Life on the Block

Indoors Stitching.

2012-01-27T23:49:00.001+08:00

It has been OVER 40 Celsius for the past few days sew I have stayed indoors stitching.

I have joined Di and the Elves doing Christmas sewing on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of each month. This is what I worked on this month. A swag out of my SAL Stitcherys.

It is also a finish for Sew It's Finished and OPAM this month.

Completed my fifth block of the Free BOM

and made a little quilt.

Storms, One Flower Wednesday and Mail.

2012-01-25T21:18:00.000+08:00

We are in the midst of summer here with temps in the 40’s for the past few days.

We had some wild storms which resulted in a power failure.
No power for us from 5pm last night to 10am this morning. Thank goodness for our generator. We were able to have light , keep the fridge going, the tele and a pump so we could have water for drinking, showers and the toilet.

I was able to sit and stitch my hexies.

and stuff “Addie’s” arms, legs and head.

then managed to sew her together this afternoon.

She will be going with her cousin”Roman” to live in NZ.

Look what I was lucky enough to received from Fiona today.

Lots of great woollen squares, can’t wait till it gets cool enough to find a project to sew out of them……………thank you Fiona……

Weekend Sewing.

2012-01-23T18:24:00.000+08:00

Spent Saturday and Sunday sewing these for "Aussie Heros"

http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/

For the guys

and one for a girl.

Also some Laundry Bags.

all packed ready to go in the post with my other mail.

and some more building too ………………………..

2012-01-21T13:00:00.000+08:00

Last night it was the first Friday Night Sew In of the year.

I decided to work on my Postage Stamp but as I was sewing & sewing & sewing I thought “ WHY DID I EVER START THIS THING”

Worked on it for hours and this is all I achieved. Lots of 1 1/2" strips sewn together.Here’s me thinking I would have done a few blocks. LOL.

Decided to put it aside and get on with building a few houses. At least they are quick……………………

Maybe next month I will work on a smaller project.
How did you all go ?????????????

Maria’s Quilts @ https://tinypay.me/mariawilson4

Time to Sign Up

2012-01-20T07:11:00.000+08:00

It’s time to sign up to OPAM for 2012. This is the third year I have joined the lovely KRIS and PEG in this challenge. I find it really inspires me to get at least one project finished each month. Thanks ladies.
Go and visit either KRIS or Peg and see what it about………….

Oh don’t forget it’s FNSI tonight for us Aussie girls…………..

Maria’s Quilts @ https://tinypay.me/mariawilson4

One Flower Wednesday

2012-01-18T08:47:00.001+08:00

With all my other projects I only managed to stitch one flower.

Will pop over to visit the other ladies joining Karen this week.
Please check out my quilts on
https://tinypay.me/mariawilson4

A Busy Sunday.

2012-01-15T23:18:00.000+08:00

Went for my swim this morning and afterwards had coffee at the seaside cafe with the ladies.

then I had to do a little cleaning while my bread was baking…...

it was so hot when I finished went for a nice cool shower and then into the cave.

Made the pinwheel and hourglass blocks for my Round Robin.

After all the trouble with previous border I decided to KISS ( keep it simple silly) this one.
Must say I do like it and will do some applique on it later.

As I was behind with my construction work, had to make fours houses.

did some stitching

and then unpinned two quilts.

wasn’t until after I had pinned them and quilted another I found out I was using the wrong wadding. It took just as long to unpin as it was too pin. Grrrr!!

Hope you had a great day too...............

FIXED and FNSI soon..

2012-01-14T16:01:00.001+08:00

Okay I have unpicked the bottom “Log Cabin Border” again and it is all stitched back together the RIGHT way.

Before

After

Can you now see what I did wrong???????

Keep your eye out for the first FNSI on Jan 20th.

Sew looking forward to joining all my online friends all over the world for some stitching.
What will you be working on????
I hope to sew this……………………….
My “Postage Stamp” quilt top.

OFW, Nice Mail and a Finish.

2012-01-12T00:05:00.000+08:00

Can’t believe it is Wednesday again. In between my other things in my life I still managed to sit and stitch THREE Flowers.

Thanks to Karen that I keep making my flowers. You can pop over to One Flower Wednesday and see what the other ladies have made this week.

I believe Santa must have been extremely busy this year because look at the goodies I got in the mail yesterday.

From Linda

                                                          and Val.
All the gifts are lovely and very much appreciated. Thank you ladies.

Also my “Jelly Roll “ book arrived. Can’t start a new project yet.

Every chance I’ve had over the past few days I have been working on the Log Cabin Border for my Round Robin. After much reverse sewing I finally sewed the border on and I can’t believe it is still wrong. GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!! more unpicking.

Can you see my mistakes ????

Look !!! My First Finish for 2012. Small but a Finish.


My friend Pat’s house warming gift.
I feel a bit like the snail on the card as she moved into her new home months ago but it all wrapped up and went into the mail today.

OH!!! forgot to post Two things I have joined for this year on a previous post.
A Birthday FQ swap with Cheryl

and fun Christmas Sewing Days each month to keep us on track with our Gifts run by Di

It’s Time……….

2012-01-10T00:35:00.000+08:00

To post my UFO list for 2012 because I have joined the folk at Sew It's Finished.

