Teddlywinks

Love of Stitching

2012-02-11T21:58:00.001-08:00

Keep your peepers open for a new design, "Love of Stitching", which will be available exclusively from Lorraine at Patchwork Passion.
It's a small quilt, but very cute - I think you'll like it!
Here are a few photos to entice you to pick up needle and thread!
It features thongs that Lorraine loves (and me too!!!!)
Available as soon as I get the cover photos done and patterns put together. Probably a week or two. I'll let you know, and you'll get to see the finished product as well!
Liz
Nothing like keeping you in suspense!!!!!

Ghastly Mistake

2012-02-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Many, many apologies to everyone who has purchased "Created with Love" - there is a mistake in the fabric requirements and cutting instructions for the 122 squares.

On the back cover of the pattern, about halfway down, it should read:

10cm each of eight assorted fabrics for the 3" squares (NOT 2 ½" squares) total of 122 squares.

On page 2, just after the Block 5 border instructions, it should read:

Cut 3" (NOT 2 ½") squares from the eight assorted fabrics, 122 in total.(Continue with the remaining instructions, substituting the 2 ½" squares with the 3" squares.)

Finding mistakes in my patterns is very upsetting for me - I like to have happy customers and I can only say, once again, my apologies, and I hope no-one has been inconvenienced by this mistake!

Aaaaaargh!!!!!! What a drama!!!!!

Liz

P.S. My thanks to Lillian of Esmes in Kings Meadows, Tasmania for letting me know! Thanks Lillian.

Secret Stitcher's Business

2012-01-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

Have a look at the Country Hart Designs website - this is a link to Robyn's Secret Stitcher's Business page. (If this link doesn't work, look in the information section on her home page where you'll find a drop-down tab with the link to the Secret Stitcher's Business page.)
It's a fantastic program where you sign on for a project of the month, over ten months, and you will have no idea what the project is until you receive it in the mail! Just like having a birthday!
Robyn has managed to rope in popular Aussie designers (including Moi!) to create exclusive designs for her program! Each one different. At the end of the ten months you should have ten delightful, fully completed items!
Here is a small snapshot of the fabrics I'm using - but, shhh!!! It's a secret! That's all you're getting a glimpse of until my contribution is unveiled in June!!!!
Liz
P.S. I'm still avoiding the self portrait!
P.P.S. Shoot over to Tiramisue's blog (link on the sidebar) to see what she's up to - fish, feet and self portrait!

Avoiding the Self Portrait

2012-01-02T17:40:00.001-08:00

I'm finding lots of trivial, mundane, boring things to do like looking for cobwebs (who actually looks for cobwebs?). It's because my quilting group has been issued a challenge by Tiramisue.
A 20" square quilt.
Subject matter? A self portrait.
I'm avoiding it.
I'm putting off starting.
It has to be completed by the end of February.
So I'm blogging quilt labels.
Of course!
This is how I like to make my quilt labels.
Hop onto your computer and choose a nice font.
Type out your message and play with the setting out and size of the words until you "like what you see".
I usually make the title a little larger than the rest of the message.
You can type as much or as little as you like.
Another idea is to trace a small design feature from the quilt and embroider it into the label.
Some of my labels are a little more detailed than these, but I couldn't be bothered going through the cupboard to find them ....... however, it seems a better option than the self portrait .......
Liz
P.S. Dearest Sue ....... it will happen. I don't know when, but it will happen .......

Boxing Day

2011-12-25T15:32:00.001-08:00

A rogue's gallery - the boys in a one-in-a-million photo. It took me 35 shots to get this one!
Don't you just love Boxing Day?
I do.
NOTHING happens here ...... we usually do very little.
Nothing to cook because there's tons of leftover turkey.
No-one knocking on the door because they are probably doing what we're doing ..... nothing. Or going away for their hols!
The neighbourhood is quiet. They're all probably at the Boxing Day sales. Couldn't think of anything worse. Camping out from midnight just to get crushed in the crowd of bargain hunters. Better things to do ..... like ..... nothing!
(I won't mention the washing, though ..... or the dirty floors ..... or the mess leftover from yesterday .....)
Yesterday Sean was tickled pink to see Santa on our neighbour's front lawn - he's usually on the roof, (Santa, that is, not Sean!) but this year health and safety prevailed and it was thought that two feet firmly planted on the ground was the go.
This must be why it's called Boxing Day (LOL) - there was a bit of biffo going on outside this morning.
The King parrots arrived - we have stopped feeding them because of the cat problem, but I think they were attracted by the shiny, sparkly baubles. So out went some seed.
But who arrived soon after? Yes - the feisty little lorrikeets who will scare the pants off any birds larger than themselves!
There was a bit of a punch-up (hence "Boxing" Day), and the lorrikeets tucked in - but the other parrots did not give up too easily and a fragile peace prevailed.
This is one of the reject photos from the attempt to "achieve a desirable outcome" in the boy's photo category! Archie was the culprit - trying to pull his Grandpa's ear! Hope your Chrissy was a great one!
Liz
P.S. Sue's Christmas card this year features O'Reilly in drag (whoops - not dressed in drag, but sporting a pair of antlers, some tinsel and a very red nose)! There were lots of comments about the "shaggy reindeer" .......

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

You really have to take a look at Sue's Christmas wish!
O'Reilly really needs to "choose what to chew" wisely - Mummy has ways of dealing with him!
Merry Christmas!
Liz

I Have Staff

2011-12-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

Yes - "The Day" arrived!
What day, you ask?
Yesterday was David's "Significant Birthday". Yes, he's now officially retired (or so I'd like him to think! Little does he know that he will be very busy - I now have staff! Unpaid staff)!
But to celebrate (and keep him happy) I took him out for lunch. But not any ordinary lunch. He was treated to a first class three hour tour (sounds very Gilligan Islandish!), a "natter platter", Crown lager, coffee and scones. All on Puffing Billy!
This was our carriage .......
This was our lunch .......
A sideways salad ....... still haven't worked out how to turn the pic the right way up!
On the way to Lakeside .......
David trying to look nonchalant.......
And a very festive Puffing Billy he was!
Liz

Christmas for the Kiddies

2011-12-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

I have my little wall hanging, "Teddy in a Tangle", in our family room - it comes in a pattern called "Double the Christmas Fun". Yes - I have decorated for the kiddies in our family - and the tree over our deck is wearing it's finery just for them! Decorations are so cheap! I couldn't resist the red baubles to go with last year's gold - next year I'll add more colours!
And our Christmas tree inside has more bling. But still not enough.
I wonder what the possums will make of them!
Or the cockatoos! Ooooh ..... shiney, sparkly fruit!!!!
Liz

The Apprentice

2011-12-09T11:48:00.001-08:00

I've finished a Christmas Stocking for Josh - now all three grandboys have one (he'd actually fit quite comfortably inside this one!). All that needs to be done now is for Santa to fill it with lots of loot!
How about this! The apprentice.
"Watch and learn" said Grandpa, while he was repairing one of Archie's toys. Archie found the tools very appealing, particularly as he is teething and everything goes in his mouth!
Liz
P.S. I definitely think my tree needs more bling!

He has found the Christmas tree

2011-12-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Same day, another blog!
Our tree - complete with two Santa sacks circa 1978 that I made for the boys when they were little! On the wall is my quilt, "A Teddy Bear Christmas".
Now that David has made the rod a permanent fixture I'll have to find something to hang there that won't go "poof" when we light the fire in the colder months!
And you guessed it - Archie has found the tree!
I was inspired to post this blog by the view from our kitchen sink - our neighbours have some glorious lillies in their garden, and complete with the old seeder, it makes a lovely outlook for us! And we don't have to lift a finger to enjoy it!
I think my tree needs more bling ....
Liz

High Tea at The Patchwork Tea House

2011-12-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

At The Patchwork Tea House there is an intrepid group of ladies who show up once a month to work on their BOMs. They are a delightful bunch who always thoroughly enjoy themselves, stitching (a little), eating (moderately) and chatting (a lot!). It is a great way for them to compare notes on their projects, share techniques and generally have a good time.
For their Christmas break-up they decided to have one of the Tea House's sumptuous high teas.
Marilyn, Gary and Helen didn't let them down - what a high tea it was! Here's Trish, caught unawares in her Christmas finery, reading something to the others.
One of the girls had finished this gorgeous festive quilt and was proudly displaying it - and quite rightly too!
Gary was put to work assembling some new cake plates while the girls were stitching. He looks most impressed, doesn't he (trying to get them straight)!!!?
The girls had their usual spot in the window with a lovely outlook - and Kris Kringle pressies on the table!
And then the feast! A real visual feast as well as a taste treat!
Little sandwiches, cakes, scones (real cream and home made jam), slices, little "quichey" things ...... I put on three pounds just looking at it!
I tell you what - they made short work of it all - this sewing lark really builds an appetite!!!!
What a day .....
..... I think they all went home happy!
Liz

Quilt Aid 2011

2011-12-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

"Little Frog" is my block for the 2011 Quilt Aid program - it is now taking place in Australia, Europe and America!
Quilt Aid raises funds for the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia and you can read more by clicking on the logo below.
The Quilt Aid website also gives you links to the European and American programs.
There are twelve gorgeous blocks by twelve of our top Aussie designers which make up the "Whimsy and Wonder" theme and each shop taking part has designed their very own finishing kit.
Treat yourself to a visual feast and view all blocks on the website - and do your bit for ladies who are are living in very much more unfortunate circumstances than ourselves.
Liz
P.S. What a great gift for someone special in your life!

