StitcheryJen

Sunday's Quilt

2012-02-13T22:41:00.001+13:00

I finished a quilt last week,

one that I started a long time ago.

Came across it while I was tidying,

and the top was all finished.

I've got the perfect floor space for putting a quilt together,

but it does mean several hours of crawling round

on hands and knees,

pinning it all together,

and every time I do this,

I forget

that the next morning my behind

and the backs of my legs

are going to hurt like hell!!

There is a complete set of muscles

that I apparently never use for anything else,

but oh boy,

do they make their presence felt

every time I put a quilt together!!

Here it is ..

...it's pretty simple,

just some of my favourite fabrics,

with plain calico,

but I like the look.

It's Sunday's quilt.

We took a wee trip up to Nelson,

a couple of weeks back,

for the child,

(and me :)

He was racing the Nationals.

I love Nelson -

maybe that's where my next adventure will be one day :)

How cute is this? Very :)

Flower boxes down side alleys...

And "cute as" cottages...everywhere...

...cuter than cute ...

... and cuter still, if that's possible :)

Plants for sale...

It's a pretty town,

and just maybe .... one day?

See you

Jenny

Treasures

2012-01-19T16:16:00.001+13:00

I know that the New Year has well and truly arrived,
but,
I'd love to show you some
Christmas treasures
I was lucky enough to receive.

This gorgeous notebook cover was made for me
by a very special friend -
we went to primary school together so
we go waaaaaay back :)
Margaret's stitching puts mine to shame.
So incredibly small and neat.
Beautiful, isn't it!!

And Anne-Maree always seems to be able to find,
the perfect bunnie treasures,
'cos she knows how much I love them :)
How cute is this little creature,
and what about all the little bunnie cutouts -
bunnie heaven :)

This box of treasures came to me

across the water,
from Barb :)

What a treat ...

You can imagine the smile on my face

when I opened the box..

and this is what I found...

Divine birdie brooch...

And simply the sweetest little peg doll :)

Thank you for such
beautiful treasures :)

Making Jam

2012-01-12T23:23:00.000+13:00

I've been making jam this week.

There's not been much stitching going on lately -

but there's been a whole lot of gardening,

and a whole lot of bed and breakfasting,

and a little bit of jam making :)

I remembered to pick my gooseberries this year,

before they over-ripened,

and then I thought,

what should I do with them,

and I decided that it couldn't be too hard

to make

gooseberry jam.

So,

after much boiling,

('cos the recipe said

"boil til the berries turned pink"

and it seemed to take forever for them to turn pink!)

I got jam :)

It looks quite pretty,

and honestly,

it tastes fantastic !!!

This year for our New Year's Day walk,

we went flat,

instead of uphill.

We went to some beaches we had not yet explored -

Long Beach first ...

...and no walk is complete without

flowers...

...and not technically flowers,

I know,

but still so pretty ...

Then it was over the hill

to Purakanui,

which seems to be the perfect place

for a lovely wee holiday bach.

It's truly delightful :)

This is very probably

the cutest

bach you will ever see :))

... and yes,

more flowers...

... and again,

not really a flower,

more of a weed, really,

but quite beautiful all the same.

Not another flower,

but a gorgeous boy chook...

isn't he fabulous :)

So,

that's the end of our New Year's Day walking tour :)

It was a nice way to start the new year,

talking stuff over,

making plans,

and dreaming of what may be :)

Hope your year has started happily too.

Jenny

Are You Reddy?

2011-12-12T17:14:00.001+13:00

Are you?

Wish I could say I was...

but that would be a fib :)

I've been playing round today

getting reddy...

Merry Christmas!

I probably should stop playing around now,

and go and get reddy :)

See you next year

Jenny

Sweet Sixteen :)

2011-11-28T16:37:00.001+13:00

I'm not entirely sure that applies to boys, does it?? But he sure was sweet way back then ...

Actually, he's still pretty sweet, just in a more ''blokey'' way :) Just like to know one thing, though - how did those 16 years go so fast?? Makes you think, doesn't it. Happy birthday, Jake - may you achieve everything you work hard for, may you always live life with a sense of adventure, be truthful in all that you do, be kind to your friends and don't break too many bones when you are hurtling down mountains at ridiculous speeds!!!

In between making beds and breakfasts, I've done a little more stitching - and I've finished the sampler - I love it:)) I'm thinking I might have a go at framing it myself - any tips?

While I was finishing off the sampler, I was thinking about my next project, as you do. Way back, who knows when, certainly pre-Dunedin days, I started a gorgeous Lavender and Lace cross stitch called ''The Spirit of Christmas''. I worked on it solidly for a few months, and then for some reason it got side lined. Well, how's this for discipline - I found it, and I'm finishing it:) When I pulled it from it's hidey place, I realised I still really loved it, and it definitely needed to be finished. So that's what I've been working on for the past few nights. He's pretty gorgeous, don't you think!

I think I may just have to stitch a little more on Santa right now :) It's like a winter's day outside, the child is working, and I've got about an hour before I have to begin birthday dinner preparations. So really, what else is there to do:)

See you
Jenny

Hearts and crosses.

2011-11-08T16:04:00.001+13:00

I remember now one of the reasons I stopped doing cross stitch all the years ago - because it is horrendously addictive!! But it's very very enjoyable, so I can forgive the addictiveness of it :) This is where I'm at with my Stacy Nash Tribute to Summer sampler...

... so I'm just working around the floral border now, and then I get to choose another pattern to start :)

Also made some wee Christmas hearts this week - some of them have Barbs gorgeous buttons on them, and the others, I played with words. Hearts are just the most lovely shape to work with - anything with hearts is okay by me.

Tonight I get to go to the childs' senior prize giving ceremony - I was semi looking forward to it, until he told me that it will last for three hours!!! THREE HOURS!!! Give me strength!!! Do you think they would notice if I take my stitching??

See you,

Jenny

What can I say?

2011-10-22T13:50:00.000+13:00

Ooops - what can I say? The last time I was here, our boys in black were about to kick off the competition, and now they are about to close it! Guess where I will be come 9 tomorrow night - bring it on!!

I had to laugh this morning - the child obviously did not have much to do last night. Instead of spending some quality time with his school books (I have been gently reminding him about a certain event happening in a few weeks time, called exams!!) he clearly decided that my lappie needed a facelift. Normally I have a pretty flowery picture as my screensaver - you know, something to make you smile and think of summery days - well, this morning when I logged on - not a single pretty flower in sight! Instead, an action shot of a mud-covered downhill rider, in full flight. Kinda feels like my lappie has been invaded or hi-jacked or something!!

What between a very busy month at the B & B, Jakes downhill race season in full swing, spring gardening and rugby games to watch (of course:) - there 'aint been a whole lot of time for stitching. I did put a few sweet little hexies together for a new cushion for one of the guest rooms - I wanted pretty spring colours....

...and I made up some little lavender bags, using lavender I had cut from the garden last year, and decorated with a gorgeous little birdie by Barb ...

I've done a little more on the cross stitch - Stacy Nash's Tribute to Summer - it sat idle for a few weeks, but now I'm back into it - I pulled a colour out that I didn't like, and feel much happier with the look now.

Spring has been keeping me busy - there's more about that over on the cottage blog. The growth is phenomenal and the colours extraordinary. And I so wish you could smell the perfume of the wisteria that is starting to bloom - it's heavenly...

We've been all over the place these last few weeks with the child and his bike - up here at Living Springs where he was given the dubious award of ''crash of the day'' - wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry about that one, but both he and the bike miraculously escaped relatively unharmed. What about the views though - it's such an incredibly beautiful part of the country..

...and down to Bluff for the Secondary School Champs where he did good !! And yes, we did go to the chip shop - how could we not - they are the best:)...

This weekend I am delighted that the race is right here in Dunedin - yah!! I am not even going to think about what state he will come home in tonight after practising all day, cos we have had so much rain this week that I'm sure it will be a mud bath and he will be caked from head to toe in the stuff.

Time to go - I am trying to decide if I will feel too guilty about sitting down in the middle of the day and doing some more of my cross stitch :)) It's just so lovely and peaceful, and there's no one in at the moment, so who would know:)

See you later
Jenny

Just a little bit of cross stitch

2011-09-09T13:52:00.002+12:00

Today's the day - our boys in black kick off!!! This has absolutely nothing to do with stitching, I know, but it's quite exciting if you like the game, and I do like rugby :) So (and here's where the stitching part comes in) with a bit of luck I will get to spend some quality stitching time late at night watching the highlights. Stitching time lately has been sadly lacking - just a little bit of cross stitch. This wee sweetie is from a book I bought when we went to Oz a couple of months back and I made it up into a little needlecase.

And I've made a start of one of Stacy Nash's newest designs - a Tribute to Summer - I really love this sampler and can see it hanging perfectly in the Garden Room.

There's been a bit of stitchery happening too - but they are a little bit secret yet, so can't show you - very very cute though :)

The child is off to Cyde this weekend, for his first race of the season. The track he's riding is diabolical, though he tells me ''it's fine, Mum'' (huh!! - ''fine'' - since when did "fine" mean vertical drop over rocks, ledges and sheer mountainsides!!!), so in a sense, I'm glad that I won't be there to watch him this time - but on the other hand.....

Spring has been keeping me very busy in the garden - my gorgeous bluebells are just starting to bloom - I think they may be my favourite spring flower, although apple blossom is right up there too:)

This gorgeous wood pigeon visits often - well, maybe it's not the same one, but sure looks like the same one. They love this tree - nibble away on the flowers and seeds for ages.

It is the most amazing spring day here in Dunedin - I think I just might go make myself a cup of coffee and sit in the sunshine and do absolutely nothing for ten minutes. Then I might think about what I should be doing, and sit for another ten minutes :)

Enjoy your day:)

Jenny

Garage Sale at Harrowset Hall Emporium

2011-08-26T19:45:00.000+12:00

A quick post to the girls in and around Dunedin - don't forget the garage sale tomorrow - downstairs in the basement at Harrowset Hall Emporium (377 Princes Street, Dunedin). This is going to be fun!! But then, bargain shopping is always fun!! Access to the basement is down the alleyway off Bond Street - the sale starts at 10.00 a.m. and goes until around 2.00 p.m.

I'll be there with baskets and baskets of fabric - all pre cut - mostly fat quarters - some halves - and all at super cheap prices. Fat quarters are priced from $1.50 to $3.50. There will be bags of trims and buttons as well - and some patterns.

And then there are the Harrowset Hall treasures - was down there today helping to set it up, and you should see bed linens and furnishing fabrics (drool worthy:), furniture and collectibles. It's like an Aladdin's Cave :)) I have my eye on several items - well, it's a sale after all, and who can resist a bargain!!!

Gotta go - lots more fabric to cut tonight:)
See you tomorrow.
Jenny

A little more crochet

2011-08-04T12:17:00.000+12:00

The blossom tree is flowering and winter is slipping away.

Been busy with the room makeovers these last couple of weeks, and am making progress. So, it's nice to sit in the evenings with my crochet - it's easy, but relaxing. I've made some wee flowers for the top of the round cushion...

... and I've been playing around with a hexagon shape - these are really fun to make and for me the bright colours are quite a change - am thinking this could be the next two year project, though, as it's probably going to end up blanket size.

Today I need to go make some curtains for the wardrobe doors - and a couple of cushions. It's not so nice outside, so the perfect day for a few hours in the sewing room.

Or .... I could make a few more hexies:))

See you later

Jenny

Fluffy White Stuff

2011-07-25T16:46:00.000+12:00

We've had a wintry treat for the last couple of days - lots of fluffy white snow. It does look so pretty ..

Why didn't it surprise me in the slightest that someone had to go riding in the snow :))

And if not riding, then sliding down the road on an empty potting mix bag, which did kinda look like a lot of fun but I was too much of a sook to join him :))

This morning I made my way very carefully down the front path, accompanied by Charlie who hasn't quite worked out what to make of this white stuff...

... gave the smallest snowman in the world a nod as I went past :)) (might be small but he is cute!)...

...and not really expecting to see a newspaper on the bottom stairs, was very very pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Ten out of ten to the paper delivery person - now that's commitment!!! Breakfast was very pleasant - fire roaring, tea and toast, newspaper to read, and snow gently falling outside.

The snow days have been perfect for finishing some projects - my pale blue jumper finally got sewn up so I get to wear it this winter, not next:)

And I've been putting some more pink granny squares together ...

...and some blue ones...

I've been knitting beanies too - just playing around with my wool scraps and having fun with some colours...

It's been a knitty month, and in between knitting I've been doing things in this room...

It was meant to be a simple repaint job .... but it's funny how some things escalate !!! You can see what I mean - over on my cottage blog - www.thecottageatthetopofthestairs.blogspot.com.

Keep warm and snug.

Happy stitching or knitting or crocheting :))

Jenny

There and back again.

2011-06-22T16:15:00.000+12:00

I'm still here, though I have been ''there'' and now I'm back again:) As I sat down to do this post I realised that I might need supplies - it's gonna take a while - so I'm now camped out at the lappie with coffee and jelly beans. I'm a bit disappointed with the jelly beans, though - it's so chilly down this end of the country that they have almost frozen in the lolly jar!!!

But I've been somewhere lovely and warm - just across the ditch - up north, round Brisbane. It was a very very last minute decision to go and do something to celebrate a ''significant'' birthday - now normally I'm quite happy to let them slide by nice and quietly, but at the last moment I decided, no, not this time - I'm going to do something a little different. So we booked a ticket to the Sunshine Coast and had a fabulous wee holiday. I spent my birthday on a bike, cycling through forest, around lakes and through little towns and disused train tunnels - great fun (except for a couple of hills that these old legs decided to walk up instead of pedal!) And a birthday dinner in a neat little restuarant on the beach. Nice:)) We went walking through the Glass House Mountains park another day - I have always loved the Aussie bush...

