The little book of Nessie

An Owly pincushion

2012-02-05T14:48:00.005+11:00

This is a pincushion I have made. I could not resist this cute pattern. This little owl can be made into an ornament for the Christmas tree. It is a Susie C Shore design. It does not take that much time to make one up and I can see myself making more in the future.

That's all for now,

Nessie

Happy Australia Day!

2012-01-26T19:22:00.004+11:00

I made these biscuits today using my map of Australia cutter. I used Michelle Thomas' recipe that was featured in a Handmade magazine. The cream coloured biscuits have white chocolate in them and the brown coloured biscuits have dark chocolate. I also made some bite size biscuits too. A variation on a theme. Reminds me of some biscuits I made when I was in high school.

That's all for now,

Nessie

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T11:02:00.003+11:00

A new year begins and I hope for everyone it is a good and peaceful year. Hard to believe that 2012 has started!

That's all for now,

Nessie

Christmas

2011-12-25T09:40:00.004+11:00

The large tree with the red baubles is the new Christmas tree in the City of Melbourne. It was decided to create a forest by placing small trees around Federation Square for people to walk around and through.

Wishing everyone a happy and joyous Christmas!

That's all for now

Nessie

December

2011-12-22T11:15:00.006+11:00

I have been 'baking' and these two are fresh from the sewing machine! The table runner above I have called Christmas Stollen. The table runner below is called French Bread. The 'recipe' was designed by Susan Fuquay and supplied to me by http://www.thepatchworktree.com.au/

Now to finish the edible Christmas treats!

That's all for now,

Nessie

My day out

2011-11-30T12:20:00.006+11:00

Monday last I took a trip to St. Kilda to have a look at the shops and have a walk along the beach. The above is the smiley face of Luna Park, a fun theme park.

This is the kiosk at the end of the St. Kilda pier. The original kiosk which was built in 1903 was burnt down by arsonists in 2003. It had stood for 100 years. A new kiosk has been built for people to come and enjoy.

This picture was taken on St. Kilda pier looking towards The Esplanade.

There are a lot of cafes dotted along the beach.

There were a lot of people out and about enjoying the day.

The buildings in the City of Melbourne can be seen in the background.

It was a lovely day for a walk and sea breeze made it pleasant.

Although it was generally an overcast type of day it did not stop people lying on the beach and trying to catch a bit of sunshine!

That's all for now,

Nessie

Nearly the end of October

2011-10-28T15:13:00.007+11:00

During the week we went on a drive to Hastings which is a suburb in the Mornington Peninsula. The above is a picture of the boat harbour. It was a very pleasant day.

I noticed these two ceramic pictures on the front of the Community Hall in Hastings.

That's all for now,

Nessie

Last day of September

2011-09-30T09:35:00.004+10:00

More of the lovely trees that are in flower in my neighbourhood.

This wisteria took advantage of the gum tree growing up the trunk and cascading down the branches.

A couple of visitors to our place. I think they are a juvenile gang gang cockatoos. You can just see them developing the red heads they are known to have as adults.

That's all for now

Small project completed and more...

2011-08-30T19:41:00.005+10:00

This is a Home Sweet Home decoration I have made for a friend who has just moved house. She plans to have a garden composed of lots of roses. I found the pattern in a book called Everything Patchwork by Corinne Crasbercu. I added the heart for a final touch. It is one of the Made in France series of books. Lots of nice little projects to make which do not take up much time.

This is another one of the lovely sunrises we enjoy from time to time.

On one of my walks I came across this lovely camelia. All the outside petals of the flower are in the shape of a heart.

This one of lovely Grevilleas that are out in flower at the moment.

That's all for now,

Spring time again

2011-08-24T19:08:00.004+10:00

If you look closely you will see the spider web. It was only visible because of the morning dew.

Spring time brings with it the lovely blossoms on the trees

The Magnolia trees have been lovely this year

As well as having pretty blue flowers the varigated leaves add a lot of colour too.

The wattle trees make a nice display

This is a prostrate form of wattle

One of the many camelia flowers that are in bloom at present

There are all types of Hakeas flowering now

That's all for now

The last day of July

2011-07-31T19:25:00.002+10:00

I like to go and visit op shops and this is a tin I found on one of my visits to my local shop. I think it will make great for holding my buttons.

The sign that Spring is coming soon.

That's all for now,

Sitting on the fence!

2011-06-30T13:27:00.002+10:00

One of our neighbour's cats has taken to sitting on the fence watching us when we go in and out of our house. The cat was so obliging waiting there for me to get my camera to take its' picture!

That's all for now.

Autumn again

2011-05-30T20:02:00.013+10:00

I took the opportunity today of going for a walk around the area I live and enjoying all the colours of autumn. It was the first day of sunshine we have had for a while.

There are lots of leaves on the ground and some still have their colours.

The autumn colours this year have been extra good because of the good rains we have had.

The pretty pink colours

and the bright yellows as above.

The above flowers were blowing in the wind today

The bees are kept very busy getting the nectar from these flowers.

