tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42116519917791066852024-03-06T16:32:39.065+11:00In Sue's WorldLife. Craft. And Everything In Between.Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-51947800183423739272014-05-30T21:04:00.000+10:002014-05-30T21:21:46.664+10:00It's been a long time comingFinally. At long last. My Civil War Sampler Quilt top is done!<br />
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After making a whole stack of Shoofly blocks to fill the gaps . . . I decided against using them. And went with a mix of creams from my stash for the blocks and sashings instead.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, they are lovely. In the picture, the top with the Shoofly blocks looks beautiful, full of sparkling colour. I laid them out. Took them out. Put them back. Such indecision. But in real life it was just a bit too busy with all the blocks. Who knows, maybe they'll become a whole other quilt altogether . . .<br />
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But the construction process was not without . . . <strike>challenges</strike> assistance!<br />
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Between tripping over Walter (who managed to move to exactly where I needed to stand every. single. time.) and constantly having to move Squeaker (who had a knack of laying on exactly the row of blocks I needed to stitch next), let's just say a whole new dimension was added to the process. This quilt was certainly a collaborative effort!<br />
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So all that's left to be done is to send this top off to the quilter. And then some binding. It's been a long time coming!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Civil War Sampler Quilts<br />
Designer: Barbara Brackman<br />
Publication: <a href="http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/</a></span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-67938858027287374832014-05-18T15:56:00.000+10:002014-05-18T15:58:03.203+10:00Nature's ConfettiI love. love. love. this time of year in my home town. Autumn. Glorious colours. Cold nights. Fresh mornings. Sunshiny days. The reminder that time passes. That things change. To appreciate now.<br />
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On a rare afternoon home from work in the daylight this week, this is the magic that I was greeted with. How beautiful. And fleeting. When the leaves are like this, a slight puff of breeze makes for a dazzling display of nature’s confetti! It doesn’t take long before the trees will be bare for another season. And Winter, in all her beautiful starkness, will be upon us. But for now I’m certainly enjoying the golden glow of Autumn.<br />
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And with such a fantastic display of colour outside, I thought a splash of colour inside was in order too! <br />
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It’s nice the way a couple of simple, colour-blocked cushions can change the feel of a room. Some simple quilting and large vintage buttons from the button jar. Big chunks of great fabrics . . . they’re like oversized jewels for the lounge room.<br />
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What colours, I wonder, are inspiring you at this time of year?<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-45783162639669951542014-04-22T18:49:00.000+10:002014-04-22T18:49:48.793+10:001832 Mary Whitlow Sampler MotifI've been inspired to stitch a little motif from the Mary Whitlow sampler I saw earlier this year . . .<br />
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Recently we were fortunate to spend a day in Hobart and while we were there we toured the historic <a href="http://www.narryna.com.au/">Narryna</a>, a Georgian town house built between 1837 & 1840. Opened to the public in 1957, <span class="userContent">Narryna is a museum with a wonderful needlework collection including garments, patchworks - such as the little hexagons bed coverlet made in 1830, embroideries such as samplers,
Georgian stump work, m<span class="text_exposed_show">id-Victorian Berlin
wool work and high-Victorian bead work. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Also housed at Narryna is the collection of
baby's bonnets that inspired Christina Henri's <a href="http://www.christinahenri.com.au/index.php?/ongoing/roses-from-the-heart/">Roses from the Heart project </a>to commemorate the experience of convict women in Australia.</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">The walls of the Nursery were home to several early samplers, among them a sampler by Mary Whitlow, dated 1832.</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I loved the uncluttered simplicity of this piece . . . the use of only one colour . . . and the (almost) symmetry of it.</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">It was also wonderful to see the other samplers at Narryna, including one dated 1779. Some of the samplers are in a very fragile state, but beautiful just the same. And you can just imagine the time when they were stitched by young girls learning the art of needlework to stand them in good stead for later in life.</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">While not wanting to replicate an entire sampler, I've chosen to render my interpretation of one of the motifs on Mary's sampler. Using my trusty 27 count linen, I've stitched one piece into a lavender sachet and the other into a pin cushion. </span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">I enjoyed working on these little projects. Sometimes the inspiration from little things bring as much satisfaction as from the big things. What's inspired you lately?