...and of course no walk in the bush is complete without some pics of the local flora - truly I am amazed at Jake's patience sometimes - it must drive him nuts at times, waiting for me to take pictures of flowers - like the cutest little purple one...

...and these were so beautiful, mind you I was a little wary at where I had to walk to get these pics - through some very long and dry grass and I was remembering the snake stories the bike tour guide had told us the day before!

We went shopping in Montville!!!! Now that is the most divine town - so pretty, and so many gorgeous little shops to browse in. Even Jake found plenty to amuse. I managed to find some treasures to bring home - love these - they are going out on the front verandah ...

...this will find a home down the hallway with little linen hearts hanging from it...

...maybe some of these that I have stitched this week from a book I got while I was away, called ''Made in France'' - gorgeous yummy book full of cross stitch and stitchery motifs:)

I love anything to do with hearts - this is another wee sweetie I found which had to come home with me...

We ended up getting a little delayed in Brisbane - the ash cloud saga. Sadly we had to spend another two days in Brisbane, all expenses paid in a fabulous hotel right in the heart of the city, with dinner each night!!! Now I know that for some this was not good, as they needed to be home for various reasons, but for us, I'm afraid I couldn't find too much to complain about. It was luxurious, and I could not fault how we were treated by the airline and the hotel.

We had time to explore the city properly, incuding playing an excruciatingly long game of mini golf!!! I say long, because it took about 3 hours!!! I'm pretty sure that atleast half of Brisbane had the same idea that morning. However, it was quite an amusing game due to the antics of the group in front of us - they had us in fits of laughter most of the way round. We walked for miles around the city - it has some of the most glorious buildings - the architecture is astounding - I never knew!!

Our hotel was just around the corner from Roma Street Park which is such a beautiful park right in the heart of the city. The garden beds of cyclamen were amazing.

..the colour was stunning...

The child never fails to amaze me with his choice of gifts - have to say, I think he has exceptionally good taste:) He found these exquisite little pendants for me at one of the markets we went to...

...and this gorgeous scarf...

He's such a honey:)) Such a neat holiday - turning 50 wasn't so bad:)) Well, the jelly beans are long gone, I've had a second cup of coffee, and it's time to go and collect the child from a soccer match. He asked if I would like to watch and normally I would, but when I discovered that they were playing at Kettle Park I decided to be a sook and politely declined!! Wished him well, and said I would be back to collect him at the end of the game:)) Mother of the Year, or what:)) Kettle Park is right on the beach and definitely takes the medal for the coldest soccer ground in the world (slight exaggeration maybe, but not much!!).

Not so much stitching has been done over the past month, but that's about to change cos the nights are long and chilly, and the best place to be is right beside the fire with needle and thread, or a pair of knitting needles.

Keep warm:)

Jenny

My "Snug'' Quilt

2011-05-21T16:28:00.007+12:00

Now I don't want to skite, but I have to say I'm pretty pleased with myself because I have finished the quilt!!! That's the one that I showed you a couple of posts back - I am impressed with myself that I have actually managed to finish and hang this quilt in what, for me, is a respectable amount of time from start to finish. It's in one of the guest bedrooms, the ''snug'' room, and it's not going to end up joining the pile of other neatly folded ''tops''. The quilting is not perfect - in fact, it's far from perfect - but it's okay:) I nearly gave up on the quilting, though. Tried four different patterns, and nothing seemed to work - even resigned myself to hand-quilting it but decided that I wanted it on the wall this year, not next, so I went back to the machine. So, yeah, it's okay, but the overall effect I'm very happy with and I still sneak a peek each time I pass the room cos I love it :)

I've also finished the Kathy Schmitz sampler I've been working on for a few weeks - it's called ''Peace and Plenty'' and I decided to stitch it all in blue - now I'm on the hunt for the perfect frame for it. This week I've been making a start to my samples for the Simply Charming retreat weekends. These are some of the hearts and sachets I've made for the Lavender and Linen one..

...and this is the tea cosy for the Retro Vintage Home retreat...

There's more, but they are not quite finished, so I'll keep them for the next post. The crochet bug has bitten again - there's been some seriously addictive crocheting happening this week, which has been perfect, really, cos the nights have been chilly and the fire has been going, and there's even been quite of bit of decent telly for a change - well, any week with Grey's is good isn't it. It seems like forever since we last saw McDreamy :))

Can I have another skite before I go? Well, not really a skite, more of a ''he did good'' moment. Since I was here last, we took a drive down south to Bluff - an interesting quirky little town that does the best hot chips in the whole wide world (I wish I knew the name of the shop cos it is worth a trip to Bluff to taste these chips - they are amazing!!!) But we didn't actually go there for the chips - they were a delicious and unexpected bonus (you can tell that I really liked them can't you!). We went there for the hill, and the Downhill Southland Champs - and the child came away with the trophy for his age category. One happy child, one proud mother. And happy for him too:) He was covered from top to toe in mud, but grinning. Another bag of hot chips on the way home to celebrate (any excuse!!).

Gotta go - homemade pizza night - and I can hear the crochet hook calling me already - there will be many more mini granny squares littering the couch by the time I have finished tonight.

Happy stitching.

Jenny

Simply Charming

2011-05-05T07:10:00.011+12:00

I've been busy making a few plans for the winter months....

''Simply Charming''

Weekend Craft Retreats at the City Sanctuary

Indulge yourself this winter - come and join me for a ''girls weekend''.

The weekend retreats include accommodation, food, a tour of a beautiful historic home, stitching, coffee and cake, ''chick flicks'', relaxing in front of the log fire, chococlate (of course) and a project kit and tuition for one of these....

Lavender & Linen

Crochet Chic

Retro Vintage Home

Needles & Pins

Sound like fun?

A nice treat to brighten up the winter months, a girls weekend with your best friends, or simply a ''just for me'' weekend escape.
I've got more details on the web - www.thestitchery.co.nz .

Off to make a few more plans:)

See you

Jenny

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T14:18:00.004+12:00

Have a happy and relaxing Easter holiday - indulge in a little bit of chocolate (or lots!) and some hot cross buns - and enjoy:)
Happy Easter!

Stitching Time

2011-04-16T08:24:00.011+12:00

I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but down here in the south winter seems to have arrived slightly early. These past few days have been shiver weather!! But, that can only mean one thing - more stitching time! Cos it sure ain't gardening time!! So I've been playing a little in the sewing room - made a start on a quilt for the wall of one of my guest rooms - this is the pile of nine patch I started with a couple of days ago ...

I'm thinking that tomorrow could still be playtime in the sewing room, so hopefully the pile will be joined with strips by tomorrow afternoon. I also finished the little bag that I did the button stitchery from ''Stitch with Love'' for - I'm happy with my wee bag.

Been rearranging some ''stuff'' upstairs and decided to hang a couple of quilts in the office room - I have the perfect wall - big and out of the direct sunlight - I chose this one to hang - you can see it's been folded for far too long, judging by the fold line down the middle, but it's already looking better after hanging for a few days. The quilt is one of Barb Smith's designs - the Company of Angels - love it :)

I stitched this sweet little door hanger for a friend - a very late birthday present! Filled it with some lavender from my garden and posted it off. It's a Kathy Schmitz design - lovely to stitch.

I'm stitching another of her designs at the moment - more of a sampler - with bunnies on it, of course. It's rather large so might take a while, but it is quite addictive - there have been a few late nights stitching.

Found this wee sweetie on a walk yesterday - it was on the grass verge right beside a fairly busy main street and I must admit I did feel like a bit of a nutter getting down on all fours to take this pic with cars whizzing by - but it was worth it.

Now I think I have a little bit of time to do a little bit of stitching before dinner:)

And then some more after!

Happy stitching

Jenny

March??

2011-04-04T13:45:00.029+12:00

I have the oddest feeling that somebody stole March!!! Pinched it, right out from under my nose - quietly slipped in when I wasn't looking and just plain took it - either that, or I have no concept of time any more, which is related to age or so I am told by the child every so often (once too often, some times!)

I was reminded today that it's been way too long again since I've been here - so, I'm back, and here's what I've been doing:)). Actually, when I think about it, I do know what happened to March - I've been stitching lots of bits and pieces for Barb - love to show you, but I can't! I was having a ball - stitching up some of her fabulous new designs and buttons stories - you'll be able to see them over on her blog - www.theodoracleave.blogspot.com/. Barb has the most gorgeous adorable bunnies, just in time for Easter.

I've got bunnies on the brain - I got some of Stacy Nash's fabulous new patterns recently and she had one for a Spring Hare pincushion - I resisted the urge to start it for all of about two hours!! So here's the bit I've done - the Spring Hare is still to come - he's on the other side:)

And the knitting urge took hold too - it's been ages and ages since I've knitted and I just wanted to knit something really really simple - so found this chunky wool, some chunky needles and started knitting - I've done the back and now thinking about how to do the front - in one piece or two??

These cute little button designs are from another book I've recently got in stock, called Stitch with Love. I stitched them on Saturday night - I've got a little bag I want to make and these are going to look perfect on the outside.

Jake and I took a short trip up to Geraldine for my Mum's birthday last week. We were given strict instructions that there were to be no presents!! But you can't not take a present can you - that wouldn't be right - so I made her some little covered coathangers - didn't think she could get too cross about that :)) I filled the little hanging hearts with lavender from my garden and was quite pleased with the finished effect.

Mum has an incredible flower garden - wish I had half her talent in that respect. These beautiful blooms are from her garden.

This week I've been forced to clean out my fabric cupboard (so I could close the doors properly!) As I was sorting and stacking the fabrics I came across a couple of piles of fabrics I had put together in the past with intentions of creating something but had completely forgotten about them. This one I had sorted out to do Butterfly Garden, I think - very soft and pastel pretty. I still like it so it will stay together and I just might get round to it over winter.

And this one, I don't remember at all (it's a worry I know!) It's quite pink for me, but I like it too, so who knows...

This one I put together as I was stacking - I liked all the soft browns I was finding and then the gorgeous orangey fabrics just seemed so perfect - so it has possibilities too.

So that's what I've been doing, and a bit of other stuff as well -like ordering some new goodies for the StitcheryRoom. I'll be posting some pics of the new ''stuff'' on the StitcheryRoom blog, hopefully today. I haven't been there for a while either, I know :)) But that's about to change - have got lots of new stitchy things coming in and I'll keep you up to date over there - http://www.stitcheryroom.blogspot.com/.

See you later - happy stitching:)

Jenny

Excuses, excuses!!

2011-02-19T18:01:00.016+13:00

Been trying to think of a good excuse why I've not been here for such a long time - it has been kinda busy here these last couple of months, and I've been away on a wee holiday, so that's probably the best I can do :))

Some pretties from my garden ....

... heavenly blues....

... and I don't remember seeing these last year - an unexpected surprise....

Stitching has been very much on the back burner of late - but I have done a couple more angel blocks - this one is maybe my favourite so far ....

... but the flying ones are pretty cute too...

Before I went away I was playing around with some ''stuff'' - as you know, I adore Barb's buttons, so had a wee play with a bit of this and a bit of that - just added little treasures and stitched as I went - there was no pattern to follow, no lines to stitch on - just make it us as you go - and see where it ends up.

So .... we went on a holiday and it was better than excellent:)) Ten days of perfectly blissful weather, beautiful scenery, great shops and very good company. There was a purpose to the holiday that involved carting a bike all the way to Nelson - for the first two rounds of the New Zealand champs - we had two weekends in a row doing the racing stuff but the days in between were rest and relaxation! I had forgotten how stunningly beautiful it is way up the top end of the South Island as it has been many many years since I had been there.

Fell in love with some of the houses - very very cute ....

...lovely little window boxes....

I am pretty sure I managed to visit almost all of the second hand/antique shops and I did find a couple of gorgeous little treasures. My lovely little pink jar....

... and another sweet tea cup to add to the collection...

Well, I couldn't very well come home without a memento or two, could I. Nice, ay :)

I thought I would do tons of stitching in the evenings, but in the end this is the sum total of what I did...

... it's one of Brenda Ryan's lovely little houses - I ambitiously had three of these ironed onto fabric to stitch up while away - not sure that half of one really counts as ''tons of stitching'' :)

My child had a mixed bag of results - the less said about the first weekend, the better - but in a nutshell, I have discovered that it is the most gut wrenchingly difficult thing to do, to watch your child take a 40ft crash, scrunching into the rock and gravel, and not be allowed to go and give him a cuddle as that certainly would not be ''cool'' in front of the crowd!!! He did get up (eventually) and in a zig zag fashion, managed to cross the line. Then I gave him a cuddle!! Too bad what the others thought!!! He was a little mangled, but came right for the second weekend's racing, where he did great. He's off again this weekend - as I write, he is hurtling down the mountains, over at Diamond Harbour. Round three, and then just one more to go next weekend, here in Dunedin. Hope he turns up tonight with no mangled body parts!!

Wish my child a fast, but safe, ride :)

See you.

Jenny

Getting Started

2011-01-16T16:09:00.017+13:00

It's a ''play day'' today - been flat tack since Christmas so right now it's feeling nice to have a quiet day. The child is away biking and my guests have departed for the day - as you can see I have been playing. Given my wee blog a new face for the new year :)

Isn't this so sweet - Jake bought me this for Christmas, along with the little ''relax'' sign hanging off it (hint hint I'm sure!) He has excellent taste in gifts!

So I took the hint and in the evenings I have been relaxing, so much so that not much stitching has been done. But I have made a promise to myself that I am going to completely finish my ''Angels Story'' quilt this year - last year I did the grand total of one applique block - how shameful!! So this week I have done this one....

...and almost all of this one....

