Two parcels in a week ..................

My swap partner for December was Lori in USA and her blocks took nearly 3 weeks to arrive. My January partner Helen and I swapped very early in the month - soo-ooooooooo - two parcels arrived in one week. Lovely!

These are from Lori,

and these are from Helen, all beautiful blocks that fit well with my collection of spinning wheels.

This is the blue and white star I sent to Helen, along with a mug mat made from the same fabrics.

Now I have made contact with my February partner who has asked for a block with a teapot or cup and saucer theme. I have found some foundation piecing patterns I will make up with some new exciting Asian patterned fabrics.

I was also part of Sue's cushion swap - mine arrived a little while ago - picture in an earlier post. This is the cushion I made for Fiona -

The petal shapes are held in place with buttons, and the cover closes with a single overhand knot in a matching tie.

I am currently making a couple of cushions for ME. Pictures will follow their completion.

More sewing is planned for my grandies - next birthday is for 5 yo - angry birds purse and a wall banner with her name is planned.

For an older grandson I have plans to make The Hobbit quilt from fandomin stitches. If I start now it should be ready in plenty of time with no rushing.

Christmas Toys

I have bought gifts for my older grandchildren, but made soft toys for the 3 youngest granddaughters -

a simple decorated cat for the youngest [18 months],

a dragon for the next one [4 1/2 years],

Mabel Monkey for the 5 year old.

I had a lovely time making them, and shopping for the other children. Hope they are loved on Christmas Day.

Momo, Nenek, Jan

QBSA and U3A

My December partner is Lori, from USA. Lori gave me 2 options for her block, but as I had never made either before, I decided to make both. They are simple but beautiful blocks and I hope Lori will be pleased.

bachelor's puzzle

and snail trail

I mailed these blocks at the very beginning of the month, but since my last parcel to America took 3 weeks to arrive, I'm sure these are still travelling.

I've also signed up for the Cushion Swap with Sue from QBSA. Since the last swap I've gathered many ideas for cushion covers and I'm really looking forward to putting these ideas together.

U3A - this is such a wonderful organisation - University of the 3rd Age - where like minded people get together to learn and to share their skills. I belong to the Tai Chi and the Folk Dancing groups, but in our district there are also classes in various forms of art [painting, sculpture, jewellery, etc], music of many styles - instruments, choir - drama, play reading, languages, gardening, touring, films, book club, etc, etc, etc.

A person could be busy every day of the week.

Yesterday was the end of year concert and afternoon tea. It was the best way to spend an afternoon, and the most wonderful, talented and entertaining concert!!

U3A folk dancers



Dragon Regatta

Yesterday DH and I went to a Dragon Boat Regatta at Forster. There were boats and paddlers from the Hawkesbury River to Coffs Harbour. It was an inspiring morning watching the races and I have definitely decided to join the local club, and to buy a couple of solid folding chairs for the boot of the car for every time we go out to somewhere like a park or the beach.

The days are forecast to get hotter all this week, so outside jobs will be done early or late in the day. Hiding away from the heat in the middle of the day will be perfect for sewing. I have my partner for QBSA and have already chosen my December fabrics. I am also planning to applique and stitch a banner for the Dragon Boat club.

November ...........

I have two swap partners this month and their blocks are already made and mailed.
For Beth - a friendship star on white -

and for Pam, a sampler style block in Autumn colours -

I was a guardian angel to two swap members this month, but did not photograph the blocks.



A huge umbrella tree was growing too close to the house and dropping its leaves and flowers in the gutters, so it was brought down with ropes and a chain saw - now it is my job to load the logs, and remove the lighter material to the bonfire. It has been so dry, windy and hot it will be quite a while until the bonfire is lit.

Sewing right now is for gifts for my littlest grand daughters - pictures soon of a cat, a monkey and a dragon.

My latest excursion is into Dragon Boat Paddling. I have wanted to try this for a long time and now think perhaps I should have started long ago. It is very hard on my knees [cartlidge breaking down] and a shoulder which is proving touchy. I probably try too hard to keep up with the more experienced paddlers and my shoulder muscles set like cement for a couple of days and keep me awake at night. My future as a paddler is still being assessed.

"At home" day today - it is too easy to go out most days of the week.

Spring has sprung .............

Now we have reached the Spring Equinox it is really Spring.
I love the perfume of the plants now flowering, the abundance of blossoms on the fruit trees, vege plants and the vines, all promising fruit, veges and nuts in the future. I love the happy warmth of Spring days that makes everything we do so much more comfortable. It is really good to put away the woolies and change to light, cotton clothing.

Here are some photos that celebrate the Spring Equinox -

shoots on the grape vine

masses of highly perfumed flowers on the macadamia tree

new leaves bursting open on the fig tree

plum blossom

port wine magnolia - divine perfume on a warm day

broad beans

quince blossoms

My favourite seasons are the gentle ones - Spring and Autumn. I fully appreciate the purpose of the cycle of seasons and celebrate them all, but I do tend to hide away from the extremes of heat and cold.