Tucked away in these boxes are some of them.

These are the ones from last years list……………..

1.Postage stamp Quilt.

2.Brutus Blocks to be put together.

and of course my QAYG blocks are an on going project.

New to the list………………..

3-4.Christmas Sew-A-Long Stitchery's 2 to complete.

5.Henrietta Quilt, need to finishing quilting.

6-10.Lynette Anderson’s Fun Christmas Blocks. 5 to complete.

11.Pat’s Placemats. Just need binding.

13.Christmas Elves Stitchery.

14.Cat Quilt. Just need to find the Book with the pattern in.

15.My STAR Quilt-A-Long flimsy needs sandwiching and quilting.

16.The left over blocks . I will put them together for a baby quilt.

17. and then in one of the boxes I found this Mystery Project.

Will be fun to work out what I was making. LOL

18-24. Oh no nearly forgot my Quilt Aid Blocks from last years list. Have done 5 so there are 7 still to do.

I am sure there are more tucked away somewhere but if I can get some of these done I will be Happy.

This Week I…….

2012-01-08T22:20:00.002+08:00

mailed my two swap blocks

completed the third block for BOM.

organised my FQ’s for the Birthday swap I am in.

built some houses

and worked on these
Aussie Hero Quilt Tops

Log Cabin border on my Stay at Home Round Robin

and on “Going Dotty”

and got out onto the block and did some gardening with my assistant. ( so hard to get a good photo of her )

Who stole the broom. LOL

My Lilies look so pretty now they have nearly all come out.

Now I must do my list of UFO’s to post for Sew It's Finished

Happy Stitching.

I have joined………

2012-01-04T17:17:00.001+08:00

This year I have joined Jan-Maree to make Aussie Hero Quilts. Do pop over and read about how it started and all the wonderful ladies who stitched up a storm.

This is the label the they put on the quilts and here is my first top.

Waiting for blocky fabrics to arrive to stitch up more.

Will be stitching my flowers with Karen and the other ladies on One Flower Wednesday.


These are my first three for 2012

Hope to complete some of my projects each month by participating in

OPAM with Kris and Peg. This will be the third year I have joined these great ladies. Thanks for organising OPAM each year.
Look at the No of finishes everyone completed last year…………
                                       and

Last year I joined "Sew It's Finished" run by lovely Dawn and Wendy. Thank you ladies.
Even though I did not get as many finishes as I should have it was fun seeing what all the others finished.
By joining again this year I may finish ALL my UFO’s. LOL….
Maybe you would like to participate this year, go check it out.


                                       and then there are the monthly swaps

"Aussie Block Swap" Thanks heaps Sue.

"Christmas Swap Blocks" Many thanks to Crafty.


                                                          Plus the BOM.

Each month a different designer gives us a 8” block to make.

Ah….. and then there is also

the "Stay at Home Round Robin" run by my good bloggy friend Sunny. Thank goodness she does not put any pressure on us to finish in a hurry. Will be working on my again soon Sunny !!!!

AND "Going Dotty" the Friendship Medallion. I can work on it at my own pace. I only get a new row when I send a photo of the previous one finished. PHEW………….

Oh No !! Nearly forgot this one.

     Jeanneke has extended the sign up date to Jan 16th so you can still join up. The challenge is to make 365 X 3 " houses out of scraps. My are 6'” so I only need to make 183 .

Sew you can see why I have to be strong and not sign up for more swaps for awhile.

As I was typing my post DH came in with these


it is our 41st anniversary tomorrow.

I think he is a keeper OX

2011-12-31T13:11:00.002+08:00

I would like to wish everyone
“ A Very Happy New Year and all the Best Wishes for 2012”
I have really enjoyed meeting new blogging friends,swapping and joining in different challenges.

Now for the last of my OPAM finishes for the year.

12. Mug Rugs

Kelly’s table Runner

2. Mini Wall hangings like this

Summer Swap Wall hanging

2nd Elves Wall hanging for Kate

Alexis’s Christmas Dress

Sewing machine cover is thread catcher.

Christmas Tree Stitchery.

Tea Towels

Journal Cover.

I would like to thank Peg and Kris for running the OPAM this year and I look forward to joining again in 2012.

More Christmas Goodies

2011-12-31T00:31:00.000+08:00

When I went to check my mail yesterday there was not one but three parcels in the mail.

Seems Santa was so busy some of his deliveries were late.

Lovely Wall hanging , ornament, Handmade card and chocies from Sunny .

Looks great on the lounge room wall.

Charm Squares, beautiful blocks and pretty card from Leona.

and a surprise box from Germany
Rena knows I love tins and this is what she sent

Inside she had tucked A Christmas Stitchery , Hand stitched Card, Chocies, Coffee,ribbon, cute wee crochet items in the little hexie box, and ornaments.

I am loving this Christmas!!! I have been so spoilt by my blogging friends and family. Thank you heaps Ladies.

A Great Christmas

2011-12-29T22:57:00.002+08:00

My DD2 and children come to visit for a week and we had a great time.
Swimming,playing games, going to the movies and visiting DD1, GD1 and GGD.

Christmas Eve my friend and her DD joined us for a fed of fresh fish and crays.

the kids had fun playing cricket while we chatted.