Before Christmas I did do some stitching for little presents - I had drawn my niece's name in our family "Secret Santa" draw so I thought I would make her up a basket of lots of little goodies - and these were some of them....

I also made some of these for other friends - Barb's button (www.theodoracleave.com) was the inspiration .

Kept up the New Year's day tradition again this year and went for a nice long walk in the afternoon - started out here (on a very well maintained track) ....

and ended up a bit past here (on a slightly more rugged track:) ....

We couldn't do a picnic lunch at the top this time as we left later in the day, but a picnic afternoon tea of lollies was an okay substitute :)) See, that is the great thing about going for a long walk up a long hill - I did not feel a single ounce of guilt for pigging out on lollies at the top :))

Of course it wouldn't be a walk without me taking truckloads of pictures - cute little daisy (in real life this is absolutely tiny)...

... and leaves - fabulous colours....

... and ferns in gorgeous shades of pure green ....

My challenge to myself this year is to finish everything I have started in the past couple of years (apart from the hexie quilt 'cos that is definitely a 5 year project!). But.... there is all this other stuff I want to do as well ....well, I guess that is part of the challenge :) And what else will this year deliver - who can tell??
The possibilities are endless:)

See you later,

Jenny

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T21:08:00.003+13:00

My favourite day of the year is coming up - it's not Christmas Day, though (that's my second favourite day) - it's Christmas Eve! I love the last few hours of Christmas Eve - late at night - the tree twinkling in the corner of the room - wrapping the presents and just thinking. The very best night of the year :)

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and all that's best for 2011 :))

Have a lovely day with family and friends.

See you next year.

Jenny

Redwork Santas

2010-11-29T19:49:00.019+13:00

The child is away at school camp this week - biking the rail trail - leaving me all on my ownsome! Don't worry, though - I'll tough it out - it can't be all that bad to have five days of no school runs, no lunches, no homework or nagging about chores, no Signal Hill bike runs, having my meals when I feel like it and eating what I like (and yes, chocolate does count as a meal if you have enough of it!) - yeah, it will be tough but I'll do my best :)) Luckily, though, he was here for his birthday - yesterday! I had planned a bit of a bike ride and picnic for the day, so was keeping my fingers crossed for a sunny day - it delivered! We drove out to the Peninsula, and then parked the car and took off on our bikes. It's been a fair while since I've been on a bike - it was so much fun. It was a pretty flat and easy ride thank goodness - round the waters edge and then across some paddocks ...

... we climbed up a little hill for this view ...

..... and walked down the beach, through the wild lupins - the perfume was heavenly - I think it was a combination of the heat of the day and the sheer volume of blooms that created the most divine scent ......

.... then we headed down here and had our picnic on the beach...

.... we sat for a while in the sun, watched a sea lion make it's slow progress from the waters edge up to the dunes - and then we headed back. Here's my boy - 15 years old and I probably shouldn't call him "the child" any more:))

In between the dreaded painting I've been indulging in some stitching and have finished three of Barb's gorgeous redwork Santa's. They are so sweet, I love them....

I've started to make this one into a little Christmas cushion - this is the front panel.... And I've been playing with my French General fabrics too - started this a wee while back and finished it off last week - just the top, though - it's not quilted or bound yet - hopefully by next Christmas :)

You wanna see what's blooming at the moment - the flowers in this garden astound me - every day there seems to be something new ... these literally bust open two days ago....

...and these as well....

I adore the colour of these irises - what an amazing blue ...

...and what about this gorgeous little thing ...

I let dozens of foxgloves go to seed last year and left all the seedlings to mature - I have foxgloves popping up all over the garden - they are so beautiful and remind my of my Nana's house that I used to visit as a very little girl...

I'm going to be getting all the Christmas decorations out this week - by the time Jake gets back, he won't recognise the place :)

I might just make a start tonight.

See you later

Jenny

Painting and Stitching

2010-11-05T13:34:00.021+13:00

Bit of an icky day today which means plans for the day have changed slightly. For the last three weeks I have been attacking this portion of the house....

... started off on a step ladder with just a paint scraper, but after about a week of incredibly slow progress I decided there had to be a better way. So, I ordered some scaffolding, borrowed a heat gun, spoke nicely to the weather gods and I've made some headway, to the point where today I am supposed to be finally painting it.

To be very honest, I have to say that by the time I sit down at night, man, I'm pooped. There are days when I'm very definitely ''over'' it, and the only good thing I can think of at the end of the day is, '' atleast I'm getting an awesome tan''!! But there are the other days when I think - not bad, for a stitcher. Mind you, I think I must be the messiest painter that ever was - I have paint all over me from top to toe - a friend called by one day and asked if I was managing to get any paint on the house or had I applied pretty much all of it to myself:)) "Hey", I said - "what's a bit of paint here and there - it comes off with a splash of turps!!"

On the nights when my bones weren't aching (self-inflicted I know, but a little bit of sympathy please!!) I have stitched a little - I've finished all of Jane Austen's quilt stitcheries - here's the last two - Lydia's sweet bonnet...

... and the most gorgeous little parasol...

I've also made some simple little blue cushions for one of the guest rooms - had fun rummaging through the scrap baskets for lots of different blues - some of the fabrics are from quite a few years ago - from when I first started doing patchwork in Geraldine - so as I stitched them together the memories ticked over.

And I've made a start to some Christmas pressies - that's pretty good for me - usually the ''I've made a start'' comment comes about two weeks out from Christmas. Organised or what!!! Fell in love with these buttons that Barb did a few weeks back and knew they would be perfect ...

Also, have you seen Barb's Christmas card stitcheries - they are gorgeous - have a wee look when you get a chance (http://www.theodoracleave.com/) - I had to have some of them too :))

Can I take you on a little wander around the garden? Come on - been dying to show you - it's looking really pretty:) Down the hall way we go - the perfume is divine....

... just to the left is the table and chairs where I sometimes sit with my morning coffee (depending on how much paint I have plastered all over me!)...

... around the fish pond are these...

... and these...

...and these...

...then off we go down the side of the house and the first sweet little roses are blooming...

... apple blossom is possibly my all time favourite flower...

... and then round the back, in the shady parts of the garden are these....

... and these...

... and then coming right back round to the front again and time to go and get a cuppa and CHOCOLATE CAKE cos I've earned it :)))!!!

See you :))

Jenny

Lazy Day

2010-10-11T11:04:00.011+13:00

Today I'm being lazy!! Actually, yesterday I was lazy too and it was great! It was a cold day down here in the south, windy, rainy, even hail. Spent the entire afternoon stitching and watching some DVD's - the fire was going and it was very snug indeed. I went to my ''to do one day'' basket and pulled out these gorgeous little button stories that Barb does (http://www.theodoracleave.com/). They were the perfect projects for the day.

I should probably be outside scraping and sanding again today but I'm sure it's far too windy, or cold, or something :) Did you know that you can sand your fingerprints off? So that you have great difficulty accessing your laptop if your password is your fingerprint!!! In fact, access is impossible, and a code cracker is needed. Another one of those ''minty'' moments really - standing in the 'puter shop with three blokes having a good giggle at my expense - very funny!!! But, the sanding is paying off - the front of the house now looks like this...

Been spending long hours in the garden too - with lots of help from the child over the holidays - clearing and replanting the entire front bank. It's looking a little less like a short jungle now! We have the most brilliant red tulips in flower - when they catch the sun it seems that they almost glow....

.. and I have absolutely no idea what this is but I thought it was so pretty - it is probably just a weed, but it's still very sweet.

I have only two little blocks left to do for Jane A's quilt - these three I've done over the past couple of weeks. The acorn tree...

... sweet Jane Bennet ...

...and being a good girl for...

...ten years!!!! Hmmm... guess I wouldn't get to see too many reviews!!

I'm looking outside and it's real sunny, but I'm sure it's still cold (ish). And if I've been lazy for half the day, might as well be lazy for the rest of the day - and there is gingerbread and coffee downstairs. Nearly as good as chocolate :)

Have a great stitchy week.

Jenny

Spring Flowers and One Little Quilt

2010-09-20T17:08:00.014+12:00

Spring is busting out all over since I last wrote - my little garden is starting to look very pretty. Took some time out the other morning to take some pics of the first little spring flowers...

....these are scattered all around the garden. At the moment just a few are in bloom but you should see them when they are all flowering.

Cute little pink primula's...

...and more daffies...

What I was supposed to be doing instead of taking photos was painting - the house! I decided that I would have a go at doing it myself and have started on the front verandah area. It's coming along nicely, too. This is it at it's raw stage - unbelievable amount of sanding and scraping hours involved in getting it to this stage.

So... we've been up to Clyde for Jakes downhill a couple of weeks back. Actually it was the same weekend as the earthquake and boy did it rattle us around way down there so I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for Cantab's. While Jake was practising I had a little wander around the township - it's such a gorgeous town..
I have a bit of a thing for courthouses...

Here's the child in action later in the day - he did great - only one trip over the handlebars, but still smiling!

I would love to go back up that way this weekend as I reckon the orchards must be looking amazing - some of them were in blossom back then but by now they will be blooming all over.

In between painting, gardening and traipsing around downhill events, I have done a tiny little bit of stitching - I discovered this little quilt that I had pieced a couple of years ago, so seeing as I am on a mission of completion, I finished it off and quilted it using a perle thread. Have no idea what I will do with it, but I do quite like it.

That's almost the sum total of my stitching - a little pathetic really! Am starting to get a few withdrawal symptoms, though, so need to find Jane A and Veronique's next block and get stitching :)

Maybe tonight :)

Happy stitching

Jenny

Rosy Red

2010-08-30T12:47:00.008+12:00

Let me tell you a story about kitsets that come from hardware shops, with promises from the sales person that it's a ''piece of cake'' to put together!! This is Rosy, our brand new wheelbarrow. She looks pretty smart, don't you think?

I had given in to the child's constant ''suggestion'' that we really needed a wheelbarrow, so we duly purchased one, with, I assumed,a complete set of idiot- proof instructions. She arrived at Maitland Street at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, in several pieces, as the word kitset would suggest. And yes, there were instructions - one little sheet with words and diagrams so small that a magnifying glass was required. But, what intrigued me the most was the clever use of space on that one little sheet - the way the manufacturers had managed to squeeze as many steps as possible into one diagram, so that realisitically you needed an engineering degree to actually figure out how the diagram worked, before even beginning to put the wheelbarrow together. You would not believe how many times we put nuts and bolts in place, to then have to remove them and try them from a different angle - and what in heavens name is a ''spring washer'' and where does that go!!! Emotions on the day ranged from utter frustration to hysterical giggling. There were a few choice words muttered on occasion, and at one stage I clearly recall telling my child that I would never ever listen to his ''suggestions'' again!!! (Actually, I think I may have told him that more than once!) At 4.00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, mission accomplished - two and a half hours to put 12 nuts and bolts, and let's not forget the spring washers, in place so that the wheelbarrow functioned the right way up, with handles pointing in the right direction and a wheel that did not sway from side to side! Give me a sewing machine and patchwork pattern any day! So, Rosy has been christened and the ''fun'' we had putting her together will be a memory I shall cherish, lovingly retold to Jake the next time he tries to tell me we need something from a hardward shop that has to be assembled!!!

Turns out that red is a bit of a theme with this post. I've been playing with a little bit of cross stitch - this is a gorgeous little house design by Viginie Gousse - http://cmonmonde.over-blog.com/. Now I am just looking for the perfect little frame for it - maybe I might paint one.

And this is something I stitched on the gorgeous French General heavy weight cotton/linen fabric that I got some weeks ago - I found the pattern in a Country Living magazine and I'm really pleased with how it looks - I will make it into a cushion wrap.

Last week Scandinavian Christmas got an airing - I thought it was time I did the next block - so here's block three finished.

And now for something that is not red - I've finally finished the borders on The Gingham Girls. I've got the backing and batting ready to go, so over the next few weeks, hopefully I'll make a start on quilting it.

It's officially the first day of Spring on Wednesday - only one more day of Winter! Yippee!!

Happy Stitching

Jenny

Triangles and Hexagons

2010-08-04T20:23:00.011+12:00

The morning walks over the last few weeks have really tested my dedication - I'm a bit of a sook in the cold. But, this morning as I was leaving I spied the child's MP3 - aha, I thought - some music will help! Now, apart from my sewing machine and my lappie, I don't do so well with gadgets, so it took me a few minutes to work out how to make the thing go - not being able to find a simple ''on'' button I thought it must have been touch screen start - so I spent several minutes patting the MP3 allover before discovering a miniscule, tiny, almost invisible switch thingie on the side!! Certainly not designed for those of us who have less than perfect eyesight. Anyway, it started off pretty well with songs I knew, then there was the occasional one I'd never heard of, and then....there was the song I probably would have preferred not to hear. Flipping heck, I nearly tripped over when the opening lyrics blasted in my ears. Woohoo!!! I decided it was best I didn't know the rest of the contents of the MP3 and maybe I'll go get my own one, and load it up with music that I like. Though, in all fairness to Jake, he did have one of my all time favourite Santana songs loaded - excellent taste!

So, he's been starting to do some serious downhill practice for races that start this month - seems that the track doesn't have to be dry to ride it....

...the amount of mud that's on his bike was about a quarter of what was one him! He rode in my car covered in muck - up and down the hill - at first it was kind of funny, but then it just plain stunk. Muck stinks! I am desperately hoping that the next practice session will be sunny and dry.

The garden is starting to unfurl - have been spending some time making a few changes and starting to tidy things up cos the daffies are coming!

This has the most amazing perfume.

Other than gardening and running round after the child, and the occasional walk I have still been stitching. Finished a few more Jane Austen blocks - here's another gorgeous bonnet...

...and the Bay Window at Bath...

...and a quote from one of Jane's letters...

