Cardygirl

Housing...if only it was this easy!

2012-01-31T11:54:00.000+11:00

Glutton for punishment that I am, I decided to continue with the Schnibbles group hosted by Sherri and Sinta again this year. I really enjoyed the projects last year- great for techniques and just playing around with colour and placement. I am ready with a nice supply of baby quilts for gifts when necessary! But I am going to make mine into cushions this year...everyone will get cushions this year for gifts....be warned!

As Schnibbles are nigh on impossible to obtain locally I have to order from OS...which made it quite hairy getting it here in time...just! So here is Full House....cushion sized and looking like summery Australian beach huts...fabric to match the ottoman for DS. I will pipe it in the red of the doors I think.

Now back to the housing...I am just waiting on the call to let me know the contracts have been exchanged for a home we have purchased...exciting times...we will be moving but not for about six months as it needs a major renovation. It could be described as a "unique, fixer-upper opportunity"! It may be madness, but it will be a pretty home when finished...just needs a whole lot of love really. I am excited, will be walking distance to my Mum's, shops, cafes and friends...even walking distance to a good patchwork shop! Perfect.

Let the madness begin!

Cardygirl xx

Finally, back to the workshop...

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000+11:00

...I had the best of intentions of being back yesterday to finish the workshop, but life just got in the way!

Here we go!

The second day began with our arrival and discussion about how we had been thinking about what we had learnt on the first day. Reece had tubs of his stunning rainbow coloured shot cotton fabrics ...truly drool-worthy and VERY tempting! We were all fired up for a great day.

So much to learn and then apply to fabric. We made colour wheels from our fabric packs...learning about light/mid/dark...what is warm/cool...what adds depth...what has energy...what is calming.

As Reece said, we all see colour differently...it was great to see how we interpret themes...we are all influenced by where we live and early influences in our lives. When I picked colours for a winter theme, I thought of where I live, the colours of an Australian country winter, but there was still some warmth with orange....Kathy interpreted her winter as that of an American winter...greys, creams...the colours of snow and a cold climate. Interesting.

But it wasn't just picking the colours, it was learning our personal responses and interpretations of a theme, and then discussing it with the group and appreciating our differences.

We even had the opportunity to look at quilts and discuss colour, placement and the mood of the quilt...I looked at lovely Wendy's quilt ( she was doing the class too!).

By lunch time our heads were buzzing with ideas, but it was time to say goodbye to Reece and Matteo who had helped guide us through our steps into colour...thank you, it was fabulous!

Then we began working on our colour blocks with Kathy.

Lots of fun, and wonderful to walk around and see them all growing. Here are just a few...

Mary was full of energy...

...hi Heather!

and I do love my orange,

...and some pieces that followed me home!

If you ever get the opportunity to do either this workshop, or another colour workshop...do it! Whilst it initially takes us out of our comfort zone, it is quite liberating and adds an extra dimension to our work!

Thanks to Kathy, Reece & Matteo for your gentle guidance...and also to the MO girls who fixed our lunch, cut our fabric and cheered us on...Wendy, Cathy & Therese.

Cardygirl xxx

A colourful two days.

2012-01-23T21:10:00.000+11:00

Home again from the colour workshop at Material Obsession with Kathy Doughty and Reece Scannell.

In a word...amazing!

I have learnt so much and look forward to putting it into practice.

The first day was spent discussing black, white and the gray scale. Reece spent the morning sharing his experience as a photographer by explaining how we can have mood, texture, light, depth, and contrast from using mid, dark and light shades. He was amazing, leading us into a world that has the potential to add so much to our humble "patchwork". We analysed photos and discussed the warmth and coolness that can be achieved in this palette.

Whew...then we needed a tranquil spot like this for lunch!

After lunch we spent the afternoon with Kathy working on the Soul Searching quilt, putting what we had learnt in the morning into practice. Having a small stash of white, cream and grey, this was a little tricky...oh well might have to head upstairs to the shop and see if they have anything suitable!

Gradually the blocks began to come together...it is hard to let go of old habits, look at your work and follow what you like without influence. Thinking what looks best together, value, contrast.... but with Kathy's gentle support we gained confidence.

Then off for dinner with friends, some rest and readiness for Day 2!

Lots more photos tomorrow, some have already been on Kathy's blog if you want to peek!

Cardygirl xx

Counting down...

2012-01-17T23:07:00.000+11:00

...two sleeps, then off to the colour workshop. Busy getting my travel kit ready, have to work tomorrow so not a lot of time. But it will be fun no matter what!

Finished applique-ing the hexies for the cushion front...just need to buy an insert now.

back to report after the workshop!

Cardygirl xx

Searching my soul...

2012-01-15T16:36:00.000+11:00

...an interesting prospect to say the least! But I am talking about my colour "soul" at present....and that has been interesting! This week I am heading off to Material Obsession for the "Soul Searching" workshop with Kathy & Reece Scannell....also known as "Understanding Colour and working it". Phew! As preparation I have had to cut 2.5" strips in neutrals and colour groups of red, blue, yellow, green, purple and orange (about 24 of each). That is a lot of cutting! Kathy says on the blurb...you might be surprised what you learn as you cut. Well, she wasn't wrong!!! It was fun to see what I have collected and how I felt cutting the strips....my mood definitely changed according to what I was cutting...and I much prefer clearer colours than murky tones. It was also nice to remember what was bought where and for what purpose. Lots of old fabrics have been separated recently from my general stash, some were included, but most were just not me any more...so they have been relegated on the out pile. Whilst this might be the purpose of going through scraps, I just had no interest in using pieces that have been relegated to the dusty depths of my cupboards for 15+ years...they had been abandoned for a reason!

This is the inspiration for the class...the soul searching quilt (borrowed from the MO blog). It should be great fun, I have been hoping to attend since I attended a mini talk at the Craft Show in June...might be interesting to find out more about colour and what it means to me.

It has been busy here as usual...DD moved...sniff...I will miss her daily presence in my life, but she is happy and I am happy for her. We have had a few trips to Newcastle looking at houses...there have been a couple we like...who knows what lies ahead.

I have had some time working on my Circle Game BOM...slightly behind but catching up now...

and the cushion I bought at MO recently.

Hope all is well wherever you are...looking forward to sharing my workshop with you!

Cardygirl xx

Paper piecing...the scary version?

2012-01-06T09:05:00.000+11:00

Work has started back after the Christmas break, but there are still a few things to catch up on.

Here is Lea's sewing bag that I made her for Christmas...I ran out of time, so gave it to her with my needle, thread and scissors inside...then completed sewing in the base after she had opened it...she had a good laugh!

Not really knowing why, I started collecting the ends of my sewing threads in a jar beside my chair a few months back...it is amazing what a big clump there is, so I have started collecting again for this year...now I know I must have been sewing even if I don't feel I have achieved anything very much.

A few months ago I began a paper piecing club, starting with civil war repros (which were lovely), I craved a bit more colour. So now I am piecing with brighter fabrics and having lots of fun...

this fun fabric was purchased on my recent trip to MO (Lea thinks it is a bit scary but I love it!)...

and some others.

Heading off to have dinner with some dear friends tonight...lovely to catch up as it has been MONTHS since I last saw them...really looking forward to it.

Hope all is well at your place!

Cardygirl xx

A little break away...

2012-01-04T22:51:00.000+11:00

...with friends miles and miles away from anywhere (it felt like it anyway!).

A couple of days on the farm with just some very dear friends and a herd of cows for company.

Lots of stitching...

walking up hill and down dale...

cow spotting...

and trying to keep Ben out of my stitching!

A really nice time...

drinks at sunset....

and stitching until the light disappeared...

Cardygirl xx

Goodbye 2011!

2011-12-31T21:15:00.000+11:00

Evening is falling here...and 2011 is almost over.

Whilst each year has it's highs and lows, this one has been a bit taxing! Long absences of loved ones with the subsequent hardships of managing daily life without support, the challenges of parenting young adults who experience adult problems, supporting parents finding their way alone again and the myriad of worries that seem to pervade our lives. Whilst this all adds resilience and colour to life, I would hope 2012 may be a little calmer in my household.

In 2012 I look forward to DD starting her new life and job on the coast full of hope and love, DS continuing with his studies and further maturing into a young man who is truly lovely to know, and that dear SB will see some reward for his very consuming work commitments which will enhance life for us all. Decisions need to be made about relocating from our rural home of more than twenty years as work and family commitments are no longer here. Moving back to the city of my youth I feel some trepidation...will I fit in...do I wish to settle back here? Family and friends are keen for my return...I feel becalmed and unsure. As one wise friend assured me...time will reveal which way to go. So I must be patient.

Fortunately I have my pressure release valve which always keeps me sane(?) or perhaps at least anchored! Stitching takes me away and calms my head...I think designated time each day will be the key. My boss laughs about the little bag of fabric, hexies and gluestick on my desk...he calls it my security blanket! Small and achievable projects...lots of bright colours...stretching some boundaries....that will keep me grounded.

My last finish for this year was an apron for DD...super cute and very retro in 30's repro...for her new kitchen (a late Christmas present)...

and some inspiration for 2012 comes from Lise, some lovely "Friendship" charm squares that I think will become a new version of this...

I need to do it before we meet at GDITC in March...thankyou!

Thank you for being my blog friends in 2011, each comment is appreciated and your support valued.

Have a Happy New Year and may 2012 be kind to you and yours!

Cardygirl xx

Hexies, books & Sugar Baby!

2011-12-30T14:35:00.000+11:00

That lovely post Christmas lull has found us...I was a bit worried that I had missed it!

So I was able to find my way back to the pile of WIP's sitting near my chair, and find something fun to do!

This is stage one of a Hexagon embellished cushion cover...a purchase from Material Obsession on my recent visit. I love hexies and it was fun to fiddle with it last night. I think the bottom row of hexies will be placed straight as they do draw the eye a bit! It came in a little box with everything but thread & the cushion insert...pattern, needle, glue stick, papers, clip for hexie holding & gorgeous ribbon to trim the back as well as the fabric in your choice of contemporary, pretty or festive!

This lovely book was a gift for Christmas...I am loving it!

I made four of these little bags, from Anni's book, as presents...but forgot to take pics...oops! I will try & get them back for a photo shoot as they are all different colours & designs to suit their recipients. This one was inspired by a cute pattern of Stephanie's called Sugar Baby...I love Dresdens!

