Patchwork Promises

Don't be surprised...

2011-10-05T21:04:00.002+11:00

..if I am M.I.A.....I am off on a tangent....LOL

Do you like it??

2011-09-28T16:48:00.003+10:00

So I have been making some changes....but I think I need to change the picture....??

The Winners are.....

2011-09-27T21:03:00.009+10:00

I will keep it short and sweet....I know you are all hanging out to know....here we go.

1st Prize (Pattern, Handles & Flower Maker)

Beth Freeman

2nd Prize (Pattern & Handles)

Lara

3rd, 4th & 5th (Pattern)

Pamela Gilfoyle

Kerry

Faye Souder

Congratulations ladies...if you can please email me your mailing address I will get your parcels off to you ASAP.... (lynda@patchworkpromises.com.au)

Just one final note I would like to mention Naomi V, Beth F, Vickie O, Jenny F (& Max) & Kath B for their help in proof reading this pattern....and they did it in a hurry. Was especially impressed that Naomi even MADE one about 24 hours after receiving the draft instructions. Ladies please accept my most sincere and heartfelt thanks!!

Things that make (Shed) life FUN.....

2011-09-26T20:53:00.004+10:00

Tonight I have been completing a task that most people might consider boring...but for some reason I LOVE it... I buy my post packs in bulk..and they ALL have to be stamped, twice!

As I have stamped away...I have pondered, wondered why it is that after doing this for close to 5 years now I have not tired of it. There has been moments over that time that I have questioned what it is that I am doing, is it practical, sensible or even financially viable to continue? A few months back, my mother asked me to give a presentation at the Ladies Fellowship group at her church, my topic?? Me and my business. I guess this chain of thought started back as I prepared for that evening and tonight the monotony of stamping 100 envelopes, allowed me to gather that chain and add a few more links.

I have always considered myself a non finisher...I am a GREAT starter...always got a new idea, and skill to master....but often after than flash of enthusiasm wains or life reminds you that that there are other more practical matters that need your attention...things get left behind. So I have spent my life time gathering what seemed like a random, useless set of skills and experiences....where as other people had careers or degrees to show for their time...I was often left struggling to explain who I was or what I did? Until now....just in the last few months I have come to understand that all of that stuff I gathered along the way has FINALLY taken shape and is giving life to Patchwork Promises. I will be honest and say that this all started out as a hobby, something for me to do while the children where young and while I recovered my confidence from many years personal struggle. In June I gave it all a really hard think. SHOULD I continue or is finding a "real" job the best thing for me and the family. The conclusion....there is nothing else in this world that I can even contemplate me doing....and as long as I find joy in stamping return addresses over and over again....I will keep doing THIS.

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement...I feel the very least I can do is just occasionally brighten your day with the chance at a little something from me...tonight I am feeling very content!

PS Don't forget you have around another 24 hours to comment for your chance to win an Accidental Bag Pattern click HERE to get back to the original blog post or visit the FB Pag e and scroll down till you find the post entitled "Free Stuff Friday"

Free Stuff Friday......

2011-09-23T21:03:00.006+10:00

I really did enjoy giving stuff away last week!! So lets do it again...

I usually give away some patterns when I have a new one, and I have just remembered that I have not do that yet sooooo lets give away some Accidental Bag patterns...

1st Prize - Pattern, Handles & Kanzashi Flower Maker
2nd Prize - Pattern & Handles
3rd,4th & 5th Prize - Pattern

Sound good?? I hope so... SO leave a comment here on the blog or on the FB page once this post appears there... GOOD luck

Lynda

And the WINNER is.....

2011-09-23T18:28:00.004+10:00

I am very excited to share with you just WHO won the quilt I donated to the recent fund raising event for a friends daughter. The winner was Merle Brown of the Mooroolbark CWA...I think you can tell from her face she is a little excited. I am am very pleased that the quilt is going to a home where it will obviously be loved and cherished. The event raised $4'500 towards the cost of getting the family's car converted for Leah's wheelchair. I am so proud that the quilt raised $400 of that total.

Merle Brown

Merle being presented with the quilt by Sandy who is Leah's grandmother

A quilt for Leah... all FINISHED

2011-08-23T19:51:00.005+10:00

Here it is...all finished. Thanks to Jennie for quilting it for me and Tracey for getting about 7m of binding sewn down....

Things That Make (Quilting) Life Easier...

2011-08-20T15:46:00.006+10:00

So ......I am sitting here stitching on some binding. Bondi Rescue is on the tele....and I am thinking. Right at this moment....about how much I used to HATE binding even the smallest project. I didn't like the way I joined the ends. The hand stitching part was hard work, on my hands, my back AND I never liked the way it looked once I was done.There was also the time factor...it seemed to take FOREVER. The last couple of years I have been on journey to discover what makes a perfect binding. I believe I have hit on the perfect formula...and today I have decided that I must share it with you....This is what works for me....and since I switched I have not been disappointed with the result, I have way less fatigue in my hands & back and most importantly it is FASTER!!!

1. I cut my binding 2 1/4 " wide. This is for cotton quilts, with a batting with a standard loft. If you are working with flannel or a thicker batting you will need to adjust this accordingly.

2. I ALWAYS use a bias join for joining the strips together and joining the last 2 ends. This is called a continuous binding and I have also switched to mitered corners. I managed to do this on my own, but it was awkward and clumsy....so I trolled around the interwebs and found the PERFECT tutorial. It is by Bailey's Quilting HeadQuarters......watch it....book mark it.... How To Attach a Continuous Quilt Binding

3. I have switched to a ladder stitch for the back. Once you get a rhythm you can go super fast and it is also invisible if you do it right. Here is a picture of how it looks....

4. and lastly I use binding clips....they are magical. They hold fast and most importantly they don't stick you as you work around your quilt.

SO now that I have shared 1 of the things that makes MY (Quilting) Life Easier....I am going back to my binding....LOL

Cheers

New Plan

2011-08-17T10:31:00.003+10:00

So I am taking a side step for this post...still working on the free motion and beading AND working on some samples for the Heathmont Baptist Quilt Show coming up....because of all of that and factors in my personal life I felt the need to introduce a New Plan for the day/week/month/forever maybe...LOL

My husband is away at the moment...working......for 3 months! I know...fun hey! In reality it is not the longest he has been away but I guess I know very well what it will be like...sigh. One of the tasks I must take over from him is running number 1 son to the station....at 5.45am! The first week I got up, took him and came home to bed. Because I was so awake it took ages to go back to sleep...so realistically I had to ask if it was worth it?? Well the way I felt all day suggested it was not. So a New Plan was put in place....get up at 5.30am and stay up!

Now I have always seen myself as a night owl...so not a morning person. I sat down and had a good hard look at myself and WHY I often end up working so late into the night. I have always felt I do my best work under pressure and really seem to need an impending deadline to motivate me: even if that deadline was bed time......LOL. I am also a ditherer...so is it a case of having learned to work under pressure because that is the corner I box myself into ALL THE TIME??? I have never really given myself the room to plan and organise to see if I actually get a better out come....not just in the practical things but emotionally & physically too....coz being under the pump is sure stressful!

So the New Plan was conceptualize and realised in the form of a spread sheet pretty much programming every min of the day from 5.30am to 10pm. I have acknowledged, work needs, family needs, social commitments, exercise and time for me to play at things I enjoy! Coz honestly when we get busy...isn't it the fun stuff that goes out the window but it is also the stuff that can help keep us sane!

So 3 days in....how is the Plan functioning...

