Hats Hats Hats

That's right, HATS! I have 34 school hats on my line - all LOST PROPERTY. I think my washing machine got a bit of a fright. Next term is the NO HAT NO PLAY rule, so I'm sure they'll be in hot demand when school goes back in.

PS. I AM the "Lost Property Queen" at school

Ta Da - my lovely new scarf - I'm thrilled with it

. . . and the quilting has begun on my box quilt

I just love hand quilting - just so relaxing and satisfying

and what a great result you get in the end.

Holiday Bliss

Time in my garden does my soul the world of good

I've been having a bit of fun with the "hook"

Being a crotchet novice, I'm a little embarrassed to say that this pattern is the Morning Glory Shawl from Ravelry. It doesn't look a lot like the picture - especially at the edge.

On the other hand, I'm thrilled with the result, as it actually looks like a pattern. I am blocking it at the moment, and the cats are very confused. They keep pulling the pins out.

Time is so precious and I'm enjoying every moment of this holiday

It all started with a new chair

I bought myself a new gas lift chair for my sewing - and it came . . .

in a BOX

The 3 children got busy and began planning

They worked together, co-operated and had a wonderful afternoon

As I was busy gardening, I was quietly watching on, and feeling a warm sense of pride and happiness at how they were playing so nicely together.

They might be "big" kids now, but hey . . .

everybody loves a new BOX!

. . . and there wasn't even any tears before bedtime!

Today they are out again, taking videos with ipods - great value, that chair!

A good Yarn in Springtime

After my triumphant success with my last shawl, I decided to try another pattern. This one is the Morning Glory Shawl, that is on Ravelry. Until I took these photos, I'd been having trouble seeing any pattern at all, but now, I see it!

. . . and what a lovely start to the holidays, with all these beautiful flowers in my garden

I came home from school yesterday EXHAUSTED after a grueling term . . .

and

went

straight

out

into my garden and weeded 'till dark,

and marveled at all the beauty it held.

-Some of my lovely flowers can also be found here-

A new HANDBAG for Spring

I've been working on this idea in my head for a few weeks now. I loved my last bag so much, but was ready for a new one, and a bit smaller, so I don't have to cart around so much "junk"

All fabric was "in stock" and I used the MOD BAG Pattern from Nikki. That's not the MOD, I hear some of you cry . . .

. . . well, because I wanted a smaller bag, I just folded the pattern in a bit, and took a few wild guesses! Worked out pretty well I think. Test run was today, and I loved it.

KD fabric on the front that I'd been saving for a special project.

. . . and not only did Miss 14 have a birthday blossom, and a teenage girls party, she had this magnificent cake, dripping in chocolate.

Blossoms and Blooms

Very excited to find this Split Corona open when I came home from school today

Buds of my Yellow Daisy always fascinate me

This is my daughter, our Max pussy cat and her wonderful "Birthday Blossom" tree.

It flowers each year without fail, exactly on her birthday.

Prunus Elvins - a wonderful ornamental blossom tree

Red Tulips at the front door, and Freesias on the other side

Love in the mist is beginning to bust into flower

Beautiful frilly Lavendar

My daffodils again

A lovely start to the weekend. I hope the weather will be good and I can be out there with my wonderful flowers tomorrow.

Happy Springtime to all

A week of Inspiration for Handwork

My mum came to stay for the Winter and brought her knitting machine with her.

She made just a few scarves, and then a few more.

Here is some of her lovely work

Well done Mum!

Lots of lovely Spring Pleasures in my garden. I enjoy my daily walks, inspecting every plant.

This week is a special week over at Victoriana Quilters. There are going to be links to blogs and inspiration to make things while you are 'on the go' eg taking kids here and there and waiting, traveling on trains and buses, car craft (as a passenger of course). There are also HEAPS of great things to look at on the site, almost information overload, so grab a coffee and go and have a look. On Tuesday, I will be featured with a special tutorial. There are even some prizes to be won. Whoo Hoo, shame I couldn't stay home and sew - work calls!

Just a little excited

I've never made anything like this, and I am so proud of myself.

Noro Silk Garden Lite 3040

Toscane Shawl

and have a look at me here

Some more Spring pleasure

. . . and a little spot of Father's Day drawing at school