More tomorrow...

Cardygirl xx

Memories of another Christmas too quickly passed...

2011-12-29T21:40:00.000+11:00

That is probably the worst thing about Christmas...before you know it, it has whizzed on by!

All the preparation, planning and lead-up, then it flies past in a flurry of paper, ribbons, laughter and celebration. Whilst I always love this season, I always find time to reflect on the year that has been and what I hope for the year ahead.

Back to this year though, a small family gathering...just us and my mum...I have always wondered what a big boisterous family Christmas would be like...we are just a small unit...but we always have a lovely time together. This year we were joined for part of the day by DD's very lovely boyfriend...how lucky we were to have him share our day.

Lovely gifts were given and received...memories shared.

And a special part was the lovely gift I received from Anita in the SSCS...a beautifully embroidered mini quilt and fun cow calendar...watch out Chookyblue as I will be "spot on" at identifying Dutch cows now! The stitching is lovely...I felt very spoilt!

So I look to the year ahead...DD is about to move away to a new position on the coast (she is super excited)...I need to make decisions about where our family is based...and I hope to finish my study in 2012.

Are you looking forward too?

Cardygirl xx

Have the happiest Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:14:00.000+11:00

As usual, the week leading up to Christmas has zipped by...work...social events...collecting family from Sydney Airport...the best of intentions to blog...and the rush to finish gifts!

Tuesday was a quick trip to Sydney and the opportunity to visit with Kathy and her inspiring team at Material Obsession...even met the lovely Wendy Williams of Flying Fish fame.

It was like the proverbial kid in a candy store...so much lovely fabric...not sure what to do!

In the end I bought some quirky bits that will fussy cut beautifully!

Hope everyone has a joyous Christmas with those you love...and if those you love are far away, may you have time to reflect on when you will be together again.

We are having a quiet family Christmas, nice sharing some peaceful time.

Cardygirl xx

Almost looked like snow!

2011-12-18T22:49:00.000+11:00

But not quite! In the midst of my pre-Christmas mayhem I made an ottoman for DS...he requested black, bright blue & green and some robot fabric I had used in a quilt for him.

From a pattern by Kathy at Material Obsession (Turban Ottoman I think) that was also in a Quilters Companion magazine...super easy and quick & really looks smart (I think!). We decided to fill it with bean bag beans...they were everywhere!!!! I believe they have minds of their own!!! If I wasn't in Australia I might think there was a blizzard coming!

So now while I am running around like a mad woman, DS can chill out with his tootsies up! That is, after the lawns are mowed and his room is tidy...and he has walked the dog...and swept the path....and....

Cardygirl xx

A Sewing Christmas nightmare...

2011-12-10T21:52:00.000+11:00

'Twas two weeks before Christmas in Cardygirl's house,

Cardy was sewing, she daren't leave the house.

She needed to hang the stockings, but no chimney there...

please, please don't let St Nick soon be ANYWHERE near there!

Sound familiar?????

All was going well after work this morning, washing done, house fairly tidy...time to finish those presents!

I was going SO WELL...I was really impressed by myself actually...I could handle any pressure the festive season wanted to throw at me...far too smug I say in hindsight.

Things looked like this...very happy creating...just a peek...then this happened...

a rotary cutter injury...ow...ow...ow! Nice slice off the old fingernail...ow! Not good!

And naturally not a bandaid in the house!

So what did I do? May as well do the groceries while I am out buying bandaids...then cook a cake for a lunch I am going to tomorrow...may as well blog about my poor coordination.

Lesson of the day...when you are rushing, remember to move your fingers!

Might get back to those pressies tomorrow?

Cardygirl xx

Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-07T07:59:00.000+11:00

Christmas tree up and decorated!

Santas arranged!

Quilt hung in the entry!

Now just need to finish those pressies!

Wish me luck!

Cardygirl xx

SSCS swap surprise!

2011-12-01T07:14:00.000+11:00

My SSCS swap for 2011 has arrived...all the way from Anita in the Netherlands!

I was REALLY excited!!!

I have placed my gift under the tree for Christmas (no peeking, squeezing or shaking!), but opened my ornament and a couple of treats that Anita sent. I waited until we were all home to do this (mutter, mutter from the kids) as I wanted to share this lovely surprise.

Delicious and beautifully stitched gingerbread men to hang on my tree...

and cute dutch treats...clogs and coffee sweets in a cute tin!

Thankyou Anita...I love them!

Feeling festive, I made a gift bag...

and caught up with some cross stitch!

I am now feeling quite festive...how about you?

Cardygirl xx

Trying to focus...

2011-11-29T18:33:00.000+11:00

Why do I sew? Funny, at school I struggled with "sewing" in primary school...not a very nurturing environment led to a fear of the sewing room...but long bouts of night duty saw an interest in counted cross stitch...then patchwork, smocking, knitting and embroidery all joined in. I hate sitting and doing nothing with my hands. The joy of color and texture...the way you can "lose" yourself in your work...get some respite from the noise of every day life...me time. I guess you may be the same. And if only I had time to create all that lurks in my creative brain...sigh! I think that I need to concentrate on some of the beauties resting in my workbasket...more time consuming, but very enjoyable. I have been playing with the Bloggers BOM blocks...here is the second one and number 3 is under way...

Dear Lea has been working away on these beauties for the expected twin sons of her goddaughter...they are so much fun...

...makes me want to make one too ( no Cardy...you have too much else to do!!!)

...they are impressive though...she is now binding them with a scrappy binding...perfect!

Maintaining some type of creative order...that may be my focus for 2012...here's hoping!
Wish I was this relaxed!

Cardygirl xx

Almost grumpy...but not quite!

2011-11-27T09:35:00.000+11:00

We can all hear the sound of an approaching Christmas...it will be here before we know it!

I was at the local shopping centre yesterday and they were playing carols that were a little tacky for my taste...Boney M Christmas???? All the decorations and hard sell...it is very tiring when I am really wanting peace and a sense of tranquillity from what should be a gentle time of the year...am I going mad? I love giving gifts and the sense of excitement that Christmas brings, but it really does get tiring at times...or am I turning into the grinch?

To lift the mood I decided to finish this lovely felt ornament that Fiona sent to me. She and Sylvia hold wonderful workshops and retreats...wish I was a little closer! Isn't it great? I enjoyed every minute of it...think it worked well at lifting a possible bah- humbug moment!

As I was engrossed in Doc Martin (I think sometimes I sound a bit like him...eeek!), I thought I should finish this binding...many of you will know my aversion to binding...it has only been a year!

And I even started some present sewing...did the zippers first as they are the least fun bit!

Hope you have some sewing time!

Cardygirl xx

Circles, circles everywhere!

2011-11-24T22:04:00.000+11:00

The last few weeks have been taken up with family, friends and work...lovely really, but from today we have a little break until visitors return for Christmas. Time to catch up with Christmas stitching and a bit of a tidy-up before the festive break. How do I let so much mess build up???

We have had lots of rain here...and apparently more to come. I hate our hot summers so I am quite happy with our current period of cooler weather & rain. I don't even mind mowing the lawn.

Some stitching tonight...I am caught up with the circle game blocks & even have the first round of frames on them all...finished Number 7 tonight, but no pic as yet. Next one shouldn't be too far off. They are hanging on my improv design wall...fun to gaze at.

Hope to start a bit of Christmas decorating on the weekend...have a good clean as I go!

Have you started Christmas decorating yet???

Cardygirl xx

I started to feel Christmas-y today!

2011-11-17T21:56:00.000+11:00

And that is because of this...

My SSCS for 2011...ready for mailing to somewhere quite distant...it is so exciting!

I hope it is loved by it's new owner and that she can feel my delight in every stitch.

I love the fancy post bag, don't you? Now it is time to wait to hear it has arrived!

Last year I sent to lovely Anne Heidi...

and Nicky sent to me!

Before that my gift was from Cheryl...

and I sent to Carole!

We still keep in touch and I love seeing their gifts...they are very special!

Thanks dear Chooky~~elf~~ blue, for coordinating this swap!

Cardygirl xx

The week that was...

2011-11-13T22:03:00.000+11:00

...and it went zooming by! Some stitching on my SSCS...nearly ready for posting thank goodness. As we have visitors, it was time to dash all over the countryside to catch up with friends...and some work stuff too.

In the last week we have been to Sydney and back...

...Brisbane for two days...

...Armidale and back...

...Newcastle and back...

...a grand total of 20.5 hrs driving and 3hrs flying...phew!

Some stitching was achieved (thanks Fiona & Sylvia)...

a little shopping...some great food (Il Centro, Brisbane...yum!)

Back to work tomorrow, and hopefully a quieter week!

Cardygirl xx

Busy, busy!

2011-11-07T08:40:00.000+11:00

Well, not a lot more done on my TTS blocks since I left Chookyblue's, but I aim to keep going with it.

Busy here...picking up travelling family from airports and just spending some time catching up...lovely!

A busy week ahead so I have some hand stitching prepared for those quiet moments!

Here is one of the bearded dragons which live in my back garden and play Russian roulette when I am mowing!

Cardygirl xx

Hen house fun!

2011-11-04T09:50:00.000+11:00

It was so lovely to get away for a few days and enjoy the company of Chookyblue and her family. Whilst I live in a country town, the life of a farming family is very different to mine...but I enjoyed having a taste of her world...now she needs to come and have a sleepover at my place!

There was a bit of friendly banter over taking home the quilt I slept under (really nice!)...

or "borrowing" the lovely sewing bag that Janet made for her (quite serious about that!)...

so I was quite horrified when I opened my sewing bag after returning home and found this little Christmas ornament Chooky was stitching...oops...Cardy might be going CUSTODIAL!!!! I emailed her as I was about to send her some shopping I had done for her...but it was a treaty surprise...phew!

Back to that shopping...Chooky needed some supplies for her SKofW SAL quilt...so Lea and I headed off to Singleton to do her shopping...tough gig, but someone had to do it for her! We had lots of fun, Lea needed supplies to make cot quilts for twin boys which are looking great...

love the monsters!

Here are the cows coming home to Chez Chook after some months grazing along the road...

and visual proof that Countrygirl Cardy knows that a Belted Galloway is not some type of posh trenchcoat!
Cardygirl XX

Way out west...

