Block 3

Getting on really well with this, I just might catch up. It is a long time since I have done hand piecing and I am really enjoying it!

Lots of ruling and tiny cutting out!

Let's get this piecing in order!

All done - those triangles are tiny. the block is about 6" square.

My first three blocks - I am thrilled.

Pop over to have a look at the instructions for the Ohio Star - oh no everyone else is up to the sashing!!!!

Block 2

Block two finished but am I ever going to catch up! Just how many small pieces are here!!

Lovely and peaceful though, just sitting and doing some hand sewing.

More bags

I really love making bags and these were a delight. Little pockets for the pencils and room to carry the sketch pad; coming to two little birthday girls soon!


I found the pattern at {LBG STUDIO} and it certainly is quick and easy.

Remember

The Mercury Hobart - 29 January 1944

Australian War Memorial

Lae War Cemetery

Armistace Day

During World War I, Dobbie happened to have been the staff officer on duty in November 1918 and his is the only signature on the cease-fire telegram that was sent to all troops. In later years, when asked what he did in The Great War, Dobbie would reply "I stopped the bloody thing!". ^[wikipedia]

Autumn

The weather has been so great here lately you almost forget that it is Autumn....until you wander around the garden and see the leaves changing.

I don't really remember such lovely colours but then old age makes you forget :-)

Here are a couple of the lovely bushes in my garden that are just beautifully red at the moment.

It's all in the beginning

I was browsing away in bed the other night {as you do} and found this blog talking about hand quilting....Hmm that would be nice to do sitting in front of the TV at night, how peaceful, I thought.

So, yes I have started another project {has she finished all the other she has started?} but it is fun! It is a quilt-a-long that started in January but I am sure I will catch up!

Happy sewing!

Sad tale of two bunnies

Well I had absolutely no intention of going to Broke this Easter because of the lack of flights so these little babies were put in the post. Then circumstances changed and I went. Here are the photos that I teased you with in the first posting.

But where were the bunnies, yes that is right they didn't arrive until the day I left! Country Australia, not known for its great postal service.

No I haven't given up on the sewing!

Well not much any sewing was done when I was on holiday but I did manage to finish another of these lovely macaroons from Patchwork Mariko. Shhhh don't tell anyone but there is another waiting for me to play with and one already wrapped ready for gift giving!

I wonder what I will use the third one for!!

More about Babblers

As promised some more photos of the Babblers (http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Pomatostomus-temporalis) and their nests. There are 3 at the Grove, 2 very low and one a lot higher and safer!

This is one of the lower nests.

 They are facinating to watch, they hop all over the grass collecting insects and didn't seem at all disturbed with me taking photos.

This nest is quite some distance from the other two and in a different type of tree and much higher. What were they thinking when they built the others!

Grand animals

Thought I might share some of the photos I took of the grand-animals while I was in Broke.

This is Caramel, now about 19 and completely blind and deaf. She still manages to find her way around the house and has recently been venturing into the courtyard and out into the paddock. How brave is that!

This is the lovely Gypsy, such a beautiful dog, so well behaved, pretending she doesn't notice me take the photo.

 Gysy and Ladybird giving Nicole a kiss or two. Ladybird is such a naughty little dog I left my (well not really mine - sorry Sue) book in the sitting room and who decided to eat it overnight!!! At nearly 2 she should know better, I think she believes her cuteness excuses everything.

Caramel and Ladybird on the courtyard deck.

Gypsy after a hard day out with the girls! Photo stolen from Nicole but I couldn't resist this. Gypsy just lay there and let Nicole lift the paw to place the bag, then add the sunnies, then take a few photos. She only protested when the sunnies were put over her eyes.

I will be back later to post a few photos of the Babblers

Day 5

After 5 lovely days spent with my daughter and family in the Hunter Valley, this was the last view I had as the plane took off. A wonderful sunset on a wonderful holiday.

Day 4

This morning, after a walk down to the brook with the dogs, we decided to take them to the Wollombi Markets - they were massive and one or two purchases were made!

Day 3

The Grey-crowned Babbler makes these wonderfully messy nests. They are an endangered threatened (sorry Nicole) species and recently a mob of about a dozen have made their home at Fordwich Grove. What a privilege!

Sent from my ASUS Eee

Day 2

Woken up early this morning to see balloons floating overhead. A glorious sight and one day I will definitely go for a ride!

Day 1

Relaxing on the veranda at Fordwich Grove watching the galahs in the trees. 

So good to be on holiday with MBD.

Weekend sewing

Yes well I do admit I didn't start until tonight! I have discovered one of the good things about now working in the city is that I can wander at lunch time (although this might be good it may not be good for the budget!). I found a fabulous bag book last week and there are at least 3 bags in it I will make. So here is a start.

I have to admit that it did do my head in a bit trying to put the pieces in the right place but it all came out right in the end! Now off to do the lining and maybe a pocket or two.

Hope everyone was a bit more energetic than me this weekend and managed to accomplish a lot more than me. Happy sewing.