Country Wishes

Fabric and Patterns for Sale

2012-01-21T16:20:00.010+11:00

Well I have had a scratch around in all my tubes of fabric and patterns and have decided that as much as I love all that I have stashed away I certainly do not have the time to make everything. So these are the things that I have decided to part with. If you are interested or have any questions please shoot me an email or post a comment. All prices include postage. I will only be posting within Australia.

Patchwork with Busy Fingers Antique Sample Pattern and Templates - $65
4 x 20cm strips of Civil War Fabric, 4 fat eights and 1 fat quarter - $35.00

The two burgundy fabrics and the cream with green flower fabric strips are from the Gettysburg Range from Wyndham Fabrics, the blue I am not sure about, the fat quarter is Alices Washday Blues. I purchased these as a starter for the Antique Sample Quilt Pattern above.

Clermont Farms Charm Pack - $8 - SOLD

Figtree Tree Thread Kits - $15.00 each or both for $20.00

Hatched and Patched Nellies Needlecase Kit - $25.00

The pattern is a photocopy as it was a kit received at a Girls Day in the Country Retreat two years ago.

Punctuation Charm Packs x 2 and yardage - $40.00 - SOLD

There is 1.5 yards of the Ditto Daises Fabric and 1/2 yard of the Red Dot Fabic

Figtree Threads Kit to make Twinkle Quilt - $90.00

Thanks for looking

Chat Soon

Kylie xxx

A Little Sewing

2012-01-21T08:10:00.003+11:00

I have managed to get a little stitching done these holidays. These are the start of cushions for the lounge in our bedroom. I stitched them together just before Christmas and have finished the quilting on one (see the photo below this one) so just two more to go.

One of the projects for the online stitching group that I am part of, Friends in Stitching, for last year was a BOM. Each month one member of the group picks a block to make. I started off last year really well and got the first four done and then failed miserably after that. I decided to make just another five and turn it into a table topper for our kitchen table. Unfortunately this photo has not turned out very well (taken with my IPOD). The spot around the border and in two of the blocks is actually red with a tiny white spot - it looks really pink in this photo. I used Holly Holderman fabrics - oh so pretty. Hopefully I will have time this afternoon to baste and quilt it and get the binding on.

I have also done a little secret stitching but will not be able to show it to you until it reaches its destination.

I am also planning to go through my stash of fabrics and kits and do a little decluttering - way too many projects and too little time - so keep an eye on my blog as I will have some things up for sale if anyone is interested.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Busy Start to 2012

2012-01-21T07:44:00.004+11:00

Wow where have the school holidays gone - only one more week to go!

The first week of 2012 was spent in Ballina where my son was playing for the Hunter Valley U13s in a five day cricket carnival. Even though we had to attend cricket matches every day, we all had a fantastic time. DS had a great time with the other players, made some wonderful new friends and the parents had a great time too. He played exceptionally well and was even named Player of the Match for the second game. Since arriving home he has played more cricket for the Upper Hunter U14s team and also Senior Cricket on Saturday mornings. He worked out that he has played nearly 650 overs of cricket in the last three weeks and he is back at it this afternoon. You could say that my boy does love his cricket!

We decided to spend an extra day at the end of the carnival and managed to get to the beach for a few hours at Lennox Head. Here I am with DD. The water was certainly not warm enough for me to get in but the kids had fun. We also took a drive up to Byron Bay for ice cream and a look around.

I had good intentions of finishing off my Gardeners Journal blocks whilst watching all those overs of cricket and I thought I was so super organised until I got to the first match, pulled out my sewing back to discover that I had forgotten to pack all my threads, needles and scissors - OOPS lol.

Since coming home I have managed to fit in a little sewing around working and kids but I will leave that until the next post.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Thank You Chookyblue

2011-12-29T17:57:00.003+11:00

Every year our online stitching group Friends in Stitching have a secret santa xmas swap. I was very excited when this parcel of goodies arrived in my mailbox and even more excited when I discovered that Chookyblue was my swap partner. The five small gifts were to be opened each day from the 20th to 24th December.
These are the gifts that I received and it was so much fun having something to open leading up until the big day.

And this is what was waiting for me under the tree on xmas morning. Aren't they just gorgeous.

The two stitcheries in the wallhanging are so very cute and I just love the fabric that Chooky used.

Here is a close up of the top stitchery - it didn't come out very well in the previous photo.

Thank you Chookyblue - I just love them.

Kylie xxxx

21 Again

2011-10-24T19:23:00.004+11:00

Today I celebrated a birthday. I had a lovely day - a sleep in, breakfast in bed, morning tea on the verandah with my Mum and Dad and then this afternoon some stitching.

As part of my online stitching group everyone is given a partner to make for their birthday. This year we are to make something starting with the letter of the town where we live. My partner Helen lives at Jimboomba. This afternoon my parcel arrived in the mail which was very exciting.

Inside the parcel was this lovely box

Filled with all these goodies starting with the letter J
Jewellery wrap
Jelly Beans
Jewellery kit
Japanese fabric
Jasmine Candle
Jingle Bells

Thank you Helen - all my gifts are gorgeous.

I also received these fabulous bowls and platter from my brothers family. Aren't they just the cutest

I have been flat out over the last few weeks with my new business and BAS time so there has not been a lot of stitching going on. I have been working on some secret santa stitching but also managed to get this little stitchery finished off at cricket on Saturday morning. The stitchery is from Rosalie Quinlan's Little Patchwork Village and I have used French General fabrics. It will eventually be turned into a cushion (hopefully by xmas).

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Oh Deah!

2011-09-08T14:38:00.005+10:00

Has it really been 3 months since I last posted?? I can't believe how time has flown. I have been busy (as we all are). I have started up my own bookkeeping business and have also started some study, so that combined with my normal work, kids, husband etc has taken up so much of my spare time.

Anyway here are some things that have been happening around here lately

Firstly, something sad, we said goodbye to our wonderful friend Max. Max was 15 years old and was the best dog ever. He was part of our kids lives since they were born, has camped, fished, moved homes 4 times and was never far from any of us. We miss him everyday.

Some additions to our family - 6 chooks - our girls are now laying 6 eggs a day and are great to have around. DD has named them all and her favourite, Clucky, gets carried around, kissed and cuddled without ever complaining.

The other girls to come to live with us - 8 Dorper Ewes. And yes DD has named them too. These photos were taken not long after they arrived at the end of June. Since then we have welcomed 5 baby lambs - and yes, they have been named as well - Rambo, Buck, Sophie, Barbara and No Name.

At lastely I have found a little time to sew - these cushions are from Camille Roskelley's book Simplify - these cushions are super quick and easy - you can have two wipped up in an afternoon.

Oh and I never forgot (how could I) - much excitment - tomorrow I am off on my twice yearly Quilting Retreat to Middlebrook Station

Always a great weekend with lots of laughing, food, drink and stitching. See earlier posts.

Happy Stitching

Kylie xxx

Some Stitching

2011-06-07T15:49:00.004+10:00

I am slowly getting through my pile of WIPs.

I am stitched the binding on my 40th birthday quilt (I will soon turn 42). It has sat for months with just the binding to attach (why do we leave this step for so long) but now it is done and hanging over the back of the lounge in the lounge room.

This quilt has sat half pieced for about two years. I have used a Me and My Sister pattern called Cake Walk and a Crazy Eight Jelly Roll and Layer Cake. It took me forever to cut it all out but once I started piecing it came together really quickly. I am super pleased with how it looks and am hoping to have it completely finished by xmas.

More blocks done for my Friends in Stitching BOM.

Kylie xxx

Quilting Retreat Part 4 - Some Finishes

2011-05-29T09:20:00.009+10:00

Despite all the eating, laughing and drinking we do manage to get some sewing done. The first morning can be a little slow to get going (we have a rule that no-one sews on the first night - that is set aside for catching up) but once we start there is no stopping us. I think that the last ones sewing were still up at 1.00 am .......

