Phuket Christmas

A Christmas Tree Quilt in Buderim  made by my Mum

Merry  Christmas to you all. I hope you all had a wonderful festive day. Ours was rather an  un orthodox and definitely non traditional. We went to Phuket this Christmas, had a top time and celebrated our 17yr old graduating high school and being accepted into 'Uni for 2012.  We couldn't be more proud or happy for her.

So off we went to Thailand and had a great time, shopped till we dropped all came home with a top tan and had loads of facials and Massages. Even Hubby, poor guy stuck with all these females, who love to shop etc.

 Here is Miss 14 with a Pineapple fruit cocktail for like $5.00........ sooo cool. Oh and i cut her hair off whilst we there.... her request and its now 6" shorter.

We went Elephant trekking and had the best morning ever the elephants were so loved and well treated by there handlers, we all got to sit up front and ride........... more pics to come. I just love this photo of them. I have taken a pic of the original hence the large white spot. But I figured you would all forgive me.
So I hope you are all relaxed and looking toward 2012 with happy hearts and a lovely list of to do's for the coming year.
so sending all my love and hugs to you all.
xx
Stacey

Just having a go.

Back with label built in.

Well the binding is done and whilst I don't love this quilt it has come up quite nicely. I am happy with the quilting. This year has been really wonderful for me. I have become excited and passionate about fabric and sewing again. Whilst  I haven't hit my strides I feel more comfortable just getting on with giving a pattern a go, instead of being to afraid of ruining that gorgeous fabric. With this quilt I bought the fabric and cut it up all in the same week or month. This is very unlike me, I still have wonderful Robyn Pandorf fabric from 10 years ago, that I havent been able to cut up.  A job for 2012.
So thanks again to the world of blogging and a few of my friends who are quilters that inspire me to have a go.......


Happy sewing
Stacey.

Sew Mama Sew

Front

Back

Inside with 3 pockets for cards n stuff.

Well I sat up last night making this great little bag to put in the Sew Mama Sew give-away that's on at the moment. Well after much fluffing about this morning I still could not link up and I am so not tech savvy. Anyway I have gifted it to myself, this new cool little bag for my summer holiday. I only need some local currency, my phone or camera and my hotel key. Phuket here I come.
When the silly season is done and I dont have a million things going on I will be able to work it out for the next give away.
Anyway what do you think of my little bag, wallety thing? Pattern by Valeri Wells .

Cheers Stacey

Slippers with Soul

 Recently I was looking though a few old mags and happily ripping out some patterns for one day I may have the time to make this lovely item, and came across this knitting pattern. Now I am not a knitter but my mum who lives in Goolwa Adelaide is. Mum meets with some ladies every fortnight, who live in retirement style living, maybe a little lonely for company and have time to explore there crafty side or learn a new skill. So mum has been gathering them together for some wonderful home baked goodness, and girlie time for many years. So I sent off this little Pattern to Mum for her and the ladies to test out. 
Now  Slippers with Soul maybe something you can recommend and pass onto your mum or a friend who may have a knitting passion and a soul for helping out others in our community. My Mum has made in 6 weeks  over 20 pairs and Mum tells me that 1 x 100gm ball makes 2 1/2 pairs of slippers, and she says even I could knit them. Well Mum that maybe a stretch but I love wearing them all the same. Maybe you have family in a nursing home who would love a pair for Christmas. Mum was an aged care Nurse for many years and she says they are perfect as the will stay on and not difficult to slip on someone's feet.

 thanks Mum my favourite colour too.

This is what they look like made up.

Thanks Mum I love them and thrilled you love them too.

Happy Knitting Stacey

Thank you.............

Denise Schmidt Fairground squares.

just needs the binding.

