The Stitching Post in Katoomba NSW is having a sale today!

Now that I've ordered my goodies :) The Stitching Post in Katoomba NSW is having a sale for today only.

24% off for 24 hours!

Discount off lots of items, see HERE for details.

I'm one happy mama!

Nicholas starts high school next year- year 8.  So, the letter to advise what class he will be in, arrives today.

I've got my contact lenses in, so I can't read it too well.  Blah blah blah, class 8.7, blah blah blah, sub school, blah blah blah, gifted, blah blah blah blah, accelerated learning-blah blah blah.  WHAT?

Hold up- what is this saying?  He'll be in the gifted class and have accelerated learning in Maths, English, Science and Society & Environment? Oh my goodness!  I don't believe it! I know he's smart, but he's never been tested for any giftedness.  He wants to learn, he wants to make an effort. But because he's a good student he gets put among students who don't want to be at school, who are disruptive and rude to the  teacher behind the teacher's back.  Do teachers put better behaved students with disputive ones  in the hope that some of their enthusiasm will rub off on them?

Anyway I tell him to ring Steve and read the letter to him.  I speak to Steve briefly afterwards. At home tonight, Steve tells me he was so proud he almost started crying at work!

So, Nicholas will be in a class of likeminded students, who want to be there, want to make the effort, want to learn. 

Here he is on graduation day for year seven. He's here with his best friend, who is on the left. Nicholas gave a speech at the graduation ceremony which was actually funny in places and well as reflective in others. I was so proud. 

This is the best Christmas present I could ever want.

Bronny's ornament exchange received!

Guess what turned up in the mail today! Have a little look!

It is beautifully finished, and I'm going to put it with my other Christmas ornaments! Thank you Nutmegg it makes me feel all cozy inside, I love the 'P' on the mug!  By the way, Nutmegg won one of my last giveaways! How cool is that!

Merry stitching!

12 really important stitchy questions!

I was reading this on Reflections in the Pond and found it very interesting so I thought I'd participate too! It started on Stitchitandie.

1. What are you stitching at the moment?


Stitching- I've finally picked up Mary Wigham again, and after such a long break, I'm finding I'm enjoying stitching her again.


Quilting- Layer Cake Quilt-a-long at Moose on the Porch Quilts and a couple of small gifts.


2. How many finishes have you had this year? Small? Medium? Large? Extra Large?

Stitching- Hmmm, not as many as I thought I would- but 2 large (1 from last year and 1 started this year) and about 10 small.


Quilting- lots- 1 extra large, 2 large, 3 medium,  and about 10 small.



3. Do you think you will finish any more in the next month and a half before the end of the year?

Stitching- no way.


Quilting- waiting on fabric to finish off one Christmas gift, so hopefully, yes!



4. If you could buy 1 thing for yourself what would it be? (Doesn't have to be stitching)


This was actually quite hard! After much consideration, a personal trainer to kick my butt and get me out walking.


And after more consideration and a round of emptying the washing machine and putting more washing on, I'd like a washing machine/dryer combo that doesn't destroy clothes, or shrink them, uses very little water and electricity, and when you put them in dirty and wrinkled, the clothes come out clean, dry and wrinkle-free.

 5. What is the best thing you have ever stitched?


Stitching- my first attempt on 28ct is up there, but probably the hardest would be the Quaker Basket from Needleprint. The *best* is probably the stitching Needlework Folder for my friend's 50th birthday last year.


Quilting- my Moda Beach House quilt here.


6. Do you like making lists?


Yes, and sometimes I even look at them!


7. Do you stitch in rotation (how does it work?) or OAAT?

Stitching- gifts for others- one at a time, but something I'm stitching for me is in a form of rotation. When I've finished my gift stitching, I pick up my own stitching and rotate those dependent upon which one I'm enjoying at that time.


Quilting- rotation dependent upon which one I'm waiting on fabric to arrive, or the block to be released.




