Cubby House Crafts

Crochet for Blythe Doll

2012-01-30T11:27:00.002+11:00

My daughter (miss 10) and I have purchased a (Bohemian Peace) Blythe Doll. We have a few weeks before she arrives so I have decided to make a few things for her. I have to admit that I have been quite excited about making little clothes again and has taken me back to my own childhood days when I would make clothes for my Barbie.

A couple of little bags

Hairband and hats

I have purchased a few dress patterns from etsy and found some freebie patterns so will be busy on the sewing machine also, When she arrives I will be able to make up some patterns but for now I will have to stick to patterns.

I have to apologize for not replying to comments on my previous post...my son has been using my laptop and went to tilt the screen from one corner and cracked the screen, so I cannot read any emails that went to that computer.

Bye For Now

Lisa

Time For a Little Owl....

2012-01-21T12:25:00.001+11:00

I have had the idea to do this little owl for quite some time...the stitchery (as shown in previous post) was made into a pocket for the owl front

and handy for keeping little scissors in...

I have to admit that I am not completely happy with the owl body shape so I will adjust the pattern and maybe just have all circle eyes with no crochet motifs...but for now this little owl can sit next to my sewing machine holding my little scissors! One thing I do love is the fabric...it really is pretty and hurt to cut into it for the first time!

Now it's time to give the sewing room a tidy before I start on the next project!

I hope you are finding some time for sewing too!

Lisa

A New little stitchery...

2012-01-18T15:09:00.001+11:00

Sometimes it's hard to know whether my drawn design will 'work' once stitched

If I am happy with the stitched design I will continue on with the finished project and hope that it all comes together as planned! So fingers crossed I will be back with the finished project and it has worked out!

This is a favourite daisy that I have in my garden and where the inspiration came from for the flower design. I love how the petals crimp inwards as it ages!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Flower Garden Writing Set

2012-01-16T14:42:00.001+11:00

I purchased some (okay quite a few) of Anni Downs note pads just before Christmas and decided that they were so lovely they needed to be kept safe in a protective fabric cover

I already had this stitchery on my design board and thought it would be perfect for the cover

a bit of hand quilting

a simple little lazy daisy added to the centre of inside pocket

Now Anni's lovely notepads can be kept safely in my hand bag or sewing bag!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Flower Garden...

2012-01-15T12:45:00.003+11:00

Today I have decided its time to finish off a few of my stitchery designs hanging on my design board before I started on any new ones.

Flower Garden was stitched some time ago...and have now thought of a great use for it

Hope to be back soon to share the finished result!

Lisa

New Fabrics...

2012-01-14T21:57:00.002+11:00

Hubby and I took a trip up the coast today and called into my favourite craft store 'Annies Cottage Crafts' in St Helens. A lovely shop with such gorgeous fabrics! The Aqua floral on the bottom is a favourite so a little bit more of this one was needed!

A bag of flower buttons in the prettiest colours

And this fabric I already have plans for...can you see the cute owl with butterflies, birds and squirrels.

Hubby and I have been on a bit of a health kick, which we started before Christmas...lots of walking and even a little jogging (never thought I would ever jog but I am loving it) also visiting the outside gym at our local park. Jess (our golden retriever) is loving all the extra excercise too!

I hope you are all having a great weekend

Lisa

December Some Kind of Wonderful finished

2012-01-04T15:26:00.001+11:00

I have finished my December Some Kind of Wonder block unit....so only a few days late!! I have it hanging on my design wall and had to take photos of it in sections, as it's hard to take it all in one shot.

I hope you are all finding time to sew too!

Lisa

SKofW (Some Kind of Wonderful)

2011-12-30T22:42:00.004+11:00

I am way behind on my SKoW block deadline...which is the end December to have the first blocks finished, but after a big morning in the sewing room I am feeling a bit better and hope to have it finished by the end of next week. And now it's writing I can't go back on my word! Lol! These pics were taken in my sewing room tonight and they seem to be a lot darker than they are.

I am going to try and use all the fabrics from my stash so it's going to be a much scrappier quilt

My favourite blocks...patty cakes, jeans and cup of tea

And heres what I sent to my SSCS partner Laila in Norway...I can now share with you as she posted on her blog yesterday.

Happy New Year! See you in 2012

Lisa

Natalie Lymers Stitcheries are so sweet!!!

2011-12-27T17:20:00.001+11:00

I have been wanting to stitch this one for quite some time...from Cinderberry Stitches 'Cotton Floss' book. So I sat down and stiched away last night and finished the stitching today. This one is for the Market Folk Book Cover, but I am so tempted to make the quilt from the book.

Hope to be back soon with a finished Book Cover.

Lisa

Some more gifts...

2011-12-26T16:56:00.001+11:00

These are the gifts I have been given from hubby and the kids

a cute little teddy case...handy to keep my sewing in

2 dresses, vest, top and skirt. I am loving this seasons trends of lace and pretty florals. Pleased the dress has a stretchy belt, especially after yesterdays huge feast! Lol!

All the pretty lace and crochet together

Now I am going to curl up on the couch and relax with some stitching!

Bye For Now

Lisa

My SSCS pressie....

2011-12-26T10:29:00.001+11:00

I have had a wonderful Christmas, I hope you all have too! My day started out with watching the kids open their gifts from santa and then it was my turn to open my SSCS parcel. Anne Heidi has really spoilt me and I LOVE what she sent me...

A gorgeous bag, little purse and pincushion

couldn't resist a photoshoot in the garden

such beautiful stitching....Thank you so much Anne Heidi I love my gifts!!! Also Chooky for all the work you put into the SSCS...A Big Thank you too!

I will try and pop back later today with a few pics of what my family (hubby) gave me.

Lisa

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-21T15:12:00.002+11:00

As this will be my last post before the big day I wanted to just wish you all a Safe and Merry Christmas!!!

This lovely lot of notepads arrived in the post from Hatched and Patched today...I think I might have to make some little fabric folders over the holdays to keep them in

Bye For Now! Only 4 sleeps!

Lisa

Grandma's Kitchen Journal

2011-12-17T20:09:00.000+11:00

Today whilst finishing off a bit of Christmas shopping I spotted this book and at only $12 (at Big W) it had to come home with me. I thought I would share some of the pages as crafters would love it!

It really is a beautiful book

includes some recipes

each page has something crafty...see the hexies on this page

and pages for your own recipes

also little pockets to slip in those loose recipes

I have been wanting to rewrite all my recipes and this book is perfect.

I hope you are all having a great weekend

Lisa

Christmas display

2011-12-16T19:19:00.002+11:00

I have enjoyed seeing around blogland everyones christmas displays so I have decided to share a few pics of my own

This jolly chap is sitting on my outdoor table under the verandah...and as its been a bit windy the last couple of days it did take a while to part his beard and find a face...it was quite funny to discover the first thing I saw was his big nose! Lol!

These little felt ornies were made quite a few years back, before I could do any handstitching and most of them were just glued!

Now I am sure I had filled my bon bon with candy canes and now they seem to be all gone...sneaky kids! Even the Christmas Goose basket was once full! My santa doll towards the back is a doll I made for my son quite a while ago and he was played with quite a bit and seems to be missing a bit of hair.

I have finally got around to trying the pizza oven and as we are going to cook our roast in it on Christmas day I thought it wise to have a practice first...good thing we did as hubby had to play around with the switch before it would work

And I must say the the chicken was really yummy!

I have been watching quite a few christmas cooking shows on the food channel lately, and everyone seems to have a glazed christmas ham...this is something that I have never bothered with at Christmas but have wondered whether to give it a go...do you glaze your ham? Any feedback appreciated!

I hope you all have a great weekend...Not many sleeps now!

Lisa

Baking Branches!

2011-12-15T16:17:00.002+11:00

I had an idea the other day to try putting some sculpie on the end of sticks to make them look like little berries and to brighten up my branches to hang my Tilda birdies from

So this is my little test branch...I thought it worked out quite well and will have to do some more...maybe try some in a pretty blue or even a white would look good!!