This is a rose growing in our garden. It also has a lovely perfume.

That's all for now,

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T07:34:00.009+10:00

This is a knitted rabbit I recently put together. It is from a pattern I have had for many years.

This is a Bilby puppet I have made. In Australia the Bilby is an endangered marsupial and is promoted as an alternative to the rabbit at Easter time.

I wish everyone a happy Easter with family and friends.

That's all for now,

Pretty in pink

2011-03-30T14:06:00.008+11:00

I saw this dilly bag by Judith Tetley featured in a Handmade Magazine and I remembered about some pink fabric I had in my stash so I thought I would make it.

I had enough fabric left over so I decided to make a pincushion, scissor keep and needle case. There is a tutorial to make the needle case on Khristina's blog www.sewprimkhris.blogspot.com/

That's all for now,

A lovely morning today

2011-02-24T19:00:00.006+11:00

This morning I went for a walk around the area I live. There is always a view of the Dandenong Ranges with the TV towers.

The frond of this fern is slowly opening.

This Just Joey Rose looked lovely in the sun light.

The red bottle brush always makes a nice display when in flower.

This rainbow lorrikeet was taking a rest from enjoying the nectar of the flowers on the Banksia bush.

That's all for now,

Hearts

2011-02-14T13:22:00.003+11:00

I found this fabric amongst my stash and decided to make a bag with it. The hearts are an appropriate theme for Valentine's Day.

That's all for now,

Australia Day

2011-01-26T16:33:00.002+11:00

Today is Australia Day. It is a day when people celebrate by spending time with friends and relatives and enjoying barbecues etc. We went to Yarra Glen a little tourist township which has a lot of cafes, gift and antique shops. We enjoyed a nice afternoon tea there.

I made a blue (Aussie slang for mistake) in forgetting to take my camera with me so no pictures of today. Instead I have uploaded a couple of pictures of my Kangaroo Paws plants. You can see why they are called Kangaroo Paws as when the flowers open they look like paws.

Until next time,

First post for 2011

2011-01-19T17:30:00.006+11:00

Queensland and Victoria have suffered terrible floods and there have also been some in New South Wales and Tasmania. These are some healing heart blocks waiting to be stitched. They will be a contribution to making quilts for the ones who have lost so much as a result. My thoughts are with those who have suffered.

Looking around our garden I noticed that our gardenia bushes covered in flowers. They have done well this year and the perfume is an extra bonus.

This geranium is a favourite of mine. It always has plenty of blooms.

That's all for now,
P.S Thanks Vickie for reminding me what year it is!

Happy Christmas to everyone!

2010-12-24T14:04:00.003+11:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Blessed Christmas. This is one of the Christmas Cards from the Make a Wish Foundation.

Finished for Christmas!

2010-12-17T13:33:00.004+11:00

I started this St. Nicholas many years ago, stitching done waiting to be finished. It was featured in an American Patchwork and Quilting magagzine and was designed by Cindy Taylor. I chose a different border for my wall hanging.

This table runner is another project that has waited to be finished. I changed the border because I wanted to use the Christmas lights fabric. This was featured in an Australian Handmade magazine and was designed by Joy White. There are a couple of additions of my own as well.

That's all for now,

A Day in Melbourne

2010-12-10T18:27:00.006+11:00

The flags were flying for Oprah. The City was full of people today.

I always enjoy walking through the arcades. This time of year they are decorated with everything Christmas.

A close up of a Christmas Wreath.

There were people everywhere today. It seems the Christmas rush has come early this year.

There were four of these jokers above this shop.

The poinsettias always add lots of colour this time of year.

I saw these pretty flowers in a bucket outside one of the shops.

I managed to get some of my Christmas shopping done.

Until next time,

My walk yesterday

2010-12-01T19:24:00.008+11:00

Yesterday I went for a walk along the Warburton Trail, this time I started at Woori Yallock and walked to a place called Launching Place and then returned to Woori Yallock.

There was a lot to see along this track.

The sheep looked content in their fields

and one who thought the grass was greener over the other side of the fence!

We have had lots of rain during winter and spring and it is nice to see some water lying around.

This bird was taking a rest on the post.

I was not the only one walking yesterday!

It was nice to see a couple of deer in the fields.

Also some emus!

and an ostrich!

and a goat.

There were plenty of hay stacks in the fields and it was interesting to see how this farmer piled his hay with the help of his tractor.

It was a very enjoyable day walking along the track. A lovely sunny day.

That's all for now,

Warrandyte

2010-11-27T14:25:00.017+11:00

Recently I visited Warrandyte and this is one of the lovely bush walks you can enjoy.

These are some of the relics of the gold mining era. There are a lot dotted around the hills of Warrandyte. Not much gold was found in the hills but it was not for lack of trying!

The Yarra River is flowing well after all the lovely rain we have had recently.

While I was walking on the pathway beside the river I saw this bird drying his wings with the help of the breeze.

This duck looks as though it has had enough of the water!

The duck eventually found an 'island' in the middle of the river to take a rest.