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Mary Whitlow Sampler, 1832<br />Publication: <a href="http://www.narryna.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.narryna.com.au/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Fabric: 27 count linen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Threads: DMC 503, 504, (760, 761, 3779), (894, 961, 3832) </span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-39921373003618621112014-04-18T20:24:00.000+10:002015-10-09T21:10:13.951+11:00Hot. Cross. Stitching.Inspired by all the Easter stitching goodies I've seen on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/in_sues_world/easter/">Pinterest</a> this week, I decided to put thread to needle and do some stitching of my own.<br />
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I like the "dusted" look of this little French Knot Bunny. I made a stencil of a rabbit and traced it on to the linen. A quick outline in back stitch and then it was on to the French Knots . . .<br />
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Originally I planned to make this in lovely soft pastels, but then I liked the simplicity of the white on natural so much that I just stuck with that.<br />
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This is an idea that could be used for all sorts of shapes, letters and words. And with threads or markers - see <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/220324606743622181/">here</a> for more ideas about that.<br />
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And then there's the Cross Stitch Bunny using the <a href="http://thelittlestitcher.blogspot.it/">Spring Rabbit pattern from The Little Stitcher.</a> This little guy went together pretty quickly. I like the simplicity of this design and was thinking of making it into a little lavender bag. But then I was inspired by Cindy's little fabric weights over at <a href="http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/handy-dandy-fabric-weights.html">Fluffy Sheep Quilting</a> . . . so it's now my latest pin cushion, filled with silica sand so it's nice and substantial to do double duty as a fabric weight!<br />
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I don't usually do much in the way of decorating for Easter . . . but the rabbit designs seem to have caught my imagination this year. What Easter crafting are you up to?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Spring Rabbit<br />Designer: The Little Stitcher<br />Publication: <a href="http://thelittlestitcher.blogspot.it/" target="_blank">http://thelittlestitcher.blogspot.it/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Fabric: 32 count linen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Thread: Cosmo 8040 </span><br />
<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-6570276362016231962014-03-26T20:35:00.000+11:002014-03-26T20:35:48.727+11:00Ice Cream Is RecommendedIt's true . . . it says so right there in my Great Grandfather's Cookery Book!<br />
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Magnificent food value, it says. Recommended for folks of all ages! If it's in print, then surely it must be true . . .<br />
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And my Nan used to make Pufftaloons for Sunday breakfast for us when we would visit in the Christmas holidays. I don't know anyone else who's ever heard of them. People have laughed and scoffed when I've fondly described them. Such a strange name. And not very healthy. But they are real, the recipe's right there to prove it . . .<br />
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I'm very fortunate as our family's historian to be the custodian of some real treasures - this Cookery Book among them. It has seen better days, there's no denying. It's been re-covered long ago. But it's got some great bits, like his name inked into the pages by his own hand. Some detective work from the advertising makes it probably about a 1933 edition.<br />
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As well as all the recipes, there's something else for the modern cook . . .<br />
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The house-proud little lady . . .<br />
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The entertainer . . .<br />
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And the seamstress . . .<br />
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Ahh, the good old days . . .<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-42506682994969198902014-03-09T20:52:00.000+11:002014-03-09T21:48:31.228+11:00Sailing, Scaling and StitchingWe were very fortunate recently to go on our first cruise. We sailed on the <i>incredibly large</i> <a href="http://www.royalcaribbean.com.au/home.do">Voyager Of The Seas</a> for 14 nights to New Zealand and Tasmania.<br />
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As well as being our first cruise, it was also our first time to New Zealand and our first time to Tasmania! <br />
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One of the highlights of our trip was climbing to the top of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Maunganui">Mt Maunganui</a>, scaling an extinct volcano in the Bay of Plenty region of NZ. It was both exhilarating and challenging . . .<br />
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And from the top, the most wonderful view!<br />
