How Quickly We Forget..

..the simple pleasure of a new rotary cutting blade. I finally changed it today, and wonder why it didn't occur to me to do it before now? See the old blade? That brown ring is RUST. I do live by the sea where everything rusts, but I think I let this go a bit far.

In retrospect I could've done a better job on the fabric with a steak knife!

I have been sewing all afternoon in the airconditioned comfort of the sewing room. I set the temp to 22 deg C, the dogs got on the spare bed, and I have shocked myself by finishing 99% of the blocks for the Girl Guide raffle quilt. I ended up doing the Bricks and Stepping Stones as per Daniel's quilt, as I really just wanted something easy that I could do pretty quickly. Having just finished the last one I knew exactly how many blocks I needed to make it the size I wanted etc, so I just went for it.

I have used a bit of the lime green, but the rest are pink and purple with a touch of lime and aqua. I even cut into one of my Amy Butler fabrics (not my favourite ones, mind). I will try and finish it tomorrow when I will post a photo of the progress. Then I will have to quilt both of them... It's the pinning and carrying on that I don't like.

Double Pink

When I think of a double pink I think of something like the fabric on the left in this photo. It is fairly bright, but still pink. I wouldn't even mind something like the fabric on the right for the setting squares of my 4 patch, but I can't seem to see anything I like that I can afford. I think the pinks must be very popular and rarely make it to the sales.

Is the one on the left what would be called a double pink? I suppose too that the old quilts we see in books (like the one that inspired me to start the 4 patch) are faded, and we get a feeling for the paler look, even though the quilt probably didn't start out that way.

Anyway, it isn't going anywhere - I'll just keep looking and one day I'll see something.

Pink Fabric

What about this one for the squares?

Addit: sorry that wasn't very clear. I am looking for a pink 1800s fabric for the setting squares of my Repro 4 patch.

I have been out to dinner tonight at the home of another nurse that I have met going to night duty on the boat. Another nurse who lives near me also went with her husband, the hostess' neighbour and SIL were also there. It was nice to get out (she lives on the next island), and nice to meet new people. It isn't too easy to meet people when you are a 42 yo single shiftworker, who really prefers to stay home with her dog and her computer!

It was very nice, but I tell you - when I get home I'm so glad to be home. I really am a solitary person, but I'm constantly forcing myself to connect with other 'real live' people (well ones that are actually in the same town) because I know it's good for me, but really I feel much more comfortable with people's dogs and cats. But I will soldier on and invite them here soon. I'd better start cleaning up the house and sewing room now. Well, in the morning maybe... off to bed.

Stash Enhancement

Well, didn't that last post bring the Brownies, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts out of the closet? I believe it was Lord Baden-Powell in England that started the Boy Scouts, and then Lady B- P started the Girl version, but correct me if I'm wrong...

I have had a heap of coins lying around the house for many months, that I always mean to take to the bank. Some of them made it into individual plastic bags, others were just lying around. Last week I finally got them all together and counted it up - $60! You beauty!

Today I took it to the bank, then promptly went and spent $60 on some stash, or as Karen would say "Collection" Enhancement. It felt so good, as I have been trying very hard not to spend any money lately (mainly cos I haven't had any to spare). I went to about the only shop around here that I buy from any more. They get in a limited assortment of fabrics that are often 2nds, at approx 1/3 the normal price here. Sometimes the white of the selvedge is a bit wider than it should be, or occasionally there is a repeated spot where the pattern is a bit lighter, but many of them have no visible fault.

I found some Michael Millers, some black and whites, a few odd ones, and this pink one (separate photo) which is a Judie Rothermel Art Deco range. I have been looking hard for a reasonably priced Repro pink or double pink for the big squares in my Repro 4 patch, but have had no luck. I was even thinking of just using shirtings, but then I saw this today. I suppose if it's called Art Deco it is 1920's, but then it looks like an 1800s design to me. Try and click on it and see if it will give you a closer look.