Its funny really, I love all the wonderful inspiration that I get from reading  all your blog's,  Your wonderful journey through your fabrics and crafting that is life, your family joys etc. But I hate that I lose so much time out of my days and nights cruising the blog world, secretly wishing I was half as talented as you, with all that time to sew, and complete projects. Wishing that i could stay at home 24/7 sewing. baking and being an awesome house keeper... ah der did I really say that... well I really want Alice Brady to live behind my kitchen and cook and clean and wash and look after my wonderful family. Ah well that fairy tale is not happening, at least not today.
So I am trying a new tact,  Rachel gave me her tip, stay away from the computer and sew for an hour every night. I know right I am a mother of teenagers this my mantra to them all the time. Keep off facebook and be time savvy. So I have been busy sewing and last night I put this quilt together and quilted her up last night and up again at 5.30 am finishing her off . I just need to do the hand sewing of the binding. Yeah so a big thank you to you all for being awesome and inspirational and pushing me on to sew  be creative and  happy.


Thank you
Stacey

duckie update

Just couldn't help myself but wanted to send you all a little Duckie afternoon photo. Still awaiting any brother or sister for this little bubba.
Once again I find myself home alone..... yippee so I have basted a quilt together have my machine ready and Mr Darcy on stand by... why that sounds rather odd but I think you know I mean Pride n Prej on the dvd...  see ya

Stacey

hexagons and new liife

 This morning I could hear the dog yapping and whining out near the chook house, and on investigating look who arrived during the night. We have been counting the days trying to work out when Mother duck started sitting and you know ducks are not very good sitters right? at least not the Jemima puddle duck variety, which is what our ducks are. Indian runners. So I have rescued this little ducky from the pond this morning as she hopped in and couldnt get out. Isnt he or she the cutest little thing?
So Mother is back on her nest this morning as there is one more egg to hatch so fingers crossed. Now the fun begins trying to keep the balance of nature......Snakes, foxes, dingos and puppy dogs at bay.

On the sewing front I have been back on the hexagons this week and thrilled to be finally on the borders. this long project has been neglected over the last few months but I totally love being able to sit and sew these as my time permits. you know I will still be posting about this quilt for the next 12 months. I don't see it finished any time soon unfortunately. I cant wait to make another out of a jelly roll instead of my scrap bag this time. Mind you I have bought  a number of fat quarters to add just the right shade of purple or yellow...........well you would have too I am sure.



I hope to have 2 duckies to show you tomorrow.
Happy Sewing Stacey

 

Winners are Grinners

 Okay the lucky winners of the fab Little Wallet by Valorie Wells are Christine and Lynda. I will get them off to you tomorrow so you girls can get sewing for Christmas. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. I am hoping I have fixed my little problem with comments so if you could leave me a line and say hi that would be great. I have been busy with life, so hope you are all well and sewing up a storm. The rain has finally arrived in Brisbane today so am grateful for a cooler night and some sewing time. I hope to have some finished projects to show you soon.


Cheers Stacey

The Winners will be sent the wallet and the pattern.

 

The Grinners in Times Square NYC

Giveaway

Am I out of touch? is there only 2 people that want my little giveaway? oh well such is life and those two ladies maybe the lucky two....if you would like a copy of this pattern and a little wallet to start you off please leave a comment below and become a friend of Circle Retreat Quilter (if you are not already of course). I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and  busy getting ready for the silly season with all that Christmas shopping and cooking, I hosted a pool party for 20 14yr old girls, and wrapped some Chrissie pressies.
 I am currently sitting in a hotel room in Inverell NSW and wondering if i am going to be able to continue on to Moree and Goondiwindi tomorrow due to flooding. I maybe be able to sit here and sew my hexagons for 24hours...whilst waiting for the waters to receed................ it sounds like an excellent plan.

Cheers Stacey

Giveaway Little Wallet

Well who would have thought it? My daughter says it's not cool to give teacher presents when your in high school. So what I am to do, but have a give away to you. I got busy this week and have made a few as you can see. I got all excited pulled out loads of fabric to mix it up and interchange some of the little inner pockets. Some have been allocated but for 2 lucky bloggy friends I am giving away the new Little Wallet Pattern by Valorie Wells and a little wallet to start off your gift giving, this Christmas.

