A peek at my bed

to see my new quilt!

I used Mary's instructions for  Framed Rectangles to make these blocks and then used lots of strips for the border on all three sides.

'scuse the floor, we haven't decided on new coverings.  It has Amy Butler Decorator fabric (so its thicker  and warmer), wool batting, flannelette backing and is really cosy.  It needs  more quilting, which I'll do by hand in Spring when I replace the quilt with a lighter weight one, yet to be made, but kitted up and waiting to be sewn. I made matching pillow cases by using one I already had as a template and so they have a flap inside that secures the case from slipping off.

Stay tuned for some cross stitching finishes- after a love/hate relationship with our family computer, I'm finally back online, and currently loving the computer cos its working again!

Happy Stitching!

Lest We Forget

http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/customs/last_post.asp used according to their copyright regulations.


Anzac Day is once again here, a time for reflection of those who sacrificed their lives at war.

Whilst I reflect, I also think of those currently serving our country, and think of their children waiting for their parent to return home.

I'll be stitching for Aussie Hero Quilts today whilst I remember....

Aussie Hero Quilts (and laundry bags)

Just after Christmas I was feeling somewhat sorry for myself and Nicholas.  But mainly Nicholas as  Steve's job means that quite often he is not home to celebrate birthdays, public holidays, Saturday nights, Sunday mornings, sport after school and Father's Day. Family traditions include the fact that Steve will be at work and that contact will be via phone.  And sorry for me as, statistically, Steve's job means an increase in the chance of dying while working, decreased life expectancy due to the effect of shift work on his body and an increase in anti-social behaviour by some of the community towards Nicholas and me when they discover what Steve does.

By chance, I came across Jan-Maree's Aussie Hero Quilts (and laundry bags) and it made me realise that we are not the only family that has it tough in this way, and that Steve's profession is not the only one that has dangers associated with it. Helping out Aussie Hero Quilts means that I can let some one I have never met, know that I appreciate the sacrifices they are making. That regardless of what I think about the war, I know that they are following orders given to them by our Government, that they are just doing their job, and this is my way of thanking them.

There are lots of ways you can let them know too- by making a simple block

by making a laundry bag (now I know how the army does it's laundry)

or by making a quilt.

When they return home, some of the soldiers are passing the quilts on their children, and family, and to me, this seems just right, as the loved ones of our Aussie Heroes deserve to be acknowledged as they make sacrifices too.


I had some quilt fabric that I bought a while ago and had been wondering what to do with it, as I no longer have that 6 year old (he's now a 13 year old). Maybe you're like this too, and perhaps you can donate it, and get the evidence out of the house.

Please consider helping our Aussie Heroes survive the winter and show your support. Jan-Maree's blog is worth reading, especially how our boys and girls do their laundry!