Sharon turned this ......

.... into this ......

This quilt was made for a home ec teacher who was retiring (most of these wonderful ladies work at the local high school). Some of the people who worked with her contributed fabric and took a turn at making up a block then Alison put it all together and will quilt it. The background and border fabric is covered in cute cooking utensils.

This quilt is gorgeous. I love the mix of pinks and greens.

Mandy's hexi quilt which apparently has taken her years to finish - well done Mandy

Yvonne finished this ...

and this ......

One of my favs from the weekend .... I just love red

and lucky last my Fandango quilt. I just love the fabrics in this range and especially against the white. I have since added three borders and it is huge .... covers a queen size bed.

Kylie xxx

Quilting Retreat Part 3 - More Show and Tell

2011-05-29T09:02:00.005+10:00

More show and tell

Alison's quilt - you can't see in the photo but Alison has done some amazing quilting on this quilt. She recently updated her quilting machine to a computerised one and has been having a great time playing with all the different designs.

Cheryl made this quilt for her son

Margaret's quilt - love the colours in this one

This is my Gardners Journal so far. I think it looks really good laid out but unfortunately I have not gotten any further with it since this photo was taken.

Kylie xxx

Quilting Retreat Part 2 - Show and Tell

2011-05-28T19:07:00.012+10:00

Our quilting weekend would not be complete without show and tell. Here are some photos of the projects which these talented ladies have completed in the last six months

This is one of Tonia's amazing creations

Tonia picked this little quilt up whilst holidaying in Egypt (hope I got that right Tonia)

Another of Tonia's amazing quilts

Lindy never ceases to amaze me with the amount of incredible quilts that she finishes in six months - do you ever sleep Lindy?????

Lindy made this quilt to raffle at The Biggest Morning Tea. It is made with Kaffe Fassett fabrics and chenille.

Yvonne's hidden pinwheel quilt

The gorgeous Trish

I can't remember who made this quilt because they are hiding behind it but I think it was Mandy ....

I will be back tomorrow with some more Show and Tell and some finished tops from the weekend.

Kylie xxxx

Quilting Retreat Part 1

2011-05-28T18:45:00.006+10:00

Twice a year in March and September 20 or so gorgeous ladies (including me lol) travel to Middlebrook Station for our two day quilting retreat. We always have a fantastic time with lots of ..................

Stitching and drinking ...... at the same time - very talented I am .....

a good dose of laughter ......................

lots of silliness ....... Sharon and I after thinking we were getting attacked by a pesky mouse .....

and Margaret our Mighty Mouse catcher ..... just check out those yellow gloves lol

and yes we do get a lot of stitching done. Check out my next post for some very inspirational photos.

Kylie xxxx

FIS Hatched & Patched Swap Part 2

2011-04-18T08:01:00.003+10:00

This is what I made for Jo - a mug bag using Bliss fabric - very bright and cheery.

Kylie xxx

Before

2011-04-17T19:19:00.004+10:00

I mentioned in my last post that my job for this week was to clean up and organise my sewing room (which also doubles as an office). Well I had all good intentions to start today but during a phone call to organise for my DS to catch up with his mate, my friend Raelee asked me if I would like to go to the Aberdeen Quilt Show with her and, of course, how could I say no. The Quilt Show was quite small but had a good range of impressive quilts on display and some stalls of local quilt and bookshops. As it was spare of the moment I forgot to take my camera (nothing new) so I don't have any photos to share. We had a lovely morning tea while we were there and it was good to have some grown up girlie time for a change.

Anyway back to the sewing room - well as you can guess nothing got done today but I did manage to take some before photos

the sewing table

cutting table

bookshelf

I also need to clean out the cupboard which is full of scrapbooking supplies that I don't use. I have found it very hard to try and keep up with two crafts so quilting has won and the scrapbooking is going to make room for more fabric (as if I need it).

Well I had better get motivated.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Holidays

2011-04-16T19:08:00.005+10:00

We have just returned from a wonderful weeks holiday at Yamba on the north coast of NSW.

We enjoyed glorious sunsets .....

Fantastic fishing ......

and fun in the sun .....

The weather was amazing - sun every day. We have now returned home to cold weather and rain .... time to break out the trackies and slippers.

My job for the second week of the school holidays is to clean up and organise my sewing room (and do some stitching of course). I will be back soon with an update.

Kylie xx

FIS Hatched & Patched Swap

2011-04-16T18:26:00.003+10:00

Recently I participated in a Hatched & Patched swap with my online stitching group Friends in Stitching and these are the wonderful gifts that my swap partner Razzy made for me - aren't they just fantastic - thanks Razzy.

Chat soon

Kylie xxx

I'm Still Here

2011-02-26T18:21:00.005+11:00

I am still here but my sewing mojo has been on holidays somewhere far far away. Not much has really been happening in my sewing room over the last month.

I have been working on some secret stitching which I cannot show you for the Girls Day in the Country at Nundle next month and also my Friends in Stitching Birthday swap gift. I have one more swap gift to make and then I am all done (well for now anyway).

I went on a shopping trip to Singleton recently and just had to drop into Busy Needles. They had just gotten in the full range of Collection for a Cause - Hope. I don't like all the fabric in the range but did fall in love with these ones. I have so far made one placemat completely and have four more tops but together. I did need to go back and get more fabric which I did last week so now I can finish the other three.

The on-line stitching group which I am part of - Friends in Stitching - each year do a Block of the Month. Last year I failed miserably and bearly got a start on it but this year I have been determined to keep up and finish. These are the first two blocks - Cathys Campfire and Steps to the Alter. I am using a mix of Holly Holderman fabrics that I have had stashed away for a while. They are sooo yummy and I am just in love with the red and white spot.

My Gardeners Journal is coming along VERY VERY slowly and unfortunately will not be finished to take to Nundle next month but I will get it finished ...... eventually.

Mmmm now what to do next ......

Kylie xxx

Good Intentions

2011-01-19T09:02:00.010+11:00

Every year I make a list of New Years Resolutions and 9 times out of 10 I never stick to them. You know the ones - loose weight, exercise, keep up with the ironing, cut down on the fabric I buy etc etc etc. Well this year I decided to avoid all those boring ones and make some fun ones that had to do with sewing/blogging.

Well my first one was that I was going to blog regularly and unfortuntely with this one I have failed as it is now the 18th of January and this is my first post for the year - oh well. So firstly I would like to wish everyone a happy new year. I have been regularly checking out all my favourite blogs and have been very inspired by all the lovely projects that you have all been working on. I am also blown away by the generosity of you all with all the wonderful auctions that are happening to support the Queensland floods. Although I have no friends or relatives in the flooded areas my thoughts have been with everyone affected this past week and have been in tears on many occasions when watching the news reports.

Now two of my other NY resolutions was to attempt a zipper (yes I am one of these who have been frightened by the old zipper) and also to attempt bias binding. A few days after NY's I found the latest Quilts and More magazine in my local newsagents and in it was this cute little bag that required both of these things so I dug out some scraps, bought a zipper and off I went.

I was amazed at how easy it was to do both the zipper and bias binding and really enjoyed making this bag and it only took an afternoon - fun, quick and super easy. My daughter has now claimed it for her new Ipod.

Another of my resolutions was to finish at least two UFO's to one new project. This is a belated xmas gift for a relative. It is a Janelle Wind project and I have to say I really enjoyed making this. It is the first Janelle Wind project I have made and I found the instructions really easy to follow. I love the plum pudding stitchery and I used left over Glace fabrics from my Fat Quarter Shop BOM that I finished last year.

