... so he requested a Bit of Whimsy Dolls dino for Christmas - Missy Moo just had to have one as well. I already had made a Dilbert for Buddy Boo... so I set to getting two more dinos made (1 day before Christmas!)..... all done in time... by about 10.30pm Christmas Eve!

3 more finishes for the opam... that's 55 this year so far!

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-26T06:50:00.002+11:00

Happy Christmas from me to you! I hope that you all had a wonderful day yesterday. It's always a great time to catch up with family and friends. But most of all we need to remember why we have a Christmas Day in the first place! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

This is our Christmas Tree... before the presents got opened... I can assure you it didn't take long for these to disappear! I made the kids a dinosaur each - one Dilbert (by Melly and Me) and two Bit of Whimsy Dolls dinosaurs. When I can find them (much loved and probably under the covers of the kids beds!).. I'll take some pictures! Dilberts tail is PERFECT for Buddy Boo to chew on... it's covered in slobber already!

Hope you all have a great Boxing Day and that your husbands don't subject you to watching cricket all day long!!!! We have two tvs.... I might head off to the bedroom to watch "The Sound Of Music"....... I bought it for myself for Christmas from my husband. He assures me if he had have been shopping (too busy harvesting)... "The Sound of Music" wouldn't have come home with him. So I guess we should be thankful for small blessings!!

Little Girly Dino...

2010-12-21T17:34:00.002+11:00

These two (green dino has been pictured before)... are headed to some special little kids for Christmas this year. I hope they love them! They have been dropped off... well wrapped for their mummy to put under the tree.

I think I'm well on my way to have 52 items finished this year!

I have also finished another table runner... but I don't think I had time to take a photo - I basically put in the last stitches and then wrapped it up! I'll have to check the camera just in case I did make time to photograph it!

More Dilberts.....

2010-12-13T08:01:00.002+11:00

I really enjoy making Melly & Me's pattern "Dilbert the Dinosaur". Once I have a few lots of the spikes done it doesn't seem to take long to sew a dinosaur up. It's a good mix of machine sewing and hand stitching. Lots of fun! They are always a hit with any child that we've given one to! These ones are for some friends' children for Christmas.

Two more for the OPAM! I have one more Dilbert ready to stuff and give eyes and patches and then I'm going to make a half size one for Buddy Boo for Christmas. He's only little.... he needs a little dinosaur! We will be attending a Christmas Party with extended family shortly and the deal is that we must provide one present each for our kids so they get something. Lucky it's not a "Santa" type day - so I can make special things for my little people as their gifts. Now I just need to find that extra 30 hours in each day!

What kind of crafter are you?

2010-12-10T09:17:00.002+11:00

I've been mulling over a very serious question....

What kind of crafter am I?

I think there's only two kinds...

1. Organised crafter - everything (or almost) in their lives are organised, clean and tidy house, not too many projects on the go, no tables or benches stacked high with things that they'll "deal with later" because everything gets done straight away.

and

2. Disorganised crafter - everything (or almost) in their lives are half organised and going to be done 'one day'. Huge lists of wips and no tables or benches spare to put another pile of things "i don't know what to do with".

I'll put my hand up first.... okay... I'm #2. My house gets cleaned about once a week although if I clean it this morning... and you come visit me this afternoon you may not see much evidence of it being clean a few hours ago. My kids seem to be mini tornados and mess stuff up as fast as I can clean it up.... and honestly... I think I just stopped cleaning it up. My sewing space is in my bedroom which isn't practical when the kids are here... so now our dining room table is my sewing space which isn't practical because we've started eating our meals at the veranda table.

I'm a clutterbug. There, I said it.

I'm trying to get better and throw stuff out. BUT, what happens if I might need that and I've thrown it out. Then I'll have to go buy more!

I am going to aim to have my house all organised by Christmas time. We are having my bil, sil and their kids over for Christmas lunch. I want the house to always looked lived in (it's never going to be magazine quality and I'm happy with that!)... but I don't want crafty crap everywhere, kids stuff everywhere, and piles of things I have to find time to go through because I have no idea where to put it.

I've cleaned off half of the kitchen benches this morning, done the dishes (neverending job!), once the dishwasher is finished I can can empty it, I want to not have anything unessential on the bench.

Is there anyone else out there that is a #2 type crafter??

SSCS in Norway....

2010-12-07T07:11:00.002+11:00

My SSCS parcel has arrived at it's destination - Norway. My blog partner sent me a lovely email letting me know that my parcel had arrived safe and sound. :)

These are the two ornaments I made and sent. They are a Anni Downs pattern. I altered them a little because I'm scared of needleturn still! They are so cute and my kids have put in their orders for which one they'd like to hang off the Christmas tree this year!