Firstly I am getting through the things I have set for the day...that is good...I guess I have not gained myself more time in the day I am just shifting the hours that I am up and operational...LOL But the true key to the New Plan is going to bed early enough to make up for the early start....and it is where I am struggling...old habits are hard to break. Today I am sooky and feeling very hard done by. Yesterday I layed down to relax my back and fell asleep (surprise surprise) so that in turn made it difficult for me to sleep last night..Today I must resist the nap...I guess I just have to push through the first couple of weeks...so sorry if I am grumpy!! It will get better.....wont it??

Now I must get back to my stitching...my sashiko sampler will not stitch it's self!! New Plan in action......

Free Motion Madness ...... Part 5

2011-08-14T01:10:00.002+10:00

No picture tonight....coz there is not much visible progress. I was going to bead then remembered I need to finish the edges....D'oh! I have had 1 win....I have a tub into which I deposit all those odd bits of binding...some short, some long.....tonight I found a use for them!! Because I used them more like a facing, the colour did not matter....YAY!

Free motion madness...... Part 4

2011-08-12T22:58:00.002+10:00

Tonight I just went for it....not sure if it was sensible....LOL I am very very tired...I have just stopped sewing and now I feel quite sick. You know sick and tired....was woken at 4.15am by a text from the alarm company saying the power was off. (We have this weird intermittent tendency for the safety switch to go off, usually in the wee hours, when we are not actually using much power??? We can't pinpoint what is causing it...it has been happening for years?? )Anyway it means they think back at the base that someone has turned the power off to break in...SOOOOOo they text me and if I don't get up and make it right...they ring...and If I didn't answer they would probably call the police...LOL So outside with the torch at 4.15am flicking the switch, then up again at 5.30am to run #1 son to the station, then back to bed till 7:30am up, showered and dressed...took the youngest to school then was waiting with #2 son at the hospital to see the Surgeon for a Post Op checkup by 8:45am......it had been a long day by then already..... and it is now 11pm on the same day......yup....so right now Sick & TIRED!

Anyhow this was supposed to be being quilted to become a beading sample....but the quilting sort of took over. LOL Oh well the quilting was fun and now I shall set about cover it up with Lisa's lovely beads...It has been an awesome learning experience and has proven to me that I CAN freemotion quilt. If this is what I can do with just a couple of hours work....it will get better with more practice...and practice I will.

This has been a lovely week....doing something I wanted to do, and putting aside some of those HAVE to do things...back to the grind on Monday... after a spot of cleaning tomorrow I plan to face/bind this piece then try some beading...be back with progress of that little adventure....

Night night

Free motion madness...... Part 3

2011-08-11T21:55:00.004+10:00

TODAY has been a real turning point!! Last night I stumbled across Leah Day of Day Style Design. She has an AMAZING catalogue of free motion designs and most importantly tutorials!!! So much excitement.......is that sad?? I have purchased and downloaded the book of her Free Motion Quilting Project and have decided to work my way through and learn some of the designs....every day if I can. The more I read the more it becomes clear that I need to practice practice PRACTICE. I want to be good at it NOW and I guess that is one of the reasons why I tried a few years ago...then gave up. Here are the 2 designs I have learnt today.

Shadow Waves

MatrixHere is the whole piece so far...as you can see I am just working my way through filling in the foundation lines I stitched yesterday. I am beyond excited this is a true milestone for me.....can stitch straight lines to the cows come home.....I guess it was what was trained into to me for years and years so there has been an element of unlearning to be done. YAY for the unlearning!!

Free motion madness...... Part 2

2011-08-10T22:04:00.002+10:00

I TOOK THE PLUNGE......I got bored of the calico and I felt like I had a good flow going... I am very happy with the lines, the bubbles....well I don't hate them.!! Still improvement to be made but I am happy with this first little step. I started with some lines across the piece to section it up...that left me with some less daunting spaces to fill. I will practice some new designs then fill a space with that......but now bed!

Free motion madness....

2011-08-10T21:17:00.001+10:00

So I am burning through the thread...not sure that I have much worth showing you yet...LOL I am still working on calico...not being brave enough to move onto my purple piece. I have learned one thing though...KEEP BREATHING!!!!! I find I hold it...especially when I am coming up to an edge and I panic coz I don't know where to go.... I guess the most useful thing I have discovered is the alarm that sounds if I move the fabric too fast. Consistent steady movement of the fabric is the key, to nice even stitches and a good design. SO back I go to practice some bubbles...LOL

A Slight Departure.....

2011-08-09T20:46:00.003+10:00

So I have gone on a bit of an adventure. For my birthday I bought myself a 6 week online Beading Course with Lisa Walton of Dyed and Gone to Heaven. I have been working so far on small sample pieces, but now I want a slightly larger ( but still relativity small) quilted piece to put my new skills to the test. I am starting with this (10" x 17")....
BUT before I get to the beading (which is a challenge) ....I need to conquer this.............One of the reasons I bought this machine was because it has the BSR foot. I have fiddled but never mastered....so it is now or never! I plan on showing you the results unless it is horrid.

A quilt for Leah... Part 2

2011-08-09T13:04:00.002+10:00

Was so relieved to get the top finished for Thursday night...it is now in the hands of the very capable Jennie R who is going to quilt it with a simple edge to edge meander... THEN Tracey R will bind it for me....Then to hand it over to Leah's mother Belinda....Me...VERY Happy!!

A quilt for Leah...

2011-08-01T18:21:00.006+10:00

I am in the middle of a moment of madness.....a few months back I promised a quilt for a fund raising event...the smart thing would have been to start on it then hey??!! Did I??!! hhhmmmm NOPE! So of course the deadline is closing and now it MUST be done...I spent an interesting and exhusting 4 days at the Quilt & Craft fair so was in the perfect spot to find inspiration! I purchased a "Giddy" by Sandy Gervais for Moda Layer Cake, and have devised a simple but effective design. I got it cut this morning and have started piecing when I returned from my afternoon engagement. Here is how it is looking at the moment....and here is one block up close

I hope to get a good portion of it together this evening....but I MUST have an early night. SO it is an oven dinner tonight...ie turn the oven on, open a packet and heat it up...LOL Kids are fine with that and husband is out working so.....away we go......

Slow & Steady is ok...right??

2011-07-26T22:16:00.005+10:00

Still not getting much time at the machine everyday...thinking it is just me...LOL Maybe I need to assess how and when I work best, and go with it rather than try and fight it...I don't know!

Anyway it is coming together and I am very very happy! I MUST get the borders finished tomorrow....4 days at the Craft & Quilt Fair will definitely affect my productivity.

Frustrated....

2011-07-24T22:41:00.002+10:00

...really I am! This weekend just disappeared & I got no where near what I needed or wanted to get done...Monday is one of my out of the house days...well the afternoon is anyway. So the morning I usually spend doing housework etc. I did some today so maybe I can keep working on these borders....hhmm Will see how the day goes. At LEAST everyone should be at work/school...fingers crossed we have broken the chain of the lurgy...been about 63 hours since the last person started chucking...but I will not be completely happy will we get about 4 days clear...Anyway I am taking my grumpy self to bed....night night...

I know have...

2011-07-22T22:20:00.002+10:00

....25 FINISHED blocks...!!

