Small Chrissy Wall Hangings.

Have been busy sewing with all  this rain we are experiencing here in Woomba Woomba.  I know it is the wet season, but a little sun is not too much to ask for.   Decide to make theses three little wall hangings today, have completed two.  Will make many  more as the year progresses.  Need to find the little coat hangers to accompany them.   I might be in luck at the Quilter Angel in Highfields.   Have been working on a secret little project for my Mother For Christmas will read all  about it latter.  

Christmas Pudding Wall Hanging

This is a Christmas pudding walling hanging.  It measures 11"x16".  The pattern is from Cinderberry Stitches by Natalie Lymer.  I enlarged the pattern 50%  at office works, added two borders and stitched in the ditch. Looks great l think.   I may try and search out some buttons to really top this off.

The original pattern is for a note card & envelope which l have also made. Have enjoyed using this pattern.

Concrete Slab

Concrete slab going down for the grand shed (Man Cave).  It will be fully insulated and powered.  So I do not expect to see Hubby and Sons to often messing up my floor.    Has taken way too long in the making but l have been told you don't rush these things.  

Hexagons on a Friday night.

In the beginning there was one.......then there were (18) eighteen, to make a hexagon bag.  This is what l did this Friday night.  Took these hexagon's away with me on our road trip to Cairns and back with out a needle being threaded.  Too busy through the day and bad light at night.

Quick update:

My bags where a great success.... everyone who received one for Christmas was very thrilled, which was a relief as you are all well aware. You never know how homemade items will come across.  This year l am happy little sewer.

Road Trip Far North Queensland

 Without boring you all too much the family and l went on a road trip of to North Queensland, thought we would drive and take in the sights of Queensland that the Boys had never seen. As you were aware the Boys were excited about going snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday's  son No.4 stayed in the water for the whole time we were out on the reef.  Now he is considering a career path change. He didn't know that you could be paid to stay out on the reef pontoon.

 They also got to swim at Yeppoon beach without stinger nets the water was still a tad cool, always swimming between flags. Miss the beach now we live in Toowoomba.














Went to the Cairns Tropical Zoo on a cooler day and had a great day out.  Stayed with family at Trinity Beach, swam in their pool most days, went sight seeing and visited other family members who have move to Cairns, Atherton. Great Christmas Day and New Years Eve.  Next year we have decided Christmas will be in Toowoomba.
This beautiful Cassowary was in the Cairns Tropical Zoo which we were lucky enough to hand feed under the watchful eye of her carer.  We of course gave her a name,  what else but Cassie. We were also extremely lucky to see a Cassowary in the wild whilst driving though Mission Beach. Could not manage to get a photo as there was traffic behind us at the time, did not want to scare the bird.

A Croc named Zac entertained us at the Zoo also.  He was slightly sluggish as the sun was in and he needed to wake up.  But a smaller Croc in the enclosure and the one next door,  had no trouble trying to hunt down the staff who were on the other side of the fence.  They indeed had their hands fuller than they themselves expected.

We also went up to Kuranda on the Tablelands, the Kuranda Market and Sky rail and Barron Falls.The town of Atherton, Malanda, Yungaburra Millaa Millaa.

Found our own Red Dog who was content in following people along the Barron River walking trails. We watched him came and go for about an hour. But he did have a collar on so he belonged to someone.


Most importantly of all is we all had a GREAT TIME.

Silly Season.

 Silly season in upon our household, what was to be a quite night out looking at the Toowoomba Christmas lights turns in to a circus for our teenage children. Believe me they are no Angels. Obviously they like to act the fool and sing Christmas carols as people pass by.  Their audience joining in on occasions.

My youngest is excited about our up and coming trip to the Great Barrier Reef and his Chartered  fishing trip.  This will be our last trip together as a family with our Children's life taking them in different directions.
How sad but also very exciting.

Friday Night Sew In.