I bet there are lots of excited people around the world as all the SSCS parcels start arriving! :)

BOM Saturday.... except it's Monday! OOPS!

2010-12-06T16:54:00.002+11:00

Okay, so I missed the first BOM Saturday. Fire me.

All I've done this week is organise what I'm up to!

I've decided to start this bom because it's the one that I have the least to finish on it. This picture is of one I've already completed. I have the centre block to stitch and the chook block and then add borders and border applique and then it can be quilted.

I don't think it will take that long... if I work on it.

So this week I plan to cut and sew fabric for the chook block and start the stitching on it.

What have you done on your BOM?

SSCS Goodness.....

2010-12-06T06:31:00.002+11:00

My SSCS parcel turned up on Friday but it took us until Sunday to get to the mailbox due to extreme rain and mud!

There were 4 presents in my parcel and I didn't know what ones to open! So after some phone consultation with Chookyblue I decided to open the two that didn't feel like fabric! These are the two that are left for me to open on Christmas Day!

These are the things I opened.... three great cross stitch kits, three beautiful timber buttons and a little crocheted pouch... not sure what this is for.... maybe to put some a lavender satchet into for my drawers?
And......... I have four of the cutest paperclip skates ornaments! Each ornament is a pair of skates. The kids put one lot each onto the tree for me... and one of them just happened to put them next to my SSCS ornaments from last year from Nemo.

SO........ Odette..... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for the beautiful presents so far. I'm so looking forward to getting to know you more and to also open the other things.... don't know if I can wait until Christmas though.... (haha Chookyblue.... did you bite?!).

Not a sad goodbye... just a see you soon...!

2010-12-05T16:35:00.004+11:00

Back at this post the other day I explained that some friends from up the road (2 properties away) are moving to Qld. We're really sad to see them go and will miss them lots.

I wanted to do something special for their kids as well to say goodbye.

This lamb is for Little Miss 1. She LOVES it!

This cool handbag is for Miss 7. I'm not sure she was so impressed. I didn't think she'd like a stuffed toy!

This Melly and Me Dilbert the Dinosaur (you might remember... a LONG TIME WIP!) is for Master 4. He was hugging it like it was his long lost friend by the time we left!

I now have to make these three some Christmas stockings... while my friend was having a clean out she found 8 big bags of fabric that she didn't want.... I inherited it!! NICE! I was more than happy to take that stash off her hands!!

SO... that's two more items for my opam... (the lamb is already counted).... and one item to cross off my WIPS list!!!! Yay! :)

I hadn't checked our mail because it'd been way too wet to get to the mailbox. We finally went to town yesterday and stayed overnight with friends. We checked the mailbox on the way home - oh my goodness!! I have some delightful fabric... for the Vignette secret quilt (I have two more parcels to come and I'll have everything for that)... and I had a really super special parcel in there as well.... one I've been patiently waiting for. I'll be back tomorrow to share some photos of that one.... :)

Not many to go....

2010-12-03T15:25:00.002+11:00

I feel like I've been making these decorations for weeks!! In truth, I've only made 11 and I have 5 to go... and if I feel like it I'm sure I could make loads more for friends too!

These ones are for the kids' teachers and our lovely bus driver. I am making Mrs P (bus driver) more than a decoration. She is such a lovely lady and looks after the kids so very well. It's like having a grandma on the bus!

I am well on the way to having almost everything completed for my Christmas gifts....

how are you going???

Looking good for December.....

2010-12-01T11:08:00.003+11:00

These lambs have been finished this morning... if I had have had a little more energy last night they would have been finished and included in the November OPAM! So I guess I'm off to a good start for December! My aim is to get 52 projects finished this year. I think now I'm up to 41.

Sewing is a good hobby to have... especially when it's raining... and your driveway looks like this (we have 10klms of black soil and clay to drive through to get to the road... which then means we have 30 klms of soft dusty gravel and dirt until we get to the bitumen!)... we've had 4 inches of rain since Sunday... so we won't be attempting to get out for at least another couple of days. Kids will have the week off pre-school.

Below Photo.... This is our 'backup driveway'.... just as bad when it's boggy mud underneath it! Behind the trees where the water is.... that's the other driveway!

Okay, I better go and clean up this chenille MESS! We're hoping to put the Christmas Tree up today... if the kids don't fight anymore today we've told them we'll do it!

In The Wee Hours....