Oh man WHAT A DAY! As I said this morning, husband and youngest daughter came down with a lurgy...so it was disinfecting and washing for me all morning. Then off to the Post OP appointment with DS2...good & bad news there but that is for another post. DS1 somehow managed to collect his car, yes his first car!! He still does not have his license so I supervised him while he took it for his first drive... Oh DD1 had her car serviced so I had to drive her over to collect that...AND I got to stitch those pesky blocks...and I have done it all on about 4 hours sleep....and all day wondering "do I feel sick??" uugghhh Tomorrow the top goes together!! But NOW I sleep....the alarm is OFF ( and there is a bucket next to my bed just in case....)

So....

2011-07-22T10:03:00.002+10:00

Don't you just LOVE life and the loops it throws you...I might get to sew today after all...that is the upside of 2 family members having a gastric bug....!!?? So I am not going to lead Playgroup (bad idea for me to go to a place with babies, children & their mothers some of whom are pregnant) Also not babysitting this evening as my sister wants her kids as far away from us as possible... Still important that we get to that Post Op appointment ....I just hope I stay well over the next couple of hours...LOL

sigh......

More of The "Other" Quilt.....

2011-07-21T22:46:00.004+10:00

Spent the evening stitching these together..I LOVE big long lines of "flags"!! Such a sense of achievement. The are now pressed and the next stage has been stitched even.

The last couple of days have been VERY frustrating...I have not been able to get to the machine till after dinner and as I have set myself a strict (ish) deadline for locking up the shed...I am only getting in a couple of hours of sewing a day. Today I had planned my day to get these blocks finished and my back got cranky and I was forced to rest for the morning, that put me behind on my "List" of jobs (Packing parcels always takes priority and today I had lots to send)...In light of the issues with my back I probably should have skipped the sewing this evening and gone to bed early....might pay the price tomorrow.

Anyway heading to bed now (just a smidge past that deadline tonight) and am already frustrated about tomorrow...full full day..Playgroup in the morning, Post Op appointment with the Surgeon for my son, then babysitting my nieces & nephews (4 in total) tomorrow night while my sister and her husband go out for dinner...what do you think my chances are of getting into the shed??

Night night....

The "Other" Quilt .......

2011-07-21T09:03:00.003+10:00

..... is taking shape ...... tis always nice when something takes shape the way you have seen it in your head! Plan set for tomorrow....12 more blocks to make! Then borders...

PS if this looks like a post from yesterday it is....I just had to delete that and make a correction...LOL

The Accidental Bag...

2011-07-20T13:34:00.003+10:00

I promised some people a proper look at this bag days and days ago..but you know...other stuff got in the way...LOL Good stuff, and some not so fabby like a vomiting child...but you know that is life. I am WELL pleased with this...and love that I just stumbled across it so to speak...hiding out there in the recess of my brain. Making it has distracted me from making the other quilt samples but honestly you gotta go with the flow when it comes to creativity...SO what do YOU think??

An Accidental peak....

2011-06-27T21:17:00.006+10:00

Photo's never quite seem to do the fabrics & colours justice do they! OH well...this is it! The "Accidental Quilt". Well a bit of it anyways...I am very pleased with the way it comes together. It ticks all MY boxes: Easy & uncomplicated fabric shopping, efficient & economic to cut, a dream to piece (if I do say so myself) AND adaptable...This is a scrappy option but I see other possibilities with the basic design. Great size too...it is going to be approx 160cm square. NICE!! I am happy! AND happily working on the matching Accidental Bag that I am making out of the scraps...he he he he!

The sewing is going to slow down a little this week. My 16 Y.O. son has to have an operation on Thursday. He is having a Mastiodectomy to clear out and repair a Cholesteatoma in his left ear....We know he will have to stay in for a min of 1 night..maybe more depending on how exactly the operation goes. NOT something I thought we would be facing ever but it is what it is I guess....I will have several things with me...runners for nervous walks around the block and I have to prepare some hand stitching for when it is dark. Thursday will start early as we have to be in there prior to 7am....and it is about a 40min drive to the Mercy Hospital. This is definitely when I would rather not be someones mother....lol

Will be back next week with some more updates...

cheers

PS if the fabric does not look like the fabric I posted about the other day...it is because it is not. THAT fabric is for the quilt I was meaning to design when I accidentally stumbled across the Accidental Quilt

Just a little peak....

2011-06-21T14:36:00.002+10:00

I am SOOOOOO relieved to have these finished....they are the last of the Angel/Mortal swap gifts from the Scquilters Retreat I was supposed to attend. I am mortified it has taken me so long to tidy up my final contribution to this commitment...and I hope that my Angel & Mortal understand....I guess after all this time it will be a lovely surprise in their week...well I hope so anyways.... I am now going to wrap them ready for sending tomorrow ....THEN after I get the kids home from school..I am turning on EQ6 to start nutting out the particulars of this next quilt....

cheers

I am still here....

2011-06-17T14:56:00.003+10:00

I really am...LOL I know I apologise every time for my tardiness and lack of attention to my blog, but honestly I just don't know where the time goes...7 weeks since I last posted??? UUgghh really I cannot believe that this year is almost half over!

I am enjoying winter...This is my favourite time of year, the heat seems to do horrible things to my body, brain, mood and level of motivation. But WINTER....ahhh so lovely, easy to get warm and toasty under a quilt!!SUCH FUN!

So here are the fabric form my next quilt FQ friendly quilt. It is in my head... there just BURSTING to get out...but I have a few outstanding things to tidy up before I start cutting I HOPE to be at it by tomorrow afternoon....I PROMISE to keep you updated.

Relay for Life

2011-04-26T12:28:00.002+10:00

Hi there....been a while again I know....and today I am checking in for an nonquilt related project. I have talked to you about my weight loss project...(tracking very nicely..I have lost 27kg now.)Apart from losing weight I have also wanted to challenge myself physically. To that end I have signed myself up for the Relay for Life to help raise funds for the Cancer Council of Australia....It is a 24 hour walking challenge where a team has to relay around a course for the 24 hours...I have not yet thought about how much walking I personally want to do...we have a big team so there is lots of opportunity for rest and recovery...Excited & Nervous all at the same time...

What I really need are sponsors...no point doing this unless I raise some money...So here is a link.....

Lynda Bosworth - Relay for Life

Please consider contributing to this worthy cause.....will let know how it all goes...

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

My afternoon gifts.......

2011-03-26T21:50:00.003+11:00

This as you can see is a totally DELICIOUS Kaffe Fassett Book and ANOTHER Angel....I have a nice little collections of angels now...so sweet. So these are my afternoon gifts. I have been told in a note that there is one more gift on the way...my reveal gift!!I really thought I had them all...but am now going to be watching the post like a HAWK.... YAY for angel gifts.

Present No 1....

2011-03-26T14:39:00.003+11:00

Look....just LOOK!!

In case you can't make it out...it is a mug, with a little handy dandy mug bag & matching coaster.AND the cutest little hand knitted cupcake pin cushion...feeling just a little grateful & spoiled....and I have 2 more to go!! Yay....

What a goose......

2011-03-26T00:49:00.001+11:00

I forgot to open my Friday parcel.......LOL It is locked in the shed & I am in bed.....so tomorrow.....

Where I should have been.....

2011-03-25T10:22:00.003+11:00

Feeling a bit melancholy today....I should have been waking up in the Sebel Habourside Kiama, a bed or so away from Lindi....ready to enjoy my first Scquilters Retreat....I had to pull the pin about a month ago..and although I did so reluctantly, over the last month I have received many little confirmations that I made the right decision.

Thankfully I have had a lovely Angel along the way, who sadly I will now not get to meet and thank in person......but she has been very thoughtful & kind and even though I am not there...she has made sure I don't feel like I am missing out too much....