I only bought 0.5m so will try it out with some of the 4 patches and see if it looks any good. Thoughts please from the Repro fabric Fans. Off to fondle my fabric...

Finished Flimsy

I'm very happy as I have just finished the Flimsy of Daniel's Quilt. It is pinned up sideways in the photo - it is about 50" x 74". I'm very pleased as I haven't been able to get motivated to do any real sewing for ages - just the hexagons.

I'm planning to put the remainder of the lime green homespun on the back. I just hope he likes it, and doesn't think it is too young for him. He is 7. If he isn't too keen on it I have another plan for it, so we will see.

I was talking to one of the other nurses on the boat going to work the other night, who is also the Girl Guide Leader on Russell Island. Do you have Guides in the US? I think you have something similar but with a different name. Anyway we were talking about it as I was a Guide back in the Dark Ages. It seems they are always short of money and have to do fund-raising to keep afloat, so I thought I'd make a quilt they could raffle. If Daniel isn't too keen I'll give her this one, or else I was thinking of a String Quilt like the String-X on Quiltville, as I have a lot of pink fabric that I can't see me using in the near future. I don't think this Bricks and Stepping Stones would work, as they are mainly light toned fabrics, not mediums. I do have 2 x 1/2 yard pieces of cute pale pink fabric; one with bikinis, and the other with fashion-type motifs on it which I could use for the triangles. I'll think about it. Apparently the girls in the group are mainly 9 or 10 yo, so I suppose it would be better to do something a bit girly.

Otherwise not much happening. "Don't mention the cricket" is the motto around here. It is amazing how many South Africa fans have popped up this week - one that doesn't even live there, and one that is really an Aussie. Gail and Ruth you know who you are!

Australia : CLOSED

I'm sorry to report that all followers of the Cricket have declared Australia CLOSED to the Rest of the World for a suitable period of Grieving, and for some Squirming in Shame and Horror.

Australia will reopen eventually...

Scary Photo

I can't imagine that you are all too excited to see my right foot, but you may have noticed the lump on the ankle. Yes this is my foot pedal foot, and it is rather sore. I twisted it on a bit of uneven road this morning, and at the time it felt ok, but a few hours later it was very swollen and sore. So after elevation, ice and drugs it is feeling better, but I'm going to baby it as I am due back at work in under 48 hrs.

Now the good news is that this gives me a really great excuse to sit on the couch tomorrow with it up watching the cricket, doing more bloody hexagons. I know I don't sound too in love with the project at the moment - I even had an evil thought about starting some in 1930's colours tomorrow... But I think I want smaller ones for that.

The Aussies MUST WIN tomorrow, or we will have to close off Australia to the Rest of the World while we squirm in shame for being beaten by the Poms. So if you don't hear from me or Tracey for a while, you will know that the worst has happened...

Speaking of which, there is a message on Clare's blog saying that Jen (Hedgehog) is fine, just hibernating as apparently Hedgehogs do in the winter.

I've Turned a Corner

Too corny for words, I know, but...
I haven't been doing too much quilting so I'm excited when 'something' happens. I'm still plodding along with the hexagons, but I have to admit I'm not as keen as I was. But I can't stop, or start a new hand sewing project til I'm finished.

I've had a cold, so have been laying low, but I have been reading other people's blogs - there are so many to look at now that it is a real effort to keep up with them all. I know I keep saying it, but I think some small quilts are next on the agenda. I'm a bit fed up with myself starting all these great big ones, then struggling to finish.

I'm inspired by all the lovely quilts on Karen's blog Sewprimitive, and want to try something similar. I also love the customer's quilt Patti has on Quilting is My Passion. I'd like to try some applique too, but that is hand sewing which totally goes against my promise above . I also saw a little string quilt on someone's blog (can't remember who - Dawn's Quilts and Pieces), which would be a perfect way to use up the scraps from the hexagon quilt. So much to do, so little gets done...

But boring things beckon - I'm going to hang out the washing, iron my uniform for work, have some lunch, then go to bed in preparation for work tonight. What a drag, huh?

