Sisters Shoebox Swap Two...Cozy

I'm so excited the second round of the Sisters Shoebox Swap has been announced. The theme for this round is "cozy" , isn't that just yummy. I think the theme is more evocative than "refresh" was, for me at least. They are also suggesting you include Christmas & Thanksgiving items for the holiday season. Please stop by and have a look at the real life sisters Monica & Carrie, I have loved getting to know them both and also Lisa our last swap partner. Seriously, if you love swaps, this is a truly enjoyable & indulgent one

Take the Quiz here!

Oh No!

Look what a 3yr old can do to your beloved Olfa mat when she uses it as a bridge for her "Little People" bus! Words were spoken! Then, in mid speech I realised I do have 2 more. They are different sizes, but none the less two more! Enough said.

Four Seasons Quilt swap

Well, I have now finished autumn/fall doll quilt #2 after the ironing incident that was #1. Although I loved the first quilt, this was a much more pleasurable one to make, and quilted up better. I think I may try a little hand quilting on the next 'winter' quilt. All depends on my partners preferences.

This is the autumn/fall inspired backing fabric! It's now on it's way to it's new owner in the U.S.A. If you'd like to visit the flickr site to view the rest of the fall quilts find the link here.

And this is what I sent Lisa

A Japanese reversible bag, made from fabric my brother brought on a trip home from Sendai

Fantales for the choc/caramel lover, a b/w photo of Puffing Billy (chosen by Sophia), some charity post-its from Bonnie babes and Missy Higgins latest c.d. Popover and see what Lisa thinks!
Finally my first dishcloth made with the cotton Lisa sent. The pattern was on the back of the label. I have since found a link to dishcloth patterns at Louise's site

Wow! Look what arrived today

Our parcel from Lisa arrived this afternoon. "How exciting!"
Isn't this beautful!
What a generous friend. The girls and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring our shoebox
Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts! It is truely appreciated Lisa.

But look there's more

1. paper/cards for fun with the girls!

2.great now I can make some dishcloths!





3. yummy treats for mummy!

4. and a little self indulgence

A weekend walk

Here are loyal companions, Zoe and Bianca. Sunday was such a beautiful day we thought we'd head done to the park to throw the ball. You can see how dry the grounds are, and it's the end of Winter!
"come on just throw it"

Dear Mum

Please listen when I say I need a bath
Please don't dawdle
Please don't run and get my sister
Please don't say you'll be there in a minute
Please come and undress me and put me in quickly, because Mummy

I will just do it myself!

When I am young I shall wear purple...

Sophia loves purple! Everything needs to be purple. It's suprising where this little obsession comes from. . . her last dummy was purple!
I am a pink girl, my mother was a pink girl, it's hard for me to get my head around. I have the challenge of making a purple quilt now, I look at the fabrics and they don't gel together. it's amazing how you are in tune with certain colors and hues and others not. Colors give you certain feelings and memories. Don't you agree?

Sophia has been helping me with my 'Sisters shoebox swap'. We spent the morning at a local craft market last weekend and she chose something very dear to her heart for our friend Lisa. This week I will be making something, with fabric my brother purchased for me. It comes from the country he has lived in for the last 9 years. Add something sweet, something pleasurable, it's all coming together....

Getting Started...with a little help

Whilst looking through my stash of scraps/fabrics Tessa found a little ziplock bag containing these 2 5/8" triangles which are perfact for my Four Seasons Fall doll quilt.They are from a quilt I made around 12 years ago (scary!). The main reason I like them is that red is my favaourite autumn leaf color. So, with the addition of a few extra new pieces, the top is finished and I just need to quilt and bind. Watch out for the updates

This photo reminds me of all the shots of cats sitting by there masters machines. This is my faithful kitten Tessa! Always ready to help, and yes she is taste testing the fabrics. . .