On my walk along the river bank I came across this piece of art work.

This year with all the rain we have had the grass has been a lush green quite a change from the last few years.

A couple of closeups of the tiles.

Warrandyte is a lovely tourist village with lots of lovely shops and restaurants and a quilt shop!

That's all for now,

A visit to Mornington Peninsula

2010-10-14T19:42:00.009+11:00

We had a quick trip to Mornington last week-end.

It was a lovely warm day of around 25c and everyone was out enjoying themselves with various activities

There were quite a few bathing sheds along the shore line and the owners had taken some time and effort to decorate them.

Each one had a distinctive style.

Most kept to a nautical theme.

The lady on this next bathing box has lost the bottom part of her legs!

All these well maintained bathing sheds brighten up the beach with their lovely bright colours.

A couple of sea gulls resting and enjoying the sun.

That's all for now,

Spring time etc.

2010-09-22T14:49:00.008+10:00

This bee looks as though he wants to bury himself in the Banksia flower.

The Spring flowers have been lovely this year due to the good rainfalls we have had.

I was surprised to see this possum on the side of the footpath when I was out on one of my walks. Usually possums are nocturnal creatures.

Play time!

2010-08-30T07:58:00.006+10:00

Yesterday some juvenile King Parrots visited our garden. This one still has not lost his green feathers.

This King Parrot is showing more of his lovely red/orange colours.

This King Parrot has taken a liking to the blossom on our almond tree!

The King Parrot has striking colours and brightens up a dull day.

Bears in the Heavens

2010-08-24T20:16:00.005+10:00

I was very happy to hear that this quilt had arrived at its' destination. It had to travel all the way to England. I made this quilt for another one of my daughter's friends who had just given birth to a lovely baby boy. The quilt is called Bears in the Heavens and the designer is Dorothy Clark from Chocolate Coated.

More sewing done

2010-08-15T13:12:00.002+10:00

This is another bag I have made. This one is called Nellie's Sewing Bag and is a Rosalie Quinlan Design. This bag will be very handy as it is four large pockets inside.

My walk today

2010-07-25T19:26:00.005+10:00

Today was a lovely winter's day with sunshine. It was ideal for a walk. The weather bureau had predicted rain!

It was nice to see some water laying on the ground. Much different to summer when it is so dry.

The clouds were big and fluffy and the reflection of the sun made them stand out.

A vew of the Dandenong Ranges. In the background you can see the television towers.

It is the time when the lovely wattle trees are in bloom.

A pair of Galahs were sitting high in the gumtree. They are such a pretty pink colour.

My walk last week continued

2010-07-19T15:17:00.007+10:00

These are some more of the photos I took on my walk along the Warburton Railway walking path.

On this particular stretch of the path they were doing some maintenance work.

I was lucky to see this Yellow-breasted Robin. The robin kept still long enough for me to take the picture.

The grape vines have lost their colourful leaves.

It is always a very pleasant time spent walking along the path with different things to see.

The remains of an old tree. Still interesting to look at.

My walk last week

2010-07-13T19:16:00.009+10:00

This is the remains of the Seville Railway Station which was part of the line that ran from Lilydale to Warburton. The old railway line has been made into a recreational walking/bike path for the public to use.

A couple of buildings that have seen better days.

It was a chilly day and walking is just the thing to warm you up!

Two horses resting

The birds make use of the remainder of these trees for their habitat,

The trunks of the trees are all shedding their bark.

I will have more pictures in my next post.

Winter

2010-06-29T10:19:00.004+10:00

Yesterday we had some sunshine and I was able to take this photo outside. Today it is raining so I picked the right day! This year we are having a much colder winter with lots of rain. The last few years have been much milder!
I made this tote using Khristina's tutorial. It can be found at http://http://www.sewprimkhris.blogspot.com/ It is a great freebie.

Autumn

2010-05-31T19:57:00.009+10:00

These are the berries of the lilly pilly tree. These berries make wonderful jam.

A new bloom on the hydrangea bush

and on the same plant older blooms that have changed to their autumn
tones.

The above are some of the lovely Autumn colours we have enjoyed this year.

The Japanese Maple in it's Autumn colours.

Coming home from my walk today I ventured into Oak Lane.
A lovely group of oak trees.

Finally finished...

2010-05-16T14:09:00.007+10:00

This bag has been sitting around waiting for me to sew on the button. I am pleased to say that it is finished now. The Baseco Mahal Kita Tote Bag was designed by Dawn Hay and all the proceeds go to Missionaries Mark and Christine Pedder to further their work in helping the poor in Baseco, Manila.

Anzac Day

2010-04-25T07:38:00.007+10:00

The above are pictures of a sunrise we experienced this week. Lovely colours and when the show was over the sky was grey again until the sun decided to come out later in the morning.

It is Anzac Day today and is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War 1. It now broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations. Lest we forget.

Table Centrepiece

2010-04-09T13:44:00.004+10:00

This is a Table Centrepiece that I have recently made. The pattern came from a book called From the Heart by Natalie Bird. There are a lot more items in this book that I would like to make in the future.

