ufo_queen

Projects for 2012

2012-01-31T20:51:00.002+11:00

One of my resolution for 2012 was to write more on my Blog, as it is I'm sure for most of you. Now it is the end of January already, and I have only just started.
My DH, Ray and I are determined to make 2012 a much better year for us, then the past 18 months. I have started stitching again, and have already finished one 6"x 6" block for the
CQJP 2012 Block challenge
I'm actually doing 2 in 1 challenge, as on another group I'm in there is a challenge for "A Block a Month" with a different colour and theme. So I'm incorporating both into my blocks. I'm also doing them as a "Tone-On-Tone" theme.
Other projects I've nominated myself for are a "Christmas Cracker Swap" and to make or finish a quilt for my sister for her 60th birthday. Thank goodness her birthday isn't until November. Now with January gone that only leaves me with 10 months to complete it... In between, in my spare time, I'll try to finish off a few UFOs as well.
Here's my first block - January Silver/Dreams...

My naked block, mixture of lovely Silver Fabrics.

My finished block, had to add 'some' colour.

Details of the bottom right corner 'My Dream Garden'

My organza ribbon flowers, I may add more here

Details of my Pine Cone embroidery.

Close detail of my Brazilian Pine Cones.

The right hand side of the block...

My Mum's 90th Birthday

2011-06-28T15:01:00.002+10:00

My special present for my Special Mum on her 90th Birthday...

My Mum turned 90 years of age in April this year... We had a very special day with her, to share our love, for a Special lady. I haven't done much stitching since Ray's car accident last September, but I did manage to get a small lap quilt made for my Mum. I worked on the stitchery blocks while bed-side sitting when Ray was in hospital and the numerous hours sitting in waiting rooms at Doctors, X-ray and Physio. I did get it finished and presented it to my Mum on her birthday, she was really happy with it.

I'd like to share some of the photos of the stitchery blocks and a full picture of the quilt it's self... Enjoy!!!

First Stitchery Block

Center Birdhouse Block

My Garden Shed before it went into the Quilt.

My third block - Top right

The Garden Gate

Dragonfly at the Garden Gate

My Garden table block

Twin Robins

Collections of pot-plants and flowers

My hand stitched label.

Mum & her Two sisters!!!

My Special Birthday

2010-10-05T23:49:00.001+11:00

Last Saturday I had, what everyone tells me, a very Special Birthday… I turned 60 years of age. I had a wonderful day with family and friends about. My stepdaughter, daughter-in-law and son all helped to make it special by preparing a lovely BBQ lunch and then in the evening we had a really lovely dinner, with lots of wine and sweets.

The poem that follows here was written by a very dear person, whom I have grown to love very much since her and hubby Jim, arrived to be our next door neighbors, some seven and a half years ago…

oooOOOooo

Our Faye turns 60!!! 2nd October 2010

One day we said - let’s move to the coast

So Valla was chosen to make the most

Of aging bones and slower speed

With green rolling hills and lots of trees

Now we never have had a neighbor live close

And found we were stuck with some, 20 meters at most

They jumped over the fence and made themselves known

Faye and Ray were their names, and upon us would grow

From beers in the garden and wine on the deck

No matter what time of day, oh, what the heck

No standing on ceremony, no special fancy airs

Just friendship shared and mates who care

Faye is a special one, no one could doubt

Her commitment to family and friends stand out

But where she shines like a light so bright

Is her talent with sewing and craft all alike

Faye’s patchwork and quilts are a sight to behold

Her needlework stories on postcards are told

All around the world those pieces would drift

What a special treat to receive her unique gift

Creative people like Faye I ‘m in awe

When those skills were given I was behind the door

She has tried to teach me and patience she’s shown

But mostly over the head this has flown

Boring women have immaculate homes

Is a saying I love to repeat

Faye is not boring that’s for sure

Sewing much more fun than a house that’s neat

I will never forget our girls’ week away

Faye, Betty, Maureen and I,

Four friends on the run in the Port Douglas sun

Cocktails for breakfast to try

Now Sis, you are special to both Jim and I

And the road ahead will sometimes be high

Just remember if you need a feed or a cry

We‘ll be here to catch you without asking why

On that note we will raise our glass

To a lovely lady, just full of class

I’ll have a wine, Jim a beer

And we’ll thank God he brought us here

Happy 60th birthday, dear friend.

oooOOOooo

Thank you Jan for this wonderful piece of poetry that describes me to a tee…

My Fourth Block for the SSC RR

2010-06-10T18:00:00.002+10:00

This block belongs to Maureen T. I love the colour tones in this one, and I'm very pleased with the finished

block. I have used a few ideas from the Carole Samples Book "A Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches"

Close-up of some of the seam detail, on the right....

I hope Maureen likes what I have done for her...