Christmas morning we were woken with Charlie Pride singing “ Little Drummer Boy” and guess what Santa had been and left a pile of presents.

After opening all the gifts and having breakfast it was time to go test out the boogie boards.

Home to shower and then into Geraldton for Christmas Dinner at DD1 andGD1’s.

All to much for GS2 so having a nap on the way. Don't drop Uncle Mick's cacti !!!


                                                Look at our cute baby.

We had a wonderful time. Loads of beautiful food and it was so nice to be spoilt and not have to prepare anything.
Thanks Heaps Jo and Kate. XXXX

Boxing day it was off to the beach for swimming ,surfing and eating. Dh hooked up the CUB so we could sit in the shade.
BUT OH NO !!! Sand too soft and down we went. LOL

DH was out in no time and then we played in the water. It was Lacy’s first swim and we found she would rather ride the waves than swim.

   Long day, time to go home!!!!

I was Doubly Blessed !!! long post

2011-12-27T15:46:00.000+08:00

This year I signed up for two Christmas Swaps.

A Secret Santa Swap with Christine as my partner organised by Cheryll .I really enjoyed getting to know Christine over the six months of the swap. We decided to open our Sack on Christmas morning and I was just so pleased with ALL my beautiful gifts.

Beautiful Fabrics and threads.

A Folder to hold my patterns

Thread catcher, scissors with matching fob and tape measure,



Charm Squares and a beautiful needle case with a packet of my favourite needles

A wee light to stitch my hexies by,

Lovely new coat hangers. Lavender Hearts to hang in the wardrobe with a gorgeous button and embroidery .

Some cute nail files, hand cream and Lip Balm. Also a great new bag to put my crafty things in.

A pretty Beaded Necklace.

And a Beautiful Christmas Table Runner

I love the label Christine printed and stitched on the back.

Thanks heaps Christine. It was lovely to be able to open my Sack on Christmas morning and find all these wonderful gifts.

Also a big Thank you to Cheryll for running the swap.

The second Christmas Swap was The Advent swap organised by Fee and I was happy to have Peg as my partner.

It was the first time I have participated in an Advent Swap and it was such fun to open a gift every day and getting to know Peg by chatting each day through e-mails.

Look at all the goodies I received from Peg

Then on Christmas morning I opened the last gift.

OH!!!! Not one but TWO gorgeous Table Runners. What beautiful colours.

HUGE Thank You to Peg for all my gifts and to Fee for running the swap.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T16:41:00.000+08:00

I would like to Wish All my Blogging Friends near and far a Very Merry Christmas.
Have a Fun Filled Day and don’t eat too much. LOL.

Hugz Maria XXXXX

One Flower Wednesday!! Molly and Lacy.

2011-12-21T15:22:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post while I wait for my DD2 and kids to arrive .
The last Flower for me this year.

It has been fun joining all the other ladies and watching their gardens grow over the past year.
Thank you Karen for organising us each week.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.

Oh nearly forgot. Look what arrived in the mail a few days ago.

and inside the huge parcel was “Molly” She is just gorgeous with the prettiest clothes. I won her in a giveaway at Scottish Nana’s Blog. How lucky was I !!!!

I have been wanting to take a photo of Lacy in the Santa Hat but she is not having it!!!

“What you want me to wear that ??? “

“I don’t think so!! ”

“No I am not looking at the camera. “

Christmas Everyday !!!

2011-12-18T21:38:00.000+08:00

I was delighted to be invited by Fiona to join in the Advent Swap this year. My partner is Peg and it was fun as well as challenging finding 25 gifts to send over to the other side of Aussie to her.

Here are the beautiful gifts I have received from Peg so far,

Mini Wall Hanging, Candle Mat, Colour Chart, Apple Hanger, Block Holder, Santa, Christmas plate and wee Tin with Heart Buttons, A Diary and Journal both with beautiful covers, Lots of FQ’s and Threads, Key Fob, Special Tracing Pencil and A Tea Towel with the cutest cupcake on. And there is still More to open.
Thank you Peg and Fiona. What fun opening a gift each morning.
I also got some lovely mail last week.

Both my Swap Blocks.

Christmas Block form
Lorraine.

Aussie Swap from
Lynda

As well as my gorgeous “Once a Season Summer Swap” from Sharmayne.

Lovely Coasters
and Handmade Soap by Sharmayne.
as well as a cute Christmas tree.

A special Thank you to someone who knows why.

Sew I think I have been very spoilt over the past week or so.

FNSI

2011-12-17T18:42:00.000+08:00

Sew pleased Heidi and Bobbi had another FNSI this week as I still had a few gifts to finish.
Can only show you a sneak peek here!!!!!!!!!

Also managed to add some of the border on my “ Going Dotty” Friendship Medallion.

Busy weekend and now it is One Flower Wednesday Again.

2011-12-14T21:14:00.001+08:00

On Friday I drove down to the big smoke to spend a few busy days at my DD2’s home.
In the evening we did some sewing and DD2 put some finishing touches to the dance costumes.

Saturday morning the girls were busy getting ready for their concert.

and what was the boy doing ????

After dropping the girls off for rehearsal, DD2 and I did a little shopping.

Later it was off to the concert. I really enjoyed watching so many young girls and boys dance their hearts out.