...this all JUST arrived via my lovely postie Kevin.....As you can see there are stickers telling me when to open them...and I will obey...LOL

The biggest regret that I am feeling is that my poor Mortal will not receive her final gifts till she gets home..I hope it does not spoil her retreat too much...

I will pop back over the weekend to show you what I got...

We have them ALL....

2011-02-18T16:08:00.001+11:00

I am just heading off to the Post Office with the last 2 prizes....YAY!! So pleased that we found Dot & Ros.......now everyone stay tuned for the next exciting thing.....LOL Not sure what it will be yet but it will be GREAT!!

Just 1 more to go....

2011-02-17T22:36:00.000+11:00

Today I have FINALLY tracked down our main prize winner Ros, I have her address and her parcel will be posted tomorrow.....now for DOT....come on Dot where are you hiding.....

Thank you

2011-02-08T21:38:00.002+11:00

.....to everyone who checked in, notifications are working perfectly now. AND I have another address.....Yay for Chookyblue who's parcel will be on its way in the next couple of days.... Come on Ros & Dot I know you are out there......

Click on the link and visit Chookys blog....it is a good one.

Testing Please.....

2011-02-08T19:10:00.002+11:00

Upon investigation I have realised I have not been getting the comment moderation emails, so I went alooking again and found another couple of spots to change that pesky email address....so can I get some comments on this post please to see if I have fixed it.......

FINALLY.....

2011-02-08T17:33:00.002+11:00

......one parcel away!! RUTH in Canada your pattern is on its way! I hope you enjoy it once it gets there...I hope also that it wont take too long to get to you.

SO I have had some contact with Chookyblue, (but no address unless I missed it) and nothing at all yet from Ros the main prize winner or Dot who won a pattern along with Chookyblue!! Ladies I really want to share this with you so please get in touch.....

Ooopssss

2011-02-03T13:59:00.002+11:00

I have changed email address recently, and I had not updated it on my profile. SOOOOO if you had tried to email me through the blog it will have bounced....so sorrrryyyy!!

Ok try again....LOL

Is anybody out there???

2011-02-02T21:46:00.002+11:00

I have not had an email yet from even ONE of my winners....does nobody want their prize???

(Or have you emailed and my computer ate it or something???)

And the WINNERS are.......

2011-01-30T23:20:00.004+11:00

The winner of the Fabric Pack & Pattern is Ros who left the following comment:

Hi Lynda
I am making scp quilts to give to needy causes (floods in victoria at the moment) and that pattern looks so easy and quick
Ros

30 January 2011 8:56 AM

I am extra pleased you have won Ros.....happy to help you provide a quilts for those who need a lift.

2nd, 3rd & 4th Prizes go to

Chookyblue

Dot

&

Ruth Who said this:

I have a Pom Pom du paris FQ set that its just waiting. I have been reading you and we are on the same boat my husband works away also, and its not much ME time, I also have trouble with weight, except I loose not gaing still a problem do, before he started working away five years ago I was on a size 8 almost 10, now I'm between 4 and 6 so I still think its not great. So even if it isn't a good thing at least we are kind of the same. Hugs: Ruth.

30 January 2011 7:31 AM

For those of you who missed out and have asked about purchasing a copy, you can find them here in my ebay store

ALLSORTS PATTERN

Congratulations to the 4 winners. Can I get you to please email me at lynda.bosworth@gmail.com with your snail mail address so I can post your prize.

The Draw is CLOSED......Stay tuned.

2011-01-30T22:47:00.001+11:00

The draw is extended....

2011-01-29T23:55:00.002+11:00

I am such a goose, I had in my head I had to draw the prizes on Sunday night..... D'oh.....what a ninny....just checked in and saw I SHOULD have done it last night....So I am keeping it open till Sunday night.......AAAHHHHhhhh

Happy New Year.....

2011-01-21T22:19:00.006+11:00

....so I am a little late....LOL! I just cannot believe that we are already 3 weeks into 2011....Maybe coz the last 3 weeks have been a whirl wind...busy busy busy. I have been trying to set myself some better work habits while the kids are on holidays....HOPING that when they do go back the discipline will continue.

So what I have been doing?? Well I FINALLY finished my new pattern.....and to celebrate that and the new year.....LETS HAVE A GIVE AWAY........!!!! YAY!!!!

The Allsorts Quilt is made from 9 FQ's, can be cut in 15 min, and stitched up in just a couple of hours. Quilt it yourself and you can pretty much have it finished in a day. Finished size is 120cm (47") x 150cm (59")

I have 4 up for grabs! It is 10.30pm Friday 21st lets leave it open for a full 7 days. So leave a comment to enter the draw before 10.30pm Friday the 28th of Jan (A.D.S.T.)

Good luck......

PS I have decided to crank it up a bit....there will be 4 patterns BUT the first pattern will come with a lovely pack of 9 Robyn Pandolph FQ from the Somerset Cottage collection. (Pink,soft green & lemon)

http://www.robynpandolph.com/somerset.html

I'm back......

2010-11-02T23:28:00.005+11:00

Well I would like to say that I will return to posting more regularly, but I have learned not to make promises I may not keep. BUT after bumping into Ramona AGAIN, and her questioning my lack of updates AGAIN. I thought I really should post an explanation of sorts.

Firstly my husband relocated to Tasmania for almost 4 months to work. He came back on the odd weekend, but I think over that 16 weeks he came home about 6 times. That of course left me in charge of EVERYTHING. Not a bad thing being the only grown up in the house, except when you have 4 teenage children & YOU are the only one with a license!! LOL I spent so much time in the car over that time.... especially once child 3 (no 2 son) got himself a girlfriend!! I was very very time poor!!

In general, Life has been challenging for me for the last couple of years, that is too a long a story to go into right now! (Come for a cuppa & I will tell you ALL about it) But anyway, anyway, ANYWAY! Over that time I have progressively put on more & more weight & in June this year I decided it was time to do something real about it! I have made half arsed attempts over the years & only gotten bigger. In fact I remember writing a self indulgent post on a quilting forum the day I saw 99.9kg on the scale. The thought of hitting triple figures threw me for a loop, but was still not the catalyst I needed to put a stop to it. I got bigger.... 10kg bigger in fact, topping the scales at 110kg on the knocker.

Thankfully I stumbled across a program by Michelle Bridges the female trainer on Australia's Biggest Loser. Called the 12 Week Body Transformation program it is an Online Exercise & nutrition info & most importantly it was affordable. With husband away it needed to be something that I could manage from home without adding gym visits or meetings or consultations into my already overloaded schedule. The program is run in 12 week blocks & I signed up 24 hours before the 2nd round for 2010 started. It has been without a doubt the best thing I have ever done. In the first 12 weeks, I lost 11.8kg which bought me back under 100kg. We are 6 weeks into Round 3 & I have lost 4.6kg so far. That gives me a grand total of 16.4kg lost! It might actually be more than that as tomorrow is weigh in day......eekkk! My goal for this round is to be under 90kg... I am closing in on that and feeling very confident of getting there.

Sooooo...why does that stop me from blogging.

1. I have started another blog to track my weight loss journal
2. The 12 Week Body Transformation website has a forum, I am there often contributing etc
3. I have joined Twitter to stay in touch with other participants around the country & the world
4. I am exercising up to hour every day.....

So most of that basically means, something had to give! It has been an almost all consuming process. The timing has been right for so many reasons and I owed it to myself just to run with it! With the kids so grown up & far more independant I am more able to work on me, as in I can go for a walk & leave them home for example. In fact my eldest daughter FINALLY got her license just last week and although she still lives at home, she is now pretty much independent of us. My son is in the middle of his VCE exams as I write this, so our family lives will change again over the next few weeks as he enters the next stage of his life.

