Flower Garden

Some Sewing

2012-02-17T23:52:00.001+11:00

I was thinking that I hadn't put any sewing on my blog for awhile. It's not that I haven't been doing any, but it's been a bit on the quiet side in my sewing room lately. I have been managing some hand quilting with the odd TV show

The more I quilt this one, the softer it gets and the more I am loving it.

Some quilts just have to be "OFM"

Only For Me

You may remember it from all my scraps on the floor last year.

I did manage to finally finish my "boxes" quilt, and even hang it up, in pride of place in our lounge room - right above where I sit on the couch.

I love it too!

(I'm sure I have Quilt Addiction)

2012-02-14T19:39:00.000+11:00

Meet Lucille

Meet Billy

Billy and Lucille, the cockateils . . . Master Flowergarden 11's newest friends

in our garden

2012-02-09T21:40:00.000+11:00

Cosmos Beauty

Love the sun on them in the morning

This is my newest Hollyhock.

It's actually frilly inside. I'll have to take another photo to show you.
I love the dark dark red

This is Jude the Obscure - a magnificent thing of beauty. We had a tiny bit of rain which was most welcome by all my plants.

This is Voodoo

I've been working on this with Confidore, as something has been eating it.

It's looking a lot better.

Nothing like some tender loving care.

. . . and YES, these are Zinnias. I think they're great I've really been enjoying them - such interesting and colourful flowers. I raised these from tiny seeds. A great sense of satisfaction.

Now for the first day of school - 3 children at 3 different schools this year.

We've started with a "bang"
Yr 12, Yr 9, Yr 6

And some summertime petunias, you just can't beat 'em!

Aren't these lovely with the little white petticoats.

Life

2012-02-05T20:02:00.000+11:00

Well, the school year has begun. As of tomorrow, we will all be returning to some kind of routine, giving the feeling that the new year has started for real. It was a staggered return last week, and then this weekend, the last minute getting of books, and school ties, and bucket hats.

I am realising more and more, that it's the beauty in my garden that calms my nerves.

I had an urge to take photographs of flowers in the last few days, as my head fills up with school and appointments, and lessons to plan.

I feel very lucky, and grateful that I have this passion in my soul.

A few steps outside either my front or back door, takes my head space to a completely different planet.

This year I am trying to simplify my life a little.

Just a little . . . as I only take small steps, and slowly,

but I'm going to try.

I'm starting with all the little piles of papers ALL around the house

LOOK OUT! I'm on a mission!

Creative Friends

2012-01-27T22:55:00.000+11:00

Holidays are coming to a close, but still time for some dear friends to visit.

It's true that "old friends are good friends"

They know who we are

they still like us

they know our shortcomings

as well as our strengths

I recently made this zip bag from a panel of a quilt that was lying around.

Yes, lying around with many other panels, all made up of little scraps...

There was plenty of co-ordinating fabric in "the stash"

and many zippers at the ready.

Well I just HAD to, my lovely friend had brought her crotcheting project

in this!

. . . and we have known each other long enough for me to protest, and get busy making her a new one.

There - MUCH better! She was thrilled and delighted, and I'm sure her project will move along a lot faster now. Nothing like ACCESSORIES I say!

While I was busy with that and we were chatting and catching up on all the news, she and her lovely daughter got busy designing and preparing these 2 fantastic cushions.

I had a bit of fun with the free motion foot to make them just that little bit more

"Fancy Pants"

We all had a lovely time, making and creating together.

There's something very comforting about old friends.
Thanks Dani and Brenda

I look forward to seeing you again soon.

I made a NEW bag

2012-01-25T11:51:00.001+11:00

The Panel Bag

You Sew Girl!

by Nichole Mallalieu

Pattern has made me look like a Pro

I love it - big enough to carry everything I need, including my diary, for the new year "organised Annie"

. . . just a little sneak peak at my work space while I was making it

Look what I've been doing ...

2012-01-24T19:47:00.002+11:00

My clever friend showed me how to sew a book!

A bit of cotton and some paper

Some folding

Some precision stitching

and again

oops, I forgot to take a photo of the finished product, but now I'm onto my second one. Lots of fun!

Baby baby baby

2012-01-19T19:39:00.003+11:00

This is our newest baby in the house

A little canary - just out of the nest and determinded to learn how to fly with the big boys.

And this one is little Chick Chick Eve

Ever growing . . .

Lots of time spent gazing and wondering . . .

Another one still in the nest . . .

Lucky it's still holiday time

2012-01-16T13:27:00.002+11:00

These are some of the things I love about my hobby:

Flannel Love

Fun Fabric

Admiring other people's work

Colour

Accessories

Possibilities

Variety

The Cute Factor

BOOKS!

Quilt Dreams

And more quilt dreams

Clever Friends

I interrupt transmition now for a quick shot of my beautiful kids

Friendship

Frivolity

Laughter

Finishes

and Creativity

Millrose Cottage in Ballan is a dream for anyone remotely interested in Quilting . . . or Lunch!

Home among the Gum Trees

2012-01-12T14:02:00.002+11:00

Been home to the farm to see the family

Beautiful skies - looked like it was on fire in some of my photos

This Teddy sits on mum's kitchen window sill - she found it in the paddock one day and rescued it.