Only got one photo of the finale. You can see how many children were there even without my flash.

While my SIL prepared dinner, GD2 did a bit of running repair on her armband for Sundays Concert. Sew nice to see the next generation behind a machine.

Sunday I went off to visit my Sis for a few hours.

No cooking tonight, we went out for dinner. Early to bed ready for my drive home again.

Now it is WEDNESDAY again and here is my flower.

Pop over to Karen's and see all the other flowers the ladies have stitched this week.

FNSI at DD2s

2011-12-10T21:05:00.001+08:00

I spent FNSI at my DD2s. After Dinner we went into the sewing room and I cleared a spot on her card making table.
Set up my old Bernina, which lives at her house,

and started sewing.

Made four placemats

just need to do the bindings.

Also did a little of my stitching.

One Flower Wednesday and more!!

2011-12-07T23:24:00.000+08:00

Another busy week has passed. A trip to Perth with my friend Sue for our WA Scquilters Christmas Luncheon.

I did get to stitch my Flower this week while travelling home from Perth.

Here are some projects I made awhile ago but can show now as they have reached their destinations.

Christmas Mug Rugs, 6 in all but only photographed 3.

My “Once a Season Summer Swap”

and I can show this Christmas gift as my friend who will receive this does not read my blog.

Another Mug Rug!

Also a huge Thank You to Christine for my beautiful FQ fabrics for my B/D.

The Winner is ????

2011-12-05T22:48:00.001+08:00

The winner of my Stocking is Taaa Dahhhh!!!!

I have e-mailed Deb and am waiting for her snail mail address to send the Stocking .

Thank you to everyone who entered the draw for

" The Stocking Giveaway"

and I would also like to thank ROBIN for arranging the swap.

One Flower Wednesday,OPAM Finishes,Blocks in and Out.

2011-11-30T23:44:00.001+08:00

Busy busy busy. It is that time of year. Lots of Secret Santa sewing. Have just made it on time to post my Flower for One Flower Wednesday.

Finishes for OPAM this month. Can only show two as the rest are all secret stuff.

Butterfly Quilt

Roman’s Boy Doll

Two Aussie Swap Blocks

Christmas Swap Block all in the mail.

Stitched two of my BOM

sew now I am up to date with them.

My house block to send to Beth

A Block for Patch

Lovely Blocks I received from Gai

and my great Christmas Block and buttons from Sue. Thank you ladies.

and I am happy my last overseas parcels go in the mail in the morning. Sew you can see I have been very busy indeed and that is why the cave looks like this!!.

Don’t forget to visit my pervious post to enter the Stocking Giveaway.
Only comments put on that post will be included in the Giveaway.

Closes 7 pm WST Monday December 5th.

Christmas Stocking Giveaway

2011-11-29T14:55:00.001+08:00

Some months ago I signed up to Robin's Stocking Giveaway

I was even a good girl and made the stocking in plenty of time.

and now it is filled with lots of goodies,

sew I can’t believe I missed the first day to post about the giveaway.

Anyone is welcome to join in . Just leave a comment saying what you would like Santa to leave under the tree for you.

There is a second chance to win by being an old or new follower and leaving another comment.

Make sure I have a way too contact you if you win.

Do pop over to Robin's Blog to see all the other stockings you could win by entering more giveaways.

Drawn Dec 5th

One Flower Wednesday plus.

2011-11-23T20:06:00.001+08:00

It’s Wednesday again!! Were did the other days go???

I sat down this afternoon and stitched my flower

sew I could join the other ladies at Karen's and see how the gardens are all growing.

There was a few parcels in the mail again this week.

Lovely FQ’s with a little tissue cover from Silvia

and my beautiful Aussie Swap Block from Debbie.

I sent out my Summer Swap to Sharmayne.

Sew I am catching up on all my swaps. Just a few Christmas gifts to go in the mail by end Nov.

Look who picked up my car keys when I dropped them and run off ??

Do I look guilty???

FNSI and Retreat.

2011-11-20T19:59:00.002+08:00

On Friday my friend Sue and I drove to Avalon in Toodyay (about 400kms away) for a weekend retreat.

It is situated in beautiful relaxing bushland with fabulous views.

We spent lots of time sewing

and I finished this for FNSI. I was unable to post till tonight ,when I arrived home, as there was no internet reception there.

Saturday we drove into town and went here to drool over the gorgeous shop with so much eye candy.

Can’t believe I did not buy anything but my friends walked out with goodies in there bag.

Was very pleased to have made some secret Christmas gifts

and started another Elves Wall Hanging.

in between chatting, eating and drinking.

Sue and I were also pleased to have Bev.C. from Kainga Happenings come to visit us . She brought some beautiful roses from her garden. Thank you Bev was lovely to see you.

I think I will sleep well tonight after my great weekend and the drive home.

One Flower Wednesday/ Great Mail and a finish.

2011-11-16T22:44:00.000+08:00

I am a little late posting my flower this week as we had a power blackout sew could not post earlier.
My DD1 gave me this cute little fella to put in the garden.I brought him inside and sat him on my kitchen bench and he did give me enough light to wash my dishes by. thanks Jo!!

Powers back on Yeh!!

