Quilt Swap ...

How are we today?

I have come across a quilt swap on Narelle's blog Nell's Notions.
It is called "Another Little Quilt Swap 4". As I haven't been in blogland for very long I am quite intrigued and interested in giving it a go.

Just click here or on the logo on my side bar to go to Kate's blog which will tell you all about it.

I also have a picture of my first completed Under The Sea BOM to show but the camera will not download pics at the moment. So I will have to save that until next time!

Be happy,
Jess ;0)

My 5 senses are -
seeing the silly camera that won't cooperate!
hearing the out-of-space alien type noises from my hubbys radio!
touching the cool condensation on my refreshing glass of cordial!
tasting the above mentioned cordial!
smelling the aromas of chicken curry in the oven!

Wonderful Weekend!

Hi all,

Well I have had the most wonderful weekend ever!
Meeting Kellie from Don't Look Now and doing her workshop was a great experience. If you have the opportunity to attend one of her classes - don't hesitate!


I could gush on and on about how great the weekend was! But just let me say - I honestly learnt so much, one reason is probably because I haven't done any real classes for at least 2 years. I mean basting spray! Who knew! What a fantastic product.
Also, Kellies techniques are great and her way of teaching puts you at ease and makes it easier for you to learn - no pressure! I actually surprised myself with what I achieved - I thought I was terrible at machine quilting but that was obviously because of how I was taught previously.


This is my unfinished practice piece. The quilting is a bit wonky but with practice I hope to get much better! Once this is finished I will start on Willow, which we got the pattern and kit for on the weekend.


This is the group of women who did the workshop. I got to know a few lovely ladies, who I hope to see again in the future. Thats not to say they all aren't lovely, I just didn't get to talk to too many of them!

But I did fit in some shopping which is a must at Patchwork Angel. They have such a huge range of fabric, patterns and notions that I barely scratched the surface!


Aren't my new playthings pretty?!

Be happy, Jess ;)

I have exciting weekend plans!

G'day all,

(Do you know I say "G'day" all the time, to everyone? I don't know why it just pops out! Also, I say "cool" a lot - can you see I grew up in the 80's/90's? LOL)

So this weekend as been in the works since November. I booked in as soon as I heard about it! And it has finally arrived! Now though I am actually feeling a bit nervous!

Kellie from Don't Look Now is coming all the way up to Patchwork Angel at Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast for a workshop!

I am looking forward to it. I think it will be pretty full on, 2 big days, not only for me but also for hubby who will be looking after the boys. I haven't done many classes since BW was born 20 months ago. Anyway, I just thought this might make you a bit green! LOL


I was thinking about the above project today, so I got it out and had a look. It is an original design, taken from a picture of my older son when he was about 18 months. So I haven't touched it for quite some time - he is now 4.
I originally started it for a Jinny Beyer competition (I don't think I would have had the confidence to enter it), but I'll finish it for me! I might try and tackle this one very soon!

I hope everyone, especially my followers who I really appreciate, are keeping well,
Be Happy, Jess

Joe's Coat Update!

Hi All,

So over on Kellie's Don't Look Now blog she has put into motion a mass progress report for the Quilt-along she is running.

Here is my progess -

• how much have you completed so far - I have done 6 blocks and have a heap of petals ready to be attached to the background.
• where / when are you finding the time to work on the project - I have a seemingly short attention span and keep getting distracted by other things, but I usually do this sort of thing at night after the kids have gone to bed.
  
• you may also like to let us know some of your tricks, tips & hints - I am trying to make a few blocks at a time. And I am going to try skipping the gluing of the seams down and turn it as I sew. I think I will get better points this way and I don't think it will take me any longer. I'll let you know how this goes!
  
• how you went about choosing your fabrics etc - I chose my favourite colour which is purple. I also love a scrappy look so I have nearly 20 different fabrics.
  
• what your plans are for the quilt ... who you are making it for etc - I am being selfish and making this quilt for myself. Ultimately I'd like to do a queen size but we shall see, I might not be finished before I'm 90!
  

This week I have also managed to finish a block from Homespuns BOM. I notice the new mag is at the newsagents but not in my letter box yet - not happy!


My SIL came down with her kids on Wednesday and I did some sewing with her eldest daughter, she is eight so it was quite interesting. I'll share some photos soon!

Be Happy,
Jess

P.S. The recipe for the Chocolate Cherry Slice is from Super Food Ideas mag, Feb 2010 issue. Sue, if you can't get a copy send me an email and I'll send you a copy of the recipe.

Rainy day companions!

G'day,

Take a look at my company....


A movie and Choc Cherry Slice, yes I made it myself. Yummo!


A little stitching to do while watching the movie! I managed to squeeze in a movie while my youngest "BW", who is 20 months, was asleep this afternoon. It was a miracle!

I have also managed to get BW's satchel bag finished this week too!


It is the same as TP's except for the snail fabric where TP's has turtles.

As you can see, it is a little big yet! But I'm sure he will grow into it in no time!

Yesterday I was scanning an older issue of Aus Country Craft and Decorating magazine and came across an article called "Craft Blogs: a domestic fantasy?"
The author Karina May sayes we "tend to skip over the 'sticky' bits and reveal little about their lives. Although they may have a hectic household and be up to their necks in washing and ironing, by not divulging details of their day-to-day activities and chores, they project and image of a perfect existence."
I have to agree that this is true for most of the blogs I follow. But maybe I wouldn't be so inspired if I knew their lives where as chaotic as mine.

Now just so you know I'm not a Domestic Goddess I'll tell you a few things that have happened while writing this post.....
1. BW is chucking some major tantrums at the moment, so one them had to be dealt with!
2. TP created a huge puddle of juice and water on the bench which spilled over to the kitchen floor!
3. Dinner nearly burned, then got eaten! There is still the after dinner mess to be cleaned up yet!
4. There are towels in the dryer waiting to be folded, they have been waiting a while!

I'd better leave it at that or you might get depressed! LOL!

Be Happy,
Jess