Sunday I took time out to pick a few blooms so I could enjoy them while working on my new Christmas projects.
They're from the climbing rose Lamarque and smell divine. On warm days there's nothing better than standing under the arch and taking it all in.
It was raining this morning as I began my drive to Rutherglen and then somewhere between home and my destination the sky turned blue and the sun was shining. It was a lovely surprise as it looked like a grey sky and rain was here to stay all day. I couldn't pass through Rutherglen without dropping in and saying hi to Carolyn at Veronica Violet and then it was onto Renaissance Chocolates.
Nicole gave me a box of these for my birthday and they were divine, so I popped in to say hello and to test my willpower. It was undone as soon as I stepped through the door and Hannah offered me a sample of Passion Peaks and Rich Caramel Log.
They were all so tempting that I think I did really well to limit my selection to this many! Now to decide which one to have first, which one should be last and can I make them last all week.
How does that saying go - something about 'striking while the iron is hot'. As you can see I wasted no time making the heat bags for my girls. I'm feeling very pleased I acted straight away, before I went cool on the idea.
The fabrics were chosen to coordinate with the quilts made for their 21st birthdays.
The only thing left to do now is to attach instructions for heating the bags.
Living in town I feel very lucky having a little piece of bush within easy walking distance of my home. In fact I get to walk along this track most days. With the sun shining and wattle in full bloom it looks quite spectaular.
I hope this inspires you to head out doors for a walk in the sunshine!
Tuesday, Jan and I headed across to Bendigo to The White Wedding Dress - 200 Years of Wedding Fashions exhibition on at the Bendigo Art Gallery. The dresses are gorgeous and it was impossible to pick to a favourite. It's on until 6 November and definitely worth going to.
Then it was lunch with Barb in the sunshine ( I am only mentioning the sunshine part as it started raining early yesterday morning and hasn't stopped) followed be a little shopping. Barb suggested we head to Bath Lane 'as there are a couple of nice shops there' and she wasn't wrong!
The weather has been perfect for staying indoors, to do a little stitching......
and make a little bag for the mirror purchased for a gift at the Art Gallery.
Sunday, I needed my tape measure. There are only a couple of places it could have been (should have been). So I checked there first and NO. So I moved onto the next logical spot, then the next, until I found myself starting to look in obscure places like the bedroom, even down the back of the couch. I didn't go as far as asking Azz (the dog) if he'd seen it, but was close to it. In the end I gave up feeling very frustrated.
Hours later I looked down and there it was in clear view. How could I have missed it? Too obvious perhaps? It did and still does make me smile when I think about it.
Today, there was a small brown parcel tucked right at the back of my Post Office box. If I hadn't had a proper look I would have missed it all together. I felt a little silly reaching in well past my elbow to tug it out, but was delighted when I realised it was from Jenny.
I couldn't wait to rip the brown paper off and see what was inside when I got home.
It looks rather gorgeous just like this.
Now the dilemma, do I unwrap it now or save it for Christmas Day. Luckily Bec was home and she made the decision for me - open it now!
How divine is this needlecase? How lucky am I? I can't wait to start using this very generous gift.
It's been ages (years) since I did this kind of sewing. I've been wanting to have a go for at least 12 months. Whenever Jan's worn something new I'd feel inclined but not compelled. After all the last effort about 7 years ago ended in the bin, it was totally, totally wrong! Pattern selection can be a bit of a gamble - somehow the reality never matches the model on the cover.
Bec, bored one summer semester break, decided to make something. She was excited and I was reluctant. I understood her excitement. You look at all the various combinations on the cover and picture yourself making and wearing them all in the next few days. Now I guess it comes as no surprise the dress is not finished. What is a surprise is it fitted me - snuggly (very). But with a little adjustment to the pattern I could make myself one. I knew the pattern would work.
So this is what I made yesterday -OK it's not quite finished it still needs to be hemmed. I'm excited, it's wearable and perfect with my new cardigan and shoes. Of course I didn't buy fabric for just one - there's another to make before the enthusiasm wanes.
The Victorian Quilters Quilt Study Group held their meeting in Wodonga on Sunday. A perfect opportunity to view old quilts up close. There was no way I could miss an opportunity like that.
This is Caroline's quilt, made from feedsacks. I've only ever read about these quilts so to see one was very exciting.
I know I was a little disappointed when this quilt, belonging to Janet O'Dell, was finally folded and put away. I would have been quite content to look at this one all afternoon. The maker had used some gorgeous fabrics enhanced by fussy cutting them. The hexagons had been paper pieced. Fabrics take on a completely different look when they've been fussy cut.
Can you tell why I loved the rosette in the centre? Yes the little red print in the very middle is what captured my attention.
Another of Janet's inspiring quilts.
Thank you to Janet and Caroline for allowing me to share these images.