Easter

2010-04-01T19:00:00.006+11:00

It is Easter time again. This year I decided to make some fabric eggs using the Retro Mama Tutorial. I do not have many decorations relating to Easter. They make a lovely decoration for my lounge room. Eggs are a sign of new life and all it has to offer and it is also the time to remember the true meaning of Easter.

Another Bag...

2010-03-14T22:26:00.002+11:00

I cannot believe how the time has gone by since I last posted. I made this Japanese Chirimen Bag for a friend. I have had the pattern for a long time and thought it was about time I used it! I plan to make myself one too.

Another Heart for Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T07:40:00.011+11:00

I made this heart block using a few strips from my smaller pieces of pink fabric. I chose the black background to make the pinks "sparkle". Now I have to decide what I will do with this block.

I found a tutorial via http://http//www.freebiesforcrafters.blogspot.com/ that Jacquie from http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/ made available for any one to do. They are both great sites to visit.

From my Garden.......

2010-02-10T19:40:00.008+11:00

This is one of the flowers on our pink hibiscus plant. Quite a few years ago we gave my mother a pink hibiscus plant and this flower is from a plant my mother grew from a cutting.
This is a picture of one of our pink dahlia flowers. They always look so pretty.
Here are some of the fruit of our tomatoberry plants. Every day there are more to pick from the bushes. These tiny tomatoes are a strawberry shape hence the name tomatoberry. These plants were a new variety out this summer. There is nothing like a fresh tomato straight from the garden. They are delicious!

The fluted bowl holding the tomatoberries is one of my mother's and of course is now one of my treasures.

Full Moon and reflection of a Sunset

2010-02-02T07:02:00.006+11:00

Last Saturday at dusk I noticed the full moon.

This is how it looked later when it was night time.

Our house is built on a steep block so we do not get to see a sunset. Sometimes we get to see the reflection of the sunset on the trees. The reflection of the sunset puts a pink glow on the trees around us.

Noah and Friends Quilt finished

2010-01-27T19:13:00.004+11:00

This is what I have been working on the last few months and I am glad to say it is now finished. I made the quilt for one of my daughter's girlfriend's newborn son. We visited today for afternoon tea and to give them the quilt. He is such a beautiful baby boy.

A new year begins.....

2010-01-01T07:36:00.006+11:00

Every morning is the start of a new day and sometimes there is a beautiful sunrise to enjoy.

Every rainbow is special and when it appears it is always new.

These photos I took recently. Today we have grey skies and it has been raining overnight. After having two extremely hot and dry days the rain has been a blessing.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope that 2010 brings contentment and peaceful times ahead.

Christmas Time

2009-12-25T08:30:00.006+11:00

This is a very special Angel. It was made by my daughter when she was in kindergarten (5 years old) and has been on the very top of our Christmas Tree every year since! Notice the pink hair. The boys made angels too but their angels' hair was blue!

This is my cup cake stand. My son gave me a copy of a recipe for chocolate crackles (an Australian favourite) so I thought I would make some this Christmas, not that we needed another sweet treat added to what I have already made!

The candlestick cactus. Lovely colours. This cactus always flowers in December around Christmas time.

My Christmas plate. I wish everyone a happy Christmas enjoyed with family and friends.

This Angel I found at a fete. Someone had decided that they no longer needed the Angel so it was there for me to buy and take home and treasure. It hangs every year over the entrance to our lounge room doors.

My new Angel. I saw this Angel and I thought she would be a lovely addition to our Christmas Tree. I do not think you can have enough Angels!

Another favourite of mine are birds. This one is a pretty gold colour.

Another bird! The pretty pink colour took my eye.

Blinky Bill the Koala (an Australian fictional character). I bought this ornament a few years ago.

Christmas Fun

2009-12-23T18:37:00.003+11:00

I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of a giveaway by Lyn Briggs from Moore Patchwork and Quilting of one of her patterns called Christmas Fun. Two nice little quilts for me to make. Thanks Lyn!

A bit of this and a bit of that

2009-11-23T11:15:00.005+11:00

I have a love of all birds, and the owls are no exception. I just had to make this owl when I saw the pattern in a magazine.

These are a couple of my azaleas that were out in bloom this year. They make a pretty display every year.

This pink fuscia is also a favourite of mine. So petite and still adding colour to the garden.

This close up photo is part of a planting our local council did. The polyanthus make a wonderful display.

A Cup Day Fete in the Dandenongs

2009-11-03T13:13:00.014+11:00

The Melbourne Cup, a horse race is held in Melbourne, Victoria on the first Tuesday in November each year. Cup Day is a nominated public holiday in Victoria, Australia.

Every Cup Day we like to go to the Anglican Church Fete at Kalorama in the Dandenongs. There are plenty of pre- loved items to buy as well as books, plants, conserves and cakes. Devonshire Tea and the sausage sizzle are available.
The trash and treasure is very popular and a lot of wheeling and dealing is done by the prospective buyers. All in all it is a very enjoyable time spent at this fete.

