Christmas Stockings

Three embroidered stocking tops

One stocking almost finished!

Spurred on by the fact that my sister asked for my assistance in making christmas stockings for her three grandchildren, I have so far embroidered six names for my own, and finished just one of the stockings!  I feel like I have accomplished so much.  When my sister comes to sew again on Tuesday I expect that we will finish our stockings.  They are not difficult to sew and look so stunning.  Now to find some precious little presents to fill them with!  When I was a kid in England every stocking from Father Christmas had a mandarin nestling in the toe.  That kind of exotic fruit was not to be had during the year, and to this day the smell of madarins reminds me of Christmas.  It was also the only day of the year we had chicken which was an absolute treat, one that we could not afford very often.  Making these stockings has brought back some precious memories.

Hearts for a friend.



For Lynne
RIP 2010

Last week was a very sad and difficult time for those who knew and loved Lynne Burges, a wonderful quilter, teacher and friend who passed away after a short but devastating illness.  Lynne was the brains behind Collingully Cottage in Meckering WA, and with her daugher Nahrae and husband Merve created a peaceful atmosphere for us to go and stay for a few nights and do nothing but quilt.  The food was delicious, the teaching excellent and the company warm and inviting.  We were so saddened to hear of her illness.  At the last minute a call went out for heart blocks and I sewed this one on seeded homespun with some beautiful Valdani Variegated Thread in pink.  My block will go into a one of the five quilts that is now being made for Lynne's family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.  We shall miss her warmth and her friendship and her knowledge of all things quilty.  Rest In Peace darling Lynne, for surely you deserve it and much more. 

New Projects

Mariners Compass Wedges.

Here is a photo of my new project, which is a Mariner's Compass star.  It is paper foundation, which is a new experience for me.  This is the first time.  I have so far reverse sewed several wedges, sewed one completely back to front, and in two weeks (maybe three) I have finished six of eighteen wedges.  So, it is still just the beginning.  I am using my stash of bali batiks collected from the  Keepsake Quilting fat quarter club.  This may not end up being a quilt.  Perhaps a table cloth?  The process is fun and I am looking forward to the end result.

1930's Colours



Delicious!

 These fabulous 1930's threads came from Keepsake Quilting.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't resist 1930's stuff.  So I had to buy these when they appeared in the catalogue didn't I? 

More Garden

Red Poppies abound

Daisies Too!

I can never get enough of the spring garden!  I love the colours and the riotous nature of it all.  Here are some lovely photos I have been taking.