Christmas 2013

Christmas Day always goes in the blink of an eye. Traditionally it's always quiet at our place and most years we disappear camping but this year since we're both back at work on the 2nd we decided to just have some R & R at home with a few day trips in between.

We did feast though, bacon and eggs for breaky, delicious salmon and salads for lunch and roast lamb and vegies for dinner followed by trifle a traditional family recipe.

The online group I belong too, Friends in Stitching, did a secret santa swap. We had to send five items, S for Santa, A for Antlers, N for Nativity, T for Treat and A for Angel plus a main gift.
Bec sent to me

The main gift

Thank you Bec! I sent to Helen, you can see what I sent here.

I also recieved a gorgeous gift from long time school friend Valerie

A beautiful scarf and the most adorable minature schnauzer brooch, just like my lucy.

My boys spoilt me too, beautiful earings, itunes card and a gel nail kit (lets just say I'm no professional when it comes to nails!)

So Christmas is over for another year, I hope you all enjoy a great New Years and all the best for 2014!

Xmas swapping for 2013

Xmas parcels are on there way tovarious destinations and one even touched down at my place from a fellow Friend in Stitching

I made a lovely purchase for myself this week, too cute to resist

Look for a rose by any other name on Facebook, she has some great pieces at excellent prices.

and the last two ATCs for the Alphabet ATC swap are completed and on there way to the US.

AQM 2013

I've spent the weekend in Melbourne at Australian Quilt Market (AQM) with Helen for Pattern Press.

As always I had a great time, talking the quilting lingo with many shop owners and catching up with many designers. All the best Aussies were there, Lynette Anderson, Gail Pan, Annie Downs, Natalie Bird, Libby Richardson, Monica Poole, Jodie Carlton, Melly and Me, Rosalie Quinlan, Nicky Tervo and of course Helen Stubbings just to name drop a few. Some of us had a great night out on Saturday, they really are an inspiring bunch to be around.

The Pattern Press stand looked fabulous as always.

Here's Helen with machine quilting extraordinaire and sister Tracey Browning and in the centre Cornelian, a new BOM.

More Hugs 'n Kisses, Opus Tweet another new BOM on the left was very popular.

The Pattern Press stand was also supported by Melissa Grant of One Day in May and Paula Storm Designs (sorry no pics). Lovely to meet both ladies.

I did get to do a little shopping, fabrics and patterns, lucky Helen had some room coming home in her suitcase.

As always the weekend flies by too quickly and now we're sitting waiting for our flight home and back to my real day job tomorrow.

Roll on Pittsburgh USA 2014!

Gift Giving

I have been gift giving

Ornaments and table mat went to my blogging friend Sue whose home was badly damaged in recent floods and she lost all her Christmas decorations. I know how devastated I would be to lose all my precious handmade xmas ornaments so I wanted her to have some keepsakes to replace the treasures she lost.

The ornaments are designed by Lenna Green from The Stitching Cow and the reindeer mat is by Gail pan from her Simply Christmas Book.

I also sent one of the bags I recently made to fellow Altered Paper Swap member Denise, she wanted to buy one as she doesn't sew, so I decided there was no need to exchange money and sent it to her.

It's always a nice feeling to surprise others with a gift, makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside 

Swapping needlecases and a finished top!

Online group Friends in Stitching recently held a needlecase swap, I made this for Cathy

And received this one from Kez...do you reckon we were inspired by the same project?

Last Saturday night I stayed up late until I finished piecing this quilt top together

The pattern is called Ruth's Quilt by Leanne Beasley...I love all the pretty soft floral prints and the hints of blue amongst them. This quilt is for me, because sometimes we just have to spoil ourselves.