Please leave me a comment below and become a friend of Circle Retreat quilter if you are not already. Id love it if you share with your friends my little giveaway and of course will send anywhere. Give away will be drawn next Wednesday Nov 30th, plenty of time to get your pattern and start sewing.
I hope you are having a great thanksgiving weekend to my friends in the States, and all the Aussies enjoying a bbq and a beer this weekend.
I am anxiously waiting to get my eldest girl home from schoolies tomorrow................... I have tried to be good and not call her to often and pump her for information and be Mrs 21 questions...  I have found it rather difficult.

Stay safe and have a great weekend

Stacey

Circle Retreat holiday bookings

Need a holiday

and a place with a view?

Pool and Spa a must?

Well if you haven't booked anywhere and are dreaming of a wonderful Christmas break. Come stay with us as it is nearly upon us and we still have vacancies.
As you know Circle Retreat is primarily a patchwork and craft retreat, and in the holiday time is when our retreat friends well.............. dont go on retreat. We would like to open the retreat up to you and your family. We can sleep up to 14, so if you want to have some friends or family join in we can accommodate. if you go to the link you can see the availability dates. We do require a minimum of 4 days at $250.00 per night its a bargin dont you think?. We are 10 mins to Maroochydore beaches and shopping or 3 mins to Buderim Village, also a hidden delight and don't forget the Eumundi Markets. Actually I had better get on and book my family in as I haven't been since I got back from Houston and deserve a few nights tucked away up there too. though some may disagree.
Leave me a comment below if you want me to hold some dates until you can confirm with me later. Or just leave me a hello so I know some reads my ramblings....



Happy stitching

Stacey

Block Party and Zakka Style

 Block Party is a lovely new book that I was given- yeah lucky me, when I was at the Houston Quilt Market last month. I love this book about 12 bloggy women from all over the world  and there quilt journey and the blocks that they all made for each other. Creating 12 wonderful modern quilts. I love all the quilts in this book but will show just a few favourites.

 

I am a fan of the wonky log cabin, I have made a few regular log cabins over the years. But I can't 

wait to hit my stash and make a wonky one. I love the colours of mid blues and oranges that make this quilt pop. I also love Profit margins shown here in a lovely mix of blues and reds. I think my mum would love this one too her colours. Its also set on the wonky side, I love that. 

Zakka Style is another great book I got to look through at market but it is not out yet. It has that modern twist on some old classic around the home useful items, using lots of linen and organic fabrics.

I have an old pair of linen pants in that lovely hessian colour that  I  bought from Country Road about 20 odd years ago, you know the ones with the high waist? I just couldn't  put them in the salvos bag. Well daughter no 1 went to a nineties party and went as Monica from Friends. She wore my old high waisted pants and I told her I had been thinking about chopping them up to use in a quilt. Well I think she has hidden them away for future use. My mum says there is nothing new under the sun, just like we wore her velvet stove pipe pants in the 80's. I love a good recycle it's kind of nice that she wanted to hang onto them. Look out for these two books in your local quilt store or ask for them to be ordered in for you. they come from Stash books.

Happy stitching

Stacey

 

 

Valori Wells Little Wallet

Little lovely Wallet.

 I have finally got some sewing done. I have been busting to make this little wallet. I picked up this pattern in New York last month, and have some extras coming so, watch this space.

 I have to find my little magnetic clasps to finish it completely, but i was busting to show you all. I also love Rosalie Quinlans little hexagon fabric, I wish i had bought more to back my hexie quilt when it finally get finished.

You know when you go to a special dinner or outing, Christmas party etc and you take your little special handbag? where do you put your drivers licence and credit card and cash? I don't know about you but my wallet would never fit in my numerous special bag's but my new little wallet is perfect. Great for my teenagers for the bus pass and school ID. I dont think I need to convince myself to make more. Teacher Present's done.