8. What is the next thing you plan to stitch?

Stitching- tricky question. Probably a birthday gift.


Quilting- easy question!- batik quilt for Nicholas, Valentine's quilt, Paganini Schnibble plus another Schnibble that I can't remember. First two already kitted, last two waiting on fabric. Oh, and something Christmassy for me!




9. What is your fave ONS? And why?


123stitch -it was my very first ever online purchase, lol (had to be stitching, didn't it!) because they have a great range.


Have also enjoyed buying from Stitching Bits and Bobs, Needlecraft Corner and Just Needlin'


Quilting- Todays Quilting - great service. And also Cotton Charm Quilts .


10. Do you have a stitching chair?

Usually the right hand seat of whatever couch I'm sitting on. I do have a small stitching table and magazine holder that I drag to whatever spot I sitting at - I move the furniture around a lot! The table has my scissors, needles, a photo of me with Nicholas at 3 weeks old, lots of bits of paper, some charts,  some
floss from previous projects that I haven't put away, ort holder, tissues, pen, texta, nail file. Magazine holder has my wips in it.


11. Do your children/pets get into your stitching things?

Nicholas learnt at an early age- 'don't touch Mummy's stitching things' he said in a stern voice to some friends when he was about 4 yo.


Jack (our recently departed dog)  was always trying to get my floss and I often found spitty blobs on the floor where he'd succeeded.



12. Do you participate in any stitching forums?

I occasionally visit 123 stitch, but really enjoy reading other stitcher's blogs.
And am currently involved in the Layer Cake Quilt-a-Long on flickr.




Feel like answering these very important questions? Head over to Andie's where you can cut and paste the questions.

My current stitching- Mary Wigham stitched on 28ct cream evenweave with Vikki Clayton silks.

Aussies - anyone got a good honeycomb recipe?

Hi everyone

(Not meaning to exclude my American friends, but I can't always get the same ingredients here and measurements are slightly different).


I'm making biscuits for Nicholas's school concert and thought I'd also make some honeycomb.  But I can't find my green and gold cookbook so I need an easy,  idiot-proof recipe! Kinda like this, (but not necessarily with chocolate)?

Or, do you have a recipe for some type of sweet thing that's easy to make, will fit into a cellophane bag and will appeal to adults and children?  My email is in my profile, or add a comment with your recipe!

Our dog Jack- gone but not forgotten....

Jack, you brought so much joy into our lives and we miss you dearly.

We had you for such a short time, noone thought you would only stay for 3 years. We will miss your company and your crazy antics, your unconditional love and your happy nature. Our lives are so much richer for having you in them.

Life will not be the same without you. I hope your first night in heaven was filled with running and playing with other dogs. I love you Jackie, I can't believe you're gone...

Two more stitchy Christmas finishes!

Hot off the needle are my two latest finishes

Happy Holidays by Deb Brewer of Frances & Me, from JCS Ornament Issue 2008(?) stitched on mystery fabric, with Vikki Clayton's silks to match the Moda Fruitcake Table Topper I quilted recently.

Homespun Elegance's 'Santa, Please bring me...' stitched on mystery fabric and using mostly DMC floss, with some colour changes. 

Both stitchings need charms attached and I'll attached them after I've finished them off- I think they need a bit of a press, don't you!

These are the last two of my Christmas stitching (hooray!)but I may do a couple of extras between now and Christmas. I'll be back to post my finished finishes soon!

Christmas finishes - quilty and stitching!

First up is a Moda Bakeshop design which was very easy to follow and made up quickly.

You can find the pattern here! I used Moda Fruitcake fabric and a fat quarter  of the red/white fabric instead of a charm pack. This will be a gift for my friend in England who has asked to see some pictures of my quilting- I thought I'd send her something she could keep!