2010-12-01T02:31:00.002+11:00

Arming me with a tired brain and a computer in the middle of the night probably isn't the smartest thing in the world!

Some of you will know that we moved here (where we live now!) from our old home (where we used to live!) nearly two years ago. If I remember correctly... all our stuff was here and we were still staying with my family and tieing up the lose ends at our old home town. Now, we only moved about 400klms from where we used to live. We've had a few visitors. Probably 4 of our friends and families have visited while we've been here so I guess that's not too bad. Mr Farmyard's parents visit when they can - which isn't often. My parents visit when they can - which is lots.

I'm feeling all sad and lonely sitting here at 2.34am on a Wednesday. We have had one lot of visitors here out of our friends 'from town'. It is 80klms away and if we need things - we have to drive there and it's not a fun drive. We have lots of friends that say - oh sure - we'll come visit. And they don't.

I guess I'm wondering.... is it because we don't put in a huge effort to connect with people that they don't bother with us? It's difficult. We can't be in the car all the time - people seem to think that when I go to town that gives them the right to bombard me and make my day over full. I have three little people that don't need to be in town from dawn till dark.

I am frustrated because the road to town is so much shorter than the road home from town. We do attend Church in town and we often get invites for morning tea or lunch with people but we almost always decline because we have groceries to do, jobs at home to get done (Mr Farmyard doesn't get much spare time to do things) and if we stay and socialise then it turns into a 5pm getting home from Church day... after leaving at 8am.

This post will probably go around in circles. It's more of a vent than a question. After two years of living here I can honestly say we're good friends with ONE family. That's pretty pathetic.

BOM Saturday

2010-11-27T06:08:00.005+11:00

I've had a suggestion by Pam ... something to help me keep up with my ever growing list of BOMs! I currently have 4 that I have started and am about to start the Vignette secret quilt as well. So... I'm going to start doing a little on one each week and then come back on a Saturday and give an update as to what I've achieved.

Little Maccas Farm - By Kookaburra Cottage

(I have finished one of these quilts! I just have the chook block and centre block to stitch and then I can sew it together!)

Little Bluebirds - by Janelle Wind

(haven't even finished the centre block yet... the needleturn scared me off!)

Tail Feathers - by Cinderberry Stitches

(This one I put away because the piecing wasn't fitting together properly.... and then I bought a new machine and haven't tried again!)

Down In The Garden - Leanne's House

(I've partially completed block one and block five)

So.... stay tuned.... if I can tear myself away from the cross stitching today.... I'll at least find all the bits and organise them to start some serious bom'ing stitching! Who's going to join me?

Sweet Broderie Sweetness.......

2010-11-26T16:34:00.002+11:00

(Image borrowed from here.... mine weren't stacked and tied up beautifully like this!)

My Sweet Broderie FQ pack arrived today. I may just have to sleep with it to keep it safe. It's too beautiful to let out of my sight.... and definately too beautiful to cut up!!! (I know, that's the point of getting fabric... to cut it!)

Working on my WIPS

2010-11-25T10:01:00.002+11:00

So.....

I've decided that if these wips are ever going to see the light of day....

I should probably start doing them!

So I think, that I'll start from the top of the list and make my way down.

Many of them... the reason I started them (maybe for a gift?) is no longer the reason they need finishing. They've been so long in progress that other gifts have been purchased as replacement gifts for those pieces of fabric sitting there just begging to be sewn together and finished!

So today.... or tomorrow... depending on when I get this important housewifey stuff done (ie. cleaning, washing, organising dinner, looking after Buddy Boo, picking Buster Jim and Missy Moo up from the bus, running meals up to Mr Farmyard while they are harvesting.... the list goes on and on!) I might just sit and decide what I'm going to do with item #1 on my list. I was going to frame it... but I'm thinking it will make a lovely little pin cushion.... Missy Moo seems to 'steal' all of my pin cushions... so I can never have enough!!

What WIP are you working on today?

Have you? Have you? Have you?

2010-11-25T06:26:00.002+11:00

Have you posted your parcel for the SSSC????

For once... I am actually super organised and posted mine on the first day we were able to post.

Here's hoping I can continue that streak of being organised!

I think it's going to be another great swap again this year....!

So if you haven't posted your parcel.... quick quick.... drop everything... and run to the post office!!!!

Speedy Gonzalas!

2010-11-24T10:22:00.002+11:00

We have some friends moving away from where we live. They are one of our closest neighbours and both of our families get on really well. They are moving to Qld... not too far away for a visit though! I've been thinking about what to make for my friend as a little going away present. I started sewing last night after the kiddies went to bed and had it all pieced and quilted by about 11pm last night. This mornings job was cutting and sewing on the binding. All done! I measures 20" x 26" I think. It's one of the patterns that is in the booklet in the Candy Bars box. Worked well and easily.

