Goodbye 2011!

 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

Ends and beginnings...

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

Sweet surprises!

Like all of us, it has been a week full of "stuff"....work, family, paying bills, doing chores...just the same week we all share really. But into that "normality", sweet surprises come which just make you smile!

Sandy sent me a lovely gift for being her blog friend...really kind & generous...vibrant fabric that is itching to go into something special & some treasured Liberty pieces...yummy! And a most beautiful card! Chookyblue recently talked about the sweetness & camaraderie of our blogging ( or "imaginary") friends & Sandy's generous gift demonstrated those bonds we develop...thankyou!

Last night I had the pleasure of the company of my dear friend, Penny. As happens, work required them to move away, but luckily I was able to have her sorely missed company for a night. We laughed, talked & stitched till very late & then today headed with Lea for lunch & a spot of shopping...lots more laughter! She left me with this great looking bag kit...I will see if it actually takes two hours as it proclaims.

So a happy week here...I hope you have had happiness at your place too!

Cardygirl xx

Darling Harbour Fun Part 1(plus a treat!)

Well, we did it! Lea, my DD & I all headed off to Sydney  yesterday to attend the Quilt Show & SHOP!

We live about 3hrs from Sydney, so were planning to head off bright & early. You need a little background to understand the humour of our start....I am ALWAYS punctual (annoyingly so) & ALWAYS organised. Wash the hair the night before, pack my handbag, lay out my clothes, make a list, do some research...really annoying I know! Dear Lea is more of a seat of her pants kind of girl....usually a bit late, forgets things, improvises her schedule, forgets the turn offs en route...and we LOVE her for it! So yesterday must have been opposite day. Lea was SIX minutes early, I slept in (eeek!)...I was on the hop! But we were on our way!Seeing the Harbour & Bridge never fail to thrill you!

Fortunately we had a great trip into Sydney & arrived at opening time...the crowds were quite manageable & we were able to have a good look around & even get some personal advice on making clamshells from Sue Daley. And that inspired me...I have been enjoying making hexagons...and I had an enjoyable day at the Quilt Show...I should share all this good feeling as it is also my wedding anniversary....and my 200th blog... so why not have a little giveaway...hmmmm...oh, why not! So leave me a comment about my day at the show, about my ramblings generally or anything else you want to say & I will give away a little treat on the morning of the 25th...also the anniversary of our moving to this town nineteen years ago!

So, back to the Show...there was a girl there with a much admired Study Hall skirt...but sadly I was not able to catch up with Robyn, Christine, or Sandra....busy schedules & coordinating long distance travel made it tricky...but I met Janice & Anita (old buddy from Nundle!)...so great to really meet them at last...and funny how it seems you have known them forever! Hopefully next year we will be able to coordinate our visits a little better! It is amazing how we do recognise each other! I seem to be doing the weird eye thing in my pic with Janice!

So here is some eye candy....I was a VERY NAUGHTY girl & came home with oodles of fabric....and a head full of ideas...oh why do I have to work tomorrow?????

We even managed to deliver a quilt on the way home! Tomorrow I will show some quilts & other interesting pics....

Cardygirl xx