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We were lucky to enjoy great weather for almost the entire trip. The exception was the day we spent cruising through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiordland">Doubtful, Dusky and Milford Sounds</a>. Although that day was pretty cold and bleak, we were still able to enjoy some really spectacular scenery . . . even on such a moody day, there was plenty of beauty to be seen!<br />
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While on the cruise I was able to take part in classes hosted by <a href="http://www.needleworktours.com.au/home">Needlework Tours</a> - something like 22 tutors and about 320 stitchers, each with 3 projects to work on over 6 days of the cruise.<br />
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The first class I had was for a Counted Needlework Set with <a href="http://www.christinepbishop.com.au/index.html">Christine P Bishop</a> . . .<br />
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This type of stitching requires precision. There was a lot of counting and concentrating . . . a bit of unpicking . . . and a new-to-me stitch - Italian four-sided stitch, which I really liked. I finished the biscornu and made a start on the wallet too. We had a choice of 7 different colour ways for this project. I chose the blue/green scheme of this set and am really happy with it.<br />
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My second class was with <a href="http://averyfinehouse09.blogspot.com.au/">Judy Newman</a>, working on the wonderfully gorgeous Museum Medallion quilt . . .<br />
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This was my first real foray into hand piecing. I was a bit nervous about it - mostly about maintaining accuracy of the pieces. But Judy was able to put my mind at ease . . . and I'm really happy with how the centre medallion is coming along. There's still A LOT of work to go on this, but I can't wait to see it finished as it's a really beautiful quilt.</div>
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My final class was the beautiful Wildflower Jewel Box with <a href="http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com.au/">Fiona Hawdon</a> . . .<br />
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I had a great time working on this embroidery . . . lots of colonial knots and and bullion stitches combined to make this wonderful collection of Australian wildflowers.<br />
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We made some lovely new friends on the cruise, and caught up with some old ones too! All in all, we had a great time - we went to new places, we saw some pretty spectacular sights and made some wonderful memories . . . which is as it should be!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Counted Needlework Set<br />
Designer: Christine P Biship<br />
Publication: <a href="http://www.christinepbishop.com.au/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.christinepbishop.com.au/index.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Museum Medallion<br />
Designer: Judy Newman<br />
Publication: <a href="http://averyfinehouse09.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">http://averyfinehouse09.blogspot.com.au/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Wildflower Jewel Box<br />
Designer: Fiona Hawdon<br />
Publication: <a href="http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">http://peacefulthreads.blogspot.com.au</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FionasPeacefulThread">https://www.etsy.com/shop/FionasPeacefulThread</a> </span><br />
<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-51124593787997336962014-01-28T20:39:00.001+11:002014-01-28T20:39:48.424+11:00European Folk Art StitchingAs soon as I saw this design I knew it was one I would have to stitch . . .<br />
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I am really drawn to the European Folk Art style of <a href="http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com.au/">Sylvia's design</a>, but rather than make it up into a cushion I stretched the finished piece over a canvas (pictured below hanging in a collection with Lynette Anderson's <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/2010/06/home-finished-and-framed.html">Our Home</a> applique and Rosalie Quinlan's <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/heartsong-stitchery-christmas-version.html">Heartsong</a> stitchery).<br />
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The blue linen is something I've been wanting to work with for a while and I really like the effect of the tone on tone stitchery.<br />
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I love the mandala-like central medallion . . .<br />
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and the openness of the chain stitched outer leaves.<br />
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I like the satin stitch circles (although there were a few moments when I thought they would never be done) and I really enjoyed working the chain stitch. I think it gives such a depth and interest to the stitching.<br />
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This is a style of stitching that I will definitely use again! I'm thinking large cushions. And lots of colour . . . <br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Stitchery Cushion<br />Designer: Sylvia Frazer<br />Publication: <a href="http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">http://sylviastitch.blogspot.com.au/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Fabric: Dress linen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Threads: DMC 932 </span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-46617692101115755452014-01-04T21:17:00.000+11:002014-01-04T21:17:24.169+11:0028 Years Married<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been 28 years since we became Mr and Mrs. </div>