I took the photo of my Flower in a native shrub growing in our front yard this afternoon. As it is Spring in Aussie it is covered in beautiful little white bottlebrush flowers that have a lovely scent.

By joining Karen and the other ladies I make at least one flower every week.Maybe I can do a few more this week!

Received some great parcels in the mail.

My last gifts from Christine for my Secret Santa Swap

and she popped in a surprise gift I could open NOW.

WOW!!

Cat also sent me two beautiful FQ’s

Both were pressies for my B/D. Thank you ladies for your great gifts.

and my YUMMY fabrics I bought.

This “Pirate Quilt” is the first one I quilted using “Maggie”

read the story at " The Patch." Was delighted with my quick finish.

It really is a “Dog’s Life”

Keeping Busy!

2011-11-13T23:24:00.000+08:00

I have been keeping very busy with wrapping and packing gifts for both my Secret Santa Swap and Advent Swap.

I was so pleased to have them in the post on Friday.

As you can see my Sack from Christine is filling up.
It will be such fun to open the gifts on Christmas morning. My DD2 is also in the swap and will be at our home for Christmas. That will make it even better to both have sacks with gifts to open.

Oh No only 41 days to go and I still have lots to do.

On Saturday I had lunch with the Red Hatters. We are only a very small group but it always lovely to catch up and enjoy time together for a meal and chat.

“Hmmmmmmm!!! What’s going on here???”

“Ahhh!!! I have no idea what you are talking about??”

One Flower Wednesday etc.

2011-11-09T22:26:00.001+08:00

Last night I sat down to stitch my flower to add to my garden.

It is sew nice to pop over to visit the other ladies participating in One Flower Wednesday. Thanks Karen.

On the weekend I made my swap blocks
Christmas block Swap.



                                                        Aussie Swap Block

Did some secret sewing



Organised some gifts to go in the mail on Monday.

When at the post office there was a parcel for me from Lyn.

What lovely FQ’s, scissors fob plus a few small gifts.
Thank you sew much Lyn.

Who’s a clever girl????



Lacy learned to go through the doggy door.

My Day!! 5/11/11

2011-11-06T00:24:00.002+08:00

It was my special day today and I had some parcels to open when I got up this morning. From family and friends.

Mmmm!!!   Interesting

LOL I should have known as DD2 knows I always misplace my scissors and a girl cannot have too many. LOL


My dear friend Pat gives me a beautiful diary every year. I keep it next to my computer to use each day.

Gifts from my blogging friends.
Lovely hand made wall hanging and Mug Rug all the way from Ellyn in Texas.

Beautiful FQ’s from Deb in NZ from our Birthday swap.

Love the card. Wonder how Lacy would get on with him. LOL.

After a cuppa it was off to swimming with the ladies.

Over the hill and into the sea.

Afterwards we all went for brekkie at my favourite spot in town.

Oh yes pancakes and fresh fruit with ice cream and syrup drizzled over it. Yummmmmmm!!!!!!

I was so spoilt. Look at the gifts I was given.

My friend Sue gave me this puzzle. 1000 pieces and it is only 30cm X 42cm. I think she wants to drive me crazy trying to put it together but if I never make it the tin is very nice.

See the size of the piece lying on the ruler!!!

This afternoon Louise come to visit and brought along some cupcakes with candles. As it she had had her birthday on Thursday we sang “Happy Birthday” to each other. Then had a cuppa and cake.

Thank you to all my family and friends for the lovely gifts ,cards phone calls and e-mails. I had a great day.

One Flower Wednesday and The Weekend Away

2011-11-02T23:23:00.000+08:00

Yes !! made it. I have just finished stitching my Flower for this week.

Thanks Karen for organising OFW.

I had a lovely long weekend in Perth with my DD2 and GC.

We spent many hours in the craft room.

Went shopping and out for lunch.

Saturday evening DD2 ran a beautiful bath for me

and cooked a lovely dinner. Then some more stitching.

I took home my share of a roll of wadding and look who also came home with me.

Her name is “Lacy” and she is our new puppy.

OPAM FINISHES

2011-10-31T08:15:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post with my finishes for October.
I have been busy with secret sewing so not much to show.
Was very pleased to have completed my “Mystery Quilt”
Only have a photo of the flimsy on the laptop.

Had such fun making the Rag Doll for My GDD’s 1st birthday.

Will do a longer post when I return home and tell you what I did in the big smoke with my DD2 and kids.

Four Flowers this Wednesday

2011-10-26T17:05:00.000+08:00

Even though I have been busy with secret swaps and outings I was able to stitch four flowers this week.

Will pop over to Karen's and see what the other ladies have stitched.

Now to do some more sewing.

FNSI by Two and busy days.

2011-10-22T23:57:00.002+08:00

Yesterday our exercise group went for a bus ride past lots of hard workers harvesting these.

On our way to here.

to do our class at the pool. It was fabulous and afterwards we went here.

and had a wonderful lunch. LOL That is why we exercise.

Sew I was happy to sit in the cave and relax for FNSI .
I finished my 2nd Stitchery from SAL.

and did the binding and label for the Mystery Quilt.

Today it was Friendship day at of our Patchwork members lovely home and the group from our neighbouring town also came along.

We had a wonderful time chatting eating with show and tell.
Ohhh!! Yummy Sweets!!!