2011-11-01T15:02:00.000+11:00

...was where I headed bright and early on Friday morning...

driving a long way, over the Great Dividing Range, watching the soil change from rich black to red...snakes slithering across the road like silvery brown ribbons...bearded dragons dodging death and sunning themselves in the middle of the road...

careful I might accidentally break into a verse or two of Waltzing Matilda! In actual fact I was singing along to my "Blast from the past" ipod playlist...Dragon, Cold Chisel, Fleetwood Mac with a bit of Elton John, David Bowie and the Fine Young Cannibals thrown in for good measure...lucky I was alone! Very attractive!!

Off to Chookyblue's I headed...a lovely drive...even nicer to meet her and B in town for lunch...then back to Chez Chook to catch up with her family...the best of times...

Miss Jules called in for a wine which developed into mulberry picking...

then it was time to feed the lambs (a task I am apparently not very good at!)...check the chooks...and laugh and chat a lot.

A stormy morning followed and a cooler day...the chatter continued...I managed to stitch two blocks!

(with Chooky harassing me to finish my TTS stitchalong top....not that she seemed to be doing much work on hers!!!).

Ahem...put that computer away!!!!

The garden is beautiful...

with little kingfishers in the trees..
more tomorrow!

Cardygirl xx

Nothing lazy about it...

2011-10-27T07:19:00.000+11:00

Little hexagons are so much fun...I see fussy cutting opportunities in a myriad of fabrics...it drives my DD nuts!

Lazy Susan, a pattern by Wendy Williams purchased from MO at the craft show has given me more reason to play with these little cuties!

But I am starting to assemble the blocks now and despite careful pinning & slow sewing I was not overly happy with inserting the circles by machine....so I tried hand piecing, which was much better, but think I might opt for needleturn onto the square instead. What do you think?

I have completed this months quota of the circle game too...this month was pretty simple...I am a little anxious about what next month might bring!

Block 6...I like the simplicity of pattern in this one!

One sleep to go!!!

Cardygirl xx

Monthly sewing keeps me going!

2011-10-25T08:02:00.000+11:00

As a celebration of the year's projects with the Le Petite group, here is a mosaic of them all. It was a fun group...each month we all sewed the same pattern in our own choice of fabrics, some didn't make a small quilt, they made them smaller or larger...entirely your own choice! Predominantly Schnibbles patterns, they were good for honing skills especially in the area of points! My only difficulty was that few of these patterns are available in Australia...I was only able to purchase the last one, Fanfare, locally. Thanks to Sinta and Sherri for organising the group...and thanks to the designers! Looks like we may do it again next year!

Jackie has organised a Bloggers BOM...with some very talented ladies designing a new block each month. The first month was Sherri, and I made my block from Flower Sugar...I am going for pretty! The next block is due today from Field Trips in Fiber.

Hope you have time for some sewing in your day!

Cardygirl xx

An end to the breath holding...

2011-10-23T11:51:00.000+11:00

Despite my recent low rate of posting, I have achieved a few minor victories in the war on attacking WIP's and making some sense of the chaos that is my sewing room (I feel it may be related to the state of my somewhat disordered brain!). This week I aim to clear the backlog of posts and share the good, the bad and the ugly!

Last Sunday I aimed to finish this...my Sue Ross BOM from Material Obsession. I had a major tantrum ages ago when, as I went to construct the top my points did not all match perfectly! So much breath holding and foot stamping ensued, that it was packed away for nearly two years (roughly). So, out it came in all it's lovely glory and without further bother, fuss or ado, it was sewn together, pressed and readied for the quilter.

A wacky back was ordered from MO and it's next journey was ready to begin. I had always planned to hand quilt, but our relationship is obviously a tad unsteady, so time apart may let us appreciate each other again! It really is lovely, but the points are not perfect and that is my own issue!

I love this backing for the Kaleidoscope quilt too.

This block has sat unloved for a considerable length of time too...so it is now a cushion complete with concealed zipper back and piping...looks fun.

There were lots of comments about Brigitte Giblin's hexie bag. That one was made with large handles, but I bought these smaller handles from her to make a smaller version...love those funky handles.

A dear friend was having an attack of the glums this week...I know what she means...hayfever, daylight savings, lives TOO full...so she sent out an SOS for a visitor...it will be fun for both of us to catch up...I told her to batten down the hatches as this Cardy is going country very soon! Woo Hoo...might have to borrow some real boots this time!

Cardygirl xx

Branching out with Brigitte

2011-10-21T19:37:00.000+11:00

This week was my last class with Brigitte Giblin at Southern Cross Needlework, Maitland. This has been fun, but Brigitte is super busy so will not be teaching this far from Sydney next year (she has left room for a possible return when life settles a bit though!). It has been great to soak up a bit of her creativity, and it has been wonderful to get to know some really great & supportive stitching ladies. We actually have decided to stitch along together next year as we were all a bit sad at the thought of "losing" each other...lovely to make new friends. Chris has even put her hand up to join us at Nundle...a brave soul indeed and we will love having her! I am so glad this group is staying together.

Here are some snippets of our interpretations of Brigitte's designs shown this week...

Chris has done an amazing job with lime linen and hexies in a Reece Scannell shot cotton...this was so mouth wateringly delicious! Loved it...the colours are amazing!

On a gentler note, this was being nurtured along with the most amazing fussy cutting! Go on ...zoom in!

As usual Brigitte was full of inspiration...

a beautiful hexie bag...

and a piece that I was drooling over! Definitely on my aspirational sewing list.

Cardygirl xx

Kaleidoscope Quilt

2011-10-11T16:27:00.000+11:00

Back in July I began this project on my Nundle girls weekend at The Cottage on the Hill. Slowly I have chipped away at it, and I have recently put the blocks together. It is a pattern from Cluck, Cluck, Sew, and has come together well. The red/white spot adds a dash of fun and I will bind in this too. What do you think?

I seem to have a bit of yellow happening in my sewing room at present...either I am feeling spring like or is my view of sewing a tad jaundiced??? Hopefully it is the former.

These fabrics followed me home from the most recent Nundle visit...already planned for a project...I did not realise that they were the new range by Carrie Nelson, the creator of the Schnibbles projects I have been stitching...silly me. Look, I have bought some more yellow!

Cardygirl xx

Why am I Cardygirl?

2011-10-09T11:32:00.000+11:00

Over the last week or so I have enjoyed reading how people came up with their blog names.

Encouraged by Dawn, bloggers have shared how they morphed into their blog persona and it has been fun. So I guess it is my turn now. I had never heard of a blog until I attended the Girls Day in the Country at Nundle a few years back. After that I became a lurker, just wandering about and seeing what people were up to. At the following GDITC I was sitting at dinner on the Friday night with two ladies, introductions were made and I found out they were bloggers...Peg And Dale. Well, anyone that knows Peg knows that she is full of information...so she was pointing out bloggers and then she said...that is Chookyblue! OMG! I was like a teenager again who had found out the Bay City Rollers were in the room! (Sad time of my life I don't often discuss!) I am normally pretty respectful of personal space...but not this time as I dashed over and introduced myself to her. She was startled and obviously concerned I might turn all "stalker" on her, but was gracious and encouraged me into the world of blogging, ably supported by Maree and Peg! Then ensued a long conversation about names...my non blogging friends all joined in...there was lots of hilarity and false starts, but it was finally decided that I wear LOTS of cardigans...always have...love them...and must have one in nearly every color...so Cardygirl was born! I quite like it's neatness and often have people just calling me Cardy...I never had a nickname growing up...I have one now and I like it!

amitie's circle game

2011-10-04T08:18:00.000+11:00

After I visited Kate in Singapore, I was inspired by her hand pieced blocks to join in this BOM with amitie. I was a little behind, but have managed to catch up. I am loving the tranquility of hand piecing and the fabrics too! I know last time I posted a pic, people were asking about this BOM...I think you will have to email them to see if there are any places left as there is not much on their website about it.

Block 2

Block3

Block4...fun piecing...my favourite so far...yummy!

Cardygirl xx

Nundle Quilt Airing 2011

2011-10-01T21:59:00.000+10:00

We set off this morning, fingers crossed that the forecast rain would stay away from the Cottage on the Hill for Kerry's airing of the quilts. BUT, we had only travelled for 1/2 hour when we found that it was raining up in the hills and the airing was cancelled...drats! But we decided to continue anyway and have a nice day out, just a bit wetter than planned. Raelee, Julie, Lea and myself had the company of my dear Mum (who was dreadfully excited about the trip to Nundle...she hadn't been there for more than forty years), and off we went to a very wet and bitterly cold Nundle.

Here are the piles of quilts (with my Mum...she looks like she is having fun) ...

that should have been hanging here...

with these quilts that Kerry collected from us on Thursday.

Here are the lovely green hills...

surrounding the shop...a lovely day out, lunch at Mt Misery...

a visit to the woollen mill...we still had a memorable day out, hoping for better weather next year!

Cardygirl xx

Le Petite...eleven down, one to go!

2011-09-29T21:25:00.000+10:00

Amazingly I have just finished my eleventh Le Petite small quilt top. It has been another big year in Cardy world...some which I have shared here and some which has been kept quietly in my real world. That is the way life is, and sometimes when it has been super busy with family stuff, work and study it has been nice to have the goal to sew a little top each month. Some months that was all I achieved, but I am amazed to see all the tops, both quilted and unquilted waiting for homes. Most will be for baby gifts, some I may keep in case my children want them...who knows what is ahead (hopefully no imminent announcements as I am not ready for THAT yet!).

Here is "Fanfare"...a sweet little Schnibbles that seemed to suit Kate Spain's Central Park as I didn't want to cut the fabrics up too much and lose the medium/large motifs. A yellow background? Well it is spring here and I felt in need of a stronger background...I think it works...what do you think?

I am not sure what the last month will bring...I am so pleased I jumped in and appreciate the inspiration & coordination of Sherri & Sinta...and lastly, I recently received a parcel from Miss Rosie & Carrie themselves...two layer cakes and a fabulous felt kit just for participating...how generous & thoughtful!

Cardygirl xx

Good intentions...