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In that time we've added . . .<br />
2 Kids<br />
7 Dogs<br />
2 Cats<br />
17 Homes<br />
Way too many cars</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy's had my heart since the very first day.</div>
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I can honestly say that it's been a wild and crazy ride so far - some bits planned and some not so much.</div>
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He's funny and smart. He's gentle and strong. He's intuitive and creative. And he chose me. </div>
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I can't wait to see what the next chapters bring . . . and I love that I get to share every bit of them with the love of my life!</div>
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Who can ask for anything more? </div>
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-46289052225227393662014-01-01T21:23:00.001+11:002014-01-01T21:23:43.916+11:00Welcome 2014<br />
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Here's to 2014.</div>
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To hope and possibilities.<br />
To learning something new.<br />
To doing something useful.<br />
To making a difference. </div>
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To love and laughter and friendship.</div>
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To good times, real connections and meaningful moments.</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-22153276113497156942013-12-31T13:55:00.001+11:002013-12-31T13:56:10.423+11:00Farewell 2013It's been a long, tough year for our family. There have been times that I've felt absolutely, totally broken. But there have also been times when my heart has seemed mended and whole - I'm pretty lucky to share my life with some incredibly special people who help make the ride worthwhile.<br />
<br />
Here's to a new year - one with hope and joy and connection . . .<br />
<br />
In 2013 I committed to taking a picture a day - a Project 365. There were some days that I could not have cared less about taking a picture. And others where I had too many to choose from. But in the midst of my chaos, I just kept clicking.<br />
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Every. Single. Day.<br />
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This is my 2013 in pictures . . .<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
App: Project 365 Pro<br />
<a href="http://http//www.iphoneproject365.com/" target="_blank">http://http://www.iphoneproject365.com/</a></span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-36884719662612648832013-12-28T17:53:00.000+11:002013-12-28T17:53:31.203+11:00Day TrippingWe took a day trip - our first road trip in a while - to the <a href="http://www.cowragarden.com.au/home.php">Japanese Gardens at Cowra</a>. In anticipation of a forecast hot day we set off early.<br />
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It was an easy 2 and a bit hour drive through country NSW, and we were rewarded with a great big summer sky and glorious vistas . . .<br />
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With construction started 35 years ago in 1978, the Japanese Gardens are set on 12.5 acres and are really beautiful. The feel like they've always been there. The overwhelming sense while there was one of tranquility and peace.<br />
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We came away with our heads filled with ideas we'd like to incorporate into our own garden. While we've already got some Japanese Maple trees to get started with, we're going to have to get creative in our thinking, though, since our block of land is like the size of a postage stamp in comparison to the Japanese Garden!!<br />
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We're looking forward to going back in the autumn to see the stunning Japanese Maples as they change colour . . . and then again in spring to see the Cherry Blossoms . . .<br />
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And to creating a little piece of that tranquility of our very own!<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-47641232023285599622013-12-25T06:30:00.000+11:002013-12-25T08:52:12.158+11:00From our home to yours . . .<br />
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Wishing you a wonderful, happy and safe Christmas . . . whether it's with family, friends or in your own company . . . may you find peace and joy and contentment.<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-1714714584066299102013-12-23T17:02:00.000+11:002013-12-24T16:19:36.196+11:00Build your own dessertWe usually find some tasty little treat for dessert after our family dinners. In the spirit of the festive season, this time it was "build your own . . . Santa".<br />
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Take a strawberry . . . add some cream . . . chocolate and vanilla fudge in a tube . . . mixed with a bit of imagination. And what do you get???<br />
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Strawberry Santas, of course . . .<br />
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Or birds.<br />
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Or wierd little guys.<br />
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Or smiley faces.<br />