Little Birds

2011-12-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

Lookie, lookie, lookie! This is an example of what can be done with one of my little stitchery packs! Jacquie sent me the photo and said, "Thought you might like to see what I turned the first of my Christmas Tweets into. It's just the right size to put purse, phone, list and pen in when Christmas shopping. (And it's big enough for smallish teddies to stow away in as well).
It's a cute little bag - looks easy to make, and as Jacquie said, so handy for Christmas shopping when you don't want to be carrying too much around!
So come on girls, get cracking with the ideas!
This is a bit of a "bitsy" blog - I'm jumping from one thing to another! A few weeks ago David and I spent a Saturday at Patchwork Passion in Cranbourne and one of the ladies had her "Let's Play Ladies" to show.
Lots of "Ooohs" and "Aah"s from the ladies present!
And a very proud (understandably) owner!
"Bitsy" blog again - Roger has appeared out of hibernation again. Or is it Son of Roger?
We're not sure. He (or she) looks slightly different. Or is it Mrs. Roger?
Archie turned one last week. Big birthday bash & barbarcue at Lilydale Lake - here he is with Sean, his cousin. A couple of very happy kids!
Just look at Josh's hoodie!!!! It was sent out from Holland about 14 years ago, and has done the rounds of all the kids in the family and still looks as good as new!
A photo worth a thousand words!!!!!!!!!!!
Liz

AQM 2011

2011-12-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here we are again, at the AQM in Jeff's Shed (with Sexpo in the next hall!!! What a combination - one selling patchwork and quilting supplies, and the other selling .?????. supplies!!!).
Ernie Dingle took up his usual position surveying his domain.
Our stand was quite "eye catching" to say the least.
The zig-zaggy frame at the front, with the quilts draped over it, is half of the playpen we use for Archie and Josh when they are at our place - a multi-purpose piece of equipment!
This was the view from our hotel room - over towards Docklands. Hmmm..... One day we'll strike it lucky and get a prettier outlook. But then, we don't spend much time in the hotel!

However, same view at night. Much nicer when you can't see the grotty bits.
It was just lovely to catch up with friends from the patchwork world. Here's Sue from Mallee Country Crafts.
A rogue's gallery! Michelle on the left is the designer behind the Brittannia Creek label.
Karen next to her is the owner of Mrs. Martin's Quilt Shop in Emerald, Victoria.
Next to her is Bronwyn, who took a liking to Ernie - he found himself in the arms of an adoring fan!
Below, Jo from Sewjo Designs, took my place for the photo.
Look who was just down the aisle from us! Conversation and laughter was non-stop with Jenny, Natalie, Anni, Gail and Brenda!
Oh dear. Ernie .......
Don't you just love the little designs the baristas put on top of your coffee? I always look forward to what will appear when I take off the lid. I think I'll issue a challenge - a barista who can do a teddy!!!!!
We have both hit a brick wall this week - it has been an extremely busy November, and Christmas is looming .....
But David's on the countdown - only ten working days until he retires. Hooray!!!!
Liz

P.S. Little does he know that he will still be working.
P.P.S. For me.
P.P.P.S. And for no pay!!!!
P.P.P.P.S. I'll have staff (manic laughter)!!!

Ernie Dingle Ready To Go!

2011-11-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

I have been stitching "Christmas Tweets" using Presencia thread number 9275 - it's a variegated red through to very dark red, almost black. It's looking good - then I will turn it into something, I don't know what yet! Something to show what can be done with a little pre-printed stitchery!
As you can see, I haven't completed all the stitching yet - finger still giving me grief from a gardening accident, but it's on the mend.
Ernie Dingle is ready and waiting - off to the AQM this weekend. Although it is a busy couple of days, we are looking forward to catching up with all our friends in the patchwork and quilting industry.
I'm just trying to work out a strategy for "Ernie Control" - he tends to go a bit wild at these events (must be Himself's influence)!
Liz

My Canadian Cousin

2011-11-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Maureen at Stitch Back in Time, Tamworth, New South Wales, sent me this photo of Grandma and Me. It's a shop sample and isn't it gorgeous! The photo doesn't do it justice! If you are interested, give Maureen a call on (02) 6766 9088. The shop address is 1D Darling St, Tamworth, NSW, 2340, Australia.
Great excitement on the weekend! My Canadian cousin is in Australia for a tour and we were delighted to meet up with her on Saturday. Our first stop was, of course, scones, tea and coffee at The Patchwork Tea House in Warburton (above) then off to Healesville Sanctuary (in the rain!). Meandered around looking at the animals, and Heather reminded us of what we take for granted - the sounds and smells of the Australian bush and the strange and wonderful varieties of animal life we are so fortunate to have.
The koalas were looking rather bedraggled in the rain, but didn't seem to mind!
Then we dropped in at White Rabbit Brewery in Healesville to see Paul, also Woori Yallock to say hello to Mark, Rach and Archie, then home for tea!
Didn't stop talking the whole day through! Above photo taken with the timer - had to hold the smiles for ten seconds - it always feels like ten minutes!!!
On Sunday it was Archie's first birthday party at Lilydale Lake - but more about that next time!
Liz
P.S. Only 32 days until the jolly fat man arrives!
P.P.S. It has been my mission this year to find the perfect Christmas tree lights. I think I'm failing .......
P.P.S. Why does my list of followers not display correctly? It has a mind of its own - sometimes it cooperates, sometimes it doesn't!

Pear Cider

2011-11-13T00:14:00.000-08:00

"Created with Love" and "Grandma and Me" are now on my website. Patterns are finally available! At last!!
My son, Paul, works at White Rabbit Brewery in Healesville, what a dream job for a bloke!!!!!
He dropped in this afternoon, and, what a star - look at what he brought for me! A new taste treat! Pear cider. It's not too sweet, and only 4% alcohol. I'm hooked! It's my current favourite tipple!!!
Liz

Christmas Tweets

2011-11-08T20:23:00.001-08:00

I've been drawing! I love doodling, and this is the result of my latest scribble - "Christmas Tweets", two little robins with a very festive yuletide air!
They are pre-printed on homespun and come together in a pack, ready for you to start stitching for Christmas. Use your imagination to turn them into anything to grace your home at Christmas - wall hangings, little quilts or table covers, placemats, gift bags - or simply give a pack to a friend as a gift!
They will be on the website very soon, but if you are desperate, email or phone, the details are on the website. Those of you with paypal accounts, I am about to put it on Ebay - follow link on this page.
I'm looking after Archie today - Rach is not well, and we are having a lovely time! He's watching "In the Night Garden" at the moment - it's a bit of a laugh really, as Grandpa knows all the words off by heart and recites them throughout the show! What an article he is!
Liz

Liz

Grandma and Me

2011-10-21T01:06:00.000-07:00

I was sent this photo by Noelle of Noelle's Country Craft and Gifts, in Charters Towers, Queensland. She has made the quilt in brights - simply stunning! I think she is giving it to her granddaughter - after she has finished with it in the shop!
Contact Noelle for details:
PO Box 216 Charters Towers QLD, 4820.
Ph: 07 47872874
I have completed my version of the quilt, and the photo will be blogged, and the pattern pack will be available shortly.
Keep watching my website for details, or subscribe to my e-newsletter from the website.
Avocado Man! Archie loves avocado, as you can see!
Good thing it's an Ikea high chair! It means we can take it outside and hose it down!
Liz

Quilt Aid 2011

2011-10-20T04:23:00.000-07:00

This is "Little Frog". He's my block for the Quilt Aid 2011 block of the month - go to the Quilt Aid website and you'll find twelve gorgeous "Whimsy and Wonder" creations, all set to take off in this year's program. The fabrics used are the Ruby range from Moda and you'll find all the details of the designers, each shop's quilt, the finishing kits, ordering, etc on the website.
A wonderfully satisfying and enjoyable way of raising money for a very worthwhile cause, the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.
Happy browsing!
Liz

Created with Love

2011-10-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

"Created with Love" is the title of my newest design (yes - "Grandma and Me" is completed, just have to sort the cover and I will post a photo next time I blog). I am using the Cielle range from Lecien, supplied by the lovely Melea from Charles Parsons here in Melbourne.
Very pretty fabrics, with lovely small prints .......
....... and beautiful flowery designs .......
....... in blues and pinks .......
....... not forgetting the Cosmo embroidery threads .......
....... two strands that roll effortlessly off the spool, in gorgeous colours, and there's 88 metres on each spool!!!!
No more re-winding the threads onto cards, no more tangles and no more dividing six strands into twos!!!! Why wasn't this done years ago?!?
Below is another preview of the quilt. The family theme becomes clear!
And speaking of families, I am always thrilled to get photos of your quilts. Here is another from Gloria who lives in South Africa. It's my "Grandpa's Little Treasures" design, and she has personalised it by changing Grandpa for Oupa, the Afrikaans word for Grandpa.
Isn't it lovely? And what a great gift for the grandchildren - something to cherish.
Photo of "Grandma and Me" coming soon!
Liz

