Thursday, December 15, 2016

Snowflake Christmas Decoration.


 Made new addition to my Christmas decoration stash.

Saw this on Shabby Fabrics You Tube last year and didn't have time to make one so with Christmas fast approaching again decide to give it a go. Was easy to make little messy with the glue but if careful you should have no worries.

You will need to make sure your rotor cutter is sharp.  Quick project.  Am planing on making another three for next year in different colour way.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Hippy Van 21st Gift.


 It has been a while since l first started this project (2 years).   Lachie is a Hippy at heart mad on anything to do with Kombi's especial 1960's split screen.  
Was planing a landscape quilt but began to overthink how l was going to accomplish this task.
So instead decided to make a pillow/cushion cover for his bed and come up with another quilt, in time.
Maybe a New York Beauty, as that quilt reminds me of tie-dye.
Has finally been quilted by the very talented  Bev Mc Clune.  Has added depth, cushioning and interest.    Pillows can easily be remove for washing.  Used a body pillow from k-mart.

Only 5 month late, not bad.

I am sure he is going to love it as he did have some input.
He will take ownership on Friday when he returns from Sydney.

Now for son No.4's quilt only 2 years.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Caravan Trip To Cairns.


 Try to keep this to the short version. Left Toowoomba with caravan, traveled west towards St George, Cunnamulla, then took a turn north and headed to Charlieville, Blackall, Barcaldine. Staying only a coupe of night here and there as we had to connect with Cruise ship in Cairns.  Spent a few days in Longreach, so much more to see here.
 Continued northwest to Winton then north again up to Hughenden. East ward to Charter Towers then on to Townsville.
 Spent a few extra days here due to van repairs and then north to cairns to meet up with cruise ship.

Then returned to Toowoomba along the coast road as far as Bundaberg then south west to   GinGin, and eventually home again. Taking a total of 35 days.
Next caravan trip maybe down the Kidman Way and on to Melbourne to visit with family. As parents are getting on in years and are displaying health issues.

Cruise to Papua New Guinea.


 Was an absolute dream to visit such an unspoiled part of the world, aboard the Pacific Eden which departed on the 15th October 2016. Where we spent 2 days at sea before landing in Alotau.
 We were extremely humbled to visit where so many Australian and American had stood their ground with the locals to help and hold of the Japanese forces. We witnessed many different tribal dances held for the cruise ships.
 My favorite island was Kitava Island such friendly people willing to share their story of day to day life on the island. Always smiling and l cannot remember how many countless greetings of hello welcome.
There lives revolve around water  as they live on small islands which only take an hour to walk from on side to the other. 4 schools over 200 students, on the island and no high schools. They have to leave the island on a 25 minute boat ride where they will live until they finish their education.
 We traveled to Kiriwina Island next where the people are just as friendly and village life is just as basic.  All money is shared within the village by the chief.   All laws are obeyed or you will be sent packing.
If not for this stand of Australian, American, and locals we all could be speaking Japanese.







The ship also managed to get into conflict island which is an island made up as a resort, where no one lives. It sole purpose at the moment is to bring in the cruise ships. It is owned by an Englishman who also owns 21 other islands.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

New Bag For Trip Away.

Made this cute little bag to match my luggage, so l am coordinated.

All fabric from same range which was purchased a few years back now.

When l return from this trip planning on making matching passport holder, journal cover and overnight bag. Also in the throws of making a sun hat.

Needed fabric that stands out and that not many others passengers hopefully will have.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

My Bear.


This is my something girly for the van.  Will sit proudly on our bed. Might even take it on the cruise with us.  Now that the odds of males to females are adjusting in my favor, with the boys moving out and on with their own lives it will be just me and hubby.  (Grandchildren).

Made the rabbit first as l wanted to try out the pattern before l purchase more fabric for my bear.  Rabbit still needs his nose and will probably give him away on our cruise, with the community quilts when we arrive in PNG.
 Am also planning on making up a few little gift bags with coloring books notepads and assorted pencils.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Painting Project.

 Hubby and l purchased this old bed from a local sale site. We needed a spare bed for another house we had recently purchased.
I had spent weeks looking for a queen size bed frame only to be told by dear hubby that a queen will not fit the space with bed side tables.
So as l said prior came across this frame and only asking $80. but required a lot of work and to my surprise when we went to have a look, the lady was in the process of moving out and said we could take it for free. "BONUS".
 Hubby cleaned, sanded and purchased the paint for me to paint as he dislikes painting.  So today l spent 2 hours putting on the under coat only two more coats of paint to go.
Now l understand why hubby dislikes painting.

Not one drop of paint on me or my clothes.

Plan on having the bed room made up for my visits, will be girly and pretty with my new quilt and Leanne Beasley wall quilt, (project not started as yet).

As this house is set up for my boys so that they do not have to travel to work and back from Brissy every day, ( 2 hours each way).  They are only 40 mins by train, 25 mins by car, depending on traffic.



