Happy New Year 2013
We have just returned from camping near Albany, Western Australia for the last 10 days. We had a fun relaxing holiday, all we did was 4wd, swim and I did lots of stitching. Our camping spot was on the river and had kangaroos visit us daily - one count 87. Some of the most amasing picturesque beaches are located here, I didnt want to come home. We hit a big kangaroo on our way to Ravensthorpe, lucky we had the bull bar - alot of damage to the car but we are ok.
I have an exciting year coming up. I am attending Friends in Stitches in Melbourne in July with Leanne Beasley, Gail Pan and Natalie Lymer. And in August Im going to Experience Hawaii - so excited, cannot wait only 226 sleeps to go.
Some of the things I was up to in 2012
Imagine Mauritius
Delicious Mauritius organised by Leanne Beasley of Leannes House, Rosalie Quinlan of Rosalie Quinlan Designs and Melanie of Melly and Me. Wow, what an exciting adventure we have all had. We all fell in love with the beautiful breathtaking beaches. Some wonderful friendships were formed and others grew even more. Lots of colourful cocktails were consumed at afternoon stitching meets by the pool. Two exciting adventures for me was a swim with the dolphins and a jungle walk with the lions (this was very scary but amasing). The excitement of opening our goodie bags on our first day of sewing was so much fun. Annette, Leanne, Rosalie and Melly had gone to so much effort in designing and organising our whole trip. I couldn't stop touching the colourful cosmo cottons and trying to work out which project I was going to do - punch needle, paper piecing, embroidery, journalling, photography, crocheting ..... so many selections. My roomy Lynne and I had a great time, we talked all night, so sad she lives in Melbourne and I in Perth (miss you roomy). My friends that I have travelled with to Vietnam and Mauritius Deb (our plane trip was especially good) Brenda (did we really drink 6 cocktails in one afternoon) Melinda (from mud to lions, arnt we so strong) - we had FUN. We laughed, giggled, ate yummy foods and I had the best stiching holiday. Annette our travel agent is the best, we never had a need, everything was all done for us.
Urban Stitches in Melbourne
Each year I fly to Melbourne in July for Urban Stitches, held at the Novotel Glen Waverley and hosted by Leanne Beasley of Leannes House, Rosalie Quinlan of Rosalie Quinlan Designs and Melanie of Melly and Me. The weekend is full of stitching, great company and amasing food. I have met many friends and love the whole atmosphere. I dont get a lot of stitching done but love catching up. My friend Kerry from Roxby flew over, we have seen each for about 5 years, was so good to catch up.
My 40th SURPRISE
I was given a surprise birthday this year. I had friends (Lee-Anne and Julie) and family fly in from interstate and from Perth throw me a wonderful party in the gardens at Peel Estate Winery. The day was great, the sunshine came out and everyone left very merry. I had a great day and am so spoilt by Glen and my kids - I love them all so much.
Quilting projects I have been working on
Vignette - my progress on this quilt is coming along so well. I love touching my stitching and building the picture. The colours look so good. I cant wait to finish my amasing quilt but also love working on it so much too.
Vignette Hexagon Quilt - this quilt is coming alot well, I love working on it so much. Hand piecing is so much fun. The colours are looking great.
Pond House - I am up to about block 3, loving the country colours. Lynette Anderson is one of my fabric designers, the quilt is large and will take me a while. I am machine stitching and appliquing. Loving my machine and the cottons I am using.
Scandinavian Christmas - my favourite Christmas Quilt that I love working on. I was so inspired to finish this year, not enough hours in the day. Love the fabric, struggling to cut up :)
Some Kind of Wonderful - quilt by Annie Downs, top completed, just a little more embellishing to complete. I did this quilt in the Stitch A Long group organised by Chookyblue. Loved it.
Tis the Season - quilt by Natalie Bird, completed top and Helen Rhodes custom quilted for me. It looks amasing and I love it. Amasing
Granma's 90th Quilt - I made this quilt for Gran for her 90th birthday in Gundegai. I used designs from many of Leanne Beasleys patterns and added the family tree. Granma was speechless, she loves her quilt. I was told by her it is something that she has wanted forever. Helen Rhodes machine quilted for me, wow the quilting was amasing, thankyou.
2012 CHOOKYBLUE SECRET SANTA SWAP
I again joined the swap and have had so much fun. I love making myself busy making the gifts and checking my partners blog to make sure she will like what I make. So hard to keep a secret. I will blog about this in my next entry, need to get photos to upload.