The kids sat out on the deck and played guitar and sang

It was lovely to hear
I used to do that with my sisters . . .

Salvia Vanhutei (say van hoo ti I). I love this one and brought home some in a pot to plant in my Flowergarden

One of the great views on the farm

A tin chook for target practise

"go Pete"

. . . and then home again at my house, and our little Chick Chick Eve has grown and now has some speckled feathers.

Still beautiful!

Bright Lights Big City

2012-01-05T23:07:00.000+11:00

WOW WOW WOW - look at us all "oggaling" at Lara's FANTASTIC sewing room and stash cupboards. All purpose built and simply "droolable"!
What a fantasic day we all had together - thanks girls

"On Tour" we were - Rathdown Remnants and GJ's

and then lunch at the Studio of Nikki M, and admiring all her wares - and also her recent quilting/piecing foray - very impressive Nic (quietly smiling on the inside)

A little bit of Tinny Girl . . . and an original too

Ric Rac and I hit the big city and had a great day out

Whooo Hooo

We felt very pleased with ourselves

. . . but it was good to get back to our "sleepy town"

Chick Chick Eve

2012-01-02T17:02:00.000+11:00

A proud mother Elizabeth

Nice and fluffy now and walking on it's own

cheep cheep cheep cheep

The JOY of new life

New Year Approaches

2011-12-31T22:01:00.000+11:00

Some more Table Runner LOVE

Cosmo Cricket

SSCS

Here is my lovely gift I received from May Britt in Norway

It was the first gift I opened, and was thrilled to recieve something so special from the other side of the world.

This lovely donut pincushion was in the bag too. I just LOVE pincushions!

I have already tested this one out and I love it.

This is Master Flowergarden's Canary (Su-Lee). She sat on this nest before Christmas, and the result . . .

. . . was this lovely baby (at the back) which he named Su-Lee Junior!

Su-Lee is back on the nest again, and we think the next baby will be called NOEL!

. . . and on the EVE of a brand new year 2012, we have had some very exciting news in our garden this afternoon. The birth of Chick Chick Eve. We have been watching our Clucky Hen Elizabeth, for what seems a VERY LONG time now, and today, she had some wonderful success for all her hot hot sitting.

Happy Christmas to one and all, and a very

Happy New Year

2012

from all in our

Flowergarden

A garden walk before Christmas

2011-12-21T12:47:00.000+11:00

Cosmos coming again - love 'em

My budlia in full glory in the corner of my garden

I am loving the Hollyhocks this year. I have a few different colours and they are just so pretty

Lots of lovely blue with the "Aggies"

A place for all flowers in my garden

My birdies are giving me lots of pleasure

A baby canary no less!

A view through my Canadian Maple

Good old climbing geraniums on the fence.

. . . and a Christmas Lilly from my sister Jayne a couple of years ago, and now flowering right on queue for Christmas - 3 flowers for 3 girls in the family

And for my Mum, a Christmas Table Runner

Hope you like it Mum

"Love in the Pots"

2011-12-17T21:14:00.000+11:00

Last weekend, I had a lovely time, a busy time, with the Main Road Market in Ballarat.

My sister travelled down from Mildura, to join me on my stall called:

Love in the Pots
I've spent ALL week looking for the photos that I thought I'd accidently deleted.

We had lots and lots of plants,

Olive Oil, fresh from the farm,

Home made Lemon Cordial,

Garden Cards,

Seeds

and lots more

Miss Flowergarden was a brilliant help on the day, and was a real "stayer"

"and the money kept rolling in . . . "

Thanks for coming Fiona, and for your support -

It was great to do a market together

. . . and the load was a lot lighter on the way home. The weather was great, the crowd was strong and steady, and it was a great day.

I think it's beginning to look a "bit" like Christmas,
but I'm nowhere near up to it yet. Still 4 days of school to go. Looking forward to holidays soon.

SSCS

2011-12-07T23:21:00.000+11:00

Secret Santa has been to Ballarat Australia

It was such a secret, I have no idea who it is . . .

but I do know it comes from Norway

I just love them - 5 little crotched Christmas Hearts to hang on my tree

Thank you Secret Santa

I'm looking forward to my next parcel on

Christmas Day

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-03T08:55:00.000+11:00

This year, Miss Flowergaren and I decided we would try and MAKE a tree for Christmas. There was much discussion, and not much encouragement from the the other flowers in the garden . . . but it didn't stop us.
We chipped away at our plan, and have come up with a lovely tree. The other, not so encouraging flowers, had to eat some humble pie, as they had to agree, that we did a pretty good job!
It's beginning to look like Christmas around here.

Now reports are over, there has been the soft whirrr of the sewing machine, humming from my room. I have finished a little cot quilt for my old boss, who has a new little grandson.

-I can almost "smell" the holidays approaching-

Placemats

2011-11-27T14:36:00.000+11:00

Taa Daa

Here are the placemats. I have just one to go as I ran out of binding. My challenge will be to finish that last one and not leave it sitting there, lonley in my sewing room for 5 years!