Tip toe through the tulips........

2009-10-16T10:42:00.013+11:00

The above are some close up pictures of a few of the lovely tulips and one of the windmills at the Tesselaar Tulip Farm.

Everyone working at the Tesselaar Tulip Farm is dressed in national costume. The day I visited was the start of all the lovely rain we have had falling in Victoria. The colourful umbrellas brighten up the dull day.

As you can see all the fields are covered by the colour of the tulips. The lady walking beside the tulips reminds me of Sunbonnet Sue!

During the months of September and October the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is held each year at Silvan in the Dandenongs. The day I visited the festival it started to rain. It did not dampen the spirits of the visitors. There is lots to see and is well worth a visit.

Some more sewing done

2009-09-19T14:44:00.004+10:00

There was a bag featured in the Creating Country Threads Magazine Volume 10 No 1 which I liked so much I thought I would make it! The designer is Liz Stanway of Teddlywinks. I did made the bag a little bigger, put a box bottom at the base of the bag and also put three teddy bear buttons on the bag instead of yo-yo flowers.

The teddy bear I made a few years ago and he usually sits on the top of our piano in the lounge room.

My walk yesterday

2009-09-05T14:11:00.003+10:00

Yesterday I went on a lovely walk. It is so pretty this time of year (Spring). I went passed a couple of ducks who had just had a swim and saw some lovely wattle blossom on the way.

More Spring flowers, bag and purse finished

2009-08-30T13:31:00.009+10:00

The first picture is the blossom of our miniature peach tree. As well as the blossom it also produces nice peaches to eat. The second is of some of our daffodils that have just bloomed.

The third picture is of a bag I have recently made. I saw this bag in a Homespun Magazine Handbag Special and knew I would have to make it as I liked it so much. There were two ways of making up the bag: as Lyria's Day Out Bag or Evening Bag (the one I selected). The fourth picture is a purse I made. I had enough material left over after making the bag to make a small purse to go accompany it. The bag was designed by Leoni Wainwright and Libby Celli-Bird of Gingham Collection.

Another visit.....

2009-08-29T10:51:00.009+10:00

Yesterday we visited Churinga Cafe again. My Mum just loves going there and seeing the birds (or their shapes as she does not have good eye sight). We went there as my daugthter and son wanted to treat her to afternoon tea for her 94th birthday which she will celebrate in September. It was a lovely sunny day. We enjoyed ourselves in very pleasant surroundings.

I took some more pictures. The Kookaburra is named "Fathead" There were King Parrots visiting. Their colours are spectacular.

A sign that Spring is coming and my Book Jacket

2009-08-10T10:48:00.012+10:00

Blossom on our almond tree tells us that Spring is not that far away. The flowers on the gum trees have long gone and the gum nuts are left decorating the tree.

My husband has a leather book jacket for the book he is reading and I thought I would like one to protect my books whilst reading them and I made myself one out of some of my oriental fabric. Although the idea came from his book jacket I made mine in my own style to suit my needs.

Visiting the Fitzroy Gardens

2009-07-14T18:28:00.012+10:00

Recently I visited the Fitzroy Gardens. It was lovely to see the avenues of trees and all the wonderful plants still there in spite of the long drought we have been experiencing over 12 years now. It is nice place to take a walk. It is a popular venue for weddings as one of the picture tells.

2009-07-14T17:11:00.015+10:00

Captain James Cook's Cottage is a popular destination for people to come and visit. Captain James Cook was a world famous explorer and discovered the east coast of Australia. The cottage originally stood on the extremity of Great Ayton in the County of Yorkshire.

The cottage was a gift from Russell Grimwade. It was dismantled and shipped to Victoria in 1933 and arrived in 1934 and has been in the Fitzroy Gardens for 75 years. More about the cottage can be found at
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=39&pg=4390

2009-07-14T16:54:00.007+10:00

Another attraction at the Fitzroy Gardens is the Tudor Village. I took a picture of the sign explaining how it came to be given to The City of Melbourne.

2009-07-14T15:31:00.008+10:00

It certainly brought back childhood memories of visiting the Fairy Tree. Unfortunately today it is a tall stump but the art work on the Fairy Tree has been restored so that children can still visit and enjoy it. I hope the close up pictures do it justice.

It is the work of East Melbourne sculptor Ola Cohn. It was done during the years of 1931-34.

My post for June

2009-06-21T13:48:00.004+10:00

I decided to use some of my 1930s fabrics to make this Bookkeeper. It was a good way to try some of the embroidery stitches on my sewing machine. I omitted the applique flower as I thought the fabrics were pretty on their own.

The pattern can be found at http://www.modabakeshop.com/

Views of the Yarra Valley

2009-05-30T10:35:00.003+10:00

The Yarra Valley is a lovely area to visit at any time. Autumn time is especially a wonderful time as there are always carpets of colour over the hills where the vineyards are.

2009-05-30T10:18:00.003+10:00

Some people collect rustic things like above. Lucky for them they have a big space to keep them!