2011-09-26T07:57:00.000+10:00

...don't get blog posts done! I sometimes despair that life never hits that quiet, settled patch when I have time to reflect & achieve something just for the sake of it. The past week I have been away with work in Sydney, squeezing in some big work days around the trip locally too. I have been lucky enough to have DS home with a uni break so we did some serious hedge trimming (great upper arm workout) and some spring garden planting. always fun to see what each week throws at you.

Not a lot of stitching, but managed to finish the ottoman for DD. Good pattern, followed it to a "T", but it did not allow for the directional nature of the apple print, so some colors did not align...only worked this out at construction phase and the thought of unpicking all that quilting was too much to bear. DD is happy with it and it will be fine for feet!

I will miss the deadline for TTS to finish...it will be ready for next year...everyone who has finished has done a great job...hope I am not the only straggler!

Here is DS with Molly before he left.

Cardygirl xx

Playing catch up.

2011-09-18T20:08:00.000+10:00

It has been a good weekend...a visit from some dear friends who had moved away...and some time to stitch.

The weather has turned very spring like and my garden is waking up. I love seeing the blossoms and leaf buds...a nice time of year.

And some time to sew...there is so much started and needing completion it was hard to know what to pick up first. After some inspiration from Kate while I was in Singapore, I have succumbed to the temptation of The Circle Game from amitie...loving this! hand piecing is so relaxing...and it is laying flat!

I stitched this little cross stitch pear together and added a real pear stem...

and worked on an ottoman I bought at the Sydney craft show...I had fun with the machine construction!

Cardygirl xx

Ends and beginnings...

2011-09-13T20:50:00.000+10:00

The last assignment for this year has been sent off through cyberspace & will hopefully arrive at it's destination. It felt so good to hit that send button & know that I might have some sewing time again. I have so missed stitching & have so many things I want to complete and then some new starts I hope! Yay!

I have been stitching my TTS blocks, I was woefully behind the group but dear Chookyblue gave me a huge kick and now I am shamed into stitching...and enjoying it too. I have six blocks done...six to go!

Dear Anne Heidi had a giveaway on her blog & I was fortunate enough to receive this parcel all the way from Norway... some lovely fabrics, buttons and a sweet felt pincushion kit which I am dying to start. Thankyou!

This was the sweet bag I gave as a gift at the recent 21st...I would have loved this one...a rag basket...someone else thought it was just the right size!

Sadly we lost our dear dog, Purdey late last week. She was 14 1/2 years old, and such a good girl. We all miss her unconditional love & trust...sad to have to make the decision to ease her distress... but such a loyal friend deserved our compassion. SB was unable to be here, so the VERY best of friends, Lea, came to console and help lay Purdey to rest. Not a nice job to bury a friend, but Lea added her own brand of sunshine on a grey & rainy afternoon. It would have been tough without her.

Cardygirl xx

Lunch with a good egg!

2011-09-04T22:18:00.000+10:00

Friday was one of those nice days when you get to catch up with a bloggy friend.

Trish from Too Many Eggs in one Basket lives about 2hrs away from me, so we met part way at a fabric shop, Busy Needles at Singleton (Hi Bev!) then had some lunch. Great fun!

Saturday night was spent at a dear friend's daughters 21st birthday party (rural halls are sooo cold!)...I was a textile artiste (!) and Lea was an artist ( I think she borrowed the specs from Elton!).

Then reality hit and I headed back to the books. By all accounts a glorious day outside, but I was here...assignment half done...should have it done over the next week. Then I hope to finish some of that sewing! I am having trouble leaving comments in some formats of blogger...anyone else?

Cardygirl xx

Let the list begin!

2011-08-30T09:28:00.000+10:00

Life is back to routine and I am trying to fit in that precious sewing time. A dear friend said the other night that she knew I "needed" to stitch each day...(stops me getting unhinged- or perhaps less unhinged?)...but I have been buzzing from one WIP to another, with no set plan. I am big on lists.

So I have started the week with some must do tasks that I want to finish sooner rather than later.

1. Nundle quilt- started at our retreat a few weeks ago. Having fun with this one...especially enjoying the machine applique of the circles...why didn't I start doing it years ago???

2. TTS Stitchalong quilt- super slack with this one...millions of others have theirs finished and I fell seriously behind...oops! But I have been dedicating some stitching time and am now making progress (I don't think it will save me as the SAL-Controller is about to discipline me!!!)

3. Paper piecing- I am surrounded by papers and fabric scraps...and loving their portability. Here are the latest little treasures...thanks Kerry & Peg!

4. Le Petite- third last project...and there was nothing sweet about this Honeycomb! I have done these half hexie tops before with no hassle but this one was tricky...don't know why...perhaps a reflection of the sewers mood???? So she will be a cushion cover instead!!

And the list will continue!

Cardygirl xx

Back to that holiday...

2011-08-27T09:45:00.000+10:00

...it seems like forever ago and as always I had to hit the road running. DD's car should be fixed in a week or so, DS is full up with a cold again at uni, & SB is super busy with work. One more assignment for me and my uni year will be over...thank goodness. Then I may be able to settle at one project to completion instead of buzzing from one thing to another...a chaotic bumblebee!

Here are some snaps of Singapore...

up in the Flyer...

Arab Street...

and a Bintan breakfast...just to make me smile!

I came home to my much loved cat...he had chewed up my circles I had traced onto heat'n'bond...

wonder if it gave him a tummy ache?

And my Jenny Bean Halloween sampler was framed...love it!

Cardygirl xx

On the road again...

2011-08-22T07:55:00.000+10:00

The weekend saw me heading north to visit my son at university for a Parents Weekend...fun!

I miss him being around home and it was great to catch up with him and his friends.

On the way home I decided to pop in to The Cottage on the Hill at Nundle as I knew Peg, Dale & Gai would be there for a retreat. Kerry was welcoming as always and I was able to have some lunch and catch up with blogging friends...bonus! This reminded me that I have not shown pics of my Nundle retreat which happened just before I left for Singapore. Here are the blocks from my project...

the pattern was from here...I like the way it is going together and Kerry taught me how to machine applique as I always hand applique...I like the way this is looking.

As I was flying out the next day, I did not stay for the second day of retreat, but the girls made some lovely tops and had a great time...here are some of the happy sewers!

I love going to Nundle, it is always a relaxing weekend. Here is my poor frosty car...and 24hrs later I was heading to 35C plus temps and swimwear!

Cardygirl xx

Stitching and flying...

2011-08-18T20:02:00.000+10:00

Do you stitch when flying? I always do and have not had a problem. I have had a few people ask me about this, so I will show you what I carry on to pass the time. I will also read at times, but rarely watch anything but the flight path...so I know where I am! Despite looking pretty conservative (read dull!), I seem to always get vacuumed at the security gate or patted down by a straight faced lady (much nicer when they at least introduce themselves before they get friendly!) and have my carry on searched. It is a bit of a family joke now. Often I am asked what I am making and no one has worried about a couple of needles ( I always carry spare needles and my embroidery scissors in my book through luggage...if I only have carry on I can buy nail scissors on arrival).

This is my new favorite little bag, courtesy of Anni Downs' new pattern...it is super cute and just the right size...I was making hexies, so there are cutout hexies, papers, spare magnifying glasses, glue stick (I put it in with my liquids for security checks) & thread.

When I am cross stitching, I carry my supplies in an A4 size rigid plastic clip case that I bought at Howards Storage World, but you can pick them up at Officeworks too. It is deep enough to hold my magnifying lens, light and Q snap frame, plus threads on a split ring (so I don't lose any).

You can use it as a table and it is quick to put everything away and fits in the seat pocket for meals.

I saw a great light here that would be perfect for both magnification and light when away from home...might pop it on my wish list I think!

I try and prepare fabric shapes before I leave, but when I need to cut I have three options...a mini dental floss container as it has a built in cutter, tiny plane safe scissors purchased at the last craft show or (not shown) a Clover brand round pendant cutter. Your choice.

I would love to hear your experiences or tips...I have flown throughout Asia and to the US in the last five years with no issues...have you had any problems?

Cardygirl xx

Back...but only physically!

2011-08-15T08:11:00.000+10:00

Holidays must end, but it was so lovely to spend quiet time with my dear husband (now renamed SB!).

Finding it a bit hard to settle at home and work...we had time to talk about future plans for relocation as work is no longer locally centred...who knows what the next twelve months may hold?

Spending most of our time in Singapore was lovely with respite on an Indonesian island...bliss.

We shopped, ate super lovely food, did some sightseeing and even manged to catch up with a dear stitching friend! What more could a girl want?

We visited textile shops in Arab Street...

fabric shops with Kate...

lots of great food...

and had stitching time on the plane!

Lots to show...this post was intended for last night, but at 6.40pm on a cold night I had one of "those" phone calls..."There is a problem...". DD and her boyfriend were returning from friends and they had hit a kangaroo about 1 1/2hrs away...both of them were fine (kangaroo not!)...and they needed retrieval as the car was to be towed to Tamworth. Off went the ugg boots (never worn in public) and I hit the road. Nice to find them safe and well...here is the damage!

More soon!

Cardygirl xx

Still MIA....

2011-08-05T19:21:00.000+10:00

...but will soon head home. This was my view this week...

shared some lovely mint lemongrass tea...

and caught up with a far flung sewing friend.

I do feel blessed.

Cardygirl xx

In a place far far away...

2011-07-30T19:44:00.000+10:00

Somewhere, someone is taking a break in a place that looks like this and drinking cocktails with fruit in them...yum! Bliss....good for the soul!

Cardygirl xx

What could this mean?

2011-07-21T23:43:00.000+10:00

Super cute bag from Anni Downs' new book..."Some Kind of Wonderful"...great travel size...hmmm?

I used some Denyse Schmidt scraps and some linen from the stash. Anni's version had some embroidery, but I can barely sit still at present, let alone embroider...I think this looks okay though.

It is machine quilted and I love the lining fabric...it is full of goodies. I added a little lady beetle as a zip pull...I bought it a couple of years ago whilst visiting Beijing.

Loading some new music this evening...scared the oh so grown up offspring with a "youth attack"...oh I felt twenty again...loud singing..."Ita" and "Cheap Wine"and "Teach your children"...where did the years go?

Sounds like I need a break away!

Cardygirl xx

Catching up.

2011-07-21T07:52:00.000+10:00

A bit of sewing done, and an assignment complete...time whizzes by!