I've also been playing with a little bit of cross stitch - one of the Stacy Nash designs that I've had for a while - it will make up into a lovely little sewing roll.

And I've started my hexagon quilt - another project I've been meaning to start for a couple of years! This is very probably going to be the equivalent of my crocheted blanket - in 5 years time I will still be stitching hexagons together wondering why I ever started! But I really do love paper piecing little hexagons so am in no rush - it can take as long as it likes:)

Another project I started last week is a simple half-triangle quilt - inspired by a photo in a recent magazine - I just loved the simplicity of it, and wondered how it would look in my favourity soft colours. These are the rows I've done so far - a few more to go over the weekend, perhaps, and then I can join them all together. Then to hand quilt or machine. I think the hand-quilting will win
.

So, that's what has been keeping me busy for the past few weeks, along with the usual other stuff:)

Time to go do a few more hexagons, and make a cuppa.

Happy stitching

Jenny

Done counting - time for Chocolate!

2010-07-08T15:05:00.014+12:00

The last couple of weeks have seen me counting!?! Not stitches or rows though, 'cos that would mean that the counting would have been associated with something fun like knitting or embroidery. Nope - counting buttons, threads, fat quarters, patterns etc etc etc blah blah blah! Stocktake is such a mindless task but IT'S DONE!!! So now I can count stitches or rows instead :)

Needless to say, not alot of stitching has been done lately, mind you there is some that I have done but can't show cos it's secret stuff for the retreat in September. This is just a tiny peek at one....

.... and a little bit of another....

I have finished just one more lovely little block for Jane Austen's quilt....

Pretty meagre stitching helpings today, but I aim to make up for it this coming week! Early on in the week Jake and I took to the hills for the day - just across the way from here - the view from the top of Signal Hill.....

.... and this is where we had lunch. We did have to be a little careful where we sat - lots of gorse!!!

While we were having lunch there were dozens of gorgeous little fantails playing around - tried to take a picture of them but it was pretty much impossible - too fast for me! So I turned the camera onto these instead. Don't you think they're amazing - they push up through rock hard ground ...

.... some are tall....

... and some are short...

I have always loved these gorgeous bright toadstools - or maybe they are mushrooms - not sure?

On the way back up the hill we came across this tiny little pond - I've been up and down the hill dozens of times but have never seen this before. These two were enjoying the peace and quiet.

Now I'm off to package up all those boring accounts and papers and send the whole lot off to the accountant - I don't have to think about it for another year! This has to be a decent excuse for chocolate - I know that some of my excuses for chocolate are fairly flimsy but this one's a goodie, isn't it?!

See you later

Jenny

2010-06-21T12:52:00.010+12:00

Went for a nice long walk this morning - I took my ''lazy days'' track - I couldn't quite face the gazillion steps on the other ''track'' even though I really had no reason to feel lazy. I mean, it's not as if yesterday was spent doing anything more strenuous than stitching and watching a pile of DVD's, and then, even though I meant to get up at 2.00 a.m. this morning (does that hour actually exist!) to watch our fabulous All Whites in action, I didn't!! Well, I did sort of - just briefly - to wake Jake who had decided he would also watch it - but I am ashamed to say that we both decided that our beds were more appealing at that hour of the morning - and now of course I wish we did get up 'cos we drew with the Italians!!! How amazing is that! I don't normally get quite so caught up withany sporting event, but how can you not!!

So anyway, today being the shortest day of the year, I thought I would look for early early signs of spring - ever hopeful I know, but I did find one! I know these aren't real spring bulbs, just little old onion plants, but they do still look pretty...

... and the ground under these trees will be covered in daffodils in not so many weeks away.
I'll show you this photo again in Srping - it's quite beautiful here. Then I saw these - in real life they are absolutely tiny - I thought they were just so cute - can you have cute toadstools?

Spent some time with Jane again over the last couple of weeks and I have finished two more gorgeous little blocks - this first is one of her fans...

... and then I did the autumn hollyhock window...

On the weekend I also stitched the next block of Lynette Andersons Scandinavian Christmas - 'cept I've just realised that I still have to put a patch on Snowie!

This has been a lovely diversion today, but sadly now I must attend to bookwork. Hmmm - I'm sure if I look around, there is something else I can find to do instead .... cuppa tea and stitching anyone?

See you later

Jenny

Chilly!

2010-06-08T23:17:00.020+12:00

Thought I'd show you where we went on the weekend - it was time to get out for the day - blow away the cobbies! We didn't go far - just out to Aramoana - half an hour's drive away to the beach. When we left Dunedin it was coolish, but okay (just). When we got out there - well, no chance that the cobwebs were going anywhere - they froze in place!! You think this looks chilly ...

... colder still ...

... and, if possible, even colder....

... notice the beach attire!! Yep - chilly was an understatement. But, I was determined to go for a walk on the beach, which I did ... for three and a half minutes!!! Even though it was colder than you can imagine, it was still fun - and the ocean on a stormy day is pretty spectacular. We scurried back to the car and decided that hot chips and in my case, coffee, was needed to stop hypothermia from setting in (a good excuse don't you think, to scoff hot chips!). We had a picnic in the car overlooking the harbour - and these lovely girls waddled past - so close I could have touched them ....

.... gorgeous aren't they. Then we had a wee wander round Port Chalmers - I really love some of the old buildings out there. This church up on the hill is amazing...

Love this one too...

...and the windows in this one took my fancy.

Got your hat?

So back home, and unthawed, I finished a little bit of stitching - the next gorgeous girl in Jane Austen's Bonnet quilt - she is quite beautiful.

I love stitching the little posies.

I'm going back to Aromoana in the Spring. I have a beach to walk!

See you

Jenny

How did it get to June already?

2010-06-02T19:55:00.011+12:00

My goodness - it's been a while - and now its June! Is it just me, or did the last month seem to whiz by just a little too quickly. Nearly half way through the year already - before you know it they will be doing that countdown thingie for Christmas! Which is not so bad, really, 'cos I like Christmas, but I'd also like the year to slow down a little.

We had a good frost yesterday morning - the first real white crunchy one, with tricky little icy patches on the pavement, as I discovered while out on my morning walk! Going down High Street was ''interesting'' to say the least, but not nearly so much "fun" as going up some of the steps along my walking route. I really really hope that no one was looking as once or twice I must have looked like a right wally - doing an ice dance and all the while trying to stop from going down on my backside - that would have been too embarrassing! Trouble was, by the time I figured out that I probably should not have been out walking, I was past the half way point and I decided it was possibly a safer bet to keep going. I think yesterday's walk (skate) definitely qualifies as another one of those times that I just didn't think it through to the end - should have stayed home, had another cuppa and read the paper for a little longer!!!

I've finished just one more block of Jane Austen - the words for the second strip...which do make me smile...

... and the next block of Down in the Garden.

Had a gorgeous delivery of fabric last week (or maybe it was the week before - what with the way the month has flown) and I had to have a play. So ... I made a bag!!

And I've also been busy with samples for the Christmas Retreat - so these little guys happened...

... and you can read more about that on the other blog :))

I need to go and pile some more wood on the fire - it's nice and cosy in here - the perfect stitching place to be. Keep warm and happy stitching.

Jenny

Dear little deer

2010-05-19T14:48:00.005+12:00

Guess what I've been doing for the last couple of nights ...the first block of Lynette's Scandinavian Christmas...

... just as well I didn't have to get up to do an early breakfast as they were sort of late (ish) nights?!?

Tonight? Knitting socks - thank you Polly for my latest obsession!!

Off now to watch a soccer game - need to go find scarf, gloves and large warm coat (and probably gum boots!)

See you later
Jenny

Lovely old Linens

2010-05-17T13:41:00.010+12:00

Last Saturday I spent the day at the Embroiderer's Guild May Day - it was a fabulous day - but silly me forgot to take my camera - I would have loved to have been able to show you some of the gorgeous things they were making! Look what I found, though, while rummaging through boxes on ''Arkwrights'' table - this is the sweetest little linen - I have a soft spot for anything to do with blackberries (childhood memories) so couldn't resist this little cloth...

... and then I found these two treats - you can never have too many lovely old linens and doily's.

I wonder who stitched this cloth..

I've been stitching away on Jane Austen's bonnet - this is Jane's Regency bonnet..

... and this is her Blue Feather bonnet...

...and this is her tassel reticule...

I've also been working on a little project of my own and finished it yesterday - these are my favourite fabrics of all time - so soft and pretty. And paper piecing hexagons is also a favourite - it's peaceful stitching, don't you think. Just sitting there with a little paper template, needle and thread, and quietly stitching them together - your mind potters around your thoughts, and you drift along with the stitches. 'Course the ideal place to be doing this is in a little possie in the sun!

Might go find one of those sunny possies now I think - I started Lynette Anderson's Scandinavian Christmas yesterday and it's fabulous!! Maybe a little stitching before the child returns home from school and peace is shattered :)

Happy stitching in the sun!

Jenny

Sweet Victory!

2010-04-27T13:23:00.013+12:00

It's the sort of day where you just want to make a cuppa, find a comfy spot on the couch, not too far from the fire, and do a little stitching. This is the view this morning....

... a little bleak, ay!! I'd rather be sitting out here in the sunshine - it's a far prettier place to start ...

In case you were wondering, victory was sweet!!! I was so tempted to stick my tongue out at Jake and go ''nah, nah, na, nah nah'' when I had finished - but he was in shock so I didn't want to compound matters!!! So, what has 30 stitches per zig zag, 16 zig zags and 480 stitches per row, 184 rows and edgings, 90,528 stitches in total and 95 balls of wool!!!

This has, that's what ...

... it started as a project to use unfinished wool, until I realised that I would probably need to buy some more wool to finish it - in the end I bought way more wool than I originally had to use up!!! It sort of just went on and on ... and on and on... but I really kinda like it. When I finished the last row it was a little strange - my basket of unfinished crochet had been with me for so long. It had been beside me, or close by, for many winters!! I wasn't entirely sure that I wanted it to be finished. Which is not to say that I will be in a rush to start another one. I think it's definitely one of those things that you do just the once thanks.

Other than that, I have finished Vero's block 7 which continues to delight me...

..and I've also finished the second block of Leanne's Down in the Garden quilt. Cute little blue birds...

..and gorgeous flowers..

This week I have been setting up the studio - having a ball! I've started a new blog for it, here . Pop over and have a look - it's where I'll show you bits and pieces about classes, retreats and new goodies.

Now, I think I can squeeze in a coffee before I do the school run, and I might just sneak a little bit of chocolate as well. After all, it's a cold wet day - that's my excuse anyway - a little bit of chocolate and you don't notice the rain!!

Happy stitching

Jenny

Picnic on the Peninsula

2010-04-13T18:37:00.018+12:00

We've been on a picnic today - I love picnics!! We took ourselves out to the end of the Peninsula and saw the albatross - they are truly a magnificent sight gliding through the air. But my golly was it cold out there - I reckon the wind was coming straight off the Antartic!

It was a little hard to find a sheltered spot for the picnic but we did eventually, and afterwards headed for Sandfly Bay. Lots of my guests have been there so I figured it was high time Jake and I checked it out.

The beach turned out to be quite some distance down a track and over lots and lots of huge sand dunes - it was absolutely compulsory to run down the dunes and be a big kid again - made sure that I had nothing in my pockets that was going to fall out (like car keys!!) and I ran! You can take the most amazing big bounding steps and its so much fun!! But I do remember stopping at some point and thinking to myself - "been running down dunes for quite a while now and what goes down must go up!"....

Down on the beach we wandered along a little, too early to see any penguins sadly, and today there were no sea lions hanging around either. But the ocean was superb - the most amazing colour.

And then it was time to head back up the dunes - remember that fleeting thought I had on the way down - wished I'd taken it a little further!!! Flipping heck it was a long long way back to the top and my legs felt like jelly when we finally made it back to the carpark (this pic is just the very bottom portion!!)

Badly needed a coffee - had my trusty thermos so a hit of caffiene and several MacIntosh toffees restored the energy levels. We weren't finished! There was another track to the Chasm and Lovers Leap which we thought we oughta do since we were there - both of these are incredible cliff formations - I have a confession though - I did make it onto the viewing platform but couldn't take a photo cos had to leave the viewing platform quite quickly!!! Sometimes me and heights just don't work and today was one of those days. I asked Jake to describe them in detail!! Finally we climbed up to the little cairn at the top of the hill for more spectacular views.

It was an awesome day out in the sun (and wind) and yep, I am sure that I will have a few twinges tomorrow morning from sadly neglected muscles, but it was worth every sandy step. Sometimes I reckon you've just gotta get out into the ''air'' - blow the cobwebs away and let your mind wander.

I'm pretty pleased to say that I have now completely finished all the stitching on the Gingham Girls - it's all pieced together, minus the border. I can't quite decide on what fabric to use for the border yet, so will wait til it's on before I do a show and tell. But I can show and tell the first block of Down in the Garden - love the dresden block and it was such fun to stitch - paper pieced first ....

... and then slip stitched into place.

I've also finished a few more of Brenda's blocks for Jane Austen's quilt. There's these gorgeous little flowers behind the window pane...

..and one of her dainty little purses...

... and the words ...

I reckon take-aways are on the menu tonight - and I am going to finish a project that has been ''happening'' for four years!!! Every time I have brought this project out over the past four years Jake has rolled his eyes and laughed - he never thought I would get it finished. Tonight I will prove him wrong and victory will be mine!!!

Happy stitching, and, if you are in Dunedin, go check out Sandfly Bay!!

Jenny

Thanks!

