Miss Monny

Stash Manicure Giveaway....

2010-08-04T21:47:00.000+09:30

I love to do a good scrappy quilt (well, I haven't done too many but my Mum has and I love the look of them)!!

I have heaps and heaps of scraps and I know when I am ready to do SOMETHING with them, I will check out the posts from Stash Manicure's blog.

At the moment, they are having a GIVEAWAY! Yep, just click on over (the link in the 'giveaway' word) and check it out! Not only will you not be disappointed with all the advice, hints and tips BUT you will even go in the draw for a great book and some fabric (that looks like it could just go really well with my stash).

I have been noticed!!!

2010-08-03T21:05:00.001+09:30

Do you remember this block??

Well, Shayla is a guest writer on the 'Quilting Bee Blocks' blog and has written about this little heart block of mine.

Check it out here ~ I know I did and I am thrilled that it is a well loved block over at Flickr.

Thankyou so much Shayla for your wonderful comments!!

Cheers

M xxx

Small....

2010-08-01T00:32:00.000+09:30

I think I just made it in time to show SMALL in a photo for the Snappy Friends challenge (it is 12.16am Sunday!!)

I love macro photos and the following photo is my favourite that I have taken to date. I love it when it is really big and you can see fully the glossy effect of the puddle ....

It is so small that you can see just a small part of the tread from a car tyre! I loved the glossy effect of the mud and the tiny leaves that look like they are imbedded in resin.

Here is another small made into something big.....

This is from my Mothers quilt she is hand piecing. These are 1/2 inch hexies and are so adorable. To date it has taken her just over 2 years!! She calls it her "Insanity Quilt".....must be in the blood as I am now starting my own 1/2 inch hexie quilt.

Here is a bigger picture of it. I just love the multi-coloured border, don't you??

Check out Snappy Friends for more smallness....

cheers

M xxx

Pay It Forward RECEIVED!!

2010-07-29T20:34:00.000+09:30

Do you remember back here when I accepted a Pay It Forward invitation by Cascade Lily??

Well, I received a beautiful handmade hand oven mitt set from her. It is in a gorgeous soft pink and white fabric.

Thank you sooo much, Lily, for your beautiful gift!!!

I would love to repay the favour and continue on this fun project that has all the 'feel good' factors about it!!

I have three spots to fill for anyone who wants to join in. I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people. I have 365 days to do it in…

What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well:

You must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (just cut and paste this one if you like, changing 'http:waterfallcascade.blogspot.com' to 'http://missmonnyquilts.blogspot.com/' - which I did!).

I am looking forward to this sooo much....I hope you can join me :o)

cheers
M xxx

I love books....

2010-07-24T16:45:00.000+09:30

Today my hubby and I dropped off the kids at a party and a friends and we went and had lunch at Hotel Elliot in Pt Elliot. It was beautiful! We had a little stroll down the street and I popped into a cute little shop (for which the name now escapes me - sorry!) and came out with a fantastic book called "Repro Depot Pattern Book ~ Flora".

This book (if you can call it that) has an enclosed disk that has all the patterns that are shown in the book. It is so beautiful!

There are 75 designs in three different colour ways as well as some ideas for crafty projects to get you started.

Oh, my, what goodies I could make with these. The ideas are endless...

* Print out on paper and make cards, labels, wrapping, decorations etc

* Print out on fabric and then there is thousands of ways to use these beautiful patterns.

I am soooo excited and I can't wait to use it.

The other book, which you see in the photo above, is one I bought the other day. And what a great book it is too.

It is called 'The Thrifty Kitchen' and is written by Suzanne Gibbs and Kate Gibbs. The Daughter and Grand-daughter of Margaret Fulton!! Yes, the Grandmother of the Kitchen herself. You can see all three of them on the cover of the book.

This book has amazing recipes BUT the information and advice given within the chapters is price-less. As the title suggests, it is to help keep the costs of shopping and cooking down but the recipes do not reflect those that taste or look cheap. I am intending to read every page of this book.

If you see these, I suggest you buy!! I certainly am not disappointed!

M xxxx

Block Swaps Update...

2010-07-24T16:27:00.000+09:30

I realised that I haven't posted any of my Blocks For Swaps nce March/April!! Well, here is an update on what I have been sewing for others....

And the one I have just finished (late last night!)....

I adore these little birdies! So much that I wish I could keep them. This was for a swap in which the person asked for 'birds' (appliqued, pieced etc). She sent the calico and scraps of fabric. I had an idea and then it just snowballed! Don't you just love the bird fabric?? It is a Kokka fabric and the feeling of it is so different to anything I have felt - thicker, more rustic. I LOVE IT! I wish to have more of it.....looks like a-hunting I will go.

So, I have been a little bit busy as well as doing the 'Be Attitudes' Quilt for the shop. I will show you these in a little while. Oh, and I am now Hexie Mad but that to is another story.....

Happy Sewing!

M xxxx

Youth...

2010-07-03T15:52:00.000+09:30

Snappy Friends' chellenge for this fortnight is YOUTH!

Well, my boys fit that bill for sure. Youth is still about wonder and excitement over the simplest things. This wonderment will never stop through all the youths in all the generations to come. It is a wonderful time, especially when you can let go of the reins just a little and let them explore and make their own adventure!!

Go check out what the other Snappy Friends have posted.

Bye for now.....

M xxx

Self...

2010-06-26T22:41:00.000+09:30

Back again! Gee, I stay away for a loooong time and then 2 posts in one day!! LOL!!

Snappy Friends have a challenge this week of a Self Portrait. Well, I am not too keen on the whole of my face BUT I think my eyes are okay, so that is what I am showing the world!!

Cheers

M x

My UFO List....

2010-06-26T17:17:00.000+09:30

Or should the title be...

"OMG! Where did all this come from????"

I had a bit of a clean up and made a list of the quilts I am to finish BEFORE I purchase any new material or patterns.

I am going to make a start on this list as soon as possible because it is a mighty big list. I am actually quite excited about doing this as I finally might be able to show people what I have been doing instead of being embarrassed about the whole situation.

Here is my list....

NEEDING ONLY BORDERS, BINDING OR QUILTING....

 Flower Flannel lap quilt – border needed

 Rocket wall hanging – border needed

 Hidden Stars quilt – border needed

 Star Layer Cake quilt - binding

 Table runner – quilting

 Urban Couture Brick Charity lap quilt - quilting

 Batik Art quilt – quilting and embellishments

PIECING TO BE DONE....