So pleased no one came to visit to find me with branches baking in the oven! Lol!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Roses old and new

2011-12-11T22:05:00.001+11:00

I have no sewing to show...I have been busy cooking cakes and puddings and cleaning for Christmas, but I have found time this weekend to get out with the camera...which I love to do!

I was down on my knees happily snapping at this Christmas Beetle yesterday, not realizing my sons friends were behind me watching...I wonder what they thought??? I am sure that 13 and 14 year olds wouldn't understand the need to capture my first sighting of a christmas beetle that's for sure!!

My new climbing rose High Hopes

This scent of this new rose is beautiful 'Joelle Marquani'

Another newbie 'Dan Poncet' also has a perfume

I hope you all have a great week

Lisa

What I sent my swap partner

2011-12-09T18:27:00.002+11:00

I think that the excitement is building around blogland as everyone is receiving their SSCS parcels...I can now share what I made my partner Laila in Norway as she has received her parcel and opened her ornie...

one of Anni Downs lovely designs 'stamp pocket'. Have you checked out Annies new note pads, they really are beautiful and I couldn't resist doing a little order...just found it hard to choose which one!

This rose is so pretty at the moment and I was lucky to find one without bugs on it...

unlike this one...the garden is full of them!

This is my favourite garden, at the side of my sewing room,...where alot of my Lilliums are in flower and I have one of my little herb gardens, also where my wren family love to visit for their daily bath

This pelorgonium is one that I struck from a piece Mum gave me a few months back, now ready to plant out.

I hope you all have a great weekend

Lisa

My SSCS has arrived!

2011-12-06T12:13:00.002+11:00

Yesterday my postie delivered my SSCS parcel all the way from Norway! Anne Heidi is my secret santa and I am feeling very spoilt after opening my ornament parcel and finding the lovliest knitted bauble! It was the very bauble that chooky has shown on her blog a few weeks back and I thought then how gorgeous it was and left a comment not realizing it was on it's way to me!

So here's my beautiful bauble...I thought it appropriate that I should hang from my bottle brush named 'Christmas Cheer'

And this one hanging in the pine tree outside

Now I have to put my parcels under the Chritmas tree (putting up on weekend) until the big day...I think I might have to count down the sleeps along with the kids! Lol! It is so exciting!!! Thank you so much Anne Heidi...and big thanks to Chooky for making me feel like a little kid again!Lol!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Playing with the new phone...

2011-12-04T14:56:00.001+11:00

I have been playing with the camera on the new phone

Surprised how well the pics have come out for an overcast day...the Lillium I now have as a screensaver

My little Birdhouse Welcome sign just outside my sliding door.

Hard to believe it's now Summer here as it's really cold outside!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Pizza oven...

2011-12-03T18:07:00.002+11:00

We did decide a few months back to build a brick wood fired pizza oven, but this required a lot of after hours work for hubby...and I think he has done enough of that and should have a break over the christmas, so we purchased a gas pizza oven yesterday. One of the roasts will be cooked in it for Christmas day, so I will have to have a play beforehand! Last years Christmas roast was cooked in the hood BBQ and was beautiful!!

And whats a post without a few flowers...a verbena with pretty heart shaped petals

My lighter apricot Lillium.

Christmas is coming around so quickly now and I am going to be so happy when I get an email from my SSCS partner saying she has received her parcel! It is starting to get a bit exciting seeing other bloggers receiving their parcels and sharing their ornaments!!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Some new fabrics with flowers from the garden to match!

2011-11-28T19:49:00.001+11:00

This lovely lot of fabric arrived in the post from the craft depot...I made the most of the recent catalogue sale and stocked up!

I can't see this lot being put away for quite some time...all so pretty! I had taken some flower photos today...ones that are in flower at the moment and also seem to match my newly purchased fabrics perfectly! Only realized they matched when I had uploaded the photos

A Cluster of my red rose resting in my near by lemon tree

All my Lilliums seem so vibrant and stand out in the garden

Especially this one

One of my new roses in flower a climber 'High Hopes'...a real beauty!

I hope you all have a great week

Lisa

Wet Rainy days...

2011-11-26T12:02:00.001+11:00

Whats a girl to do on a wet rainy day...sew of course!!

Some more birdies made in reds this time

6 made so far with 2 more in the making, there's going to be lots of birdies in my house this Christmas! To make it quicker I just pin the template to fabric and sew around. And have even decided this time round not to paint the beak or eye.

I hope you are finding some time to sew too

Lisa

Tilda Birdies

2011-11-23T16:29:00.002+11:00

I have recently visited the lovely Shezs blog to find she had received some sweet Tilda birdies in a swap. They were prettily displayed in a vase hanging from some twigs she had gathered, I loved them so much that I really wanted to make some for myself!

Hubby has promised me some better looking twigs as I do get a bit impatient and quickly found some in the garden to display my birdies. I think they make a lovely centre piece on a table or really sitting anywhere!! That's why I'm going to have to make myself some more as I plan on having them as a centre piece on the table for Christmas Day and this lot does look nice in my sewing room. And even better they are also rose scented!

Edit. Bird pattern in Tildas Sew Pretty Christmas Homestyle Book

Enjoy your week

Lisa

PS For the Anonymous no-reply blogger who left a comment regarding my crochet motifs in header...the pattern for motifs can be found in 150 Blocks to Knit and Crochet by Heather Lodinsky

A Very Small Finish

2011-11-20T20:20:00.001+11:00

After a bit of playing today I have finally finished my serviette holder as mentioned in my previous post. I had to make my flower pattern slightly smaller, which I think is now a better size.

I also thought it could be used to go around a jar

this one holding some of my buttons

I think I might have to use some pretty fabrics and make some more as this was just made from some scrap fabric

And I couldn't resist a favourite flower photo taken early this morning of my Rose

Bye For Now

Lisa

Happiness is...

2011-11-18T21:10:00.001+11:00

Happiness is...wandering around the garden and finding that my very first

Lillium has flowered!

A new rose "Sea Foam' is growing happily

My weeping rose weighted down with flowers and Jess being a 'Where's Wally' in the background! LOL!

Little Limes on the way (Hopefully)

Sweet Williams planted last year are looking lovely

This Rose always has lots of flowers and always puts on a show

and lastly playing in the sewing room with a little design...only very small...this one I have plans to be a floral serviette holder but I might have to make the floral shape smaller but its fun playing!

Whats making you happy???

I have another BBQ planned for tomorrow, with hubbies family this time and have been busy making salads and patties. A Garlic bread is all ready waiting in the freezer as is a choccy cake, which I only have to ice and add cream. I only have to hope for nice weather now and hope that the showers that are forecast don't arrive until later in the day!

Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa

Tonights Tea...

2011-11-16T20:51:00.001+11:00

I enjoy watching the food channel and have my favourites cooking shows I like to watch...River Cottage and Jamie (Oliver) At Home, I love how Jamie goes out to his herb/vegie garden and uses his fresh produce in what he cooks. Wish I had his garden too! I have been gradually trying a few ingredients I would never have thought of using in my cooking before. I have discovered that fetta cheese and a little bit of sweet chilli sauce (mixed with a vinagrette dressing) is very nice with Cos lettuce, red onion and red capsicum

My bread made this arvo turned out quite well, which was sliced and spread with garlic butter (and Thyme from my garden)

and placed on the grill side of the BBQ

Eggs from our chooks for a quiche made a simple and yummy meal!

Enjoy your week!

Lisa

Help needed with the name of this rose please...

2011-11-13T11:04:00.003+11:00

One thing I love to do on a Sunday morning is get out and about in the garden with the camera, so these are a few snaps...

Does anyone know the name of this Rose??? Edit Thankyou so much Bev the name of the Rose is 'Pat Austin' After purchasing my roses a few years back I wanted to be familiar with all the rose names and left the tags on, however Jess (our then puppy) had other ideas and thought they made nice chew toys! Lol!

It really is a beautiful rose and also has a perfume

This is a favourite spot to sit on the edge of the deck...all these plants were only planted a few weeks back and going so well! This is also the spot where hubby and I were sitting and he noticed something moving on the other side of the fence in the paddock...

a Pheasant! I hope he comes back again as he was quite beautiful to watch!