Once I am closer to my goal, I expect to be back blogging more regularly, well probably about as often as I have in the past which at best would be called spasmodically!!! I already have more energy & hope that this will translate into an increased output! SO watch this space.....I am not far away.....

cheers

Time for a Sneak Peek....

2010-08-24T22:30:00.004+10:00

My the year is flying by...it is just so hard to comprehend that we are almost at September. I know I have been absent from my blog, been feeling like I am spreading myself a bit thin lately. Although the blogging has fallen off a bit, I am still busy creating AND this was the first place I wanted to reveal a peek at my latest project.

As usual I am making 2 versions, mainly as I just cannot decide between fabrics. LOL it also helps to cement the process in my brain before I write the pattern. I am very excited about this one: so simple. ESPECIALLY the cutting. It takes 10 cuts if I am counting correctly! So a bit of ironing, sorting and cutting maybe 30-45 min and you are ready to stitch!!! Gotta love that!! watch this space for further previews.

Just something for fun.....

2010-07-14T11:19:00.002+10:00

I know it has been such a long time since I posted ANYTHING....and I thought I would get back on the horse with some sillyness.....

I sent some Tim Tam's to my friend and faithful follower Gene, as he had seen someone do a Tim Tam Slam on the Graham Norton show. I asked him to make a video...and he has just posted it on his blog. So go have a look at Gene's Tim Tam Slam!

Cheers

What a day......

2010-06-08T19:45:00.003+10:00

......and it is not over yet.

.......................... Look at the mess I have made......I had 2 big orders arrive (that needed to be unpacked, checked, priced, listed online and then packed away), I am in the middle of making a quilt (that is part of it sitting on the ironing board) and I had 15 parcels to get shipped today.......some how in amongst all of that I also went to the high school 4 times, took my daughter to work, visited the video store, the supermarket and of course the post office.....oh and I cooked tea. I am yet to do the dishes....blah.....I had the dishes.
It is bin night, so I guess I better cleaning it up or I will have the rubbish hanging around for another whole week.

Product Review - Easy Grip

2010-06-05T18:59:00.003+10:00

I was visiting with June at Lilly Patches the other day and as usual we discussing many things. Some how rulers and their tendency to slip when making long cuts came up and June gave me a packet of Sew Easy Clear Grip to try at home. I have done a lot of reading about the various prevention options that are out there, even tried a few, never been happy with anything. Soooooo I was more than happy to give this one a burl.

I have to admit I was skeptical, I mean how can some plastic firstly stay in place and secondly stop the ruler slipping?? I was also seriously concerned about the application process, would I end up in a mess as I often do with cling wrap. LOL I needn't have been concerned, the plastic has enough rigidity to be easy to manage, and it was actually not sticky as I had expected it would need to be. Should have worked that out when I read the word electrostatic, use the plastic just somehow stays using static electricity. The pack contains a piece that is 31.75cm x 91.4cm (12.5" x 1') I decided to use it on my largest ruler which is 20.5" square as usually I wish I had 4 hands when using it, 1 for the cutter and the other 3 to hold the ruler steady. Obviously I had to use a couple of pieces in a jigsaw puzzle manner, but I got the ruler covered and even some left over to a smaller one. I had 9 very large stack and slash blocks to trim up: the perfect test! WORKED A TREAT!! I really cannot get my head around just how much difference it made. My only other question is how will it stand up to use? Only time will tell so there may have to be an addendum to this post.

cheers

Facebook....

2010-06-05T15:42:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to check that the import is working correctly!!! Is it???

Look at THIS......

2010-06-03T12:02:00.002+10:00

Here is my quilt, displayed with pattern and fabric bundles in the Lilly Patches Shop. Just a little bit excited!!!

Patterns posted....

2010-06-03T10:49:00.000+10:00

I have posted patterns to Anorina and Alison...Still have not heard from retdairyqueen......Let me know when you get them Ladies.

And the winners ARE......

2010-05-31T21:58:00.002+10:00

Samelia's Mum

retdairyqueen

and

alimwatson

Congratulations to the 3 of you.....could you all email me at patchworkpromises@people.net.au with your postal address and I will get your pattern off to you before the end of the week.

Thanks everyone!

The DRAW IS CLOSED

2010-05-31T21:31:00.000+10:00

Stay Tuned for the WINNERS!!!

Another give away....Butterfly Square Dance Quilt Pattern

2010-05-27T21:09:00.006+10:00

I have just released a new Pattern.....my first QUILT

To celebrate I am giving a couple away...... If you would like a copy, leave a comment. I will Draw some winners on Monday night at 9pm (Aust. Eastern Standard Time)

Good Luck

In my Garden.....

2010-05-14T12:26:00.002+10:00

Every Autumn I get these.....

Don Burke describes them like this.....

"For dramatic autumn colour, tree dahlias are hard to beat. They are giant plants with huge leaves and stems, and shaggy, lavender flowers resembling ballerinas' tutus. It's not only the appearance of the tree dahlia which causes drama in the garden - so do the very brittle stems. One minute you can be proudly showing your tree dahlia off to the neighbours, then before you know it, a sudden gust of wind has blown the whole plant over! "

All I know is I love them......

I have been Shopping.......

2010-05-04T21:17:00.005+10:00

....another bitter sweet experience. One of my Local Patchwork Shops is closing, so there is a big closing down sale.....it is always exciting to get a bargain but the thought of the shop not being there is just so sad. This shop has been open for around 30 years, initially as a general craft store, providing supplies for macrame, embroidery, tapestry etc. Over time it morphed into a patchwork store with a reputed 5000 bolts. Here is part of my haul. Here is my 25 FQ's from Robyn Pandolph's Somerset Cottage Range!! The 3 packs should have cost $140 but at 40% off I got them for $84 making them $3.36each!!! I am pretty happy with that. I got some meterage too which was really much better value at $10 a meter. I also bought some things that I needed ie backings for quilts all ready in the works. But that being just a little too practical the splurge on the lovely soft Pandolph's was a must!!

PS I know it has been a long time since I posted, I have pictures of the quilts I completed at camp. I got ALMOST 3 bound!!!

Did I tell you.......

2010-04-04T21:43:00.003+10:00

.....it is only 5 sleeps till quilt camp. Here are the quilts I have ready to bind.

New Bag....

2010-03-29T22:24:00.002+11:00

I have been making a new bag......I was very excited about it, but feel a little let down now. I think it is the fabric?? I guess I have proved the pattern works, maybe it is time to go shopping for something nicer to make it up in, and I must remember to make the handles shorter.

They are ready.......

2010-03-23T22:56:00.002+11:00

This is a pic to warm the cockles of any Patchworkers heart. LOL 3 tops, all bundled up with batting & backing ready to be delivered to Mary the Magic quilter tomorrow!! I am very excited........lots and lots of binding to do.....I have 2 here already, and these 3 will make 5!! Might start getting the bindings ready while they are away!!

Night night!!

It has been one of those days.......

2010-03-17T22:48:00.002+11:00

I have been trying to get to the machine all day........but a list of must do things got in the way. Some domestic, some business.....but all not sewing!! I have just managed to get the sashing cut!! I am itching to stitch, but bed is calling. I am not sure when tomorrow I will get to sew. I SHOULD go watch my boys, one is playing tennis the other baseball, competing for their school against other schools in the area. So maybe a little mum duty first thing in the morning, then home to the shed.