This was my ingenious idea . . . I have one child that just can't keep food on his plate and makes an awful mess when he eats. Last time I made mats, I didn't even make him one, as it would have been putrid after one meal.

This time, I had a "lightbulb moment"

I backed his placemat with the PVC coated fabric. I put a different binding on it so we can tell when it's the other way around. When he has a meal, he just turns it over, and then has to wipe it clean.

So far so good - I was pretty pleased with myself.

2011-11-26T17:36:00.000+11:00

I've been busy in my little nursery down the side of the house, getting ready for my Plant Market on 11th December - MAIN RD Ballarat. I went last year and it was lots of fun.

It's a Christmas Market

My 2 pussy cats keep me busy down there, and I loose all sense of time. I've had a couple of evenings out there until dark, but no gardening today - RAIN RAIN RAIN. Just as well, as I was able to work on my Place Mats to go with my Table Runner I made last week.

Pictures tomorrow.

Natural Light

2011-11-23T22:56:00.000+11:00

Here's a few photos of 'the' quilt in natural light

I know I'm just showing off . . . but I do LOVE it!

Just a short break in transmission here and tomorrow it will be . . .

back to REPORTS!

A new Table Runner a la "Aunty Cookie"

2011-11-22T20:25:00.000+11:00

The new table runner is complete, and when I do a few more reports, I am going to work on some place mats.

I've had this panel from Aunty Cookie for ages, and was not sure what to do with it, and didn't want to cut into it. I think I have found the perfect solution. Now I will see it every day.

I've been quietly working on this quilt, handquilting with TV. I've fiddled with the colours just for effect, but it's finally done! Just the binding to go now.

I love it! Thanks Maria for teaching me.

Seen quieter days

2011-11-19T20:10:00.001+11:00

Not only did my beautiful pussy cat Max, break his tail (which I have to assure you is getting better day by day), my no. 1 Master Flowergarden 16 broke his kneecap!

Disco Bowling!!

(I must assure you also, that he is getting better day by day too)

I just HAD to go off to Sewjourn for a couple of nights away from it all . . .

and S E W !

Unfortunately I didn't get to do any of my spiderweb selvedge quilt, but I took it to put up on the design wall, and it has inspired me to get back to it. Thanks to the girls who gave me their edges. Contributions greatfully received.

I did start working on this - I think of few of the blocks are a bit 'wrong way round' - that design wall at Sewjourn is good. They are just sitting there so don't worry. Can you believe that I was in such a rush to get home to the injured, that I left both of these quilts in Lancefield!!! Thanks Karen for seeing them and Nikki for posting them home.

Then back to school, not really knowing what to do, so I cut a big bunch of flowers from my garden and got the Grade 5's to draw with pastels. This was one of my favourites. They did a fabulous job, and enjoyed the exercise. They were all so good, I put them all up in the Art Room and it has made a wonderful display. I felt a little like this fellow below by Tuesday 4pm. I don't think I'll do paper folding with Preps again!

On top of all this, it is now Report Writing time . . . so I have cut out a new table runner!

Roses in Springtime

2011-11-09T18:29:00.002+11:00

From the top left . . . we have Albertine,Jayne Austin, Jayne and Albertine again, Bergundy Ice, and Dearest, some more Burgundy and below a little Albertine, then a spot of Pierre de Ronsard and finishing with a petal of Dearest.

and

wouldn't you know it, the rain has just started to fall. I hope they are not all ruined.

I do LOVE my roses!

Another lovely day in my Flowergarden

2011-11-05T23:00:00.002+11:00

What a difference a sunny day makes

. . . and look who I found planted in my garden

yes, it was Max!

(looking very pleased with himself)

Patience Rewarded

2011-11-03T20:44:00.002+11:00

Yes! THIS is what I've been patiently waiting for

Flowers and Quilt Shows

2011-11-01T20:46:00.017+11:00

A beautiful Ranunculus from Lambly - still can't do the video (any ideas greatfully received)

Dianthus Icing Sugar - in full bloom at my front door

I also went to the Ballarat Quilters Exhibition at the weekend just gone.

These were a few of my favourites

This Dear Jane reminded me that I really could get around to finishing mine. I have the book and a small selection of fabric. My dear friend keeps telling people I've nearly finished it.

I do love it!

I thought this window view quilt was very interesting. It appealed to me and my love of gazing out of windows

A trip to Lambley with mum

2011-10-27T22:17:00.005+11:00

Lots and lots of exciting things happening in my Spring Garden at the moment.

However, combine that with a week long visit from my beautiful mum, and the fact that I have just changed over computers at school - I am having trouble working out how to blog. It's all different from before with different buttons, different commands, and I'm having to call in lots of tech support for "Master 16 Flowergarden" who is an IT Wiz Kid thank goodness!

I'm certainly not.
The top 2 are from my garden, a lovely frilly Poppy, and a beautiful Geum (not sure that is how you spell it), but just simple and beautiful - I love it.

Then I have tried to be a bit clever with a video. Mum and I went out to our favourite Nursery on Wednesday, and there were SO many beautiful pictures that I thought this would be a good way to share them. I hope it works.