I have been trying to work out what I should do with the rest of my day...head into my sewing room and sew or spend my time outside in the garden...but the weather has now changed from a nice morning to showers, so I guess I'm just going to HAVE to sew!

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

Lisa

Easy Table Topper

2011-11-09T16:58:00.001+11:00

I have been wanting to make a table topper for my outside table for quite some time, but hated the idea of doing lots of work for it to be, well probably pooped on by the birds or me slopping my drink! Lol! So this is what I have come up with....

Yes I cheated and used patchwork fabric...so I haven't sewn all those squares together...I have added some lazy daisies

Not the greastest pics as I only just managed the photoshoot before it started to rain so it was quite overcast!

A couple of visitors in the roses...we have heaps in the garden at the moment!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Lisa

Just a quick post...

2011-11-08T10:47:00.001+11:00

For those Rose/Flower lovers, I have put a few more pics on my other blog cubbyhousegardens. I have been taking so many flower pics lately I thought I should make use of my Garden blog and put some on there. Some of you crafters out there might also be getting sick of seeing flowers when you visit this blog too! Lol!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Great Start to The Day....

2011-11-06T08:54:00.002+11:00

The best way to start the day is to head outside with the camera and snap....

My little side garden with a mix of cottage, natives and even herbs

Even Jess isn't safe when I have the camera...the look she is giving me...Lol!

My weeping rose 'Buff Beauty' is starting to bloom and looking pretty

And the perfume is lovely too!

Now this is where I am heading later today...

to do a bit of stitching!

We had perfect weather yesterday for Mums b'day bbq, and now with lots of food left over I have an easy day and only a few chores to do so I am going to spend it relaxing with some stitching!

I hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

Lisa

New Paved area finished!!

2011-10-30T13:28:00.001+11:00

Hubby and I have been working hard the last couple of weeks to finish off our new paved outdoor area. Later we will build a wood fired oven in the corner, but for now it's all ready for Mums 70th birthday BBQ next Saturday. I wish I had the 'before' photo to show, as it really was awful with an unused bird aviary and over grown trees

The little path leads to my old sewing room verandah where the bbq is kept

This is taken from the new sewing room verandah

My old wheel barrow has been moved to sit under the wattle and bottle brush tree

My favourite corner where hubby made a bird bath from some mud stone, he just ground out a bowl shape and I sealed it with some Boncrete so it will hold water. (I have put in an order for another one! Lol!) I was looking for bird baths a few weeks back only to find that they are really expensive now!

This rose is growing just outside my sliding door...wish I knew all the names of my roses

The first rose to open on this bush...it has lots of buds so it going to look pretty when it's all out in flower

I hope you have all had a great weekend!

Lisa

Flowering this week...

2011-10-26T12:07:00.001+11:00

One thing that I love about some flowers is when they self seed like this one...

Geum...they are so pretty standing about a metre high.

Old fashioned 'Sweet Williams' growing in what my daughter calls her 'Fairy Garden'

A pretty daisy opened to the sun

Now I think this one is my new favourite Rose...

'Jane McGrath' it's such a lovely Rose and will soon be planted in my new garden.

Enjoy your week! Still only secret sewing happening here!

Lisa

Sewing room corner and flowers...

2011-10-21T10:55:00.001+11:00

As I am still stitching for my SSCS gifts and cannot share any pics of my work, I thought I would share my favourite little corner on the desk in my sewing room. It's a shame to keep my crochet motifs hidden away in the cupboard, so i have just displayed them around the border on one of my stitcheries on a canvas frame.

A pretty little bundle of fabrics still on display that I can't just put away yet! (Thanks again Leanne!) and a couple of my jar covers

My white Wisteria flowering on the carport

'Buff Beauty' Weeping Rose just starting to flower

We have had some rain over night, which always brightens up the garden and one of my favourite times to get out with the camera!

I have been out in the garden early this morning removing the dirt so we can gravel, then pave our new out door area. I am having Mums 70th birthday BBQ here with all the family in a few weeks, so I am very keen to have it all ready by then. As I am typing this, I have a little female wren hopping around just outside the sliding door...only about 1 metre away...so cheeky! Lol!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Lisa

A Small Finish

2011-10-19T14:34:00.001+11:00

I completed this little stitchery a few weeks back and decided today to finish it off in a frame. I am however not overly happy with my painting on the frame, as the stain seem to come through the white gloss spray paint creating an apricot colour. Hubby says he likes the effect, I am not too sure! Another frame can easily be painted in a flat white if I decide to change!

I have also found a little ceramic bird to sit in my discarded birds nest...I think he looks right at home!

Bye For Now!

Lisa

A few flower purchases...

2011-10-18T15:13:00.003+11:00

Over the last couple of weeks I have been purchasing a few plants...a lemon tree for the wine barrel with underplantings of Thyme. Also a few vegies for the vegie patch but not all can be planted out as we are still likely to have frosts. We have also pulled down our old unused bird aviary and have plans to pave this area and build an outside pizza oven. Today I purchased the new plants for this area...Roses, Lavender and Pelargoniums.(A couple pelargoniums pictured below) I have already told hubby that this area is going to be our beer garden! Lol! A cold beer and pizza do go well together.

The children (Master 12 and Miss 9) have been taking an interest in the daily routine of collecting the eggs. Master 12 even has it written down how many eggs they are laying each day. It's quite funny when they bring in the eggs as they know which one laid the egg...Dots, Lucy, Penny or Checkers....lol!

My first Rose to open up...my Roses are always late flowering

This daisy has so many flowers on it and looks so pretty at the moment!

I hope you are all having a great week!

Lisa

My Easy Quiches and few garden pics

2011-10-11T12:37:00.001+11:00

I thought I would make some quiches for my son to take to school today as he gets sick of sandwiches.

I make my quiches in a muffin tin so they are a bit bigger and use a pastry sheet cut in quarters (which makes 4) Sometimes I fold the excess pastry down on top, but didn't have time this morning. Made and cooked in 30 minutes, I have been wondering whether they all lasted the bus trip to school without him eating any!!

I have mentioned before how I love daisies and this one is so pretty with a hint of pink in the petals

A little succulent growing happily in a log of wood (planted in log last year)

I am sure I have shown you this one before, but I just love it and couldn't resist another pic!

A newly purchased plant (sorry tag in way) in a rusty old jug with a discarded bird nest sitting on one of my ladder shelves

And last of all my daffodils

Sorry I have no sewing to show...only secret sewing for my SSCS. It took a long time to decide what to make for my partner, but I now have it all sorted!

Enjoy your week

Lisa

Gardening and Fabric Choices!

2011-10-03T15:06:00.001+11:00

Yesterday was spent putting down red wood chips throughout the garden...on the paths and garden beds. I am really pleased how it looks...especially against the greenery.

Taken from standing under the Weeping Cherry

My little Herb garden, just outside the sliding door of Oregano, Chives, Sage, Parsley and Thyme. As Thyme is the herb I use most, I have quite a few scattered around the garden. Lovely added to sausage rolls and meat patties.

Did you know that Pittosporum (not sure if correct spelling) has a very tiny dainty black flower that the bees love? I only discovered the flowers last year. I could happily spend hours snapping away at the bees on this flower!

I have joined up for the next Stitchalong which is going to be 'My Favourite Things' quilt from Anni Downs new book 'Some Kind of Wonderful'. I am enjoying pulling out a few fabrics and trying to decide on what to use. The one on the left, was purchased for 'Angels Story' quilt and purchased a few years back. Still undecided on what to use as I also have Flower Sugar (not in pic)...decisions decisions! lol! Oh but it is so much fun!

Enjoy your week!

Lisa

Finished TTS Quilt

2011-09-30T10:28:00.001+10:00

After a big day yesterday of quilting and binding, I managed to finish my TTS!

My big Jan (Janome) handles all my quilting and she is set up just for this purpose with a walking foot

Sorry about the greenery in the way...a branch on my weeping native shrub just couldn't be pushed out of the way!

Also had a little visitor for the photoshoot

Can you see my little blue Wren? I really think he is a bit of a sticky-beak!