Another bag...

2009-05-23T11:01:00.007+10:00

This is another bag I have made. It is a Melly and Me pattern that I found in a Handmade Magazine.

Autumn once again

2009-05-12T19:42:00.014+10:00

The majority of the above pictures were taken at the Pirianda Gardens which is at Olinda in the Dandenongs. It is always enjoyable visiting this garden especially in the Autumn season. There are quite a few pathways to walk along and there are quite a variety of plants which are all individually named.

The second picture is a flower of the Bees Gees Hydrangea. The third picture is of a lovely coloured toadstool. Nice to look at but very poisonous! The last picture is was taken along the main road on my way to the Pirianda Gardens.

Knitting.....

2009-05-03T11:46:00.009+10:00

Here are the squares I made for Wrapped in Love in answer to a request by Lyn from
http://moorepatchwork.typepad.com/moore_patchwork_quilting/
The squares will be used to make blankets for the bush fire victims.
They were so easy to do in the evening watching TV.

Anzac Day

2009-04-25T16:53:00.003+10:00

I cannot let the day end without mentioning Anzac Day. We remember those that lost their lives in the service of their country. We also remember our troops serving our country today and those who have lost their lives in recent times. Lest we forget.

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T07:28:00.006+10:00

It is Easter Saturday in Australia. I made Hot Cross Buns and some raisin bread yesterday on Good Friday as I usually do each year.

The picture is of an Easter Penny Mat I have made. I did not have any Easter decorations and I liked this pattern I discovered in a Homespun Magazine. It is a Robin Kingsley design.

Quilt Top

2009-03-22T14:54:00.004+11:00

This is a quilt top I have put together. Next step is to baste and quilt it. I am going to donate it to the bushfire victims appeal.

The pattern was in Keepsake Quilting Quick Gifts supplement included with a Fons & Porter's Magazine.

The Flowering Gums

2009-03-19T10:52:00.004+11:00

It has been quite a hot summer here in Victoria. A lot of the plants were certainly punished. On Black Saturday the 7th February a lot of our plants' leaves were burnt. The flowering gum trees were an exception and thrived in the heat. There were a lot more flowering gum trees actually out in bloom this year. The bees took advantage of the nectar. The photos show just a few of the lovely colours we have enjoyed this summer.

Here is a poem taken from the Australian Flower Fairy Verse Birthday Book

Gum Trees

What does a gum tree look like
In the snow it's small with coloured branches
In the forests it is straight and tall.
Along the river banks
the red gums own
the secret world
that water birds call home.

One thing each gum tree has
wherever it may grow
are thousands of scented flowers
from white to red
offering their sweet honey
till all the birds are fed.

Margaret Thornton

Visitors to our garden

2009-02-16T14:07:00.005+11:00

We usually get a few different species of birds visiting our garden. The bush fires have meant that we have been getting more than usual this last week. My husband had put out some fresh seeds and our visitors have taken advantage of that. These Rainbow Lorikeets have also enjoyed eating some of the last of the apples on our apple tree! They also took advantage of the bird baths we filled up for them.

Valentine's Day in Australia

2009-02-14T10:23:00.008+11:00

It is Valentine's Day in Australia. This is a mini quilt I did using a pattern from a Quiltmaker Magazine. The heart was foundation pieced. The quilt measures 4 inches by 4 inches.

In Australia we are trying to come to terms with the loss of human life and animal life which was caused by the fires that ravaged Victoria. Australians have opened their hearts to the victims of the fires and over 80 million dollars has been donated to the bush fire appeal. It is a little surreal being able to go about our daily life knowing others have been so affected by the fires.

Heavy hearts.....

2009-02-09T10:32:00.004+11:00

Here in Victoria, Australia we all have heavy hearts and feel for the people in the fire stricken areas. No words can express the immense sorrow for those who are suffering. Kinglake and Marysville are not that far away from where I live. Each place has its special quality.
Marysville was such a quaint little town. It was raised in the fire. Last time I went there was at Christmas time. This is one picture I took. It is not that good with the reflection of the glass. This is a picture of the window of the Christmas Shop. There were so many little shops in this town. They all had their distinct character. I just cannot believe they are not there now.
The fire fighters have a real battle on their hands and have done a marvellous job in the circumstances.

A postcript to the above. I learned from the newspapers today that the owner of the Christmas Shop and her husband have been listed as missing. Their three children are safe. Our prayers go out to their family and all the other families struggling with the enormity of these fires that are raging across Victoria at this time.

Another finish.....

2009-02-04T13:27:00.002+11:00

I had wanted to make this fabric basket for some time. You can look at this tutorial by Pink Penguin at

http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html

I used some of my Australian flora fabric. In fact I made two fabric baskets! I enjoyed making the fabric baskets and I found this tutorial very easy to follow.

Australia Day Weekend

2009-01-25T15:07:00.016+11:00

It is Australia Day on the 26th January so it is a public holiday which makes for a three day weekend. A majority of people will head down to the beach and enjoy themselves or take the opportunity of having a barbeque etc. and meet up with family and friends.