The day passed quickly and it was time to say Bye to the ladies. Thank you Helen for a great day.

This evening I thought I would join the ladies on the other side of the world and have a second FNSI with them.

Do you like the Rag Doll I made for my GGD’s 1st birthday in a month. (Where has that year gone?)
Now to go to Flickr and see what others have made.

Lots of Goodies & One Flower Wednesday.

2011-10-19T15:40:00.001+08:00

Okay who stole last week because it just disappeared !!!
Last Friday my friend Sue and I went to a sewing retreat for the weekend. I was surprised how many of us took machines.

I managed to finish quilting my Mystery Quilt, start on the Henrietta one and do some hand sewing. As well a lots chatting eating and drinking. Was a wonderful weekend spent with my stitching friends.
We stayed at my DD2’s overnight on Sunday and drove home on Monday.

Last night while watching tele I managed to complete my flower for One Flower Wednesday. Must find time to start stitching some together.

In the mail today there were THREE parcels. How lucky am I. Lots of Goodies.

My Scissors Keeper Swap Partner Florence from France really spoilt me. I love ALL my pressies. Thank you sew much.

It was fun opening all the beautiful gifts

Look at the lovely stitched Scissors Keeper and Needle case she made for me. Sew cute.

On the needle case it says” Love with all your Heart” in French.
My DH and I have already tasted the yummy Swiss Chocolate.

My Christmas Swap Block from Sue.B. with some great fabric.

Thanks Sue. It will look great with the others I have collected.

and secret goodies to go into some of my Swaps in the little brown bag.

Happy Stitching every one.

This and That plus One Flower Wednesday

2011-10-12T20:37:00.000+08:00

After my DD2 and family go home I like to keep busy so I went out on the block and mowed and mowed.

I just cannot seem to get a nice straight line like my blogging friend Cat. LOL

There was a nice parcel for me at the post office but I have to put my gifts away into my Santa Sack . I did shake rattle and feel them before I popped them in.

Thanks Christine.

It’s One Flower Wednesday sew I am joining Karen and the other ladies again this week.

One of my blogging friends asked me could I show all the flowers I have made so far. Sew I emptied my tin and spread them on the lawn.

How many do you think there are ??????
Maybe I need to make stepping stones and start joining some together.

Busy Week

2011-10-10T00:10:00.001+08:00

I cannot believe it has been a week since I got the rooms ready for my DD2 and GC to arrive.

We’ve had fun playing games, chatting, beach walking,chatting and going shopping.

The kids learnt to ride the Quad on their OWN. They just loved that.

Then GS2 and Pop went camping and left the girls to do girly stuff.

We were off to town to go visit my other DD,GD and GDD.

Nice little collection of fabrics jumped into DD2’s bag!!!

In the evenings DD2 managed to do a lot of sewing while I did some hand stitching.

I really like the way her quilt is going together.

DD2 and her family have joined Pop for a few days camping sew I organised some of my swaps.

When I went to post them I also picked up some goodies.

Thanks you Jewels for my fabrics

and Leena for my Swap Block.

One Flower Wednesday.

2011-10-05T23:56:00.002+08:00

Oh! I hope it is still Wednesday somewhere. Nearly missed out on doing this post.
Have my DD2 and kids visiting and we have been busy having a great time together.
I did manage to stitch this flower on our way to Geraldton.

I do enjoy joining Karen and the ladies each week.

What’s in a Name

2011-10-05T08:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday Dawn from “"As Sweet as Cinnamon" invited us to say why we chose the name for our Blog.
Eleven years ago my DH and I moved from a dusty mining town to “The Block”
Five acres situated between the bush and the sea. A beautiful peaceful place for DH to tinker in his shed and me to join in several groups to go sewing,swimming, play games and have lots of coffees and lunches out. Sew that is why I named my blog

“Life on the Block”

Up to Date!!

2011-10-03T23:57:00.000+08:00

Was happy to have caught up with my swaps and challenges over the last three days.
Firstly my “ Friendship Medallion” Going Dotty.

I nearly did sewing these Churn Dash Blocks.

My Free BOM I am doing with

Gai’s Swap blocks. I used the BOM in one of these.

Aussie Swap block for Leena,

Christmas Swap for Sue

The first Block for Christmas SAL

Sew now I can get serious about my Santa swap and maybe catch up on a few UFO’s.

OPAM Finishes for Sept.

2011-09-30T01:27:00.001+08:00

Even though I have been busy this month sewing three flimsy's ,they are waiting to be quilted so cannot be counted in my OPAM this month.
But I did finish this little wall hanging.

Last Saturday I went along to a fun workshop with the ladies from The Patch. We were so busy sewing, eating and chatting I did not even take one photo but this is what we made.
Just finished it in time for another OPAM finish.

I love these cute elves sew I will make them again. Could be a nice Christmas gift!!

AND my Stay At Home Round Robin row is finished too.

One Flower Wednesday.

2011-09-28T14:26:00.000+08:00

My friend Sue kindly gave me this cute fabric.

I really love the tiny quilts!!
Pop over to Karen's to see how many flowers the other ladies have added to their garden.