I hope you all have a great weekend

Lisa

Do You Love Buttons???

2011-09-28T11:31:00.001+10:00

I do! I couldn't resist these shell shaped buttons...purchased from Hatched and Patched.

They come in a lovely little box

and are a really good price

Also purchased one of Anni Downs' new patterns 'Welcome Home Doorstop'

I have been watching and waiting for weeks for this to open. My son picked this out when we visited a native Nursery a few years back, and this is the first time it's flowered...'Dryandra Formosa', which I think is just lovely and the birds like it too!

Hope you are having a great week!

Lisa

Drawing...

2011-09-25T16:12:00.000+10:00

I had a lovely afternoon in the sewing room doing a few drawings...I really enjoy just sitting and drawing whatever comes to mind and I sometimes become lost in my drawings...

every garden has to have a 'Make a wish Angel'

And Dads been complaining about all the snails he's has in his garden...Lol! I can laugh as I don't have have as many...but he does keep giving them beer....lol!

And lastly I have been meaning to show you my daughter ( miss 9's) drawing...I think this would look so lovely stitched and put in a frame. She puts in quite a bit of detail in her drawings...I think they are so sweet!

Enjoy your Evening

Lisa

Outside My Sewing Room Window...

2011-09-24T14:29:00.001+10:00

How's a girl able to concentrate when I look outside my sewing room window...the sun is shining...the skies a pretty blue...and the bees are a buzzing!!!

Just loving the weeping cherry out in bloom

Taken from inside sewing room at work bench

I couldn't help it, I had to venture outside with the camera

A close up of the cherry blossom

I hope that where ever you are that you are enjoying some sunshine too!!

Lisa

Thank you Leanne!!!

2011-09-24T09:03:00.001+10:00

I had a little fabric swap with Leanne...I sent her some Tanya Whelan Delilah fabrics (sorry no pic) and in return she sent me these pretty fabrics...arn't they Gorgeous?

Thank you so much Leanne....I just love my new fabrics!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend...the weather is beautiful here today, I hope it lasts!

Lisa

How Could I Resist????

2011-09-23T19:00:00.001+10:00

We had taken our son (14) for his 6 monthly check up at the doctors in the city today, to x-ray and check on his osteocondroma (benine bone tumour) and very pleased that they are happy for him to come back in 6 months again. I am always pretty anxious leading up to these appointments...I am a bit of a worrier! We know he is going to have it removed eventually, but at least he gets this summer swimming and fishing, which he loves to do.

On our way home we called into a pet store, the kids have been wanting a rabbit for some time...and honestly how could I resist this??? lol!

So introducing Polly rabbit. We also purchased a couple of King Quail. I think I might have to start calling this place Cubby House Farm!Lol!

Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa

Tis The Season Progress

2011-09-21T15:48:00.001+10:00

As the deadline for completing TTS was fast approaching, I thought I should get a wiggle on!

On my design wall now with the borders on...all I have to decide on is how to quilt it and with only a few days left in the month to do it! Hand quilting would look good, but machine quilting so much quicker.

There's so many lovely finished TTS quilts appearing on the Stitchalong blog in so many different colourways...if you would like to visit.

Now it's time to get a wiggle on with Tea!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Birthday Goodies

2011-09-18T15:32:00.001+10:00

I thought I would share my birthday gifts...I am feeling very spoilt!!

Hubby asked what I would like for my birthday...what else could I say but fabric! lol! I found a website Cookies and Cream Craft that stocked some fabric that I really loved. I gave hubby the name of 3 and left him with all the details...thinking I would get one bundle or maybe 2 if I was lucky! Well he ended up getting all 3 fabric bundles (yes feeling very spoilt!) So pictured above is 2010 and 2011 Flower Sugar...it's just so pretty!

And Happy Mochi Yum Yum...such a gorgeous range and I just love it! I couldn't resist a couple of my motifs for the photoshoot, as they match the fabric perfectly!

Yesterday hubby and I went up the coast to my favourite craft store 'Annies Cottage Crafts' and I purchased this little lot of fabric with some birthday money I was given. The one on the bottom is gorgeous and can see it's going to be a favourite!

My Sister gave me this beautiful crochet book...it has so many lovely little motifs in it that my fingers are itching to start! lol! (For those of you that like to crochet it has some really beautiful motifs in it)

and from my kids...an owl for the garden I am going to call Gonzo as he has a big beak! lol! My daughter (miss 9) did think it needed painting as it was all rusty! lol!

Thank you also for everyone who left Birthday Wishes...I feel very blessed to have so many lovely blogging friends!!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Petit Amour Sewing Set in Homespun!

2011-09-14T15:48:00.003+10:00

I have a couple of things to celebrate thing week...my design 'Petit Amour' sewing set in Homespun 'The Romance Issue' No 100 Vol 12 no 9! This issue has some lovely projects in it...a beautiful bag designed by Joy Coey at Joy Patch and a Peony cushion made by Melissa Grant which is just so pretty!

Also, Homespun Magazine is now also available as a digital subscription making it easier for international crafters, just go here

Petit Amour Sewing Set...drawstring bag, needle case and pincushion.

The pincushion has a little pocket at the back to hold small scissors.

I am also celebrating my birthday this week... I am turning the big four zero! Pretty scarry really! Just celebrating quietly with a meal out with hubby and kids and maybe a couple of James boags! lol!

I hope you are all having a great week

Lisa

Romancing the Wren!!!

2011-09-11T15:37:00.001+10:00

I finished my stitchery today using my newly purchased Hanky linen and it's so lovely to stitch with.

I have a little scollaped edged bird bath in my garden, just outside my sliding door... it's pretty much in clear view from inside our house and especially when I am at the computer. I had a pair of mating wrens that would stop frequently for their bath last year, and have also returned this year. So that's how this little design came about...Romancing the Wren!

The red in the pics seems a bit more intense than it really is!

You might have to click on this pic to be able to see that the little female wren is having her bath as the male sits on the edge to keep watch.

A little fabric and ribbon purchase...sometimes it sits on my desk for weeks before I can put it away! Lol! I am sure you can all understand!

I hope you have all had some time for stitching this weekend. It seemed like ages since I had done any hand stitching as most of my time has been spent painting and my sewing mojo seemed to be MIA, but so pleased it is now back!

Lisa

A little bit of stitching and new recipe

2011-09-10T18:32:00.003+10:00

Firstly I would like to thank all the ladies who commented on my previous post about stitching on Hanky Linen...it seemed to be very popular which made me very keen to try some out. I did an order and received some in the post yesterday, and starting stitching one of my designs. It is lovely to work with and I shall be using it in the future....I will still use Calico and the fabric range/design will determine what I will choose.

This little wren design (stitched on the Hanky Linen) I will put in a painted white frame when finished

I found this recipe for Easy Pasta here and it is delicious! Even a winner with the kids!

I arrived home from collecting my eldest boy (something I seem to be doing ALOT in these holidays) to find Jess waiting at the front gates with something in her mouth. On closer inspection we discovered she had a clothes peg...I thought she looked quite cute and went and grabbed the camera

she thought she might do a few poses too! I wonder if I could teach her to hang the washing on the line lol!

And my Protea is out in flower...I just love the black feathery tips on this one!

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

Stitchery Background

2011-09-06T15:13:00.001+10:00

I have been asked a few times about what fabric I use for my stitchery background...my favourite has always been Calico, but I have had trouble getting a good quality to stitch on...and my supply was getting low. So I was quite pleased to find Spotlight had 10 metre rolls back in stock. I don't get into a Spotlight store very often, but use their shop at home service.

all the above stitcheries I have used Calico

A 10 Metre roll for only $32.95 which I think is a pretty good price! Postage is about an extra $7.00.

Do you have a preferred background fabric for stitching on?