Lilies and Peonies

2011-10-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some blocks (a work in progress) of "Grandma and Me", a six month block of the month, which will be released in the Lily and Peony fabrics soon. I was a lucky girl - my friends at Lloyd Curzon Textiles sent me swatches of the fabrics and here are all the lovely colours and designs - a bit rumpled because I couldn't wait to cut into them and get sewing!
The pink and greens are just stunning.
The larger prints of the lilies are glorious.
I'll be sitting in front of the TV today - watching movies and hand stitching. I have to take it slowly because I injured a finger on my right hand and it's taking a long time to heal. Very frustrating!
Meanwhile, Spring is well and truly here, as you can see by my lovely irises!
Liz

Little Peek at Grandma and Me

2011-09-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

"Grandma and Me" - it's coming along nicely - considering that I badly sprained a finger in the garden four weeks ago! When I think of the times (in a former life as a teacher) that I patted an injured child on the head, said "there there", and told them to sit in the shade and rest their hand!!!!! Never again! Painful! Ow! ow! ow! AND it's my stitching finger on my sewing hand!
But the swelling and bruising is disappearing and it's getting much better.
These are some pics of the blocks.
More will be revealed soon!
Here's the latest pic of Archie - very relaxed, watching "In the Night Garden". A very weird program ..... but that's another story!
Big news - I now have an eBay store. So for those of you who have a Paypal account, it's a very convenient way to purchase your Teddlywinks patterns! And there are discontinued patterns at cheaper prices!
Liz
P.S. It's raining again! (Good title for a song?!?)
♪ ♪♫♪ ♫ ♪♫
P.P.S. It's not unusual (Another song title?!?)
♪♫ ♪ ♫♪♫ ♪
P.P.P.S. Who'll stop the rain (Another song title?!?)
♪♫ ♫♪ ♫ ♪

Rain, rain, go away ..... (somebody stop me ....) ♪ ♫ ♪♫ ♪♫ ♪

Now you see him, now you don't.

2011-09-13T05:31:00.001-07:00

These are my new little stitchery packs - "Quilting Friends", above, contains two teddy stitcheries, and "Little Birds", below, contains three designs. They are pre-printed on homespun, and it's up to you what you use them for - quilts, wall hangings, bags, quilt labels, cushions - the possibilities are endless!
They are not on the website yet, but in the meantime, you can mail, phone, email or fax your details through. There is a printable form on my website.
For those of you who have a Paypal account, I now have an ebay store where you can find all of my patterns (prices are the same as my website). You will also find some completed quilts and framed stitcheries.
Now you see him, now you don't! Archie was with us today. He loves chairs! Being under them, that is!
Such a happy little chappy!
Liz

Hearts that Love

2011-09-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

Oh alright Sue - here it is. Such a pushy girl ...... "When does the other pretty one from this morning go up?" she said.
I'm waiting on the photos before I put together the patterns - should be this week. It isn't on the website yet but it's in my ebay store (same prices as the website and convenient for those of you who have a paypal account.
Easy!
Liz

Fathers' Day

2011-09-07T17:07:00.001-07:00

A new stitchery - red work birdies, with a very profound statement! I really believe that positive thoughts help us all through the tricky times.
It is not on the website yet, but it's in my ebay store. Yes - I now have an ebay store and all my patterns are listed and there are also a couple of completed quilts for sale.
Anyone living worldwide (outside Australia) will notice the added $2 postage cost. This is for the additional postage costs - the prices still remain the same as my website.
Fathers' Day - what a laugh! I managed to get a reasonable photo of the men - the girls are very much outnumbered - usually there is much mayhem and joking and I end up with a disastrous shot, but the boys behaved this time, although Archie was much more interested in Sean's hair! Such big kids.
Here's Sean playing with his monkeys - Tiramisue made them for him. I went to bed on Sunday night with the words "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed" going around and around in my head ..... wait 'til he realizes that we have the six little ducks as well ......
Liz
"Mama called the doctor, the doctor said ......"

I Made a Mistake

2011-08-21T20:56:00.001-07:00

This is my new stitchery, and all will be revealed when it is finished!
However ......... I made a mistake.
I chose the wrong thread colour.
No excuse!
I had picked out the Madeira embroidery thread to match my border fabric, made note of the number, then began ferreting around in my thread box without my glasses!
Instead of 0512 I managed to select 0511 and sat in front of the TV/fire stitching away - had nearly completed it when I found a stray thread card with thread, with the correct number on it ..... what was I doing!!??!!
I had a good close look - there's not much in it - either thread will do.
If I hadn't said anything, you'd never have known!It's Sean's third birthday tomorrow - we had the family party on the weekend - he's been ill with a throat infection which is very unusual because he's never sick!
I can't believe he's three!
Liz

Grandpa's Little Treasure

2011-08-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

This is where Archie (Grandpa's little treasure) sleeps when he's here. Auntie Susanne made the little snuggly for him, he just loves tags and labels, but he hasn't seen this one yet!
The ladder next to the cot is just screaming out for rungs full of teddies! Fortunately the ankle biter isn't big enough to climb ladders yet!
The quilt on the wall is "Grandpa's Little Treasures", of course!
What a dag - in his "formal" t-shirt!
Bye bye!
Liz
P.S. For some reason, Internet Explorer won't let us see the followers of this blog! Firefox does, and that's the one I usually use. If you know how to rectify this, please let me (and Tiramisue) know!
Ta ever so!

Ernie Dingle's Saturday Out

2011-07-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

What is Ernie Dingle doing amongst the Spot fabrics? We had a Saturday out and he did his usual stowaway act. But we didn't find him hiding in the car until after our breakfast at Bianchet Winery. He missed out on eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, orange juice, coffee ......... I suppose it was justice!
Once full and very satisfied, we headed off to The Patchwork Tea House at Warburton. Ernie was very excited because he loves that shop!
The Patchwork Tea House is very much worth a visit - Gary's scones and coffee, cakes, foccacias, beef burgundy pies, soup of the day .......... (not to mention all the patchwork fabrics, threads, notions, patterns, books ..... etc!).
And who should we meet but Deborah, all the way from Port Douglas. Her Mum Ramona has a shop, R & C Fabrics, in Mossman, Queensland and I have met them at the trade shows. Imagine my surprise to see her here in Victoria! Here we are, with Marilyn on the left and me on the right.
Deborah had brought her stitching with her (obviously had heard all about the shop) and Marilyn introduced her to a group of regular stitchers - it wasn't long before she was sitting amongst them, chatting nineteen to the dozen! New friends (see photo below).
That's what The Patchwork Tea House is all about.
Sally (below) was attempting to "bearnap" Ernie, but he wasn't having any of that!
Here he is, sitting quietly, waiting for his chance to escape ......
...... eyeing off the threads .....
..... hiding amongst his allies .....
..... giggling when the coffee grinder went into action .....
..... demanding, yes, demanding hot chocolate .....
..... "I want chocolate, I want chocolate, I want ......."
..... sulking in the Moda bakehouse as all else failed (he needs to find his manners) ......
..... found some friends in a stitchery group who visited for the day ..... they took pity on him .....
..... he apologised for his behaviour .....
..... and on the way home he got to play with Archie!
What a spoilt little bear!
Liz

Village Green Preservation Society

2011-07-08T01:55:00.000-07:00

This is my quilt "Green Farm Village". There is a small stitchery in one of the blocks (middle left) which says "Village Green Preservation Society". I feel very strongly about preserving some of the "old ways" and traditions. There is a song, originally by the Kinks, which expresses my feelings exactly. The version I truly love is by Kate Rusby. I have all her records (that's giving away my age! I mean CDs, of course!) - her voice is unique.
The track is also the theme to a quirky British series called "Jam and Jerusalem".
Turn up your speakers and have a listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRK6U5vIHCs
Liz

Teacups Galore!

2011-07-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

But wait .... there's more! Here's a teeny tiny one that I remember drinking out of when I was a little girl! There's a plate that goes with it ..... somewhere in a box .....
And the one below has its very own little milk jug, and teapot ..... when I can find the box they are hiding in!

Here's another favourite .....

..... with a better look at the saucer .....

The teacup challenge has really taken off! Here's a list of links to other teacup lovers. There are some beautiful collections here!

Happy browsing!

Liz

http://kpscarlettandchief.blogspot.com/2011/06/teacup-collection-challenge.html

http://sheilasquiltworld.blogspot.com/

http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com

http://www.woodberrydesigns.com.au

http://lillycottage.typepad.com

kris@tagalongteddies.com.au

http://allthingsvintage-teresa.blogspot.com/

http://michelleridgwaydesigns1.blogspot.com/

http://valspierssews.blogspot.com/

Teacup Challenge

2011-06-27T17:23:00.001-07:00

OK girls - it's teacup challenge time!
One of my blogging buddies, Kris, from Tag Along Teddies, is, in my opinion the queen of teacups.
So let's see how many of you out there are secret closet teacup aficionados.
Here's my selection - I must confess I have more but they are stored away in boxes until I can get my grubby little hands on a nice display cabinet ......
As you see, I like the matching plate (for the eclair of course!).
This is my favourite. It has a gorgeously intricate gold lacy pattern all over, but the outside of the cup is quite plain with just a posy of flowers ........
but when you drink your tea - look what appears!
Start blogging girls! Let's see all those teacups!
Liz

I Need an Archie-Blog

2011-06-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm pattern writing (sick of it), I have an ear infection, my brother and his lovely lady are doing it tough at the moment with her elderly parents (dementia - I'll say no more), we are overwhelmed by the amount of work that has to be done in the garden now that the workroom is finished (retaining walls, paving, etc), so I think it's time for an Archie-blog, then chocolate .........
What a dag! He's playing peek-a-boo and loving it!
Liz