2010-03-30T14:27:00.008+13:00

Thanks for all the crossed toes and fingers - it worked! There was no rain, no broken bodies (atleast not Jakes') and no broken bikes. A few bruises, yes, and some minor adjustments needed to the bike, but nothing major. And he did amazing!! We found the place very easily and I spent Saturday afternoon driving up and down the Port Hills, dodging a zillion other cyclists. I am amazed at the number of cyclists in Christchurch, and they all seem to be intent on biking UPHILL!!! It was pretty darned cold on and off most of the weekend, but there were patches of blue sky, and I'm sure that Jake did not notice for one moment that it was freezing!! On Sunday I was relieved of driving duty as the race organisers sorted that all out with their own shuttles, so Mum and I walked way up into the hills to watch. It was a decent hike uphill to the end of the track but atleast it warmed us up. This was taken from our watching possie, looking down the valley.

It makes me smile a little to think that he spend hours and hours and hours practising and in the end it takes less than two and a half minutes to race!!

We watched, we kept our fingers crossed, held our breath just a little as he came over some of the more ''interesting'' drops, and then smiled with relief as he crossed the finish line. 'Course he's as cool as a cucumber about it all - it's just me that gets a little nervous.

In between seeding and the race run, we had half an hour to fill in, so we wandered down to the end of the road where I'd noticed a little garden centre. It was gorgeous, but what was even more amazing was the gift shop that was attached to it. If you are ever in Christchurch, go here ..

... it's on Centaurus Road. Inside it is like an Aladdin's cave - I succumbed to temptation... ... have absolutely no idea what I might store in these fabulous little boxes, but that's irrelevant really! They look great just sitting on the cabinet at the moment. There was a coffee shop inside too and the food looked so delicious - this wonderful shop is definitely worth a visit. On the way up the hill, on Dyers Pass Road is another gorgeous shop that I sped into between runs (I was allowed 10 minutes - Huh!!) The Plane Tree - just divine - the most exquisite fabrics and antiques - go there too!

Had such a neat weekend - no stitchy stuff to show this post, but maybe in a few days.

Happy stitching!

Jenny

Cross you fingers please!

2010-03-26T10:59:00.013+13:00

We're off to Christchurch later today - via Geraldine and an overnight stay with Mum and Dad. Will be catching up with family, some of the relly's, a couple of friends whom I haven't seen in far too long, and doing some more of this...

This was taken last weekend - Jake decided he would compete in the Oceania Championships here in Dunedin and he did awesome!! Very proud of him I am -he competed and bettered his own times, and most importantly, didn't come off and break anything!! To be honest, I have no idea how he finds the courage to come down the hill - I have walked up it many times and it is so steep in places that you almost want to grab onto something to pull yourself up. My heart is very much in my mouth when I see him coming - this is one very nutty sport! So this weekend, it's the NZ Open up in the Port Hills somewhere - no doubt we will find it when we arrive. It's supposed to be a wet weekend which isn't good - ''things'' tend to happen when the track is wet and it's much better for boy and machine if ''things'' don't happen. I'm crossing fingers and toes that they've got the weather forecast wrong.

I've been noticing a change in the air temperature lately, and the colour of the trees - have been doing a little tidying in the garden, but it's at that funny stage where it's winding down into it's winter spell. I am desperate for lots of gorgeous spring bulbs next year so went and bought a whole heap and have so far planted half. The other half will have to wait until next week.

Vero's block 6 had me hooked for a couple of days last week - isn't it lovely. Thanks Vero for another gorgeous block.

I thought I'd lay them all out and get a shot of the lot - just to see! (minus block 3 which is still languishing in the basket - screaming "pick me" each time I go near it) I am thinking this is going to be quite a large quilt as this is only half of the blocks, and none of the joining blocks which I have decided to leave until the end. Looking good though, I reckon.

Am right up to date with the Girls too - well nearly - these are the last three bits I've done, and there's just one more skinny rose strip to stitch and then piecing the last block together.

So, even though it's not quite finished, and even though I'm also stitching Brenda's quilt, I thought I could justify it to myself to start Down in the Garden. I'm using the Old Primrose Inn fabrics cos they are so soft and pretty.

I'm having a ball, with all the stitching projects I've got on the go at the moment - each night it's a matter of ''which one will it be tonight''. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for Jake this weekend - extra toes and fingers will be greatly appreciated.

Happy stitching

Jenny

The Garden Room for now...

2010-03-10T20:12:00.013+13:00

I've been waiting to tell you about my latest project - and now I can! This gorgeous room is currently my ''Garden Room'' where guests stay ....

...but at the end of next month I'm going to convert it into my winter studio room where I'll spend part of the day working on samples and new projects, but also, it's going to be open for sales of the gorgeous new fabrics I've been using, buttons and threads, patterns and books, and other yummy things that happen to find their way onto the shelves. I'm really excited about it, and for a couple of months have been mentally planning how I'm going to set the room up. It's a such pretty room - gets the morning and afternoon sun. Don't you think this is just the perfect place to spend part of the day ''playing''.

Finally I managed to get some of my class samples finished - these are part of the Vintage Christmas Decorations classes that I'll run again this year. I had finished the linen coloured one and thought, hmmm, wonder what it would look like in redwork - I like! You know, if I was super organised ( I know, such a foreign concept for me) but if I was, a whole tree of these would look pretty neat I reckon. So, two versions of the snowflake....

...and then there was the birdie. I made the little black and white one first and then I spied the red and cream fabric and thought, hmmm, wonder what it would look like in red and cream. Yep, pretty happy with that little birdie too - so two versions of the birdie...

There are two more decorations to come - but I've got to stitch them first!

On the weekend I also finished an applique for the Angels Story quilt that I started with a friend, goodness only knows how many months ago - I think she has completed about eight blocks while I've just done the first! That's pretty pathetic on my part really - but hey, good things take time!

And speaking of good things, I have just finished stitching the first beautiful, gorgeous, fabulous block of Brenda Ryan's new quilt, Jane Austen's Bonnet...
... it's not hard to tell that I like this quilt is it! Think I'm in love with it! And with Pam's threads. So, I have two lovely days off next week and guess what I'll be doing - planting spring bulbs and stitching - maybe Christmas dec number 3, or maybe Jane Austen, or the Girls, or Leanne's new one, or Vero's next block - I'm spoilt for choice!

Happy stitching!

Jenny

Pin cushions and pianos.

2010-02-26T21:39:00.011+13:00

Well, now I know what ''peak'' season in the accommodation industry is all about - it's called February! My great giddy aunt - I have lost count of the linen I've laundered, the beds I've changed and the brekkies I've made over the past few weeks. But it's been amazing - so many people from all over the world have stayed. And I challenge anyone to make a bed quicker than I can!

This morning I woke to the most gorgeous sunrise - so I hauled myself out of bed, fumbled around for the camera and tip toed out onto the balcony to see what I could get. It was so beautiful, and it never fails to amaze me how quickly a sunrise or sunset changes and is gone.

Haven't had quite so much stitching time lately but this week I did start and finish block five of Vero's mystery quilt - I have to admit that once I start one of her blocks I become a little ''addicted'' for a couple of days until it's finished. I love the way it starts out ''raw'' and then changes as all the little details and finishing touches are added. This month, this block is my favourite.

I'm half way through the first block of Brenda's quilt - it is truly divine. I'll show you soon.

On Friday I did something that I haven't done in years! I was dusting upstairs - and no, thats not the ''something'' though it was starting to look a little obvious that I hadn't dusted in a few weeks and the girls were coming for stitching! Anyway, as I was dusting the piano I lifted the lid and ran my fingers across the keys. It really has been more than ten years, I would say, since I last touched a piano. So I found a very old piece of sheet music in the piano stool, and sat and started to play - pretty rusty for the first few lines of music, but then it all came back! How amazing, I thought - you don't forget. And it was lovely - not the way I was playing 'cos that wasn't the best - but it was just lovely to play again. The piano came with the house so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it has a fabulous tone, and I think I just might play a little more. Go and do something you haven't done for years and years - it gives you a real buzz, to know that you can still do it, and that you still like doing it! And you wonder why you ever stopped doing it! Oh, and the postie was good to me again this week - this was his treat for me - Robyn Pandolph's new Beach House range of fabric. Yum!!! Fat quarters and charm sqaures in the most heavenly pastel colours and prints.

The firewood saga continues... I was determined to have all my firewood delivered and stacked by the end of February and yesterday I realised that it was the 27th February!!! I had calculated I needed two more loads so I bit the bullet and got both loads at once. Seemed like a good idea at the time until I waltzed down the steps to see the biggest pile of firewood. It may not look so big in this photo....

... but believe me - it was BIG!!! For what seemed like hours we didn't even make a dent in it but then finally there was light at the end of the tunnel, or in this case, wood stack. We trudged up and down the steps and garden for four long hours, minus a few short jellybean revival breaks. A handful of giant jellybeans every so often eases the pain! So, now it's done - all neatly stacked and I only hope there is enough 'cos I don't want to do this again until this time next year. I have to be very honest and admit that I am feeling my age today - was a little sore first thing this morning - discovered a few muscles that I didn't know I had - cruel and unusual punishment it is!! It took a little more than jellybeans to encourage Jake to participate this time - when the load was delivered he just looked at me as if to say ''are you mad?'' and shook his head. Monetary enticement was called for!

I have a movie lined up for tonight - and stitching - finishing off a couple of things. Have a lovely stitchy week.

Jenny

Still sunny!

2010-02-16T13:40:00.016+13:00

The last time I was here it was a glorious blue sunny sky day - same again today! Maybe I should be out there, in the garden, or just relaxing with a cuppa on the front porch. The second option sounds good - gathering strength for the next job on today's agenda - carting another load firewood up the stairs, and then up through the garden, and then stacking it up under the house (there are way too many ''ups'' there!). Yah - I can't wait until the delivery man turns up with it!! I have been a little cunning though and suggested that he deliver it mid to late afternoon - like about about after 3.00 p.m. Sorry Jake!

I've started to do a little work on some of this years classes. We did some vintage Christmas decorations last year, and they were fun. So I've decided to do another four this year. Have been thinking about what to do for ages, and I've finally settled on the next four. Here's the beginnings of three of the four...

... and part way through the snowflake....

Also, I've had fun stitching a garden for Barb's hollyhock buttons.....

... and it's finished up as another class project. I used a new range of fabrics - "Old Primrose Inn" by Blackbird Designs - gorgeous soft colours and old-fashioned florals.

Plenty of pockets to store absolutely everything.

The Gingham Girls got an outing, too. Have half finished block ten - this is such a pretty little block....

... and sweet lavender...

I have to show you a couple of things that the postie delivered this week cos they are gorgeous! The first parcel had a pile of buttons from House on the Hill - what do you think? Aren't they beautiful!

And then there was this! This is not my stitching but a picture of part of Brenda Ryan's most delicious new quilt, Jane Austen's Bonnets (this is one of my block of the month quilts this year). I'm going to be stitching this tonight - I know I shouldn't start something else quite yet, but this is completely irresistable - I just have to do a little!

Not quite finished with the postie yet - she also delivered a parcel from France - new cross-stitch patterns by Virginie Gousse. Her designs are truly exquisite -I just had to have them! It was so hard to choose just one to show you, but they will all on my website in a couple of days (http://www.thestitchery.co.nz)

So, the postie was good to me this week - a whole lot of goodies (and not too many bills!). Must scoot now, as the firewood will nearly be here - such fun awaits!!!

Happy stitching

Jenny

Glorious Sunshine!

2010-01-28T15:53:00.007+13:00

It is the most gloriously sunny hot day today - this is what I'm seeing from my balcony - not a bad view really!

I should be in the garden this afternoon - have been attacking the front garden for the last couple of days - though I think ''wilderness'' is a more appropriate description for that part of the garden! I'm not sure you can really even see where I have been but I have discovered some of the healthiest specimens of thistles that I've ever seen! Prize winning numbers they were! It's a little too hot right now, though, so may go back to it later this afternoon.

Last night I finished block four of Vero's mystery quilt - it was such fun to stitch and I really really love it!

And today the postie brought me some of these...

...gorgeous new buttons from Theodora Cleave. I think I will have a little play with a couple of them tonight. Postie has brought me some very nice little parcels lately.

Isn't this the most amazing colour - these little lobelia are pretty hardy to survive in this planter as I often forget to water them - it doesn't seem to worry them though.

I think I've just been talked into taking someone over to Signal Hill for a few downhill runs! I suppose it's a way to avoid the ''wilderness'' for a little longer and I don't really mind driving up and down the hill half a dozen times as it's good ''thinking'' time - many a project has been sorted out in my head on that road!

So, I'm off to drive Mr Jake!

Happy stitching

Jenny

Stacy Nash Primitives

2010-01-23T11:22:00.004+13:00

Look what arrived in my mailbox yesterday! While I was away last week I spent some time surfing the net, looking for gorgeous cross-stitch designers - Stacy Nash was one of the first I found and now her patterns have arrived. You should have seen me opening the box - oh so carefully - not!!! I couldn't wait to get it open to see the goodies - this picture does not do them justice - they are divine.

These are just a few - more on my website. Also, gorgeous little books of her designs, though these aren't quite on the website yet (!). Maybe later today (or tomorrow...)
I don't know about you but I love patterns and books that are beautifully presented - these little books have an opaque type of cover that is fastened with a ribbon. Probably sounds silly, but somehow it just seems that little bit more special undoing the ribbon and opening the pages - makes you think ''what secret treasures await''. And treasures there are!

I haven't done any cross stitch for such a long time, but over the past few months I've been seeing some incredibly beautiful work on the web and other blogs and it has sparked the old desire to cross stitch again. I even got out the linen a couple of weeks back and played around with an idea that's been floating around ''upstairs'' for a little while. I'll give you a peek soon (if it works!).

Off now to maybe finish block four of Vero's mystery quilt - it's very cute.