Enjoy your week

Lisa

Vintage Sewing Box

2011-09-03T21:36:00.003+10:00

No sewing at all to show, all my time is taken with the renovations and painting! But I am pleased to say that we are so close to being finished! Hubby was laying some tiles tonight and I only have one more coat of paint to put on the walls and ceiling and the doors (all 9 of them!)
We headed to the big smoke on Friday to purchase a new fridge freezer, and thought I would pop into a vinnies store I hadn't visited before, and found this lovely vintage basket

and for only $6.00 too!

it reminds me of the one my Nan had...and bought back so many memories

I was more excited about my little vintage basket than purchasing a new fridge! lol!

I hope you all have a great weekend

Lisa

Bedroom Makeover and WIR Finished

2011-08-21T15:41:00.001+10:00

Yesterday hubby worked hard to finish off my shelving in my new WIR and I must say I am so happy with it!

A Sally Giblin cushion made some time back now has a home on our bed. I painted a feature wall behind our bed in Aqua and the rest of our bedroom in cream.

As you walk in the door of WIR...sorry the pics arn't the greatest but you can click on pic and enlarge

And as you walk inside...

A few of my scarves hanging...can you see my button necklaces Jo? lol!

My favourite Anni Downs cushion on my recently made over stool

I enjoyed going through all my shoes and hand bags...how cute in the hand bag!!!

My wedding day hair piece can now be displayed

I hope I haven't bored you all too much with all my pics...I did delete a few too as I thought I had way too many! lol!

Bye for Now!

Lisa

Very slack blogger

2011-08-19T14:39:00.001+10:00

It's quite hard to believe that it was 2 weeks since my last blog post...life has been pretty busy with lots of painting for me from painting walls, ceilings, inside cupboards and even sets drawers. We had the carpet laid today in our bedroom and WIR (my new aqua room)
I will be so pleased when all the building is finished, as it creates such a mess!

Last weekend I thought I should get busy and do some 'tis the season' stitching and pleased now I have finished stitching all the blocks

A partridge in a pear tree is a favourite...and also

this one

This is my new WIR (aqua room)...the carpet is way darker in pic. All that has to be done now is shelving and hanging space one side, and on the other side shelving/cubes for my shoes..it will be nice to have my clothes and shoes a bit more organized. Hubby has guessed that I would have about 20 pairs of shoes (so he can build the cube unit for shoes) I am now a bit scared to count my shoes as I am sure I have HEAPS more than that! lol!

Enjoy your weekend

Lisa

Stool Make over

2011-08-04T10:11:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to quickly share my recently made over stool given to me by my father...really wished I had a before pic, as it had rustly legs and a badly worn seat. I had plans to have it in my WIR for those hard to reach items on the top shelf, but not sure if it should be tucked away for and only me to see. I am really pleased how it turned out...even the kids were impressed to see the old stool transformed!

Now off to do some more bedroom painting!

Lisa

Thrifty Thursday

2011-07-28T16:40:00.002+10:00

I always love to visit Janelle and Mardi's blog every Wednesday and Thursday to see their WIWW (What I Wore Wednesday) and Thrifty Thursdays. Although I don't have the confidence to model any outfits for WIWW, as I am much happier hiding behind the camera, I thought I would join them this week for Thrifty Thursday and share a few of my recent finds.

This is todays purchase...a colorado skirt and I just love it! And only $6.50

A fully lined cream wool coat...also a favourite ($15.50)

Even my daughter (Miss 9) scored with a pretty coral coloured cropped cardi.

I also found some white jeans and a shorter length cream jacket.

We have plastered out my new WIR today and I have decided to paint it out in aqua (Noosa Views) and paint the walls in our bedroom cream and maybe having a feaure wall in aqua...but still not 100% sure about the feature wall. I suppose if I dont like it I can easily re-paint!

Enjoy the rest of your week

Lisa

Just a couple more skirts...

2011-07-26T15:19:00.001+10:00

I can't help it...these wrap skirts are just so quick and easy to make, and who can resist a comfie skirt??

I purchased this fabric some time back from Spotlight.

The mannequin is just slightly smaller than me...ok ALOT smaller than me... lol so I had to sit it down from the waist quite a bit more than I actually wear it. But I do love this fabric, and it's fabric that a patchwork quilter would love more...

Written all over the skirt is 'I love fabric design, buttonhole prints bold colours' etc.

We have also started stage 2 of our renovations, which has had me busy helping hubby. I don't mind filling up the trailer with all the unwanted old building materials or demolishing the walls with the block buster, but I dislike hanging and carrying plaster sheets!!! lol!

The folder with the Anni Downs house stitchery on front, is where I keep all my info for the reno...paint colours, plans etc. I have been looking at carpet colours for our bedroom and WIR. Only recarpetting our bedroom but the WIR has been built on. I will share some pics when it's all finished.

I hope you all have a great week

Lisa

Wrap Skirts

2011-07-15T16:37:00.002+10:00

This morning I finished off my second wrap skirt (using the fabric from my previous post) The first one I made last night, they are so easy and can be whipped up in no time! What's also great about these skirts is they can be dressed up or down and are so comfortable!

I had to con my son (Master 12) into taking the pics...but told him they had to be headless! lol!

So now I have a couple of winter wrap skirts...think I might have to make a couple in pretty lighter fabrics for the warmer weather (when it comes)

I purchased my Make It Perfect skirt patterns from the fabric patch. The one I have just made is called 'The Versitile Wrap' the other which I will make up at a later date is 'A plus skirt's'

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Lisa

Some New Books and Patterns

2011-07-12T16:00:00.003+10:00

It has been years since I have made any clothes for myself or the kids, but it seems the clothes making bug has returned. I just wish I had this lovely book back when the kids were smaller...Toni Cowards 'Make It Perfect'...(Has 21 Easy Patterns for women and children) I also have a couple of her skirt patterns on order and hopefully they will arrive this week.

I don't really have much fabric suitable for skirt making so went in search locally for some fabric and found a couple of japanese prints which I think would make nice skirts.

a couple of patterns arrived in the post from Hatched and Patched

And I have also been collecting a few cooking books...Love donna hays books and am enjoying watching her shows on TV at the moment.

Hopefully next post I will have some skirts to show

I hope you are all having a great week!

Lisa

Very Quiet here...

2011-07-09T15:08:00.002+10:00

Not alot of stitching to share, last week I ended up with a cold sore under my eye and decided it was best to have a rest from stitching, so this is all the stitching I have done...a bit behind on my TTS but still plan on catching up!!

A few more bargain finds...have you guessed I LOVE red...so I couldn't resist the shoes! A pretty shade of blue cropped 3/4 sleeved cardi and vintage sheets.

And very brave to today venturing outside with the camera as it's blowing a gale and freezing...but wanted to take a picture of my Pink Ice protea, had to hold the branch steady while I snapped.

And my Hakea is also in flower

I hope you are all managing to get a bit more sewing done than me! lol!

Bye For now

Lisa

Broderie Anglaise and a vintage find

2011-07-02T15:52:00.001+10:00

I have dragged out my Broderie Anglaise to have a play with today. I used quite a bit of this to make baby capsule covers and pram sets for my babies and also for my neices when they were babies. So rather than leave it for the moths, I thought I might make use of it with my crafts.

Not sure how this little design will look stitched...I have just drawn this directly onto a scrap piece of fabric. Sometimes I get a better perspective of things when I can see them in a photos!

I have also purchased from ebay the prettiest vintage dress...just love the colours in the flowers. The neckline crosses over at the front and back with satin ribbon. I am very happy with my dress, now I just have to wait for some warmer weather so I can wear it!

Have a great weekend!

Lisa

Phone Pouches part 2

2011-06-26T14:29:00.002+10:00

Did I mention in my last post that the phone pouches were addictive??? Well they are! lol! You make one and then need to make another in a different colour just to see how it looks.

This one, like the one I made for my sister is made from Sugar and Spice fabrics by The Quilted Fish

This fabric range is just so pretty

And then I had some nice repro blue fabrics....

Sorry, it's a bit late now for the photo heavy post warning! lol!

This is my recent book purchase...the phone pouch project is from Janelle Winds book 'Pieces of Me'. For those who have emailed, I purchased my books from Patchwork Plus
Also Janelle Wind has a list of stockists on the side bar on her blog.

I hope you have had a great weekend!

