Patchwork Stitching

I haven't posted in quite a while although, I have been busy making a quilt of many pieces. It is an English Paper Pieced, (EPP) epic, of one and a quarter inch, equilateral, triangles. So far not quite three years of hand piecing. There have been a couple of interruptions over that time, including o/s travel twice and a major health problem. Since recovering, I have been able to work at this project most days/evenings for a few hours. Because it is handwork, with small sized pieces, it is very transportable. I take it with me in the car when we are traveling, on short or longer journeys. I've planned it to fit our Super King sized bed. As I pondered the construction of this quilt, I estimated 65 rows for the quilttop. It is comprised of a selection of both scrap pieces and others from my fabric collection. A few weeks ago I had completed 60 rows, each comprising 116 different pieces. I considered the size and I decided to stop and start on the borders. I can always add more rows later, if I feel they are necessary. I hadn't envisaged any special system for borders, only planning to incorporate within those borders, some reflection from the main body of the quilt. However, since then I have started a border row of these templates interspersed with an alternate plain, neutral coloured fabric of the same sized template. I also made several pieces for the end of row inserts. This will allow borders to be attached with a minimum of complications. I'm still deciding how many borders, along with what background colours will best enhance the overall quilt. After the top is completed there is the quilting. I'm a hand quilter. I am yet to decide if I will do hand quilting or perhaps have it machine quilted. Another decision for a later time. Enjoy, Kay

Contemplative Stitching

I am enjoying hand stitching, at he moment it is the EPP method. English Paper Piecing this time, small triangles to be made into a qult. It is still very hot and humid on the east coast of Australia, so stitching in the airconditioning is possible. Although we are a couple of weeks into Autumn, the temperatures are still in the 30's. Maybe a seasonal reset will eventuate this weekend, with temperatures dropping to the low 20's. What joy that will be? The nights are a tad cooler althought the humidty o/n, has remained high. When I work out the different proceedure with this new programme, I'll post a photo.

Winter Activities.

It is towards the end of Winter in this part of the world. There are warmish days, when there is no wind, however the mornings and evenings are still quite cold. A couple of weeks ago we ventured north for the day and had a delicious lunch by the river.

We are blessed to live in a beautiful area where we can walk and enjoy the delight of many beaches, river sights and activities.

I've been continuing with English paper piecing. This time, back to tiny hexagons to add a strap for my phone. Some walking gear does not have a pocket, so the strap seemed to be the ideal solution. However it has been a long task, still not completed, until I find three other matching fabrics. To add to the task I have made a double sided strap, matching to each hexagon on the first side.

I've been enjoying the blossoming of a gift cutting from a very dear friend. It is a white daisy. You can see how prolific it is, with a smaller bush beside it bloomimg profusely. The white flowers add light to that part of the garden, also giving great pleasure. Enjoy.

Catching Up.

Seems I never get back to writing an update, perhaps I can endeavour to do so henceforth, we'll see? When I was unable to access my blog, I did lose incentive to post. I found the different programme frustrating back in April. So trying once again now, fingers crossed. Last year, we pulled up the Parent's Retreat carpet and replaced it with beautiful Brush Box timber. We also removed the marble tiles in the entrance foyer and continued the flooring in that area.

My stitching has been limited to EPPs, English Paper Pieces, in the shape of equilateral triangles. I had a good start 18 months ago, however they were hand cut and somewhat innacurate. Not perfect enough for me to continue, so I pulled them all apart, and purchased machne cut templates, 100 to the packet. Each row consists of 112 triangles, to reach pleasantly across our king size matress. As for the number of rows to reach to the top, I'm guessing somewhere between 50 and 60 rows, of which I have completed 25. So a very long way to go. I have several hundred fabric triangles cut, a few hundred EPPs covered and ready to stitch together as the next row. I've also completed several diamond pieces to fill in the sides, although they also need to be attached. It is a slow process by hand, it will take a wee while to get the top together. My plan is to complete two rows, then stitch in the side edges and attach them to the previous rows, thereby eliminating the bulkiness for a tad. As I progress the bulkiness and the weight will no doubt increase. Such is the process of an accomplishment of this construction.

This item of EPP stitching did take several months, however when completed, two years ago, I was thrilled with the outcome. It is in constant use. This was somewhat fiddly, stitched with tiny hexagons. When finished batting and lining were added. I did quilt this small item by machine. Machine quilting is not my usual method of attaching the three layers together.I am inclined to make a strap in a similar method so I can carry my phone on my daily walk, when I'm not wearing items with pockets. Enjoy some examples of my EPPs. Kay. "

Gratitude to Our Godson.

I'm able to access my blog after ten months of being locked out. More Later...