Le Petite finished early for this month as there is a lot happening and knew it could be forgotten.

The fabric is Hideaway, the Schnibbles pattern, George. I was not sure about this one, but as it came together I just loved it...as I seem to love them all!

Mum recently celebrated her birthday...she never "needs" anything...so I made her a lap quilt and one of my Le Petite quilts will hang on her wall. She was happy! I even bound them super fast.

Cardygirl xx

Cross stitch...mmm delicious!

2011-07-12T21:25:00.000+10:00

Cross stitch is a bit of a release for me...a few quiet minutes, no sewing machine, rotary cutter or iron...quick and portable (provided I have light and sadly...magnification!).

I am currently working on this design...

Feather Your Nest- With Thy Needle& Thread

DMC cotton-1 strand

28ct Cashel linen

Worked over 1 thread

Slow progress, but relaxing. Nowadays I have to enlarge the chart too...sigh...but that is okay...but what wasn't okay was the way this obviously delicious design was nibbled...hmmm...any ideas? I suppose this may have been what was meant by "Sampler"????

Cardygirl xx

Great weather for playing with fabric!

2011-07-10T21:45:00.000+10:00

It has been such a bitterly cold weekend...icy winds...and hard to find a warm spot really!

Back into an assignment, but I decided to have some reward time too...fabric time!

Playing with these sweet blocks for Le Petite...

made this mess!

Hoping to visit a loved one who has been travelling for such a long time...it might mean I need a little bag to hold some stitching when I am flying.

Inspired by Anni's bag in her new book "Some Kind of Wonderful", I didn't have time to add the stitcheries, just let some scraps do all the work. Still need to construct it and then get some plane friendly stitching organised. Hopefully the trip will come off...it would be nice to have a break...and even nicer to catch up with family if possible...will have to keep my fingers crossed!

Cardygirl xx

Just quickly...

2011-06-30T22:18:00.000+10:00

...this week has whizzed past with work and lots of miles on the highway and still more to do!

After returning from the quilt show in Sydney, I had plans for some quiet catch up & a bit of play with these delicious purchases...then I remembered that the next little quilt with Le Petite was due...eeek...grab fabrics...cut...sew...tada!

Then my Semester 2 subject started...download the notes...lots of berating of self for taking it on...

but best of all my sweet daughter graduated from her Honours year...a special day!

It was great to have Mum with us to share the excitement.

What on earth would girls who wear shoes like this work as????

Cardygirl xx

More Quilt Show fun...

2011-06-26T22:54:00.000+10:00

Besides seeing all the stunning quilts, catching up with friends, old and new, is always a great part of the Quilt Show at Darling Harbour in Sydney each year.

Some I see more often, some only at the show and some I meet for the first time. It is great recognising each other, catching up on news and planning next meetings. I suppose we are like modern day penpals.
Here are some quick pics...

Maree and the truly delightful Michelle Hill...

With Chookyblue, Shiralee Sandy and Sandy N (who I spotted working on a stand...felt like a stalker!)...

Anni from Hatched and Patched (always beautiful, not to mention her SNAG hubby Pete!) with Anita, Chooky and myself...

The very clever Sue Daley who is so generous with her paper piecing knowledge.

And lastly some of the bloggers who met for a chat... great to see you Sandy, Anita, Lynda, Alison, Maree, Sylvia, Trish and Chooky!
Final pics tomorrow!
Cardygirl xx

Now the countdown begins again!

2011-06-25T23:25:00.000+10:00

Until the Quilt Show at Darling Harbour next year! Oh, I enjoy it so much and eagerly prepare for my time there. This year Lea & I stayed in Sydney for one night as we usually do the 7hr round trip in one very long day. We have talked for some time about having a "sleepover" and were fortunate enough to be able to do it this year. We left home at 0530hrs and headed for the big smoke, the only hiccup was a wrong turn near our destination...some frantic searching through the street directory...a little fraying of my good humour, but we finally arrived safely and hit the show!

Lots to see, but sadly some favourites were not there, like amitie and Patchwork on Central Park...might have to head to Melbourne to see them in their natural habitats...hmmm.

Always on my must see and spend list is Material Obsession. Love them, love them, love them! And Kathy, Kate and Liesl are such beautiful ladies...I feel so welcome and love catching up with what they are up to. It is like falling into a shimmering pool of colour, inspiration and warmth...good for the soul, and my head is left bursting with ideas.

I attended a talk with Kathy and Reece Scannell ( his shot cottons are truly beautiful) about colour...amazing stuff...now I need to reorganise my stash into tones. The most amazing thing about this talk, besides all the colour info, was looking at myself, my colour choices, my likes and dislikes and realising what this says about me. So much cheaper than therapy is this fabric addiction of ours!

More tomorrow- purchases, bloggy friends, Quilt Show and who else we caught up with! Surprise meetings, recognition and inspirational friends. A few camera issues to be sorted, so I can show you lots more!

A fun look at my corner of this crafty world we all share!

Cardygirl xx

If you see this bag...

2011-06-22T22:20:00.000+10:00

in the next few days...then you have probably seen me!

Off to Sydney very early in the morning to the Quilt Show...yay!

Bought this fabric from Material Obsession last year...

the vintage buckle a few years ago...

and they will be shopping with me tomorrow!

So excited!

Cardygirl xx

Are you going to the show?

2011-06-20T21:52:00.000+10:00

Are you going to the Darling Harbour quilt show? Chookyblue has suggested a gathering...see here. I am so looking forward to catching up with my wonderful crafty friends!

Cardygirl xx

Almost seemed like snow.

2011-06-18T12:05:00.000+10:00

Weather wise, this week has been pretty miserable! Lots and lots of rain...roads cut by flooding and terrible damage to our roads...potholes that damaged many cars...and all the coastal highway traffic diverted inland to us because of coastal flooding causing even more damage. Whilst it poured outside I finally sewed these old chenille squares together...I am loving them, BUT you should have seen the mess...it looked like there had been a blizzard in my sewing room. It has felt miserable enough for snow!

On Tuesday I headed down to Maitland for my next instalment of Brigitte Giblin inspiration.

Always fun and now I am getting to know the other ladies in our class at Southern Cross Needlework...really nice! Brigitte is always inspiring as are the other ladies...great to see what they have been up to...and what they have been creating. Brigitte always seems to have "whipped up" something amazing.

I have been working on my 13 panel hexagons... I am hoping I am not too contemporary...I will need to be able to sleep under this!

Cardygirl xx

A quick Swoon!

2011-06-13T21:54:00.000+10:00

Just a quick peep...I managed to get some of the Denyse Schmidt fabrics released here in spotlight recently...many thanks to Cathy and Andi! And I have been keen to play with them. Everyone else in Cardy world was busy and I had big plans to mow, spray weeds, wash the car & clean out the pantry (my long weekend was going to be SUPER exciting!!)...but the rain stopped most of those plans ( BTW I did vacuum the car & the pantry is impressive!) so I headed to my sewing room...yay!

Here are my first two blocks of Swoon, a pattern from here...and I love them!

My only trouble was one point was ABSOLUTELY uncooperative...and I mean, this point was mean!

I reverse sewed umpteen times, talked to it both nicely & nastily, and in the end I resorted to complaining to my mother about nice fabric turning nasty...grrrr! And finally it toed the line! Thanks Mum!

And here is my dear boy, home for lunch with some equally scruffy mates...makes my heart smile!

Cardygirl xx

Flying Cabbages?

2011-06-12T15:47:00.000+10:00

Or perhaps Cabbage Geese? However you say it, this little quilt is delightful!

A surprise from my dear friend Cathy of Cabbage Quilts, this little piece of deliciousness landed at my place this week. Little did I know when I saw it on her blog that it was already on it's way to me! What a wonderful surprise and I just adore it. It will probably live on my mini quilt wall, but at present seems to be following me around the house so I can gaze at it. Thanks Cathy...it is treasured!

Here are some pics of the projects I made last weekend...

a pattern I saw on Molly Flanders and managed to track down (thanks M!)...

more flying geese in a lap quilt for Mum...

beautiful Bliss in a quickie quilt!

It is cool and rainy here...time to clean the pantry & feed my son and some mates from uni.

Hope you are having a good long weekend!

Cardygirl xx

More Mt Tenandra 2011

2011-06-06T22:04:00.000+10:00

Some more pics to share of a great weekend.

For those who don't know, I live in a rural area but I was born & raised in the city...not too citified...but definitely no farm girl...but I do try to fit in! At the weekend I was fortunate enough to visit the home of Chookyblue...certainly a slice of heaven!

I saw Curly Pops who was very friendly (and vocal!) and recovered from her recent trauma...

the famous chook that laid the blue egg...and soaked in the tranquility of the farm.

I even had to put out signs on the road!

Saw the emus that live near her place & found a calf tangled in wire. I had fun...and was VERY excited about my mid life transformation to farmer Cardy! UNTIL I was told I had the wrong shoes!!!! Since when don't cute soft little black ankle boots with bows look like farm shoes???? Oh well...maybe next time!

Lots of stitching...

Chookster and her JR challenge quilt...

Dale with Prints Charming fabrics...so fresh and pretty...

Kerry...

me...

Lots of fun...a little more still to come!

Cardygirl xx

Mt Tenandra 2011

2011-06-05T20:31:00.000+10:00

Funny how fast a year really goes!

It really doesn't feel like it has been a whole year since I hit the road and met with Chookyblue, Peg, Dale, Kerry, Nicole and the super grown up Fairy Girl at beautiful Mt Tenandra in rural NSW.

BUT IT WAS!

But that meant it was time to see them again...yay!

So bright & early on Friday I hit the road and headed north west to see some of my favourite women.

It is a four hour drive for me, so I met Kerry and Nicole part way and then had some company for the remainder of the trip. We chatted our way out west via Quirindi ( for groceries, bargain shopping and even a compliment!... gotta love those country gents...), and then through Coonabarabran, the Warrumbungles and finally to Mt Tenandra in time for lunch...mmm quiche from Chookyblue's eggs!

Lovely days and nights filled with friendship, laughter, amazing food and lots of sewing...bliss!

And no, Sandy, the geese did not take flight when the corks were popped! cheeky!

REALLY sewing from dawn to long past dusk...

Here is a quick peek...more to come! Such fun...thanks ladies ,you are the BEST!