What’s been keeping me Busy

2011-09-24T00:13:00.000+08:00

While I was on holidays the ladies at "The Patch", our Guild, started a Mystery Quilt.
On my return I decided to also join in but I was two months behind. So the mission to not only catch up BUT finish the top was on.

I have been cutting

Ironing

Sewing.

Hundreds of small blocks into Rows.

Then into Squares

and TaaDahhh

finally my quilt Top.
Now I must sandwich and pin it. Sew I can quilt it.

On Flower Wednesday

2011-09-21T09:07:00.000+08:00

One Flower today to add to my Garden.

I have spent the week trying to catch up on various projects sew did not get the chance to sit and stitch as many as I would have liked too.
Ah!! well maybe this week.

Do drop in to Karen and click on the link to see the flowers the other ladies have made this week.

FNSI

2011-09-17T08:21:00.001+08:00

Last night I worked on two small projects.

the first was my BOM from Lynette Anderson. It seemed like a long time since I just sat and stitched.

Then I sewed the 3” Ohio Stars to go on top BUT they are too big. My turned out 31/2” so now I have to make another set. Grrrrrr!!

After making the Cotton Reel Wall Hanging a few weeks ago I decided to make mini a version. It is only 11” X 14”.

I love the border fabric.

Now I am off to post on Flickr and see what my other Aussie mates have been up to.

One Flower Wednesday.

2011-09-14T00:37:00.000+08:00

Yes it is “ Hump Day” or better known as Wednesday so it is time to post my Flower for the week.
We have had the most glorious Spring Days so my Teddies went romping in the Golden Wattles that grow wild on our block.

Don’t forget to pop over to visit Karen and the others to see their gardens grow.

“Henrietta Whiskers” Flimsy

2011-09-11T15:29:00.000+08:00

So pleased to have put my Henrietta blocks together.

Was very hard to take a good photo on “the block” even though it is the nicest “Spring” day. There was also a strong breeze.
This one is taken under the Verandah,

Now my flimsy needs to be sandwiched, quilted and lots of embellishments put on. Wonder how long that will take??
You can still download this free BOM of the month HERE at Bunny Hill Designs.

Now back to the cave to work on these.

OH!!! Don’t forget it is Friday Night Sew In this week the 16th Sept.

Santa Gifts

2011-09-10T00:18:00.000+08:00

My Secret Santa Swap parcel arrived today from my partner Christine. I have to keep telling myself DO NOT OPEN TILL CHRSTMAS MORNING.

Before popping my gifts in the my beautiful Santa Sack I gave them the mandatory feeling, squeezing and shaking. Hmmm!!


                                                   Thank you Christine.

this week I have managed to finish my last Henrietta Block so now I am putting them together

the centre block for my Friendship Medallion Quilt

Some more blocks for my Quilt-A-Long.


and finally stitched the 480 blocks into 240 squares for the Mystery Quilt I am doing with the ladies from Patch.



pressed and trimmed ready for the next step.

One Flower Wednesday

2011-09-07T08:34:00.000+08:00

It’s Wednesday and time to post the flowers I have stitched this week.

Do pop over to all the other ladies to see how their gardens are going.



                                               Have a Happy Week

Flowers Galore Part 2 (long post)

2011-09-04T14:12:00.001+08:00

Yesterday we drove to Pindar ( Click on link to see the beautiful Guest house and read some history of the area ) .
After stopping there for coffee and scones we went off in search of the infamous “Wreath Flower” and we were not disappointed.
There were lots growing along both sides of the gravel road.





There were so many Wreath Flowers but there was also lots of other colour in the bush.




Heaps of these tiny little flowers that just looked like snow everywhere.

As well as HUGE ant nests. You would not want to step on one of these!!!


They did a great job of the cleaning up the dead snake.

On the way home Dh and I stopped at the flower show in one of the towns we drove through,

Not only did I learn the name of flowers but it was lovely to see some of the local ladies stitching in these wall hangings.



This one was knitted, except for the hills in the background, beautiful work. I loved them all.

Flowers Galore Part 1

2011-09-03T17:48:00.000+08:00

It is wildflower season here in Western Australia and because we have had really good rainfall this winter the flowers are better then ever.
So on Tues DH and I went for a drive to a place called “Coal seam” to check out the beautiful display of colour nature has to show us.
     Pinks

       Purples

Whites

Yellows

as far as the eye can see. I need a much better camera to REALLY show you how beautiful it is.

Amongst it all is this cute little guy and up in the dead trees we are being watched by

Pink and Grey galahs.

Watching you!!!!!!

Cockatiel

can you see the him ??? They camouflage very well on the dead tree.

and a Twenty Eight.

On our way home we stopped in Mingenew and had a coffee and Yummy cake.

I love the sculpture they have in the park.

Today we went to a place called Pindar in search of the “Wreath Flower” Will post photos tomorrow.

One Flower Wednesday.

2011-08-31T15:28:00.000+08:00

I seem to have lost a day. It was not till I saw others blogging about their flowers that I realised it was Wednesday AGAIN.

By joining Karen and the other ladies I am keeping up with making flowers for my garden. Do pop over and check them all out.
Thanks Karen for helping me with my blooms each week.

P.S. Can you see the lovely Red Grevilla Flowers too!!

In a Muddle!!! and OPAM Finishes.