This fabric is actually white 32ct  opalescent linen. Designed by The Sweetheart Tree in Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazine 2008?, stitched with Vicki Clayton's Hand Dyed Fibers and the suggested Sweetheart Tree beads and Mill Hill Beads.  I'm going make it into an hanging ornament, but probably not using the template in the magazine, cos those roundy bits look hard to work with!

Peace on Earth by Black Bird Designs stitched on 28ct cream evenweave, using the suggested Weekes and GAST threads.  As the colours of this are more rustic than traditional, I'll probably choose a rustic frame for it.

And finally, I have joined Bronny's ornament exchange- I'm so excited, I haven't done an exchange for such a long time!  I've chosen a chart-

Santa, Please Bring Me by Homespun Elegance- it says on Santa's list 'linen, floss & time to stitch' which is sooo appropriate for a fellow stitcher, and aren't the little scissors cute!

I am so please that I've almost finished my Christmas stitching gifts and it's only mid October! I've got one stitchy one that I'm half way through, plus my ornament exchange piece and that's it!

Which is probably a good thing, as I've joined The Layer Cake Quilt-Along which starts in November.

I'm using Moda Eden fabrics, and call me crazy, but I'm going to do 2 quilts. I've ordered a Christmas layer cake and yardage and hopefully that'll arrive tomorrow or Wednesday!

Oh and guess who is about to have a bath this morning?

Yep, Jack, the photo shoot supervisor!

You can see the effect the drought has had on our garden. Not much is alive, although the winter rain we finally had this year has produced some lovely weeds!

Its a Koala Thing!

Nicholas wants to cuddle the Koala and the Koala wants to get down! 

I guess I've got Koalas on the mind....

Schnibbling in Adelaide!

Well,  my very first Schnibbles called Paganini has arrived and it's sitting here with some of the fabric I've bought to make it up in. That is, if I don't change my mind before I get around to starting it...

I've almost finished my Christmas stitching, so stay tuned for some pics of them!

Giveaway Winners!

Okay, here's how we'll work it. Seeing as there were only 4 entrants for 3 prizes I'll award them in order of the time the comment was made.

So, Nutmeg, if you email me (email in blogger profile) and let me know which one you want and your postal address, I'll get that one off to you.

SilkLover - please wait to see if Nutmeg wants the kangaroo. If she doesn't, then SilkLover the kangaroo is yours. If Nutmeg wants the kangaroo, do you want one of the koalas?

Billie- the kangaroo will either be taken by Nutmeg or Silklover. Do you want the koala that is left over?

Blu, if the kangaroo people don't want a koala, you can have one!

Once Nutmeg emails me, I'll know what's still remaining and let everyone know!

Edited to add-  Nutmegg wil take the kangaroo kit, so SilkLover, do you want a koala, and if so, which one? Please email me with your choice and postal address!

Edited further to add Okay Billie- do you want a koala? If so, let me know your choice with your postal address!  Blu, there's a koala for you!  Email me again your address as that will be quicker than me trying to find it in my emails.

24 hours til I draw my giveaway!

Your chances are looking pretty good if you want to win one of three cross stitch kits featuring either a kangaroo or koala!

Click here to read about it!

Kangaroo or Koalas? Which one do you want?

Yep, that's right-These fellas need a new home

so I'm giving away a Kangaroo and two Koalas-

They're cross stitch kits of course! 

Here's the Kangaroo Kit-

The Koala Kit

And a Koala and Kangaroo bookmark kit.





Leave a comment and I'll draw 3 names on Monday 4th October, lunchtime South Australian time.

Beauty in your Forties and Fifties- why didn't anyone tell me?

You know that nose trimmer that men buy?  Tell your husband HE needs one now, and suggest he buy the twin pack or take up the two-for-one offer.  Because YOU will need one.


Forget those little tubes of hair removal creme for your upper lip- if you need to remove hair on your upper lip, you may as well remove the rest of your beard too.


Extra heavy duty hair remover for stubborn leg hair will NOT remove that whisker on your chin.  Hopefully no-one else has noticed it before you do.