Happy Saturday and Happy Stitching
Stacey

Post from Houston

Well as you know I have been back a week from Houston and not sat at my machine once. I have my eldest daughter graduation from High school this week. So we have had graduation events and work has been crazy busy. I drove 3 hours each way to see a favourite client today, as I am not sure if I would get the time between now and Christmas. That's crazy busy isn't it? Or just plain Stupid.

Anyway much to my delight my box of fabric arrived and so here is the additions to my stash oh and others, like sista sue, and mumma bear. have they been naughty or nice? I cant wait to start on a new quilt but must finish a few before I start another.

"

Hope you are all busy making christmas goodies? I hope to sew this weekend fingers crossed.

Happy Stitching Stacey

Texas Quilt Museum

Proof that I made it to Texas. I have to pinch myself.

The wonderful wall of painted quilts.

  

Well Here I am  at the Texas Quilt Museum and our bus tour group were lucky enough to get a preview before the official opening that will  have happened after the Houston Festival. The quilts were lovely and all made in Texas over the last 25years. As you would expect we were not allowed to take photographs. So I had to be happy with the amazing painting of the quilts on the wall of the building. The Musem is in a little town called LeGrange. My suggestion is if someone put in a cafe opposite they would do a great trade and keep the husbands happy too.

Cheers Stacey

New York City Quilter

Well I spent a wonderful week in New York before heading to Houston and I thought I would share a little of this with you. I couldn't wait to seek out the New York City Quilt store and the new gallery attached to it. The Store is lovely and they had some great little treasures I had not seen before. So yes I had to buy some bits n bobs like a tiny olfa 7" x 5 1/2" cutting mat and a 4 1/2" square ruler. Great for all those little projects. I bought some lovely laminated fabric that I have a plan for so will show you that when I lay my hands on it. They also have this lovely fabric of the NY skyline and the subway map lines, very cool. All of this is in a box making its way here to Oz I hope. fingers crossed. For now here is some of the wonderful quilts from the Gallery. I completely forgot to take a photo of the store front.

The quilts were all made by the same designer, I am sorry that i didn't take down her name. they are stunning no?

More soon Stacey

Houston Quilt Market 2011 no1

 Well these are the ladies front and centre, that i told you about in my last post.Peggy, Mandy, Diane and Shirley, we waited in line together before Sample Spree for about 2 hours and then some. They shared there chocolate with me and we had lots of laughs. These girls gave the low down on where to go and where to avoid when we got into sample spree. all of these ladies are long arm quilters, but i am not sure about Peggy?

 just a small sample of people waiting to go into sample spree. Its like the amazing race of fabric-craft shopping with a 2 hour window of opportunity.

 These are just a preview of pics and are some of my favourites. gorgeous right?

This photo is from the Micheal Miller stand. I love the Red and white quilt on the back wall.
As you can tell i am a bit disorganised and about to rush out the door, for my first day back at the 9-5 job. I have to pay for this awesome trip, and all the shopping. that I did. I highly recommend you start saving up to go yourself for 2012.

have a great day Stacey

Houston Quilt Market and Festival 2011.

One thing I know for sure is we need to get more patriotic, there are American flags everywhere.

Hi, well I have been having a super time at Market and have met with some wonderful quilting ladies from all over the planet. As i am here on my own, it has allowed me to join in with others that maybe wouldn't have happened on my own. On my first night in Houston as I was waiting 3 hours sitting on the carpet to go into Sample spree 8pm till 10 pm was sample spree hours- i had nothing better to do really. I met up with these lovely ladies from Texas, we sat together on that carpet shared our quilting history, chocolate, why we were there etc. They pointed me in the direction of where to go and where not to go- avoid  Moda at all costs  as its a stampede. Of course i went to Moda i couldn't help myself. After nearly two hours i was exhausted but so excited about what I had bought, I found those gals again and we all did a show and tell, sitting on that carpet where we started. Thank you Peggy, Amanda, Shirley and...Of course Diane, Thanks for looking after me.
I have seen so many beautiful quilts and have enough photos to keep you all happy for the next year. I just don't seem to be able to post them now. I have so many stories and friends to introduce you all too. Take care I will be home by the end of the weekend. Thank God Qantas got it together.