Update 9/04 2022

It has been a couple pf months since I published to my blog. I am somewhat over this new, time consuming, ill conceived platform. Seems like many other bloggers are well and truly over this uninspired application, as well. Until now, I had always enjoyed the blogging process

Since this post was started we have experieced a major weather event on the Mid North Coast. Many homes and properties were lost, along with vehicles and stock whuch were swept down raging rivers and out to sea. We live on a hill, so flooding was not something we anticipated. However, with such a torrent, that lasted for several days, we too experienced a 5cm flood to our downstairs. My DH's new office, our front foyer and my very large sewing room were inundated. That was the 21st of March. In the last couple of weeks we have had drainage installed in our rear garden, ordered new double front doors and entered our projects on supplier’s lists, for when it is our turn for restoration. A couple of weeks ago, after much procrastionation and obfuscation from the assessors, our insurance company stepped in and paid part of our claim. It will be great to get back to normal in the near future. We have the new double front doors ordered, the plasterer has beem in to make repairs and in the next week or so, the concrete floors will be scraped/ground level again to have new florring laid. Then new storgae builtin cupboards, painting and finally restoring all furniture. It will be great to move back into my sewing room. This is but a memory now, three months hence. Our quilting group was unable to have our weekly meetings until all flood water had receded and plumbing problems eliminated. We have now returned to our weekly group meetings, with relish.

Our front doors have been partly installed and as of today, they are undercoated and waiting for the final coat The concrete floors were levelled and sealed this morning, thankfully the new flooring will start to be laid next week. It is great to have this progress, while we still wait for final settlement from the insurance company for contents and the correct amount for carpet replacement. I remain, ever grateful that we are soon to be restored to a place for everything and everything in it's place, oh what joy for us both. An upgate as of July 11th. The doors can't be completed until the slate doorstep is installed, so as to attach architraves at the correct height. The slate preparation is waiting to be cut to the correct size. Another 2 weeks before it is ready. Dovetailing tradesmen is a marathon effort, so we still wait. Thankfully I have been working on the garden, however with several large palm varieties in out rear garden, it is rather frightening to be underneath a falling frond. So next week, we have decided to have all remaining palms removed. Hopefully we will be closer to finishing some restorative work on the interior of our home. K

New Fabrics Recently Came to Live at My Home.

 I mentioned in a previous post that I purchased a lovely piece of fabric while visiting a great patchwork store up along the Mid North Coast, on a recent visit. 

About a week prior to that trip North, we ventured to another great patchwork store to the South, where a few pieces of wonderful fabric, also came home to live at my home.  

At this stage, I don't have a project in mind where any of these fabrics will be featured, although that could change at any time.  On both occasions, we had a delicious lunch while visiting and an enjoyable trip both there and on the return. 

At present, I'm working on EPP with a clamshell pattern, it will be a cushion, eventually, along with a monthly, smalls, ornament cross stitch piece. Photos in a later post. Enjoy.

                                                                                                           

A Trip to the North.

 We had a very enjoyable trip north last Saturday, to Coffs Harbour. We hadn't been that way for at least 18 months, so way back during drought times. The Pandemic had curtailed our explorations, last year. The countryside was freshly washed in much rain and the forests, bushland and pastures, along the way, were lush and bathed in vibrant greens.

It was a lovely day with a very slight shower, as I ventured into a lovely Patchwork and Quilting store and brought home a lovely piece of fabric to live at my home. After that, we ventured to the wharf for a seafood meal, checking the menus before committing to any establishments. We were disappointed with what was on offer, so moved to another venue, near the beach, to the north. We had a delicious luncheon and a cold white wine, while overlooking the board riders and folk walking the breakwater. 

We then moved to the south side beach for a delicious coffee, along with a treat each. DH chose a Chocolate muffin, while I chose a white chocolate and raspberry muffin. They were served warm and were scrumptious.

After our afternoon tea, it was time to turn for home.  Enjoy.

A Special Parcel From a Very Dear Friend.

 You can guess that a parcel from a dear friend is something very special. My parcel was indeed, such a special gift. This first photo shows, two very comical cross stitch charts, from Petal Pusher, designs, several small, mostly unattainable, different frames, along with a couple of magnetic photo frames. The top cross stitch pattern called "Bat Pig, "  reminded me of a time when my very DH had placed a pink pig with wings, hanging from the ceiling of his office where he worked. I asked why it was hanging in his office when visiting one day? He said, the folk he was designing for, proposed  ideas that equated to "Pigs might fly." The second chart also made me chuckle. It is titled  "Heavenly Hog" depicting a pig with wings, wearing a very cute expression, looking very demure. The name really appealed, after all, "Heavenly Pig" would have hardly gained my attention.