Lisa

Phone Pouch

2011-06-25T13:30:00.001+10:00

I have been trying to decide the last couple of weeks on what handmade gift to make for my sisters birthday...always hard to know what to make for another sewer also! This week I received some books in the post, one of them was 'Pieces of Me' by Janelle Wind...such a beautiful book and I was instantly drawn to the little phone pouch project in the book.

So I made a pouch for my sister in Sugar and Spice fabrics by The Quilted Fish

And one for myself in red and whites to match my newly purchased red purse and handbag.

The Hubby and kids have headed off to the local footy leaving me to have a sewing arvo

I hope you are finding time for some sewing too!~

Lisa

Thrifty finds...

2011-06-23T14:43:00.001+10:00

I have been visiting Janelle Winds blog for the last few months and have been amazed at all the beautiful clothes that she has found at her local op shop. We do have a local vinnies store here in town, which I have been to a couple of times for our boys, who just don't seem to stop growing...11 and 14 year olds in men sizes already!!!
Anyhow after reading Janelles Thrifty Finds today and seeing all her gorgeous clothes, I thought I might head to vinnies for a look for 'me', and was so surprised to find these...

A lovely crochet edged cardi...just love crochet!

And a denim jacket, which I think would look great with one of my crochet scarves. I went on a bit of a scarf making frenzy a few years back and just about made one in every colour! lol!
So I have to say I'm pretty pleased at today's finds and will be a frequent visitor to my local vinnies!

Bye for Now

Lisa

Toadstool Pin Rest

2011-06-19T19:28:00.001+10:00

I purchased Natalie Lymers new book 'Cotton Floss' a few weeks back, and just love every project in the book! Unsure what to make first, I decided on the little Toadstool Pin Rest...and I am so happy with it and now want to make more! lol! I bet they would look pretty in pink too! Now my biggest dilemma is what to make next!!! Anyone else making the quilt from the book???

Back to cutting school lunches tomorrow as the kids return to school...how quickly those 2 weeks went!

Also the little crochet motifs I have making of late, (In header photo) are from one of my Mums older crochet books 'The Harmony Guide to 100's More Crochet Stitches' it is an old book but you may be able to find it on ebay etc.

Bye For Now

Lisa

Another love...handbags and boots!

2011-06-17T14:34:00.001+10:00

A few months back hubby ordered some camo jackets for our boys from Dinodirect
and savings hundreds compared to what we would usually pay in the stores here, also postage is free..... so I decided I might have a look at what they stocked for ladies and found so many things I liked! So I did a little order...

and this handbag arrived today, in my favourite colour red. It did have tassels which I didn't really like, so I took them off. I also have a red purse due next week.

I do have quite a few boots...I just love them but most of them have high heels so I went in search for comfie boots with a low heel a few months back, but they were so expensive, but on my last trip to Hobart I was lucky to find Williams shoe store were having a big boot sale...so for those of you that a near a Williams shoe store, and need boots, it's well worth a look!

And how can hubby complain when it only cost $57 dollars for a leather handbag and boots!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Lisa

My Abbey Bag

2011-06-12T14:53:00.001+10:00

I made my Abbey Bag (pattern by Abbey Lane Quilts) a few years back, and have recently been asked by a no-reply blogger about the 'rubberised shelf liner' used in making the bag. I felt I didn't need the rubber lining, as I filled the pincushion with rice which weighted it down enough not to move....I hope this helps!

Bye For Now

Lisa

Roast Vegetable and Chicken Pie

2011-06-10T18:37:00.001+10:00

I have been trying some new recipes, and as tonights meal was quite successful I thought I would share it with you...Roast vegetable and chicken pies and the recipe can be found here I did alter the recipe slightly and decided to use pastry sheets cut into quarters and placed them into muffin tin.
Even the salad dressing was quite tasty...I never use to like leafy green salads but this one is yummy and I will be making this again....This dressing recipe makes about 1 cup....4 oz red wine vinegar, 1/2 clove garlic, 4 oz olive oil, 1/8 cup sugar, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 c grated parm cheese, Pour over green leafy salad mix, slided red capsicum and sliced red onion.

I hope you all have a great weekend

Lisa

Some Good Mail...

2011-06-07T14:00:00.001+10:00

The weather here is Tassie has turned really cold...I am sure there's snow close by. But atleast I have plenty I can do indoors under the heater.

My little motifs pile is growing to over 20 now

It only takes about 10 minutes to whip up one of the little ones...providing the kids don't start talking to me when I am counting trebles! lol!

And some good mail arrived on Friday from the lovely Maree, her online store Ollie And May

Yesterday in the post I received Some Kind of Wonderful and Cotton Floss from Anni's shop Hatched and Patched
Both such beautiful books and I'm very tempted to make quilts from both books and also the smaller projects, but will have to put them on my 'to do' list as I already have so much to do!

Enjoy your week!

Lisa

Pincushion...

2011-06-04T15:38:00.001+10:00

I know...lots of photos, but I am just so pleased with how my pincushion turned out mainly because this stitchery design nearly got put in the bin! But thanks to my Mum and sister on their colour thread advice it all really came together well! My stitchery belt has a little inside pocket to hold small scissors, quick-unpick etc.
I plan to curl up on the couch tonight and crochet some more motifs...I think they would look pretty cute on a hair clip for my Miss 9! Well that's my excuse for making more...lol!

Enjoy your Evening

Lisa

Crochet Motifs

2011-06-04T11:48:00.002+10:00

What started out to be only one small crochet motif as a practice to get back into the swing of things, as it had been a year or so since I had done any crochet...I think has quickly become an addiction. I think they have so many uses...scrapbooking, embellishing quilts, pincushions and I think they would look so pretty at the centre of a hexagon...will definately have to explore that further! But for this afternoon I am going to finish off my pincushion, so I hope to be back later!

I hope you get a chance to do some sewing too!

Lisa

Much Happier!

2011-05-31T15:02:00.002+10:00

I started stitching my design for my pincushion belt (as mentioned in previous post) on Saturday, but I wasn't at all happy with my thread colours and unpicked so many times...and thought the best thing to do was to just put it aside. As I had planned to visit Mum today, I decided to take it with me, so pleased I did as my sister also came and suggested that I stich a contrast colour next to the already stitched yellow centre. It makes the centres stand out so much more now and I am so much happier with it! The colours arn't quite true in this pic, the threads have came out a bit darker than they actually are.

Still lots more stitching to do on this one as it's nearly 15 inches long! I did have a couple of pictures but I have learnt that if you press the delete button one too many times, you will delete photos! lol!

I hope you are all enjoying your week!

Lisa

Pincushion....

2011-05-25T15:29:00.001+10:00

I have been making a little pincushion today...a practice one as I have a stitchery design drawn to go around the outside. And my problem now is that I have another idea to use the stitchery as a belt to wrap around the pincushion and tie it together in place with ribbons. (does this make sense?) Maybe I'm going to have to do them both and see which one looks the best!

One of my crochet motifs on top that I made some time back. I must make some more as they are handy to add to pincushions and for scrapbooking.

I hope you are all having a great week!

Lisa

Sticky Cinnamon Rolls

2011-05-22T16:38:00.002+10:00

I purchased a new bread machine on Friday and have been busy trying a few recipes. Yesterdays bread was so nice, but todays Cinnamon Rolls were delicious!
I have had a few bread machines over the years and tried a few different recipes and would have to say this is the most successful.

My new machine is a Breville, but I am sure it could be made in any machine, so here's the recipe if you would like to give it a try...

285ml Water, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar, 4 cups bread flour, 2 eggs, 60g softened and chopped Butter and
3 teaspoons Tandaco yeast............Place all these ingredients in bread machine (in this order) on dough setting

Filling......2 tablespoons melted Butter, 4 Tablespoons Brown sugar, 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped (I used walnuts)
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Handshaping procedure....
1. Roll dough into a 40cm x 40cm square. Brush dough with half the melted butter. Sprinkle with combined sugar, pecans and cinnamon.