 Max’s Monster Truck quilt

 Tom’s Monster Truck quilt

 Tulip quilt

 Tree of Life quilt

 Laura Gunn quilt

 Vintage Circle quilt

 Green String quilt

 My First Prairie Point quilt

 Boys Bright Charity quilt

 Tan and Aqua Bird Charity quilt

I am also in the process of doing the 'Be Attitudes' BOM quilt for the shop. This is something that is being done as a priority as I want it finished NOW!!! There are also the block swaps that I am doing, which are being done between all the other stuff.

Is the list big???

I THINK SO!

Cross fingers and wish me luck in my 'Journey To The End of the Quilts'!!

cheers
M x

Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-06-12T08:38:00.000+09:30

This is a very short post to highlight a fantastic group on Flickr called the Quilting Bee Blocks.

It showcases all the different blocks that people (including me) are sewing. These are all for different Quilting Bees that are happening all over the world. Quilting Bees certainly bring the world alot closer.

Click on this link to see the wonderful work that others are doing....

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1049557@N21/

Happy Birthday Little Man....

2010-06-03T21:34:00.000+09:30

It was my baby boys birthday this week.

He has turned a very big 6!!

His favourite colour is black (he says it is a colour but his older brother says it is not) but alot of the time it changes to green or blue!! :o)

His party was a pirate theme.

(Tom is second from the right (red and black top) and his brother is on the far left)

He wanted the party after school, not on a weekend, so it was a short but sweet birthday party. After having a treasure hunt around the property which led them to a treasure chest full of chocolate coins and party favours, they pinned the 'pirate on the map' and then had a race to see who could eat a donut off a string first (without touching with their hands). That was hilarious and the boys really enjoyed that game.

After all the swashbuckling and playing it was time to eat the feast and enjoy the pirate ship cake.

I enjoyed making this but I ran out of time and would have loved to have decorated it more. Ah, well, there is always next time.

So, Tom, I wish you all the very best for the year ahead. You have grown up sooo much and I sometimes feel that I am losing my baby and gaining a big boy. I enjoy our cuddles and how you and I seem to be in sync with each other alot of the time. You will always be my babe no matter how old you get!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Bloggers Quilt Festival 2010

2010-05-28T08:40:00.003+09:30

http://www.amyscreativeside.com/2010/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-spring-2010.html

(sorry, don't know how to link the button!!)

I am thrilled to be a part of Amy's Bloggers Quilt Festival this year. I am not a very experienced quilter and I marvel at all the amazing quilts that are being showed in the festival. Inspiring and amazing.

Even though I haven't made many quilts ~ well, I made them but haven't finished them ~ I have finished one and the quilt I am going to submit has been a big learning curve for me.

Meet my Matryoshka Quilt....

I chose this beautiful Rosalie Quinlan designed quilt as a way to beat the blues. It was bright, fun and girly!!

Unfortunately I sewed the blocks on three different machines and for some reason they were all different sizes. I could have cried. So I had to cut down the blocks, to make them all match, with some up to 1/2 an inch.

It still looked okay though, luckily!

With the applique, I started doing it by hand but realised it would take me forever to get it done and I had a bit of a deadline because my local quilting shop asked if they could hang it in their shop for a while. I had just bought myself a new machine so I could do machine applique (one of the three I sewed this on!) so I thought I would bite the bullet and do the other Babushkas on the machine.

I loved it! I found the machine applique alot quicker but also I had taught myself a new skill.

So, after finishing I sent it off to the quilters - Val at Blue Gum Quilts in Murray Bridge. I let her chose what to do and I certainly wasn't disappointed! Absolutely beautiful.

It is still hanging in the shop - Kirkbride Quilting at Strathalbyn. I have received many many comments about the quilt and I think it will be one that will stay with me close to my heart.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my quilt! Please check out all the other quilts that are on show. Truly special. There is also a group in Flickr that is showing them all. Just click and check them out.

cheers :o)

Small....

2010-05-25T10:38:00.000+09:30

I am slowly comin to terms with who I am and how I work!

This post is all about 'small'.

Weird, I hear you say.

Well, it has occurred to me that I like 'small' in my life. I tend to feel overwhelmed with 'big' and that is starting to become apparent in my quilting and art.

Look at where I live...

I live on 17 acres BUT I feel overwhelmed by the size of our property and don't venture out to the four corners of the place. I do love the open spaces and would never, ever live in the city again but BIG just isn't for me either. I know I don't have to constantly go from corner to corner of our property to appreciate it and I usually only keep to the back yard, my vegie patch and the chook shed. These are only a smidgen of the area we have. When we were wanting to landscape, it totally freaked me out and I literally ran indoors and hid!! Yep, scared and overwhelmed by it all. So, it never really got done.
I adore the Open Gardens that people have and show off but I never really understood how I felt about large gardens until I had to do one!!

Take photography for instance...

I adore macro! If I can take a photo of something tiny, intricate and SMALL then I am one happy chappy. I don't do vistas nor huge landscapes. I want to get down and take the photo of the leaf, ant or the pattern in the mud!

Now, take my quilting....

I am really enjoying doing the blocks for my swaps. I am having a bit of trouble finishing any LARGE quilt that I need to get done. Does it intimidate me?? I don't know. Should I just concentrate on mini quilts, or lap quilts (getting a bit too large I think) or wall hangings?? Art Quilts come to mind.

This got me thinking about all the 'SMALL' in my life.....

I have just embarked on a new creative journey...

Silver Jewellery!

I did a workshop on the weekend and ended up making a pendant and cuff bracelet. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the small pieces. The cutting, filing, polishing!

I would love to incorporate the silver work (or metal work, as it can be copper etc) with art quilts and I think I can do it.

So, the question still remains.....am I afraid of big??

Afraid? NO

Intimidated? MAYBE

Is it a problem? NOT AT ALL

The whole process of finding out about who I am and where I am heading is part of being creative.

What do you think??

Did you have a turning point in your creative journey?

A lightbulb moment?

Till the next time (and I am hoping it won't be too far away!)

Something old....

2010-05-14T21:31:00.000+09:30

Snappy Friends has a weekly challenge and this one is 'Something Old'.

There are many things I could photograph to show this ~ our house (built in 1880), our barn, our cars, my husband ~ LOL!!!

No, I chose this photo. It is one of my favourites. I wonder how long it was leaning on the wooden bench to get this look?....

AWOL

2010-05-14T21:21:00.000+09:30

I feel the need to apologise.....

I went AWOL....

I abandoned my Snappy Friends, my Quilting friends and anyone else who came across my little blog and stayed for a while.

I have been doing a bit of this

GARDENING

and a bit of this

BODYTRIM

and a bit of this

ENJOYING THE GORGEOUS AUTUMN WEATHER.

So, I am now back and hoping to get my little blog back up and running again.