Happy stitching
Stacey

New York

   Hi all New York is quite Mad with loads going on and so many people it is quite over whelming. I have spent today in the gament district which was a treat for the sense's. So many braids ribbons and ric rac to blow the mind and not just one store but more than a dozen to choose from. We went to the hells kitchen flea market which was wonderful, to poke artound in loads of old wears. I found the most gorgeous wooden sewing box on legs that is quite old with draws, and special hidey holes etc. only 35.00 but I would never get it home.We are staying right in the heart of times square, with all the taxis's and buzz of what you expect. I have tried to get photos posted but with no luck. I hope you are all well and enjoying the australian summer, it is getting cool here ready for winter.

cheers Stacey

chicago

Hi all I am having a terrific time in Chicago. The weather has turned rather bad but that doesnt stop 5 determined souls to hit the shops. spent hours in Macy's yesterday and it was fab 7 floors of happy bargains. I havent been to any patchwork stores i will wait till Houston. Saw an amazing show called Blue Man Group..... hard to describe but if u get to go it was fabulous. Great food, wine-NZ of course, and company.
We are hitting the Outlet shops today so when the weather is rough you go shopping not sight seeing Right?
Cheers Stacey

Crazy Town

Wow do you live in Crazy town some times?? Eeekkk, it has been like that at my place this past week no sewing has taken place unless you call hemming school uniforms sewing.. not me.  I have had dinner with friends from Interstate, had interstate guests- not the same folk, I have had late night work meetings- no not a lover, who would have the time?. and then I have.....  oh by the way Mum I forgot I have to be at school by 6pm tomorrow night and you need to stay etc. the other bless her heart Mum I have to be out of the house by 6.15am the following morning and all this while hubby is away. Oh and I have to pack, get money exchanged, locate passport and pack clean undies.........................Just breath and besides they sell all sorts of cool stuff over in the US who needs to pack right?

Dominique by Sentimental Studios

I have broken my no spending till you land in America rule. I know right how could I break this rule but when you can buy the last on the roll for $5.00 per metre hello.....................and of course it has a lovely 6.5metres left perfect for quilt backing. Anyway I am going to be jetting off over the weekend and am super excited so my blog may become more where to in the USA blog for a little while. Where to shop, where to have great meal, where to find the coolest patchwork store in Chicago etc. I will have to learn how to blog via my phone as I am not taking any other gadgets with me. If anyone knows how to Blog via a smart phone Id love to hear from YOU. I am exhausted now, how are you?

From The Crazy Lady
CRQuilter.

Stacey

school house pt 2

 Oh Joy to get this quilt out of the bag and so close to complete........Well when the hubby is away the sewing takes over, no housework, and only easy dinners will do. Well that's what happens at my place. The kids are thrilled dad doesn't go away for more than a few nights at a time. Oh well I do have at least a few days now and again. Since finding my sewing mojo I have finally got my butt into gear and fought with, dealt with the unpicking and straightening of all the  crappy work in the block layout etc. Let me just be clear, it was all my own work. Slap dash, done bleary eyed with little children lack of sleep but dead keen to play with fabric. This was  11 years ago.... but moving on it is at least advancing right?. I just need a simple border and I am so close to it hanging on the wall I can see it.. I have already pieced my backing with all my country stash of fabrics from last decade. I can feel a celebratory wine coming on.

Cheers n happy sewing.
oops I have just realised that I have made the two gingham houses neighbours? Does that matter or do I need to unpick and swap with the top centre.... ekkkk help?
Stacey