Another project which I have only need to quilt and bind is my Little Patchwork Village quilt which has now become a tablerunner. I have so many stitchery projects on the go at the moment and in order to get some things finished so I can start some new projects I decided to turn this into a runner instead. I had two stitchery blocks completed so I picked out my favourite stitchery from the remaining blocks, stitched it up and here you have it. I really need a new runner for my kitchen table so I am super keen to get this one finished.

I have also been madly stitching more blocks for the Stitch A Long project Gardeners Journal. I have gotten so far behind with this because of our big move last year and I doubt very much I will have it all finished by March for Girls Day in the Country at Nundle but I will see how I go.

I also have to make an Anni Downs project for the Girls Day in the Country swap and have also signed up for an Anni Downs swap with my Friends in Stitching online group.

In between all this stitching and work I have also been enjoying the school holidays with the family.

This is how we spent New Years Eve. Just 5 minutes drive from home is the Towarri National Park which has some amazing swimming holes that are very popular in this area. My husband and I swam there when we were kids and now our kids are enjoying them as well. We had a lovely few hours there with some biscuits and cheese and drinkies while the kids swam, snorkelled and explored.

Last weekend we decided to be spontaneous so at about 9.00 pm on Thursday night decided we would head to Nelsons Bay for the weekend. It is only about 2 1/2 hours drive from here so we decided a mini break was in order. We had a fantastic time at the beach and fishing and came back feeling very refreshed.

Happy Stitching.

Kylie xxxxx

Merry Chistmas and Xmas Swap Gift

2010-12-28T12:16:00.006+11:00

I know it is a few days late but I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope you all had a wonderful day with family and friends. This is a photo of our tree at 6.00am on christmas morning before the kids attacked it. We enjoyed a lovely quiet day at home with a hot christmas lunch with my mum and dad. We celebrated our big family christmas with my family yesterday when 13 people descended on our new property. We had the most faboulous time eating and drinking way too much, lots of laughs and happy times - just the way it should be. Today we are all exhausted and are spending the day in front of the TV watching the cricket. I am also planning to get into the sewing room and do some sorting and organising for the year ahead.

These are the lovely gifts that I received in our on-line stitching group xmas swap. The lovely Teresa was my swap partner and she made a sewing companion and writing set complete with paper and envelopes. Thank you Teresa I love them.

I made gifts for Sarah but unfortunately I forgot to take photos so if you hop over to her blog to see what I made.

Kylie xxx

Time Flies

2010-12-07T21:42:00.003+11:00

It seems like only yesterday that my DS was starting school.

Now 7 years later he is attending is Yr6 formal - where did that time go. He seems so grown up now (it won't be long and he will be taller than me!!) and I am oh so proud of him.

Kylie xxx

A Little Bit of Shopping

2010-12-03T20:54:00.005+11:00

I have been very naughty lately and have been buying up on some fabric and books.

I have fallen in love with this range of fabric "Spirit" by Lila Tuellar.

These two books are fabulous and I have picked out quilts to make from both with the fabrics I have purchased. I am going to make a quilt from Simplify with the Spirit jelly roll

and ....

I have purchased some Punctuation by American Jane to make this quilt from the Schnibbles book.

Some Fandango and Bella Basics. I am thinking of making this quilt.

Hope you all get to do some stitching this weekend.

Chat soon

Kylie xxx

Xmas Stitching

2010-11-28T18:54:00.005+11:00

I have been busy over the last few days doing some xmas stitching.

A Xmas Journal so I can start to organise myself for xmas.

My FIS xmas gift is finished, wrapped and ready to send.

Teacher gifts for my daughter's teachers - a mug bag each - one with a matching tissue packet holder and the other with a matching covered notebook. Inside the bags are blue mugs with matching blue spoons. Just love this fabric - I think the range is called Boutique. Leah and I are going to make some homemade rocky road to go inside as well.

I am off tomorrow to do some xmas shopping so I had better start making some notes in my journal.

Kylie xxx

Anyone Interested?

2010-11-19T16:14:00.003+11:00

Whilst cleaning out my sewing room I came across this full set of patterns for Leanne Beasley's first BOM. If anyone would be interested in purchasing this set from me, please send me an email.

Kylie xxx

This and That

2010-11-19T08:21:00.007+11:00

Life has been fairly hectic here lately but I have managed to do something. Recently I was involved in a Paper Bag Swap with an on-line stitching group. Each person in the swap was given a swap partner and you then sent that person two fat quarters, some embellishments, a stitchery which was optional and of course some chocolate. As I was busy moving, my lovely swap partner Vicki agreed on a later finishing date so last week I finished and posted this to her. It is a 9 1/2 inch blockkeeper and a little covered notebook. I enjoyed making this blockkeeper and even made one for myself.

I also finished another tablerunner. This is a pattern from the Moda Bakeshop blog and made with Lumiere De Noel by French General. (Can you see the boxes in the background that still need unpacking - mmm maybe one day I will get to them - I am sooo over unpacking at the moment).

I just love this red print fabric.

I also found some time to make Fee's

fruit cake which was delicious.

I have also been getting my new sewing room into some order. I purchased these bookshelves from Go-Lo. They were nice and cheap, easy to put together and fit perfectly into the limited space that I have. I have had lots of fun organising the shelves and can now move around in the sewing room without falling over everything. Now I just need to find some time to actually do some more stitching. Fingers xxx it may happen this weekend.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Settling In

2010-11-09T17:02:00.007+11:00

All the boxes are just about unpacked, the sewing room is very close to being organised and life at Oakland is now starting to settle down into a lovely routine.

Graeme and the kids have been busy planting the vege garden

Our gorgeous girl Pixie is now a new Mum ....

... to four gorgeous kittens - three white and one black and white one. They are so very cute and getting lots of love and attention from Leah.

Graeme and the kids also discovered that we have fish in our dam.

I have been stitching but they are all secret stitching so no photos to share just yet. I am really loving having my own sewing room and am enjoying getting things organised and am full of motivation. The last few months have been very stressful but now that we are here and settled we could not be happier - even our old dog who is 14 has had a new lease of life.

Chat soon

Kylie xxx

Finally Found It

2010-10-27T14:29:00.004+11:00

We have finally moved into our new house and after unpacking many boxes and searching high and low I have finally found the USB cord for my camera and can now share some photos with you.

On the weekend I celebrated a birthday. I am part of a Fat Quarter birthday group with a lovely bunch of ladies. On your birthday you receive two fat quarters from everyone in the group.

These are the fat quarters that I have received so far. This year I have had a thing for red so I requested red and white fat quarters so I can make myself a red and white quilt. All these fat quarters are just gorgeous and even though there are a lot of different shades of red I think most of them will go together. Thank you so much ladies. It has been such a delight opening all the parcels over the last few days and has made my birthday last just a little bit longer.

I am also part of the Friends in Stitching blog group and on your birthday you receive fat eights of fabric and a block pattern to make a small quilt. I received these lovely Rural Jardin fabrics (one of my most favourite ranges). I can't wait to sit down and work out what I am going to make.

Our Friends in Stitching group recently did a Paper Bag Swap. Everyone was given a partner and you had to send that person two fat quarters, some embellishments and chocolate. Your partner then made something from what you sent them and then posted it back to you. These are the lovely gifts that Tereasa made for me. A sewing bag, sewing pouch to hold some scissors and needles and a cute little tissue packet holder. Thank you so much Teresa they are just gorgeous.

I finally have my sewing room in some sort of order and have today starting sewing again. I have really missed stitching whilst we moved so am enjoying getting back into it. Hopefully I will have some project photos to show you soon.

Catch you later

Kylie xxx

Sanity Sewing

2010-09-27T19:52:00.007+10:00

Last weekend I headed off on another quilting retreat at Middlebrook Station. I had the best time and it was great to take a break from the stresses of packing and getting ready to move. The girls that I go with are just the best and we had a great time - thanks girls for a fantastic weekend.