Farm Gate Festival - Fleurieu

2010-04-12T20:50:00.001+09:30

Today Max, Tom and I went for a drive.

This drive took us to many places that had fantastic art, mostly involving farm gates!!

This is the Farm Gate Festival and it is running from 27th March till the 25th April (so you still have plenty of time to check it out!!)

The 53 different types of artwork span a huge area from Victor Harbor, Mt Compass, Goolwa, Ashbourne, over to Milang and Point Sturt and everywhere inbetween.

On the way to Point Sturt we went to see Pat Ingleton's 'Pole Dancing' and then was kindly shown around her beautiful home. Pat does amazing sculpture and is passionate about the lakes surrounding her home and the environment. I was able to take some photos of her artwork.

Wa(l)ter Gate @ the Ashboourne Primary School

'Bell' the Cow - Ashbourne PS kids

Stop! Who goes there?? - Ashbourne PS kids

Bringing Back the Bush - Gaynor Hartvigsen

Owls!

Eagle Gate - Gaynor Hartvigsen (with Trevor McLean)

Watergate #3 - Liz Yelland

Dandelion - Liz Yelland

Pole Dancing - Pat Ingleton

This is my favourite sculpture.

I may just take another visit to Pat's place to purchase this beautiful sphere tower!!

So, if you have a few hours up your sleeve and would love to visit the amazingly beautiful

Fleurieu Peninsula

(sorry only South Australians unless you can hop on a plane and fly over here quickly),

then I would highly recommend this trail.

I have yet to see all the works of art and will do so in the week ahead. I will post some more photos once I have admired the many more artworks on the trail.

Click on this link and it will take you to the Alexandrina Council website for all the information and the map.

Happy driving!!

Eye Spy Something Beginning with E.....

2010-04-11T22:03:00.001+09:30

Another week has flown past and I just make it in time for this weeks challenge with Snappy Friends!!

Something beginning with E!!

Well, there are two things I can share with you...

Easter Egg wrappers - another Easter over. I am glad in a way, now my life can get back to a semi-chocolate free state!!

Our 1962 Holden EJ

Her name is Maud and she is one beautiful car!!

Check out the Snappy Friends site for some more photos that are sure to delight!!

quilting for babies...

2010-04-10T11:42:00.000+09:30

Magnolia Designs and One Shabby Chick is combining forces to make quilts for the IMCU babies in her local hospital in Winnepeg, Canada. Check out the blogs for more information on these quilts.

Kathy (Magnolia Designs) is asking for 8.5" pinwheel blocks in any colourway.

I couldn't resist. Firstly, because I feel the strong need to help and donate some blocks and, secondly, I love to make pinwheel blocks!!

I have made her two of each and I hope the Kathy, from Magnolia Designs, receives them in time (deadline 1st May) as it may take a couple of weeks to get there!!

If you are over on the other side of the world (Canada or USA), maybe check out Kathy's blog and make a few pinwheels too!!

Experimenting....

2010-04-10T11:04:00.000+09:30

Well, it is the school holidays and the boys have been extremely good with hardly any fights or bickering - LOL!!

My 7 year old, Max, did a few experiments at school and wanted to do these at home.

This one is with a bowl of milk, a few stratigically placed drops of food colouring and then the special ingredient - dishwashing liquid.

It was quite facinating to watch the colours swirl around and mix together.

I may do a few other experiments with them in the next week.

Basham Beach

2010-04-06T14:08:00.002+09:30

During the Easter long weekend we decided to go for a little bike ride together as a family. Well, it ended up being very little. Our youngest decided he didn't want to do this not even 5 minutes into the ride. We had chosen to drive to a place on the Fleurieu Peninsula called Basham Beach and ride to Port Elliot (3km) and back.

Well, we packed up the bikes and headed down to the beach instead. It was blowing a gale but the sun was shining and the waves crashing against the rocks made my heart sing!! We had a ball. We are definately going back there during the school holidays.

What makes your heart sing??

Red...

2010-03-25T16:00:00.001+10:30

This week with Snappy Friends RED is the subject and, boy, did I have to cull alot of red photos!!!

I LOVE RED!!

Last year I joined a little group, run by Micayla from the blog 'Colour'.

Micayla had a colour week and Red was on the Sunday. If you wish to see my Red Sunday, pop over to here.

In the mean time, enjoy these few shots I took today....

(if you don't know what this is, it is a marker on the side of the road!!)

Hands...

2010-03-21T21:11:00.000+10:30

I was only just thinking....

Only a moment ago....

Hands of Time!!!

But, no, I chose to do the hands of my beloved family.....

My Oma, who is 96, with Tom, who is 5!!

Special....

Oma's beautiful hands...

Hands that have loved, held, cuddled, stroked.....

My husbands hand on the wheel of our new 'old' baby ~

Maud the EJ Holden

If you would like to see more hands in some beautiful photos, visit here ~ Snappy Friends!!

Wedding Bells...

2010-03-13T21:39:00.001+10:30

On a happier note :o)

my chiropractor, Carly, got married on Friday.

I felt compelled to make something for her. Don't know why, but I did. And it felt right.

So, because I had one made for me on my Wedding Day, I thought I would do the same.

I thought it might be a bit old fashioned looking, but when we gave it to her, she was delighted.

Her Mother-in-Law does quilting and she has told me how much she appreciates anything hand made.

Here it is next to mine. Mine will be 10 years old in October. It sits in my drawer with my smalls (well, I think that is wishful thinking - smalls - hee hee).

I wish Carly and Jackson all the best for their future.

Triangles and Frogs....

2010-03-13T21:32:00.002+10:30

Now, I haven't been the best lately due to a drastic change of diet which gave me headaches, migraines and extreme tiredness so what I produced definately was not how I would have like the blocks to turn out. For the Froggy block, I unpicked it sooo many times that I lost count! "HOW???" I hear you ask, as it is an 'improv' block and it is up to me where I put the strips!

Well, no matter how many times I undid the strips and repositioned them, the outer border was going to end up less than 1 inch wide. Even after unpicking I forgot to cut it down a bit and sewed a new round out only to be back where I was in the first place!! Then I finally did end up cutting it back only to cut it too much and it looked horrible and skinny and wonky near the corners because it didn't have enough fabric!!

AAAAHHHHH!!!!! Not Happy Jan!!

I have lost my mojo and I hope it returns to me soon because I am at my wits end.

Anyway, here they are in all their glory.

For March in the 1st Wednesday Block Swap, Liz requested 'Triangles' using the fabric she sent to us. It looked good on paper - yes, I even drew it up and thought about it (you wouldn't know though).