Happy stitching

Jenny

Alexandra

2010-01-20T13:02:00.012+13:00

This afternoon I am supposed to be doing something else - but I absolutely loathe doing that ''something else'' so I have become the master of ''let's see what else we can do instead and delay it just a little longer''. And I remembered! I haven't been here since getting back from our little holiday - the perfect excuse not to do the other thing! We had a fabulous time. As soon as the last guest had left we hit the road for Alexandra - I swear that there is something in the air up that way that makes you relax - once you hit Roxburgh, it just seems to happen - breathe it in and holiday mode takes over. We always stop in Roxburgh for coffee (and a little something from the bakery!) - there's a special little spot round the back of the township overlooking the river where we ''do'' morning tea (though in this case it was more like lunch!) Then, of course, there are multiple stops at the roadside fruit stalls - to load up with cherries, plums and apricots. By the time we got to Alex we were ready for a walk/bike in the hills.

Even though the wild thyme was well past it's best, the smell of it was still heavenly. And meandering around these hills on a warm day was bliss.

The second day we walked part of the river track and met this little fellow along the way. He was just a baby I think, and I'm not entirely sure how he got to be where we found him. Eventually he scurried under a large rocky overhang, away from us and the sun, no doubt, and I am hoping that his mother found him. He was so cute.

We stopped at this point, before heading back, and the utter peace and stillness was incredible. Only the birds singing in the background.

One thing that drives Jake nuts when we are out walking is that I am forever stopping to take pictures of wildflowers - can't understand why this annoys him, though! They are gorgeous - this is a favourite.

Stitching on holiday was not as productive as I had hoped - blame it on the motel lighting! So all I managed was to finish these, from a project that has been in the basket for a while now...

...and I did another of Barb's little cat stitcheries - still have one more to go to make up the set of four.

So.... this has delayed the dreaded task quite nicely - but I don't think I should delay it any longer or I'll get into trouble. Need to go calculate and file my GST return!

Happy stitching (I wish I was!)

Jenny

''Stitching Time''

2010-01-09T18:59:00.011+13:00

Took the afternoon off, today. There's been a lot of cleaning and breakfasts going on over the last couple of weeks and I needed a little ''stitching'' time. And add to that a trip to A & E last weekend, and tending the wounded, for good measure. (A & E? sure you can guess - involves a bike, rocks and luckily just one finger but a surprising number of stitches for such a little pinkie!) Yeah - I needed this afternoon!

So, I finished off this little sweetie. You know how some things you make you just absolutely love them - well, this is one of them for me. It's a gorgeous little pincushion pattern of Brenda Ryan's - there's also a daisy design in the same pattern that I'm only half way through but this is the finished hollyhock one.

I added the feather stitch down the seams cos I love the way it looks.

And I've used Pams Cottage Garden Threads - aren't they so gorgeous.

Speaking of Pam's threads - she has just released another 34 new colours! I think I've died and gone to heaven! They arrived yesterday and I have been oogling them ever since - I'll pop them on the website soon, I promise.

This is my little "Days in Provence" quilt - all finished. The quilt is a design of Jackie Nicholls (http://www.houseonthehill.co.nz/) and it's another one of those ''I really love this'' things!

I quilted really simply around each block- was wanting the ''naive'' look and decided that chunky stitches using perle thread would work. Then got a little carried away on the outside border and quilted it around and around, in quarter inch lines (not perfect quarter inches though - eyeballed it all the way!) It's given the border a sort of scrunched effect and that's what I really like - sort of a vintagey look.

Had another little delivery this week which was fun - a lovely range of fabrics called Wild Thyme - the most gorgeous shades of pinks and green. Do I have plans for this - definitely!

We're off for a few days holiday next week - will be walking amongst the real wild thyme - so hoping for some lovely sunny days and balmy evenings. And I get to choose a new little project to take with me - my holiday stitching project!

I've narrowed it down to about 4 - so might have to flip a coin a few times to make the final decision.

Happy stitching

Jenny

Two thousand and ten!

2010-01-01T21:45:00.012+13:00

You know what - doesn't seem all that long ago that we celebrated the year two thousand? And now it's ten years later - hmmm.... I don't know about you, but one heck of a lot has happened in the last ten years - wonder what the next decade will hold? I don't ''do'' resolutions, but I did spend a little quiet time, just thinking about the past year and making a few plans for the coming one. There's a few things I would like to achieve. Did you celebrate the New Year in style? Very belatedly Jake and I wandered down to the Octagon, enjoyed the bands, and then were treated to an amazing fireworks display. And today, we went walking. Jake wanted to show me one of his biking tracks - said it was a goodie to walk up as you got great views. He was right - it was ''UP" (for a long long way!) but you did get great views so it was worth it. What I thought would be a quiet stroll turned into nearly a 5 hour epic, mind you I did dawdle a little to take some pics. This is a view along the way....

... and this is from the top but you don't see so much from there as it's flat. It was pretty amazing being up there though, with not a soul around for miles. We sat among the tussocks to shelter a little from the roaring norwester, ate cake (what's life without cake!) and drank lots of water.

I absolutely love the way new fern fronds look and can't stop myself from taking far too many pictures of them.

Christmas was a very happy family affair this year - all of us managed to get together for Christmas dinner - what a racket!!! This is what I gave friends for Christmas this year - I used Marg Low's gorgeous covered coathanger pattern, and made them up in Tanya Whelan fabrics. Cute ay!

And this is Christmas night - glorious sunset over Geraldine.

Boxing Day saw us walking again - a big long walk up Orari Gorge in the morning...

...and another long one along the Waihi River in the afternoon.

I know this is a ''bitsy'' blog - it's what I've been up to over the past week - but there has been some stitching in amongst the walking and Christmas and New Years things as well - a Brenda Ryan sweetie, some more of the Gingham Girls and block 3 of Vero's Mystery Quilt (that's been a challenge to put it mildly). I'll do a show and tell in a few days when a couple of them are hopefully finished. Now I'm off to have cake for supper - fresh Banana cake - my favourite!

Happy New Year

and lots of stitching

Jenny

Trains and Bikes

2009-12-19T18:38:00.016+13:00

I have been stitching this week but I can't show you hardly any of it - how frustrating! This is all I can show you of some of it ....

...but after Christmas I can show you the whole picture! It's pretty cute I reckon.

This is a little bag that I can show you - one of Leanne Beasleys new patterns - it's a real wee sweetie. I'm oh so close to finally finishing my Days in Provence quilt - just got the binding to go and that will be hand-stitched in place tonight, as I watch Men in Black! (Jake's choice of movie, not mine!).

So, what's trains and bikes got to do with anything I can hear you ask. Well, I thought I'd show you what else we've been doing this week - we went on a train ride! It's been years and years and years since I rode a train and it was great fun. We took in the sights of the Taieri Gorge which were spectacular.

Viaducts and tunnels by the dozen!

And bikes - well, this mother got to see her son in proper downhill racing action for the first time last Sunday - here's the group of them before they head off up the hill...........

... and here's a really bad shot of Jake coming down the hill........

This picture was taken in haste (and with heart in mouth!) and does not show you, at all, the extent of the drop!!! Had I known in advance........well, lets just say that the next time I find a ''watching position'' I will make sure that it is not at a drop - I would rather not know! I do have a new found respect for my son's skill, but I do seriously have to question his sanity at the same time. Not sure how long it took them to get up the hill, but I do know that it took him 2 minutes and 59 seconds to come down it!!

Yesterday we had our Friday Stitchers Christmas party - lots and lots of chocolate! Yum! Just had to show you a pic of what Debbie made - she had a whole basket of these gorgeous apple pin cushions - all in red and white - and each of us was lucky enough to receive one. Thanks Debbie - they are so cute.

And finally - I have been waiting very patiently for a few weeks now for these gorgeous blooms - they are the palest prettiest pink and just absolutely amazing. The wait was definitely worth it.

Not many sleeps now til the big fellow in the red suit comes visiting! Hope you've got all your last minute pressies sorted - I'm done (nearly) and have a few days to potter around before Christmas - now that's a bit of a novelty for me.
I have a few new projects to start - hmmm - which will be first?
Happy stitching
Jenny

On a Roll!

2009-12-07T12:45:00.008+13:00

On Saturday when you know who was playing cricket and you know who wasn't watching, I ticked some things off "the list". I've now got the first eight blocks of the Gingham Girls all stitched together and have to say I'm really delighted with it.

Also, I finished off block two of Vero's Mystery quilt....

... and I also finished my Summer Sampler cushion which I love! This is one of Crabapple Hill Studio's beautiful patterns - they also do a Spring, Winter and Autumn sampler so guess who will be working their way through all four.

I sorted out fabrics for Christmas presents, cut them, and started stitching one as well. I tell you, I was on a roll!! Then I went and picked the child up - he told me that he had bowled really really well, but didn't want to talk about his batting!! He was still smiling though.

Yesterday I played with my sewing machine again - well, it was a wet old day so what better way to spend it. Made a little bag, the same as the Christmas one that I'm teaching at the Christmas club classes this week - I needed to remind myself how it went, so thought I would do a non-Christmas bag as another sample and couldn't help myself - I had to decorate with one of Barb's gorgeous new birdie buttons.

Now I'm off to start sewing some of those pressies because as usual I have left it way too late. I do this every year! I always have great intentions of being organised and starting early but it never seems to happen. I know that it can be done, though, as there are people who have told me they have Christmas all sorted out by the middle of the year - to which I have one question - HOW!!! But you know what, Christmas Eve just wouldn't feel right unless I wasn't stitching something to finish off a present.

Happy Stitching (and lots of it!)

Jenny

Side-tracked by Santas.

2009-12-03T21:26:00.015+13:00

I've had a couple of days off this week and I had all these plans. Hmmmm! I didn't get to tick many things off ''the list'' though - I got a little side-tracked! By these ..... Santa's, trees and baubles. Decorating the house. I went for silver and glass for the big tree....

... and then there's the tree with the santa's and the elves, the reindeer and fairies, stockings and puddings, hearts and tags....

....more santa's...

....the red and white corner....

...and guess what, more santa's.

I have done a little stitching as well - finished the last part of block 6 of the Gingham Girls, so now I can put it together with 5, 7 and 8 and finish the row.

I've also started stitching a new block of the month quilt which I will be offering next year - another gorgeous mystery quilt from France, this one designed by Marie-Claude of Les Secrets de Marie. As you know I love Barb Smiths designs and Barb has done the stitcheries for this quilt - this is part of the first block. Gorgeous cat, dont you think - I love the cat's expression! I'm not going to piece the blocks yet, though, as I have a range of Moda fabrics arriving early next year that will, I hope, be perfect for this quilt.

After a coffee on the front porch this morning, this is where I spent the rest of the day....

....in amongst the roses and delphiniums.

A pretty perfect day!

Hope yours was too.

Jenny

Sweet Roses

2009-11-21T13:28:00.006+13:00

I picked these yesterday to adorn the breakfast table - the sweetest prettiest pink roses I've seen.

I wish I could post the sounds of the birds that I sat and listened to this morning - not sure why but the last two mornings they have been magic - maybe because both mornings have been really warm and too hot for the birds to fly, so instead they sat in the trees and sang for me! The smell of the roses in this warm weather is gorgeous and I am amazed at how many blooms open out after just one day of hot weather.

My guests and garden are keeping me on my toes - but still a little time to stitch. Last weekend I put together some more of my Gingham Girls blocks - I now have blocks one through to eight done, except for six which I'm not sure how but I missed, so I'm doing that one now. So, here's seven.....

.... and here's eight....

I'm hoping to start the first stitchery tonight for a new block of the month quilt designed by Marie Claude of Les Secrets de Marie. Barb Smith has done the stitcheries for the quilt and they are so beautiful. I'll show you next week (hopefully!!). And the second block of Vero's mystery quilt needs attention too! So this afternoon, while the child is playing cricket ( I know, a good mother should be there watching, but honestly, I did try (once) a few years back and I was really really bored!!) I will happily rummage for fabrics for Vero's block and trace out stitchery number one for Marie's quilt.

Happy stitching

Jenny

My Divine Treat!

2009-11-05T20:43:00.007+13:00

A couple of weeks back I decided to treat myself to a very very delicious quilt kit - I lusted after this fabric when I was still at The Stitchery but decided against ordering it as I wasn't quite sure of future plans when the ordering needed to be done! I regretted it! So, on a whim I surfed the internet and found that a certain shop was offering it as a kit. Without a second thought I ordered it. (Actually there were quite a few second thoughts - I felt I needed to justify the purchase until I decided that no justification was needed at all - the purchase was a necessity!) This is how it arrived - the bag is a heavy textured cotton fabric and absolutely gorgeous.....

...but what was inside was even better! Just look at this...

"Rouenneries" by French General. The fabrics look so divine that I wont pull the bundles apart for a while - they can sit and look pretty on my table for a while. Even the ribbon that ties them is fabulous. What a treat to arrive in the post. A very special project to look forward to, sometime in the New Year.

I don't have any stitching to show you this week - I have been stitching though, but just not quite enough! Maybe after the weekend. We had our last class of the Vintage Decorations last night and we made the little angel. One of the girls had us nearly in tears from laughter (kind laughter though). She showed us her pin cushion ... and I thought that I absolutely had to share it with you (with her permission of course)......

I love it! Cute ay!

Time to go and sort some fabrics for the next project, and pat the French General ones of the way past.

Happy Stitching

Jenny

Bluebells and Wisteria

2009-10-31T15:38:00.012+13:00

Every time I walk up the steps and path to my front door I am struck by the beauty of this garden. It is so incredibly lush, the rose bushes are loaded with buds and old-fashioned ''grannies bonnets'' are bursting into flower. Bluebells just seem to go on forever.

There are masses of pretty little pink flowers about to open - not sure what they are but they are gorgeous! And the sweet sweet perfume of the wisteria at the front door floats through the house on a warm day. It's heavenly.