This little number is a kit that I got from Bec. This quilt was so easy and quick to make and I just love the Verna range. Lovely and bright and fresh. I have just ordered some yardage to make another one using the Bliss range.

I also got this top made for my sister in law for her birthday next year. Also very quick and easy.

Amongst all the packing and stressing over the move I have been trying to do at least a little bit of sewing to keep me from going crazy.

These are journal and notebook covers that I have made from leftover fabrics from other projects. Cheap, quick and easy and will be put into my pressie stash.

Two more mug bags - one for my husband for fathers day and the other for my Aunt for her birthday (which was in June - best I get that to her very very soon).

I have also been doing some secret squirrel sewing for a couple of swaps that I am involved with but of course I cannot show them yet.

My next post will be from our new house so until then ...

Happy Stitching

Kylie xxxx

Yes It Has Been A While

2010-09-27T18:58:00.005+10:00

But I do have an excuse.

In just over a week this will be our new home. 40 acres 15 minutes for town - Bliss.

I have been madly packing and have to say I am soooo over it.

I have done a little stitching and have been on a retreat which was fantastic but more on that in the next post.

Kylie xxx

More Show and Tell and a visit with a Friend

2010-07-14T14:21:00.005+10:00

Last Friday I headed up to Nundle to meet up with Bec and her lovely children. We met up at Cottage on the Hill and had a lovely visit with Kerry. I did not purchase much here, just some FQs for the Nundle Fat Quarter Birthday swap and some silk thread and needles to have a go at needleturn applique (trying to be strong). After visiting Kerry with headed back into town to the Nundle Wool Mill. It was here that I decided that it was time to try my hand at crocheting. I have been admiring some of the lovely projects that people have been doing and decided it was time to give it a go. I purchased a book, some seconds wool and a hook. After the wool mill we decided to go to the park and have a picnic lunch so the kids could have a run around. We sat on rugs in the park for nearly two hours chatting and looking through quilting books. It was a lovely afternoon and we definiately have to do it again soon.

I have since had a crocheting lesson with my Mum (who tells me I am just as frustrating to teach as an adult as I was as a child lol). She is left handed and I am right handed so it was very interesting to say the least but I am now starting to get the hang of it and hope to start on something fun soon.

Aren't we all just gorgeous !!!! And don't you just love that quilt behind us. You have probably worked out by now that Rural Jardin is my fav fabric range at the moment and this quilt that Kerry has designed behind us is just gorgeous.

FINALLY I have finished this block for the Gardeners Journal quilt that I am doing with the Stitch A Long blog. There is an unbelievable amount of work in the house stitchery and I thought I was never ever going to finish it but I did and here it is.

Another Skinny Verna tablerunner for my side table.

Well I must be off to take DS to soccer training and get the dinner on for DH who is off to work tonight.

Hope all you Mums out there are surviving the school holidays - don't you just love them lol!!!

Chat soon

Kylie xxxxx

Rural Jardin

2010-07-14T13:33:00.009+10:00

In my last post you will see that I purchased some yardage of Rural Jardin to go with a jelly roll that I had purchased while I was on holidays at South West Rocks earlier on in the year. Well this is what I have made from it so far (I did need to buy a couple of metres of homespun as well and have ordered some backing for the coin quilt from the Fat Quarter Shop) and I still have heaps of fabric left over. I am totally amazed at how far it has gone.

A Coin Quilt

A Bag (I used a pattern from the Moda Bake Shop)

Journal cover (also a pattern from the Moda Bake Shop)

A table runner using just the blues from the jelly roll (I have adapted the Skinny Verna tablerunner pattern from the Moda Bakeshop website)

Another tablerunner using the leftover reds from the jelly roll

I am going to use the rest of the fabric to experiment with a few more journal covers as gifts for xmas and maybe a couple more runners if there is enough left over.

I can now add these to my OPAM finishes for July.

Kylie xxxx

Lots of Show and Tell Part 2

2010-06-14T19:02:00.004+10:00

Finally I have finished my Fat Quarter Shop 2009 Mystery Block of the Month. I think it took just as much time to make all the sashing strips and stars as it did to make the individual blocks but I am sooo happy with how it has all come together. I absolutely love the fabrics (Glace) and star blocks are my all time favourite. I am now going to bundle it up to send to the Quilters Coop at Cowra to be quilted.

Last Tuesday I headed down to Singleton to the movies to see Sex in the City 2 The Movie. I ended up going on my own as my girlfriend had to cancel at the last minute with sick kids. I felt like a bit of a nigel sitting there on my own but there were a few others doing the same thing so it was not so bad. I really enjoyed the movie - lots of laughs - but have to admit that it was not as good as the first movie. After the movie was finished I headed to Busy Needles for a little fabric therapy. They always have a large range of the latest Moda fabrics so I was able to pick up some yardage of Rural Jardin (just love this range) to make a mug bag (yes another one) for my Aunt for her birthday as well as fabric to make a bag and coin quilt using a jelly roll that I purchased from South West Rocks a few months ago.
I am going to use the blue and pink fabric to make the mug bag and the other two pieces will be used to make the bag.

I am now off to make some invitation for DD's 9th birthday next Saturday.
Hope you all enjoyed your long weekend.

Chat soon
Kylie xxxx

Lots to Show and Tell Part 1

2010-06-14T18:11:00.010+10:00

I cannot believe that it has been over a month since my last post. Where has the time gone???? I have been busy though.

I made a skinny verna tablerunner for my kitchen dresser. I got this pattern from the Moda Bakeshop Website and it is sooo each to make. This was my first attempt at sewing the binding on completely by machine and I think there is some room for improvement but overall I am really happy with it.

Some friends of ours from Adelaide had a baby girl last week so I whipped up this cute bag from fabrics in my stash. I got the pattern from a Quilts & More magazine. Very each to make.
I also have finished the first two blocks of my Gardeners Journal quilt.

I also decided to rearrange my sewing area as I was sick of having no room and just one big mess everywhere. This area is located at one end of our main lounge room. As we also have a TV room where the kids always watch TV I have claimed this room for myself. At the other end of the room are two lounges and the TV. I can close this room off from the rest of the house which is lovely and quiet and warm and cosy in winter.

I tidied everything up and added another tressle table to use as my cutting table.

Please check out my next post to see what else I have been up to.

Chat Soon

Kylie xxxxx

For my Mum

2010-05-11T19:02:00.004+10:00

These are the gifts which I made for my Mum for mothers day.

A Petunia Bag made with fabric purchased from the recent Quilt Show. I loved making this bag. The pattern was so easy to follow and very very quick. The only problem I had was that I could not purchase any heavy duty interfacing locally so I just used normal pellon so it is a little floppy.

A mug bag - I just love this fabric

I can now add these to my May finishes.

Kylie xxxxx

Quilt Show continued ....

2010-05-11T18:55:00.003+10:00

More inspiring photos from the Quilt Show

xxxxxx

Quilt Show

2010-05-11T18:30:00.008+10:00

A couple of weeks ago the local High School held a Quilt Show as part of the annual Horse Festival festivites. I attended the opening night and then helped out on the door on Saturday afternoon. They also had a number of shops with stalls set up. I did purchase some fabric to make a bag for my mum for mothers day and a Jelly Roll Quilt book.

Here are photos of some of the magnificent quilts that were on display.

This is a minature quilt made by Margaret who attends our quilting weekends at Middlebrook Station. She was making this at the last weekend in March. The pieces of fabric were so very tiny and she was using the cutest little iron you have ever seen.

This is one of my quilts that was on display.

A Leanne House quilt

My friend Raelee's Gardeners Journal quilt

See my next post for more photos.

xxxxxx

OPAM April Finishes

2010-04-29T11:35:00.010+10:00

Where has April gone? What a busy month in the King household. School holidays, a family holiday to South West Rocks, back to school, work, soccer and getting ready for the local quilt show which starts tomorrow night.