It is ugly to me but I ran out of the fabric she sent me and I couldn't change it :o(

Maybe Liz can undo the top bit and sew some of the swirly fabric on the top. By the way, it looks crinkled at the top right corner but it isn't, its just the photo.

In the Australasian Bee, Jo requested an 'Improv' block that is similar to Denyse Schmidt's work. Ah, I do like this one BUT it took forever what with all the undoing!!

It is bigger than she asked for - that way she can cut it down to what size she wants. I certainly wasn't going to tempt fate and cut it myself LOL!!! I wanted to make two blocks but ran out of fabric.

So, now I am onto the Circuit Block Party for February. I only received it in early March, that is why it will be late. I think I may have to wait a bit before tackling this one as it is paper piecing and I need all my brain cells working to make it go smoothly. I can't unpick the seams when paper piecing as the stitches are extremely small - so no mistakes allowed (well, I have made two already.)

Oh, woe is me.

Mojo, where are you???? Here Mojo, come to Mumma, here Mojo, Mojo????

Sunset...

2010-03-13T21:12:00.001+10:30

Do I just make it??? I think I do. I am doing the Snappy Friends challenge and this week (which tomorrow is the last day) was to photograph a Sunset.

Sunsets are a big hard to photograph at the moment for two reasons...

1. The wrong time!! What with kids to feed, bath and generally get ready for bed!!

2. I don't get a 'magical sunset on the horizon' where I live because I live in a valley!

Saying this, after dinner I quickly ran out and took a couple of photos.

Hope you liked them! The colour is beautiful even if it isn't on the horizon!!

Signs....

2010-03-05T11:17:00.000+10:30

Have you seen 'Snappy Friends'?? It is a blog that I started to follow through Leanne from the Stitching Room. Well, as you know I like my photography just as much as quilting and I am now taking on their challenges. Every week there is a new challenge, a new 'item' to photograph and interpret how you think it should be....

This week is 'signs'...

My home!!

Anyone???

Loved the stamp not actually being quite noticable!!

One for Chookyblue!!

Very monochromatic today!

If you would love to see more interpretations of 'signs' or anything else that the Snappy Friends have photographed, then I would suggest popping over here to check them out!!

I enjoyed doing this and I can't wait till next week.

Bye for now.....

More Birthday Blocks revealed...

2010-02-27T09:58:00.000+10:30

I have now down a couple more for the Birthday Blocks Swap.

This is a 'Clover Blossom' for Roxanne. She requested a 12.5" block in a Spring theme and it took me ages to try and find a suitable block that I actually liked. Only thing is, is this the right 'spring'?? I presume she meant a spring season not a spring coil - LOL!!

This is a scrappy 8.5" block for Brandi. She requested a 'Bouncing Betty' block in any of our scraps. At first I wasn't too sure on it and thought it would be ugly, but after making it and another for her, then putting them together, I could really see how this patter could look fantastic over a quilt!

Here is a sneak peek on the blocks I have RECEIVED!

I requested a 12.5" Wonky House block with a white background.

I still have 5 more to come in the mail but I love the way it is taking shape. There will be more added from me to even out the numbers plus I may even add an odd Wonky Tree or three!

With a white sashing bordering the blocks - it will look amazing I think.

What the???

2010-02-27T09:43:00.001+10:30

Yep, I have gone and bought fabric from Spotlight.

Now, I am not a fabric snob BUT I do love the feel of the better quality fabric and the fact that it doesn't have such an open weave (hence the price) and fray as much.

So, I had a moment to kill and went for a wander through Spotlight only to 'spot' a fabric, then another that went with it, then another! Oh, my!! What a dilemma! So, I got a co-ordinating homespun and had my four to make a lap quilt out of.

It was the birds I saw first, then the turquoise flowery one, then the other flowery leafy one. They actually feel like linen, so I guess that is a good thing.

One other good thing is that I am not afraid to cut it up because it didn't cost alot!

Sorry about the photos - late night snapping!

I have already started and I am making a crazy nine patch as the four will work perfectly.

My Mum is definately not a fabric snob. She made a beautiful eye-spy quilt for my first born (who is now 7) out of Spotlight fabric. Sure, the colours have faded a bit but it is still holding together and Max adores it to bits.

Are you a fabric snob and only purchase from quilting stores, or do you like any type of fabric as long as the print is beautiful and suits what you need??

More blocks for swaps...

2010-02-16T17:26:00.000+10:30

Here are a few more blocks that I have done for the swaps that I am in at the moment.

Firstly, this is the first one for the 1st Wednesday Block Swap. It is Miss February's aka Flic.

She requested a 12" star block. I was going to do this block pattern for another swap but decided I didn't like the block with the fabrics thosen.

The block is called "Martha Washington's Star" and I thought this fabric really did the pattern justice.

I unfortunately cut up some of the fabric accidentally and couldn't do my 'flying geese' but ended up using the 1/2 square triangles instead. Phew!! Nearly had a disaster on my hand.

The next block is for Elettaria in the Birthday Block Party group. She requested a 12" wonky house with a blue sky.

I must admit that this is the first I have made and did have to fiddle around abit but enjoyed doing it all the same. Don't you just love the owl in the window. I should have cut him down a bit so he was 'poking' out the window. Ah well, maybe next time.

This is made up from the triangles left over from Heidi's Dutchman's Puzzle that you can check out here. Some other have made little blocks (and some not so little) from the scraps and I thought I would do the same.

I love 1/2 square triangles and it is amazing how many patterns can come out of them!!!

This is an odd size, so I hope Heidi doesn't mind adding fabric to it to make it useable.

I do love the pattern though. I wonder if it is a pattern that someone else has made before? Probably, but if not I would call it the "Lightening Star" block.

If you are interested in seeing more blocks for the swaps you can check out Flickr. The Circuit Block Party site is here and the 1st Wednesday Block Swap is here. As it is only the start of the swaps you can keep checking through the year to see all that we have done.

There is also a Quilting Bee Blocks which is open to everyone to share their blocks that they are doing for the 90 or more quilting swaps that are happening all over the globe. Click here to see the wonderful work others are doing.

Happy clicking....

My new must-have!!

2010-02-12T17:48:00.001+10:30

You know how your sewing room has pins EVERYWHERE?? (mine does!!)

Are you like me and after taking out a pin from the piece you are sewing, you just put it to the side or into the magnetic thingy to hold them?

Well, I have a new thingy called an Emery Pincushion Ring. I am amazed how good it feels and I actually use it (another good thing as I tend to buy and then throw in the cupboard!).

I sometimes have to walk to the kitchen table to pin on long pieces and I always forget the pins, then I have to go back and get them - but no more.

The other good thing is that it is filled with emery. This keeps your pins nice and sharp!! And we all love our pins to be sharp!