Time to go Home

2011-06-25T05:59:00.001-07:00

Ernie Dingle, "Bear about Town", talking to his Owly friends on Natalie's stand. He's hoping to see them in Melbourne in November!
I was really pleased to see Carolyn Kendall from Quilt Street at the show. And there's good news! Do you remember me telling you that she had her quilt "Green Farm Village" stolen (one of my Block of the Month quilt designs)? Not long ago it was very mysteriously returned to her by mail - and there was no return address on the parcel. Did someone have a guilty conscience? That's Carolyn with me, below.
Ernie admiring Gail's stitching!
Here we are heading out of Sydney in the wee hours of the morning - endless roadworks and headlights of the commuter traffic rushing to work.
Ernie made us stop at Gundagai for the dog on the tuckerbox!
We are glad to be home!
Sneak preview of Quiltaid design coming soon!
Liz

A Day at the Races

2011-06-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

We finally finished setting up our stand at the Quilt and Craft Expo. It's for trade only, where we show off our designs to the shops. There were all sorts of businesses on display - fabric wholesalers, sewing notions, buttons, bag accessories, long arm quilting machines, textiles, wadding and, of course, the pattern designers.
That's my faithful companion reading the paper after a few hours of me "organizing" him and getting him to do the "high bits" (I'm not the tallest person in the world!).
Ernie was quite at home once more, in his favourite spot, good for "people watching" and keeping an eye on the stand.
I had a scream of a time - it was such fun having Sandy (left) from Cookies and Cream Craft stopping to chat on her way around the show - I think she was stalking us - she passed by every ten minutes (or so it seemed!).
Natalie Ross (next in the photo) was opposite us, and Gail Pan was our neighbour. That's me on the right. It was a laugh a minute - we had a great time! And my friends at Lloyd Curzon Textiles, Tim and Jim, were on the other side of us - I had a lovely time browsing their fabric swatches - lots of new ideas on the way!
Ernie backed a winner! (I hope he doesn't make this a regular occurrence!). There was a race meeting while we were there, and we could see the horses through the windows - Ernie couldn't help himself!
I always come away from these shows with new ideas - the fabrics are such a great inspiration. Lily and Peony from Clothworks and Cielle from Lecien are a couple of ranges that appeal to me, so let's see what happens over the next couple of months!
More about the show next time.
Liz

QCE at Rosehill

2011-06-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hurry Up!!! Ernie Dingle was getting so impatient! In the car before we had even begun to pack! We were off to the Q.C.E. at Rosehill, Sydney - he was especially excited because we were leaving on the Wednesday afternoon instead of Thursday morning.
This is why........
Yes - pea soup fog. We decided that 5am in the morning is not a good time to be driving through fog - it had been hanging around for days and we didn't want to come to grief with a kangaroo, wombat, stray cow, horse or even another vehicle! So we left on Wednesday arvo. This photo was taken at Cotton's Pinch at 2.30 in the afternoon - it was not too bad then, so you can imagine what it was like at night!
Bonnie Doon bridge - water everywhere! What a contrast to last year! Just a trickle under the bridge. Fans of the Australian film "The Castle", will recognize the area where the Kerrigan family had their holiday home (under electricity pylons!). When I was a little tacker we spent our holidays here - swimming, boating and fishing. Lovely memories.

Sunshine at last! We seemed to be the only car on the road.
Finally reached Rosehill - the hotel is opposite the racecourse. Ernie a very disappointed bear - a concrete block outside the window spoilt the view. He did want to watch the gee gees coming home from training early in the mornings, to their stables at the back of the local houses, or even catch a glimpse of Cat Woman again (a lady who fed all the local cats from her pusher - they waited for her every day).
So he drowned his sorrows. Yes - that is a bottle top on his head.
He's already checked the form for Saturday's race meeting.......
On Friday morning we walked to Westfield Shopping Centre at Parramatta. Grabbed a few bargains - Ernie had to try on my sunglasses to give me his approval.
What's that expression? Don't feed the bear, he's already stuffed.
Ernie loves his cappuccino.
Set up day in the next blog - I can't wait to catch up with Gail, Natalie and the others!
Liz

Quiltaid 2011

2011-06-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

I am working on a design for our 2011 Quiltaid charity quilt - there are twelve of us, each making a 12" block using these gorgeous fabrics. It's "Ruby" by Bonnie and Camille for Moda. Simply lovely!

The embroidery threads are Finca - lovely fine perle threads that compliment the fabrics beautifully.
I have an idea - you'll have to wait and see! Whatever it is, it will be quirky!
Liz

Q.C.E. and Trading Cards

2011-06-13T01:35:00.000-07:00

At my quilting group (we meet once a month) we have been swapping trading cards - here is my collection of cards from the "Spring" challenge. I particularly liked the bright pink card at the top right. It is not very clear in the photo, but there is a little wire spring attached, with the words "into it" embroidered underneath ("Spring into it"). Clever Jo!!!!
The next challenge was an oriental one. Here are a few (below) that I made, and when we do the "swap", I'll post a photo of my collection. The Japanese writing is "quilt". I hope.
Ernie Dingle is IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!
He has already packed for our trip to Sydney for the Q.C.E. and he has selected his favourite listening for the car trip.
The Goon Show.
Eight recordings.
Oh dear.
He is a huge fan of Bluebottle, and becomes quite uncontrollable when "He's fallen in the water........"
He can't stop laughing.
I hope the cloud of volcanic ash doesn't upset out trip. Flights cancelled, and the roads could be busy.
Wish us luck!
Liz
P.S. Forgot to mention! We are at stand 76 with Gail Pan next to us, and Natalie Ross opposite! What a scream!!! Also our friends from Lloyd Curzon Textiles on the other side!!!

Stuart Mill Part 5 and Time Warp

2011-05-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

Jenny had "show and tell" - she made this for her son - it is a simply stunning quilt!
A wizard and a dragon .... the fabrics she chose create perfectly that fantasy look.
The dragon has lots of gold stitched on his body to give the appearance of scales.
More photos of the girls at work.
An appliqued teddy ........
........ adding the sashing to a baby's quilt ........
........ embroidery ........
........ scrapbooking ........ (as well as chatter!)
........ more embroidery ........
........ Himself trying to look interested ........
(I'm joking - he always takes an interest and knows far more about patchwork than he lets on!)
Now here's an interesting picture! (Time warp in a country town!)
I couldn't believe what we found hanging on the wall in the motel at St. Arnaud!
Back in the 1970's my Mum had the very same print on the wall in our lounge! The very height of "tasteful" fashion!
My photo has given it an orange hue, but the original is more greys and dark blues.
So my question is ........ has this one been hanging on the wall in that motel for 35 years?
Liz
P.S. Ernie is talking to us again! Is it because there is a trip coming up to Sydney? He's trying to worm his way back into our good books, so that we'll ask him to tag along.
(He'll probably come along as a stowaway anyway!)

A Significant Birthday and More of Stuart Mill.

2011-05-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

But first of all - I have released a new little stitchery - "Welcome", with not a bear in sight, but cute little birdies!!!!
It is on the Teddlywinks website, but I'm still putting together the patterns. Then I'll be sending out newsletters.
It will be at the QCE (trade only) show at Rosehill, Sydney, in a couple of weeks time.
Rach made me a cake. Yes - it was a "significant" birthday for me (now I have an excuse for all the "forgetfulness" and doddering behaviour!). All the family came on Sunday - lots of lovely presents, good food, wine, coffee, company - what else could a person want?
Sean (with lots of spit!!!) and Archie "helped" me to blow out the candles.
Sue dropped in with gorgeous flowers and chocolates. The buds opened up beautifully in the warmth.
Had a lovely day, and when everyong had gone we settled down to watch Downton Abbey - what a corker that is going to be!
More flowers from my neighbours (and good friends) Janine and Andrew - and yes, that is a beautiful red waratah in the middle!
Now more of Stuart Mill, with a photo of something from a horror movie!
One of the girls is into doll making - isn't the head hideous!!! But when it's finished it will be a beautiful little baby doll!
Some of the girls were scrapbooking, and it was great to see them exchanging ideas and asking advice from their friends.
There was a cutting table for the patchworkers - they seemed to have everything well set up for the weekend.
More scrapbooking, this time with lots of photos.
More about Stuart Mill next time!
Liz
P.S. Time for a coffee and left-over birthday cake, then I really have to get stuck into the "Welcome" pattern!

Stuart Mill Episode Three and Mice

2011-05-26T01:57:00.001-07:00

Here's Jenny again with "Sew Busy Bears", another of my designs. Honestly, this patchworking girl has ALL of my patterns!
More pics of the ladies at work (or, I should say, play!).
Cosy spot for a cuppa and a stitch'n'chat!
Jenny and I had our mug shots taken - for the UFO Weekend archives, I think.
The ironing corner. Love those little table ironing boards - I have three of them! One even without legs.