Third Block for the SSC's Group Round Robin

2010-05-25T14:55:00.000+10:00

Here is my third block for this round robin. This block belongs to Anne W. and was a lovely block to work on. With white on white, it's so easy to choose colours to use, as any colour will work. I chose the block with the silk print because I wanted to try embellishing around the print. I hope Anne likes what I have done...

Another Celtic Block

2010-04-14T16:16:00.002+10:00

This is my contribuation to Wendy's Celtic Block.

Wendy asked us to keep the knotwork to a minimum, therefore I have stitched this cute swirley tree. I only wish I could have found some information on what it is a symbol of. I'll name it, my "Tree of Friendship" as I feel that is approprate for these Round Robins.

These two motifs are on the Block as well. I couldn't help doing a little bit of knotwork. I hope Wendy will like what I have done...

Second Block for the SCC's Group RR

2010-03-31T10:27:00.007+11:00

Getting these Blocks finished to be able to pass them onto the next person ON TIME is getting a bit hard... But I have managed to get my second set in the the mail before the end of the month, LOL!!!
This block belongs to Faye C., who is new to our group and also to round robins. Her blocks are somewhat different than the usual plain fabric/muted print style, that most of us are used to. Which of course made this round a bit more of a challenge.

I have ended up with a heavier effect of stitching and SRE. I also used the Edmar Bouclé thread on the wavey line in a whipped chain, with a great effect...

I thought Alison had set a scene by using mainly white or cream shades on the block she has done. Also keeping her stitching to a fine concept, which I think has only enhanced the beautiful fabrics behind her stitching. Her's is on the right...

Celtic Round Robbin 2010

2010-03-31T09:53:00.002+11:00

This Cathy's block for this Celtic RR with the CQI group.

It is very intersting to do this RR. I have scoured many Celtic sites, looking for different designs and Knots with their meanings. When I received this block from Cathy, I knew exactely what design I'd use, when I saw the heart she had appiliqued onto the block as a focal point. Then to finish off the edge of the heart I did my version of alternated Chain & Fly stitch. I think it has turned out quite well.

My First Paisley for 2010...

2010-03-20T01:12:00.002+11:00

Well, here is my first Paisley for 2010. This one is my 7th. I'm so very pleased with it... I have done my newest favorite stitch ie; Spanish Coral Stitch or Crested Chain Stitch twice on it. In the inner space and on the outer edge. This Paisley is on my first RR block with the SouthernCross Crazies group. It is another RR to practise our 'Seam Building'. You can see the full block in the previous entry...

Another RR with the SCCs Yahoo Group.

2010-03-20T00:30:00.018+11:00

"Seams Only" R R

This is the block I decided to work on from Alison's set of six blocks.

I have tried my hand at a few different stitches, one of which I have come to love doing, and that is the Crested Chain stitch, I have used it on the outer edge of my Paisley. The colours in Alison's block were so easy to work with, being lovely muted/soft shades. I enjoyed using my latest thread find, it is the very bright varigated one in the 1/2 circles and the drizzling Colonial Knots. It's called Venetian Sunset from the Colour Stream Range of threads, and I know it is one of Alison's favourites.
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My Paisley Passion for 2009

2010-01-19T10:42:00.004+11:00

When I was involved in my Round Robin groups last year (2009), we had a theme for one of them, where we had to add a motif of some sort. As I don't have a big supply of those lovely lacy motifs, so I decided to do hand stitched paisleys. I have come to really enjoy doing them now, and sort of become my signature thing...

This one was my first effort, and I stitched it onto a 'Friendship Block' made for a friend who had a hugh operation. The quilt was put together by one of the girls in the Fibre Art Plus group and sent to Bobbie with our love...

You can see my full block here...here...

This one I have done on Joy's block in the 'Seams Only' RR with the SCC Yahoo Group

Now for my third effort, I started to get a little more creative and filled in the center... This one was on a DYOB with the Chain of Hearts Yahoo Group. We had a "Stitch Caller" every week who nominated the stitches we had to try on our own block, then at the end of the 6 weeks we had to swap our block with another participatent. It was good fun...

This one is on Patti's block from the same "Seams Only" RR with the SCC Group. You can see her full block here... I am really getting into it now.

But Hey, take a look at this one... my creative juices were really flowing, when it came to Alison's block. Here is her finished block...

Now for my latest Paisley, I have stitched this onto my own block click here which came home to me, so embellished by the girls in the FFT#7, Gerry, Nikki, Dianne and Mary from the CQI Yahoo group. Their work is just beautiful. I have added my stitching to the top right hand corner of the block...

As you can see from the picture of the block this wonderful little hand-painted button has been stitched onto my block by Gerry , she does the most wonderful encrusting embellishment.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my range of Paisleys so far... I do plan to do more RR Blocks so will post pictures as I do the this year. Thanks for visiting...

I'm Back Stitching Again... Wow!!!

2010-01-17T20:29:00.003+11:00

It's been so long since my last confes... Uh??? Oh!!! LOL!!! I mean since my last posting, I've nearly forgotten what I have to do.