I was going to stipple quilt it and then decided I really probably didn't have enough time. I stitched in the ditch in all of the seams. All wrapped up and tied with a selvedge ribbon. Now I just need to go and get organised to drive to town for lunch!

Farewells don't need to be sad.... they are just going to be missed so much though.

More more cross stitches...

2010-11-20T14:34:00.002+11:00

I showed a picture of this cross stitch last week. I've been trying to work on it an average of 30 minutes a day. One day I did 2 hours... so that kind of evens out for the couple of days I've missed. Hopefully this won't be a really long term project... well maybe not longer than 5 years!

Do you remember the little car in the shed from last week? Well, this is the whole picture! It's going to take me YEARS!!

More Cross Stitches

2010-11-20T14:25:00.002+11:00

Hey there again! It's another week of Cross Stitches on show. Check out Chookyblue's blog for a list of who is going to be involved this weekend.

This cross stitch here is supposed to be a cushion. Just haven't had the courage to cut it up yet! It is beautiful and has tiny pearl beads in the centres of some of the flowers.

I can't remember who was asking about who was doing the Mary Wigham Sampler... maybe Joolz? Here's where mine is up to. Not so far along really. I think it's on 42 count linen. TINY.
Now, these ones are in the wrong order... but I'll start a story. I started a cross stitch when I was in my first year of uni... way back in 1996. It was a Bunnikins Apple Tree (pictured further below) cross stitch. When I finished that one I bought another Bunnikins one - a bath time one. I had these two cross stitches framed at the same time after Buster Jim was born. So basically - one is for Buster Jim and one is for Missy Moo. When I found out I was pregnant again after that I soon found that these collections are no longer available to purchase. All I can say is... thank goodness for Ebay. This ring a rosie Bunnikins kit came all the way from the UK from someone's stash. It had been opened but not started. Here's hoping it will be finished and framed for Buddy Boo before he is in his adulthood!!

I actually have more photos and didn't have room to put them here.... so pop back shortly for #2 post for today!

Getting Healthy.....

2010-11-18T05:50:00.003+11:00

Lots of my life I've been "going to lose weight"... sometimes I achieve it partially or start trying a new or different whizz bang way of eating to get healthier and lose weight.
I know that lots of people have the same battle. I have used lots of excuses in the past as to why I couldn't possibly be 'bothered' doing it right now. I have no more excuses. I have 3 little people that rely on me. I have 1 husband that counts on me to keep everything running smoothly (as smoothly as things can!) while he's out working hard. I spent hours of my day making sure everyone else is okay. Why don't I give myself a little time and make sure I'm okay and look after myself??

I know lots of people that find it hard to prioritise themselves. But someone said something to me ... "looking after yourself is part of looking after everyone else".

TRUE.

So, this is probably the only time I'll bang on here about weight and losing weight. For me... it's not about getting skinny, or improving how I look. For me it's getting healthy, giving my kids a good start to life and showing them the best way to eat and that being healthy is a good thing, and to improve my back so I am able to be more active and give my family the 'best me'.

OVER AND OUT!

(I have added a sidebar list with a tally on it... keeping in mind that it's only week 1! It's a good start!)

Vignette - Leanne's House

2010-11-16T07:07:00.002+11:00

None of you will be surprised.... especially this person or this person.... I don't like to disappoint peoples expectations of me being a serial bom'er!

I've shared the financial love around this time and ordered my bits and pieces from a few different places.

The Fat Quarter Shop has the gorgeous "Sweet Broderie" by Rosalie Quinlan, Patchwork With Gail B sorted out my Lecien Basics pack plus my red spot requirements (I haven't dealt with them before but they were really great.. thanks Mary!) and Cookies and Cream Craft have Cosmo thread packs for the secret quilt in Vignette and also a thread pack for the notice board that is featured in the first issue.

And I bought my copy of Vignette from Under The Mulberry Tree.

I think the only thing left that I need to get is some more weaveline and I'm set!

SSCS - Under Control!

2010-11-15T16:06:00.001+11:00

Life gets pretty hectic at times but I know that when my crafting gets hectic that's a good thing! I end up getting way more achieved when I know I have deadlines!

My next deadline is the Secret Santa Christmas Swap that Chookyblue is running again. It's always a great swap and everyone gets in the spirit and does a beautiful job on making their gifts. I've had fun making this one. It's not been a long project - thankfully!!