Enjoy

Don't think it worked - will keep trying

Sister love

2011-10-17T21:34:00.005+11:00

Go and see what my clever sister is up to - leave her a comment - she'd be ever so pleased. I think she is wonderful the way she creates things.

Painting with colour and scraps

2011-10-12T21:59:00.003+11:00

Working on 2 different ones on the one day - hmmm, must be my day off work!

A spot of SCRAPTACULAR

2011-10-09T23:06:00.007+11:00

Amidst my holidays, I've been beavering away on a bit of Patchandi Scraptacular

Last night around midnight, I pieced the top together and pinned it to the curtains

My eldest Flower Garden Child was not too sure about the patterns he could see, but once it was finished, he got the idea, even though he wasn't 100% happy with the concept.

A random edge with the left overs and it's time to go back to school tomorrow

I had a lovely day today, visiting 2 gardens, belonging to friends, and going to a design market.

This Boronia was spectacular, and I am very tempted to try growing some in my garden.

I did love this touch in the garden

. . . and as for this garden, they described it as their "Tulip Festival Garden", and they weren't too far wrong there. It was SPECIAL

I just drank in the beauty and colour

and it was a lovely finish to my holidays.

Some Sun in my Garden

2011-10-04T10:01:00.002+11:00

Hats Hats Hats

2011-09-29T10:47:00.002+10:00

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

2011-09-27T14:00:00.002+10:00

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

2011-09-26T12:06:00.003+10:00

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

2011-09-24T18:31:00.003+10:00

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

2011-09-19T17:33:00.005+10:00

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

2011-09-16T19:12:00.003+10:00

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

2011-09-12T20:42:00.003+10:00

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

2011-09-10T15:18:00.004+10:00

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

2011-09-05T18:49:00.002+10:00

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

Spring has sprung in my Flowergarden

2011-09-04T20:14:00.002+10:00

I'd forgotten how much fun it was making size 1 pyjama pants

A little hooky with a friend

2011-08-30T20:10:00.005+10:00

Inspired by Buttontree Lane, Annette Petavy Design and A Pieceful Life

Challenging the brain quite, but really enjoying it

. . . and a cushion for a friend who really wanted to go to Paris, but ended up getting a cabin at the beach instead.

Opendrawer - Melbourne

2011-08-28T12:11:00.003+10:00

I had a weekend in Melbourne recently.

My friend took me to this most wonderful textile gallery type shop in Camberwell.

Although I knew it, I was surprised and terribly excited to see some of my work on the shelves FOR SALE!!!!!

In such a fancy, gorgeous shop

If you're in Melbourne, check it out, it's worth a visit.

Hartwell Villiage, Toorak Road, Camberwell

Whether the Weather

2011-08-17T16:25:00.003+10:00

A finished product here - I think it is the cold windy rainy weather that makes me want to work with wool. This is a new home for my crotchet hooks

I just happened to have the perfect fabric in my stash for the inside

I went to a Woollen Mill last week and bought some off cuts. I am putting together 2 cushions which I'm sure my 2 pussy cats will be happy about.

. . . and Deborah passed on this lovely knowledge and I am . . .

HOOKED!

sorry, couldn't help myself with that one!

Encouraging Gardeners of the Future

2011-08-12T20:19:00.002+10:00

I couldn't help myself when the days were dark and the daffs were just starting to come out. I had to take a lesson on The Promise of Spring

Look what I'm finding in my garden

A beautiful sunny day here today and everyone was smiling, well, almost everyone!

Straw Blowing Winter Trees

2011-08-05T21:58:00.002+10:00

At school the other week, we had a great time with ink and straws.

I showed them my photographs of the bare Winter Trees and using 6B pencils, the children drew the trunks.

They looked superb! I was thrilled with all of them.

Just to show you that my sewing room still exists, although I haven't been doing much sewing lately. Some crocheting, some TV, some school concert costumes and a spot of gardening.

Perhaps I'll whip up some new PJ pants this weekend . . .

My Favourite Day of the Week

2011-07-27T20:39:00.003+10:00

A frosty morning meant a lovely day for gardening

I am lucky enough to be able to stay home each Wednesday and do as I please

Today I spent it in my Garden

There's some beautiful things out there even though we've been having so much drizzle lately

I noticed tonight that the days are getting longer

Spring must be on it's way

Love a good Y A R N . . .

2011-07-24T21:17:00.002+10:00

My sister gave me this gorgeous yarn for my birthday and I thought hmmmm ....

I'll make myself a new crotchet caddy case! Just beautiful colours.

My teaching partner turns 30 tomorrow, so I have made her a birthday cushion

. . . and so another weekend endeth

Sunsets

2011-07-19T19:09:00.002+10:00

This was the view from my front yard when I got home from feeding baby lambs the other day. I couldn't help but capture the moment. Lucky I had my iPod handy.

They were sooooooo cute!

A little bit of garden, but mainly sewing

2011-07-13T22:22:00.003+10:00

Beautiful cyclamen at my back door

More scraps!

A little bit of my "Kelly" seasons quilts

. . . and a little Nikki Bag for a young friend

More Scrap Playing

2011-07-12T10:13:00.000+10:00

. . . do you think I may have a "thing" for RED?