I've done a little gardening since I last wrote, and now have tomato plants growing in the glasshouse - there is absolutely nothing like the taste of a homegrown tomato! And we have little lettuce plants settled into their garden bed, alongside the herbs. The strawberry patch is also looking very very good - I can almost taste the strawberries now!

Been busy with guests, too. Australians, Americans, English and Kiwis!

Was very excited to get the first block of Vero's Mystery Quilt in the mail last week - I can show you my block now as the patterns have been posted out so I won't be spoiling the surprise for any of the girls doing it. This is such a different project for me as I have not made anything with country colours for ages and I had forgotten how lovely they are to work with. I have dug deep into the stash for bits for this quilt, and have even found fabric from way back in the beginning days of Needle 'n Thread. I am going to enjoy every step of the way with this quilt - and part of that is because you have absolutely no idea what is going to turn up each month.

I have also finished the stitchery for a beautiful Carb-apple Hill design - this is called Summer Sampler and will be made into a long cushion. Maybe I will have the cushion made by the time I do my next blog!

It is nice to get back to my stitching - just doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that - catching up on the Gingham Girls, finishing the quilting on my Days in Provence quilt, and even a little cross-stitch. I've been tempted by some new things but am trying very very hard to finish some projects. So far it's working!

Oh, that is, except for a certain quilt kit I have ordered - well, it was impossible to resist!

Happy stitching!

Jenny

That was so much fun!

2009-10-19T16:52:00.017+13:00

I've just had the best weekend! Hope you have too. Stitchery Retreat 2009 was held at the City Sanctuary and it was lovely!

I know that most of the girls had a really hard time choosing which project to start stitching as they were all so gorgeous. These are the samples that I have been working on over the past couple of months. This is Barb's birdie design which I made into a pattern folder, and little matching needlecase with Barb's birdie button on the cover (http://www.theodoracleave.blogspot.com).

Here's Brenda's beautiful ''Lucy'' which is one of her ''Bonnets and Bows'' designs (http://www.brendaryan.typepad.com/) . I made this one up into a good sized drawstring bag - ready to hold the current stitchery project.

Bronwyn designed a fabulous table mat - also with matching place mats though I did not quite get to do the place mats.

These are a couple of closer pics of the flowers at each end of the table mat.

Marg (http://www.marglowdesigns.typepad.com/) gave us a sweet stitchery sampler, scented sachet and chatelaine. I will definitely be making some of the scented sachets as lovely little Christmas gifts.

And last, but certainly not least, Natalie did an exquisite bag and needlecase, called The Paris Collection. I can't show you a pic of this though, but keep an eye out on Natalie's blog (http://www.cinderberrystitches.typepad.com/) and I am sure you will see it very soon.

Honestly it was almost impossible to work out where to start - the designs were all so amazing and I'm pretty sure that everyone who came will stitch each and every one of them.

There were lots of smiley happy faces...

....lots of chatting and laughing...

...plenty of stitching...

...and quite a few cuppa's!

Will I do it again? Sure will, and more. I hope that all of you who came enjoyed it as much as I did.

Happy stitching girls!

Jenny

Our new home!

2009-10-12T10:46:00.010+13:00

I've been away for a while again, I know. So much has happened in the last couple of months - incredible, amazing changes - and a wonderful feeling inside me that this is very good! We're all moved in to our new home, the shop has closed, and all the shop ''stuff'' is here now too. Must admit to slightly underestimating the time it would take to ''move'' the shop! But it's all done - all unpacked ,in a fashion (minus the boxes that were just far too hard to think about - they went straight into some wonderful big storage cupboards - for those there will another day!) and we have even had our first guests to stay. Yes, I was nervous at first, but needn't have been - they were the most delightful couple, and apart from forgetting to put glasses out for the juice, everything went perfectly fine!

I have been busy stitching, too, just in case you were wondering. But I can't show you a single thing because it's all the ''secret'' things for the Retreat this coming weekend. I will show them afterwards though - the designs that have come from Natalie, Brenda, Barb, Bronwyn and Marg are absolutely stunning. For those of you coming this weekend, you are in for a treat.

So, this is our house - the front of it, anyway. It totally charmed me when I first saw it. I thought I would show you a couple of pics of the garden (seeing as I can't show you any stitchery) - this is my patch of paradise - so incredibly sheltered and private and when the flowers are in bloom it will look so so pretty - I can't wait.

There are gorgeous clumps of bluebells everywhere - primoses, tulips, a beautiful magnolia tree. The wisteria at the front door is glorious!

... and the fish pond which has seven residents! Don't know alot about fish, but I will learn. Have caught Charlie sitting on the edge a couple of times, working on a strategy I think!

What do you think? And the view from upstairs is something else - it's pretty hard not to love living here! I'll be back after the weekend to show you some of the things I've been working on lately. Coffee, maybe, on the balcony! See you later.

Jenny

Debbie's Finished Her Quilt!

2009-08-28T11:20:00.007+12:00

Hi - I know, it's been a while, again! I have a proper excuse this time, but more about that later. I have to show you Debbie's quilt - she brought this in to stitching group two Friday's ago and it's taken me far too long to show you. This is ''A Kittens Tale'' - Lynette Andersons fabulous block of the month quilt. When Debbie unfolded this gorgeous creation a couple of weeks back there was a group gasp! The picture does not do it justice at all as it is truly beautiful.

About the only stitching that I can show you that I have done in the past few weeks is the next block of the Gingham Girls - these are from block five - cute little teapot...

...and quilting with a friend...

So I guess you are waiting to hear the excuse - well... I have been up to my ears in packing boxes! I have sold my house, bought a B & B here in Dunedin, and I am closing my shop! Phew! For quite some time, now, I have felt that a few things needed to change, so way back earlier in the year I found the most gorgeous property that was being run as a Bed and Breakfast and I instantly saw the potential of combining that business with parts of this one. I have been wanting to be able to spend a little more time with my son, Jake, and over the past couple of years I actually felt like I was spending less and less time with him. So, a change was needed and when I found the City Sanctuary I made some decisions. I'm going to continue my classes and retreats from home as it has the most amazing spaces on the second floor - and views to inspire. (I'll be able to show you some pics of the views in a few weeks time and you will see what I mean). I'm also going to continue with my website - lots and lots of fabulous patterns, some fabrics and other tempting bits and bobs like Barb's gorgeous buttons. So, this means that The Stitchery shop will be closing, around about the middle of next month. That's a little bit sad, as it's been a huge part of my life over the past few years, but it is time to move on and to be honest I am incredibly excited about my next adventure - I truly believe that we all know within our hearts when it is that time to move on, and when the opportunity arises we should grab it and go for it! So what between packing and moving out of my old house, a short stint in temporary accommodation (which turns out to be a very pleasant little unit), closing down the shop and then moving into our new home, blog entries may be a little few and far between for the next while. If you want, you can have a look at my ''next adventure'' at wwwcitysanctuary.co.nz - you'll see why I couldn't resist! We move in on 18th September, which is three weeks today. Until then I intend to unwind a little in the ''unit'' - hopefully I will get plenty of stitching done as the retreat is fast approaching and I have several projects to finish for that, but can't show you cos they are secrets. So, there you have it - what do you think? It should be fun!

Must go and get ready for the Friday Stitching girls - wonder what Debbie will bring today?

Jenny

2009-08-07T11:19:00.015+12:00

It's been a while since I've been here - but that's not to say I haven't been stitching. A couple of weeks ago I finally got round to putting all these gorgeous little stitcheries, from Barb's Cat Club, into a wall-hanging, so that I could enjoy looking at them instead of seeing them 'resting' in a little pile on the shelf. Really happy with the end result, too!

Here's a close up of each of them..

Have also been doing some other bits - like this Christmas stocking - it's Marg Low's new pattern, and comes with this stitched version and also a strip pieced version which is the one we are going to do in the Christmas Club classes.

And then there are the Gingham Girls - this is part of block four..

...and hopefully this, along with the stocking, will be finished off this weekend. Depends on the weather! Here's Debbie's last block of her Kitten's Tale - so cute! I have a feeling that she will be bring the completed top to stitching group today - can't wait to see it.

And this is her most recent Breast of Friends block, and I think it just might be my favourite - so very pretty!

Well, I have to confess that this blog entry has been an absolute mission to complete - I have absolutely no idea what has happened since I last did an entry but it seems a whole lot of settings or something have changed. It has taken me three attempts to get to this point and I will be almost surprised if it publishes.

I hope that you are all enjoying the slightly lightly evenings, the not so chilly mornings and just how many blossom trees have you seen in flower!

Jenny

2009-07-14T10:42:00.005+12:00

These gorgeous little creatures are kind of appropriate right now! Another chilly weekend saw me inside and sewing! It was okay though as I did need to get some class samples finished - these cuties are from one of Marg Low's patterns, and are part of the Christmas Club classes that start next month. Just have to knit a teeny weeny scarf, now, for the two big guys at the back.

This is another of the classes - these are not my samples but Marg's - her Stitched Blessings stockings - one of her brand new patterns and just so lovely.

And here's my little angel for the vintage decorations classes - I think I will make some more of her in Christmas reds and greens - I quite like her!

My poor little car was frozen solid this morning - literally - the key would not turn in the lock! When I finally managed to ''break into'' her, it was a very cautious drive down the hill indeed, and she is now outside in the sun, defrosting properly. I need to go and move her into the garage now before the parking person comes or before I foget and the parking person still comes!!

Keep warm and keep stitching

Jenny

Wintry skies = busy stitching fingers!

2009-07-10T11:35:00.010+12:00

The last time I wrote I was about to commit serious bribery with sweets! It worked! Stocktake is completely 100% finished - the lollies certainly did make the task a whole heap more acceptable. And yeah - I did have a few but not so many as that child of mine - kids just don't seem to have a cut-off point when it comes to lollies!!!

There is defintely something positive to be said for this bleak cold winter that we are having - the stitching fingers are very busy. I found some partially completed stitcheries a few weeks back, so put them both into cushions. This lovely little primitive house one is a design by Tracey North of ''I Luv Country'' ...

..and this is one very recently finished - ''Marjorie'' by Barb Smith - I chose slightly different colours to what I would normally use for this as I was inspired by a customer who put these two fabrics together and I liked the combination.

Just this week I finished the little vintage stocking decoration which is the third in a series of classes I am about to start next month. I have really been enjoying playing with stitching and beads on these decorations - just have one more to do and it's going to be a little angel - might just get started on her this weekend.

Block three of the Gingham Girls is now all together - cute little handbags ...

... and this is the start of block four's stitching. I think this is so sweet.

I have to show you these Tanya Whelan fabrics that arrived this week - on a very gloomy winters day they definitely did the trick - just made me think of Spring and ever so slightly kid myself that it wasn't too far away! Aren't they gorgeous?

Wintry skies but busy fingers - and my crochet rug is coming along nicely too, but that's another story.

Keep warm and keep stitching!

Jenny

Stocktake and lollies!

2009-06-26T10:08:00.009+12:00

This week has seen me standing behind my counter happily rolling and measuring fabric for my stocktake. No actually that's a great big fib - there's not an ounce of "happiness" involved in stocktake!!! It's just one of those things you have to grit your teeth and do. But... I have several bribes and other enticements lined up to lure my son into helping me this weekend - a lolly jar on the counter will be hard to resist for a start. I, of course, will not touch a single one of them!!! (truly!)

Anyway, I've not shown you Debbie's last Kitten's Tale block - not sure how I missed that - here it is - utterly adorable.

I've not been doing as much stitching this past week but last weekend I did manage to get the linen border on my Days in Provence quilt, and then I made these fabulous little Christmas decorations. They are from one of Marg Low's patterns called Christmas Charm - she uses Barb's gorgeous buttons and I just love them. Very quick and easy to make too, so even though that was a new project I started, I also finished it!

I also put together block two of the Gingham Girls - here's the little Japanese girl on the tea caddy - very sweet.

And these are a couple of bits I've done from the next block.

Now I must get back to rolling fabric! See you next week when it is all finished.

Happy Stitching,

Jenny

Bit of this, bit of that.

2009-06-12T11:28:00.006+12:00

We've all got those ''unfinished projects'' piles haven't we, but are there others out there like me that for every one of those projects that we finish, we start three new ones! So the ''unfinished projects'' pile just keeps getting higher and higher. I have a complete lack of discipline and/or willpower when it comes to starting new things. But I have nearly finished this project..... Days in Provence..

This is a gorgeous pattern designed by Jackie Nicholls of House on the Hill Designs - I'm actually not prepared to admit to how long the fabrics have been sitting in a nicely folded pile, waiting to be cut and pieced, but last weekend I did it!! I finished stitching the lovely little lavender blocks and the words - and then put it all together (except for the linen border which will go on this weekend). Then just some simple hand quilting and that's one to be crossed off the ''list''.

I also found these little pincushions that I had made from leftovers of a quilt I stitched earlier in the year. They were in a much neglected state - not even turned through - so out with the stuffing, buttons and beads and another thing off the ''list''.

This week I have been playing with a couple of new designs. I have been wanting to make a little Christmas bag using some of Barb's fabulous buttons - these angel buttons are so sweet. I think I will make another one of these bags with some of her Santa buttons as well.

And the other idea that I have been working on is vintagey Christmas decorations. I made a start on these last weekend, and finished the star, and last night I started on the heart. I wanted to combine a little bit of simple beading and embroidery and I quite like the end result! There are two more, yet, to go - a rainy weekend does wonders for the stitching.

I hope you manage to cross one thing off your ''list'' this week (and start three more!).

Happy stitching.

Jenny

Block one is done!

2009-06-03T16:00:00.008+12:00

It was kind of good having a long weekend that was a little too chilly to venture out as it meant I got to spend a lot of time in the sewing room! I played quite happily with my fabrics - sorting some for the Gingham Girls. I had some lovely bits in my stash that I wanted to use, along with some from the shop. I'm pretty pleased with the end result and like the way it is looking. Block one is done.