Cardygirl xx

Some fabric play and a nice surprise!

2011-06-02T21:34:00.000+10:00

Having a break from uni work at present, so I have had a little time to play with some ideas from my Brigitte Giblin class. This may be the beginning of a 13panel hexagon quilt...fun playing with vibrant fabrics and ever gorgeous spots...this will be yet another slow play!

Some lovely mail from LeAnn of Sewing Straight Stitches ...we have both been making the Le Petite quilts and enjoying each others interpretations...and I won this fabulous pattern & thread keeper on her giveaway. It flew a long way to meet me & I love it...looking forward to stitching it together.

Madly packing to leave tomorrow for a weekend with Chookyblue, Kerry, Peg, Dale, Miss Jules and sweet Nicole... here we are last year...now I am running around the house like a confused Masterchef contestant...probably grabbing all the wrong stuff...oh well, it will be fun to get away...see you all soon!

Cardygirl xx

Finally a finish...and a flying start!

2011-05-29T21:58:00.000+10:00

After two weeks away from work & my usual level of activity, I am now feeling well again. Sadly with all that time at home little sewing was done except for my cross stitch. I had only stitched the first line of the verse so decided it needed to be finished rather than looking eerily prophetic! So here is my interpretation of Jenny Beans Halloween on 40ct Flax with GA threads.

I am preparing for a stitching weekend...great company, lots of stitching and sounds like some yummy treats... must remember to pack my joggers for some serious walking! I am preparing my projects...this is a trial block of one of them...why oh why did I pick a project with 144 flying geese????

I think the block looks great though.

Technical issues have also been troublesome... Blogger not letting me leave comments and Skype malfunctioning...hard to keep in touch with travelling loved ones! Oh for tech support!

Cardygirl xx

May Le Petite

2011-05-23T07:35:00.000+10:00

This month's Le petite project is pieced...Candy Bar Pinwheels from Moda Bakeshop.

It is cute and was the ideal size for a busy month. Have you been watching these projects? For little quilts some have a lot of sewing...great lessons in patchwork. I believe we could almost rename this group "The Year I learned to love points". Lots of points and I am really feeling great with them. This one is from Bliss, I think it may find a home on my dining table. Rather than using a Candy Bar (I have never seen one down here) I used part of a charm pack and coordinated the elements to define the look. What do you think?

Autumn is well and truly here...the pear trees are turning...by next week it will be bare!

Cardygirl xx

It almost rained in my happy place...

2011-05-21T10:11:00.000+10:00

It has been a fairly quiet week here, the cough developed rapidly and I have ended up missing work and lolling about on the lounge for most of the week with little energy...but mending now.

That made me think about my "happy place"...somewhere or something that lifts my spirits when I am a little flat. Fabric shops are definitely on my list (and yours too I bet!) as is spotty fabric for me. I adore dots and spots in all colours, sizes and shapes. A couple of months ago there was some family stuff happening and I chanced upon a fabric shop...aah the mood began to lift...and I wandered inside and found some lovely red spots (my favourite)...yippee! So with the sun beginning to shine in my personal world I headed for the counter to purchase my happy red spots... only to meet the grumpy fabric lady! Don't you hate that! She was in a mood and she wanted the world to share it...I was grilled over my fabric choice and she even tried to make me feel bad for having time to sew as she had NO time at all. Boy was she a delight! Fortunately I didn't let her rain in my happy place (though I was concerned I may have had to buy more fabric to lift my mood...cue husbands sigh of relief ) and I was able to deflect her bad vibes and dash out of there with my mood still good. Most fabric shop owners are great, inspirational, warm people...scary ones are awful...I know I won't go back there again. The spots do look sweet with the Dresden...definitely a happy place combination for me...spots, Dresdens and Flower Sugar...I feel happy again!

Where is your happy fabric place?

Cardygirl xx

Ironing board magic

2011-05-15T19:59:00.000+10:00

The worst of my big assignment is done, just some fine tuning of referencing still to be done, but I feel very relieved that it is out of the way for now. So that enabled a little fiddling today...a nice change from a recently hectic pace...tidying & organsing my incredibly messy sewing room...vacuumed and dusted so it looks respectable...sorted bags into project boxes...do you feel better when you restore order to chaos?

For months I have been meaning to recover my mini ironing board...inspired by a Cotton Way pattern I added some fun to the sewing room...Bliss does brighten a room doesn't it?

Here is a corner...it looks so tidy...maybe need to do another pic in two weeks...hmmm?

Feels like I am about to go down with a cold...a hot drink & pyjama's might help!

Hope you are warm and well wherever you are!

Sniffygirl xx

Mothers Day 2011

2011-05-08T19:33:00.000+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to all who nurture out there.

Friday was spent with my Mum, lunch, shopping and generally catching up.It is sad that she doesn't live close enough to visit every day, so it is lovely to share days when we can. We talk daily, but it would be nice to see each other more often without the long trip. I will be down her way for a conference in ten days so I have opted to stay with her and have a sleepover. She is excited!

A little stitching time today...

My Anni Downs project I am playing with- those teeny tiny shoes were fun to needleturn...

and I do a little cross stitch each night on my 50th sampler the gravestones are hard to see under the tree...

and this little beauty by Blackbird Designs has just been framed...it looks "old". Perfect!

Just my DD around today...a lovely dinner cooked and some uni work done.

Plus there has been a little progress on my TTS blocks!

Hope you had a happy day...

Cardygirl xx

Check...check!

2011-05-01T21:41:00.000+10:00

This was one of those weekends where I was on fire (figuratively speaking!)...lots achieved...I can go back to work knowing that a few jobs were ticked off my to do list at last.

Lawns mowed...check!

Weeds sprayed...check!

Washing done...check!

Dogs coats washed & mended...check...check!

Assignment started...check!

Discussion board participated in...check...check!

Mothers Day present organised...check!

Thank goodness there was time left for a little stitch! These blocks are for my Confetti Cake quilt, inspired by one I saw a while ago on Sherri's blog. I cut it out early this year, you may remember that I had a bit of a cutting disaster- remember it is unwise to cut out when you have no sleep in the wee hours of the morning due to a post op hubby! But it is looking good...quite quick once it is cut out correctly!

Also I have been slowly plodding away on my TTS stitchalong blocks...I have assembled three more blocks ready for tracing...I can hear a whip cracking...hmmm!

I was a Royal wedding tragic too...loved the dress...aaah...young love...how nice!

Cardygirl xx

Well, I went to my room...

2011-04-26T17:26:00.000+10:00

Quiet long weekends...add a dash of rain to stop lawn mowing and you have the perfect recipe for a bit of stitching! There has not been a lot of fabric play lately, so that is just what I did today!

Finished this months Le Petite quilt, Brocante. Fairly unoriginal this time and made it in Pom Pom de Paris the same as the cover pic. But I thought the fabric is perfect for Mum and the pattern was cute. Whilst I am happy with the finished top, it was probably my least favourite as I stitched it up...don't know why really...perhaps I just loved Endless Summer last month SO much, and the fabrics are not to my current taste...anyway, I think Mum will love it. I have a lap quilt planned for her in these fabrics too...obviously she doesn't read my blog!

To add some cheer to a dull day I started playing with some fabrics I love to make something that looks very different to the original model. Still have a bit of applique today so will be a little while before I reveal it...a hint...it is an Anni Downs pattern I bought at Nundle. Hmmm?

Better go...these books are telling me I have an assignment that needs attention!

Cardygirl xx

Easter Snapshot

2011-04-24T21:36:00.000+10:00

A quiet family Easter...Mum up to visit...both children home...pleasant weather...opportunity to wake up without the alarm. Bliss!

Homemade Hot Cross Buns...

Easter tea towels with Mum's crocheted edgings...

Easter bags full of treats...

Delicious cake for Easter celebrations...

A little progress on my cross stitch...

Hope everyone is having a joyous Easter!

Cardygirl xx

Slow and steady...

2011-04-17T19:02:00.001+10:00

...progress on the stitching front. Jenny Beans Halloween is having a bit of a makeover...she has become my half century sampler...I never had a birth sampler so this one is all mine! I added my own words where Jenny Bean's name was stitched on the original...I think it looks okay, what do you think? Once I have done the background behind the date I am going to tackle the front wall of the house.

Some chain piecing for Brocante...it is looking soft & pretty in French General...it will look great at Mum's place.

An afternoon with DS who is home from uni...so nice to have him around...we went to the movies and saw "Paul"...light & funny. Poor boy was stuck in the car with me prattling on for the 40minute drive to the movies & then 40 minutes home again! Smart mother isolating him in the car...then he can't get away...hehe!

Hope you have had a nice weekend...

Cardygirl xx

Cross stitch progress

2011-04-14T16:54:00.000+10:00

Still steadily working away on Jenny Beans Halloween...I am loving the quirkiness of this one...but I always dawdle when I am doing blocks of color...hence the slow progress on the house! I am planning on adding some different wording, so will reveal when it is done.

A question for you cross stitchers out there...where do you start a design? Borders or centre?

Cardygirl xx

The best laid plans!

2011-04-10T19:19:00.000+10:00

Autumn is on it's way..it is getting a little cooler at night (though it was still 30C here today)...and so those pesky mice are trying to come inside. I had planned on stitching, study & weeding for the weekend...all worked out....or so I thought! In my linen press there were signs of little mousy visitors...so the megawash & clean began...and then Saturday was gone! The only plus is a beautifully clean & tidy laundry & linen press!

Some stitching today....an Easter bag for a big boy (from an Anni Downs pattern)...

Brocante...the next Le Petite project in French General!

Now it is raining....but here is a real sign of cooler weather ahead.

Cardygirl xx

Bits and pieces...

2011-04-04T20:52:00.000+10:00

On track with my study...quite interesting...it is good to learn & I am enjoying it. I seem to be getting even more organised with my time! We headed up to Armidale to see DS on Saturday...always nice to see him & take him out for lunch. Sunday was spent grocery shopping, washing & tidying up my computer area...it was awful! Nice to have it tidy again though! I have fallen behind already with the TTS blocks...nearly have the second one finished though!

Fiddled with some paper piecing for my Brigitte Giblin quilt...love these little elongated hexie crosses...Aris the cat was quite intrigued at all the fabric on the table.

