We are going to be grandparents

Patrick and I are going to be grandparents. Our daughter, Justine, and her husband, Andrew are expecting a baby in March. I don't think we have stopped smiling since they told us. This will be our first grandchild and we are so excited about this wonderful news. I spent a fantastic 5 days with Justine and Andrew in Sydney and I don't think they were many baby shops that we didn't visit. A whole new world of baby things has opened up to me.

I have started a baby quilt - Kookaburra Cottage's Noah and Friends - and I don't think I have enjoyed myself so much. I haven't finished the first block yet but here is a photo of Gerry the Giraffe (minus the butterfly). I think he is so cute.

My friend, Di, tells me that Nanna's are very special people and I can't wait to be a Nanna.

Great reads, snuggly crochet and a goodbye

It seems like ages since I last posted anything on my blog. I must admit that for the last few weekends (except when I have been working) I have spent my time reading - I blame the Logan City Library for acquiring such wonderful books. A few weekends ago I read 'Sweetness at the bottom of the pie' by Alan Bradley and this tops my favourite read for this year. What a wonderful book and one I couldn't put down. I am reading 'The Sting of Justice' by another of my favourite authors Cora Harrison. This is the third of the 'Mara, Brehon of Burren' series and I have enjoyed everyone one of them. A few weeks ago I read 'Silent on the Moor' by Deanna Raybourn, another favourite. I have to say that other than my family, my greatest joy is reading.
I am still so enjoying myself crocheting my wave stitch blankets. Since I last wrote I have started another wave stitch blanket this one with 2 rows (instead of 4) of the same colour. I just love the colours and it feels so snuggly as I am crocheting. Sadly the weather is starting to get warmer and soon my lovely blanket will have to be put away till next year.

At work we have had visiting our centre a PhD student, Nici from Austria. We will all be so sorry when she and her wonderful fiance, Andi, return home later this year. She is always so happy and it has been wonderful for me to chat with her and to find we both have a love of sewing and crochet. Nici and Andi actually got engaged whilst they were here which was very special. We will miss you Nici!

Happy Amelia Doll

I have been quite sick over the last couple of weeks so I have missed blogging and reading all my favourite blogs. I needed something to cheer me up and as always when I look at the work of Dot Christian I feel happy and sparkly. Dot was selling one of her Amelia dolls in her etsy shop createarian and I knew this gorgeous blue/green Amelia doll was just the thing to lift my spirits. The picture does not really show just how much she sparkles when the sun catches her. I must admit that I have her sitting on one of our lounges and whenever I look at her I have to smile. I also have one of Dot's birds which I love. Thanks Dot for your fabulous, uplifting and sparkling creations.

One of my favourite authors

Kate White, also Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan, is one of my favourite authors. Imagine my absolute delight when I received one of her books for my birthday from my son.
When I opened the book and saw what was written inside I think I screamed. I was just so excited to see that it had been signed by Kate.
I have to keep opening the book and reading what Kate wrote. May there be many more Bailey Weggins books to read, enjoy and delight. Many thanks to my son, his girlfriend Ann and to Kate for the bringing me such happiness. I can't stop smiling.

Rain, rain more rain and crochet

What a week it has been. So much rain fell over south east Queensland and so many homes have been flooded in Brisbane. My friend, Di, who has had a wonderful holiday touring New South Wales is trapped by the flood waters in northern NSW.
It was lovely to crochet at night and hear the rain on the roof (I felt sad for the possums who visit as they must have been very wet and cold). Peter (the female possum) came to sleep in the garage during the week so it was nice to know she was warm and dry for a few nights.
I have been inspired by quite a few English bloggers lately, my favourite one is Lucy's, who has the most colourful and fabulous crochet on her blog. Here is my latest work in progress - a wave stitch coverlet (it has been folded in three so it's a nice snuggly size). I am having a great time crocheting as it is so relaxing and I was thrilled when my daughter (who has a great blog Satsuki Designs) wants to learn how to crochet. She is a wonderful daughter, sewer, jewellery maker and hopefully now a crochet diva.As it is getting colder I can start some of my cross stitch projects. I have finally got my "Little House Neighborhood" pattern and I can't wait to start. I have seen it on quite a few blogs and it is just gorgeous. I love sampler designs so as soon as I get the threads I can start. I have a few Charles Wysocki cross stitch kits to finish and I also have quite a few of his jigsaws. I love naive art and the art of Charles Wysocki in particular.

