We know it is Summertime!!

How do we know it is summertime? This is how.....

My visitor for 3 days in my back room who interrupted my sewing and crafting because I was not able to get to my cupboards which 'snake' was guarding!! How long was it there before my cat found it - who knows!! I put the bird netting down and eventually he got tangled in it. 'Farmer Alan' came along and helped to get it outside then we had to get it out of the bird netting. Once that was achieved he went straight up into the olive tree!! He seems to have moved along but always very wary when outside now - and very thankful to 'Cat'!!

And this says it is summer also - a finished quilt top in Dr Seuss fabrics - very fresh and summery!!



SSS

 

Christmas has come and gone and 2016 is well on it's way. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas shared with loved ones. And I hope 2016 is a wonderful year for all.

 

I participated in my first ever swap at the end of 2015 - the SANTA SACK SWAP - organised by Cheryl from over at this lovely blog:  http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.com.au/.

 



My first ever swap partner was Illene - and what a lovely time I had opening all of my gifts! Illene thoroughly spoilt me.......

 

 

First up is this beautiful table runner

 

a felt/wool pattern and sweet Christmas tree hanger

 

My very own Christmas stocking with a name tag on  it

 

love this project folder with a bonus couple of patterns

 

 

3 hand embroidered patches, some xmas scrap panels, little needle book, crochet tree decoration, chocolates (I had eaten the other choccies!!), cookie and a sweat little book - an interesting read. And of course an emery board!!

Thank you so much Illene for spoiling me with all of these beautiful gifts.

 

To see what I made for Illene pop over to her blog - I forgot to take photos!!!

 

Today we are heading towards the predicted 41 degs very quickly (yesterday it officially topped at 42 deg), and tomorrow is predicted to be 44 degrees. So it maybe a good time to stay inside under the aircon and sew!!

 

 

 

I'm Back....

 

Wow so long since my last post. Life just took over as it does. A lot of my time was taken up with my mother who went into hospital then into a nursing home - she passed away recently which was a blessing for her. So much time involved in sorting and cleaning her house (it was sold quickly which meant we had to get into gear quickly). Everything is done now and mum is at rest; and my brothers and sisters and I are getting back into our old routines.

 

 

 

I did manage to do a little sewing through this time - all secret sewing for Cheryll's Secret Santa Swap. I know my partner Illene has received the parcel and I have received hers!! Now to wait until Christmas day to open them - all very exciting!!!

 

 

I thought I would show you some of my garden, although the spring flush has gone it has been nice to be able to spend some time in it recently. My chooks live at the end of one of the pathways in the above picture!

 

 

Hardy but set a nice scene.

 

hmm.... my 'nice' friend Kerrie said she didn't take any photos of me!! Now you know who it is behind the Crafty Diva name!!

 

Lots of green - it is a picture during the spring when everything is in flower.

 

My rose garden - a blaze of beautiful colour a month ago. The hot weather has come and gone and come and gone - having it's effect on everyone's gardens here.

 

Thank goodness I have a ride on!!

 

That is all for a peek at my garden. Hopefully next post I will have some crafting photos!!



A BOm And Some Secret Sewing!

 

One of my projects this year has been A BOM.

 

 

Another quilt for the 'special people in my life' present box.

 

And some secret sewing!

Have a great weekend!!!



A Little Catch Up

 

So long since my last post - we have been on a 2 week trip to China during that time. been home for a while now but time just seems to race away for me.

This my Lucy Boston Quilt that I started in 2012.

 

 

I have just been doing a bit every now and then, have also just been using scraps including some from friends. I have completed 35 blocks (7rows by 5 rows. I have 2 more rows to piece. I have also been doing the border as I go along. Will probably be 2017 by the time I finish it!!!!! It will be a BIG quilt by the time I finish - floor to floor queen (maybe King) size - I decided I was going to make a large quilt if I was going to make a Lucy Boston at all.

 

Meet the TWINNIES!!! - two of our grandchildren that live nearby and who take up a lot of my time (mum and dad work fulltime so I look after them a couple of days a week!!) Max and Jazzie who turn 3 in a few weeks time. In this photo they are trying out their Biz Nonna's bed while visiting her in the nursing home.

 

That's all for me today - coming up to tea time and bath time for 2 little rascals (mum is down and out with a bad chest infection so they are staying with us for a few days!)



2014 BOM

One of my finishes for 2014 was the Homespun BOM.

 

 

Really happy with how this turned out.

 

 

Memory Quilt

 

I thought I would share with you my version of a 'Wagga' which has become a memory Quilt along the way.

 

 

I am making this for my youngest brother Mark. It is made from a wool blanket as the 'filling'- this belonged to a family friend that passed away years ago. I have also used denim from jeans that were worn by Mark and other family members, pieces from a bedspread that was used by us on our family farm; American fabrics because he loves America; pieces from a shirt that his son Matt wore and shorts that his youngest son Daniel wore; and pieces from a skirt that his mother used to wear!!