2011-08-30T23:40:00.012+08:00

It was only two weeks ago when my cave was like this.

But now I am in a muddle again. Does this happen to you too!!!

I think it is because I am involved in too many fun things like

Henrietta BOM,

STAR Quilt-A-Long,

Friendship Medallion,

Stay at Home Round Robin,

A Mystery Quilt with the ladies at Patch,

I am also involved in four swaps. Two Hexie groups. As well as trying to finish some UFO’s.

In the midst of the muddle I am still able to post some finishes for this month’s OPAM.

This Guy

A Pencil roll

Some Rug Mugs

My Once a Season Swap

and my “Cotton Reel” Wall hanging. Which was also a UFO.

Tomorrow I think I will work on ONE project at a time. LOL.

Some Lovely Gifts

2011-08-29T23:55:00.000+08:00

Today I received my "Once a Season" gift from Shez.
It was a large parcel so it was fun undoing all the layers to discover what was inside.

A beautifully stitched table centre, a lovely hand towel and TWO strings of Gerbera Fairy lights to brighten my patio.

Thank you Shez for my gifts.

My DD2 and family have returned from their holiday and they bought back some gifts for me .

Red,White and Blue!!

REAL Danish Tea, lovely Dotty Egg Cups and a “Finish Elf”.
Don’t you just love her? I do. Thank you.

Click on the photo belong and you can read about her.

It’s that time again. One Flower Wednesday

2011-08-24T17:23:00.000+08:00

I have been busy on the block pulling these.“Double Gees” very nasty prickles.

after filling the bin I have only done the tiniest section on the block.

But I am pleased it is One Flower Wednesday so I could show you some pretty flowers too.

Click on the link and pop over to see more of the ladies who join Karen every week.

Small Finishes.

2011-08-23T14:40:00.000+08:00

I am pleased that I am getting my mojo back and have a few SMALL finishes to show you.
One of our swimming ladies is not well so a friend asked me if I could make her a Rug Mug,

and I had the this in my box of goodies to go with it. Hope it cheers her up.
Also made a reversible Mug Rug for the friend.

I have finished my swap and it is ready to go in the mail.

can only give you a sneak peek of what is inside.

It is so nice to have my favourite flowers out of the garden inside.

They smell sooooo lovely.

Coffee, FNSI and Nice Mail.

2011-08-20T14:05:00.007+08:00

We have the most glorious day here today so when I went into town I met up with a friend and had coffee at my favourite place. It was so nice to sit there drink coffee and chat.

Last night for FNSI everything seemed to go wrong. I decided to finish some stitchery for a secret swap and I knocked the cottons everywhere.



Then I discovered I had cut my project to small. ( cannot show you, it’s a secret) so went to sharpen my pencil and I spilled the shavings .

Sew I decided to put that aside and start on something else. I am pleased to say it went well.

A gift for a little friend.


Was happy with this finish and went on to make a block for my “ Star Quilt-A-Long”

Yesterday I received two squishies in the mail.

Lovely blocks from Gai sent with a beautiful necklace. Thank you Gai.

and three gorgeous stitcheries I had sent for

I really would love to start one but I MUST finish some other UFO’s first.

Now I am going out to play in the sunshine.

It’s Wednesday Already!!!

2011-08-17T20:51:00.001+08:00

OOPS!!! I nearly forgot to do my post for "One Flower Wednesday"
Have been so busy this week I did only get one flower stitched to add to my garden,

because I have been busy in my other garden ( The Block) .

After many hours of mowing and spraying it is at last starting to look better after our four weeks away.

Also I have finally found my sewing machine and cutting table in the “ Cave”

Can you see one of my projects I HOPE to do on FNSI ??

PSSSSST !!!!!!!

2011-08-15T08:08:00.002+08:00

Don’t forget " Friday Night Sew In" this week August 19th.

You can go over to " Heidi's Blog " now and sign up.

Who’s been a Busy Girl ???

2011-08-12T20:33:00.002+08:00

When I woke this morning I decided one way to get back into the mood for sewing was to organise my cave and get a few swaps done.

So after brekkie and before going to exercise I managed to empty and tidy ONE box of fabrics.

On my return it was too nice to work inside so thought I would attack the weeds with these.

First I had to find the hose

and roll it up.

After mowing here

I found this. Can you see the line. It goes from behind the house over our driveway and into the trees on the other side.

What busy little fellows ( Ants). Running up and down hundreds of times to make the track. We could not see them when the grass was long. ( Click on photo to get a better look.)

Looks so much better and in a few weeks the spray will do the rest of the job.

After a nice long shower I sat down for dinner. AS DH is off rescueing a friend I cooked up a big pan of Beef Stir Fry last night so only had to heat it.

Yum!! Some Honey Greek Yogurt for afters.

Now I will make a coffee and go back into the cave and do some more tidying.

One Flower Wednesday

2011-08-10T13:39:00.001+08:00

I have only stitched three flowers this week to add to my garden.

Or should I say to DH flowers !!
It is fun to see Karen and the other ladies gardens grow too. Pop over and have a look.

Lazy Day

2011-08-06T22:49:00.000+08:00

Today I had a Pyjama Day. I was really lazy . DH even went into town for the paper etc. and look what he came home with.

and
Yummm!!!