Margaret(?) was busy working on some applique that involved that "shrinky" stuff that makes your fabric go all haywire - the effect is superb. However, she was having a problem with her machine needle making holes in the fabric. Needle was sharp, everything else fine, so we put it down to the fabric. It was a batik, and I find there can be the odd piece of batik that is quite difficult to sew. But from a distance it appeared fine - perhaps a wash will fix it?
Here's the finished heart.
Now onto the subject of mice. Yes, I had a mouse in our en-suite in the middle of the night. Now I don't get rattled by this sort of thing. Creepy crawlies, spiders and mice don't bother me. (Snakes bother me. Hate snakes. Won't go near them.)
So to the mouse. Grabbed a clear plastic container and after chasing the dratted thing around the floor, finally cornered it and slammed the container down over it. Slid a board under it, took it outside and threw it into the bushes.
Couldn't work out how it had come inside, but thought it may have been in some firewood.
Next evening, another one in the lounge! Got the plastic container, cornered and caught the mouse and out it went to join it's friend in the bushes (I can move quickly when it comes to little critters!). I hope there was a hungry owl nearby!
How on earth did they get in?
My friend Tiramisue solved the problem. It was so obvious! Our kitchen benches still have a gap under them. We didn't think that was the entry for the little rodents until she pointed out a crack, and that led to another crack, and that led to a large opening into the wall cavity! David was going to finish off the bench on the weekend, but in the meantime - a roll of packing tape and a meter of heavy duty plastic and "voila!".
A mouse barrier.
We hope.
As an added precaution, I put down rat poison under the cupboard (where no little children or pets can reach it). And a ton of it in the roof just to make sure.
Liz

Stuart Mill Episode Two

2011-05-25T01:35:00.001-07:00

Ernie Dingle is NOT HAPPY!!!!! Here he is - sulking! That's him with his back turned. It's all my fault because I forgot to take him along to St Arnaud. So now he's not talking.
Actually, it's all very peaceful around here ..........
This is the second installment of the Stuart Mill weekend.
Here is Jenny working on her dolphin quilt - the one I showed you in my last posting. She's certainly one happy stitcher!
The following photos are views of the hall where the ladies gathered to sew, chat, eat, drink, and in general be merry!
What a lovely bunch of ladies - such a happy group.
Now here's a little bit more about those dinky cut-outs that Jen was making for the girls - here she is, concentrating on a new design. This is what the girls' sewing machines look like now!

Here's the printer at work - there's a little cutter gizmo that quite speedily cuts out the computerised design onto sticky-backed vinyl. I think it's called the Silhouette Digital Craft Cutter. Jen, if you read this, let me know if that's correct? A very useful tool, especially for scrapbookers!
The cut lines can be seen if you look very carefully at the photo below.
Karyl and her fantastic camera - taking a photo of me taking a photo of her.
I told you it was peaceful around here - we are looking after Archie tonight. He is flat out on the family room floor, fast asleep!
Ernie should sulk a bit more often!
More about Stuart Mill soon.
Liz

Stuart Mill and Annie

2011-05-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

How do you like this! "Bug Bears" was lovingly made by Kerryn, the daughter-in-law of one of my quilting friends, Julie. Kerryn and Justin have a lovely little baby girl, Annie, and the quilt is hers. Annie has some health issues, and will be having an operation soon - and she's only five months old! Our warmest wishes go to Annie and her Mum and Dad. I really must add that this quilt is Kerryn's FIRST one!!!!!!! What a star!
Over the weekend David (who was suffering from a wobbly tummy) and I went to Stuart Mill, a tiny place near St. Arnaud in northern Victoria. Saturday was a lovely day, we arrived about mid-afternoon at the quilters' retreat - a UFO weekend organised by Jenny. Here's Jenny displaying her beautiful dolphin quilt.
The weekend is geared towards those who have unfinished objects - it's three days of "get them completed". But there was also a lot of fun, conversation, gossip, catching up with friends (some only see each other at these retreats), food, relaxation ........ etc.
Karyl (below) was the official photographer - her camera put my little one to shame! Now I know what I want for Christmas!
She was working on the most beautiful quilt.
Can you see Sherril's personalised sewing machine? One of the girls, Jen, was making these dinky designs on her computer and printing out the sticky vinyl silhouettes for everyone's sewing machine!
I was intrigued but more about that later.
Maree (thanks Jen!) is a keen cross-stitcher - here is the beginning of her work .......
..... and here is what it will be like when she's finished!
There was a lovely open fire in the hall - it was so snug and warm!
Someone had this quirky fabric - I didn't find out what they were going to use it for!
My idea of bliss - stitching in front of the fire!
Here's a cute little fellow! Jen (of the "name your sewing machine" fame), had fused little "Monkey Magic" to her fabric - she promised me that she would send me a photo of the finished article.
Jen, I'm holding you to that promise!!!
How's her name tag! It's just beautiful!
There was a cutting counter, and an ironing corner. Everything you could want! Bottomless tea and coffee, and scrumptious meals!
More in the next installment!
Liz

Birthday Bears by Lynn

2011-05-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Lynn dropped in yesterday - she has made "Birthday Bears" for her little granddaughter and has used lovely brights. She also made the cake of the chocolate variety (what every girl loves!!!!!). I love the lovely balloon binding print!
Lynn - I want photos of the party, and with Georgia next to her quilt!
We spent the afternoon looking at fabric choices for "Bearly Angels". Lynn has been having a mental block (for quite a few days now!) when it comes to selecting "what goes where", so we put all her bits and pieces on the floor and played with colours.
Now let me tell you that she needed very little help from me - I didn't seem to be of any assistance at all - once she saw my sample quilt everything came together quite nicely.
The border print is a lovely quirky print - and the colours of that will be introduced into the quilt, along with some pastels - but you'll have to wait and see.
Soon I will be posting a photo of Bug Bears, made by the daughter of a friend of mine.
Liz

Ann's Quilt

2011-05-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Ann today - she has completed "Grandpa's Little Treasures", but has personalised it by changing the words to Grandad instead, for her hubby! So here's "Grandad's Little Treasures"!
Ann has also changed the style of the writing, and I just love the "patchwork" fabric she has used for the rompers worn by the little bear on the right in the centre block (I had to compress the photo for the blog page, and it's much easier to see in the original photo).
Hasn't she done a beautiful job!
Thanks for sending me the photo Ann, and thanks for making it more meaningful to your family. I love seeing the finished quilts and I'm glad yours is not a UFO!!!!!
Weather has been brrrrr..... cold!!! We have finally used our new wood heater. Bliss!
We have another older one in our lounge that is in an old brick fireplace, but the new one is so much more efficient! I can see me sitting by this one on a cold, wet Winter's day, stitching away and listening to my favourite music .......
Paul's birthday tomorrow. We are going to their place for afternoon tea. I'm on scone/jam/cream duty. All the grandkids will be there. Mayhem!
Love it!
Liz

Green Tomato Pickle and Homespun Magazine

2011-05-08T17:50:00.001-07:00

Ernie Dingle is excited. There is a project in the latest Australian Homespun Magazine that has been created by me! That's why he's all quivery and squeaky!
I made up a cushion pattern, with a watering can filled with flowers and a ladybird. Not a bear in sight!
Ernie is engrossed in my profile - he likes to know everything about me - I can't keep any secrets from him!
He has found a new place to watch over everything - in my old school case on the dresser, with his buddies, of course.
Today I'm making green tomato pickle. My neighbour gave me a bag full of green tomatoes - you know the ones - they don't ripen at this time of the year and so are usually thrown out. But I like the good old Ezy Sauce recipe for green tomato pickle. It's soooo "ezy".
This is my HUGE stock pot. It holds a vast amount of "whatever". No spillovers.
There does not appear to be a great deal of pickle in the bottom, but believe me, there will be lots of jars filled!
Smells delicious.
Liz

Introducing Blueberry

2011-05-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm the luckiest lady! Meet Blueberry - isn't she adorable? Let me tell you how she came to be living with me.
On Wednesday I spent the day with Sandi Smith (from Bearly Sane and Ess D' Ess Bears ) at her gorgeous home (complete with a hug of bears amongst other beautiful nick knacks), helping her to judge the finalists in the Australian Creative Design Awards, a special on-line award site for teddy bear and soft sculpture artists from around the world.
I have been helping Sandi for three years now, and I still find it a very difficult task as all the entries are of such a high standard (and I also need to improve my handwriting!). It's also very tempting to pick out a favourite, but it's so important to remain impartial and stick to the criteria. If you visit the A.C.D.A. website you will find photos of the finalists.
Just as I was about to leave Sandi presented me with a little gift - yes - Blueberry! I was so thrilled, especially as she was lovingly made by Sandi herself. What a generous lady!
So Blueberry sits in pride of place on an old bobbin. The perfect teddy bear stool!
Thank you Sandi!
Liz

A Poem in response to "A Spell for Bigger Boobs".

2011-05-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

A short poem by my friend TiramiSue, in response to my last blog, "A Spell for Bigger Boobs".

When I was 12, I wished and wished,

for a bosom to be proud,

I wished and wished and and got them,

so now I say out loud,

Be careful what you wish for,

be careful, trust in me,

If I lay down to watch TV,
I cannot see the screen.

I will not run, fast walks are best,

I cannot stand the bounce,

without support, its safe to say,

I shouldn't leave the house.

So be careful what you wish for,

be careful trust in me,

Stop at B or maybe C,

Forget those Double DD's........