So much has been happening, since last year, but now things have settled down again and I'm almost back to normal. Then again - what's normal???

I'm back into my stitching again, thank goodness, I thought for awhile last year I'd never stitch again!!! But here I am already signed up for 2 RRs and a Birthday ATC Swap.

These are my blocks for one RR with the SCC Yahoo Group .

This RR is another Seams Only, and the idea of the RR is to build onto each row of stitching on each seam. Until such time as you're satified that no more can be added without over-doing it. These blocks are matching the large block (below) that I did for last years Seams Only RR.

I'm planing to place the 5 blocks on the left side and accross the bottom of this block. So I'm hoping that the girls will embellish the smaller blocks in a similar fashion

This is how I would like them to fit together, once the small blocks have been embellished with their seam treatments...

My Swap Block

2009-06-16T12:37:00.003+10:00

This is my Swap Block for our DYOB Challenge, at least I do have this one finished... My block is going to Margaret P. in Queensland,

I hope she likes it...

Cyber DYB with the Chain of Hearts Group

2009-04-20T08:19:00.001+10:00

This is my naked block for this DYB starting on 22nd April.

My block is a part of "6" blocks, all of which have been embellished in another RR some 3 three years ago. (yeah! you read right 3 years ago - Hey, I'm not the UFO Queen of nothing). Anyway this is the one that I was supposed to embellish, and I have been waiting for this DYB project came along... I knew one would eventually LOL!!! So now I'm anxiously waiting for the 25th when the first lot of stitches are released for publication.

You can follow all the others members blocks and progress on this special Blog...

My WIP on my Crazy Black Block

2009-03-12T17:15:00.004+11:00

Here is a little preview of my seam treatment on my next Crazy Black Block. I'm so enjoying this project, and I'm so excited with my effort on the peacock in the center of this block.

The center patch is satin and I have done the peacock in DMC one thread Ecru and No. 822. There is supposed to be a little more done on the right side of him, but not sure if i'll do that yet. Will depend what I put on the seam next to him...

Here is a another of my seam treatments on my next Crazy Black Block. I am really enjoying this project, as I think Black is really so easy to work on... Love it!!! Not finished this one either yet... Still more to do here

This is my spider web so far, still have a bit to do on it and have to find the spider as well...

There so much more I can do on this block, it is and will be the largest block in the quilt. It is a 15" block and has quite a few seams on it.

My Crazy Black Blocks

2009-02-12T12:50:00.008+11:00

Ever since I've been reading the wonderful Blog of Jo in NZ, I have been ever so inspired by her beautiful work. I have started something that I have always wanted to have a go at; and that is a small quilt (??) or maybe a wall-hanging, that is made up of black and black toning fabrics.
When I say quilt with some ???s I mean, that I may not get enough blocks made to make a quilt but that's what I would like to achieve. Although a wall-hanging would be great as well...

These pictures are some of the seam only treatments that I have done on my first block so far...

This seam has a very simple treatment beside this brilliant coloured lace, which has been sent to me by another crazy seamstress...

This corner had a few small seams in it and I have just kept adding to each one, until there was no room left...

I love the combinations I have put together here on these two seams, there seven (7) different stitches in them...

This the over-all block, I still have some work to do on it, but I may start on the next block soon, as I will need to tie them all together with seam treatments that will need to spread over the adjoining seams. So I will come back to this one at a later date...

My Crazy Patch Pincushions

2009-01-12T18:59:00.007+11:00

This is my gift to my very good friend Wilma... I made it last year, and gave it to her for Christmas. I have recycled old CDs for the base, covered one with wool-felt. The top is a peice of crazy-patch and I have embroidered it with seam treatments... practice for the RR I've entered into for this year. There is a wonderful tutorial from Ivory Blush Rose -Here the link to it, for the instructions to make yourself one...

Special Block - For a "Because We Care Quilt"

2008-12-04T14:01:00.005+11:00

Here is my block contribution I have made for a good 'cyber' friend of mine, she has been very ill, and was operated on last Monday. Another friend is making the quilt up, from the blocks that we have all made. I just love doing 'crazy' stitching, I can't help myself... I hope she'll like it.

My Secret Santa Present has arrived...

2008-12-04T13:38:00.005+11:00

Will, look at this wonderful lot of presents, my Secret Santa has made for me... There were 3 little parcels in the envelope, all with lovely handmade tags on them. My SS has written a lovely letter with her card, secretly telling me about herself and her family. I know she comes from Box Hill in Victoria, she is sooo secret she doesn't have a Blog!!!! We'll have to see if we can fix that little hick-up for next year! These are the lovely pressies that were in my parcel. A beautiful handmade card, a great little "Santa Broach" a soft felt bauble for my tree, a groovy purple Santa and a wonderful wall hanging.