Cleaning Up . . .

2011-07-08T23:23:00.002+10:00

Mum's been helping me have a clean up of all my (many) piles in my sewing room. She's been very encouraging, and I can hardly believe how good it looks. While going through said piles, I did come across all these wonderful bright scraps - far too good to put in the "round file". In order to de-stress from all the tidying, I quietly started making some blocks while mum was having her afternoon nap. Don't look too closely at the uneven bits, but I really like it. Much better than in a pile in a snap lock bag.

. . . and thanks for all the lovely comments about my blocks inside blocks. It wasn't 'till I looked closely that I realised that I was showing it to you upside down, so here it is again.

. . . time for bed

Boxes inside boxes

2011-07-07T16:39:00.001+10:00

Quilt top finished

Melting Moments

2011-07-06T23:13:00.003+10:00

This was what was left of the yummy biscuits at our Quilt Class the other day

This blue quilt belonged to one of the other ladies - just stunning in the strong colours and contrast.

Mine with the stripes is a bit harder to see, but gives you lots of sneaky illusions of different angels for the boxes. I'm thrilled with how it is turning out. I'll take some more pictures tomorrow in the light, as I've put a couple of boarders on now.

Bleak and cold, but I can't help LOVING these trees, silhouetted on the setting sun landscape across our wonderfully FULL Lake Wendouree.

A Quilt Walk

2011-07-03T12:55:00.006+10:00

I made some gloves for my sister's birthday - I hope she likes them. I got help from my friend with A House in the Country - thanks Lizzy. And just for the record, how could anyone think these little guys with the eggs are scary? I guess one of them could have been having a bad day . . .

A few posts back I was raving about this wonderful woman who made quilts and was brave enough to "put herself out there" and have a solo exhibition. She has made a little film about it, and if you'd like to see it, click above and have a little glimpse of A Pieceful Life. With just a "little" bit of encouragement, she has started her own blog, and I'm pleased to say, that she is "hooked" and is loving it. Go over and say "hi" and welcome her to Blogland. I've started a class with her to make one of the lovely quilts, and have used the Kaffe Fasset Shot Cottons with stripes to build my blocks. The advice was "no stripes" - I didn't know that before my decision, and thought . . . "hmmm, typical me!" Anyway, it's looking great so far. Maria has a picture of it in progress here.

Break in Transmission

2011-07-02T20:08:00.002+10:00

Thanks for all your help with the photo space dilemma. I have just been and purchased some more space and will be back to posting some more pics tomorrow. This was a view on my way home from school one night last week. I just HAD to stop and take a picture.

Confessions and Explanations

2011-06-27T19:36:00.002+10:00

I've been trying to post this confession and explanation now for 2 days. It would have all made visual sense. However . . . after several tries and several days . . . I've finally read the small print and my photo quota has reached it's "free" limit. ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Is it time for a new blog?

2011-06-24T22:25:00.002+10:00

2011-06-17T13:22:00.005+10:00

Some beautiful Amy Butler fabric that Four Wise Monkeys passed on to me recently

I made it into a quilt (surprise, surprise)

I'm not very good at cooking, and have enough trouble making meals for my own family, but when a friend of mine lost her father recently, I wanted to do something to let her know I was thinking of her and surrounding her in love and comfort

So I made her a quilt

I haven't delivered it yet, as I'm enjoying the lovely colours, but I will take it to her at the weekend.

The lovely "cheats" backing, I get from Emma, and it makes it look so good. You just follow the lines and then they just wash off.

. . . and here is my purple skirt!

I had to add a bit of length for my middle aged lady legs!

And here is a little bit of crotchet that I did as 'car craft' last weekend when I went away.

I just love the JET wool.

June Long Weekend

2011-06-14T22:12:00.002+10:00

A road trip with a girlfriend to the

Barossa Valley

South Australia

Weekend Adventures

2011-06-08T08:39:00.004+10:00

This was my little swap quilt that I took

LOVED KD's work

. . . and who couldn't LOVE this chick!

a little bit of winter colour as I head back to the Report Writing table!

2011-06-05T21:20:00.002+10:00

Not such a good photo, but just to let you know, I'm LOVING my Art Classes on Tuesdays!

Rubbings of underwater fish, some sea weed and then a blue wash.

How old do you think this bag may be?????

A day in the Garden

2011-06-01T19:29:00.003+10:00

First day of Winter here in Ballarat

. . . and the sun was shining

I was lucky not to have to go to work, so I spent the whole day in my garden

Sewing

2011-05-28T20:25:00.004+10:00

One corner of my sewing room . . .

Some bags and a few Pies and Tarts

mix in a little bit of selvedge and some Sewjourn

some scraps . . .

a quilt with the colour taken out for a different view

one excited cousin with her new "sheep" PJ's

I didn't even know she liked sheep, so that was a BONUS - I did know she liked purple and red

and

some Amy quilting

Yes, I've been doing a little bit of sewing lately

Only 6 days left

2011-05-25T23:00:00.002+10:00

With only 6 days left of this, my favourite season, I'm just sneaking in one more post of my beautiful colour.

