polka dot binding

Yeah I have just finished quilting Pink Chocolate over the weekend with Fleetwood Mac blasting on the stereo, whilst home alone, it was such a treat and now I am up to the binding.
On a few blog's of recent weeks, months there has been discussion on the binding of quilts. Well I am there and happy to say looking forward it finishing it. Yeah. I am looking forward to sitting on the lounge watching movies and finishing off this quilt and the other joy is we are in the middle of a storm this afternoon in Brissy with the rumbles and the rain. Yeah guilt free hand sewing for me.

Happy stitching and binding
Stacey

Quilt Retreat

 Last week this little beauty arrived in the post. A quilt made by my mum for the  Quilt Retreat to go on one of the beds that is yet to have a quilt. Mum we love it so much we think we are going to keep it for ourselves at home. The colours are so wonderful all mixed in and the border in that green, well you know I love green so, it may get up there when the weather gets warmer but Mum we love it and have all been wrapped up in it since it arrived. Thanks and we love you.....

The  pattern for this quilt is called "girlish charm". Mum went happily through her scraps and says it hasn't made a dent in it yet .  A great scrap buster pattern.

Happy Monday

Stacey

Circle Retreat Bloggy Workshop

Hi I have been flat out this week with loads going on in my life having a birthday was also in the mix. I had a great time and its great to be 26 again. This is my favourite kind of age I think, and I feel wiser but not older. Anyway. next weekend is our bloggy work shop so if you or any of your friends are free next weekend, we would love to have you join us. just go to the link www.makeitblogit.com
I have been a bit slack on the sewing front, but its rainy today so planning on getting some more stars done.

Cheers Stacey

Circle Retreat for Christmas

As we come to the end of Winter and start thinking about summer once again, I wanted to let you know that Circle Retreat is open for School holiday breaks for you and your  extended family. As you know when the girls go on retreat the dont retreat in the school holidays, so we are hanging out the vacant sign for summer holidays. We sleep up to 14 so great for a family gathering with loads of space and 10mins to the Sunshine Beaches,. Pool in the back yard and close to all attractions. So if you want to contact me re rates and further details please go to the website and send me a message thru the contact form. Cant wait for Summer yeah... I am sick of wearing boots, what about you?

have a great day.

Stacey

Lemon Buttery Stars

 Well hi, on Wednesday it was a public holiday here and my list of things I wanted to do that didn't involve house work was long and blissful, but of course I didn't get as much done as was on the list. Hubby and I walked the pooch early and there was this lemon tree, limbs bending with big fat lemons and all over the ground. So what's a girl to do when she is over run at home with eggs and finds lemons? yes Lemon Butter, so I have this great microwave recipe and away I went. Whilst the oven is on sterilising jars I figured I would make a nine egg quiche for lunch.... is that a bit eggseive? ha

I had a fabulous day got to make another star for my quilt-only one more to go and its on this weekends agenda. Watched some Pride and Prejudice whilst I was sewing, drinking a little sav blanc, and had a long hot bath before bed. Yes Please I want every Wednesday off please....

Cheers Stacey

Make it Blog it

My new Bangle I made... So "I have Made it and Blogged it"....What do you think?

Hi there, do you cruise around peoples blog's and really want to join in the blogging fun, but dont know quite where to start or how to continue? Well on Saturday Sept 3rd come along to the "Make it Blog it" Workshop to find out the ins and outs of blogging. Or maybe your like me, who just stumbles her way along, but not 100% sure on what she is doing. Nova would love you to come along meet some Blogging friends and have some of those questions answered. Go to  www.makeitblogit.com to see what is happening and the details. If you have friends that live in South East Queensland and would like some help please direct them to Make it Blog it.

Cheers happy Blogging

Stacey

Apple Season

 Well is your family like mine? In Apple season I buy lots and they have to be Granny smith and pink lady, like John West the rest get rejected. on occasion these sneak into my basket and get left to go a little wrinkly. Now the best thing i have bought for the kitchen in quite soem time is these great apple peeler and core remover. And its fab for making apple pie. Yum. my also favourite kitchen gadget is the electronic scales. They are the best thing ever.

Cheers and happy Monday

Stacey

Hexie Happiness

                The happiest of people don't have the best of everything,
                              but they just make the best of everything they have.


This is such a lovely statement and true about all aspects in our life, so be happy and make hexies, or whatever it is that floats your boat, do it with happiness in your heart. Some of you may ask where all this philosophy is coming from? well you only have to watch the news to see London ablaze and wonder why this could happen................people without a job, a focus a purpose and unhappiness.

Live simply. Love generously, Care deeply and Speak kindly.

Be kind to yourself 

Cheers Stacey

Moda Baking

Hmmmmm Jelly Rolls. Don't they look yummy.

 Well a few weeks ago, I bought myself the Moda Bake shop book Fresh Fabric Treats from one of my local patchwork stores. Now I must say I dont usually buy myself books, Patterns but not the books ahhh i find it easier to part with $50.00 of fabric not a book..... this little gem with 16 patterns only $30 odd dollars  yeah and it is so lovely I particularly like the star quilt on the cover. I did make the little plastic.. bag from the book this afternoon and it took no time at all.... I need another bag like I need another fat quarter....oh well you get that don't you. This is a lovely book so keep an eye out for this one.