This is a picture of the Santa wall hanging that my SS has made for me, isn't it lovely...

That's not all I have done some detective work to find out who my secret Santa is, and now I know her mane... Thank you soooo much June for my lovely surprise, I love it...

The Elves have Left the Building...

2008-11-24T16:46:00.012+11:00

Well, I happy to say that I have finished my Christmas Bauble for the Bee Sew Whimsical Secret Santa Honeypot Swap. I'm really very relieved as I'm usually running late with these swaps, 'cause I leave everything to the last minute, but NOT this time...Heee!!! I cannot say who is going to receive my little treasure, but the Elves should have it to her (in Victoria... clue!!!) within a few days. I do hope she likes it, I have made myself one, and it is very handy to have all your needles threaded, you don't have to waste time trying to thread needles...

This is it and how it'll look hanging on ????'s Christmas Tree... If you haven't worked out what it is yet, I'll tell you. It is a Quilters/Stitcher's Threaded Needle Caddy.

Here it is opened with a large reel of thread in it...

I have also put in it some needles (threaded...) and a needle threaded (just in-case)...

Parcel in the Mail

2008-10-24T09:49:00.019+11:00

What a wonderful surprise I received in the mail yesterday... Wow, a few weeks ago Mandy Collins asked me if I'd like another plantlet, from her Africian Violets. Of course I said Yes!!! In her parcel was no less then 7 little pups, one of which has a couple of small flowers on it already. I'm not sure what colours the others are but one has varigated leaves. I'll have to wait to see what the others are, what a wonderful surprise, thanks you so much Mandy.

Mandy also sent me two lovely, very creative ATCs. This one on the left is called "Aurora Australis" and the green one is called 'Dragonflies"

These beautiful pink flowers, are the first flowers that belong to the first pup that Mandy sent me a couple of years ago. It really is the most wonderful shade of pink I've ever seen...

Mother's Day & 60th Wedding Anniversary Quilt

2008-05-12T00:04:00.010+10:00

I have just had a really lovely "Mother's Day" today, even though it has just been Ray & I here. First of all I had a wonderful 'virtual' breakfast from my No. 2 son, with a phone call about 9:30am to see how I liked it. My little grandson said into the phone "Happy Mother's Day Grandma" . From No. 1 son I received in the mail on Friday a voucher for as massage and a lovely card. Also a card from my twin grand-daughters. Then a phone call this arvo, to see how my day had been. Then this evening after Ray had cooked dinner for me, I received another phone call from No. 3 (step) daughter. This has prompted me to place on my Blog some photos of my Anniversary Quilt I made for my Mum & Dad....

I thought it high time I published some photos of my quilt, which I made
in 2005 for my wonderful parent's "60th Wedding Anniversary". It was their anniversary in September and I decided to make a quilt of some sort at the end of July... Not only did I 'not have much time', but I really had no idea of how to go about it. I did know I wanted to put photos on it, but then had to find them, or get my little sister to find them for me. I also knew I wanted to have some input from all the families as well. So obviously that so a bit of an ordeal as I live so far from all of them. So into the post I place the fabric and pens, for them all to do their 'Congratulating' words of love...

My sister managed to find their "Marriage Certificate" as well, so with fingers crossed, I put it through the photocopier, to print it onto the fabric... so that I could add it to the quilt as well.
Mind you my Mother astounded that we were able to find the photos and the certificate as well. She really was amazed, as to how I was able to print them onto the fabric too.

This is my families block... My boys, their wives, my step-daughter, my hubby and myself all had something to say, even my first grandson had his little hand-print put on it.

This is the middle block... and is my Mum & Dad on their wedding day. I transferred their wedding photo onto plain fabric, the when I had placed the smaller blocks around the photo, I then proceeded to embroider around the edge to embellish the photo.

This block is a photo of me & my siblings, taken on the day of Mum & Dad's 40th wedding anniversary. That makes this picture over 20 years old. I used the bubble-jet set in the process of transferring the photos onto the fabric.

My older sister wrote this story for me, she also did the drawing at the top. It is a drawing of our home on the farm, where we all grow up. I might add the house is still standing I think, but I often wonder how. I have appliqued the butterflies and have some some more embroidery on this block as well.

This is the label I printed for the back of the quilt. The drawing on this block is a second one my sister draw. It is after Dad did a few reno on the house... added bedroom (sleep-out) and a bathroom/laundry. Oh, we girls thought we were in heaven to have our own room.

I trust you have enjoyed looking at my work, and I hope all you Mothers out there, have had a day as wonderful day as I have today. Thank you Mum & Dad for my birthday, and Thank you, family for thinking of me today...

My Latest Arty Projects

2008-05-01T09:28:00.028+10:00

What are Inchies?
These little pieces of art have been my latest project… They are 1” square and have 3 layers of fabric (top, batting & backing) just like a traditional quilt. Once you have your base piece made then off you go and put all sorts of embellishments onto them to make them quite arty. Each set consists of nine 1”squares, and can be all the same or you can make each one different but similar, if you know what I mean. How many sets are made is determined by, how many people are in the swap. This my set of Blue Inchies ...

