Polka-Dot Girls

I have finally finished by first block of Bronwyn Hayes' Polka-Dot Girls quilt. I am so happy to have found a group who are making these gorgeous blocks so I am going to have lots of fun whilst working on this delightful quilt. I only get the weekends to work on my quilting/stitchery so I try to make the most of every minute. I have become quite the 'weekend hermit' and I can't quite believe this but I don't even want to go shopping anymore (except for more fabric, threads etc.). I am going to work on my applique quilt today and listen to one of my favourite Agatha Christie stories.

Baskets, Berries & Leaves

I have finally finished my first block of Jan Patek/Alma Allen's quilt Baskets, Berries & Leaves. Hand applique has always been my great love and it was wonderful to get back to doing what I enjoy the most. Only eleven more blocks to finish along with my stitcheries, the calendar quilt, the star quilt, the butterfly's garden ..... etc. It is a pity I have to go back to work tomorrow as I have enough to keep me very happily occupied for the next few years at least.

Great reads

Over my holidays I have had the chance to read some wonderful books. Here are my favourites:

• The Sugar Queen – Sara Addison Allen
• The Glassblower of Murano - Marina Fiorato
• The Chatelet Apprentice - Jean Francois Parot
• Bad Lands - Selina Rosen and Laura J Underwood
  

I am currently reading The Private Patient by P D James - I must admit I have a huge crush on Adam Dalgliesh, well actually Martin Shaw who plays him in the BBC adaptations.

I have also been buying (again) from Amazon,
Patti Culea's new book - Creative Cloth Explorations: Adventures in Fairy-Inspired Fiber Art
Mixed Mania: Recipes for Delicious Mixed Media Creations and
Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques.

"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

"It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful." Vincent van Gogh

HAPPY READING

Block 9 Star BOM

Here is Block 9 of of Judy's (Patchwork Times) Star BOM.

I am only going to make a nine block quilt instead of thirteen so I am not making all the blocks. It is great being on holidays for two weeks as I have managed to catch up and here is block 6.

THANKS JUDY FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN SHARING THESE WONDERFUL PATTERNS

More additions to my favourite things

When I was in New York visiting my son I saw this fabulous seguro espiritual in a shop in the East Village and here it is on our lounge wall - thanks Richard for your wonderful gift. I have placed the candles in front of the Saints who look after safe travelling, success in business and the Virgen d Guadalupe who will protect my family.I also love to collect postcards and here is a fabulous one that Justine and Andrew sent from Paris.

Adding to my collection

I love silver thimbles and I have collected quite a few. I was so thrilled to get a gold thimble from my husband for Christmas. It was made by Simons of Philadelphia, USA and has the name Morcy engraved on it. I am unsure how old it is but it is truly beautiful and I shall always treasure it. I try to use my silver thimbles when I am quilting but I don't think I will use this gold one - I will just look at it and love it.

That Suki girl

We have been looking after Justine and Andrew's gorgeous ragdoll cat 'Suki' whilst they are overseas. Here she is looking very thoughtful and beautiful. She has been such a lot of fun and it has been so nice to have a quilt buddy and I will miss her when she goes home.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year to our son, Richard, in New York and Happy New Year to our daughter, Justine, and son-in-law, Andrew in Paris. Wow! New Year's Eve in Paris and New York.

I had a wonderful 2008, Richard came home for a visit from New York with his absolutely lovely girlfriend, Ann.
I got to spend time with my two children in Sydney which was just the most wonderful time for me.I can't forget a photo of our wonderful son-in-law, Andrew. We are so happy to have Andrew as part of our family.
HAVE A WONDERFUL, HAPPY, PROSPEROUS AND EXCITING NEW YEAR AND MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE.
Love Mum XXXXXX