This is one of the quilts which I will be putting in the quilt show. I made this quilt 7 years ago (the second quilt I ever made) and it has sat on my quilt rack ever since waiting for the binding to be put on and the yo-yos to be made for the top righthand block. Why did I procrastinate for so long? Who knows? It was surprising how quickly I got it finished and the satisfaction I feel is fantastic and I can put this down as a OPAM finish for April as well.

This is my flannell roll quilt which I showed a few posts back. It has come back from the quilters and the binding is on. I will also be putting this one in the quilt show.

Another OPAM finish for April.

The quilting is lovely don't you think.

And lastly I made this pin cushion for a friend's birthday.

Now that I have finished off these quilts I can get back into my stitching for the Garderners Journal stitch along. Just need to cut some fabric and I will be ready to put the first block together.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxxx

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T15:30:00.006+10:00

Happy Easter to you all.

I hope you are having a wonderful time spending this break with your family and friends. What have you been up to?

Yesterday we decided to head up to Nundle for the annual Chinese Festival. We had a lovely morning wandering around looking at all the different stalls and activities that were happening.

Here I am with my babies (I didn't realise how tall DS is getting until I looked at this photo although I am kneeling down).

This is hubby with the kids

And of course a trip to Nundle would not be complete without a visit to see Kerry at Cottage on the Hill. I really wasn't planning to buy any fabric (lol), just to have a little visit but as soon as I walked in I spotted this gorgeous fabric by the door. It is Rural Jardin by French General and it is just delicious. I purchased Rosalie Quinlans Little Patchwork Village pattern a while back and was waiting until I spotted the right red, white and pink fabric. I ummed and ahhed for about mmm... a minute .... and then thought what the heck.

I also purchased this pattern a couple of weeks ago from Sarah's online store
and last week visit our local patchwork shop and purchased this fabric and ric rac to make a pin cushion for a friend's birthday. I am going to be very lazy and not do any stitching on it but I think the fabric and gorgeous button will do the trick.

I have been doing stacks of stitching on my Gardeners Journal quilt but will leave that for another post.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Borders are On

2010-03-31T19:34:00.003+11:00

I started this quilt at the Middlebrook Quilting Retreat last September. I got all but the borders done. Actually the pattern did not have borders on it but I felt it needed them to finish it off. After admiring a quilt that Chookyblue had made in the same fabric (different pattern) which she had added a chocolate chenille border which I loved, I decided to do the same with my quilt.

As is so typical of me, I have had the chenille for quite some time but was procrastinating about adding the border (I have no idea why). As I was going back to Middlebrook a couple of weeks ago I decided that I had better get my act together and get those borders on so I would have something for show and tell.

So here it is with borders attached. I am really happy with how it has turned out and have today sent it off to The Quilters Coop at Cowra to have it quilted.

Kylie xxxx

What a Great Weekend

2010-03-31T19:23:00.006+11:00

I had a lovely time in my sewing room this weekend and was able to get these finished.

GDITC Stitchery all finished and ready to be made into a jewellery box.

These gorgeous fabrics that came in the finishing kit - Garden Party

Block 4 of my Friends in Stitching BOM

Block 3 of my Friends in Stitching BOM (not sure if I like the colours in this one)

Block 10 on my Fat Quarter Shop Mystery BOM

Kylie xxxx

Why Not!!

2010-03-24T19:18:00.002+11:00

I may be a little crazy but yes I have joined Chookyblue's The Gardeners Journal Stitch A Long - hope over here to have a look. I have to admit it did not take much convincing at all and hey what a great excuse to go fabric shopping.

I have decided to use the Garden Party range of fabric. I purchased these few bits from our local patchwork shop Scrap & Patch and the rest I have ordered from the Fat Quarter Shop. I have just turned my iron and the light box and am ready to start tracing the stitchery blocks and hope to get some stitching done at my son's school cricket match tomorrow.

Kylie xxxxx

Quilting Retreat

2010-03-22T21:34:00.007+11:00

Last weekend I headed to this lovely place for a quilting retreat. Twice a year a group of about 20 lovely women head to Middlebrook Station for our quilting retreat. There is always a lot of laughter, drinking, stitching and eating going on. Although I had two very late nights I did manage to get some sewing done. I decided to work on my Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Block of the Month that my parents gave me for my birthday last year. I was a little behind on my blocks but was able to catch myself up and am all ready for the next block in April.

These are the blocks that I finished (in no particular order). The fabric is Glace by Moda and is just gorgeous. I have to admit that as I was very tired from my late nights I did become very acquainted with my unpicker (unpicking is apparently very good for the soul - or so I have been told)

Unfortunately as I am such an unorganised person I did forget to take my camera so I am very sorry but I do not have any other photos so share. Next time I think I need to make a list lol.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

FIS Leanne House Swap

2010-03-22T21:08:00.007+11:00

I am part of an on-line stitching group called Friends in Stitching and I recently participated in a swap where I had to make something from a Leanne's House pattern.

This is the apron which I made for Peg. This is not the best photo but if you hope over to her blog she has taken some much better ones. This such a lovely pattern and a pleasure to stitch.

This is what Dawnie made for me and I just love it. I have always wanted to make this pattern but have never had the chance so it was such a wonderful surprise when I opened my package. I have a thing for red at the moment so I was very excited when I saw the fabrics. They are just gorgeous and the photos do not do it justice.

Thank you Dawnie for making me such a wonderful gift and Peg, I am so glad that you are happy with yours.

Kylie xxx

Fun Photos From Nundle

2010-03-16T09:16:00.005+11:00

More photos from Nundle (thanks Fiona)

Bec from Oh Sew Busy and me. Bec and I have been madly emailing each other for months and it was just fantastic to finally meet her in person. You are a gem Bec!!

Fiona, Bec and myself

Myself, Bec and my wicked adopted sister Cardy

Great memories - can't wait 'til next year.

Kylie xxx

Nundle Purchases and Lucky Door Prize

2010-03-16T09:09:00.005+11:00

Just some photos of my Nundle buys

A couple of cute patterns, some wool and these gorgeous hand dyed threads which Chookyblue and I went halves in.

Delicious Boutique to make a Bon Bon Bag

This was my lucky door prize for the day. The range is called Annabella by Tina Givens. Not quite sure what I am going to make with these - any suggestions????

Cheers

Kylie

FIS Leanne House Swap

2010-03-16T09:06:00.002+11:00

This little parcel was hand delivered to me at Nundle on Saturday by my gorgeous swap partner Dawni. I am not allowed to open it until Friday and the suspense is killing me.

I wonder what it could be????

I must be strong!!!!

GDITC

2010-03-14T18:55:00.007+11:00

On Saturday my friends Raelee, Julie and I headed up to Nundle for the annual GDITC. This was my first time (Raelee and Julie have been before) and I have to say that I had the most fabulous time. Annie Downs was wonderful, the projects gorgeous and achievable and best of all I finally got to meet a lot of the lovely ladies that I have met in blogland over the last few months. It was great to finally meet them in person and chat face to face. Thank you all for being so welcoming and friendly.

Below is a photo of the blog girls with Annie, a photo of Annie and Kerry and my completed pin cushion project (another to add to my March finishes).

Unfortunately my batteries ran out after the first two photos were taken so thats all the photos I have. We will definately be back next year and will be staying over so we have more time to catch up with everyone.

Thanks again girls - you are all just fantastic.

Cheers

Kylie xxxx

2010-03-14T18:53:00.001+11:00

March Finishes

2010-03-14T18:12:00.003+11:00

After a very slack (well busy) February I have finally managed to get some stitching done.

This is a bag which I started about two years ago. I had done most of the stitching (all but three words) and once I had finished that the bag came together very quickly. Isn't it funny how we put off doing things that actually take us no time at all to finish.