I have been in a few swaps with others that are now hooked on making these little treasures, with a couple of different groups as well. These are some of my collection….

My display of the Blue Inchie Swap from the Australian & New Zealand Art Group. There were seven members in this swap, which meant we had to make seven sets of nine 1"squares. Our host for the swap, Katherine, added an extra one as a surprise for each of us. It's the one one the right with the touch of Orange in it. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Aus_NZartquilters/

This is my set of Red Inchies for a swap with the Fabric Arts Postcard Group. I became a little more creative when displaying these ones, as there were a lot more sets to make for this swap. The picture, top left, is how I have put them together... recycling old CDs, I have placed some of the sets onto these, but could only fit 8, so had to position the other one beside each CD. The Red colours in these are very stunning, don't you think?

http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/fiberartpostcards/

Now these ones are for a purple swap, I have sent mine away... still waiting on others to arrive before I can make a display out of them. These are like the Red ones - quite stunning... I have one extra and a couple of double ups in this set, but will only use nine in the display, as I have a couple of plain ones to put in.

These are a couple of close-ups of the purple ones... the one on the left is mine and I made the wire/bead charm on it. The one on the right is one from Donna's set, she has personalised it with my name. How cute is that???
I have one more swap that I have to get finished, very quickly, as they are due out tomorrow. I have enjoyed making these little things and have really enjoyed receiving others in the mail. Many thanks to all those who have participated in these swaps... they're great fun.

Christmas with my Grandchildren

2008-01-03T15:41:00.002+11:00

I'd like you to met my GrandChildren:

I'd like to share this picture with all my friends, 'cause I think it is so cute and I'd like you all to meet my Grandchildren. From left to right:- we have Archie James who turns 1 tomorrow. He is the little one at the start of my Blog, who has now has his 'Clef lip and palet' opps.
Next to him is his big brother Angus John who is 34 mths old and as you can see is so caring towards his little cousins.
Then we have Laura Catherine who is the elder of the twins (by 5 minutes) and her sister Elizabeth Anne or 'Lizzie', they are 16 mths old.
I am still reliving the past fortnight, in my memories and thoughts... It really was so wonderful to have my 2 boys with their wives and families, here for Christmas. We haven't been together like that for many, many years. Now with littlies as well, it is was something very special.
They have all gone home now and the house seems so quite and empty... I'll just have to keep very bust with my sewing and crafty things...

2007 Postcard Swap - August

2007-12-04T12:42:00.001+11:00

My "Green" postcards

These cards are for my "Green" swap with the FAPC group back in August. I didn't realised that I hadn't posted them here until just now. Sorry for being so slack...
I made them all the same, but then personalised each one by embroidering the receivers initial in the middle.

This one flew over toPaule Poole in North Yorkshire...

This one went flying over to Sue Page in Rockvale USA .
I know I have a funny idea of "Green"... I'm not a green person but do love the other shades, therefore I guess mine are a bit on the "Blue" side of green...

This found a home in Lauderdale Florida USA with Barbara Bunchuk.

And this one found it's home with Rose Anne in Winnipeg Canada.

2007 Postcard Swap - November

2007-12-04T10:46:00.000+11:00

My "Altered Lace" postcard.

My Altered Lace postcards were very interesting to work on, but very hard to get started... I did start with an idea that was very different to the one that I eventually used, which I'm quite happy with. On this one, I have used 2 different pieces of lace, the white piece was a very wide lace and I cut it up between the 'zig-zag' shapes along the length. The purple piece in the middle, was 'pink' to start with from the front of a shirt. After I trimed and dyed it, it was then ready to use on all my cards. With a little bit more "altering" on each card. The owner of this one now is Lyn Drage in Perth WA Australia.

As you can see in this one I have used that purple piece again, also the 'zig-zag' piece but have dyed this piece light blue. I have also used another piece of lovely lave that was on an evening top that I purched from the "Opp-shop" in town. It had a beauitful piece os wide lace around the bottom of it. I have hand painted this one with Oze dyes. This one was sent to Ingrid Tiffe in Canada.

On this one I have used the full width of the lace from the evening top and have hand painted it as well with the Oze dyes. Also used the purple piece again but have "altered" it a little by painting the self-embroidered flowers with gold paint. This one was sent ot Jan Bartlett of Boulder City in USA.

I have made this one a little different again. Using the purple again with the gold painted flowers. Also the lace from the evening top, but leaving it crean coloured and only a small porition of it. Then I have hand painted a lace motif for the other corner. This motif has been cut from another piece of lace that had reverse motifs in it. This card flew over to Lorri Chambers also in the USA.