This is my Medlar Tree that is stunning!

The silver birch are all but finished with their display, and the ornamental pear is turning a lovely shade of red.

It was seriously SO cold today, I thought at one stage that the rain was going to turn into snow!

I've been doing lots and lots of sewing due to the cold snap, so I'll be showing you some of that next post.

Loving Autumn

2011-05-14T18:12:00.000+10:00

Just loving the Autumn leaves and colours . . .

Crafting

2011-05-10T19:39:00.002+10:00

Working on my 4 seasons raw edge appliqué mini quilts

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

. . . and a baby wrap for market

This is the view from my sewing room window. I've been enjoying my winter gladdi's

A walk around my garden for Mothers Day

2011-05-08T12:06:00.003+10:00

To all the "mothers" out there . . .

Happy Mothers Day

It's a hard gig!

Gardening is what helps me get through

Get yourself a "piece"

2011-05-03T22:00:00.002+10:00

I've just heard that the quilts are hung in the gallery

They look fantastic, and I can't wait to see them all together

If you'd like to see them too, get yourself to SPACE 22

22 Main Road Ballarat

MAY 5th - 22nd

Gallery Hours: Thurs- Sun 12-5pm

A PIECEFUL LIFE

Quilts by Maria Cook

There will be quilts for SALE

Autumn Flowers

2011-05-01T20:23:00.002+10:00

Always love these yellow daisies

A little play with some selvedges

My big rainbow quilt made with a Kaffe Jelly Roll, back from the quilters - now for binding

And starting on some pies and tarts

Around the Block

2011-04-28T21:19:00.005+10:00

The last of the poppies

The last Autumn flush roses

The beautiful red gladioli that is as tall as me - I have 3 spikes

. . . and I wish I could say I made this quilt, I LOVE it! It was one of our craft girls who did

This one however, is part of the Around The Block that I was in last year. I asked for all circles of many different colours. It was hard to put together so after much deliberation and consultation with others, I have decided to make a cool colour quilt and a warm colour quilt.

This is my cool one so far.

These 2 quilts were finished, and hung in my sewing room in the holidays - the one on the chair is waiting to be bound. Waiting for some fabric that is being ordered.

. . . and a go at one of Nikki's little lavendar bags - fun to make, I think I'll try another

PUMPKINS from my garden - time to tidy up the vegies. I found lots of treasures in there.

I can feel some Pumpkin soup coming on!

Spoilt for choice

2011-04-25T09:26:00.008+10:00

I think you'd be forgiven for trying to eat one of these cakes - they look so delicious!

Last week some bloggy friends and I went on a little drive to Ballan.

Only about 30 minutes from Ballarat on the Melbourne freeway.

Oh, that means it's not far from Melbourne, or Geelong too . . .

They had every colour of the rainbow in fabric - just a beautiful display.

Mill Rose Cottage was the name of this sumptuous QUILT SHOP.

Next door as part of the whole outfit, was a gorgeous little restaurant. Of course we had lunch first, then next door for shopping, and then back for coffee and cake. This was the view from our coffee window.

The meal was fantastic, the cakes were "out of this world scrumptious delicious"

and we will definitely be going back again.

It really was a special "day out"

If you're looking for a lovely place to go, to meet up with like minded friends,

this is definitely a great choice.

You can't miss it in Ballan - it's in the main street, a village really, so only one main street. While we were there, it was getting lovely RED canopy's over the windows, so it really stands out. Only open since March, so a brand new venture.

Spoilt for choice? Well we have 3 great shops in Ballarat already, Gails Patchwork Emporium, Ballarat Patchwork, and Eureka Patchwork. Now we have somewhere else to share our love...Millrose Quilting and Gallery. It would be a great "round trip" for anyone needing to have a "fabric fix" and I'm sure there would always be Ballarat Girls happy to share in the coffee part. Another little gem has been discovered. There's a great review of it here.

This took my fancy

2011-04-22T17:09:00.002+10:00

Quite an amazing sight - it took my fancy, so I had to go back with my camera

This too - beautiful Autumn colour

. . . and a bag for my neighbour's daughter, heading back to WA

A Current Affair

2011-04-18T10:26:00.005+10:00

Why don't stories like this go on A Current Affair? - Let's catch this "low life" that thought they deserved to take this from someone else, without asking, paying or caring. Please help us to help Nikki get it back.

On a brighter note, a had a go at one of Kelly's patterns that I've had for about a year, but was a little nervous to tackle. I LOVED doing it, and want to do more now. It was so much fun.

This is what is flowering in my garden this week.

I have 3 tremendous spikes, as tall as me, and as they are opening, they have a lovely yellow striped throat.

As you can see, I'm enjoying my holidays

A Pieceful Life

2011-04-14T08:24:00.004+10:00

This exhibition will soon be on show in Ballarat.

It's going to be amazing!

A "peaceful" life is what I aspire to, however a "pieceful" life sounds just as good to me.

If you love quilts and quilting, or if you just want to see what one amazing lady can achieve when passion is involved,

put this date in your diary, and make the effort to get to Ballarat and Space 22.