As you can see from the photo - I only need to wash out the tracing pen and then it's ready to go!

Looking forward to this years SSCS reveals!

Mmmmmmm yummy yummy....

2010-11-15T07:10:00.002+11:00

Do you remember when I bought this charm square pack? Well, I was having a look on Hancocks a few weeks back and found some Aster Manor yardage. Just needed a few different ones for when I decide to use that charm square pack! I bought a yard of Moda cream fabric too! Will be beautiful for stitcheries I think.

I don't think I'd ever had any Kona Solids before - but they were on a massive sale!! So I bought myself a few different colours. My plan is to make some Christmas stockings so I needed some great basics to match with my already full Christmas fabric stash!

This blue/grey fabric is going to be the backing for this quilt ... I have agonised over what type of fabric to put on the back of that quilt. I struggled with the cost of wideback fabrics here in Australia and knew if I had to wait and save up for that I'd never do it - also because I think I'm getting it quilted as well. This is Moda wide back and I think it'll suit my quilt nicely. And after all.... it's the back.... no one is going to look at the back! :)

That's it for me today. It's going to be raining here soon. Will be nice if that means Mr Farmyard can have a quiet day.... (can it ever be quiet with 3 little people in the house?) .... he finished work at 2.30am this morning! CRAZY!!

Farming Life....

2010-11-14T17:08:00.004+11:00

I don't often talk too much about what is happening here on the farm. It's particularly busy at this time of year with harvesting. We have fabas, wheat and chick peas. Mr Farmyard's working day has extended from about 11 hours a day to about 16 or 17 hours a day. We have harvesting contractors come and do the actual harvesting but Mr Farmyard ends up being the general run about person or in a truck carting grain.

It has been a very full on time and I have to admit I do a poor job of being a single mum to three little people when these busy times occur. We have about 3-4 months of the year where life as we know it goes out the window because of planting and harvesting. I'm not saying anything different or unsual if you're off the land or have had experiences with farming! It's a pretty normal busy way of life out here.

For a few days last week we had 8 headers, numerous tractors with chaser bins and loads of road trains.... people everywhere!

This is the grain shed where the majority of the grain is stored - it's being used for wheat this year. It's MASSIVE! Would be a great place to have a big bush dance when it's empty!

They drive the trucks into the shed and then unload into the bottom of the auger and then it gets augered into the shed in the right spot so they can get as much wheat as possible in the shed.

It's seriously HUGE. It easily fits tractors, trucks and loaders in there.

Just a little snippet of what goes on outside my yard. I do have to admit that I look after what's in my house and my yard and don't really take alot of notice about what else happens. Harvesting is lots of fun though and the kids love getting a ride with the contractors on the header. It's good bribery ... no ride on the header if you're naughty!!

Cross Stitch Photo Along!

2010-11-13T08:02:00.003+11:00

This one will definately be a 30 year work in progress! This little car parked in the shed is tiny... the whole cross stitch is MASSIVE!!

This one is a teddy bear school. Supposed to be for my Missy Moo... who is 3... I started it when I was pregnant with her!

This cross stitch is one of my favourites.... I've done it a couple of times... many of my cross stitches hang on my mum and dad's walls - I don't have photos of those though. This one is hanging above my piano... my pride and joy.

This gorgeous bunny was a birth sampler for my newest nephew. I put his name and date of birth under the bunny and stretched it over a canvas. Very cute.

I do have loads more to show... but my camera is currently cruising around in Mr Farmyard's ute. He needed to get photos of all the headers hanging around here. We had 8 on the go at the same time.. in two different paddocks. An amazing sight!

Make sure you pop over to Chookyblue's ... she has photographed some of her cross stitches and she also has a list of other people that will have cross stitches on their blog today.

Ooohh..... books.... books .... books!!

2010-11-08T17:59:00.002+11:00

I know... I can't help it really! I love books. I found this one going really cheap on Ebay last week and it arrived on Friday. I've had a good look through it and it may have just inspired me to make something with a Jelly Roll. Missy Moo has tagged a few that she'd LOVE to have on her bed!! Might have to do that one day!!

This one I couldn't resist.... it is so gorgeous!

These ones I'm waiting to sink my teeth into. I'm expecting to have killer arm muscles by the time I've finished ready them because they are HUGE!

I have to finish one more book first before I can start the Elm Creek series. I have about 45 pages to go of Francine Rivers "Lineage of Grace"... for those of you that religious... it's a very interesting book and it's given me a peek into some stories of some awesome women in the Bible. What book are you reading right now?