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In the midst of all the laughter we did manage to eat a few strawberries - and they were so sweet and tasty. There's nothing quite like a bit of "interactive dessert" to ensure that much laughter and fun is had by all!<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-80688222834465471932013-11-07T20:39:00.000+11:002013-11-07T20:44:58.526+11:00Wally-Woo turns OneHe's all grown up. He's hairy and loveable. He's scared by sneezes.<br />
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And when he's happy his whole body wags! <br />
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He loves chasing a ball or playing tug-o-war. And playing chasings around the house or the yard his him in raptures.<br />
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He's a <strike>totally</strike> slightly pampered pooch (Gary may deny it, but it's all true!!!) - think Mrs Pumphrey and Tricky Woo in the <a href="http://www.jamesherriot.org/">James Herriot stories</a>! <br />
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But most of all he loves the boys in our house who love him in return just as much! He's brought a whole new dimension to our home . . . in a good way. <br />
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Happy 1st Birthday Walter xx<br />
<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-22829918505614109842013-10-17T20:23:00.000+11:002013-11-04T21:09:42.177+11:00Plum Pudding anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOQfCmGIj9cQU11VWM4e35BIem7Ut5mdUXFTgN1TgE0IM3wQfT90aX5xz8GwjO030XgZoq8fTn2l724m5oc-X-s1ucb-ZxTCfdsDgTJjl3fxAwHMFpLdig_vKvZ1YDRvaseFoBVIlsiXQ/s1600/Sequin-Plum-Pudding-Decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOQfCmGIj9cQU11VWM4e35BIem7Ut5mdUXFTgN1TgE0IM3wQfT90aX5xz8GwjO030XgZoq8fTn2l724m5oc-X-s1ucb-ZxTCfdsDgTJjl3fxAwHMFpLdig_vKvZ1YDRvaseFoBVIlsiXQ/s400/Sequin-Plum-Pudding-Decoration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know, I know . . . it's too early for Christmas.<br />
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Or is it?<br />
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I made a couple of these cute little Plum Pudding decorations quite a few years ago, and I thought I'd add a couple more to my collection.<br />
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<i>Just out of curiosity, when does it stop being a collection and how many does it take before collection becomes obsession??</i><br />
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If you fancy making one of these yourself, here's a simple "how to" . . .<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 polystyrene ball - I've used a couple of different sizes, but prefer the ones that are just about 1 1/2"</li>
<li>Pins - Lills Pins (Short) - one container will make a few puddings, plus 1 longer pin for the hanging loop</li>
<li>Sequins - 2 colours, darker for the "pudding" and lighter for the "custard/cream"</li>
<li>Beads - little ones to suit the lighter sequins, plus 1 slightly larger red one for the berry</li>
<li>Holly - Either metallic ones found in the bead section of your local craft store, or my preferred option, Holly cake picks </li>
</ul>
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Method:<br />
<ol>
<li>Use a pen or fine marker to draw a line around the ball to mark the "custard" line. There's no right or wrong - just whatever is pleasing to your eye.</li>
<li>Starting at the bottom, in the centre, pin dark sequins, cupped side DOWN, to the ball until the entire "pudding" is filled up to the "custard" line. Ensure that the sequins slightly overlap each other so no polystyrene is visible</li>
<li>Load your pin with one little bead, then a lighter sequin, cupped side UP.</li>
<li>Starting at the "custard" line, working your way around and then up to the centre top, pin bead/sequins in place. As with the bottom sequins, ensure the sequins slightly overlap each other so no polystyrene is visible. Leave a small area at the top to add the holly.</li>
<li>Trim the stem of the holly to somewhere between 3/4 & 1" (long enough to poke into the ball, but not so long that it pokes out the other end!) </li>
<li>Using a small amount of glue (suitable for polystyrene) on the stem of the holly, poke the stem into the ball.</li>
<li>Tie a knot in the end of a looped length of metallic thread for the hanger.</li>
<li>Load a small clear bead and then the red bead onto the larger pin (if you've got a larger head on your pin and it doesn't fall through the bead, then don't worry about the clear bead). Poke the pin through the knot of the hanger thread.</li>
<li>Again, using a small amount of glue on the pin, poke the pin into the ball, in front of the holly. I then adjusted the hanger thread so that it wrapped around to the back of the holly leaves (it seemed to hang a bit neater that way). If your holly cake pick comes with a couple of berries attached, you're done. If not, add a couple more red beads on longer pins in front of the holly to make a cluster of berries.</li>
<li>Let the glue dry thoroughly before hanging your "Pudding". Trust me on this - the pins will eventually come out if you don't glue, or don't let the glue dry thoroughly. And no-one wants their pudding falling off the tree prematurely!!</li>
<li>All that's left to do is enjoy these little puddings hanging on your tree (and they sparkle quite nicely if you have lights on your tree, too).</li>
</ol>
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These sequined Plum Puddings make great decorations and great little gifts. They are delightful and calorie-free! Will you stop at just one??<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-42860254914443543302013-10-08T19:50:00.000+11:002013-10-08T19:50:41.179+11:00It's a matter of perspectiveSometimes you need to get up close to see the detail . . .<br />