(Such good advice .......)
Liz

A Spell for Bigger Boobs

2011-05-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

"Wen i ewesd too bee a teecha", I taught the littlies (five year olds) - preps we call them here in Australia. (I hope you could understand all that!!) There was one Mum in particular, with whom I got on really well. I have never been overly endowed in the "bosom" area, although I did manage to successfully breast feed two large, hungry baby boys until they were nine months old!
This particular mum, who had heard the good-natured teasing about my small bustline, presented me with a birthday present (this was quite a few years ago). When I was cleaning out in readiness to move into the workroom I found the present. The card, "A Spell for Bigger Boobs", is above (you'll need a magnifying glass!).
But look what came with the card (below)!!!!!! Complete with fishnets!!!!!!
The kids in my class loved the bear, but they couldn't see anything unusual about it!
Such innocence.
Did you watch William and Kate on Friday? I'm an incurable romantic, and was glued to the screen for every moment. It was perfect. Except for the pretzel hat. Say no more.
How many of our menfolk said, "I'm not watching THAT rubbish!" Then spent the rest of the evening leaning over our shoulders peering intently at the telly?
I think they secretly love it all but will not admit it to their buddies.
Now take a look at this! Knit Your Own Royal Wedding! A must for any devoted fan of the monarchy! Get knitting girls!
Liz
(What will they think of next!)

Easter Monday

2011-04-25T05:36:00.001-07:00

We have had the best day today! The family came for lunch, and brought mayhem (and Easter eggs) with them! David is now in the Land of Nod, quite tuckered out after his day of play!
Here is our newest grandson, Josh, just two weeks old, hanging out with his cousin, Archie, above.
Sean discovered the joys of playing with Autumn leaves, after Grandpa shook a branch over his head and caught him by surprise. He soon found that having his hood up stopped them from going down his neck (I think his Uncle Mark had something to do with that! The leaves down his neck, I mean!).
Then he found Grandpa's boots! What a great place for hiding leaves!
We are planning to spend the day in the garden tomorrow, pruning, weeding and a general tidy up - I can't wait for David to put on his boots!
All the menfolk seemed to be competing with each other - who could be the biggest kid! And, of course, Sean loved it!!!!!
Now for (I think) some exciting news! I have found my scanner! (I can hear some of you asking how on Earth a scanner can be misplaced, but if you saw what it was like here before the workroom was finished, you'd understand!)
Remember in my last (or second to last?) blog, I said I'd post some old photos?
Well here they are.
The first two photos (below) are of St. Georges Parish Church, just outside Cardiff. They show the pathway entering the church grounds. We took these photos in 2002.

The next is of the path curving around the corner to the main entrance of the church.
Here you can see my Mum, with her father (Grandpa), walking along the same path towards the church door. Same gravestones in the background. Photo taken in 1946.
Here is the same path, below, closer to the door, and below that is the wedding party after the ceremony, in 1946, standing outside that same doorway.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to visit that beautiful little church!
I hope you have all had a happy Easter! I certainly have!
Liz

Josh and Dunster

2011-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry, sorry, sorry ...... haven't blogged for AGES, but I have excuses!
Firstly, as you can see, we have a new grandson! Josh was born last week, and we are all besotted! Little brother ("Baby Josh"), for Sean. Here he is, one day old. I think he's been here before!
Secondly - "Dunster" is finished, and the pattern is available from my website! At last!
He's an adorable, friendly dragon. And there's only one teeny, tiny teddy - on the knight's shield. But you can put your own little personal touch there .... or maybe the family crest?
And thirdly - who said it would be a doddle to move into the workroom and get it all sorted!!??
It is taking ages to tidy and put things away. We keep finding long lost things, and are having to organize cupboards for stationary, fabrics, sewing bits and pieces, etc, etc .....
But I have my house back, and there's room for the kids to play!
Liz

Don't put Anything on the Shelves

2011-03-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

This quilt is named "Green Farm Village" and I have had lots of people asking me how I was inspired. Here's the story.
It is all about memories of where my family came from in Wales. Several years ago David and I visited the lovely Welsh countryside just outside Cardiff where my Mum grew up. She lived, as a child, in a house called "The Lodge", which is attached to a cemetery where my Grandpa was employed. The road leading to the house is Green Farm Lane. Development has taken place, with modern homes built in Green Farm Lane, although the original double story home still stands (in a somewhat forlorn state!).
Mum and Dad (a scot) where married just after the Second World War, in the parish church of St. Georges, a small but beautiful church consecrated around 1236. The church and graveyard remain in a rural setting - the lane leading to the church being only one car width! We were excited that the photos we took did not differ much from wedding photos taken in 1946!
I'll scan some old photos and post them next time.
What are pyjama-clad legs doing in my blog?
The carpet has been laid, and we are enjoying it!!!!!!!! Bare feet, sitting on it, lying on it ........
It's so cosy!!!!!!!
The photo below shows The Mess when the carpet layers had left.
David started putting together the shelving for the workrook, right in the middle of The Mess, and his last words before going to work the next day were, "Don't put anything on the shelves".
Red rag to a bull!
On went the teddies!!!!
Over this weekend the challenge is to put all the shelves together, in their rightful place along the wall in the workroom. Then start to put The Mess away!!!!!
Wish me luck!!!!!
Liz
P.S. This is Malcolm. He looks after my spectacles. I was always losing them because they are frameless and hard to see. My friend Detty gave him to me.
He's named after a former Australian Prime Minister. Can you guess who? And can you see the resemblance?

Shambles

2011-03-16T12:23:00.001-07:00

Yes - I know. It's carpet!
And yes, I know. It's berber.
And yes, I know. It's wool.
But with my nose, wool's the go!
And yes, I know. Berber is an eighties look. But I don't care. It's my home. And I love it!
Anyway, you won't see all the threads from my sewing!
Here's the ladder in all its glory - yet to have "stuff" hanging from it.
The carpet layers loved it. "What a good idea", they said. I am a big fan of what I call "skyhooks" (the rock band as wel - God bless Shirley's little cotton socks). If I can hang something up, I'll do it because it means that it's out of the way and I can clean underneath without difficulty.
We have finally moved in ........ I think .........
That board in the front is an old ironing board ready to be tarted up.
We found a tent.
David was very taken with it!
And we found a little kiddy couch. Next thing I knew, guess who was in the tent with the couch, and his new best friend. All tuckered out!
Liz

Dishwashers and The Ladder

2011-03-12T23:53:00.000-08:00

Meet Basil Brush!
Apart from my brother Bill, who lives just around the corner from us, we must be the only people I know of who do not have a dishwasher. It's something that we just haven't got around to getting!
My best friend Helen keeps asking Mark, "When is your Mum going to get a dishwasher?!"
I don't miss one, but I have never had one, so I don't know what I'm missing ......
I suppose the only time I think about it is when we have a few here for a meal, and the dishes are mounting up. But we usually do them when everyone has gone, or even the next morning. Although that's not my favourite task when all I want is a strong coffee and a sit in the sun!
Basil Brush is my latest "find". He comes from IKEA (of course!). He sits very nicely suction-cupped to the sink so that all the water drains off him and he stays as fresh as a daisy.
So on Saturday when we made our return trip to get more shelves for the workroom, I bought a couple more. At $1.49 each, Basil had to have a couple of brightly coloured friends!!!!! (They will go in the cupboard until they are needed.)
Some of you already know that I love ladders. This is my latest! It's 4.30m long - that's just over 14 feet. I stripped and stained it last year in readiness for the workroom, and today David got to play in the roof - a job he loves (joking - he HATES it)!!!!!
Apparently my part in the installation of the ladder is of critical importance. It goes something like this.
Check measurements from each wall to centre of ceiling.
Check distance of ladder ends from air-con ducts.
Make sure that David checks for power leads in ceiling.
Marks for hooks in ladder to be evenly spaced apart.
Marks on ceiling to match EXACTLY the hook positions on the ladder (that was a challenge!).
Make sure that David is holding the drill perfectly straight as he drills the holes in the ceiling.
Check that the ceiling hooks are perfectly straight and all facing the same direction.
Check that the ladder hooks are perfectly straight and all facing the same direction.
Check that the chain lengths are all of the same number of links.
The reasoning behind all this is so that it's MY FAULT if something is not quite right!
So David marked and drilled where the hooks go...........screwed in the hooks......
......played monkeys in the roof......
......added some bearers in the ceiling to take the weight and bolted the ceiling hooks in place.
And the sewing goes on regardless......
Liz
P.S. You'll have to wait to see the ladder in place because I wanted black chains to match the hooks, and the paint is still drying.
P.P.S. David is being fantastic with all the fiddly bits before we move all my "stuff" in. His next job is to put up a lovely big notice board for me.

Archie

2011-03-10T23:53:00.000-08:00

Isn't he adorable! Four months old. So I'm a proud Grandma - who can blame me!!??!
We're off to IKEA again tomorrow - lists to write - need lots of "stuff".
Liz
P.S. News of "Dunster" coming soon!

A Play Mat for Grandson No. 3.

2011-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

It was our monthly quilt group this afternoon - it's a great way to do "boring" sewing - chatting whilst I put together the Paddington (disappearing nine patch) quilt blocks - a mat for our next grandson (not born yet) to lie on, roll around on, dribble on, sleep on, laugh on (or whatever!). The photo is a teeny tiny one, so you can't really see the pattern of cute little Paddington Bears.
With some leftovers I made up the borders for a little wall hanging (using my "Archie" pattern), for Sean. The Paddingtons are more clear in this photo.
Now - television. First there was Life on Mars. (If you have never heard of this show, read no further.) Gene Hunt and Sam Tyler. From the first episode we were hooked! A real pun of the seventies police. And a very bizarre story line. Just my style of viewing!
Then there was Ashes to Ashes. Gene Hunt (again) and Alex Drake. Another weird story line, and more send-ups, this time of the eighties police.
On Thursday night it was the last episode. In the final scene a newcomer was seen entering a cigarette smoke filled room of coppers, asking where his desk was and who took his I-phone. Not strange until you realise that it was set in the 1980's.
Is he another time traveller?
What is his story?
And will we get another series?
I certainly hope so!!!!!
Liz

P.S. This is tonight's treat! There's really not enough for two ........ will he notice?