Facial hair removal is NOT effortless and painfree.  That fine hair on your face will cling with all its' might. Use a mirror and sunlight to check for patches left behind. Not while you're driving.

You will get caught with that cream on your face. Pretend its a face mask.


'How long has that been there?' Hopefully only since this morning.  But you know its been there a lot longer. The length of it should tell you that.


Care to share anything else I've got to look forward to?

I can't wait for Spring, so I've brought a little bit of Spring into my life...

It's been so dreary here this winter with  rain, wind and cold temperatures.  I don't think we've had a winter like this for quite a few years, hence the drought we've had.

I'm tired of feeling grey, so I made something to cheer me up-

It's big enough to throw my purse (wallet),  phone, keys and tissues into and so much lighter to carry around than my bag.  Made from yummy Moda Eden fabric.

I love this site Purse Patterns as it carries lots of different designers and bought 2 other patterns that I wanted from there.

Is it time for another giveaway?

September 11

We should never forget...

Missing in action? Hibernating during winter? Just plain lazy?

Well, it's a little of all that, tied up with harsh words to myself of   'I won't update my blog until...

1/ I've sent those emails that are long overdue...

2/ got something nice to say...

3/ gotten over the mistakes I found in charts from 2 different designers that gave me a lot of grief trying to work out what I was doing wrong, when all the time it was the charts that had errors. (These weren't freebies, but real fair dinkum, all paid for charts, as I don't expect freebies to be error proof but do expect paid charts to be model stitched by someone and the pic on the front of one chart didn't have the errors showing and the other wasn't model stitched)...

4/ taken pics of my work and downloaded them from the camera...

5/ felt like posting them with some commentary which meant doing some digging about the details...'

So, I guess you can say that I'm all caught up, gotten over, moved on, let go, snapped pics, and feeling very chatty today!

Whilst I have been stitching, I've also been quilting, which is lovely to do in this freezing cold weather (bring on Spring and stop this rain, wind and cold temps!)  Here's what I've been up to-

Moda Beach House fabric in the big ole quilt I made for a lounge (and it sure is warm and snuggly underneath it, when I'm having a little bit of a snooze during the day)

Made from Moda Beach House plus Sandy's Solids, a table runner for our coffee table (it's rolled up, I'm not sure why I rolled it before taking the pic)

My first stitched Easter piece ever!  Freebie from Plum Street Samplers 

A gift for my  fabulous friend (it's a hexagonal bowl which is very difficult to photograph) Quaker Basket  from Needleprint with some modifications to the assembly instructions.

And another of My favorite kitten pinkeep from primitivebettys and a small hexagon quilted 'thingy'.

That's the highlights of 6 month's stitching.  Of course with a focus on quilting comes a focus on fabric buying. I won't be showing the fabric I've bought (just in case  Steve  someone's reading that doesn't need to know just exactly what I've been doing while I'm home all day long).

Happy Stitching!

And the winner is...

Okay, so I know you can't read it!  It says 'Ukka',so Ukka, please email me, my email is in my profile.

Thanks to all who entered!

Drop by for another giveaway!

It's my 15th wedding annivesary tomorrow, so I'm having a giveaway to celebrate!

I've had a quick look through Jill Oxton's Cross Stitch & Bead Weaving magazine but the design I like the most is way too hard for me to stitch- I know my limits!  So I'm giving issue 79 away.  I think I bought it in November last year. It has some 'beading' designs that can be cross stitched instead, as well as a gorgeous Hardanger chart for a biscornu, scissor fob, needle book and thread bag.

And here's the Hardanger pic, I just love it, but it's way out of my league!!

Now, how to enter- just because you're here, post a comment and you'll be entered.
If you're a follower or become a follower, post a second comment.

Then if you post about my giveaway on your blog, come back and post a third comment.



