Versailles

After two long flights and some sleep, we caught the train to Versailles where we were staying for two nights. In the afternoon we wandered around the gardens of the palace trying to keep awake! Had a fairly early night and then were up early and were about 6th in line to head into the palace at 9am. It was so wonderful to finally see the Hall of Mirrors. We did come here in the 70's but the palace was closed!

 In the afternoon we visited the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette's gardens. It was such a special experience.

We are now in Bordeaux. It is a beautiful city.

Stitching

We are in packing mode here at the moment as we set off on an adventure overseas on Monday. We are heading to France for about 3 weeks and then to the UK for the other 3 weeks. We will certainly miss these little people (and their parents) while we are away.

We had our last classes this week and it was lovely to see what the ladies have been stitching. Lynne has made another bag and another canvas work scissor keeper.

 Roni popped in to show us her lovely cushions.

  Paddy and Margaret went to Marg Low's classes at the shop on the weekend and really enjoyed the time. Here are their decorations all done.

 Margaret has also made this gorgeous mini quilt with her Foxley village leftovers,

 Sue is working on this amazing bag for a gift, There are over 100 little hexies.

 I took my Mystery quilt block away and working on the applique. Now I am hoping to complete the stitching before I go away.

 I have also completed this cosy cardigan for Miss Alice.

 I was very spoilt too this week as Paddy made me these fantastic knitted socks for my birthday in April! They are so soft and warm.

Lovely weekend away

Last Friday I headed to the coast for our annual retreat at the coast. Twelve of us enjoyed a rainy weekend of relaxing, too much delicious food, puzzles (not me), lots of chat and a bit of stitching for a few of us. We did manage a walk or two in between the showers and some swam in the pool and at the beach (again not me as it was not warm enough). Here are some of the treats we managed to share over the weekend.

 The puzzlers planned to do all these puzzles. They did finish lots.

 The beach looks good in these photos but it was very churned up and there was lots of foam on the sand.

 Here are some of the brave girls who went into the chilly pool.

Here we all are just before we headed home. Monday was a lovely sunny day!

We stopped and Kangaroo Valley for lunch and enjoyed a lovely look at the shops.

Beautiful stitching

Last week, I took some photos at class of some lovely stitching but my memory card died!!! So sad. Armed with a new one I was able to take some this week. Paddy brought in her gorgeous boro bag all finished! It looks so good and we all want to make one. It is a pattern and kit by Jane from BeBebold.

 Lynne came this week with some more amazing finishes. I love these little zippered bags.

 She also cross stitched this piece to put in the top of this box. Amazing.

 She also created a little scissor keeper to match. Here is the front and back.

 I have been stitching too. After taking my quilts to Robyn last week, I felt guilty about Nature's Journey which needed binding. It is done!

 I also made a label. Don't look too closely as I made a spelling mistake with permanent pen!

 I have stitched another little one of the United Stitches set.

 Lastly, I got inspired and started block 6 of the Yoko Saito Mystery quilt. I do love making these little houses!