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Sometimes you need to be further away . . .<br />
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To get a different perspective.<br />
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We've been to <a href="http://www.floriadeaustralia.com/">Floriade</a> many times over the 26 years that it's been running. The flowers are always beautiful, colourful and plentiful. But this is the first time we've been up on the Ferris Wheel to see the view from above.<br />
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I guess it's the same for gardens . . . or craft . . . or life. Sometimes you need to see and focus on the detail and sometimes you need to take a step back and take in the bigger picture from another perspective. <br />
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There's no right or wrong, no better or worse. Both have their own unique purpose and beauty. I'm so glad I got to be reminded of that. And to see both perspectives of Floriade this year . . .<br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-37782320986621372252013-10-06T21:10:00.000+11:002013-10-06T21:50:27.558+11:00Paper RosesDo you pin?<br />
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I do.<br />
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But usually that's about as far as the creative process goes. <br />
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Well, inspired by <a href="http://www.lizlamoreux.com/">Liz Lamoreux's</a> "Pinned it. Did it." posts, I finally did more than pin, browse and pin some more . . .<br />
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<a href="http://stacycohen.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/prima-layout-and-paper-rose-flower.html">Stacy Cohen's tutorial</a> for making Paper Roses caught my eye and thought I'd give it a try.<br />
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I already had the flower punch. The ink. The paper. And no excuses.<br />
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The result was a quick to make, cute paper rose. I'm not sure quite what I'm going to do with it. But what I can say is that I finally did more than just pin it . . . <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/in_sues_world/tutorials-patterns/">I pinned it. And I did it</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Paper Rose<br />
Designer: Stacey Cohen<br />
Publication: <a href="http://stacycohen.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/prima-layout-and-paper-rose-flower.html" target="_blank">http://stacycohen.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/prima-layout-and-paper-rose-flower.html</a></span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-79125117965235308342013-09-08T14:26:00.000+10:002013-09-08T14:26:05.401+10:00There's change in the airIt's been a tough year . . . with some very grey and bleak moments.<br />
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But there's hope and brightness creeping back in . . .<br />
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And this picture taken today in our front garden represents that hope and light.<br />
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How beautiful is that blue sky? Clear and strong and vibrant.<br />
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And the glorious pink blossoms . . . beautiful and fragile. Their presence fleeting but the memory lasting much longer.<br />
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The new leaves, the new life of the tree - hardly visible but there none the less - about to explode into life. The hope and promise of renewal.<br />
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I suppose that's how life is, isn't it? Fleeting and precious. And filled with the promise of greatness . . . <br />
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-23651146763527657372013-07-17T20:39:00.002+10:002013-07-17T20:39:54.903+10:00Civil War Shoofly BlocksIt seemed about time I did some stitching. And this poor <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Civil%20War%20Quilts">Civil War quilt</a> has been in progress for so long now, that I want to see it pieced and bound!<br />
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I've had the fabrics for these Shoofly blocks cut, just waiting for time, energy and inspiration to collide. <br />
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Finally, when all the stars were aligned, I stitched . . .<br />
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and I stitched . . .<br />
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and I stitched!<br />
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Now I have all the "filler" blocks done I need to give serious thought to the sashings between the blocks. I'm pretty sure I'm going to arrange all the blocks on point, which I've never done before! <br />
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Now to consider what colour for the sashings. And corner stones, too . . .<br />
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Decisions, decisions.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Civil War Quilts <br />
Designer: Barbara Brackman<br />
Publication: <a href="http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/</a></span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-43135197079591388862013-06-21T06:26:00.001+10:002013-06-21T06:26:49.659+10:00Chaos, your name is Walter<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's get a puppy he said.</div>