While at Nundle dear Bec gave me some '30's fabrics...she knows how much I love them & no doubt she will see them in a project soon.

Chookyblue showed her blog books which had arrived...mine came too & I am loving seeing a journal of my crafty life...I have done them as 2009 & 2010. Famous people on the cover!

Well, that has been the last few days...hope all is well wherever you are!

Cardygirl xx

Just in the nick of time!

2011-03-31T21:30:00.000+11:00

Blogging has taken a back seat to so many things...after the inspiration of Nundle I have had little time to spend on my creative pursuits. Such is a busy life! Family, study & the ever present demands of work have left little time to stitch...no more progress on my TTS stitchalong blocks, a little progress on the Jenny Bean Halloween Sampler, some trousers hemmed, and late today I finished the Le Petite project for this month...

Endless Summer...mine in Lakehouse from the stash with a Moda little bird print for the background. Summer is coming to a close here, so this is a happy reminder of lovely summer days!

Here is a peep at Jenny Bean too...I am loving the 40ct flax linen!

Cardygirl xx

The last of GDITC 2011

2011-03-24T21:15:00.000+11:00

As you can see from all the blogs, we had a marvellous time....and are counting down the sleeps until next year. Some of us made swap gifts from Anni's designs...

I made a tissue packet cover from my favourite Flower Sugar fabrics...

and I was fortunate enough to receive this fabulous needlebook made by Pauline from Calico Crossroads...all the way from Tasmania! I love it...gorgeous fabrics & beautifully stitched...I will treasure it Pauline!

Here are Saturday's swap gifts all in one place!

Not a swap gift, but made by dear Bronwyn for my birthday...holds my special scissors!

Oh well, back to reality...miss the fun, but look forward to next year!

Cardygirl xx

GDITC...more fun & friendship!

2011-03-22T08:08:00.000+11:00

As you can see from all the happy posts, it really is a great weekend!

It is the fourth year that Kerry has hosted the GDITC & every year is fabulous.

Kerry and Anni...

true friendship....helping with binding...

Dinner at Mt Misery on Friday night...lots of happy faces!

Stitching & catching up before dinner! Is that a swap present under construction I see?

A gathering after the big day!

Solving the problems of the world...or working out how to hang the quilts!

A recovery breakfast before our journey's began...

Guess who?

Lea & Bronwyn

Anita, Julie, Dale, Lea & Bronwyn

More pics tomorrow...lovely Nundle!

Cardygirl xx

GDITC 2011

2011-03-21T21:28:00.000+11:00

Well, after all the excitement, all the preparation and all the emails, GDITC is over for another year!

Thanks to the super organised Kerry from The Cottage on the Hill and her band of fabulous helpers it all went off beautifully, and we can only dream of next year!

The amazingly talented Anni Downs was our tutor and we were blessed with her sweet calmness guiding us through the day. She is a great teacher and the nicest person...it was great getting to know her...and hopefully we haven't scared her off! It was nice to share our creations with her and be inspired by what she is designing.

What is wonderful about this weekend is seeing the bloggers...old and new...carrying on conversations started last year...catching up on news. I love you girls and miss you all...the laughter, the jokes, the shared interests and best of all hearing that voice singing out in the darkness..."Hey Cardy...can you be quiet!" Oh, it felt like school camp all over again! No scary teachers this time, just a motherly Chook!

Here is the first project....

I am fiddling with mine (so what else is new?)...

new patterns to covet...

Then there were completed Gardeners Journal quilts...

and their proud owners!

Miss you girls....counting the days till GDITC 2012!

So many more pics...will post them soon!

Cardygirl xx

Brigitte and beyond.

2011-03-13T20:47:00.000+11:00

Tuesday was spent in the company of a pleasant group of ladies & Brigitte Giblin at Southern Cross needlework. I never seem to do much stitching but come home SO inspired. Brigitte shares so much inspiration & it is lovely to see what everyone is working on.

A new quilt of Brigitte's...

some beautiful hexagon framed diamonds...

Brigitte's original quilt...

Then on Saturday we went to Armidale to visit DS for his birthday...

a teenager no more!

A wild and wet trip home...

over the ranges...

Rainbows pointing the way to ....

NUNDLE! One week and we will be there for GDITC 2011!

...looking forward to catching up with old friends and maybe meeting some new ones!

Cardygirl xx

Getting ready for Brigitte.

2011-03-06T19:15:00.000+11:00

This week I will be returning to my class with Brigitte Giblin. Always inspiring, I am keen to see what she has been working on lately. I had hoped to have my project from the last class finished, but....you know how it is! I have the top together but just need to work on the central applique & the paper pieced stars around the border. I "fiddled" with Brigitte's original concept & have worked with 1930's fabrics, and I am quite pleased with how it has developed. I hope Brigitte likes it!

The blocks for the first three stitcheries with the Stitchalong group are assembled, traced & stitching commenced. My fabrics are a bit bright but I hope they will add some festive fun.

Cardygirl xx

Quiet Evenings

2011-03-03T07:50:00.000+11:00

Blackbird Designs- Summer Basket

30ct 2over2 Gentle Arts & WDW

With little time spent in my sewing room of late, I have enjoyed stitching in the family room & chatting of an evening. I am enjoying some cross stitch, starting some new & finishing that Blackbird Designs sampler that has been hanging around. It is lovely to have it finished & now a visit to the framer will be in order.

I have been stitching away on this pear..

With Thy Needle & Thread- Partridge in a Pear Tree

32 ct Flax 1 over 2, DMC threads

And the Jenny Bean Halloween Sampler from Shakespeares Peddlar arrived in the mail. It will be stitched on 40ct Flax with these gorgeous Sampler Threads. Several people have completed it in blogland, and I just adore it's quirkiness. I will add a label that I stitched it in my 50th year...I suppose it will be a half century sampler as opposed to all those birth samplers we stitch! I sometimes wonder why I am attracted to these fine linens...my glasses are going to be Magoo-like before too much longer & I spend hours day dreaming about magnifiers. My optometrist gets a big smile every time I walk in!

The kindness of your comments on my previous post was so supportive. We have had a challenging few weeks here, hopefully life will soon settle a bit.

Cardygirl xx

Le Petite Sweet Spot

2011-02-27T18:43:00.000+11:00

Life has been challenging with little time or interest in blogging. Sometimes I think bumps happen in our personal roads so that we can re-evaluate & consider what is really most important in our lives. We are fortunate to be given the opportunity to perhaps change some aspects of our every day lives & make things better for those around us.

Enough navel gazing...here is my latest finish for Le Petite...Sweet Spot, a Schnibbles pattern. I won two charm packs of Lily & Will recently by participating in this group from Bear Paws Quilts & More. I added a little cream Lakehouse spot and some L & W chocolate spot for the flying geese. I am happy with the soft prettiness of it!

Cardygirl xx

SAL continues!

2011-02-24T18:45:00.000+11:00

Under the leadership of the always motivating Chookyblue & the Stitch a long group, I completed my Gardeners Journal quilt...after it languishing in my basket for FAR toooo long! I was happy to have the support of like minded stitchers and it has been great to watch their progress.

In March we will start Tis the Season by Natalie Bird. Great little festive stitcheries.

I may not do them all & I have plans for my setting, but I found some funky fabric with a Christmas theme... I think it will add a bit of zing to Christmas this year!

Cardygirl xx

This past week...

2011-02-12T11:09:00.000+11:00

...has been a pleasant one. Birthday celebrations with family & friends, far too much good food and lots of laughter & good company. It was lovely to have DH & both the children in the same place ( a fairly rare occurrence)...

and to catch up with dear friends at Bimbadgen in the Hunter Valley (stunning food!)...

time spent with friends locally...but alas I am waiting for pics...

I don't know why but not lots of photos...I think there might have been too much chatter!

I was spoilt with beautiful gifts...dear Lea blinded herself with this stunning cross stitch...

Raelee & Julie stunned me with this gorgeous quilt...

it is beautiful...

amazing stitching...

Now I need to work on this...

for all who wished me well and shared some time...thankyou!

It has been a lovely week!

Cardygirl xx

A box with a bow!

2011-02-08T10:41:00.000+11:00

A special day...one of those significant dates...and a lovely little box with a bow for me!

Nice to be spoilt & thought of...DH is very kind!

Off to lunch with Mum...no work today.

Did a little baking the other day...good for the figure too.

Made it into this teeny tiny pineapple which I love.

Cardygirl xx

Perfect for summer!

2011-02-04T08:21:00.000+11:00

Some Verna and a great bag pattern from Nanette at Freda's Hive has resulted in this summer prettiness. I think the hardest part was finding handles as I did not want cloth ones.

I love the way it looks so fresh &the lime jumbo ric rac was perfect.
Does it make you feel like summer? It is so horribly hot here at present...every day above 40C...garden has suffered...hope it ends soon! Amazing that some have snow, some rain & we have this heat!

Cardygirl xx

Just add some icing...

2011-01-31T21:59:00.000+11:00

...to that cake! Why not just add one more thing into a life that seems super busy? This year was going to be just a tad more organised after last year's mad whirl. I started well with plans to not commit to too much...

...finish off some cross stitch- this is where I ran out of thread! SOS call to The Crewel Gobelin!

And get these rapidly aging eyes working on this sweet little pineapple cross stitch...salvaged after it's recent horror trip from the US. The pattern was water damaged but useable and you can see the staining on the top of the linen...it will be out of the completed stitching area so I thought I could live with it. It is so tiny working in one strand over 1 thread and with a significant birthday almost here I am finding it a challenge to say the least.

So, what else have I done? I have opted to do some study of course! With the encouragement of my always enthusiastic boss it looks like I will be doing a postgrad qualification in Drug & Alcohol Nursing this year. Fun! Sewing will have to act as my stress release I think. I have studied with distance education before, but this will be the first time it has been university based...watch this space!

Cardygirl xx

Just plain lucky!

2011-01-29T16:23:00.000+11:00

As you know Sinta & Sherri are hosting the Le Petite stitching group. A little quilt each month if you can, buy your own pattern & make it your own with your fabric of choice. No pressure but fun & achievable!

At the end of each month we have a parade...yay! It is great to see how everyone has interpreted a pattern...so inspirational really...I have "met" some nice new stitchers too. There are little giveaways for the participants too...and I was lucky enough to receive theses lovely Lily & Will charm squares from Donna at Bear Paw Quilts.The palette is soft & I am looking forward to using them in another Le Petite project.