My parents dropped in tonight, and once again had to come find me out in the shed. My dear dad said....do you live out here???? LOL I think it is the reason my husband would not put a bathroom out here.....I at least have to go in for that!!

Night night

Just a peek.....

2010-03-15T12:56:00.002+11:00

Here are my 9 FQ's, all cut up ready to be stitched BACK into a quilt......I have started stitching, will show you once it is a little more together!!

What a weekend!!!

2010-03-14T22:39:00.002+11:00

So busy, and productive and fun and frustrating ALL at the same time.

I started the weekend, on Friday, by buying some lovely fabric, which I chopped up Friday evening. In between other commitments over the weekend I have started putting it all back together.....as we do! This is the 2nd sample of a quilt I made a while back. I am hoping to take them both to the quilter by the end of this week. (Pattern coming soon)

We celebrated my 2nd sons 15th birthday with a family party on Saturday night. These days, with just the family that live in Melbourne we have 15 for dinner!! The boy himself spent the afternoon with his mates at the local skate bowl on their bikes, teaching themselves tricks I do not need details of! This was an outing they planned together to help him celebrate, and it gave the rest of us time to prepare for the party!

Throw in, about 6 loads of washing, lots of dishes obviously...LOL. Then church this morning AND a church meeting this afternoon......man I need a weekend to get over my weekend.

Sneak peak of the new quilt coming soon!!

And the winner is........

2010-03-11T11:49:00.004+11:00

The Random number generator says that the winner is comment 25 of 40...... CONGRATULATIONS to

DONNA WELCH!!!

Well done, Donna.....I guess it is time for YOU to go shopping!!!!

Another give away....

2010-03-05T18:25:00.002+11:00

.....but not me this time.

I have a lovely friend, whom I have NEVER met in person. But we have chatted, played scrabble and generally shared our lives ONLINE for longer than I can actually remember. Well darling Jas is celebrating her 1st blogversary and is having an AWESOME quilt giveaway to celebrate! Why not visit her say congratulations for your chance to win!!

Lets Celebrate........

2010-03-04T11:05:00.003+11:00

Today I FINALLY not only reached but surpassed 100 Facebook Fans!!

So to celebrate I am giving away a $50 voucher for my online shop, to be spent on WHATEVER takes your fancy!!

You know the drill, leave a comment to be in the draw and don't forget to tell all your friends.

Once you have done that, head on over to Patchwork Promises and start planning what YOU will spend the voucher on!!

Oh and entries close WEDNESDAY 10th of MARCH AT MIDNIGHT ready to be drawn Thursday morning!!!

Did you notice????

2010-03-02T20:50:00.003+11:00

I hope you did, but most importantly I hope the changes I have made so far didn't make it hard for you to find me. I will probably change the address soon, so if you ever cant find me search for Patchwork Promises.

I started this blog as a personal one, and wondered if I needed to start one for the business. BUT I am hardly disciplined enough to keep this one going so 2 would be a nightmare!!! So re-branding seemed the logical step therefore naming every facet of my business identically.

Last week I added the link to the Facebook Fan page here, and the plan is run competitions and giveaways for the business on the blog. Regular blog visitors can join in but also so can Facebook Fans by being directed to the blog. ( This has become necessary as Facebook has banned giveaways and competitions on Fan Pages......Ggggrrrrrrr)

So stay tuned......I would hate to leave anyone behind. (It would be nice some people could comment just so I know I haven't lost anyone!!)

Finished.....

2010-02-27T12:26:00.005+11:00

Well about an hour ago actually. I have set a new PB......23 hours from purchase of fabric to completion. I purchased the fabric at 12.30 yesterday and put the last stitch in the binding at 11.25 today!! Phew!! So here is the gift for Evelyn & Michael's baby to be presented at the baby shower that is in 32min!! I had better get wrapping!!!

Doing it again......

2010-02-26T13:48:00.002+11:00

Making ANOTHER quilt on short notice....well I have had plenty of notice and I have been vacillating. Will I, wont I, Yes, No!! Today I decided YES......too scared to tell you when it is actually for...LOL

Getting Organised!

2010-02-18T20:13:00.002+11:00

I hope most of you know that I run a small business from my Shed. The move into the shed has of course enabled me to be just slightly more professional and intentional in my approach to my work. AND the plan is to be able to build my business. Marketing is always the important ingredient, but without the funds to market the business in a traditional sense, I am trying to take advantage of networks I already have in place. One of those is Facebook. You will notice a new link on the right of the blog....if you dare click it and have a look at the Facebook Fan Page I have created. There I can keep fans updated with what is happening in The Shed: New stock, New designs..........etc etc!!

I hope also to run some more competitions and giveaways through the blog.....so keep your eyes peeled and tell your friends........

BFN

Stack & Slash!!

2010-02-14T21:42:00.005+11:00

I have FINALLY found another quilter. The first and only one that I have ever used had NO children when I met her....and then had 3 over the next 5 years. Needless to say since #3 she has been on permanent maternity leave. (Well she does her own quilts and immediate family, but the last time I talked to her still no paying clients!!) I have a growing a stack of tops needing quilting but I have been avoiding making any serious inquiries..........but how long to you reckon I could go on like that??

And THANKFULLY I have found a goodun.....Price was good, work is good....SPEED exceptional!! The day we (me with 1 quilt, girlfriend with 2) dropped our quilts there....Mary was loading a new one on the machine, so we were at least after that one. That was on Thursday the 28th! To our surprise we received a call on Tuesday the 9th to say that all 3 quilts were READY!!!!!

From the beginning this quilt was me trying to step out of my box, so I thought I better carry it through with the quilting! Was thinking brown or beige for the thread but went for PINK!! It is hard to see the design but it is really funky weird floral shapes!!

The Binding I am saving for quilt camp, the plan to have a stack of quilts with binding machined on ready for sitting and relaxing and hand stitching!!!

Did I tell you I am going to Quilt Camp?? YOU should come too! Visit Mrs Martin and see if she has any places left!!!

BFN

Lynda

Back to School

2010-01-31T21:13:00.003+11:00

Well it is hard to believe that it is the eve of the beginning of the school year for 2010. It really seems like we were just breaking up for Christmas. While we had cousin Meghan visiting, we put all back to school preparations on hold so it has been a bit of a mad rush in the last 5 days to make sure everything was ready. Today the shed became the PERFECT place for covering this lovely stack of Text Books. On the right is the pile for Number 1 Son who commences his final year of High School (HS): Only 5 subjects this year....but a lot more pressure. The middle pile belongs to Number 2 Son who is entering Year 10 and the tallest pile on the left belongs to my baby girl who joins her brothers at HS this year. WHEN did I get old enough to have 1 child working and 3 in HS?????!!!???? Sigh.....trying not to think about it.

I have spent this evening giving the Shed a good tidy. (While I watch the Men's Final of the Australian Open) I have to teach my first class for the year on Thursday evening and I need to get the lesson ready! So a nice tidy work area is essential. Not sure I am entirely ready for the year proper to start.....but it will start tomorrow whether I am ready or not. I hope that once all regular activities kick in I will be able to remember to blog.....give me a kick up the butt if I don't.

BFN

Day 7 - Meg's Quilt

2010-01-26T22:48:00.003+11:00

I put the final stitches in the label at about 10.15pm.........going to bed now!! LOL

Day 6 - Meg's Quilt

2010-01-25T22:14:00.000+11:00

Stitching, stitching...MADLY STITCHING.....be back tomorrow with a picture of the finished thing....only handstitching the binding and a label to go......YAY!!!