Adit: in response to questions - I have 'heaps' of projects on the go, but I'm afraid with the hand sewing project, because it is so time consuming, that if I stop I'll never start again. I'm trying to have some discipline (dirty word for me) and keep going with it til the bitter end. I have about 5 other quilts in various stages, not to mention the flimsies that need quilting!

Curtains

First, thanks to Tazzie for some help getting my Q4P link back - we had a talk on the phone and figured it out by nicking someone else's code and changing the number. First time I've talked to Tazzie; I have met Heavens to Bettsy.

It is hot as hell and humid here today. You must get sick of me going on about it, but it really is almost unbearable some days. I was woken at 3.30am by a storm, and now there is another one coming, so had better post and get off the computer.

I have been hiding in the aircon all day fiddling around, and finally starting the curtains this afternoon. I have lived here for 18 months with no curtains or blinds downstairs, but I've finally given in. I'm not too keen on curtains, but I had to do something. These 2 doors that you see are each 3m wide. The one on the left is my "front door", and the one on the right leads out onto the deck at the front of the house. As you can see I have grey glass, which is great for the glare. During the day no-one can see in, but at night 'everyone' can see in. All they see is me cooking or sitting in front of the TV, so I haven't worried too much about it.

However, the neighbours told me recently that the rather 'unsavoury' fellow that was renting across the road had been looking into everyone's houses at night with binoculars. That sealed it. I was looking at a great sliding panel system at Ikea, but because of the bulkhead above the front door which is covering a steel beam, it wouldn't work. So I have been to the dreaded Spotlight to buy curtain fabric - what a disappointment. In the end I bought 14m of dark blue cotton denim from the dress material section, and have started today.

They are nice and dark, and I think they will be fine. I just want something that will sit quietly in the corner during the day, but will block out the neighbours at night, and the morning sun that comes in. I have just made them up as I go along with some curtain ring tape along the top which I might gather just a little to stop the rings dipping down and showing. I will wash them tomorrow and hang them by the rings to dry so I don't get peg marks on them. Then I will hem them after a few days. They are going to run, so the excess dye will dye the white tape blue, which will be good.

Probably not the way the Curtain Police would do it, but too bad! I'll try and get the other two finished tomorrow, then back to Daniel's Quilt. The sewing machine needs a service badly - it is doing something tricky down in the bobbin housing which looks ominous...

Sunflowers

First thing - my Q4P link isn't working. My fault. Kim sent me the new code, I deleted the old code then realised that I didn't know my Ring number. Woops. I have emailed her but it is probably the middle of the night where she lives, or she is having a Sunday sleep-in.

Next, for those of you on the wrong side of the world who are not seeing much sunlight, here is a photo of some sunflowers I picked up at a farm stall yesterday. Aren't they beautiful?

Then a photo of a painting I bought today. It looks better in real life - the light is shining on it in the photo. There has been an art show here this weekend (Australia Day) and I bought it there. It was quite inexpensive, but I like it. Now I have to decide where to put it.

The cricket is on - I can just hear that someone got out.

Better get back to it. Australia is going pretty well against New Zealand (3nd favourite enemy after England and South Africa). The game is in Perth today and the temperature on the cricket ground is 41 deg C. Imagine that?

Daniel's Quilt

As you can see Daniel's Quilt is suddenly well under way. This afternoon I shut myself in the sewing/computer room, put on the aircon, and got into it. The 1st photo shows the top still in 3 parts. I just have to sew them together, put on a border and then put it together. All the fabric so far is from the stash.

I had a bit of stash anxiety this afternoon, as I suddenly realised that I didn't have anything for the border. I like the idea of a thin red inner border, then a wider outer border in the plain blue, which is a bit darker than how it has photographed with the flash. I was hoping to get it finished this week, so tomorrow when I am on the mainland I will try and get the fabric.