2. Drizzle remaining butter over sugar mixture . Roll up width-wise and cut into 2cm thick slices.

3. Place 5cm apart, on a lightly greased baking tray. Cover loosely with lightly greased plastic wrap and stand in a warm area for 20 minutes or until doubled in size. Remove plastic wrap.

4. Bake in a pre heated oven at 180 C for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with Gelatine glaze whilst still hot, then drizzle with vanilla glaze.

Gelatine Glaze..... 3 Tablespoons water, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 3 teaspoons gelatine,
Place ingredients into small saucepan, stir over low heat until sugar and gelatine dissolves.

Vanilla glaze....... 1/2 cup icing sugar sifted, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence, 2 tablespoons milk

I hope you enjoy this recipe too!

Lisa

Photo Playing

2011-05-21T16:12:00.003+10:00

I am not the most computer confident person, but I believe the best thing to do is just have a play....and thats what I have been doing this arvo and discovered this pretty daisy frame. Looking forward to playing some more when I have a bit more time

Now it's time to organize the Tea

Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa

Edit...photo editing done in picnik

In The Kitchen

2011-05-19T14:46:00.001+10:00

As the weekend is nearly here, I like to prepare meals later in the week that I can also have for the weekend...making more time for sewing!
A chook in the slow cooker, for some chicken and mayo sandwiches. I like to add a sprinkle of McCormick Season-All to my chicken and mayo sangers...also a good sprinkle of Season all to the chicken when cooking

I always put egg rings on the bottom of my slow cooker when cooking meats...allows the fat to drain

I have been wanting to share this recipe for Curry Chicken for some time as it's so easy and so yum! But the challenge has been to get a good pic of it! It's still not a great pic, but take my word for it...it's delish!

Cook Chicken and cut up...(I use a couple of fillets) Place in bottom of casserole dish
Combine 1 can Cream of chicken soup with 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon curry powder and 1 diced onion.
Pour this mixture over cooked chicken and sprinkle with grated cheese and paprika.
(you can also add florets Broccoli if you like)
Cook for 1 hour in moderate oven

I usually double the recipe and any leftovers I make into pies in my pie maker. The kids love them!

Bye For Now

Lisa

A few things...

2011-05-18T16:48:00.001+10:00

Not a great start to the day with the school phoning to say that master 12 has had a little accident at recess time and needs stitches above his eye! He was so very brave though, and ended up having 4 stitches and the afternoon off school...which I think he was pretty pleased about!!

This is what I made on Sunday, to complete my computer set...a pouch for a note pad

This little owl was keeping me awake last night...my mind was busy designing when I should have been sleeping! I hope to share more on my owl later in the week or weekend if all goes to plan!

The colour of Autum leaves...just so beautiful! This is the Weeping Cherry outside my sewing room window.

I hope you have all had a great start to the week!

Lisa

Laptop Set!

2011-05-14T09:43:00.002+10:00

The temperature has really dropped here this week, with an average daytime temperature of about 12 degrees! But making it great sewing weather.
I have been thinking about making a bag for my new laptop for a little while now, but as I already have a few bagsI could use, decided to just make a protective pouch.

just kept it nice and simple

A jar cover to hold all my pens and pencils.

A little purse for my usb modem

And a mouse pad

I hope where ever you are that you are keeping warm and finding some sewing time too!

Lisa

Good Mail!

2011-05-10T15:31:00.001+10:00

I couldn't wait until Christmas to hang my new wallhanging, and it just fits perfectly under my mannequin shelf in the sewing room.

I have received lots of gorgeous things in the post this week....

My mothers Day gift from the kids(thanks Hubby!).....a bundle of yummy 'Where The Wind Blows' fabric purchased from Perri
Stitches From The Bush online store.

Another box today...some more lovely bright fabrics to add to my stash

And some gorgeous books...pics not very clear as I have them still in their plastic bags. Any books that you would like to see any 'inside the pages' pics just let me know. I am looking forward to curling up on the couch in my thermal P/J's tonight with my new books. (yes is VERY cold here)

Now its time to organize some Tea!

Lisa

Tis The Season Wallhanging

2011-05-08T17:44:00.002+10:00

Back again today to show you my finished project as promised...a Wall Hanging from Nat Bird Tis The season book.

such cute stitcheries!

and some newly purchased fabric from our local craft shop...can you tell my favourite colours are now blue and red! lol!

I hope you have all had a lovely Mothers Day!

Lisa

Big Week!

2011-05-07T16:09:00.003+10:00

Firstly can I say a big thankyou to everyone who left a comment on my previous post... I feel very lucky to have so many lovely blogging friends!!

Lots to celebrate this week, yesterday was mine and hubbies wedding anniversary and hubbies birthday, we did go out last night (no kids) something we don't do very often and had a beautiful meal. No fancy restaurant, just went up the road on the Lake Leake highway (1/2 hours drive) to a place called Lake Leake chalet. I did take my camera incase we saw a deer, but it was too dark to see...plenty of wildlife on the road though, and I saw my first spotted Quoll!

Unsure of the name of this one, but the pink berry has opened up to reveal a very pretty coloured red berry centre inside!

So hard to know what to make mum for mothers day, I have already made her quilts, bags, tablerunners and pot holders, so this year I have made her one of my jar covers (in mums colours) and a quilted coaster.

At the start of the week I finished 2 more Tis the Season blocks for May...so I am early this month!

I have also completed 3 more stitcheries to make a project from the book

love this stitchery

And this one is pretty cute too! The thread looks a bit different in some of the pics, but the same colour blue has been used in all three!

As tomorrow is Mothers Day, I get a day out in the sewing room and hope to make up my Tis The Season project...my mothers day pressie!

I will be back tomorrow for show you my finished project! Off to make another apple Crumble for desert tonight!

Lisa

I have A Secret....

2011-05-04T14:42:00.001+10:00

A Secret Garden....in this months issue of Homespun magazine Vol 12 no. 5 (Go Green Issue)!! Quite excited to receive my Homespun today, so I can now share with you my project in Homespun

A set of Jar Covers!!! I took these pics before I sent them off to Homespun...one set in greens

And another colour combination in pinks/blue.

I haven't taken any photos from inside the pages of Homespun, but I really loved how they were photographed!

My little secret now revealed! Lol!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week, think I might be doing a bit of celebrating tonight!

Lisa

A bit of cooking and new toy!

2011-05-01T20:16:00.002+10:00

All our apples had to be picked as the parrots were having a field day. I did promise hubby apple crumble a few weeks back, and like a little kid...he hadn't forgotten! So after his hint today...

here's his huge bowl of apple crumble! I don't usually eat desert, but I tried some and it was yummy! Hubby has put his order in for next Saturday night, good thing it's so easy to make!

I now have my new toy...no need for me to come out of the sewing room at all now! lol!

Bye for Now

Lisa

Tis The Season April Blocks

2011-04-29T17:50:00.001+10:00

Yesterday afternoon found me putting the borders on my 2 April blocks for the Tis the Season Stitch-a-long

Great to stitch along with ladies from all around the world. There is so many different colourways in the group, which is fantstic and even makes me wish I had chosen different colours! But it does seem I am going through a bit of a bright fabric phase at the moment! Lol!

I have been looking at getting a laptop and for this computer minded...NOT girl it is so confusing! Just when I think I have all the ram and gig sorted, they start talking about processors! Do you understand it all? If you went into a computer store would you know how much ram, gig and processer speed you needeed?? One thing I know is that playing with fabric is much more fun! Lol!

Enjoy your weekend!
Lisa

Hexie Flowers!

2011-04-26T16:51:00.003+10:00

Yes I have been bitten by the hexie bug! Seeing how they look with different petals and drawing little designs for the centres has been so much fun. I have a couple of little design ideas to stitch for a few more centres...hopefully tonight if all goes to plan! I have now settled into my new sewing room, although I am unable to find what I have done with some hexie paper templates which is driving me crazy as I need them! I suppose they will turn up in the strangest place! Lol!

Bye For Now

Lisa

My daughters sewing...

2011-04-25T14:06:00.001+10:00

My youngest (Miss 9) has wanted to make this dolly for quite some time, so I thought it would make a good easter project. I purchased the book Made By Me by Jane Bull last year and she has made quite a few projects from it...and it is truly a beautiful book for little sewers!