Oops its upside down but you get the idea.

Happy Baking  Stacey

Duck Egg Blue

My duckies are back on the lay and here are 4 little blue ones

Pink Chocolate all together with my menagerie in the background and the 4 legged one too.

 Taylor loves her Jumper  thanks Nana. x

The Duck Napoleon has turned out to be Josephine, so we are getting more eggs than usual...I have 4 ducks and 6 chookies and they are wonderful recyclers of all kitchen scraps, give super eggs and the obvious.... fertiliser. They free range on our land of 3 acres and have the happiest of life when the dog isn't chasing them of course. I delivered some eggs to Michelle and the lovely Liisa, yesterday and her hubby loves duck eggs, apparently they are hard to find, so I will have to deliver some more soon.
I have to send a big thank you to my Mum who has knitted this jumper for Taylor without a pattern and a newspaper outline of one Taylor bought this season and needed another, ohh please do you think Nan would knit one for me I so loooove it.....

So thanks Nana she loves it.....xxxxx

Whooo hooo.

Have a happy day,

Stacey

Amazing talent

The Three dimensional Poppies were out standing and the colours amazing.

This was another stand out favourite of mine.

Does it get any better than the exquisite Blue Ginger Jars?

These Quilts were all part of the  Jem's Brookfield Quilt Show a few weekends ago and I was inspired and awed at the amazing talent of these Amazing Women. Mind you who has the time for such creations? It would take me a month of Sundays and the patients of a Saint..... yes not in my life time will I have either of those. Maybe when I retire and go on permanent Quilt Retreat. Anyone care to join me?

Happy Stitching

Stacey

makeitblogit.com

This is one of my favourite quilts from the Jems quilt show. I love the Poppies.

Hi as you will remember from a previous post Nova and I have put our heads together to put  a bloggy  workshop on for you. My contribution is the venue  and afternoon tea of course. So for those bloggers who would like some tips, and expand there knowledge. Nova is the girl for us she assures me no techi speak and lots of laughs.  I have started my list of questions I would like help with, so if you have a list we would love you to come along, so go to http://makeitblogit.com  and register and let Nova know your questions. I am really looking forward to meeting with you all on the 3rd of September.


Happy Blogging

Stacey

Pink Chocolate

 

I have nearly finished the top of this quick piece strip stash buster quilt. I started it last weekend after buying some lovely Wonderland fabric by MoMo with my sister when she visited. It had butterflies and of course was a must. I hope to get enough time today to finish the top at least. I am very proud of myself. I managed to cut that fabric up in record time and use some pieces that have been sitting around in the stash for some time and not so long, even better. I love the colours so have decided to call it Pink Chocolate also the name of my favourite Clinique lipstick.... lol. I have three more blocks to make to finish her off and then rearrange the blocks... which sometimes is the hardest part.

Happy Sunday.

Stacey

lifes moments

Well hi, yesterday I had one of those moments in life that as a parents is a double edge sword. My eldest baby having her last driving lesson and her test straight after.... yeah she will be independent, have her own wheels and generally be let loose on the roads....................aggh. she is a good little driver its everyone else that worries me. I wont have her locked in and her mostly undivided attention for laying on my worldly motherly advise. So what does one do for 2 hours at the motor registration place.... sew hexes of course

my Kikki K take anywhere, sew any time tin.

I love this Japanese tea caddie, you can buy these at most of the specialist tea stores great for holding your hex papers.

 so needless to say I got a lot achieved chatted to lots of people and Taylor got her licence.... she was so excited and hubby is quite devastated. He has been her driver mostly for the last 6 years, 3 times a week for trampoline. Last night she drove herself and this morning gone to school, with her little sister.................. of dear lifes a changing.

I best get on with today, I hope you get happy life moments like mine yesterday.

have a super day Stacey

Girls @ Patchwork Retreat

If you have never been on retreat or camp with your crafting friends do your self a favour and go on one this year. You will love every minute of it and cement friendships and make new ones. The photos above and below are just a few from one of the groups that have been on Retreat in the last few weeks, and have already re booked for 2012, that of course makes my heart sing knowing that Circle retreat ticks all the boxes. please look us up and book yourself in. Or find one in your state, if you need help locating one please just ask and I will point you in the right direction.

Now this lady loves a bag or three so imagine what her shoe collection is like......I love both.

 the sewing room a buzz.......

 

 and of course late afternoon delight on the deck. Thanks for the photos Pendicup Patchers if you live in the Albany creek area and need a group to sew with maybe look these ladies up.

Below are just 2 of some of the quilts from Jem quilters weekend show. The first one is made by the lady who doesn't own a sewing machine.... i know totally inspiring. This is the same lady that donated the quilt in my last post. and the poppy quilt below was a sure favourite, what do you think? More quilts to show tomorrow.