Recently I went to the Churinga Cafe which is at Mt. Dandenong and opposite the William Ricketts Santuary. The Santuary is a very special place. William Ricketts was a sculptor. I first went to the santuary in the late 1960's. William Ricketts had a special love of the Australian bush and the animals such as the Lyre bird and Possum. He also had a spiritual connection and respect of the land as the Australian Aborigines. I was fortunate when I went to the Sanctuary sometimes he would come out and speak to the crowd gathered there about the protection of the bush and all the creatures. His sculptures depict Aborigines and also I think himself as a young man.

The photos are ones I have taken at the Churinga Cafe where they have some of William Ricketts sculptures. There are many more at the Sanctuary of course.

The Churinga Cafe has a lot of Crimson Rosellas and also the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos who visit and take advantage of the seeds which are put out for them to eat!

The William Ricketts Santuary is a very special place and if you ever have the opportunity to visit you will not be disappointed.

Here is a site which tells you more about William Ricketts and the sanctuary http://teachit.acreekps.vic.edu.au/cyberfair2002/Williamrickettssanctuary.htm

Two pinks today

2009-01-14T14:20:00.003+11:00

I have at last finished this pincushion. I like doing this bargello work. I have made quite a few of these pincushions. This one was for me but my daughter asked me if she could have it! Oh well, now to make another one this time for myself.

2009-01-14T14:13:00.006+11:00

These are some of the galahs around our area. They are so pretty with their pink and grey colours.

Visitors to our place

2009-01-06T16:06:00.013+11:00

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree.
merry merry King of the bush is he,
laugh kookaburra laugh, kookaburra
gay your life must be.

Marion Sinclair

We have had some visitors to our place the last few weeks. These Kookaburras are very friendly indeed and love to be fed a little mince meat. I think we are a designated stop on their trip they have around our neighbourhood. They do not get fed every time as we think they should look for food themselves.

As this is my first post for 2009 I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year with joy happiness and peaceful times.

A Christmas Colour.....

2008-12-22T13:21:00.003+11:00

The Poinsetta is a gift my daughter is giving my mother for Christmas. My mother is deaf and is legally blind. We think she should be able to see the lovely colours of this plant and brighten up her Christmas.

The Christmas wall hanging has been waiting around a while to be finished and finally this Christmas I have put it together at last!! The pattern is an Australian design by Pat Weir-Smith from Western Australia.

Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree.....

2008-12-19T12:38:00.003+11:00

The Christmas Tree in the City of Melbourne.

2008-12-19T12:12:00.005+11:00

In Melbourne each Christmas the retail firm Myer Emporium always has its' windows decorated for people to come and see. This time it is a Christmas theme. They have based it on the book "How Santa Really Works" by Alan Snow. It is always very popular as shown by the queue of people going passed the windows.

Rain, rain and more rain

2008-12-14T14:16:00.017+11:00

Yesterday I went to the City of Melbourne with my daughter. It just happened to be the day that was the wettest day in Melbourne for two and a half years!! Fortunately we did not get wet and there was plenty of cover from the rain and all our time was taken up looking for Christmas presents in the shops.

The rain is a blessing as it has been very dry and we have not had good rains to fill up the dams for such a long time.

We stopped for a coffee in the Royal Arcade to rest our legs after doing some of our shopping. I noticed this lolly stand - very sweet treats indeed!!

We went to China Town where we had a lovely lunch. The pictures show how wet it was!!

A bag I have made.....

2008-11-30T14:12:00.003+11:00

Recently I purchased fabric depicting the Australian Blue Wren. It is one of my favourite Australian birds. My niece also likes this bird and I made this bag for her for Christmas.

It is such a tiny bird and has such lovely vibrant blue colours. Such a delight!

At last.....

2008-11-07T14:45:00.003+11:00

At last I have put the borders on and completed the funky flowers quilt top. I am going to do some embelleshments to the flowers before I get it ready to quilt it.

The last of the wattle blooms

2008-11-06T14:48:00.003+11:00

There are quite a few different wattles. Here are two more

Some more pictures of Spring

2008-11-06T13:57:00.005+11:00

It has been a lovely time of year with pleasant warm sunny days.

Melbourne Town Today

2008-09-27T16:04:00.007+10:00

The Royal Melbourne Show is on as is the Australian Rules Football Grand Final. The teams who are in the grand final are Geelong (known as 'The Cats') and Hawthorn (known as 'The Hawks'). I had to show this picture of a couple of Geelong fans dressed up for the match. The wording on the back of the fans is "Look what the Cats dragged in".

P.S. to the above. Hawthorn won the Grand Final. Commiserations to Geelong.

2008-09-27T15:56:00.001+10:00

Melbourne is a very busy place today. There are a lot of people who have taken advantage of the beautiful weather (28c) to take a cruise up and down the Yarra River and alternatively stroll along Southbank and enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes.