2007 Postcard Swap - October

2007-10-12T18:15:00.000+10:00

My "Foiling on Fabric" Postcards

These postcards are my attempt at doing "Foiling". My technique was to use little snippets of fusing, then lightly pressing on the gold foil. After being satified that I had enough foil down I then covered that area with organisa and free-motion quilted around the pieces of gold foil. Then on the other corner I used foiling glue to make my squiggly lines, when they dried and became clear in colour I pressed on the 'rainbow' foiling.

2007 Postcard Swap - September

2007-10-12T17:51:00.000+10:00

My "Glitz & Glamour" Postcards

Here are 2 of my "Glitz & Glamour" swap I have recently participated in... this one and another one very similar were sent to Maureen C. and Margaret P.

This one was sent to Andrea and another one like it was sent to Margaret G. (of course it had an "M" on it). It took me a while to get my inspirational juices going for this one.

2007 Postcard Swap - August.

2007-08-23T15:21:00.000+10:00

My
"June Bride"
Postcards
These are my 4 cards I have made for the "June Bride" swap for August. I enjoyed doing these cards very much. I tried to make each one different so that they are then all unique. All four cards went overseas to the USA to members of the FAPC group. Now to get started on the next one which is "Green" .

2007 Postcard Swaps - July

2007-08-23T15:16:00.000+10:00

My "Silhouette" Postcard Swap - July

This is one of my cards for the Silhouettes swap... I had a lot of fun making this one. The fabric I chose for the dimension look and the way it looks like it's reflecting. I have stenciled the little ducks one at a time, then did the reverse row to match. The top ones have been stamped twice to give the darker look, then I back stitched around each one of them.

2007 Postcards - July

2007-08-23T15:03:00.000+10:00

"Express Yourself" Postcard Swap - July

I have made these cards on "Silk Fabric" I just love the rich colour of the silk...I have used some confetti scraps, Angelina Fibres and film for the leaves. I also used glittter fibres and then embelished with copper foiling.
This one was sent to Catherine.

This is the one which I sent to Canada to Rose Anne in Winnipeg.

Then last but not least is my third one, I sent to Japan to our new member, Hideko. This was her first postcard swap. I hope she enjoyed receiving our P/Cs in return for her lovely ones.

Postcard Swaps - May 2007

2007-05-24T19:52:00.000+10:00

My "I've Got the Blues" Swap

These two cards are an example of my May swap "I've Got the Blues". I have used Angeline Fibre on a light blue back ground fabric, then place a multi coloured organza over the top. Quilted over the top of them to hold them together, then used my soldering iron the burn out parts of the organza to
reveal the glittering Angeline Fibres.
Unfortunately one of then turned out a little bit too green, but I still liked them very much anyway. Besides I really didn't have the "blues"....

Our Discharge Dying Day

2007-05-24T19:42:00.000+10:00

Yesterday, my friends & I had a great day playing with different plain fabrics and doing 'Reverse' or 'Discharge' Dying. These example are some of the ones that I finished up with. I'm really pleased with the two dark colour strips in this photo. They started out good quality black homespun (100% cotton). The middle piece has all different images on it and will make great postcards in the future. I laid out the top piece with different images longways on the fabric, it looks good as well. The pink strip has a lovely Lacy image on it.

These pink squares all started out purple, example in photo (left bottom). We had quite an array of items to create these great images on the purple fabric... Ranging from a dried "Bird of Paradise Flower", a lovely piece of lace from a St Vinnie purchase, Gutter Mesh, Microwave tray, Doilies, fencing nails, nuts, straight nails, fishing hooks (raided Hubby's shed for a lot of these) Now he's threatened to raid my sewing room when he needs another grease rag..LOL

This is my friend Lyn holding up a couple of her efforts... They both started out navy, I think... so you never know what colour you're going to get until you do it.

My little Grandson Archie

2007-05-14T23:13:00.000+10:00

This is my little Grandson Archie James, who was born 4 months ago, with Cleft Palette and lip. While, apparently this problem is quite common, it is still a real concern to one's family when it happens to you. My son and daughter-in-law have been very positive all the way through the ordeal (after their initial shock ). It was determined as early as their 12 week ultra-sound, that their baby was going to have a cleft lip, but could not determine how badly he was effected or if it was his palette as well.
As it turned out, it was his palette as well... and he'll have to go in again in a couple of months to have that fixed.
Here he is a few days before his operation.
This is him right after the surgery... the op was Monday 23rd April.

The guard across his mouth, is obviouly there to protect his mouth and nose from being knocked or touched etc... He also had to have his little arms in splints, so as to prevent him from putting fists in his mouth or touching his face.

This photo was taken on the Friday after most the stitches had been taken out, and he was ble to have his 'bull-bar' removed.

This photo was sent to me last week. It has been 3weeks since the operation. Just look at his sweet little 'button' nose... isn't he just sooo cute!!! LOL... am I a proud Grandma, or what???