Our daughter is coming for a visit soon which is wonderful and our son is enjoying himself in San Diego. It is my husband's birthday next week so I am looking forward to that, lots of books waiting for me at the library and an afternoon of sewing so I am very happy.

Maneki Neko, crocheting and birthday

Over the long weekend I finally stitched together the granny squares I made last winter. I think it will keep us nice and warm when it gets cold. I love bright colours and it was so nice to sit and crochet at night. Here is a close up of the blocks and on a bed - I hadn't realised just how big it was going to be. I have bought some beautiful crochet hooks on etsy so when I get them I will put them on my blog - they really are lovely and I can't wait to get them and start using them.

It was my birthday last month and I had a super day. I got to talk to my two children which was my best present of all. I had lunch and afternoon tea with friends and some lovely presents. Here are the fabulous things I got from my daughter even though I told her I didn't want anything.
I love and collect Maneki Nekos and here is a nodding one - she is solar powered so she pretty much nods the whole time - I love her. Isn't the Statue of Liberty fabulous - I love anything New York and this little lady has it all. The possum and cat mirror is so perfect as it reminds me of the possum who comes for a visit (we called him Peter until we saw her baby but we still call her Peter and I don't think she minds) and 'the cup' aceo which is just perfect.
Bookmarks are a great love of mine and I found some fabulous ones on etsy. Tigerpixie (Carrie) has a fabulous range of bookmarks and posters. When I ordered my fantasy cat bookmarks
I was lucky enough to win a poster from Carrie. I was so thrilled and when I received the poster I was so happy and I think when you see it you will see why. Is it absolutely fantastic. THANKS SO MUCH CARRIE. I LOVE IT.

Class with Sue Spargo

I still haven't come down from the high of meeting and attending a two day workshop with Sue Spargo. Sue is a fabulously talented, creative, and super person who was so happy to share her creative thoughts and inspire us with her magnificent quilts. It was also great to meet Sue's sister Wendy who had travelled to Australia with her. Here is a photo of Sue (and myself) and her magnificent Magnolia quilt which was the basis of our class.

The class was held at The Quilters' Store and Karen did a wonderful job. As always the shop was filled with many wonderful threads, fabrics and books to tempt us. I got a wonderful surprise for morning tea - it is my birthday this month and Karen came out with a birthday cake for another quilter and myself - you made my day Karen - many many thanks.
I made block #3 from Sue's book Magnolia. It was wonderful to see all the different interpretations of Sue's blocks and the use of many different fabrics and I especially enjoyed using wool felt. I will never forget Sue's wonderful African animals, birds, leaves etc all made with wool felt. I will always remember these two special days filled with creativity, laughs, learning, friendship and seeing Sue's art up close and personal. Thanks Sue, Wendy, Karen, all the girls in the shop and all the quilters I met.

No quilting but some shopping

I have been very busy at work so sadly not much quilting done. I am still working on my Pie and Tart quilt and Polka Dot Girls stitchery and having a fabulous time but not much progress made - oh for the day when I retire.
I have made a few purchases on etsy. Dot (famous for the Dotee doll) makes these amazing, beautiful, fabulous beaded birds and I finally managed to purchase one from her fabulous etsy store creatarian - Isn't she just lovely! You can read all about the wonderful Dot on her blog.

I love ACEOs and found some super ones as well as mirrors and magnets on Lindy Longhurst's serpentmandalas etsy shop. I bought more things than in the photo but they are presents for a friend so I can't show them just yet. I really enjoy reading Lindy's blog.

Matryoshka dolls are a favourite of mine and I bought these delightful ACEOs (the one on the left is an original) from loriotndorr.

It is my birthday this month and I bought myself the new Marilyn Monroe Barbie. I have to admit that I love barbies but I rarely buy new ones. I prefer buying old ones from op shops but I just couldn't resist this fabulous lady.