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I don't think so I said.</div>
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Let's just look he said.</div>
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There are rules I said.</div>
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He must be well mannered. </div>
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No digging in the back garden.</div>
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No jumping on people.</div>
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Not on the lounge. </div>
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So you can see how well that worked out!</div>
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Is the problem the dog? Walter? No, I mean, he's cute as a button . . .</div>
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Is the problem his human? You betcha!!! You see what I'm dealing with . . . </div>
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This boy and his dog are definitely good for each other. But as a duo are they good for me? </div>
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The jury's still out . . .</div>
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And while it's deliberating, I'm trying to overlook the chaos, the hairy . . . everything, the muddy paw prints.</div>
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And remembering to enjoy the funny way he has to run and grab a toy to show when he sees us first thing in the morning. And being able to comfort him when he hides behind my legs when someone sneezes or coughs. And remind myself that he's still just a puppy . . . with a lot of learning yet to do. </div>
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And that he's lovely! </div>
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<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-76621163326551681812013-06-14T15:00:00.001+10:002013-06-14T15:00:43.960+10:00Chateau Hexagon - Birdhouse CornerI've signed up for Lynette Anderson's (Mystery) Button Club - Chateau Hexagon. It started this month and runs for 9 months. I'm using the fabrics suggested by Lynette, which have the most wonderful, muted and muddy palette. At the end of it I'll have a 26" x 37" quilt to hang on my wall.<br />
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The first block is "Birdhouse Corner".<br />
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And I've finished stitching it!<br />
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It's a lovely block to start off with . . . and has the cutest little bumble bees!!! Now I'm into the swing of it, bring on month 2, I say . . . <br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Chateau Hexagon - Month 1 - Birdhouse Corner<br />Designer: Lynette Anderson<br />Publication: <a href="http://lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com/lynette_anderson_designs/" target="_blank">http://lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com/lynette_anderson_designs/</a></span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-7403040696346352142013-06-11T14:38:00.000+10:002013-06-11T14:38:58.871+10:00A Pear for JuneWhen I saw <a href="http://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com.au/">Marly's</a> original Pear Sampler (now Pear Sampler 1) back in the middle of last year, I knew it was a project I wanted to do. So I <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Pear">stitched it up</a> and then did another one of my own design with a <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Pear">number sampler</a>.<br />
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Marly's posted patterns for quite a few pear samplers since that first one. While most of them really appeal to me, I haven't quite gotten around to stitching any others . . . but her pattern for June really grabbed me! So out came the needle, threads and fabric . . .<br />
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Once I'd finished stitching I decided I didn't really need another "ornamental" pear, and instead appliqued it onto a journal cover.<br />
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While it was . . . nice . . . it seemed . . . hmm . . . not quite right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx5C5oq_hPgm6EgOQ0PecRs98AVIwZ8dHVquT2qOOenpIXQtIkE7bAPprwvejrgA7loVgh7b505MCj2unpkQ1_M29SKeSEwZrjlEqGFruiZ_Dz1wXmeTVsw8RuzOFmoL4e-uJR7f2Mk-3/s1600/Pear-X-Journal-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIx5C5oq_hPgm6EgOQ0PecRs98AVIwZ8dHVquT2qOOenpIXQtIkE7bAPprwvejrgA7loVgh7b505MCj2unpkQ1_M29SKeSEwZrjlEqGFruiZ_Dz1wXmeTVsw8RuzOFmoL4e-uJR7f2Mk-3/s320/Pear-X-Journal-Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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So I unpicked the applique and did what I should have done in the first place - I made it up into a "pear". And I'm really glad I did, because I'm so happy with how it's turned out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwFh65nF5TKNegdQZ7kh1LFXKw9qeI5uRr3NePKNbZN9-PrjSdCtGYJnXgGlsmD_yugshOET7BHm_sxYeMZkhLctC_DyW15ytUhm9zuFqrRSLznYEXgPj-MhZqiLaqMtCsGlo8QD8gA_G/s1600/Pear-X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwFh65nF5TKNegdQZ7kh1LFXKw9qeI5uRr3NePKNbZN9-PrjSdCtGYJnXgGlsmD_yugshOET7BHm_sxYeMZkhLctC_DyW15ytUhm9zuFqrRSLznYEXgPj-MhZqiLaqMtCsGlo8QD8gA_G/s320/Pear-X.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I've filled the pear with a mix of fibre fill (at the top around the stalk) and then crushed walnut shells and silica sand. This gives it a nice, heavy, substantial feeling, which I really like. Now I've got the bug again, the big question is . . . which one will I stitch next???