I also got an Emery Pincushion Mug to store the pins in when not in use.

Don't you just love the mug of hot chocolate? I bought one for my Mum as well. It was a cup of tea with a tea bag dangling on the side. If you are wondering - the 'M' is for Monika!

The talented lady that makes these is Dottyral. You can find her here on Etsy.

Go have a sticky peek - you will not be disappointed.

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-02-09T08:55:00.000+10:30

My birthday was yesterday and I spent a wonderful time with two very close friends (who are husband and wife). We dined at the new Vaserelli's restaurant in McLaren Vale. The weather was sooo hot but ofcourse it was perfect inside.

This is the absolutely beautiful lemonberry tart! It was like a cheesecake AND gluten free as well!

On the Saturday before, I went out with my hubby, his sister and her hubby for my birthday dinner.

Once again in McLaren Vale at the Salopian Inn. Truly beautiful and a dining experience.

This was the chocolate pudding! See the oozey goodness in the pudding?? Yuuummmyy!!

For my birthday, I got myself an iPhone and I have been having so much fun playing with the aps.

One of the aps is a 'polaroid' one. You take a photo, click on the ap, shake the beejeez out of the phone (just like shaking a polaroid after it comes out of the camera) and it slowly exposes and looks amazing. I know I will have heaps of fun with this one.

Great huh?? This is my little one who is ready to go to school.

I am going out to dinner with another friend on Friday night! Lets see what I have for dessert then!!

Have a great day!!

Another one??

2010-02-06T13:14:00.001+10:30

Yep, I have joined another quilting bee. Am I getting myself into deep water?? Lets see.

I am excited about this one as it is an Australian one and I will get my fabric in a couple of days NOT weeks!!

You can see all the cool photos of the blocks on our Flickr group 1st Wednesday Block Swap 2010.

Ofcourse, there will be all of mine right here.

March birthday blocks...

2010-01-28T11:37:00.001+10:30

Well, I am now into March for the Birthday Blocks. If you don't know what these are, click here for all the info.

For those in the know, see below!!

Mary requested a star block in blue and green. I was going to do a traditional block but then decided to do a wonky, funky star instead! I love this one and it was definately fun to make.

Ralu requested an Hourglass block in blue and purple. The pale blue has gorgeous little dots with lavender in them which goes really nicely with the lavender fabric. It is a pity it doesn't show up well in the photo.

Well, that is March done.....

On to April!

More February Birthday Blocks...

2010-01-25T16:52:00.000+10:30

Aren't the school holidays great!! I am able to get myself a bit of time to do these Birthday Blocks.

This block is for Susan who requested any pattern with lavender colours in a 5.5" size.

I decided to do a paper piecing block as I haven't paper-pieced before and thought it a good chance to try it
out. The middle is a bit wonky but overall I love the block. Will remember this one for a future quilt I think - it is called 'The Attraction Block' -just like yin and yang!!

The next block is for Jenn who requested a Tennessee pattern in solid black and batiks. This had to be a 12.5" block. It involved my favourite piecing at the moment - quick triangles. Love how many different patterns they make, like the stars that I am loving at the moment too.

Well, that's February done! There are two for March which I am getting myself ready to do.

Cari's Birthday Block

2010-01-24T18:14:00.002+10:30

I am on a roll!!

Here is Cari's block for her birthday on the 10th February (2 days after mine!!). This is for the LJ's Birthday Block Party that I have joined.

Cari requested any block, 10.5", in blues and greens. This is called a 'Double Wrench' and it was very quick and easy to put together.

I hope she likes it!

Heidi's Dutchman's Puzzle

2010-01-24T16:14:00.000+10:30

Here is the first block from our Circuit Block Party. It is for Miss January aka Heidi!!

I really enjoyed making this block especially once I concentrated on what I was doing by, firstly, cutting the right fabric and then, in the end, sewing in the correct order!! LOL!!!

Keep your eyes posted for some more blocks in the future.

Next in line is Miss February's! I can't wait to see what fabric and pattern Miss Feb will send.

Birthday Block Party

2010-01-21T22:23:00.002+10:30

Well, not really a party as such but I have joined two on-line quilting bees! The first one I told you about it here and the second one I only joined last week.

This quilting bee is called the Birthday Block Party. There are 19 of us from America, Canada, UK and ofcourse, here in the land of Oz. We all tell the others our birthday and what block we would like the others to make for us. This includes what colour, pattern and size. The others make the block to be sent out around the day of your birthday. How cute is that??

Well, I am a bit behind and I just posted my first block off today. It is for Amanda and she requested a 'wonky log cabin' in blues and greens. When I first read this for the colours I screwed my face up as I am NOT a fan of blue and green together. So, off I went to work and chose some fabrics and WOW, I loved them. So much that I went back the next day to cut more off to make a quilt out of the blues and greens!!

I actually had to undo some sewing and re-sew only to undo it again and re-sew it!! I tell you, since I had a migraine last week my brain has been fried!

Isn't the little owl in the middle so cute? It is from my favourite fabric at the moment. I told you about it here.

So, one block down and 17 more to go. And this is just for one of the quilting bees! I will post you the block I am making for the Circuit Block Party soon.

Oh, by the way, are you wondering what I asked for?? Wonky houses on a white background - size 12.5".
I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Auction for Haiti

2010-01-18T21:22:00.000+10:30

Tallgrass Prarie Studio is having an auction of some absolutely beautiful quilts. Here is what she says:

"Here's what I would like to do. I'm auctioning my neighborhood quilts and the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. I WILL MATCH WHATEVER IS EARNED FROM THE AUCTION. The auction will begin with this post and end on Friday at 8 a.m. central time.

So here's how it works. Leave a comment with
1. the color of the quilt your bidding on (blue, pink, green)
2. the amount of your bid
3. your email address

If you have the top bid, I will send you a paypal invoice for your quilt. When all the payments are received I will send out the quilts, and make a donation to the American Red Cross for double the amount raised."

I have put a bid on the green one and I am excited that sooo many bids are being put on to them. Check out her website and put on a bid!!

Help for Haiti...

2010-01-17T07:13:00.000+10:30

Craft Hope is a wonderful blog that sets you up with amazing opportunities to craft for charities or needs.

They have opened an etsy shop that benefits the doctors without borders who are now working in Haiti and are now needing more medicine and supplies. You can buy lovely handmade items there to benefit the doctors and people in Haiti or donate one of you own handmade items!!

Please help spread the word!

Ever so 'Charming'!!

2010-01-10T20:36:00.006+10:30

I am starting a new quilt from one of my favourite books at the moment...

I ofcourse bought it from Kirkbride Quilting - excellent shop for any quilting needs!!!