Day 5 - Meg's Quilt

2010-01-24T23:00:00.005+11:00

A no picture post again tonight....only because I forgot to bring the camera out to the shed with me today and I am too too tired to go in and get it. LOL

It has been a frustrating day all round.....personal drama's that I will not bore you with and frustrations at the machine as well. After promising myself to keep this quilt simple, recognising that a simple plan was the only thing that would get it done on time: I broke my own rule and thought I would try a bit of decorative stitching for the quilting over just straight stitch. It is a technique I use on my bags all the time. Well it was a total disaster.....I think that it was the weight of the quilt dragging through the machine and the design was not stitching out nicely at all. Really it was quite deformed and looked WEIRD! I had only stitched about a meter of it before I decided to switch back, but unpicking that meter took almost 2 hours....uugghh The design you see made it tricky!

I was determined to get back to where I had planned to be by this evening anyway, and have done my best to reach that milestone but I have come up just short. I wanted all the quilting done, and given a clear run I would have....I have now just called it quits for the day with the whole center now quilted in a 3" grid. Tomorrow I just have to quilt the borders.

New plan is to be working on the binding by lunch time. I have a birthday party to go to on Tuesday so I do really need to get the bulk of it done tomorrow.....FINGERS CROSSED heading into the home stretch!!!

Day 4 Part 2- Meg's Quilt

2010-01-23T23:26:00.002+11:00

It is basted.........And this pic includes the actual girl that the quilt if for!.....LOL She LOVES her quilt and has been fascinated by the process. You can also see her choice for border fabric, I wanted a nice soft green but you cannot argue with the girl!! It is her quilt after all. So bed now, tomorrow I quilt!

Day 4 Part 1- Meg's Quilt

2010-01-23T20:49:00.002+11:00

After a frustrating day of TRYING to get to the sewing machine, the borders are NOW ON!! Just have to stitch the backing together then baste. I hope to be quilting in a few hours.

Day 3 - Meg's Quilt

2010-01-23T00:12:00.002+11:00

Nothing to show today ladies. We have purchased the borders and backing and I have cut the borders and bindings....will be sewing tomorrow. Was out and about for most of today as I predicted AND then had 4 extra's for dinner. (More nieces and nephews but local ones) My sister and her husband returned around 8.30 but it was nearly 10 before they left. (Cameron White was on 92 and my brother in law REFUSED to leave till he had gotten his century....in fact in the end they didn't go till we had won the match!!!! LOL)

See you later on today with more pics.......tis way past my bed time now.....LOL

Day 2 - Meg's Quilt

2010-01-21T23:31:00.003+11:00

What a day!!!! Had coffee with a friend that I have not seen since before Christmas. Spent around 4 hours at the local pool with my sister, a girlfriend and 9 children!! Shopped for and cooked tea......and THEN this evening I have managed to get the quilt top all together!!

You can just see the 2 fabrics that I am auditioning for the 1st border. I will make the decision when the light is better tomorrow....but the girl herself likes the buttery yellow....and I am tending to agree with her. The purple seems to spoil the softness of it and I feel the softness of the colours makes it is just delicious!!

So, so far......on track!! Got a big day of shopping and movies tomorrow, but NEED to sneak in a trip for borders and backing. Don't want to be caught short with nothing to do tomorrow evening!!!

Day 1 - Meg's Quilt

2010-01-20T23:49:00.003+11:00

Strips are cut and sewn, ready for pressing and cross cutting. Keeping it simple, simple seemed like a good idea given the time frame. Have only worked on it this evening as we did a little shopping etc today. And have also be bought a little undone by not all of the fat eighths measuring the same....ggrr...but it is one of the things I love about patchwork...making it up as you go along. LOL

Got there by a whisker......

2010-01-19T23:56:00.002+11:00

I wanted this bag finished today.....and HOPEFULLY the time stamp on this post will prove that I did......NOW for the quilt. (After some sleep of course!)

Madness has taken over.....

2010-01-19T22:01:00.003+11:00

...as it often does when it comes to quilts.....LOL. I have my niece, Meghan, visiting from Tamworth. And I have decided TODAY to make her a quilt to take home. I floated the idea the week before she came (didn't I Lissa!!), but wondered if I was mad.....Made the happy mistake of visiting Lily Patches today.......and there was this lovely fat 1/8th pack on special AND it was colours that Meghan liked. So I guess the decision was made for me. I HAVE to finish the black and white beauty FIRST....(it is so close) and plan to start the quilt tomorrow. I have to have it finished by this time next week....do you think I can??????

Will keep you posted.....

ANOTHER sneaky peak........

2010-01-16T23:44:00.002+11:00

I have FINALLY finished this one......I am threading up in black now......should I start stitching tonight or go to bed?????????????

Another sneaky peak........

2010-01-12T22:21:00.004+11:00

So you know I went shopping at spotlight the other day....for haberdashery NOT fabric.....I SWEAR!!! But I spied this and it just had to come home. I am not quite finished sample 1 but this evening I had to cut out sample 2! I cant wait to stitch it up. I will be a good girl and put the final touches on the first sample, I promise!! But that is a job for tomorrow. Right now, I am heading to bed. Last night was the hottest night we have had on record apparently and I, along with many others, slept very little. It is currently 16.3 degrees, 24 hours ago it was 34.9 degrees.....that is almost 19 degrees difference.......almost hard to believe. SO I am off to bed.....to the sound of gentle rain on the roof and the rumble of far off thunder!! DELICIOUS!!

BFN

Just a quick update.....

2010-01-11T01:27:00.003+11:00

....the motivation & inspiration I was seeking I have FOUND and in spades. I had tried to avoid a trip to a fabric shop, you know use what you have at home first......but I HAD to go to spotlight today to buy some rings, and a quick trip past the quilting fabric was of course unavoidable. AND this afternoon I have almost finished sample 1 and have fabric for 2 more versions if I am so inclined....and I am sure I will be. More pictures tomorrow......night night.

Sneaky Peak........

2010-01-09T20:03:00.003+11:00

.......I am slowly plodding away on this project, very very slowly. Just cant get my head in the game. I did think if I showed you something, you might nag me into getting a move on. So here is SOME of what I have been working on......I am well pleased with what I HAVE completed and I can see it finished clear as anything in my head but motivation has escaped me! Sigh.....help me PLEASE!!

I think that is better.......

2010-01-08T22:13:00.002+11:00

........what do you think?? The text is still not exactly what I wanted and the picture is HUGE. I will keep working on it and see if I can make it better.

Trying to..................

2010-01-07T22:16:00.000+11:00

make a new header and it is not working right.......ggggrrrrrr.

Did I ever show you.......

2010-01-04T22:49:00.003+11:00

the Waverley Quilt all finished?? It is not quite done, truth be told I would like to quilt it a little more.....but I was not happy with what I was doing, do decided to stop. I am pleased with the over all look of it, as usual the picture does not do it justice. I found another top I need to put a border on today. Once that is done I will have 4 that need quilting...not sure if I will do it myself yet. Got to practice more on my Bernina. Catch you tomorrow!

Today......we gardened!!

2010-01-03T18:22:00.009+11:00

You know it is funny, I always say that I am not a gardener. But as I prepared the pictures for this post I am wondering if maybe, just maybe I need to change that perception of myself.

We had a lovely sleep in today, and then yummy bacon and eggs for brunch at about 11.30. Was planning to sew all day, but husband floated the idea of a trip to the garden supplies place. We have needed to remulch, and do a bit of a tidy up around the Shed. It was forecast to be a lovely cool day, so I figured why not. Here is what we have been busy doing.