Cheers n happy Stitching

Stacey

Patchwork Car

 Well have you ever seen anything like it? you know people are passionate about quilting when they go to the trouble of making a loved up quilt for their car. Great way to promote your quite show though. This is on today as well so if you live in south east Queensland and want to go and  see some amazing quilts today is the day. Its also Jazz after noon for the hubbys. Go to Brookfield Rd Brookfield 4069, its' in the show hall you cant miss it. look for the patchwork car.

 This quilt above is the raffle prize.....I  know totally gorgeous right? the lady who made this hand pieced the top- she doesn't own a machine.......  I know jaw dropping amazing isn't it.

So if you have a free half hour come to Brookfield today and check out my local quilt show, have scone n tea and a nice afternoon out. opens from 10-4pm
More photos tomorrow of the lovely quilts.

Cheers n happy Sunday.
Stacey

Jumpers n Jazz

 The lovely country town of Warwick in south east Queensland heading towards the Granite Belt has a wonderful event every year that runs for 10 days. Its the Jumpers n Jazz festival, they have events running through out the whole time but this weekend is the start. they have wonderful restaurants and cafe's with great bands and food, there are knitting and crochet workshops, and who would have guessed, they are fully booked.

 They dress the  main street's trees, in a different theme each year. This year its starry starry night, its been so popular that groups from all around the district dress a tree. I have only taken a few pic's when I went through town this week. the local op shops get loads of business selling loads of jumpers and crochet, as they seem to feature in alot of the trees.

 This one is funny, it has a life size -kid hanging from the tree looking in at a possum, too cute.
We were meant to be going and having a Christmas in July bonfire at Killarny, which is very close to Warwick but alas children commitments rule this weekend and we have had to cancel. Bummer. next year.
To check out the program go to www.jumpersandjazz.com

Cheers Stacey

Paris Bag Birthday

Well I have been a busy girl and can now reveal my project that I was making for my sista su's, birthday. The Paris Bag- which she loved and cant wait to go on Quilt Retreat or Paris. Which ever comes first.

We had a wonderful visit for her birthday weekend and got out for Super Saturday girls day out.
Op shopping- check
Coffee n cake -Check
Patchwork shopping x2 - check
Vintage  Retro shops- check
Lunch -Check
Indooroopilly shops- check.
and
going out for dinner with our men.
Sista Su lives 7hours drive away and it was wonderful to have this time together.

Well I hope you had a great weekend too.
 Cheers Stacey

Bloggy Workshop and being hexed!!!

Hi there Movers n Groovers, do you know I have typed that in so many times and deleted it but today I will be brave and leave it so you know that's how I think of you all. Those lovely people who cruise through my blog seeing what I am rambling on about today. Well I have been making hexagons since 2007- I know I hear you, and it's all the rage now so am happy that I got in early with the mad and crazy idea of making yes 4000 hexagons. Well anyway my Sister and Mum also are on the crazy yet satisfying journey of hexing. My sister and I have started hexing each other- sewing random hexagons onto items of clothing and sending each other a photo ..... see I told you we were mad. She is thinking of sewing hexagon's into her husbands clothes, like the inside of a pocket, or the hem of his pants, ha what a scream.... So I have hexed my jacket that has other bits of vintage lace braids and buttons. I also noticed a small hole in the elbow area so guess what it been hexed to, like the sports coat of old with the leather patch. I think we are onto something don't you so watch out you may get hexed or do your own hexing of someone soon.

I would of course start a flickr group if I knew how to, or I could create a button  "get hexed" but of course I will have to wait until I have been to Nova's Bloggy Workshop on the 3rd of Sept @ Circle Retreat to learn how to do that do that.  Only because I am not that savvy yet. Anyway if you would like to start a blog or get more info to help your blog along, like me. Please comment below to join in with us for Afternoon tea and 2 hours of laughs and bloggy learning  on sept 3. And then i will start that get hexed group....maybe.?

happy hexing

Stacey

Bloggy Workshop

Well I have been asked by  many others about blogging, and setting up a blog, and I certainly need blogging for dummies 101 do you? I have been talking to  Nova, whom I just randomly asked a few questions of when I first started blogging just a few short months ago. But I couldn't ask all the questions and seem like a total loser could I??????I had questions like what is pinterest and flickr how do I join in with a  sew along? would I want sponsors? how do I change things with in my blog and is there a blogging etiquette..... yes there is do you know what the unspoken rules are???????????????? ah duhhhh me either. So if you or you know some one who wants to set up a blog, or just some help write a list of questions you would like answers to.  Nova will host a 2 hour bloggy workshop for anyone interested in learning about blogging for there business or personal fun and just wanting helpful information to develop their blog. It will be on September 3rd for all you South East Queenslanders it will be held on the Sunshine Coast for a few hours including a lovely afternoon tea for $25.00 with 2 computer savvy people to help the less computer savvy like me. So please express your interest below, and leave a comment. If this is of interest but the date doesn't suit, please also let us know that to..
So tell your blogging buddies or those who haven't yet ventured into the wonderful world of blogs.

Oh they are so cute at 8 weeks but 8 months and I am ready to send the christmas puppy to the naughty dogs home, sorry about the blurry pic.

Stacey