Next weekend I am off on a quilting weekend which I attend twice a year. We are all required to take a goody bag which is put into a draw. It does not necessarily have to be a sewn bag, just a bag full of goodies including a fat quarter.
The first time we did this swap I made a bag (I think I was the only one) but each time since people have come up with all sorts of different ideas using bags, baskets - anything is possible. It is lots of fun. This time I decided to make a mug bag in some gorgeous purple and white fabric that I purchased from Kerry at Cottage on the Hill. I have kept up the purple theme with a purple mug, purple tea bags and coffee sachets, chocies wrapped in purple wrappers and of course a purple fat quarter. The other mug bag I have made for my Mum for mothers day - I just need to find the perfect mug to go in it.

Cheers
Kylie xxxxx

A Little Quiet on the Stitching Front

2010-02-06T15:27:00.004+11:00

I just love the school holidays when there is no racing around in the mornings, after school activities, canteen, canteen treasurer duties, weekend sport etc etc etc. Now that the kids are back at school my life has once again become hectic which does not leave a lot of time for stitching. Last month I was able to finish five projects for the OPAM but somehow I don't think I will be able to pull that off again this month.

It is raining here today so that meant no Saturday morning sport (yippee) so after doing some ironing and baking I have stitched together my second block for the Friends in Stitching BOM.

I am also working on some secret stitching so I do not have anymore to show so until next time ....

Happy Stitching
Kylie xxxx

More OPAM Finishes

2010-01-31T20:37:00.006+11:00

I have been busy over the last couple of weeks and have managed to finish off these projects.

This is a mug bag that I made with my two stitching friends Raelee and Caron. We had a lovely night on Friday night stitching and laughing together (until midnight).

William's quilt came back from our local quilter, Alison and she did a wonderful job. I have completed the binding and William is enjoying it on his bed (finally!!!).

I have a thing for red at the moment and have decided to add a few red bits around the house. I recently purchased a charm pack and yardage in this range which is from Moda called Pashmina. I made up this quick and easy tablerunner for my coffee table and am very pleased with it.

The kids are back at school now so life has returned to normal (and very busy) but I am determined to put some time away each week for stitching (just to keep me sane).

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

OPAM 2010

2010-01-08T16:28:00.003+11:00

Yes I have done it - I have joined the OPAM 2010. I think this is a great idea to keep me motivated throughout the year and get so many more projects completed. As I have said before I have really good at starting things but not so good at finishing so this will hold me accountable. I have already added to projects which I have finished so far this month.

So if you are interested pop over and visit Peg

or Kris and drop them an email to join.

Chat soon

Saving Money

2010-01-07T16:39:00.002+11:00

Look at me - two posts in one day - can you believe it!!!!

A few days ago our family decided to follow my brothers idea from last year and start saving all our $2, $1 and 50c coins to buy a special family gift (or at least putting it toward christmas presents). Last year my brother was able to buy a new Plasma TV for this family with his savings. So today we went to the Reject Shop and purchased one of these daggy money boxes. On bringing it home we were trying to find a suitable place to put it where we could see it and be reminded to place our coins in it. I do not have a lot of cupboard space and it was just way to ugly to sit out on display. Anyway this afternoon I was doing a little blog surfing and jumped onto Fionas blog to check out her frugal tips and low and behold she had a post about covering an old tin to make a money box. I dug around in the kids craft box, found some pretty fabric in my stash and off I went.

So after only about 15 minutes I have now turned this....

Into this...

I was a bit lazy and did not do a lovely label like Fiona has but I think it looks pretty smick nonetheless and now I am more than happy to have it sitting out on the dresser. The kids are very excited about it to and have already dug deep into their pocket money and have contributed $10 already - way to go kids!!!

I think this would make a quick and cheap gift idea for someone and you could also cover small containers to make pen holders or long skinny holders with lids for knitting needles - the possibilties are endless.

So why not jump over and visit Fiona at Mums Cupboard for her instructions to make this money box and while you are there also check out her other frugal tips.

See ya soon

Kylie xxxxx

Another Finish

2010-01-07T13:54:00.002+11:00

Just a quick post to show you another project which I have finished so far this year. The centre of this tablecloth started out as a Wildflower Serenade II Turnover which I bought at the Craft Show in Newcastle last year. I had no idea what I was going to do with it so at a recent quilting weekend I decided to sew them together and see what would happen and it just grew from there. I ended up ordering some metreage from the Fat Quarter Shop when they were having a sale and added some borders and backing. I decided to make it into a tablecloth and I think it looks very festive so I think I will use it on the table at xmas - what do you think?

Hope you are all having a great day.

Cheers

Kylie xxxx

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you All

2010-01-06T16:53:00.002+11:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a fantastic 2010. I know I am a little late. I had all good intentions of blogging on New Years Day but, oh well, my intentions were good. I have been busy cleaning up my sewing area and getting myself organised for a whole lot of stitching this year.

This is a picture of my very organised stitchery projects all waiting to be worked on. Each one is in some state of progress and I am going to try working on each of them a little at a time. They are all big projects so it will take me a while.

This is a christmas quilt which I SHOULD have started way way way before christmas but, well, I didn't so I thought there is not time like the present and maybe (fingers xxx) it will be finished for next christmas. The pattern is by Me and My Sister Designs called Cake Walk and I am using the Crazy 8 range by Moda. I have cut up all the 10" squares into 41/2" squares and now I need to cut the jelly roll strips into 21/2" squares.

This is a UFO which I have had sitting in my baskets for a long time so on New Years Day I decided to just get it finished. I was up to the quilting stage and could not decide how to quilt it. I really wanted to try stipple quilting but I am having heaps of trouble with my machine with the bobbin thread being very uneven and pulling on my practice attempts so in the end I just decided to sew buttons on to get it finished. The range of fabrics is called "Sultry" and I have just used homespun for the binding and backing. It is very pink and not really my colours so this is the first project to go into the gift bag for 2010.

I have also finished a tablecloth but for some reason the photo has not come over to this post so I will add it to my next one.

Well until next time I hope you are all enjoying the school holidays and gettings heaps of stitching done.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Another Finish

2009-12-10T21:08:00.003+11:00

Another xmas gift finished (the last one). This is a table runner for my aunt. I have used one of the stitcheries from Annie Downs A Gardeners Journal Quilt and some scrap fabric from my stash. I just loved stitching this - it was very quick and easy. I am keen now to maybe make this quilt up - mmm stick it on the list lol.

I am now hoping to get some xmas decorations finished in time for xmas but have a very busy few days ahead of me. The kids break up from school next Wednesday so hopefully things will settle down after that.

How is everyone else going with their xmas stitching?

Chat soon

Kylie xxx

Our New Addition

2009-12-10T20:57:00.002+11:00

Two weeks ago we brought home a new addition to our family. This little ball of white fluff is called Pixie and she is oh so cute!!!

These photos were taken a couple of days after we brought her home - I can't believe how much she has grown in two weeks. Just after we brought her home she got sick with a virus but after lots of cuddles and a trip to the vets she is now all better and running feral - even climbing the xmas tree lol.

Chat soon

Kylie xxx

Boy Its Hot!!!

2009-11-19T12:51:00.003+11:00

Its another stinker here today. It is supposed to get over 40 degrees - yuk!!! I have been lucky enough to finish work early today so I am enjoying some quiet time in the air conditioning until it is time for the kids to get home. I will be taking them to the pool this afternoon to cool off before heading off to touch footy - think I may be doing that in the wrong order.

I have been doing my very best to get some chrissy stitching done. This is what I have achieved

Not sure if this is going to be a table runner or a cushion but it will be a xmas gift for my Aunt.

These are tissue packet covers - you know the soft travel packs that you can buy. I am planning to pop one of these in with everyones present so I will have to make quite a lot - have made 4 so far. They are really quick to make - takes about 10 minutes and uses very little fabric. A great way to use up all those scraps.