This is before..............

.........and here is after. I have to still get another couple of pots to go either side of the one that is already there. We want to fill them with strawberry plants as we seem to be able to keep them alive. We are learning what works for us......and doing more of it.

This next photo is looking up the yard from the front, can you see the shed just peaking out on the right?? Today we put the little river pebbles around the pavers, a job that has been waiting to be done for YEARS!! We also put new mulch around the olive tree and in the bed down the left hand side. We have had several lots of plants in there over the years but the dogs trash them as they bolt to the fence to bark at the people on the bike track. Not sure what to try in there that they will not kill again. Also notice the 2 square pots with our thriving strawberry plants. Husband picked almost a punnets worth off them yesterday.And finally some treasures from the front yard. The rose is on the scruffiest of bushes you have ever seen, and today it produces THIS an almost perfect bud. I am a little surprised by the colour as I thought this was a Black Beauty, but it is amazing just the same. The Daisies hold a special place in our hearts. They came from the Garden of my husbands grandmother who passed away a couple of years ago. She had lived in the same house for most of her 93 years and these flowers filled the front garden. I commented on them once and the next time my in laws came to visit, Mumma sent with them some cuttings from her garden. They didn't flower last summer and I honestly thought we had lost them, but here they are in all their glory. Even though Mumma is no longer with us, and her house has just recently been sold, they are a living reminder of her and the wonderful times we spent in her home.

So NOW I can spend the evening sewing, and that gives me something to talk about tomorrow .... are you proud of me! 3 Days in a row!!!!!

BFN

Getting closer.......

2010-01-02T20:48:00.006+11:00

I have been working on this one for awhile, so long in fact that I lost the fossile fern fabric that I had cut ready for the borders. Soooo I had to find more but of course it took time and I lost interest in finishing it. (As you do) I am planning on doing some more designing before the school year starts. (As I am less busy and can while away days in my shed on my lonesome without having to run off all over the place) So I dug out this quilt to get my head back in the game so to speak. It has certainly whet my appetite and as soon as I have written this I am planning of whipping up a sample.....I have had the husband chained to the computer this afternoon drafting the pattern for me and I need now to get the method in my head for the writing process. Will be back with a sneak peak of that new project soon........BFN

Happy New Year...........

2010-01-01T11:24:00.004+11:00

....I thought it was about time I updated my blog. It has been a while and what better way than to welcome in 2010! I had a lovely surprise as I opened up my shed this morning, I have a little basket of succulents on my verandah and somehow I have grown a flower! I am not much of a gardener so I certainly cannot take any credit, LOL but I did take the picture.....does that count??

I hope to be a little more diligent with my posting this year.....note I say HOPE! WE will have to see how that goes. I will be back soon to show you what I have been working on today.

The wonders of the internet........

2009-10-21T20:48:00.003+11:00

Today I had a visit from the postie, one that I forgot that I was expecting. LOL.....Nancy in Norway had told me she was sending me a Shed Warming gift....and today......it arrived!!! She has sent me an interactive CD postcard all about Norway, a thimble, and little traveling tissue cover and the sweetest little drawstring bag I have ever seen.

Nancy, I am assuming that you have made these gifts for me and I just want to say how much I appreciate you taking the time to do so. Your work is BEAUTIFUL and I would really love instructions for both. LOL. Thank you so much....I have had a tiring frustrating couple of weeks and your parcel arriving was a real pleasant surprise! Still cant believe that you would be so kind, when we only know each other from cyber space..........amazing!!!

I'm IN!!

2009-10-09T15:07:00.002+11:00

I still dont have a ceiling....but I am working out of the shed.....let the pictures do the talking.

You know how I said I was almost done......

2009-10-03T23:37:00.002+10:00

......well I wasn't. The more I looked around the house....the more I found! Just when I would think I had it sorted, I found more. I believe that this week I have FINALLY taken everything out to the shed that belongs there. I have spent the last couple of days straightening up my bedroom. For the first time in about 8 years, there is NOTHING under my bed. My shoes are back in the walk in robe......and I can even WALK INTO my walk in robe. I feel tonight a bit like I am sleeping in a hotel room it is so clean and tidy!

So the task for tomorrow is to get the Shed into the same order.....so that by the time the kids head back to school on Monday....ALL will be set to rights! Then PICTURES for you!! LOL

Thought you would like to know...

2009-09-22T23:39:00.001+10:00

I am almost done..........

Moving in......

2009-09-19T08:44:00.003+10:00

I am still short a ceiling....but am told that it is easy to install and makes little mess. So I have been moving in......slowly bit by bit around all my other commitments this past week. Oh and a whole day of rain, which was lovely, except when you are trying to shift thing out to you back yard. Gave up and had a nap in the end.....LOL We are moving in the last 2 pieces of furniture this morning...so hopefully I can shift the last of the "stuff" after that. I am yet to tackle the 1 task I am avoiding ....... sorting fabric....I have it stashed all over the house and am a bit worried about putting it all together....then "other" people will know exactly how much I have. LOL. Will post some pics bit later.

cheers

Just a quickie...........

2009-09-14T17:23:00.002+10:00

Just a couple of quick pics to keep you going........we have to fit the cupboard doors tomorrow, and then the ceiling which is still at least 2 weeks away. I am assured that it does not make much mess to install it.....we will see. Ok Back to it.

Lynda

(not sure where my signature went??)

Not quite........but almost

2009-09-09T23:32:00.004+10:00

There are some of you who have been following the progress of my shed since the very very beginning.....I am pleased to tell you we are now down to hopefully a week before I can start moving in. I have to take some pictures, but was just too plain tuckered out to do it tonight, that and it got dark. Will try to remember to do it in the morning.

cheers

Why I love blogging........

2009-08-29T17:15:00.003+10:00

I am sure that we all have different reasons for liking blogs....one that is HIGH on my list is that they are an incredible resource!! Needed a problem solved last week and I found the answer at All Sorts!! Jenny Beck Harris is a wonderful Illustrator and all round crafter......and these fabric coasters are just genius!! I needed to make 30 of something out of fabric for my Term 3 craft night.....it needed to be quick and cute and affordable as I was giving them away. These hit EVERY mark and the ladies receiving them LOVED them. So thank you Jenny....for sharing these coasters. AMAZING that the tutorial went up nearly 3 years ago....and was just waiting there for me for right now. The MAGIC of blogs!! LOL

The Shed.....AGAIN

2009-08-16T23:43:00.006+10:00

This is taking a long, long time! and it honestly feels like it is taking forever. But at this point every little step forward is like a giant leap. Pictured above is what we did this weekend: Firstly has you can see I have turned the car in to moving advertisement, very very cool. I have one on the door of the shed too. The next pic is of the slat wall we have installed under the window....there is a similar piece on the opposite wall. I still need to track down some hardware for that.....will be nice to have things up on display..... and lastly in lining of the front wall. The left side was mostly done last weekend....but the little bits in the middle either side of the door where fussy cuts: they were done yesterday. And today we did the even fiddler ones round the window and that giant angled piece above the window. We just have to cover the steel and do some trims on that wall now......

I am ordering a whole heap of plastic tubs tomorrow. The plan....to sort and label while I cant do anything else. Hopefully it will serve 2 purposes......to keep me busy and make me feel like I am doing something and SHOULD make moving day a whole lot easier. Will take a pic when they arrive......I am a little excited...does that make me strange??

BFN