Anyway, I fell in love with the Charming Flowers pattern. It had my

block-of-the-moment in it ~ the stars that were also featured in my previous quilt, Star Cakes. I adore these stars!!

The main fabric, other than the stars and their partnered triangles, is from

a layer cake Beach House by Moda. It is an absolutely beautiful range - olde worlde!

This is giving a good peek at the fabrics but I don't want to show too much - it will spoil the surprise!

tablerunner no. 1

2010-01-06T10:16:00.002+10:30

This is the first of many tablerunners that I will be whipping up to help me practice my freemotion quilting!!

The fabric is Blossom by Moda.

I bought two jelly rolls of it a long time ago and was going to make a large quilt but ended up not liking it (I only did one block LOL) and then put the rest of the fabric in the cupboard.

As I mentioned in my previous blog - this year is the year of clearing out my UFO's and to utilise all the fabric that has been thrown into the back of the cupboard.

I will probably use some more of this fabric to make more table runners!

Practice makes perfect.

Star Cakes finished...

2010-01-06T09:53:00.002+10:30

well, the top at least is finished.

This was made from a bought pattern and I fell in love with the stars! At the moment that is my thing - stars.

I had a layer cake sitting around waiting for the perfect pattern and this was it. The fabric is Urban Couture by Moda and I didn't want to chop up the fabric into little bits as the print on the fabric was too bold and beautiful to do so.

Each of these stars is approx. 40" square!! The 10" square pieces of fabric only had to be cut into 2 triangles - perfect!
I will get it professionally quilted as I don't think learning to quilt on such a large item would be a good idea.
Overall, after loving the fabric, hating it during the piecing process, then loving it again as the last border was sewn on, I am quite thrilled with the result.

I only put it on my bed to take the photo but I am liking it on there. Looks like it has found its home once it is quilted.

I also made a little lap quilt with the left over pieces - this time chopping them up!!

I am not putting a border on it but just a binding.

No, I am not being lazy either LOL!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2010-01-06T09:35:00.000+10:30

Yes, I know it is nearly 1/2 way through January BUT Happy New Year everyone!!!

There is one major resolution that I will be making this year -

to be HAPPY!

That can mean alot or not. One thing that will make me happy is to commit myself to my quilting and get all of my UFO's done plus to learn new skills and new patterns. Already I have got my butt away from the computer and finished two quilt tops. Admittably, one only needed a border put on but still, it is finished.
I am also going to bite the bullet and learn to do my own quilting! There will be loads of table runners and cot quilts happening this year (LOL)!!!!

Another thing that will make me HAPPY is to lose the weight that has been bugging me for the past 5 years - but that is another story.

So, to all, have a happy, safe, crafty, creative New Year.

Purple Tuesday...and the last

2009-12-22T09:01:00.000+10:30

It is a sad thing to say but this is the last of the 'colour week' that Micayla has been hosting!!

Purple Tuesday was tacked on and I don't know how many people will be doing today but I had to show you my one and only purple item in my home....

Isn't she beautiful in all her snobbery???

She was made by a talented lady named Judy McCarthy, a textile artist.

I adore her stuck up nose and all too refined chin.

So, that is it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Purple Tuesday!!!

Black or White Monday...

2009-12-21T08:18:00.000+10:30

Well, there isn't alot to show. I don't have much of these two that is interesting to look at...

My tile splashback behind my stove!

The Stove!!

See, not much, hey?? Sorry for the fuzzy photos but I am feeling a bit fuzzy myself today!! My hands are a bit shaky and I couldn't hold the camera steady enough LOL.

I am off today to finish my Christmas shopping. Poor kiddlets are still asleep and I have to wake them up

:o(

I hope all have a great Black or White Monday!!!

Red Sunday...

2009-12-20T10:45:00.003+10:30

I LOVE RED!!! I love to wear red, it make me feel alive. But I am not going to show you my red clothes...

A beautiful decoration made by one of my boys!!

Part of the fruit platter we took to the BBQ last night - yummy!!

A toy my son got from his friends - it will crystalize!

Candy cane -need I say more!

Red Cellophane!!

Santa's hat!

From the books I am reading right now (I am a little

obsessed with them at the moment - hence no sewing

getting done!!)

Did I tell you I love red???

Have a Happy Red Sunday everyone....

:o)

Orange Saturday...

2009-12-19T08:04:00.000+10:30

Wow, and I thought Pink was going to be hard!!

My cup of tea this morning!

Part of a very large picture hanging in our hallway.

Part of the leadlight in a hallway we are renovating.

My husband's model Charger! He has quite a few model cars on his

mantel piece in his office.

Well, that is it!

Not a favourite of mine, considering when I was pregnant with my first child I was citrus colour mad - I had to have our plain kitchen re-tiled in orange, yellow and green glass tiles splashed amongst the white ones. That's when we bought the pictures (see one above) to go in that said kitchen and we still have the orange and yellow mugs.

Then we moved!! I got over my obsession with this combination of colours.

Happy Orange Saturday!!

Brown Friday...

2009-12-18T08:14:00.000+10:30

I am sooo going to miss doing this colour week!! It has been one of the main things I have looked forward to every morning when I get up. Luckily, it is the school holidays and I have had a bit more time on my hands to get the photos etc.

Anyway, it is Brown Friday! Apart from all the wood in my house (there is a lot), I wasn't too sure what I would find.

My most favourite pair of shoes (at the moment!). Brown and White Birkenstocks on my brown carpet!

A beautiful smelling (wish you could!) potpourri. It has chunks of frankincense and myrrh, granules of amber with added rose buds. You can smell it wafting through the air as you walk past plus you can rub the incense on your skin as a perfume!!

Fluffy Brown towels!

A stunning (I think) bag sculpture in my bedroom.

And I couldn't forget the 'wood' that is in my home!

The sun is shining today - yeah! I hope all have a great Brown Friday!!

cheers :o)

Blue Thursday...

2009-12-17T08:28:00.003+10:30

How appropriate!! A blue Thursday for a Blue Thursday!! Look at the sky - it is now pouring with rain and only yesterday it was near to 40C.

While I was outside, I though my darling dog, Tess, should need some water.....

My boys were having a play on the blue lounge in their blue pyjamas!!

My collection of blue teapots - the lighting inside is a bit dark due to the Blue Thursay!

Part of my Rooster.

And my very old Christmas decoration - from when my Grandmother was a child.

Enjoy your Blue Thursday where ever you are in the world!

Pink Wednesday...

2009-12-16T10:27:00.001+10:30

Ah, the colour pink. Not an easy one for me as I don't have anything pink at all!! I have never been the kind of girl who loved this colour but I can see how the colour pink makes people happy. I do love pink roses though, and I feel myself that pink is a perfect colour to compliament the green of the leaves.