This was supposed to be a gift for someone but I am not entirely happy with the way it has turned out so will keep it for myself.

I also finally finished my sweet mums cushion. I am very happy with the way it has turned out - just love Sally Giblin designs - very quick and easy and I only needed to purchase a small amount of fabric for the back - the rest was leftovers from another cushion that I made so I am sticking to my fabric diet - well so far anyway.

Am off now to work on my Aunts gift and to have a cold drink. Hope everyone out there is surviving this hot weather.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxxx

Taking a Me Day

2009-11-05T19:14:00.002+11:00

Today I decided to take a Me Day. I had the day off work, the kids were at school, washing done, Mt Ironing Everest up to date, housework fairly under control and hubby asleep because he is on night shift so I decided that today was going to be Me Day.

After pottering around for a while, catching up on blogs, replying to emails and delivering some lamingtons to the MIL it was time to hit the sewing machine. You will see from my previous post that I received the Fat Quarter Shop Mystery BOM for my birthday. I have been busting to start so today was the day.

The photos of the blocks are out of order but here is

Block 2

Block 1

These were sooo easy to put together, the pattern instructions were simple and easy to follow and the fabric is just gorgeous and plenty of it. I have signed up for BOMs before and been disappointed with the fabric provided but not with this one. I have so much fabric left over so far that I can definately making something else with it.

My mothers xmas pressie is also coming along nicely and I hope to have the stitching finished tonight.

Happy Stitching to All

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Busy Times

2009-11-03T17:22:00.002+11:00

Does anybody else find this time of year just crazy? Since the kids have gone back to school things have been go go go. Term 4 is always busy with lots of after school sporting activities as well as the usual guitar lessons, work, TAFE and housework (YUK). I am finding that there are just not enough hours in the day to fit everything in.

I have been able to get a little stitching in though, but not as much as I would like. Most of it has been done this past weekend.

This is a cushion that I am making for my wonderful Mum for xmas. I have used fabrics from the Portabello Market moda range and the pattern is by Sally Giblin. I recently made another Sally Giblin cushion with this fabric and Mum admired the fabric and they are her favourite colours. I have actually been able to use left over fabrics from the other cushion so I have not broken my 'no fabric/no more new projects (except xmas gifts) until after xmas diet' (now that is another story altogether). The saying is 'Mother you will always hold a special place in my heart'.

A couple of weeks ago I had a birthday and turned ????. My Mum and Dad gave me a subscription to the Fat Quarter Shop 2009 Mystery BOM and also purchased the backing fabric and finishing kit - now aren't I a lucky girl. The first photo is of backing fabric and finishing kit and the photo below that are blocks 1 - 5 (I am a bit behind as it started back in May). The fabrics are Glace by Moda and are just gorgeous. I have been busting to get started but as yet have not had a chance. I have decided not to count this in my no new projects diet as it was a gift and I just can't wait until after xmas to start it - can you blame me.

This is a table runner that I have made as a xmas gift for my SIL. I have used the free Gail Pan pattern from her blog and I have to say that I just loved stitching this design. It was very easy and quick and the little bird is oh so cute. I have used a red and cream spot from the Crazy 8 xmas range which I think looks fantastic. My SIL loves red and has lots of red accessories in her kitchen and dining room.

Now you might be wondering about the 'no fabric/no more new projects (except xmas gifts) until after xmas diet'. I have decided to join Bec's fabric diet and add an extra bit to it with the no more projects. Since starting my blog and reading everyone elses wonderful blogs my fabric and project addiction has reached a whole new level and has become totally out of control. I have so many projects on the go and have purchased so much fabric that I have become overwhelmed by it all and was almost too frightened to go into the sewing nook. I lost my mojo and did not know where to start. After some lovely advice and emails from Bec I have pledged not to buy any more fabric or start any new projects until after xmas - boring I know but it must be done to save my sanity (and the bank balance lol).

Does anyone else feel like this at times or does it not bother you? I would love to hear your comments.

Well must be going - lots to do, dinner to cook, homework to do etc etc etc.

Chat Soon

Kylie xxxx

Happy Halloween

2009-10-21T15:21:00.003+11:00

Just wanted to drop a quick post about a fantastic giveaway over here. Brenda is giving away 27 fat quarters of the most gorgeous prim fabric - that's right you heard me 27 FAT QUARTERS. So drop on over and say hi to Brenda and enter this fab giveaway while you are there.

Chat soon

Kylie xxxx

Sydney

2009-10-14T17:57:00.002+11:00

Last weekend we travelled to Sydney for three nights. Our DS has been to Sydney a few times but only to the cricket and our DD has not been at all so it was quite an experience for them and very hectic.

We went to the Sydney Aquarium. This was DD favourite and she loved all the sharks and stingrays.

Went to the top of Centerpoint Tower. The weather was not great but we were still able to see a fair bit.

Went to Taronga Zoo. The seal show was just great - the seals are just sooo cute.

And we went to Luna Park. This was DS favourite. We did not go on all the rides as some of the faster rides are a bit out of our comfort zones but we did do the ferris wheel (what an amazing view), the tango train (my arms are still sore from holding on soooo tight), Coney Island and DD went on some of the small rides as she was not big enough for the others.
The kids loved sideshow alley and the atmosphere was fantastic.

Eating fairy floss on a stick at Luna Park.

We did all of this in two days and we very exhausted when we finally got home. We did have a great weekend but I have to say that I have had about my five yearly dose of Sydney. I really am just a country girl at heart. When we got home the kids could not believe how quiet it was - aah give me the country any day.

Chat soon - Kylie xxx

It's Been a While

2009-10-14T17:38:00.002+11:00

It has been a while since my last post. These school holidays have been very busy and I have not gotten as much sewing done as I would have liked. We have been to Sydney for a mad few days of sight seeing (see my next post), have been busy with the kids, cleaning house and working.

This is what I have managed to get done

I have sewn together the first block for my A Christmas Story quilt. I am doing blanket stitch for the applique and have finished the partridge in a pear tree block and have just started the singing angels.

Have stitched the teacups for a teacup bag which Caron, Raelee and I are making as a group project.

This fabric I ordered from the Fat Quarter Shop when they were having their sale. It is from the Crazy 8 range by moda.

On our way home from Sydney my wonderful husband made a slight detour to the Craft Depot at Pennant Hills. What a fantastic shop and what a huge range of fabric. I was quite tired after our busy couple of days and found it very hard to get my head around what fabric I needed for what but I did see these and loved them.

Hopefully when the kids go back to school things will slow down a bit (ha in my dreams!!) but I will keep on plodding along.

Chat soon

Kyliexxxx

What a Great Day

2009-10-04T10:57:00.002+11:00

Yesterday my two friends Caron and Raelee and I headed up to Nundle for the Cottage on the Hill Airing of the Quilts. It was such a great sight to see all the quilts hanging along a fence along the drive way up to the shop. All cars had to park at the front gate and then we walked up the long drive admiring all the fantastic quilts on display. Unfortunately in my rush to get out the door I forgot to take my camera but the quilts were amazing and very inspiring. After lacking motivation for the last couple of weeks I am now once again full of inspiration. After looking at all the quilts were had a lovely morning tea and then headed into the shop. I have been after Anni Downs A Christmas Story for a while now so I brought the book and some fat quarters to start the quilt. When it was finally time to leave I could not believe that we had been there for 3 hours - the time went very quickly. We then headed back into Nundle and had a delicious lunch at the Goldmine and then had a look around Odgers and McClellands. Now that is a fantastic shop and I did some christmas shopping for my SIN. We had such a great day and a very big thank you for Kerry for making us feel so welcome and for all your help with our purchases.

I am now going to have some lunch and then head to my sewing room to make a start on my Christmas Quilt.

Hope you are all having a great weekend and are getting lots of sewing done.

Who is watching the grandfinal this afternoon???

Chat soon

Kyliexxxx

I have been slack .....

