Winter Quilt received

Oh my! Look what I received in the mail from the U.S.A.. I LOVE IT! Thankyou Jeanne.

I knew as soon as I saw this quilt on the flickr site, that it was for me.

1930's fabrics...applique.....gorgeous. Apparently Jeanne had something else in mind for me, but I couldn't have asked for more, she has paid great attention and detail to my likes.

The little bird on the snowman is a cardinal, which frequents her area.

Winter Quilt. Four Seasons Quilt Swap

Well it is just about finished, only the binding and label to go, then it is off to it's new owner.

Excuse the poor quality photograph, but it is taken on my mobile phone while I await the return of my camera.

Winter was a real quandary as we could also use Christmas as our theme, there are so many options. I was going to go with the snowflake/snowman type theme, and then I thought "well this isn't really winter to me". Christmas seemed a better theme and with two little ones, I could imagine that light in the window being left on, watching for Santa.

I decided to name my Quilt 'HOPE' as this is what Christmas brings, and Winter brings the hope of regeneration in the Spring. I think you will see the star which brings,or brought hope, and the doves with their olive branches, bring the hope of peace and new life. Hope is what I have for the future and for our family.

Hair Ribbons

Does anyone have a good idea or way of storing little girls hair ribbons (1/2 mtr lengths)and hair ties?

What I'm working on!

Well, I still haven't got my camera fixed.....so no photo's yet.

I have been busy since Xmas fulfilling swaps for the end of January.

Firstly I have completed 5 'grandmothers Fans' for a Sampler quilt swap in my patch'nquilt group. We all had to use Moda fabric 'Allspice tapestry' by Figtree Quilters, so it will be a very pretty quilt.

Secondly, one of my appliqued butterfly blocks for Elizabeth in my monthly block swap group. She is also a lover of 1930's fabrics. Fingers crossed she likes it!

Next, will be 12 churn dash blocks in 1930's fabrics to be sent off for another swap in the U.S.A.

And finally Winter in the 'Four Seasons quilt swap. I have gone through 4 different ideas/themes, but, am close to starting. I'm going to applique this one, which should be a lot easier and more enjoyable with the 2 little helpers. Hopefully, time permitting, I can also practise my hand quilting skills.

Whilst one big girl is at the beach with Nana, the other has fallen asleep in my arms, so I will sign off until next time

A Merry Christmas to one and all

Jane & Tony circa 1970

A Merry Christmas to all our family and friends, and especially to all the new friends I have made since joining the blog world. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness and your inspiration.

A Kindergarten Christmas

Well, my big girl finished her 1st year of Kinder this week. We started a week of celebration with a nativity/christmas concert in which Sophia was an Angel. How cute! There were many Dads and grandparents there too. Next the children had a Christmas party with a clown and lots of party food. Christmas cards were exchanged, presents and one very special kiss from one best friend to another

Seven Things...A Christmas version

I saw this over at Carries sight and thought it would be fun, so here goes.

1. My family always had a real Christmas tree culled from native bushland, my husband thought this was stealing so we now have a artificial one!
2. My mother made the best Christmas pudding known to man. It was so good, my father and I asked for it for our birthday in June one year.
3. My mother used to let me open one gift before I went to bed on Christmas eve.
4. We always watch "Carols by Candlelight" on Christmas eve, and possibly the repeat on Christmas day. But what good Melbournian doesn't!
5. I always opened my Christmas presents at the foot of my parents bed on Christmas morning, carefully chosing one present at a time for each of us to open.
6. My family have beautifully made Christmas stockings, my brother and I had pillow slips, which my mother would fill with the likes of; an orange, an apple & a banana, undies and socks, and a personal gift.(do you think my parents went through the depression & war!)
7. I don't even know the name of my favourite Christmas movie! It is about a guy who needs to find a Christmas tree for Rockefeller Center in N.Y.C. and the story of the Nun who has grown with this tree. My Mum grew up in a convent too, so it has a personal touch!