In the second photo, there were delightful Halloween buttons, cross-stitch needles, along with gift tags with pretty ribbon ties. I was thrilled with my gift parcel.  Many thanks to my very dear friend, of many years, hugs to you dear Karen.  Enjoy

Started a New Book.

 

I started reading a new novel by Australian Author, Natasha Lester. 78 pages in, light out at 12:45am and  I am captivated once more.

Stiching Completd on February MOSC.

 I completed the cross-stitching for this month's ornament challenge, last night. This morning I couldn't find it anywhere. After searching the washing load, the bins, pulling furniture out and lifting cushions, I was a tad stressed. Thinking about it after a few hours of frustration, I wondered if I had taken it into my sewing room to check on suitable Christmas themed fabric,  for the finishing. Yes. It was there, thankfully. Stitching another lacks the original appeal unless of course, one plans to do several the same from the outset. Here is the photo. It is stitched with DMC Varigations on cream linen. Now to finish into an ornament. Enjoy, K

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Finally a Photo of January Monthly Ornament.

 I remembered to take the photo today, of the January MOSC i.e. Monthly Ornament Smalls Challenge.

So here it is,  a patchwork effort for a Santa, I did make one of these ornaments once before, as a gift, in 2016 for a fellow stitcher, in one of my Stitching groups. The recipient was thrilled, so way back then I did promise myself one, for me. It has taken a wee while to have one of my own, all ready for next Christmas.  Enjoy.

February Update.

 I've managed to keep on track with my expectations for both January and February, although I haven't kept up with photographing all items. Below is my progress for the February, Monthly Ornament Smalls Challenge as at February 17th.  I still have a few days to get it completed, I just haven't been able to comfortably settle to stitch over the last few weeks. Hopefully, it will all resolve itself this week.

 We have been promised more rain over the last few weeks, although not a drop eventuated, until Thursday this week. Yesterday and overnight the heavens opened and it fell all day, today. The garden looks refreshed, lush and delighted, not quite so clear through the insect screens, however too wet to venture out to photograph.

Better luck tomorrow in between showers, perhaps.

Late this afternoon, my Very Dear Husband went out nearby on an errand. Along the way, a Koala was sitting in the middle of the roadway and it appeared to be confused.  He stopped the car and picked the little one up from the roadway, walked it over to the forest, with close by Eucalypts.  The Koala was content to be collected in his strong arms and when released, away from the road, ventured up a large gumtree. DH said the Koala appeared to be distressed, with two bite marks on its'  back. Maybe it had been attacked by a dog. Unfortunately, he could not place it in his vehicle as he had

nothing to restrain the Koala. They are such sweet little creatures, I love how they scamper up the correct tree trunks, when up far enough to feel safe, they stop and look back at you, before moving further up the tree. We are certainly blessed to live where many of these engaging animals dwell. Enjoy.

Happy Australia Day.

 We were up and away early today for Australia Day celebrations with company.

 We celebrated Australia Day by the beach with the surf behaving well on this special day. So many folk were at the beach and many people were at beaches along the way as we drove down the coast. At Lake Cathie, there were few parks left at 7am. On our return, four hours later, the parking was all along the roadside, beyond the designated car park. The beaches were packed, within restrictions and many families were enjoying playing in the shallow water between the surf and the bridge.

We returned to the beachfront cafe, we visited last Thursday for afternoon tea. We enjoyed Champagne and a delicious breakfast overlooking a calmer scene. However, this morning, the temperature rose to 34C. Even though it was very hot, we had a wonderful, cooling, sea breeze, blowing in over our very long tables. The restaurant was decorated appropriately with light blue balloons, featuring our beautiful flag, small toothpick flags, small flags in the table foliage pots and Australian decorated plates and napkins.

Today, the restaurant was closed for our private function with 51 of us commemorating and enjoying our National Day.

Afternoon Tea at the Beach.

 On Thursday after Quilting group, we drove down the coast a wee way to check out the location for our Australia Day Breakfast gathering. The restaurant had recently changed names and we were not sure of the exact address, not that we had been to visit under the previous name. It is an early start tomorrow, so now we can go there directly.

It looks like any beach however, there were marine warnings issued for large swells, for all of last week.

This is how it changed very quickly, as a new set arrived. The waves were breaking from well out to sea, to the edge of the car park road, at the shoreline. We haven't visited this area before, although on calm days, one can see the beach from the roadway south, from here right up to Lighthouse Beach, several miles to the north.

Just white froth all the way for this very long beach, approximately 8-10 Klms from Tacking Point Lighthouse. 