Update: Putting the spare room together. Bed in place now to style the room.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Bianca's Keepsake Blanket.


 Purchased this project when in Melbourne at Gayle B's prior to the birth of my first grandchild.
Was a bit tedious because of the different fabrics not wanting to play nicely together.

As l said, had a few issues so was put it with the rest of my UFO's which are multiplying.
 
Recently l decided to have another attempt, this time was successful.  It is not a quilt but a blanket backed with Minkie.
     
Bianca now gets to enjoy the warmth of the blanket.

Was great ... learnt to do mitered corners.
No big deal, why it took me so long to try who knows.

Halloween collection.

This year l decided to make up a few items to decorate the van for Halloween just for fun. Have my little treat bags ready.  Not that we get that many treat seekers. But children will fined any occasion to enjoy them selves.


 I am all for fun ... helps reduce the stash of fabric that keeps finding a way to penetrate my sewing room.

Even after l tell myself  NO MORE  until l finish off my UFO's.  Some how like a tempting piece of chocolate it sneaks right on in.  This is a pillow/cushion cover for the bed in the van come Halloween.


 Not So Spooky wall hanging.
Will hang on door handle of van only whilst l have treats. After that it will be tricks.  Hahaha!
 Not so spooky table topper for van.
 
Purchased the majority of fabric from Missouri Star quilt company, was a great deal.      

Three nearly completed  projects for 2016 Halloween.

 Patterns can be found in Kimberbell magazine.

   I am planning on making a quilt,combination of applique,  piecework and embroidery  for 2017, Halloween

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Nan's Been Busy Again.


Busy, busy, busy, Nan's work never done.

Not only are we organizing a 21st lunch for tomorrow.
DH making the Birthday Cake as he has done every year on the children's Birthday. Lachlan has requested an Astronaut cake. Which has got DH stumped but he hasn't giving up.
This year is a special one for son No:3.  Lachlan turned 21 last Tuesday and we headed of to Brisbane to celebrate with him. He is coming up on the weekend so the rest of the family can celebrate one of life's milestones with him.

Grandson Lochlan is turning 6 this year and is growing so fast. Asked for a new onesie so off to K Mart l went found this great Astronaut one. Made up these two pillow cases to keep with the space theme he is having for his birthday party.
Fabric is at Spotlight and running out fast.  Must be the theme for this year.

Also looking for a panel with one large Astronaut floating in space if anyone knows where l can get one????

Well back to work.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Caravan Life.

We have done a number of cruises and more to come. But there are some destinations that you can not get to by Ship, Boat or Raft.

Have recently purchased a van for the family to enjoy, together or separately, what ever works.

Hubby bless his thoughtful heart has already organized our first trip away. But before we can go the van needs to have its physical, to make sure it complies to Queensland law. So we can do parks and free camping which is important as between some destinations there is no where to stay over, because of distance or basket ball tournament etc.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Aasha & Noel's Wedding


My Beautiful niece was married on the weekend at the Tradewinds Resort in Cairns. Even thou it rained the whole day it did not dampen anyone's spirits.

 After separate breakfasts for bride and groom it was off to be pampered at the hairdressers and have our  makeup done.

We all met back at the the resort for the very special event.
Lots of happy tears were shed with a very moving service.

Followed by lots of fun, laughter, dancing and  fine food. Celebrating long into the early hours of the morning. Great to see the newly weds so much in love with each other.

May their married life begin with "Once upon a time and end with happily ever after".

Love both of the wedding cakes, shows their great sense of humor.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Great Day In Garden.


 Garden is coming together now hedge has formed and plants are adding some color. No longer do l see people walking by.
Transplanted some Mauve Cupea  as they were not getting enough sun, think they should do better now.
 Planted some more French Lavender as l have had great success with it  else where hoping it will make a great hedge along the shed/sewing retreat.
My buddy keeping an eye out for a bite of lunch. Isn't he just beautiful.

Cruise to New Caledonia.


 Great way to relax to do as much or as little as you want.
 Heading out of Brisbane on our way to New Caledonia 7 nights of cruising. Ship was really rocking as we left port.
 Arriving Noumea, past many sand banks and small island resorts along the way...sun setting on our first stop .
 Next was the very small island of Lifou isle. Favorite past time snorkeling with the sea turtles or looking at some amazing coral. Cost you $25. to go swimming. Or look at the local craft markets which are extremely basic...you cannot bring most of the products back to Australia.  Thought this guy would look awesome in my garden.
 Restaurant on the beach was not open this day in Noumea.

 Last day went to the Cascades Waterfalls at Port Villa. Full day of travel and exploring the island with our English speaking taxi driver costing us $80 for the whole day out with commentary.   Went into a village to see how the locals live etc.
Setting sun on last day of cruise. Looking forward to next one in PNG.