Unfortunately, my roses are past their first flush and I only found one solitare rose worthy of a picture!!

I also scouted around for a few other pink objects - thread, fabric and my 2010 diary!!

Happy Pink Wednesday!!

Green Tuesday...

2009-12-15T17:53:00.000+10:30

My FAVOURITE colour! I am excited to share with you my favourite green things.

Just a small collection of my green pottery.

The luminous green leaves with a bunch of flowers on my mantlepiece in my bedroom.

A very old but extremely sentimental Christmas ornament that I absolutely love.

And not least, the view from my loungeroom - my beautiful green lucious tree that seems to glow!

I hope you enjoyed my Green Tuesday!!

Yellow Monday...

2009-12-15T08:12:00.000+10:30

I am following Kendall's Colour Week and have joined in the fun!

As today is a yellow day, I thought the flowers that my husband gave me would be very fitting.

I was vey upset the other day and he came home from work with a big bunch of beautiful lillies, daisies, carnations and gerberas. Certainly made me smile :o)

A Very Owly Christmas...

2009-12-11T08:37:00.003+10:30

I am loving Owls at the moment and it looks like alot of other people are too....

Here are a few I found on Etsy - my most favourite place for handmade things from all over the world.

I can't link the pictures (sorry!) but if anyone can let me know how, I would be eternally grateful!!!

The last picture is of fabric which we sell at Kirkbride Quilting. We have the owls on the blue background and it is my absolute favourite at the moment!! It is by Alexander Henry "In the Kitchen".

The Owl Mobile Pattern is from Craft Schmaft. I love her blog and I am constantly oogling her gorgeous and cute owls!

I hope you enjoyed the Owl Show!!

cheers

:o)

Up goes the tree!

2009-12-10T21:55:00.001+10:30

Finally on Sunday we put up the Christmas tree!

My husband and sons put up the tree while I was at work and then my boys and I decorated it!

I had the job of the lights and tinsel and Max and Tom had a ball hanging the ornaments. It was an absolute joy this year as they were old enough not to be too distracted with other things! The car racing on tv nearly took their attention BUT I kept them in line with my songs of 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' and 'Jingle Bells' (thats the only two songs I know from start to finish!)

Whats your favourite Christmas song? My boys love me singing Rudolph!

I hope you are enjoying your Christmas Tree where ever you may be in the world!

cheers...

:o)

Christmas Card Tutorial

2009-12-10T21:34:00.003+10:30

Firstly, hello strangers!! I know I have been very, very naughty (don't tell Santa) and have not been doing my blog for a while. It has been a bit hectic here and probaly everywhere else too!!

Anyway, I have started my christmas cards. I know, I know!! It is a bit late BUT if you are like me and like to make your cards but realised you are running out of time and need something ultra quick and something that still looks good, then read on.....

You will need:

* cardstock (any cardboard will do but I found the cards at Spotlight with matching envelopes)

* applique sheeting (vliesofix - the bonding material you use with appliques)

* pretty fabric of choice - I used Figgy Pudding! A great funky Christmas fabric range.

* template or cookie cutter of a nice christmas shape - a star maybe??

Fold the cardstock in half.

(Sorry for the side on view! I couldn't change it, no matter what I did!!!)

Iron on the applique sheeting to the back of your fabric. Draw on the shape with your template or cookie cutter on the paper side. Cut out shape and iron on to the front of the card. Use a scrap piece of fabric between the card and the iron to protect the card itself.

Voila!

You have a pretty funky card!!

These two were my first - I decided to go with the star and iron it straight on, not a bit crooked as in the photo. I didn't photograph the ones that I did after, but you can get the idea.

It would be fun to also bling it up a bit. Maybe even add the odd country looking button or two??

Enjoy!!

Retro Mummy fabric giveaway!!

2009-11-23T21:28:00.000+10:30

Hi all

If you love fabric giveaways PLUS reading great blogs, you can't go past Retro Mummy!! Click on here and you will be sent to there!!

Enjoy and good luck....

:o)

a little bit of sewing...

2009-11-16T17:27:00.001+10:30

I am not usually a seamstress but I loved this book (bought from Kirkbride Quilting) and I have always wanted to do something with these two fabrics, so, voila - a skirt was made.

Don't you just love it?? Well, I do!

I think the placement of the pockets is very cute and a little bit different.

I am not game to photograph it with me in it - my legs are better left to people's imagination!

I am sure there will be plenty more skirts that I will be doing in the future.

I just have to get a nice chocolate brown top to go with this one....

:o)

Pay It Forward - post no. 2

2009-11-13T23:30:00.002+10:30

Hi all

Just a refresher on the Pay It Forward quilting bee.

I have 3 opening possies for anyone who wishes to join me in the fantastic game!!

If you need more info, check out the first post in October...

:o)

Circuit Block Party...

2009-11-11T09:26:00.000+10:30

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen (can't exclude them - have you checked out quiltdad.com yet!), just a quick update on the Block Party senario...

(drum roll)

I have now joined the Circuit Block Party and I am soooo excited and I can't wait for the month to arrive when we all get started.

To say I am jumping up and down in my seat is an understatement.

We will also have a blog that you can visit to check out all the fantastic work that we will be doing.

circuitblockparty.blogspot.com

At the momento it is under construction BUT keep your eyes posted for any news on our inital post!!

cheers
:o)

Fabric from Hawthorne Threads

2009-11-07T19:07:00.000+10:30

I have ordered some scrumptiously divine fabric from Hawthorne Threads Fabric Designers.

Now, you are probably wondering where I got to this fantastic place for fabric.....

I am a follower of Erin Crompton Design and after looking at her blog I was linked to Sew-Fantastic!!! On this blog (whom I am now following and I am soooo glad that Erin linked her!!) there is a fabric giveaway.

I am a big fan of giveaways - who isn't! - BUT to actually find a website with such a large range of beautiful fabric is the best.

I fell in love with Laura Gunn's 'Lantern Bloom' and ordered a few from the range plus others to compliment - and the prices were great too (even with the US dollar being great in Australia at the moment).

Go have a look - you will be impressed too!!

cheers
:o)

Block Party! - update

2009-11-06T08:31:00.004+10:30

~~Yeh, I have joined a Block Party~~. This will be my first ever and I am really excited to join in with some awsomely talented people. It is a virtual quilting bee.

To join in, and to get more info, just go to this blog - blockpartyquilting.com

I can't wait - yeah!!!!!

See you all there (or be square!)