I also stitched this block - can't remember which block it comes from, but I love the way the girls are framed within the heart.

Debbie brought her gorgeous pink blocks to stitching group last week ...

... love the stitchery in this one.

I'm off home soon - to light the fire, trace out another stitchery for the ''girls'' and then settle in for the night. I'm happy with that!

Keep warm and happy stitching,

Jenny

Down the garden path!

2009-05-27T09:04:00.009+12:00

Nearly went for a skate down the front path this morning as I was gingerly heading for the car, basket and container of hot water in one hand, and handbag in the other. To have been unceremoniously dumped on my rear at that hour of the morning would have been too much! But I made it to the car upright, though the heart rate was just a little faster. Then the next thing to sort was the lock - frozen solid! Yes, it was a very good frost this morning. Thankfully the lock on the other side was less frozen and we managed to get in that way. Oh the joys of winter.

I have been stitching a little project folder using the Beach House range of fabrics again - I love these colours, particularly the blues and browns. This is the outside...

..and the inside..

I'm really happy with the way it has turned out. I also wanted to show you some of Barb's gorgeous new buttons that arrived this week - aren't they just amazing. Just imagine these decorating a stitchery project, or maybe a gift tag, or a little linen bag... the possibilities are endless.

And how about this gorgeous creature...

...an idea is taking shape - I'm off to find the linen - I know it's around here somewhere.

Keep warm, and watch out for ice!

Jenny

Gorgeous Fabrics

2009-05-20T11:52:00.004+12:00

Today is very bleak and wintry - it was even snowing/hailing/raining on the way to work this morning. Guess who is sitting quite close (actually make that very close) to the heater! These turned up today and I just thought they were so gorgeous and bright and cheery that I had to show them to you. They are fabrics by Verna Mosquera - I've not had any of her designs before and they are definitely delectable!

That's all - no stitching to show today - hope these bring a smile to your face on a very chilly day.

Keep warm and happy stitching.

Jenny

Bragging Rights!

2009-05-18T10:58:00.008+12:00

Am I allowed to brag? I hope so, just a little. First up on Saturday, my son, Jake, was playing in a soccer tournament and they won! Last year, in the same tournament, it came down to penalty shoot outs and sadly they missed out. Jake is the goalie, and words cannot express the agony of a mother watching her son trying to fend off penalty goals - it's just plain awful! ( I know what you are thinking - ''imagine what it must be like to be the goalie" which is a fair point, but it's nearly as bad, I think, to be the mother on the sideline!) Thankfully, though, this year there were no shoot outs and congratulations to the whole team. Then, secondly, my nephew, Hayden, won the Rally of Otago - fantastic race, Hayden! And congratulations to you, too.

It was a pretty nice weekend here - good enough to lure me into the garden on Saturday afternoon - that's saying something as I am most definitely not a winter gardener - but it was lovely and mild and the perfect day for attacking with the secatuers.

I have finished the next Gingham Girls stitchery - very cute - check out the cat!

Also, put the final stitches into the Snowman block of Viv's Christmas Thyme quilt.

And speaking of Christmas - look what turned up this morning - this is the panel from Nancy Halvorsen's Christmas range - ''I Believe..."

I know, it's a little early to be talking about Christmas but I just couldn't resist showing you the panel.

This is my little doll, Alice. She's my class model! I had so much fun making her and think I might just have to do another one.

Happy Stitching

Jenny

Sunday Stitching

2009-05-11T14:24:00.008+12:00

This was my idea of a perfect Mother's Day - spending the whole afternoon stitching! The fire was going, so it was nice and warm and cosy while it was trying its best to snow outside (but it didn't at our house), and the Gingham Girls and I kept company! Here's the two stitchery pieces for block one - meet the girls..........

Cake anyone?

Debbie's been busy too - she brought these in to stitching group on Friday - her latest Kitty block (think this is my favourite so far)....

And these are the next two pink blocks. So sweet.

It's getting really chilly outside, so it will be another night by the fire, checking out block two! Keep warm.

Jenny

I gave in to temptation!

2009-05-07T13:33:00.012+12:00

I have no willpower! I just couldn't resist going home on Tuesday night and starting the Gingham Girls. Do you find that some things absolutely have to be started straight away, no matter how many other projects you have on the go? But.... I did finish something first. Barb Smith makes these gorgeous little sewing machine buttons and I had one to play with so made a lovely little old-fashioned looking pin cushion. I quite like this vintage look.

By the time I had finished that it was getting a little later into the evening, so only managed to do a little stithing of ''the girls'' - see, how could anyone resist stitching these fabulous ladies!

I have some gorgeous work to show you, stitched by Linda. This is a Cinderberry Stitches pattern and I love the colours Linda chose. Aren't these little treasures beautiful!

Last week I received a letter from Pam in Australia who overdyes stranded cotton threads, and she sent a sample of some the colours. Well, again who could resist!!!

I ordered the complete range, but what do you think of this sampling of the colours. Brenda Ryan uses these threads in much of her work and I can see why - wonder how fast the postie can get these here?

And I had to show you another very cute little range of fabric that arrived yesterday - very different to the Moda I showed you earlier, I know, but still Wow!

I'm thinking - what will look good in this fabric?

Keep warm and happy stitching.

Jenny

Bon Voyage Mum!

2009-05-05T08:55:00.008+12:00

My Mum, the intrepid traveller, is on her way to South America today, for three months! Bon voyage Mum - what an adventure. It's hard to believe that this time tomorrow she will be exploring the city of Quito, Ecquador. The stories she will have to tell on her return will be incredible I am sure. Places she has been and people she has met. I will definitely miss our telephone chats, though, for the next three months - email is great but it is just not quite the same as a chat is it!

This little treasure disappeared a few months back, you might remember. Well, this is version two and I'm happy now!

I've also done a couple more of the lovely little stitcheries for Viv's Christmas quilt - a pudding....

and a tree....

Am currently working on the next block which is snowmen and some writing. But... I'm about to go into a headspin as Natalie's new quilt, "Tail Feathers", is coming through very soon and Bronwyn's ''Gingham Girls'' is here!!! Now, both of these quilts absolutely have to be done of course! The patterns for the "Gingham Girls" are sitting on the desk in front of me as I write - the temptation to do nothing else today but start stitching the first pattern is huge!!! Perhaps I should move them to a place where I can't see them - that would be the sensible thing to do - or.... maybe just a peek at the first pattern sheet!

Have a look at this fabulous range of fabric just arrived yesterday - "Beach House" by Blackbird Designs for Moda. Isn't it just so delicious - these soft blues, reds and greens always look so wonderful. Hmmm - I wonder how ''Gingham Girls'' would go in these fabrics, not that I have got it on my mind or anything!

I have decided I will be good (and sensible) and do what I have to do today before peeking. So I'm going to go and do those things now, so that I can peek soon!!!

Happy Stitching

Jenny

Autumn glow.

2009-04-20T13:32:00.013+12:00

This was taken about a week ago - in the back garden - it was casting an orange glow into the lounge, and I thought it was so beautiful. Stunning autumn colours.

Well, the first round of the Bag Club is finished - this is the sixth and final bag. I really like this bag, though, to be honest I'm not sure which was my favourite.

Debbie has been busy with the latest ''pink'' block which is just so lovely....

...and block 5 of a Kittens Tale - half way there now, and I can't wait to see the finished quilt!

Since the last post I have only managed to get one more of Barb's gorgeous little cat stitcheries done, but how sweet are these Hollyhock Cats.

I have also made a start on a new Christmas block of the month - this is a quilt designed by Vivian Robinson and it's called ''The Joys of Christmas Thyme''. I saw this gorgeous quilt stitched and on display in a shop that I visited when in Australia last year - as soon as I saw it I knew I had to stitch it - fabulous Christmas stitcheries, and lots of them - so I will show them as I stitch them. This one is part of the first block.

With the changing of the seasons I decided I also needed to change the display - so out with the red and in with the blue. The quilt on the wall is my version of Leanne Beasley's gorgeous ''Ruth's Quilt'' from her book "Living the Dream''. I did this quilt a couple of years back, now, and remember at the time how much fun the little tags were to stitch (which you can barely see but are in fact on each of the cream patches!)

Have had the fire on a few evenings lately - there is something very soothing about stitching in the warmth of a fire, although it sometimes happens that I end up stitching a little later into the night than I should cos it's so cosy. And if I am knitting, well... it's always, ''just one more row''!!!

Here's to more cold nights and warm fires.

Jenny

Thinking of Easter

2009-03-31T14:01:00.011+13:00

I've been getting things ready for the Easter bunnies and eggs basket class tomorrow night, kits galore, and more for another class on Sunday. They will be stitched in time to fill with chocolate - what's Easter without the odd chocolate egg (or two!).

I've also finished a bowl full of Marg Low's gorgeous fabric eggs - this is such a neat pattern, and the eggs were great fun to decorate. I think they look so good in dots.

Last year I made this little quilt top, a beautiful design from Rabbits Haven. Well, finally, last week I got round to quilting and binding it - it's no good to rush these things you know. Feeling quite pleased with my efforts and it is so nice to see it finished, just in time for Easter.

I forgot to take pictures of Debbies latest quilt blocks when she brought then in to stitching group about three weeks back, so I asked her for a repeat show and tell. Here they are - definitely pretty in pink...

and don't you love this friendship block....

Barb Smith, (Theodora Cleave Designs) has done a series of simply delightful little cat stitcheries and I am working my way through them, to make up into a mini quilt - this one was my favourite when they first came out so decided to stitch it first. They are real little cuties, about 4'', and so easy to stitch up in an evening. This one is ''Out on a Limb'' and I'm currently stitching ''Hollyhock Cat''.

Recently, as in last weekend, I gave in to the temptation of knitting (yes, I'm also addicted to knitting from way back) so I'm not sure how much stitching will get done over the next few weeks - I have a terrible habit of not wanting to put the needles down once I start a knitting project and sometimes other things get a little neglected. But with daylight saving about to end this coming weekend, the nights will be longer so maybe there is time for both! Happy stitching!

Jenny

Organising Photo Chaos!

2009-03-19T15:11:00.015+13:00

I have just spent large chunks of this morning organising my photos, putting them into proper files and deleting masses and masses of ''just not needed anymore'' ones! It feels great! It's one of those jobs I have been putting off for ages as there is usually something else I can find to do which is far more interesting. But now that it has been done, lets just see how long I can stick to the plan - putting them in the right place and deleting rejects. So, while I was at it, I sorted out some for today. Here's one of Debbie's latest block of A Kittens Tale - how cute is this!?

And here's the Little Patchwork Village quilt, hanging in the nook, all finished and definitely one of my favourites.

I have had this Brenda Ryan pattern sitting at home for many months now, in my ''to do'' pile and the other weekend I pulled it out, ironed on the transfer, and started stitching. It is the sweetest little heart cushion

I must admit I am a huge fan of Brenda's designs - this is one of the very first stitchery's of Brenda's that I did, a few years back now - beautiful Briar Rose.

And these are from her Measured Stitch quilt - loved every minute of stitching this one.

This week at Cushion Club the girls have been doing some piecing, to make this simple little pillow. We made a matching cushion inner which just pokes out a little at the end.

I hope it's been a good stitching week for you - there's a little extra time to stitch these nights, isn't there, with it getting a darker a little earlier.

Happy Stitching!

Jenny

Cushions, quilts and bags.

2009-03-04T12:34:00.018+13:00

Well, I'm not entirely sure where the second half of February went! It's a little hard to believe it's March already, and autumn is well and truly on its way. As I sit and write this, it is the most gorgeous day outside, sun is shining and a gentle little breeze. I could quite happily be at home today, pottering around in the garden - pulling weeds and prettying it up again. It never fails to amaze me how a visit from my Mum makes me stop procrastinating about weeding!! So, fingers crossed for a sunny dry weekend. Instead of gardening lately, these are some of the things I've been doing. I have just received the most delicious range of fabric in the shop - it's called Sumptuous Living and it's Robyn Pandolph's latest creation. I cut charm squares from it as I wanted to make up something quite quickly - so made up this little cushion and a lap quilt. I did a tiny little bit of hand-quilting on the cushion and had forgotten how much I enjoy it, which is not to say I'm very good at it - but practice makes perfect! I need alot of practice!

I am excited to be able to show you a couple of pics of Bronwyn Hayes new block of the month quilt that I am going to be running - called The Gingham Girls. Bronwyn has very kindly emailed these pictures to me and has allowed me to show them here - I can't wait to see the whole quilt. She has used some gorgeous novelty buttons on the quilt, and there is lots of beautiful stitchery and applique. Isn't it fabulous!

I've got a couple of little classes coming up which I needed to make samples for - this is a little Easter Egg basket - and I'm also doing a pink version but it's still only partly completed.

This is another fabric bucket class - I started out just making these plain and simple, but realised that the circles on the fabric were perfect for embellishing. The only trouble was, once you started, it was hard to know where to stop.

I also have a Quilters Bag class coming up in a couple of months and feel very pleased with myself for having the sample finished well in advance! This is the bag front...

and the bag back. Something I have always wanted myself, but never got round to making one. But now I have!

I can also show you the finished redwork quilt - Rosalie's gorgeous pattern - Little Patchwork Village. Here's a couple more of the blocks...

and this one...........

and this is the whole quilt. Not quilted yet, but there is hope that it will happen this weekend (after the gardening!)

Cushion club last week saw the girls making this little whimsy. Again it was amazing to see the different colour combinations that each person chose, and the end results - all were fabulous.

This is what we will be making at next weeks Bag Club. I think this might be one of my favourites.

So that's what has been keeping me busy lately - happy stitching!

Jenny