Friday, October 31, 2014

A little stitching

I am supposed to be stitching my Stitching on the lake things but keep getting distracted! The only stitching I did on the ship was a little bit of finishing up on this block of Scandinavian Rose. So much stitching on these blocks!!
 Before I went away I did put together my Judy's dilly bag! I had to make the stripy top a little shorter as I just didn't have enough fabric. It is all hand pieced, not paper pieced, and it was very interesting learning this technique as I hadn't done it before. Thanks Judy,  for the lessons on the cruise earlier in the year.
 Yesterday I saw a friend who had just made this lovely cushion for a special little girl. I love the felt letters and the embroidery on each letter!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Holidays

We had such a lovely relaxing time last week as we cruised to Noumea and the Isle of Pines and then back to Sydney. It was a great time to just read and eat (too much) and just take it easy. I didn't even stitch much! Here are just a few photos of the ship and the ports.


Our first stop was in Noumea. This time we went on a bus tour to see a little more of Noumea. We went to the cultural centre which was interesting as the building was designed by Renzo Piano. He also designed a building in Macquarie Street in Sydney.






The lookout was lovely too.

On the next day we tended in to the Isle of Pines. This is a gorgeous spot to snorkle and swim. The water was a bit cool this time for me!




 There were lots of activities on board and we didn't go to many but it was fun to watch the "Belly Flop" competition!

These musicians entertained us in the afternoons with some beautiful music.
It was a lovely week away. It is a bit hard to get back to normal now!!!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

We are heading away...

I have been busy packing my bag ready to head off for a week of relaxation on this ship!!! Trying very hard to figure out which books and what stitching or knitting or whatever to take! Such a worry! 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Show and tell

Classes started again on Wednesday this week and it was great to catch up with all the ladies that usually come and some new ones too. A few of them had lovely show and tell to share. Jayne had finished her little Christmas bag and it looks really lovely. I just love the fabrics she has used from one of Anni Downs' ranges.

 I wanted to take this gorgeous zippered pouch home with me but Sally wouldn't let me!
 Barbara has been busy getting ready for Christmas and has made this very special stocking for a special little boy.
 She has also whipped up this great patchwork pillow for her grandson as well!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Fun with the little people

Benny and Sammy are growing up so quickly and so enjoy parks! We are so lucky to have a school and several parks in walking distance from us. I wasn't there this day but just love these photos of the little men interacting.

 It was Lyndal's birthday recently and we enjoyed brunch at their house which was very special. It was a beautiful day and we went outside to get a family photo. Little Alice had on a very special crocheted hat that Mummy had made for her.


 This morning we went out for morning tea.
 The boys loved checking out all these amazing cakes!!! They did have a treat but had great fun looking at all the colourful "cakes" and "biccies".
 We then had a lot of fun in the little park nearby. Luckily the rain held off for a little while!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Some stitching and crochet

It has been nice this week to have some time for a bit of stitching and crochet. There were things that I should have been stitching but it was nice to work on these ongoing projects. Here are the front and the back of the bag we did at the Helen Stubbings workshop a few weeks ago. Now to sew it together!

 I also loved making the last few crochet blocks (I loved all of them really!) and the outer picot edge of this lovely scarf. Thank you, Fiona, for giving me the pattern for my birthday in April. It has been fun to make with DMC perle 8 thread and a small crochet hook!


Saturday, October 4, 2014

Finally...some stitching

I seem to have been out and about lately but I have still been stitching. There has been some secret stitching for the Stitching on the lake day in November so I can't share that yet. I have finished these two projects, the canvas work and the needlecase (from our retreat), ready to teach next term at Hobbysew.

 I did enjoy adding the stitching to block 3 of the Yoko Saito Mystery quilt. These blocks are a lot of work but fun to make as well.
 Here is my little camel made using an AK Traditions pattern. I did love decorating the blankets.
The little boys liked their appliqued shirts so I made a few more. These plain shirts from Target are great to applique.
Little Audrey was at stitching this week with her Mummy and sister and she looked so gorgeous in this delightful pinafore that Mum made for her! The little appliqued and embroidered pictures on the front and the back are just beautiful!


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Floriade

Last Thursday, it was chilly and rainy here and we had decided to head to Floriade. I must admit I thought it was a bit of a crazy idea but in the end it was terrific. There were less people and the rain eased and even though the flowers were a little dozy from the rain, we had a lovely time.



 It was the first time that I have been up the ferris wheel and it is really worth it! The view is great and you get to see the patterns so well!


 It was a lovely time spent with these special friends.


For those still thinking about coming to Stitching on the Lake on 29 November, we are already full with a waiting list. Please email me if you would like to be added to the waiting list. We are so sorry that some have missed out.