I did help her with the hand stitching on the face (she did one eye) and machine stitching around the body shapes, but she did all the stuffing and sewing of the skirt herself. It's amazing how quickly little sewers pick things up.

Bye For Now

Lisa

Some new fabric!!

2011-04-24T13:23:00.001+10:00

I was unable to collect a parcel from the post office on Thursday, so I had to wait until today. A fabric parcel of yumminess all the way from the US that only took one week to arrive to here in Tassie!

Lovely by Sandy Gervais, Rosalie Quinlans Cherry Sweet Broderie and Kiwi Sugar and Spice...all so gorgeous! How am I going to be able to make that first cut?

Playing with a few hexies

Time to have another sewing session with miss 9, she is making a little doll and has hinted about using some of my new fabrics for the dress!!!!

I hope you are all finding some sewing time over the Easter break!

Lisa

Camping!

2011-04-23T13:00:00.002+10:00

Thursday and Friday nights were spent away camping with the kids, nice to be back home now with hot water and power!

I only had my smaller camera with me but loved this pic taken early in the morning when it was so very calm!

And I even managed to do some stitching...only a few stitches to finish off my Tis the Season block and then I can put the borders on. I will be putting the heater on in the sewing room, so it will be nice and toasty for some sewing tonight!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter!

Lisa

Easter is nearly here!

2011-04-19T10:10:00.002+10:00

Although Easter is late this year it seems to have come around quickly

So it's nearly time for the little bunny to come out of hiding! I am really looking forward to the Easter break this year...Always seem to get lots of sewing done and this year Miss 9 wants to sew!

I had a few 2 inch scraps left over, so I covered a note book...just love fabric covered books!

Nice to get out in the garden with the camera this morning and had to share a pic of this bee enjoying the flower! Enjoy your week! Lisa

Fabrics used for Coasters

2011-04-17T18:42:00.007+10:00

Quite blown away by the amount of visitors I've had visit my previous 'Quilted Coasters' post...5770 so far according to stats.

I have had a no-reply blogger (Anniem) ask what is the fabric used for my coasters which is 'Sweet Dreams' by Robyn Pandolph.

Enjoy your evening!

Lisa

These shoes are killing me...they must look fabulous!

2011-04-16T16:52:00.004+10:00

A trip to the hardware store yesterday with hubby usually means looking at power tools, but I was so surprised when I checked out there little gift section to find the lovliest gift boxed ceramic travel mugs!

Will this stop the slops on my recently made coasters I wonder?

One with little handbags...and the boxes will be handy for storing crafty items in my sewing room

And unable to resist this suitcase today at my local craft store!

I would like to thank everyone who left a comment on my previous Coasters post, but unfortunately I am unable to reply to quite a few as they are no-reply bloggers, if you don't realise you are, just pop over to chookyblue and she has a 'how to' bloggy bits on her side bar explaining how to change from 'no reply'.

Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa

Quilted Coasters

2011-04-12T12:52:00.003+10:00

I realised on the weekend that I needed some coasters for my sewing room. I had to put my coffee mug on one of my recently cut out paper shapes and thought it would make a suitable shape for a coaster. Well you know what happens...I made one, and was quite pleased with it and thought I should maybe have another next to the sewing machine and then one for my little pincushion...Lol! So I ended up making 3!

Mothers Day is coming up, and my Mum is getting so hard to buy for, so I thought I would make a set of the quilted coasters to put with her gift...maybe find some matching mugs!

I hope you are all enjoying your week

Lisa

'Hoot'...My Sleepy Owl

2011-04-10T14:10:00.004+10:00

It has been a good weekend for making up projects using my little stitcheries...and have finally made up 'Hoot' the sleepy owl. I love to recycle card board ( Thankyou James Boags...lol!) which strengthens the front and back. I can now add a fabric page to the inside (made up of pockets). I am enjoying playing with different shapes at the moment, so will include this in my pockets.

I have been trying not to ramble too much as I noticed my text seems to get smaller the more I type...so please let me know if you are having trouble reading my posts and I can change the text style! Edit...Have changed text style hope it is better!

Lisa

Songbirds Sewing Book

2011-04-09T08:41:00.004+10:00

I had alot of fun putting this one together last night (my first late night in the new sewing room). The sewing book has pockets on the inside and the little needle book slips into one of the inside pockets.

Enjoy your weekend

Lisa

Song Birds Stitchery

2011-04-08T15:57:00.003+10:00

This is my latest stitchery that I have been working on using all my favourite colour threads...most of the flowers have been stitched with variegated Threadworkz thread which is so lovely to stitch with.

The forecast for the weekend is for rain so great for staying indoors and sewing.

Hope you all have a great weekend too!

Lisa

Cherished Memories Are Held In The Heart Forever

2011-04-06T14:10:00.004+10:00

Here it is April and I hadn't even covered my diary for the year! I completed the stitchery before Christmas, from Nat Birds 'From The Heart' book, and made it into a diary cover. The pretty fabric I purchased whilst on a holiday in Launceston from Esmes craft store. I wonder if hubby realizes that we always have to holiday where theres a craft shop nearby! Lol!

Lisa

Simple Stitches Pincushion...

2011-04-05T14:31:00.004+10:00

I thought I would make use of all my small scraps and make a little pincushion

As you can see only very simple stitching! I have also stipple quilted the top as it's something I enjoy to do.

My little mushroom pin toppers that I made some time back... from the tutorial I found on the lovely Manda's blog.

I hope you are all having a lovely week!

Lisa

Getting Hexie organized!

2011-04-03T11:00:00.002+10:00

I have wanted to start making some more Hexie flowers and the little tin I had all my gear in was already full. I spotted this lovely box in our local craft shop and thought it would be ideal!

My little tin fits nicely inside as does the fabrics I have chosen to make some more hexies...in brights this time, the ones in the pic are ones I first made when I was bitten by the hexie bug!

Wonder how long it will stay this tidy!! Lol!

Enjoy your Sunday!!

Lisa

Little Thread Keeper

2011-04-02T15:03:00.003+11:00

Quite often I find myself putting all my cut off threads on the side of the couch when I am hand stitching. So I thought I would make myself a little thread keeper. I made the crazy patch block a few years back...one I had just done to practice crazy patch before I made the real one to go in a quilt! I have made this one fold up so it could also go in my handbag or craft bag.

I hope you are all have a great weekend!

Lisa

Picture Playing!

2011-03-31T09:36:00.003+11:00

I am now able to upload images via blogger, but had to go into settings and revert back to posting in old editor to do it. Would much prefer to be able to do it through Picasa as it's so much quicker and I can do more with the photos (make Bigger and upload more than 4 pics at a time) A picture from the sewing room. the little girl is so sweet and dances when you touch her!

From the sewing room deck. Not alot in flower at the moment...only the red salvia which has been in flower for months!! The cubby house in the background where I once did my folkart painting... as you can see the door badly in need of a re coat!

Red Bottle brush 'Captain Cook' also just off the deck, only a few flowers left for the birds to enjoy!

By For Now

Lisa

Flower Garden....

2011-03-30T15:16:00.004+11:00

Another little stitchery completed 'Flower Garden' So many butterflies in the garden at the moment, which I had to include. I don't need to look far for inspiration when they practically bump into the window! Lol! Also my little family of wrens have come back to visit the garden and have another wren design to stitch! Need few more hours in the day to get everything done!!

I hope you are all having a great week!!

Edit...Blogger still having photo uploading issues , so this is the best I can do until I can do it my usual way through Picasa.

Lisa

Hopefully I have pictures!!!

2011-03-28T15:28:00.007+11:00

Hopefully after the MANY attempts of posting pictures, they have actually appeared...if not I will probably be swearing profusely!!! Lol!

Not sure if my little block keeper was worth all this stress! I have recycled a cardboard box for inside front and back cover to give a bit more support.

A little inside pocket as I love pockets!!!

Just the right size for my Tis The Season blocks

And some simple stitches for the front and the reason why I'm calling this one Simple Stitches block keeper!

Lisa