Beautiful gift and stitching...

When Fiona and I were heading off to Gisborne recently, we also had a chance to exchange birthday gifts. I was so spoilt! Fiona made me this amazing pin cushion designed by Sue Hawkins and a lovely basket made from saris. They are both so special.

We were also spoilt on our weekend away with some gifts. We received this little purse with cute buttons in it and even a work lamp. Thanks Chrissie and Judy.

I have been working on my BOM, Here There and Everywhere. Here is part 4.

 These stitcheries were partly done on the retreat but managed to finish them last week. I wonder how long it will take me to put it together.

This little canvas house had also been started and here it is partly sewn together.

At class last week we were so amazed at these fabulous games that Lynda has made her granddaughter. They are such fun!

Gisborne retreat

Fiona and I headed off on a road trip to Gisborne last Sunday week. We drove to Beechworth and spent the night in that lovely town. We enjoyed a delicious pizza at the Bridge Road Brewers, had a wander around the shops, bought a few bits and pieces and then had a yummy breakfast before arriving at the Gisborne Stitching retreat.

 This house was so lovely for a week's retreat. There were quilts on every bed and everything you need was there. Boards, cutters, a light box, scrap boxes, irons etc were all provided. Thanks Abbe for organising this great retreat house.

 It was very inspiring too. Rose had prepared us a couple of little projects and this was one. It is a magnetic pin cuhion.

 Some of the ladies woked on their machines and made heaps! Again it was very inspiring.

 These are Rose's Star a day blocks! I am so going to do these now after seeing hers. I have done 2!

 On Tuesday, Sue, Fiona and I headed to Ballan to visit Millrose Cottage. What a great place! We started with delicious coffee and lemon tart!

 Millrose Patchwork did not disappoint! It was amazing as always.

 We then went back to Gisborne and just had a delicious lunch at one of the lovely cafes there.

 We had another morning out in Kyneton. Again, we had very yummy morning tea here and then visited the lovely patchwork shop, called Alice in Fabricland. Good name for a shop.

Some of the ladies brought along their quilts that they are working on! 

 I worked on my Here There and Everywhere BOM and completed the stitching for this month. I also did a bit of cross stitch and canvas work.

 I also completed my shawl/scarf that I have been knitting. I was very worried about running out of wool but made it with about 3m left.

 Abbe brought over the boards and pins for me to have a fo at blocking! What a difference blocking makes. I will be buying some boards soon so I can do this again.

 I did do some shopping. Here are some of my goodies.

I also bought some gorgeous wool from Abbe. I just need some plain wool and then I can start my Timely Cardigan.

 We were given some little gifts and patterns so were very spoilt.

Here are some of us just before we headed back home.

Thanks so much to Rose and Chrissie for organising this lovely retreat.

Breakfast and show and tell

Last Saturday, a few of us went out for a lovely breakfast at Ricardos. The food is so beautifully plated!

Lovely as always to catch up with the stitching girls on Wednesday. Lynda wowed us all with her finished tree skirt for her daughter. She used a Bunny Hill quilt pattern for the appliques.

 Beth has been very busy too and has sewn together her Dancing Chickens and Flying Pigs quilt! Must do mine.

 She has also finished Part 4 of Here there and Everywhere! Looks so good.

 Roni has been busy too and has finished her lovely Anni Downs decoration.

I got my Part 4 lst week and couldn't wait to start.