-All the quilts are hand quilted-

Various quilts have featured at:

Tokyo Quilt Show,

World Quilt Show: New Hampshire, USA

Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza: Oaks, Pennsylvania

Pacific Quilt Festival: Santa Clara, California

World Quilt Show – Florida: West Palm Beach, Florida

Greater Chicago Quilt Exposition: Schaumberg, Illinois

There will be quilts for sale. This quilter is a local talent.

May 5-22 is when you can catch this exhibition.

Come and support Maria, and marvel in quilt heaven.

Patterns

2011-04-13T15:22:00.003+10:00

I saw this pattern on someone's blog and just had to seek it out and buy it. I love quilts where you can use up scraps, as I have HEAPS of them, so this appealed to me. I was excited when it came in the mail yesterday.

Being in the "pattern" mood, I also bought this 2 for one pattern from Bloom. I love sewing accessories, so couldn't help myself.

It came as a PDF, so that's what I call instant gratification!

Old meets New

2011-04-11T21:25:00.002+10:00

About a year ago I made this "very much loved" table runner with my favourite Japanese fabric. I always meant to make some place mats, and even got the fabric required. (Which promptly found a nice comfortable resting place in my sewing room, patiently waiting to be made into something!)

12 months on, I have begun to make the place mats. One is finished, and the others well on the way . . . however, they do show up the old runner. The question is, do I have enough fabric left to make another runner, or should I just leave it. I thought the runner was pretty good, until the place mats arrived. I even put the runner through the wash, yet again,

but love and time have aged it.

Young Peter is delighted as this is how much bigger they are than our old place mats, and it was his idea to make matching mats.

I couldn't get the same binding, but I got a pretty good match.

A New Book - YIPPPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-10T19:32:00.007+10:00

Nikki's book is here. I've been longing to see the finished product, as I have been following her progress with this most exciting project. I was so excited last week when I got this copy in the post. I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for a few of Nikki's patterns. She is the "master" of bag patterns, and is very adventurous with clothing. The skirt in this book just makes me want to rush into the sewing room and cut one out. It is GORGEOUS! Thanks SO MUCH Nikki. I hear a rumour that it will be available for sale at the Quilt Convention next week in Melbourne, or you can get your own copy over here right now. A fabulous book and great addition to any crafters library.

We're having REAL AUTUMN type weather at the moment. I'm loving the changing colour in the gardens, both mine, and all over town. I'm officially on holidays now for 2 glorious weeks, so I am intending on sharing my time between the garden and the sewing room.

Now, if you use pea straw in your garden, and don't tend to get to all your garden jobs perhaps as often as you should, like me, you will be rewarded with these beautiful pea flowers.

I have them popping up all over the place, and am loving them.

This hydrangea is making one last "hurrah", before it's time for a winter sleep.

2011-04-06T13:16:00.002+10:00

I've started hand quilting this quilt now and am enjoying it. The photo doesn't really do the richness of the colours justice.

. . . and there couldn't be a better place for a pussy cat

tucked up in amongst some snuggly quilts and some clean socks

purrrrr fect!

Some Garden pics

2011-04-03T18:33:00.002+10:00

Daylight Savings has ended, and it is dark already!

I feel like we should be going to bed, and it's only 7 o'clock

Still plenty of flowers in my garden. Looking forward to the school holidays to get in and have a big tidy up.

I grew these poppies from seed.

I'm loving my Japanese Wind Flowers

. . . and can you believe this is a Geranium bud - it just looks like a Rose.

From Tea Towels to Cushions

2011-04-01T09:10:00.002+11:00

I got these lovely tea towels at christmas time for my friend.

She's rather cheeky and said "sorry, they're too good to use as teatowels - take them back and make them into cushion covers."

April now, and I've finally done it.

Quite pleased with how they turned out, and so was she!

A finished Project - YEAH!!!!

2011-03-30T11:13:00.001+11:00

Finished and delivered

A special gift for a special little girl

For Sadie

. . . just because

Art on Tuesdays

2011-03-28T22:28:00.002+11:00

This is my first school display for my Prep Art Classes. I am having fun on Tuesdays.

Afternoon sunshine looking out my glass back door - what is Nellie looking at???

Small boy in garden bed, planting some beetroot seedlings

Lovely sight outside my back door

Moon Shadow

2011-03-24T17:50:00.004+11:00

The lovely Annabel at Earthgirl Fabrics helped me create these lovely key fobs.

At some stage last week, the moon was evidently the closest it's been to earth in a very long time. Don't ask me how long, as my brain doesn't function with numbers too well.

But my largest son, said to me one night "mum, come and look at the moon"

I was thrilled that he had noticed, so we went outside and took some photos

I was surprised that my little camera captured the beauty of these magnificent Moon Shadows.

2011-03-20T09:27:00.003+11:00

a little bit of crotchet

and getting ready for Market

Buninyong Makers Market

next Saturday 10 - 2pm

Hey Ginger!

2011-03-16T16:53:00.003+11:00

I am enraptured with my Ginger Lillies this year.

Have a look at how many blooms are coming.

As well as being beautiful, they smell divine.

I brought a plant with me that I have been moving from 3 gardens ago.