I'm going over with 2 of the other nurses that live over here to a big book sale that is held by the Salvos I think. Hoping for some sewing books, otherwise a few novels maybe. As I have 3/4 cleaned out my bookshelves downstairs lately, and culled a lot of books, this is probably pretty silly. I suppose I am mainly going for social reasons, as we will have lunch too. The only thing is I will be in someone else's car, so hopefully they will be OK with me stopping quickly at the fabric shop.

I have been a bit worried about the outcome of this quilt, as I thought the black and white 4 patches have got 'lost' a bit due to the bright colours. As Bonnie wrote on her website this quilt is all about contrast, and I think the bright colours are too bright. But then when I looked at the photo it seems a bit better.

Simon has been helping - well actually he has been snoring in the cool of the aircon, waking briefly to have his photo taken. Swampy is in the dog bed.

Short Post

It is so hot and humid here that I can hardly do anything! The temp was only 31 deg C today, but it is 21 overnight. It's the humidity that kills you. I woke up sweating this morning, and couldn't make a decision what to do. The dentist's receptionist made the decision for me by asking if I could fill a cancellation today instead of my appt on Wed.

I had a filling in a tooth that has been troubling me on and off for a while, and 7 hours later the Local is just about gone. I tried to have a drink of water about 2 hours ago and half of it ran off my chin! I have come in the house at 21.45, opened all the windows then brought the dogs and the laptop up to my room and turned the aircon on. What a relief - hang the expense.

Bought the batting for Daniel's quilt today, and I am going to Craft Group tomorrow, so must get on with the top.

Mum's visit wasn't too bad - small doses are more manageable. Someone asked if she does any craft. She does lots of different things, embroidery, garment sewing, crochet, goldwork, a few quilts and Ikebana.

No photos sorry. I'm enjoying all the snow and ice photos.

I just looked at the weather link and it is 80 deg F with 82% humidity and it is 10.30 pm

Flylady, Where are You?

My Mother is coming over tomorrow - oh why haven't I been a better FlyBaby? And what am I doing sitting on the computer reading blogs? Paper everywhere!!

The really bad news? Mum has had her cataract fixed...

Adit: all the better to see the dirt with

Can't Get Moving

I'm in some kind-of Post Christmas Slump, or something like that. I can't seem to get my act together. One minute I think I'm coming down with something, the next I think that I just need to get out more. Or work more. Or 'something'! Feeling unsettled and restless, can't sleep at night (only all day), and can't even seem to get any sewing done, except for (you guessed it) the blasted hexagons.

Here is a shot of the border I've decided to do - doesn't show up too well on the dark floor but I can't be bothered to redo it. Sorry. Now I need to decide about the outside edge. Do I do as someone suggested and applique it on to something, or put another row of hexagons around and slice off the edge to make it straight?

Going back to bed. Happy New Year!

Sewing Again

I've dusted off the sewing machine and started to sew. I had in mind I would make this for my nephew Daniel, but first I will see how it turns out, I think. If it isn't too girly I'll give it to him. I have a lot more blues and yellows and greens to go in it, so maybe it will be ok.

This is Bricks and Stones from the Quiltville site and as you can see I have only just started really. But I plan to not muck around with it and get it finished without delay. On that note though, I have 2 nights of work now, so next week I will finish it, I SWEAR.

Hope you all had a nice Christmas - I had a low key day which was very nice. Caught up with all the rellies over the break. Mum and Dad gave me a $50 voucher for my favourite quilt store, so that will be fun to spend.

Otherwise nothing to report - the weather has been quite pleasant, not too hot for a change. We have also had some rain, thrashed the Poms at cricket, and I am still plodding on with the hexagons...

Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas from Australia - here is a shot of the weather taken at o7.30 - it is going to be hot and fine with a storm this afternoon.

I am off to my Sister's place on the 08.30 Waterbus, so the fun hasn't started yet. I can hear some kids screeching with delight down the road - obviously getting some good stuff! It was very windy here last night, but Santa obviously didn't get blown off course.

Hope you all have a nice day, and just know we are dreaming of snow here!

Cane Toads

Well, somebody asked to see one... They are awful looking things, and so well camoflagued that you almost step on them before you see them. Shudder shudder.