2009-09-28T13:39:00.003+10:00

Well I have been very slack over the last week and have not done any stitching so I have nothing to show in that department. After a full on weekend of quilting a couple of weeks ago I think I was ready for a little break. So what have I been doing instead you ask? Well I have been reading this ....

..... and have enjoyed every moment of it. This book contains books 3 - 6 in the series. I recently finished the first three which were fantastic and could not wait to get into these ones. Now that I have finished these I am very keen to purchase some more. I am going to hold off though because when I read a book nothing else seems to get done. So I think it is time to put down the books and pick up the stitching again. I am feeling very inspired to complete a quilt using some traditional quilt blocks like in these books. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am very tempted to purchase one of the Elm Creek Quilt Books which has quilting patterns in it, especially the Sylvias Bridal Quilt book. Does anyone own any of these books???

I have a very busy week ahead - TAFE exams, school concerts, work, my sons school cricket match and all the other lovely chores that us wonderful mothers have to attend to. I probably will not get a chance to post again until the school holidays start.

I hope everyone has a great week.

Chat soon

Kylie xxx

A Finish ... Some Progress ... and maybe a start

2009-09-18T13:59:00.002+10:00

Just a quick post to show what I have been up to. I have finally finished my Project Caddy by Rosalie Quinlan and I am really loving it. The big base allows me to see everything that I have in there and I am not loosing things down the bottom like in my other sewing bag.

Have made a start on the second block of my Nice People Nice Things Quilt. I am doing this a little different to the original as I want to have the sayings and the pictures on the front of the quilt and there were some that didn't really appeal to me so I have picked out my favourites. I purchased a Jelly Roll and a Honey Bun in the moda range of fabrics 'Object of Desire' and just bordering the stitcheries with these. I purchased the pattern whilst on our North QLD holiday last year and thought that Object of Desire was nice and bright and tropical. I always like to buy some fabric and/or pattern when we go on holiays as a momentum of what a great time we had. Sometimes though it does take me a while to get around to making them.

This was one of those times when I went to the local quilting shop for some thread and came out with fabric (sometimes I even come out with an entire quilt so I try not to make a habit of going in there). Am having some friends around tonight for some stitching so I might just have to make a start on this one.

Hope you have all had a great week.

Cheers

Kylie xxxx

What a Great Weekend .... and a finish

2009-09-16T18:15:00.002+10:00

I do apologise that it has taken me a few days to do this post. It took me two days to get everything back in order after I was away. My darling dh took the kids and the dogs camping for the weekend so of course I had a mountain of washing and ironing to do and could someone please tell me how the house can possibly become messy when no one is home!!!!

Well here I am with my quilt - not quite finished as I decided that it really needed borders (the pattern does to include borders) so I have been in contact today with the lovely Kerry and have ordered some border fabric so the finished product will be a little while coming.

Also check out this gorgeous quilt made by my 'drinking partner' Yvonne. I just love it love it love it. It is made from the Jitterbug range of fabric. It is so bright and cheery and I am soooo jealous lol.

A great weekend was had by all. We ate way too much, drank too much, laughed until our tummies ached and sewed and sewed and sewed. It was very sad when the weekend came to an end.

I also have a finish. I started this quilt last September on our quilting weekend and thought I had better try and get it finished for show and tell. I quilted it myself and had it all done for the weekend except for the binding handstitched down which I have done over the last couple of nights in front of the telly. It is made from the moda range of fabric "A Little Romance" and it looks very at home on dds bed.

Well dinner is almost ready and the troops are starving so until next time.

Cheers

Kylie xxxxx

Just One More Sleep ....

2009-09-10T21:59:00.002+10:00

Tomorrow afternoon at 5.00pm I will be picking up my friend Caron and heading off on a quilting weekend with 18 other women. We won't need to go too far though because our destination is only 10 minutes from town (just close enough to make a dash for more supplies - sewing and otherwise). Twice a year our group head out to Middlebrook Station for a weekend of sewing, eating, drinking and lots of laughter (and not necessarily in that order). I have some fabric which I purchased from Kerry in blues, browns and pinks (a lot of the fabric is the same as in chookyblues champagne quilt). I will be using a different pattern which is very simple so it should come together very quickly. I am also taking out some stitching and other WIPS to have a play with as well as some yummy slices and alcoholic beverages. I will be back after the weekend with some pics of what I have (or have not) managed to get done.

Until then
Cheers
Kylie xxxx

But Wait there's more .....

2009-09-09T21:45:00.002+10:00

Boy I think I've worked it out!!!

Here is a full photo shot of the quilt at the top of my blog. It is only the quilt top which is waiting patiently on my quilt stand to be quilted and I also do not have any backing at this stage. I made this quilt entirely from my stash (well except for buying a couple more cream background fabrics) and of course now I don't have anything big enough in my stash to back it. I think another trip to Nundle might be in order for this one. Kerry always has a good selection of country fabrics to choose from.

This quilt top is for my darling boy for his bed. It is made from a moda range of fabric called Trail Adventures which is a great boy fabric with lots of deer and bush designs on it. I have made a quilt for my dh out of the same fabric but a different design which he uses in his swag - I will post a photo of that quilt another time. Of course this another top waiting to be quilted and once again I need to buy backing fabric.

This is my Hemming House quilt. I bought these charm packs when I was on holidays at South West Rocks at the beginning of the year. If there is a patchwork shop handy when we go on holidays I always like to buy fabric to make a quilt as a reminder of what a great time we had. I just love this range of fabrics. I just made the design up myself. The inner green border fabric was given to me by my girlfriend from her scraps and the other border was actually bought to make an apron for my mother-in-law (she got a quilt instead). This is another quilt waiting patiently to be quilted - I seem to have a lot of those don't I.

Well it is very late and my brain is now fried from working out all this blog stuff so I am off to bed. Sleep tight everyone and happy dreams.

Kylie xxxx

More Photos

2009-09-09T21:38:00.002+10:00

Well I think I have finally worked out this whole photo thing.

This cushion was given to me as a kit by my gorgeous mum for my birthday last year. It is a Sally Giblin Design which I just love.

Oops now I can't work out how to get more photos onto this post. I will work this out so please be patient.

Back soon

Kylie

Hello Blogland

2009-09-09T19:32:00.002+10:00

After lots of encouragement from Bec I have finally started my own blog. Thank you Bec for all your lovely emails.

A bit about myself - I have been quilting for about seven years now. I started when my babygirl was only one year old. I made my first major quilt on a quilting weekend at Nundle with Kerry and have not looked back. Since then I have made stacks of quilts, wallhangings, cushions and bags. I have named this blog after my little business that I ran a few years ago where I designed and sold small patchwork pieces, mainly cushions and wallhangings, through ebay, markets and also to some shops wholesale. I did give this away after a while as it became too much as I also worked part-time and with two small kids it really began to take over my life and left little time to sew for myself. I am really really good at starting projects but sometimes not all that great at finishing. I have been reading a lot of blogs and have found that there are a lot of you just like me out there and you know what, I don't feel guilty anymore - bring on more projects I say lol.

Why did I decide to start my own blog? Well I have been reading lots and lots of fabulous blogs over the last few months and have been really inspired by you all out there and have loved looking at all your wonderful projects, getting some fantastic ideas and I decided that maybe if I have got so much out of your blogs then maybe someone might just get something out of mine. So I have decided to start this little blog to share with you all what I am up to and also to keep me inspired and keep me stitching along. I am also looking forward to becoming involved in some of the fabulous swaps that are happening at the moment and simply sharing my craft with likeminded people.

The photo at the header of this blog is a quilt top that I have finally finished by Anni Downs which was published in a Homespun Magazine about two years ago and that is how long it has taken me to get it finished. When I have finally worked out how to upload photos properly I will show you some more things that I have made.

Until then

Cheers
Kylie