Postcards - April 2007

2007-05-03T16:13:00.000+10:00

Trapunto Swap

This postcard has been sent to Myla Chapman in the USA. I haven't done trapunto for years, so I did enjoy doing this swap. I have done it in the old traditional method of threading and filling in with needle and yarn. I believe there are a few different ways of doing Trapunto now, which I may have to investigate and try them out on more P/Cs.

This is another Trapunto P/C made for Rose Anne in Canada. Again I have used the old traditional technique for this one as well. Although on this one I didn't have any wadding between the front and the backing, I just filled in the sections I wanted to raise up.

The second picture shows the dense bead work in the middle.

Bridial Bags

2007-04-04T15:08:00.000+10:00

My Niece's Bridal Bags
I made these lovely little bags for my niece and her bridesmaids (sisters), for her recent wedding. I have used the same fabric as their dresses, and embellished them with seed beads, crystals and pearls.

The pattern is the simple folded square method, with the corners pulled into the center the make them appear rounded.

The girls loved them and they were able to fill them with quite a lot of essentials!!

a bride and her maids would need for the night.

Double click on pictures for larger view.

2007 Postcards - February's Swap

2007-04-03T13:21:00.000+10:00

My 'Down Under' Swap (things Australian)

This is a sample of my Down Under P/Cs, & below is what I wrote on the back, as an explanation of my interpretation;

"My card represents my country...

The 'red' depicts the desert, in the centre. Next the dry farming areas & stations. The 'green' represents the rain forests & coastal areas. The 'blues' resemble the ocean that surrounds our wonderful country."

I really had a lot of fun putting these P/Cs together, even though I took a lot longer than I had first planned.

2007 Postcards - February's Swap

2007-04-03T13:07:00.002+10:00

My "Miss Angelina" Swap

Here is one of my 'Miss Angelina' P/Cs, for the Angelina Fibre Swap. To make this card I used a piece of my "tissue paper fabric", which I had made some time ago. The colours of this material is bright yellow with blues and greens added. Then I added the Angelina Fibre over the top, included some toning threads and clippings, then stitched all over it. Angelina Fibre is a great medium to work with, being very easy to create some lovely pieces of art.

The one on the left was greated in the same manner, using some blue tissue fabric I made. I 'raw edge' appliqued the butterflies onto the top to add a little something.

2007 Postcards - February's Swap

2007-04-03T13:07:00.000+10:00

My 'Hearts' Swap

This one of my "Heart Postcards". I made 4 of these, all very similar. I have made them from one large piece of abstract print fabric with organza over the top, so therefore each one had a different pattern under the hearts. Using the reverse applique method, I place 3 hearts on the front, then cut away the shape of the hearts and finished the edged off with a fancy pattern stitch. The stitching accross the card has been done to hold the layers together before doing the hearts. I just removed the stitches through the hearts. Hope you like.

2007 Postcards - January's Swap

2007-03-30T12:35:00.000+10:00

"My State" Swap.

This is one of the next swap I participated in... This is the info I wrote on the back of my Postcard;

"Our Sydney Opera House is one of the most recongisable images of the modern world, it has become to represent 'Australia'. Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, & was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, Oct 1973. The Opera House is situated on Bennelong point, the view of the skyline of the Harbour Bridge, the blue water of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, is dramatic and unforgetable."

My Christmas Postcard - 2006

2007-03-30T12:25:00.000+10:00

I have been extremely slack in my posting this year... This Postcard is my Christmas one, I sent to Maureen B. It was wonderful how she picked up on the fact that I had joined the group just too late to share in the Christmas P/C swap. So she offered to swap with me, at least minute, so I wouldn't feel left out.... ahhhh!!! how nice you'll think, but that is what Maureen is like... so giving. Thank you Maureen.

Archie James - born 4th January 2007

2007-01-10T21:11:00.001+11:00

I would like you to meet my latest Grandchild. Archie James was born last Thursday 4th January, just 2.603 kilos (6 lbs +) at 1:30 pm. He's just a little tacka!
Archies's little brother, Angus, is so excited to have a little mate... and is very intriged by him.

The photo above was taken when he was just a few hours old, and it is amazing just how much like his big brother he is.

Christmas Postcard Swap

2006-12-07T15:56:00.000+11:00

I have recently joined a new group (well, new to me) and they were just finishing off a Christmas Card swap. Unfortunately I was too late for the swap, and was very disappointed that I was missing out. Then one of the ladies asked me (personally) if I would like to swap with her, of course I said "Yes please!"
The lovely lady was Maureen B. and this is the Christmas card she has made for me. It has the most wonderful embroidered Santa Clause in the center and lovely little Christmas trees used in the seam treatment, some SRE and great little charms and sequins. The gold braid around the edge, just finishes it off wonderfully. Thank you Maureen for swapping with me, I enjoy your work so much.