I'd say it's happy here . . .

. . . and so am I each time I see it.

Long Weekend

2011-03-15T20:18:00.002+11:00

My Mum's garden!

This is a pincushion I made for my sister. I got the pattern and the supplies when I was in Tasmania at The Quilted Crow. I loved that shop. I'm going to have to cut out another one and get working on it for moi, as I just hated parting with it. I told my sister it was a Rolls Royce pincushion -

testing 1,2,3

2011-03-09T20:10:00.003+11:00

Had a lovely day today working on one of Nikki's great patterns.

Still sewing on the last few beads

They're in . . .

2011-03-06T16:59:00.002+11:00

A beautiful sunny day here in Ballarat, and we were out in the back yard doing the last finishing touches to the new Bird Palace. Yesterday we went stick searching in the back blocks and found some suitable branches.

It was VERY heavy.

Mr Flowergarden and I moved it with ropes and guidance. No casualties in the garden as the space was all ready and waiting.

It fitted like a glove and we put the bird cage inside to let the birds find their own way. I just went out to check on them, and 2 have found their way into their new home, one to go.

AND . . . I can see them from my kitchen through the new glass door!

Lucky Budgies

2011-03-02T21:48:00.003+11:00

I've cleared this space in the garden and made a little sawdust path. This weekend we are going to install the long awaited Bird Aviary. Our budgies are moving into a Palace.

The chooks will be getting next door neighbours!

I've planted a Red Pierre de Ronsard, and it's beautiful

. . . and I was amazed at the beauty of the humble tomato flower.

Some changes . . .

2011-02-27T22:28:00.003+11:00

I changed a couple of block as I just wasn't convinced. I think it looks better - oh and I fiddled with the directions. I think I have changed the directions back again to make the red squares all going down in a row. It's amazing how it changes the look by just moving the direction of blocks.

So many OS bloggers are saying how Spring is on it's way, but over here in Australia, we are getting the first hints of Autumn. I love Autumn.

My little Pete has started a new patch in my garden for his vegies. It's right at the back door and we had fun rearranging plants to make space.

oh, and we went to the Library on Saturday morning and got a book called Luscious Lemon Desserts. We made the Perfect Lemon Tart. We're going to try it tomorrow night.

I can't wait!

I couldn't help myself . . .

2011-02-27T11:25:00.001+11:00

Inspiration cometh . . .

2011-02-25T23:17:00.002+11:00

A big thank you to all the lovely comments of encouragement and ideas, to help me get back into some sewing. I have finally ventured into the sewing room, and am pleased to report that a new quilt is on it's way. This week's excitement in Ballarat couldn't have come at a better time for me. On Wednesday night, I was lucky enough to get a ticket to attend a Kaffe Fasset lecture. What an interesting man who has had, as he described "a charmed life"

At the end of the talk, there were some of his quilts on display, and some people took their quilts for Show and Tell. It was a most interesting evening and most inspiring.

Here's the man himself, and I was bold enough to get a photo of me with him, although he wasn't too keen on the flash. Of course there was a book signing opportunity too, and just a tiny bit of fabric purchased!!!

And our wonderful Jen from the CAKE shop had these cakes especially made, and I was lucky enough to get one. Thanks Em!

. . . stay tuned, tomorrow is a weekend!

Help needed -

2011-02-20T21:14:00.003+11:00

I don't quite know where I am at the moment.

I want to do some sewing, but I just don't know where to start.

I have been consumed by my garden of late.

I could find things to do out there infinitum.

School has just started back.

Busy busy times . . .

I need some distractions,

but I want to sew something.

I love my garden, but I want to feel the love in the sewing room -

any ideas?

Almost late for work . . .

2011-02-18T21:07:00.002+11:00

I went out on Thursday morning, to feed the chooks, and my eyes strayed as they do, upon my beloved plants. I saw these little mushrooms coming up in the compost and was compelled to return inside to get my camera, to catch what my eyes were seeing, and share it with you all.

. . . of course this led onto other things, and I was almost late for work.

Roses for Happiness

2011-02-16T16:53:00.003+11:00

Pierre

Julia's Rose

Mystery Fushia

Gallipoli Heath

My goal for the day was to have a trip to the Nursery and buy myself 2 roses.

I felt I needed some Rose Love.

I got a Pierre de Ronsard and a Red Pierre, and then spent the rest of the day moving things and pottering around making room for my new friends.

. . . a nice quiet day off,

back to the Rat Race tomorrow!

2011-02-12T10:06:00.004+11:00

The buds of the Cosmos

I worked on this part of the garden this week. I planted a new tree for Autumn colour. My wonderful Echium's have finally "had it" - they are not long livers, and have been in about 5 years - and all that rain just soaked them out. I left a couple of little ones, but pulled the old ones out. It's left a big gap, which is a different look in my back yard, but I'm sure it will soon fill up.

More Cosmos buds

Just Joey, is one of my favourite roses as it is such a great performer.

. . . and I just LOVE Papa Milland. I moved this one at the wrong time, and thought I'd lost it, but it has come back stronger than ever and is full of flowers, and the perfume is divine.