I might actually attempt to use that random picker thingy this time cos it might be easier than writing all the entries down and then getting Nicholas to pick one out of a bowl.  Entries close on Tuesday 9th February around 6pm (Australian time), so post your comment(s) by Monday 8th February evening, cos' you're probably behind me timewise.



Good Luck and Happy Stitching!

And the winner is...

Thanks to everyone who entered, I wish I could give everyone a prize, especially Becky, who I read the other day had a taser (well I thought it said that, turned out it was a 'teaser').

The winner of My Favorite Kitten pinkeep and the charts of Heartstrings, My pink bag & fabric & Childproof is

Congratulations Blu, email me your details & I'll get your goodies off  to you (just click on my 'about me' and it'll take you to my email addy). My Favorite Kitten has been stitched and just needs to be made into the pinkeep.

Lynda, Deb and Silverlotus- could you email me your details too please, I'd like to stitch 'My Favorite Kitten' pinkeep for you too.

Happy Stitching!

You know it's time to shave your legs...

when your husband tells you that the hairs on the back of your thighs are longer than the hairs on his chest!

My very 1st Blogoversary Giveaway and 2010 New Year's Resolutions

Well, 12 months came around quickly, and I didn't post as often as I had hoped.  Towards the end of 2009 I truly was in 'A Stitching Frenzy' trying to finish off my Christmas gifts in time to post overseas.  Two of my finishes I forgot to photograph I was in such a hurry to mail them, but later this month I'll post the 4 that I did remember to take pics of.

My very first post was about my New Year's resolutions for 2009 and they were-

1/To be more frugal with my time, and cut down on 'wasted' time, really spent doing nothing worthwhile. Hmm, not too successful there.


2/ Work toward acheiving my goals  - well I tried and did achieve finishing my 'gift' stitching. Started walking more often and read a heap of books for relaxation.

3/ To concentrate on the positive aspects of life. Maybe I had a premonition that 2009 would be a year of outside-my-home negative influences,  it took until June to rid our family of this person, and the next 6 months trying to deal with the after affects of her actions. However, within our home, my marriage and committment to Steve remains strong- 15 years of marriage this year, and my love and nuturing of Nicholas into tween-hood continues and my dear friends remain so.

4/To keep my stitching on task, and not be frantically stitching, trying to finish off gifts, at the last minute. Hmm, birthday gift stitching went okay, but Christmas stitching was waaaaay off track.

5/ To reduce waste and our carbon footprint. Well,I had a good bash at this. I've planned meals better & reduced food wastage. I've recycled the usual cans, paper, green waste etc, but also given away books to the local library, clothes to friends with younger boys and stopped buying so much unnecessary clutter. I've bought a  little shopping trolley and walked to the supermarket, and walked home from school with Nicholas instead of driving.


My 2010 resolutions, funnily enough, after reading through 2009's, are much the same. Stay on track, keep focus on my family and myself and my true friends and reduce wastage. I hope to be even more successful at achieving them than I was at achieving some of them last year.

Now, my blogoversary giveaway!!!

First - the prize!

One of these cute little pinkeeps  'My favorite kitten' pinkeep by primitivebettys to be stitched by me, just like this one.

As well as

the chart and fabric for 'The Pink Bag' by Dutch Treat Designs

and

'Heartstrings' by The Cat's Whiskers

and

 'Child Proof' by Glory Bee.

Now, how to enter- just because you're here, post a comment and you'll be entered.

If you're a follower or become a follower, post another comment. 

Then if you post about my giveaway on your blog, come back and post another comment.

I'll get my delightful tween to pick an entry on Tuesday 12th January around lunchtime, so post your comment(s)  by Monday  11th January lunchtime in the States as we're ahead of you timewise.

Good Luck and Happy Stitching!

Happy New Year to you, Happy Blogoversary to me!

Hope you have a safe, happy and healthy 2010!

And guess what? Yes, it's my 1 year blogoversary (did the title give it away?)

I'm rummaging through my stash for my 1st giveaway, so keep watching!