2008-09-27T15:40:00.006+10:00

Today I went to the the City of Melbourne and met up with my daughter to do some shopping and generally enjoy looking at the shops in the lovely arcades. There are some interesting gift shops and of course I visited the fabric shops as well. I would like to share some pictures I took when walking around the Southbank area.

The Colours of Spring

2008-09-20T15:22:00.003+10:00

This year the spring blossoms have been lovely. Here are some pictures I have taken. The wattle blossoms remind me of fingers.

My Mum's big day

2008-09-20T10:29:00.000+10:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

It was a grey, grey dull day

2008-09-09T20:10:00.003+10:00

We decided to go on the new freeway to Frankston and then we travelled on to Rosebud West where there was a lovely patchwork and embroidery shop called The Needlery. It was a treat to look through all the lovely fabric and patterns. I ended up buying another Bronwyn Hayes book and some fabric.

We had lunch at a bakery and then had a look at the beach area. The sun tried to come out but there was too much cloud cover. It was a mild day and there was no cool wind blowing.

We will be taking another trip down Frankston way as there are a couple more patchwork and embroidery shops for me to visit. That is a good reason isn't it?

At last I have put the blocks together.....

2008-09-06T10:50:00.003+10:00

Here are the flower blocks sewn together at long last.

I have decided on the fabric for the border. Still have some funky blocks to do as well. All takes time.

I would like to share.......

2008-06-19T14:40:00.003+10:00

One of the things I like to do is to visit op-shops and see if there are any treasures for me to buy. One day I went and found a book called Australian Flower Fairy Verse Birthday Book by Margaret Thornton. It has been well used as there are plenty of scribbles and names in the appropriate pages and one of the front pages has been torn so it shows me that it has been a much loved book. The pages which contain the verses and pictures are still in good condition. The Common Pink Heath is the flower emblem for the State of Victoria and I would like to share the following poem with you:

Those brilliant hoods of startling pink
springing on wild slopes and by the brink
of paths, are bells no human hears -
they only chime for fairy ears.
When tired of listening to the chimes,
fairies wear them as hats sometimes.
And if a spell was cast on you,
you'd hear pink heath's bells tinkling too,
as fairies shake them in their secret dells -
those tiny bonnets, those silent bells.

Cecilia Egan

My Day Out!

2008-06-13T13:54:00.003+10:00

On Wednesday I went to a Stitchery Day. It was at The Patchwork Tea House in Warburton. Altogether fifteen ladies were in attendance. We were given two stitcheries to do. The theme of the day was cup cakes. Very popular at present.

High Tea was provided, such yummy food. It was a lovely day filled with lots of chattering and laughter and a good time was had by all. Marilyn and Gary the owners of The Patchwork Tea House were as always very welcoming.

The Patchwork Tea House is always a lovely venue to go to. I cannot wait until the next time I visit The Patchwork Tea House. good food, lovely fabric and gifts to buy!!

More Funky Blocks....

2008-06-01T14:24:00.004+10:00

I have made these blocks with different background colours so that they can interact with each other. I plan to make 16 blocks in total.

My quilt will have a different look to the quilt in the magazine. Different colours and will be bigger as there will be more blocks. (The quilt in the magazine uses 6 blocks in total.)

Experimenting with different colours is what I like to do; putting my own interpretation on a certain theme.

Last day of Autumn.....

2008-05-31T10:41:00.010+10:00

This is the last day of our Autumn. Melbourne in Autumn is lovely in all her colours.

The tonings brighten up what is sometimes a dull day.

Nature in all her glory.

Disappearing nine patch

2008-05-30T15:39:00.004+10:00

I was given some squares of material by the lady who is in charge of the gift quilts in one of the guilds I belong to so that I could sew them up and make a quilt top. I decided to sew them together using the disappearing nine patch technique. This is just one way of putting the finished blocks together.

Anzac Day

2008-04-25T15:49:00.004+10:00

Today is the 93rd Anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli and honour those who have fought since.

Today we took my mother for a drive to see my son's house and had morning tea there. I took along a tin of Anzac Biscuits. We all enjoyed them and the tin I will use for my threads.

My father was a soldier during the Second World War and completed the embroidery in Tobruk where he was hospitalised for a month with knee problems.

Smokey smokey Dandenong Ranges

2008-04-25T15:43:00.004+10:00

The authorities have been burning off for a number of days now. The smoke has lingered as there is not much wind, ideal for burning off.

The pictures were taken as the sun rose in the morning. The sun was an eerie red colour caused by the smoke from the fire. The camera did not really capture the colour it was.

Blueberries, blueberries

2008-03-31T19:53:00.004+11:00

Last Friday it was a cool and sunny day. Much to good to stay at home. We decided to go on a pleasant drive to Healesville. We visited the Badger Creek Blueberry Farm Cafe. This was not our first visit.

We enjoyed a scrumptious afternoon tea consisting of blueberry muffins and also a nice cup of coffee.

We all agreed it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Sunday and Monday I went on a long walk. My penance for eating a blueberry muffin!

And here are the blocks!

2008-03-26T19:54:00.001+11:00

I had a lovely time making up these two blocks