We sat on the balcony overlooking the seashore view, with a delightful afternoon tea of carrot cake and white chocolate pecan tart. K.

Two Birthday Gifts.

 Two stitching friends celebrated their birthdays in January.

They are members of my Quilting group and have been supportive friends during my time as a member. On the day I joined our group, one of these friends was also a new member. I have relished her quick,  dry wit, on quilting days, ever since. Amazingly it is very similar to my very dear husband's sense of humour, which I am blessed with, several times a day.

           Both friends were thrilled with their gifts.  Making such items gives me great joy, with a few more of these items to make as the year progresses. 

Welcome 2021, A New Year Beginning.

  

We ushered the New Year in with relish. A different celebratory meal from last week, although we did have the delicious pudding for sweets, for the second time. The pudding turned as superbly as the very first one. Extremely scrumptious and moist. It was served with Brandy Sauce and fresh pouring cream.

It is almost time to dismantle all the decorations, it makes the house look really bare for a day or so., then it all seems normal once more, till Christmas this year.

We are looking forward to a year ahead of much promise and joy. It has been rather wet so far and it is only the third of January. Our garden is loving all the rain and the plants are dancing.

I'm stitching Initials for birthday gifts for friends, two are needed by the end of this week. Then back to another piece half finished. A photo of the first two, later this week and the third, after it is received. I have been contemplating returning to a larger Sampler,  Long Dog's "Virtue," started mid last year. I lost interest because the pattern was so very difficult to read. Trust I'll be able to decipher the symbols when I pick it up next time, here's hoping. Until next time, enjoy.

                                                     Celebrating Christmas 2020.

In spite of the year we have had, our restrictions allowed us to have guests in our home so we made the most of that situation. We welcomed friends to celebrate Christmas lunch, enjoying their company, the festive food, along with much chatter, lots of laughter and beautiful gifts. I love Christmas time with all it denotes, the decorations, music and special food. It is usually hot in the southern hemisphere, thankfully we were very comfortable in air conditioning.  I also chose to limit hot food preparation apart from the Christmas pudding, steaming away for most of 4 hours from early morning and roasting turkey.. Considering it was the first Christmas pudding I have every made, it turned out superbly. So much so that I have another prepared, for our New Year's Eve celebratory dinner.  My Mother used to make me one every year, then my MIL and then SIL.  In subsequent years I made deserts that were delightful, looked spectacular for this special occasion, along with being more suitable to our hot climate

                                                 

                        A Prawn and Avacado salad above , a Beetroot and Citrus salad below.

 

                                 A mixed Tomato and Dill salad, below followed by Ham and Turkey. 

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Before Christmas I made several gifts for friends and family, those below I remembered to photograph.

I made 16 of these , which are phone rests and decorated the gift bags with Christmas themed fabric.

Soon it will be time to dismantle the Christmas tree, the lights and all the decorations. However, for me, not until after New Year and twelfth night.

I hope you have enjoyed reading a little about our Christmas Day lunch. With 2021 only a week

away,  I hope this coming New Year for us all,  will bring wonders and joyful times, once again to our lives.

Current Book Reading.

 I'm really enjoying this tale,  well researched and definitely captivating. I can't wait to read more from this author, who is an Australian. K.

TODAY'S ENCOUNTER.

 Wee turned out of our avenue today to find a line of traffic in both directions, We live in a very quiet area near a forest corridor along with a beautiful lagoon, sporting many blue water lilies, so we were somewhat baffled at a traffic holdup. My Dear Husband said there appeared to be a cat waddling across the road and everyone was waiting, so as not to startle the animal. We could see some small movement at the pedestrian crossing, of all places. As the small bundle of fur came closer toward our position, it was obviously not a cat. There,  walking, no waddling towards us, was a Mother Koala with baby on board her back.  How wonderful to see so many folk stopped to allow her and her babe, safe passage across the road and further up the rise of the road.

DH quickly parked our car into the verge, grabbed his camera and followed the Mother and babe up the rise. There were several trees, gums and others, along the opposite verge area.  My DH talked to the Mother very calmly, she allowed him to pat her, gently reassuringly guiding her away from the traffic on the road, before leaving. She paused after she climbed the correct variety  of Gum tree to watch him walk away. When he turned to see if she was content in the tree, she stopped to look him in the eye, so he took another photo of her and her precious cargo.   After watching the process of her and her babe along the road, what a thrill for me to see the photos. It was certainly very uplifting,  especially after this time last year, with so many of these amazing animals lost to the raging bush fires along Australia's east coast regions.

 A pause with eye contact, before she headed up the Gum tree to safety.

Well done Mum! Of all the different gums  in the area, she knew exactly which one was the correct one to choose.