Thank you ladies...I just feel plain lucky!

Cardygirl xx

Mon Ami fin! And a float on the harbour...

2011-01-26T21:35:00.000+11:00

Mon Ami...this months quiltlet in the Le Petite group is finished. I used one charm pack of Punctuation by American Jane with some bits from her previous ranges thrown in to add variety. It certainly was interesting...SO many HST's...they seemed endless at one stage...but I am happy with it's cheery scrappy look but have noticed that the border has a slight ripple....hope it will quilt out! Now I am looking forward to next month's selection....and fabric selection!

Last weekend saw DH & myself heading off to Sydney for a cruise on the harbour with his work colleagues. Fortunately it was a little cooler than today, but still a lovely sunny day.We bobbed around on the water for about six hours and looked at all the lovely waterside properties. There are certainly some lovely homes.

Here I am looking a trifle windswept with the "coathanger" in the background (and a boat on my head!)...

Luna Park ( I have never been there...not a fan of scary rides)...

the Anzac Bridge ( great flags especially as today is Australia Day)...

the skyline at night.

Cardygirl xx

Not me....never!

2011-01-21T21:30:00.000+11:00

Any spare moment this week has seen me dashing to the sewing room to work on Mon Ami for the Le Petite group. All the HST's were a bit time consuming but they look great. It was fun to hear everyone's favourite techniques. I laid them out on the lounge room floor & went off to work...and came home to find them tossed around. Not sure who might have done this....hmmmm!

Today saw the much anticipated arrival of some cross stitch patterns & linens I had ordered in November from Country Stitches. After a delay due to linen availability they left Brenda on Dec 14...and disappeared! I had given up hope and then they arrived today...in a VERY sorry state! Wet, ripped apart, tyre marks & mould...yuk! All bundled in a plastic bag ( not a good idea) from Sydney Gateway with a note saying this is how it arrived in Australia....if only it could talk....it would probably cry! Most was safe in plastic but one kit was mouldy & I think some wool felt is salvageable. It came from Storm Lake...ominous! I will post pics as the patterns are great when it has all dried out!

Cardygirl xx

Life's varied fortunes

2011-01-16T22:31:00.000+11:00

Time is passing quickly by...frightening & sad natural disasters both here and abroad show the fragility of our lives and the importance of appreciating who we have in our lives...families, friends & even the kindness of strangers. We have been fortunate & have not been personally affected by these tragedies, but feel a great sadness for those who are suffering at this time.

We are blessed to have our children return home after holidays both here and abroad with happy tales and lots of pictures. It is wonderful to see them stepping out and enjoying their lives. DD had a wonderful time in Rome & Paris and it has been fascinating hearing stories of friendly Italians & walks down cobblestone streets. Their showband performed at several venues & was even acknowledged by the Pope.

Some stitching has happened here today...the HST's are nearly all done for this month's Le Petite...just the border HST's still to do. Thankyou to everyone who gave me their tips...I have settled on lines marked on squares with the Hera marker and sewn a 1/4" on each side...it seems to have worked well. Lots of trimming of the blocks...lots of scrappy bits. They are a bit of work but do look really good.

One quick lesson I learnt this week...When you are awake at 0430hrs it is not a good idea to cut out a quilt top just because it is quiet! A couple of wrong cuts has led to the makings of several skinny tablerunners or coin quilts...OOPS!

Cardygirl xx

Half square triangles

2011-01-09T20:29:00.000+11:00

What is your preferred method when making HST's?

I am making these sweet little blocks for the January Le Petite quiltlet and I am not sure which method I prefer. Drawing diagonal lines takes time but is accurate, then I saw that marking with a Hera was quick too... Jackie was using a magic wand(!)...and lastly I have been playing with an Angler 2. The instructions weren't that great so I have scooted around the web...I am sure there must be some handy tips & practice makes perfect, but at the moment some angles are great & some a bit dodgy! I think it is operator incompetence and I am sure practice will make it better! How do you make HST's?

Cardygirl xx

Armchair caddy revamp.

2011-01-03T16:30:00.000+11:00

One project I have wanted to revisit for some time is my armchair sewing caddy. The original was bought as a kit at craft show in 1998...pretty trendy at the time with the obligatory suffolk puffs & charms. It has served me well but was looking a bit tired. I was determined to update and while DH slept yesterday afternoon I made this one. I love it...from American Jane fabric lines...Wee Play & Punctuation with a dash of vintage ricrac and a nice red spot thrown in. I love a good red spot!

It looks spiffy on my dark blue lounge and I had great fun "organising" it. I have filled the (lined) pincushion with ground walnut shells to add some weight to deter the mini lion of the house who loves to hide my pincushions!

For Christmas my "sister" Bronwyn made me this wonderful felted wool pincushion (also wisely weighted)

and this bag for me to take to work. It is made out of Nurse material (I didn't know they made it!),

and the back has a little watch on a fob chain & nurses hats! Very very special!

This year I hope to blog more, stitch whenever I can & enjoy my family.

A good plan.

Cardygirl xx

2011 begins...

2011-01-02T18:07:00.002+11:00

Quietly we saw in the New Year...DD in Rome preparing to join with her showband to play in the New Years Day parade before she heads off to Montecatini, Florence, Milan & Paris...DS on the NSW North Coast with his girlfriend & her family...and DH & myself at home...he is still fairly housebound. Up until yesterday there was little time to stitch, but hopefully as he improves there will be a little down time for me! Especially as I go back to work on Tuesday...aargh! Some time has been spent playing with Hexagons for my Brigitte Giblin inspired quilt.

Here is a pic of my interpretation. I am happy with it's bright cheeriness... as it is supposed to be a cot quilt I moved away from a gentle repro palette and am having fun putting my own spin on it.

...and this is Brigitte's original quilt.

A short time ago I spotted these beautiful scissors on Siobhan's blog...she does the most exquisite cross stitch...and so I managed to source some...aren't they sweet? Now I just need to finish the cross stitch!

My dear stitching friend, Lea, gave me this lovely bonbon for Christmas...super cute!

And today I have hung my SSCS gift properly. It is the most beautiful stitchery from Nicky & it now hangs where I can see it every day.

May we all have a good 2011. There are many changes afoot here in my home... it will be interesting to see how it all progresses! I have been playing with my blog...not happy with it, but I am fairly techno challenged...will keep on playing!

Cardygirl xx

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-24T20:18:00.000+11:00

May you all have a Happy Christmas...sharing the joy of this special time with family & friends.

If you are travelling, stay safe....it is a wonderful time of year.

DH is recovering from his op...so Christmas here will be quiet & housebound. My dear Mother is with us and the children are both home...nice to all be here together. It has been a challenging year, many changes in our lives...but we have worked together as a family and had the support of our friends...many positives.

Last weekend we took Mum to Sydney for a special weekend. she has not been shopping in Sydney for 20 years but she loved it!

Shopping, the Christmas window display at David Jones, St Mary's Cathedral, the enormous tree at the Queen Victoria Building hung with Swarovski crystals,

dinner at Circular Quay,

ballet at the Opera House...The Nutcracker,

and morning tea at the QVB Tearooms...a weekend of indulgence which she thoroughly enjoyed. Our hotel rooms overlooked Hyde Park and we were treated to fireworks from the Carols at the Domain. It really was a perfectly wonderful treat...our gift to her.

A joyous Christmas to you!

Cardygirl xx

Just popping in....

2010-12-21T07:37:00.000+11:00

...to say a quick hello. It is a bit hectic, not much thought regarding Christmas yet... DH had his big knee op yesterday ( a high tibial osteotomy for those medically inclined)...it meant an 0430hrs start as the hospital is 2hrs away...I am back today for work & then off...he should be home before Christmas. I will pop back tonight & update on all our busy-ness!

Cardygirl xx

I am a 1.5...I think!

2010-12-12T20:21:00.000+11:00

Maree & Chookyblue have recently had a discussion about there being two types of crafters.Type 1 is super organised, efficient & focused, perhaps a tad annoying(!)...Type 2 is more casual, laid back, tends to be a little disorganised. Hints were made that I might be a bit stuffy...tending to be more Type 1 than most... hmmm... lucky I am not overly thin skinned...I could see their thinly veiled point...LOL...sometimes a chill pill may be in order in Cardy world...even I can see it! I responded that I think a 1.5 may be in order as we all know that procrastination is big at my place! Especially when it comes to binding...aaargh!

So, after finishing my Christmas stitching, writing Christmas cards & spraying the magnificent crop of weeds that have flourished since our recent rain....I decided to bite the bullet & stitch the binding on this disappearing 9 patch from Kate Spain's Christmas fabric. My table looks quite festive!

Cardygirl xx

Christmas tree cuteness

2010-12-07T07:38:00.000+11:00

Lots of things to do at the moment...like you I am madly trying to get Christmas organised...but I am easily distracted...I know the cards need to be written....the windows need cleaning...those cobwebs really need to go...those quilts need to be bound!

BUT, instead I was distracted by this bit of gorgeous-ness! A free pattern from here...inspiration from here... made as a mini using 3"squares to make prairie points...looks lovely in my Christmassy house. Made with leftovers of Figgy Pudding, Fruitcake & Winter. It is our December project with Le Petite, but I couldn't resist sharing it with you...quick, easy & super cute!

Cardygirl xx

Le Petite Butter Churn

2010-12-04T08:56:00.000+11:00

Sherri & Sinta have organised a group...Le Petite...stitching a small quilt each month. No pressure....make it if you can...no huge requirements list...quite fun & motivating. A great group to follow and marvel at everyone's different interpretations. Follow the parade on their blogs.

The quiltlet for November was "Butter Churn" by Sherri Falls of This & That Quilts. It was a great little quilt which I made entirely of scraps from some Lakehouse fabrics left over from other projects. It is only 24 1/2" square...I am thinking of adding an extra border or two....maybe some more of those super cute churn dash blocks to make it suitable for a baby quilt ( I mean as a gift!). I love making these small quilts...so great for practicing techniques & playing with colors. Pop by and see the cutest little Christmas Tree quilt that is the December project...prairie points are perfect for this time of year!

Raining here today...might have to sew when the house is clean....and the Christmas cards are done!

Cardygirl xx