Beige

2011-03-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

I'm back! From IKEA! Love that store! But more about that in a minute.
I have just finished cutting up lots of nine patch squares to "re-arrange" for a quilt - our third grandson is due in April, so I'm making him a Paddington Bear quilt - something that Susanne can use for changing him, or for just "lying around on" (baby, not Susanne!). It's all very exciting really.
Our trip to IKEA was most productive! Arrived before they opened. Those Vikings are very canny - restaurant opens early, so in we sailed with our IKEA Family card - free bottomless coffee and a couple of little cinnamon scrolly things.
Then it was shopping time. We wondered why everyone was walking towards us until we noticed that we were going in the opposite direction to the arrows on the floor!
As you can see, we bought the shelving for the workroom, and here it is ready to be put together. David couldn't make it any cheaper from scratch - clever marketing strategy of IKEA to flat pack everything.
But I wonder how many marriages are put at risk at the assembly stage?!?
Our wood heater is in place, but not installed yet - looking forward to those cosy Winter nights with my sewing! (Ignore the unfinished retaining wall and the pile of rubbish!)
By the way, I painted the floor to seal it before the carpet is laid.
The tin was marked "beige".
I don't think so!
It's baby poo yellow!
At least it will be unseen and out of sight!
Liz
P.S. We'll be going back to IKEA for a "gadget" trip - love their gadgets!
P.P.S. Found this at IGA - "a tempting little box of gorgeously indulgent pleasures for cheeky little devils to enjoy" (that's what it says on the box). So I bought one of each flavour. Lovely with coffee!!!!

Mystery Design

2011-02-23T23:39:00.001-08:00

Here's a sneak preview of a new design. She must be a princess - she's wearing a crown! (Or is she a queen?)
Thorny bougainvillea - is this for hacking through by a handsome prince?
All will be revealed soon!
I have been literally "throwing paint at the walls", and am heartily sick of it. If it sticks, so be it. If it doesn't, it wasn't meant to be there! (Joking!) Last night I heard a voice say, "Have you finished this bit yet?" (There was a tiny paint drip and a couple of miniscule bumps.) He very nearly wore a coat of paint from the tin I was holding!
However, my workroom is complete, except for floor coverings, and this depends on the finances! We are going shopping for shelving and other assorted "sundries" - IKEA here we come, complete with Family card for free coffee!!!!!!
It will be filled with all my "good" junk in a couple of weeks time.
Great time to de-clutter.
Or not.
I'll probably regret it!
Liz

Poor Woody

2011-02-17T03:39:00.000-08:00

The doors to paradise are in! Window frames and architraves are in! And I have been painting - it's taking so long because I can't get a good run at it - I wish I could take a week off to do it all!
I'm thinking that this weekend is looking good - weather not too hot, nothing planned, so it will be paint, paint, paint, for two days, and perhaps dinner on Saturday and Sunday nights from the plethora of take-away establishments in Mount Evelyn. Honestly, what was the local council thinking when all those permits were granted?
This is the back of my kitchen bench. The gumboots are our footwear of choice these days - the very weird rain we have been putting up with has added to our mud problems around the extension - THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE SUMMER!!!!!!! IT WILL BE AUTUMN NEXT MONTH!!!!!!!
My "bare" workroom. Now .... is there going to be enough room?
Woody (below) is the first casualty of the extension. He was made for me by a good friend who has taken up wood turning. Woody took pride of place on the bookshelf, but last week he jumped off (well that's my story - I think he was attention seeking). The house is in such a mess that I'm surprised that he is the only thing damaged!
Barry is going to operate - microsurgery on legs and ear. Barry - you are my new best friend!
If the truth be known, this little lady pushed him over the edge!
We have put her back in her body bag so that she can do no more harm. Vicious little madam!
(My daughter-in-law, Susanne, who has a wonderful sense of humour, gave her to me.)
Liz

Painting Day Part 2

2011-02-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

We had a choice of beautiful stitcheries to destroy with our amateurish attempts at painting! The one above is mine.
However, our fears were groundless, because EVERYONE produced a masterpiece! Libby is such a good teacher - she explains everything so clearly.
The girls were quite nervous about putting paintbrush to calico, but once started they took to it like ducks to water.
We even had "foreman material" - Orion took great interest in the proceedings, while his Mum, Sam, watched intently, and put paintbrush to fabric.

I wondered out loud who was going to be the first to dip their paintbrush in their coffee!

This was the "naughty table".

Every now and then there was a shriek of dismay - a mistake or a paint run - but Libby quite calmly "fixed" our little disasters with the minimum of fuss. A little dab here, and a little blot there ..... simple really!

Above is Denise's work, and below is a very happy Denise with her completed painting. Now all she has to do is the stitching .......
The workbelow is mine, with some of the embroidery started.
What a lovely day we had. I hope Marilyn plans another soon! If she does, I'll let you know, Sandi!
Liz

Painting with Libby Richardson

2011-02-09T23:39:00.000-08:00

Here it is, Emmy Rose - the "girlie" version of Archie. Both are now on my website so if you have a new baby somewhere in your world, these are the best gift! I have made one for my little grandson, Archie, and am in the middle of stitching one for Sean, and there will have to be a third for our next grandchild, due in April!
This is the state of our extension - as you can see, the sewing and designing carries on regardless! But I'm totally over it all! Just want to hide in a corner with a good book!
If you have ever renovated or extended you'll know what I mean!
So on Tuesday I took myself off to The Patchwork Tea House in Warburton for a bit of fun and relaxation - to learn how to paint on fabric, something I have done before, but not in the style of Libby Richardson who was our teacher for the day. Libby and I usually see each other at the trade shows, for fleeting moments between customers, so we had a more leisurely "catch up" during the painting session.
Here are some photos of the day - Libby is wearing WHITE!!!!!!! And she makes it look all too easy!!!!!!
We, a very nervous group, were sent to our tables to paint a flower on a scrap of calico. It was just as well, because we all made mistakes doing it - taught us a few valuable lessons in preparation for "The Real Thing".How to dilute the paint, which colours are stronger than others, not to get the brushes mixed up, make sure each section is dry before tackling the next .... etc!
I wore an old shirt because I'm a paint magnet. (David said that we'd run out of undercoat when I was painting the workroom .... I assured him that I'd bought enough ..... he said I was wearing most of it ..... men!) Still managed to get paint on my t-shirt.
It is a challenge trying to get Annmarie (one of Marilyn's patchwork elves) to smile for a photo! She has a cup of tea permanently attached to one hand!
This is Denise. She is a Patchwork Tea House-aholic. Can be seen there quite often - I think it must be her natural habitat.
More about the painting day next time, with the task we were set revealed.
Liz

Archie

2011-02-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

I'm back! Haven't blogged for a while - I've forgotten how!
Above is Archie. Now where did I get my inspiration, I wonder!?
The pattern will be on the website soon - and all you wonderful grandmas can personalise one for those gorgeous little grandsons in your lives!
We looked after Archie last week while Rach played basketball. It was a hot night, and the little darling simply lay on the floor talking and smiling, he had his bottle, then kept talking to anyone or anything that appeared in his line of vision, including the pattern on the blanket, then promptly went to sleep! His Mum and Dad are very relaxed with him, so he is a very happy baby!
Don't worry - there will also be a pattern soon for the "girlie" version of Archie, coming soon.
Here's a shot taken on Christmas Day - Susanne had a machine that pushed out hundreds of bubbles, and after racing round like a mad thing trying to burst them all, Sean figured it was better to stand still and watch! Their garden looked like fairy land - he was fascinated!
Workroom news - electrician has finished, plasterer has finished, plumber will finish drains tomorrow, air-conditioning done. Final trim later this week. Painter (moi!) has only applied undercoat. Tiler (Himself) hasn't started.
Photos coming soon!
Liz
P.S. I'm over having tradesman crawling all over the place. This week has been especially bad, with plumber, electrician, air-con guys and plasterer here. Sometimes I just want everyone to go away and leave me alone in the corner. But it will all be worth it!

Teddy's Body Detail

2011-01-20T23:38:00.000-08:00

You'll notice that this teddy is made in two pieces - his head and his body.
Ooooh ..... no, he's in four pieces. He has paw pads as well!
Ooooh ..... no again, he's in five pieces. He has a nose as well!
In my previous blogs I explained how I make the noses, and also how to prevent blanket stitches around curves from rolling over. This time, I'm giving you the secrets of finishing off the body detail.
I use an acid free permanent marker (Zig Millennium brown with a very fine tip) to mark in the arms, legs, etc (do this over a light box before you fuse your teddy onto the background fabric).
Work the rows of blanket stitch along these lines for definition - as you can see in the photos.
And, "voila!", below we have the finished teddy!
Must dash - I have triple choc-chip muffins and coffee a-waiting. And Himself is hanging around. Wonder what he wants?
Liz
P.S. Anyone who orders two or more patterns from my website will receive a free mystery pattern (until the end of February). Because I'm feeling generous!