I'll put the link only so you don't have to look if you don't want to. Cane toad.

Otherwise on I plug with my hexagons. I'm getting there. I have my 7 yo nephew staying the night tonight for the first time, so I have been busy keeping him busy. I have never had any kids so it is all a bit different for me. As for when I was a kid, all I remember is Mum getting on with whatever she had to do and we kids amusing ourselves. It isn't quite the same these days.

We have been for a quick dip in the sea - the tide was going out - had his alloted 1 hr on the computer, been for a walk with the dogs, eaten morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, had a bit of tv time, and then it was bed time at 7.30pm. I'm going to go to bed early too, as apparently it all starts again at the crack of dawn. Much smarter to have a nice beagle I think, but we are having a good time.

Sanity has prevailed re the birthday quilts - I'll do it in my own time, not for the Jan 8 deadline. And Daniel, bless his little heart, told me today that he really likes my hexagons, especially all the nice patterns on the fabric. He told me he thinks it is my best quilt yet! I might make his quilt first just for that comment, sweet child. I asked him what colour he would like, and he said he would have anything as long as it wasn't pink. So I asked him what his favourite colour is, and he said he likes lots of colours. Red, blue, yellow, green - primary colours. But did I know that green isn't a primary colour, as of course you use blue and yellow to make green? Yes he is 7.

Non Quilty Stuff

Today I plan to watch the cricket and do more hexagons - I'm on a roll. But before I sat on the couch and stayed there all day, I thought we would go outside, fiddle in the garden and go for a walk. I started planting this bit of front garden 12 months ago, and it is starting to get going now. The purple cordyline in the front of the photo has about tripled in size. That's a 5 foot fence.


We had storms and lots of rain yesterday and overnight, so there will be more new growth in a week or so. I have just put my little pond in, so I will get some little White Cloud fish to eat the mosquito larvae. The first day I filled it up I came home to find a cane toad relaxing in there, unable to get out, so now that I have put some plants in there, I will plant tall grassy plants around it too, to try and keep them out. Horrible things.




See the Crow's Nest going yellow in the centre of the leaves - it really needs more shade. Hopefully next summer the surrounding plants will have grown up enough to shade it. Last summer when it went in it had a chair over it draped with shade cloth.



Then we went for our walk... This is Swampy who jumped in the mud today. The mud around here is very black and sticky, and does not come off. As children when we spent a lot of time in the Bay on a boat, our Mother spent half her life (or so it seemed) saying "don't get your clothes covered in Moreton Bay Mud, as it won't come out". It doesn't. We would head off with Dad to the nearest mud bank to pump yabbies, stand in the wrong spot and next minute would have our t-shirts covered in black mud. Oh and it smells too.



Swampy has had a wash under the hose but it has only half come off. She is currently outside with her bone and bowl of water. And there she will stay. I'll have to try and find some dog shampoo somewhere, or she will be an outside dog til it all falls off.


Yes, she looks very proud of herself. She must have been in full flight with her tail in the air when she went in, as her tail is clean.

Anxieties

Check this block out. Don't you like the name? As good as Death Penalty from my last post. Anxieties are what I'll be having working this one out. Those stripes are very thin. It's a 6 inch block.

As for Blogger, I tried a number of times to do the word verification thing and it still wouldn't come up. I don't know if you've noticed, but Quilt Junkie has gone over to Typepad under a new name Thee Handworks, so I'll be watching with interest. I also notice that some of the really nice blogs I look at are Typepad blogs, like Soulemama and Posy Gets Cosy, and you never see them complaining about blog problems. I had a look and it's US$50 per year...

Otherwise, off to bed for me. The aircon man came and fixed the machine. At 4 pm I went to turn it on and grab a few hours sleep before work, and guess what? The power went out! Aah you gotta laugh!

Blogger on Blink

I have just been trying to visit some blogs, but on many of them Blogger won't show me the letters to type for the verification! Hopeless - I give up. We might go for a walk if I can wake the dogs up.