Just a moment while I catch my breath

Off to sea it went – the quilt and the laundry bag.  It certainly is a bright and distinctive  laundry bag, so the recipient should recognise it easily among the piles of laundry bags on the ship.

I have a new little toy to play with (aargh, that means more time can be spent using it.)

and of course it needed a cover to protect it while we are travelling.  I have made a light weight one for now and will make another when I am home again.  I started with this tutorial, but altered the way it was constructed to suit what I needed.

The front is made from left over pieces of a quilt from some years ago.  I had joined them into the rectangle shape with the intention of making a cushion cover.  I had 2 pieces of the blue cut to size to make the back, and they turned into a pocket instead. (just below the ends of the zip, though it is hard to see in the photo.) 

I also made a little mouse pad from a practice quilting piece which could have become a mug rug or something.  I guess it can be a mug and mouse pad cant it.

Yesterday I went off to Brisbane with my younger daughter to collect a very special garment.

Strain your eyes and you just may see the shape and a little detail – but that is all the sneak peek you can have until after it has been worn.  Yes, it is my older daughter’s wedding dress.

Of course such a special trip required some energy food.

The lemon meringue with ice cream was delicious.

It has been interesting helping out with organising a wedding which it to be celebrated 10 hours drive from here.  Lots of phone calls back and forth, lots of shopping, as she cant get much of what she needs where she lives.  But I think it is coming together nicely now.

We head off on Saturday morning to take out that special dress plus lots of other goodies.  We will then have one hectic week getting prepared before everyone else arrives for the wedding on the 29th. 

And 14 1/2 days till we board the plane for our trip.  Phew.

Off to Sea it goes

This week I will be sending off another Aussie Hero quilt.

 

Jan-Maree had been asked for quilts to be made and sent to personnel serving on one of the Navy ships which is on a support mission in the Middle East.  I had started a quilt a couple of months ago, and since  the request came I have been working towards finishing it.  In between all the other family dramas and events I have found time to be rather precious, but eventually it came together a bit at a time.

The Australian Flag square was cut from a scarf I had found in a gift shop.

Tomorrow I need to finish off the laundry bag which I will send with it, as well as buy some extra treats to include in the parcel.  I am hoping the recipient will enjoy using it.

The countdown clock tells me 24 days.  And I am counting!!!

On the Bus

Isnt this just the most gorgeous house.  On the right hand side of the building is a beautiful patchwork store.  It has the most amazing fabrics, patterns, and the samples are awesome.  It is the kind of store where you need to allow yourself at least a couple of hours – and maybe then some more - to be able to take it all in.  On the other side of the bottom pathway are cottages where people can stay while on a quilting retreat at this very place. 

This is Glenrose Cottage, just out of Warwick in southern Queensland. 

The birdhouse display on the verandah was worthy of some admiration.

There was plenty of fabrics to admire before we even made it into the door.  But once inside I was so intrigued by all there was to see that I forgot to take any more photos.

But a very little pile of goodies came home with me – some beautiful wool felt and some patterns.

We visited another 3 stores in Warwick while on our bus trip.  They are all well worth a visit,as is a stroll along the main street.  Bus trips with a group of friends is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Last week we had some little visitors – Harry and Vicki came to say hello.  Already at just 7 weeks old she is charming her Pa, and posing for  photos.  Love having visits from our precious Grandies.