Blanketstitch Woes

2011-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

Does this happen to you? Does your blanket stitch curl over on those tight curves? Here's what to do to prevent this from happening.
Work your blanket stitch as usual (see above).
Before working the next stitch, put your needle through to the back of your work, right next to where your previous stitch ends (see above).
Then bring your needle back through to the front, inside the previous stitch (see above).
Then keep working the blanket stitching as usual.
I like to make one of these "anchor" stitches every three or four stitches on tight curves such as a bear's ears.
Yesterday I opened the laundry door to put out the washing (yes - we actually had a day without rain!), and found I had a visitor! A HUGE praying mantis took a liking to my screen door! (Doesn't the camera pick out the dirty door!!!!!) His body was four inches long.
Here he is from the outside - you can see him "praying". Isn't he (or she) a beauty!
I carefully transferred him/her to a nearby bush. He was getting a bit spaced out with all the door swinging!
Here in Victoria the flood situation has worsened. There are now 43 towns affected, with many, many people evacuated from their homes. It is unbelievable to think that not long ago, we were suffering from severe drought and the landscape was brown and dry. What grass there was in our back yard was "crunchy" to walk on.
In Queensland the "big clean up" is happening. Let's hope that they get a reprieve from the rain for a while! I heard today that one of the patchwork shops that we supply patterns to, Patchwork Paradise, in Rockhampton, has been flooded. Margaret, if you read this, I hope it doesn't take too long to put your shop back together - I'll be in touch soon.
Liz

Noses, Birds and Views

2011-01-12T13:25:00.001-08:00

This is for all the ladies out there who keep asking me how I get my nose so neat and even (that's the bears' noses, not mine!). Here's my secret and it's really quite easy. Fuse a nose shape onto the teddy's face and use it as a template - simply satinstitch over this shape and there you have it! The photo above gives you a better idea. When you've finished, give it a press - it's amazing how ironing can even out stitching as well!
Remember in my last blog I showed you the little burrow in our garden? My friend Sue came up trumps - she knew what the birds are. Pardelotes! We have named them Port-a-loo and Passe Partout. Quite brave little birds. They like to sit in the bush over their nest and wait until all is clear until they dart back in. "I know you're there and I'm not going back into my nest until you've gone because I don't want you to know where it is!"
Baby bird names ..... hmmm ..... Pantaloon, Party Plan, Pas de Deux ..... any more ideas?
By the way - you HAVE to go the Sue's blog and meet the new Irishman in her life. His name is O'Reilly. That's all I'm saying.
It was our monthly quilt group last Saturday - the first for 2011. This is the view from our meeting room. It's amazing we get anything done!
Liz
P.S. Our thoughts are with everyone in Queensland and New South Wales - they are going through the most traumatic times with the floods up there. They were magnificent during our bushfires a couple of years ago, and now it's our turn to be able to offer assistance.
My thanks for all the emails from overseas - we are fine here, although there are small parts of Victoria that have been flooded and people evacuated.
Also - let's not forget the Western Australians who have suffered bushfires - talk about a country of natural disasters! Droughts and flooding rains! Bushfires! It really tests the Aussie spirit.

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T13:39:00.001-08:00

Look what we found in Archie's Christmas stocking! Archie, of course! His Christmas stocking was big enough to double as a sleeping bag! Maybe I'll have to make up a pattern for this one!
Keep an eye on Teddlywinks - it may happen!
It's hard to believe that he's almost two months old! Don't you love his Tigger "Sleepy Head" gro-suit?
He's a happy little chap - but then, what do you expect - Rach and Mark are such lovely parents.
We have spent all week trying to tame the garden - with all the rain it has grown out of control, so massive trimming has taken place!
We found a little bird's nest in a tiny burrow where David is building a retaining wall (he said he saw a bird fly in the hole, and I said it was nonsense - it must have been a mouse, but he said, no it was definitely a bird, and I said, have another drink, and he said, you don't believe me, and I said ....... and it went on until we both sat there watching for HOURS until I saw the bird!
Then I said, I told you it was a bird .....!
The blue circle shows where the nest is - the hole measures just under 3" (7 cm) across.
That's it below, right in the middle of the photo.
We were working around it on Sunday and the little birds were not too concerned about us, they continued flying in and out all day. They appear to be a very tiny variety of finch.
As you've guessed, all work on that part has ceased until the baby birds have flown the nest!
I hope you all had a happy Christmas, and that 2011 is all that you hope for.
Liz
P.S. I've been out of action for a couple of days - the expression "Better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick" comes to mind. The way I feel at the moment, anything is better than that! It happened in the garden when I was ferreting around under a particularly dense bush, trying to get rid of the weeds, and a twig snapped back into the corner of my eye. Oooooh, the pain! Off to the doctor, where he found a tiny puncture in my eye. (Wasn't wearing the safety glasses, which I usually do!) So now I have a swollen, sore (red hot poker stuff), red eye, but it should clear up in a day or two. Can't be bothered doing anything! I spent yesterday in front of the TV watching movies, but even that was an endurance!
I have drops to put in, but I don't know if they are just having a placebo effect - maybe I'll wear an eye patch for sympathy ........

Backstitch

2010-12-19T23:52:00.001-08:00

Do you have difficulty working your backstitch so that it is even and with smooth curves? This is how I do mine. From the front of your work (see above), put the needle through the hole made by the previous stitch (see below).
Bring the needle back up through the fabric, keeping to the line of the design and having the stitches even lengths.
When working the eyes I use the same technique, but with much smaller stitches. The pen I use to trace the designs is a brown Zig Millennium, with a very fine tip. It's acid free, and permanent (your stitches will cover all the lines) and will not bleed into your fabric. I love this pen!
The extension is coming along nicely now - above with wall still in place, looking towards workroom. The insulation looks like a great big quilt!
Below you are looking from the workroom towards the kitchen.
And here you can see the result with the wall taken out!
Sean visited on Sunday morning and did little two-year old happy dances, and ran around like a mad thing! He couldn't believe all the space!
Then he spent the rest of his visit re-arranging all my bears - a favourite past-time.
Only five sleeps to Christmas!
Liz

Let's Play Ladies, U2, and Not Much Room Inside

2010-12-05T13:24:00.001-08:00

Jenny from Lily Lane Patchwork in Rosedale, Victoria, sent me this photo of "Let's Play Ladies". It's in her shop, so if you are in the area, drop in and say hello and have a look at the quilt.
My U2 ticket. Must remember to wear cotton gloves whilst handling. Will be kept in a suitably secure (secret) spot.
Remember on Thursday I told you that "Us Girls" were going to the U2 concert? Can a mature lady such as Moi say "awsome!!!"? Because if it's allowable, I'm saying "awsome!"
We had dinner first, at The Spaghetti Tree, then caught the tram to Spencer Street Station (now Southern Cross - but to old Melbournians it will always be Spencer Street!).
My program. Must remember to wear cotton gloves whilst reading. Will be kept in a suitably secure (secret) spot.
A beautiful balmy evening - we were expecting thunderstorms and the Etihad Stadium roof had to remain open, so we were prepared with rain jackets, etc. And, you guessed it - NO RAIN!!!! The gods were smiling down on us!
The stage. Unbelievable!
However, when I got home in the wee hours of Saturday morning I was informed by a very sleepy Himself that Mount Evelyn had suffered ANOTHER torrential downpour - sheets of water gushing down the garden, around the house and through the carport!
We are absolutely over all the rain - and there's still more to come. The prediction for tomorrow is 100ml. The blue you can see below is not the sky. It's the tarp covering the open roof over the kitchen. We are praying that it will hold up a bit longer - the roof plumber has been here nearly every day, but has been defeated by the rain - he's hoping to get a bit more done tomorrow. We only have half a roof at the moment!
This is the other side of the extension - if the buckets were not there the water would be a steady stream running into the house!
On a lighter note, yes - we made room for the Christmas tree! Mind you, what you see is the only spare space in the lounge! We shuffle sideways around the furniture - very Charlie Chaplin-ish!
A sense of humour is essential.
Liz
P.S. Anyway, it's a good excuse not to dust!
P.P.S. Next time I blog, I'll be giving you some applique tips.

Harvey but not Norman

2010-12-01T23:44:00.001-08:00

Don't you just love Christmas? We always get a real tree - love the smell of pine through the house. However, this year we are pushed for room, but we'll still squash one in somewhere! I found this fabulous Christmas print yesterday - don't know what I'm going to do with it yet, but something will come to mind when I least suspect it!
Here's another piece with little Christmas lights all over it - cute!
I took them to show Sue this morning, at our usual Thursday sewing circle (we call it "Running away from Painting" for reasons known only to a select few). I had them in a box of bits and pieces, put the box on the floor and it was like a magnet to Harvey! A box is for sitting in, apparently! Especially with lovely new patchwork fabrics!
He's such a human being!
More rain this morning. I sound like an old record, going on and on and on ......
I'm off to the U2 concert tomorrow night (yaaaaaay! Only one sleep to go ....), at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. There's a group of girls going, including my friend Detty, and her daughter Susanne (also my daughter-in-law & mother of Sean). The problem is that the roof of the stadium will not close if there is rain, because the set is too tall! So we think it will be jeans and trainers, plus rain jackets or ponchos! Anyway, who cares!
Keep your fingers crossed!
Liz
P.S. Harvey was sat sitting in the box. But where was Norman? Doing what he does best, of course! Lurking somewhere ready to pounce! Harvey and Norman? I wonder where those names came from .......