:o)

~~N.B. I was a bit late~~ ~~BUT I was able to join another virtual quilting bee called Nittany Block Party! I will give more info once I know what is happening. Stay tuned....~~

Nope - not in that one either!! You have to be quick around here BUT look at my latest post on the Circuit Block Party - I am IN!!!

How sweet!

2009-10-27T08:54:00.000+10:30

Aren't these adorable - well, one especially!

The cutsie green print is my absolute favourite at the moment. I am going to purchase more - just because!!

I am making a fresh, crisp quilt I saw in a magazine. In the future I will post you the different blocks as I am doing them.

Hope you enjoyed my fabrics!

cheers :o)

Pay it forward...

2009-10-22T12:01:00.000+10:30

I am participating in some 'pay it forward' fun over at http://waterfallcascade.blogspot.com/ and am continuing the fun here. I have three spots to fill for anyone who wants to join in too. I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people. I have 365 days to do it in…

What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well:

You must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(Just cut and paste this one if you like changing 'http:waterfallcascade.blogspot.com' to 'http://missmonnyquilts.blogspot.com/' - which I did!)

I am looking forward to this sooo much....I hope you can join me :o)

Spring is in the air...

2009-10-22T11:08:00.000+10:30

I love spring!

It brings all the happiness and peace into my life. After the cold, dark Winter I relish in the warm (not hot!) sunshine, the smell from the flowers wafting and the little critters busy with their daily doings.

Are you a sunshine bunny or do you love to rug up in the cool crisp Winter??

Peekaboo...

2009-10-17T08:00:00.001+10:30

Here is a sneek peek at the next quilt in line...I am in love with stars at the moment and these babys are BIG! I had the fabric for about one year and finally decided on the design that would utilise the fantastic patterns. The fabric is Moda Urban Grey.

It is going to be quite big - approx. 80" square.

I am not too sure about the primary and secondary colours together, but we will see how this one turns out. Have you every bought fabric (and quite a bit) and then weren't so sure about it?? I am sure most people have.

Anyway, I would love to do a 'Wonky Stars' quilt soon, because, as I said before I love stars!!!

cheers

:o)

Matryoshka finished!!

2009-10-15T09:15:00.002+10:30

It is finished!! I am sooo happy and it looks great hanging in the shop for all to see. If you do wish to see in person, the shop is Kirkbride Quilting in Strathalbyn!! There are kits available to purchase if you really love it and need to have one just for yourself.

What do you think?? Here are a couple of close ups of the quilt, the backing and the binding. I can't quite remember the quilt fabric but in future I will let you know what it is. I can't wait to finish the other two that I have waiting in line.

It was our wedding Anniversary yesterday - 9 years! Those years seem to have flown but gone slow at the same time. Happy Anniversary Darling :o)

Well, off to get the other quilts finished. I will give you a snippet of what is to come tomorrow.

cheers

:o)

Ah, sweet holidays...

2009-10-12T20:12:00.003+10:30

Hello all. Sorry for not blogging for a while - the school holidays were on and it was a bit difficult to get to the computer. My quilting was put on hold for a while too!!

Anyway, we did end up going to a little town on the coast for a bit of R & R (the kids and I only, my poor hubby had to stay home and work). The boys love going there to see their Grandparents and I can get to chit chat with my Mum about quilting!! Win win situation! I sell my Mum's quilts in my Etsy shop as well as mine (in the future) - missmonny.etsy.com. We have yet to fill the shop with handmade goodies. If you pop in you can see I sold a beautiful blue and cream quilt that my Mum made. I was so thrilled to have someone in America buy it and I am certain it is now on someones bed looking absolutely stunning.

Anyway, here is a couple of snap shots of what the boys got up to when they were on holidays....

This is one of the rabbits my Dad is wanting to breed. How cute is this?? Now, my boys want one each...

This is what my 7 yr old caught! The shell was attached to a long 5ft piece of seaweed.

Ah, don't you love sunsets? They enjoyed running back and forth through

the mud!! Until one of the gumboots got stuck and in went the foot in the mud!

When we got back we went to see my Grandfather who was turning 90! What a ripe old age that is. I am in the process of getting some coins and notes from when he was born (1919) and framing them for his present. I thought that to be a good idea and I can't wait till I see the finished piece.

I am also sooo close to finishing my Babooska quilt - only a couple of inches to go on the binding, put on my label that I printed and attach a hanging sleeve. It is initially going to be hung but then will be 'draped' on a bed, so the hanging sleeve will be only basted on.

So so close.....

See you next time.....

:o)

Matryoshka Quilt

2009-10-02T08:07:00.005+09:30

I've nearly finished my beautiful (if I do say so myself!) Babooshka quilt. That's not the actual name of the design, just my name. The design comes from the Very Talented Roslie Quinlain (http://www.rosiequinlandesigns.typepad.com/) and the name is Matryoshka Quilt.

Aren't the colours to die for?? This will be my first largeish quilt actually finished. Did I tell you I was fairly new to this game? Anyway, after starting work in a quilt shop, I just can't stop and the motivation I now get for all the fabrics, patterns, books and ofcourse, people is the absolute best!! Everything on this quilt is a first for me - machine applique (one of the Babooshka's is hand appliqued and then I bit the bullet and tried it on my NEW Janome - and loved it), fixing a very big problem with my non-1/4 inch seam (I now adjust my needle to the right and, presto, a perfect 1/4 inch seam), choosing the fabric and ofcourse, finishing the actual project! What do you think?

I can't wait to show you it hanging up. It will be hung for a little while and then I would love to have it draped on one of those wooden quilt things I have seen in so many peoples studios.

Has anyone else done this quilt as well? I would love to see it. I found it to be the perfect 'satisfaction' quilt for a beginner as it had easy piecing as well as simple applique but with STUNNING results.

Cheers
Monika

Quilt in the making...

2009-09-28T18:40:00.002+09:30

This is a little quilt that I am putting together from left over Layer Cake fabric. I fell in love with this Basic Grey by Moda print and just had to have it - so I bought 2 Layer Cakes!! Didn't really know what I was going to do with it, but I loved it anyway. Well, this one shown here is just a quick one - a no-brainer, as I told my husband (he still can't understand how I can have so many quilts on the go at one time!!). I am thinking I may like this one better than the one with the stars on it. That one you will just have to wait and see later on. Cheers Monika :o)

WELCOME!

2009-09-28T08:41:00.004+09:30

Hello everyone...This post is all about welcoming you to my blog. I LOVE to quilt and hoard fabric. I will show you what I am working on, what I would love to do (always have more than one project on at the time with lots in the pipeline!) and sometimes what my world looks like.Thankyou for joining me and my little world, I look forward to your company. Please feel free to make comments. CheersMonika :o)