Even though l did not get that much achieved l did enjoy the time to sit and sew, in not that much silence as the children's friends came over and some ended up sleeping the night.
But managed to get enough done to decide what l am going to make with these Hexagons.  Wait for it  they are going to find themselves on a cot quilt for my NZ. friends niece's new born. Due to arrive in two about 2 months, so l have plenty of time. lol.  Look forward to the next Friday Sit & Sew evening.

On the Home Front

 Didn't think it would happen, not at least before Christmas, things were looking doubtful.  Especially when the rain come and stayed for two days straight.

But early this morning before we woke the phone call came in stating that the truck with bobcat would arrive within the hour.  Mad rush for showers, breakfast and child to school..Last day before Christmas Hols.

Excavations for the new shed are in progress, l have one very happy Hubby.
What a mess, you do not want the red dirt on your shoes.  It travels though the house and is very difficult to remove so lucky we have a NO shoes on in house policy.

Checking the levels was the easy part, like with most men they want to take just a little more off the top.  Ooooppps, we hit water.  That's right no water in the house all day...... have been promised we will have water in time to cook diner.

This little chap visits everyday and today he had more to feast on with the earth turned over he even found a plump witchetty grub.  Site Supervisor "Kooka"

Jen how are your Reno's going,. Would like to see any photo's you may have taken.

Christmas Past & Present.

Here are some of the many creations that have been produced over the last 10 years of my quilting life, for Christmas because l do enjoy this time of the year.....love decorating the house with tinsel, lights and my favourite snow domes.

These are three patchwork blocks made up especial with Christmas in mind, my dearest Hubby made me the frames to suit. I am so very lucky to have so much support.

 Next is a quilt/wall hanging from a magazine l cannot remember which one, made it about 2007. Was so very pleased with the results..  Display it every year and always get great comments about it.

 Now this little one is very cute think l made this one in 2009 also found in a magazine. hangs around the house, off a door or cabinet.

The tree wall hanging was made some time ago when the children were very small, and we needed to replace our Christmas tree but couldn't make up our mind whether to go with a real tree or store bought so this did that year.  We went store and now this year we again have to decide for the future years as they arrive upon us.

The Bon Bons are the latest editions to the Christmas family box of decorations. They will also be given away to guess who arrive,filled with lollies/chocolates.

Hope you enjoyed my small show and tell.

Chain Piecing.

 New meaning to Chain piecing.

 I purchase this template at the Brisbane Craft and Quilting expo.

 Have not had the opportunity to use until now. Took a couple of minutes to get the hang of what to do...... there is a fare amount of pressing......before you can start.

 Once you have the fabric organised you can start  takes a short while to cut out and you guessed it more ironing.... this time you are trying to get the cresses out of the fabric.
Then it is time to open out and iron the links open. Make sure you do not cut the end link to close to the end of your fabric, as you need room to flip last link out and have room to sew 1/4"inch.

Now it is time to audition your third fabric to enhance your creation. This is your background fabric.

 The template is great for  boarders on a quilt or individual blocks.  I have made a table runner for the Christmas table.

If interested in other templates you can contact       Flip la K.
 www.fliplak.com  or  bburgess.biggam@bigpond.com

Dare to Dream

You can buy these words from your local craft stores. Paint the colour of your choice or leave plain,  decorate as you like.   l chose sequence, but you could add fairy dust (glitter) to the paint or  whilst waiting for the paint to dry add glitter,beads etc. A small but messy project to do with your children.  Hang them in your children's rooms or about the house.
I  heard that they now add these to your wedding  tables for decoration. Thought  it would also work for Xmas parties, engagements, ideas are endless.

Graduation & Formal

That time of  life when the young get to dress up and head off for some long needed fun!  Before settling down into the world of work and further education. How the grow from that tiny little bundle you first bring home from hospital, into young adults. My second son heading off to his formal with his lovely friend. They look wonderful.

 Whilst the Gold Coast is filling up with our youth from all over Oz most here in Queensland are taking a more relaxed approach to the end of year events.  Going on overseas trips or to the Whitsunday.
 Schools over Queensland had specially arrange trips to the theme parks with their friends.  Most saying there is no need to go to drunk'n beach parties. More power to them.