<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Pear X<br />Designer: Marly - Samplers and Santas<br />Publication: <a href="http://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com.au/p/pears.html" target="_blank">http://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com.au/p/pears.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Fabric: 27 count linen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Threads: DMC 3041, 3042, 611, 3023, 3053, 3820</span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-27500109953167833072013-04-27T20:57:00.002+10:002013-04-27T20:57:46.132+10:00Badger CottageA little while ago I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a full day workshop with Lynette Anderson . . . and these two projects from the Badger Cottage pattern are what we worked on for the day . . .<br />
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A journal cover with the cutest little yo-yos (Suffolk Puffs) and a pencil case with lots of little hexies.<br />
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The main fabric for the journal cover is a beautiful brushed cotton (found while scouring the store for fabric with Lynette for the "Stitched By Me" quilt I plan to make).<br />
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I really enjoyed working on both of these projects and thoroughly enjoyed having Lynette as a tutor . . . her style really suited me and she was great fun! <br />
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I was really in need of a bit of stitching companionship and I'd have to say that this workshop came at just the right time for me. To make the day complete I shared a table with a great group of ladies .
. . and we even managed a stitch or two amid all the chatting and
eating . . . <br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Pattern: Badger Cottage<br />
Designer: Lynette Anderson<br />
Publication: <a href="http://lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com/lynette_anderson_designs/" target="_blank">http://lynetteandersondesigns.typepad.com/lynette_anderson_designs/</a></span><br />
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Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-28935230233867601652013-04-05T16:27:00.001+11:002013-04-05T16:27:45.873+11:00Rabbit & Chicks Fabric BasketWith the cross stitch worked for this last Easter, this lovely little piece has languished long enough . . . I thought it was time to do something with it. <br />
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But what?<br />
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Well, this Easter I decided to make a larger version of the <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/2010/03/fabric-basket.html">fabric basket</a> I made back in about 2009 . . .<br />
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This one stands about 9" tall and about 8" wide, so should make a good little project bag! I absolutely love the French Blue linen and the custard coloured stitching - a colour combination I've wanted to work with for a while now.<br />
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And what's more, I'm really pleased to have finally put this little cross stitch to good use. Not much point just having it sit in a box any longer . . .<br />
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I find there's something quite satisfying about making something with purpose. And this is one bag that I'm sure will serve it's purpose well!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Cross Stitch Pattern: Rabbit & Chicks<br />Designer: Luli<br />Publication: <a href="http://ioluli.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">http://ioluli.blogspot.com.au/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Fabric Basket Pattern: Inspired by Pink Penguin's Fabric Basket Tutorial</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Publication: <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com.au/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">http://ayumills.blogspot.com.au/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Fabric: 32 count Belfast Linen, French Blue</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Thread: DMC 676, 2 strands </span><br />
<br />Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211651991779106685.post-87924890456032096852013-04-03T20:51:00.000+11:002013-04-03T20:51:58.171+11:00Project 365 - March 2013I've been taking a photo of a day for my Project 365 - 2013. Some days I've looked at the pictures I've taken and thought how "ordinary" they were. But on reflection, next year or the year after that, or maybe even the decade after that, when I look back it's probably the "ordinary" that will bring back some of the most "extra-ordinary" memories.<br />
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This is my March 2013 . . .<br />
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Click <a href="http://insuesworld.blogspot.com.au/p/2013.html">here</a> to see a bit more about the month of March in my world.<br />
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And while you're there why not check out how January and February looked through the lens of my camera?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">App:</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> <a href="http://www.iphoneproject365.com/">http://www.iphoneproject365.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>Suediohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04836129595222736733noreply@blogger.com0