To Answer a few Questions

2006-11-21T15:39:00.000+11:00

My Sculpting Masks.... I thought I'd better write a little about how these wonderful creations were made. Yes, they are quite amazing. The smallest one was done by my friend Jan and has been made very plain; the size of it would be about 14" sq. I really like hers, would like to make another one and have it very similar to it.
Mine is the largest one of the four, it is 18" x 22". Not really like me, being very lacy and frilly, which I am not. I may still change it a bit yet, but I won't let it turn into another UFO either.
They are not heavy at all, it's incredible actually. They are made from old T-shirt fabric and the textile hardener. Then adorned with bits and pieces - what ever you want on it.
Was a great workshop to do as well, creativity was flowing everywhere most of the morning. Then out came our painting skills, those that had it anyway. Those that didn't, just winged it.
All the items that you're going to use, must be coated with the "Powertex" textile hardener, then placed into position. The fabric to be used is also completely covered with this same stuff, as it drys off a little it becomes very plyable and easly to manipulate into the position you're happy with. When you have finished playing with it, it's left to dry completely, couple of hours. Then it is painted with 'Folk Art' Paint and Jo-Sonja's, using the colour you want it to be, then over the top with Bronze, Gold, or Copper, to highlight the features and nick nacks that you have placed on it.
After 2 weeks they have to be sprayed with a Gloss or Semi-gloss clear coating to seal them from dust moisture etc. Place hanging wire on the back and you're ready for the decision on where it's going to be placed... Easy!!!

Sculpting Workshop - 17th Nov, 2006

2006-11-19T23:06:00.000+11:00

What a 'great' day my group, (called "The Arty Tarts") had last Friday...
Our workshop was with "Powertex" sculpting-modeling.
Pictured here we have (L>R), our tutor - Jeannie, Jan, Judy, and Wilma... ( I was taking the photo LOL), taking in some very important information about what we were learning.

Would you believe, from an old T-shirt, a paper-mache face mask, an old frame with a backing board, along with a few bits and pieces, that we all produced these wonderful works of art.

On the left is Jan's creation - "Lady 'J' "

Next we haveWilma's wonderful piece, called - "Alyce" (right)

On the left is Judy's masterpiece and she is called

"The Ghostly Goddess"

Now, last of all we have my own creation... and I'm really not sure what to name her yet. I think she looks like "Lacey Lucy" others have suggested "The Iron Maiden"

We all really did have a very interesting day - one way and another...

The product we used to harden our sculptures is called "Powertex Textile Hardener" and is available through the tutor or there is a web-site - www.astonishing.com.au .

It's taken ALL night!!

2006-11-08T22:31:00.000+11:00

Boy!!! This blogging is something else... it has taken me nearly all night to place the last post to this site. Oh!! #*#@!! now... I have just lost all that I had written out, for this post as well, grrr...
I don't know how people manage to write on their blogs as much as they do and are still able to get a lot of sewing done as well.
I decided to use the 'old' kind blog instead of the "Beta" one that I used for my 'Hearts4u' as it is so frustrating when you go to leave a comment on someones blog and it rejects you, 'cause you're on Beta. So now I can sign on with either one to have my say...
I have taken up Sandie's challenge of getting UFOs finished in 2007, but then that has been my New Years resolution for the past 5 years LOL. I haven't called myself the UFO Queen for nothing, hee hee.
I have been patchworking for about 10 years, and like Sandie, a lot of my unfinished works are from a period in my life, that I don't like to think about either. Now my life is on track again and I'm very happy with where I am, maybe it will be a bit easier to get these pieces out and get them finished.
Must go and read my mail now, then off to bed.... tomorrow another play!!!!
Goodnight and God Bless - Don't let the Bed Bugs Bite!!!

Meet My Grandchildren

2006-11-08T17:07:00.000+11:00

I would like to introduce you all to my presious grandchildren:
Angus John
This little man is 20months old... and is very special to me. He is my first (& only) grandson, so that is a very good reason to be special. He loves his books and is a wonderful artist LOL.

Laura & Elizabeth
Here we have our latest addition. Laura (on left) and little sister Elizabeth (on right). They were born on 18th August 2006 as they decided to arrive 9 weeks early.
They are doing very well now, they are putting on weight and loving their feeds... we have had all our prayers answered, and would like to gives thanks to everyone who sent thoughts & prayers.

Anyone up for a challenge???

2006-11-07T23:08:00.000+11:00

Anyone up for a challenge?
I decided to take up Rose Ann's, who has taken up Sandie's offer of a challenge, you can read about it here upon her blog. The first 5 people to respond to this challenge, via comments will each get a crazy patched postcard .The only catch is, you must also offer on your blog the same sort of offer. This is not an exchange where you send back to me, it's called 'paying it forward' to others who read your blog. I've decided to offer a crazy patched and embellished postcard. It may take some time to complete five of these babies, but you WILL receive it. Hmmm, I wonder who will bite first?