Farewell Frida!

I do love Frida Kahlo, and when I can get a good calendar of her art, I grab it. She has been adorning my wall all year, but sadly she is getting ready to leave us, as the minutes tick down to midnight.

 This year, 2012,  has been a year of highs and lows, and I can't say I'm sad to be waving it goodbye.

 

Not much to show you this evening I'm afraid.  I managed to finish the applique section of the last Imperial Blooms block.  Not quite finished this BOM, but I hope I will be a lot closer when the first installment of Bird Dance (Sue Spargo BOM 2013) arrives towards the end of January.

It looks rather plain here, but it has quite a bit of embellishment to come, never fear!

I have  a few things coming up to show you, but you will have to wait until 2013 starts to unfold.  In the meantime, I wish you all a very Happy New Year, filled with delight and achievements, surrounded by the ones you love.

Peace,

Deb

Merry Christmas, 2012

 

Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you all have a fabulous day tomorrow.  

Clearly, Santa hasn't been here to offload his stash yet........better leave out something special for when she he comes, don't you think?  I heard that Spanish Brandy is a real winner with our Santa here.

Over the years we have had rather haphazard Christmases; trying to fit in family, in-laws and out-laws has been a bit of a juggle.  But a couple of years ago, I decided we would be "in" for Christmas, and whoever could come would be most welcome, whoever could not, would not be written out of the will. It has worked a treat, and I love establishing our own tradition. And besides, it means I can have an extra glass (or two) of champagne without worrying about driving.

Whatever your family tradition, I hope you have a truly wonderful day.

Actually, I am feeling quite excited, since I have four weeks leave coming up now.  I actually can't remember when I had more than two(ish) weeks in a row, so this is some unfamiliar territory. I'm hoping to catch up on some well deserved R&R with a few day trips to visit friends, visit quilt shops out of town, and a week in Bali.  I also have my lovely boys 21st birthday to arrange, so lots to keep me busy.

So what have I been sewing?  Not much since I have been trying to et some overdue work out of the way, and then get sorted for Christmas.

But there has been the next Caswell block

and another George III circle block.

I hope for some more sewing time after the full Christmas day experience!

Jingle your bells,

Deb

Still on the Ark

The joke is probably getting a bit tired now.....but I am out of inspiration, so it will continue until the end of the year.

Over summer I hope to get a couple of quilts to the quilter (they have been collecting dust for months) and Phebe is my project to finish. Too soon to decide what else 2013 will bring, but I'm looking forward to a fresh start for the new year.

So what two blocks have I got to show you today?

Block 3 from the Caswell quilt:

I'm enjoying this project so much, and it's giving me an excuse to buy some new fabric.  Always makes me happy.....I know you will agree.

Second project is the finished Block 8 from Imperial Blooms:

Quite a bit of stitching on this one, but it was so much fun.  Here's a close up:

Yesterday we attended the last CAG meeting for the year.  Such a great day, it's just the therapy I need. The group has become so popular, that a larger venue was needed, and it was still full!

I hope your Christmas preparations are all going well.

Much happiness,

Deb

What a Pair!

Another two blocks to show you - haven't managed to do much more than that over the last fortnight, sadly.
  On the upside, exam marking is finished and workish things should slow a little between now and Christmas.

First of my pair this week is the next George III Coverlet block (which I have been incorrectly calling King George Coverlet).

I do enjoy hand piecing so this project is making me smile :)  I like Carolyn's fabric choices for the BOM which are a mix of fabulous repros and some more modern soft florals.

Block 2 this time is the next block from our gorgeous Di's Antique Wedding Sampler.

The blocks will be set on point, so the dear sweet bird will be flying correctly eventually! Until then, tilt your head 45 degrees to the left.

Speaking of Di, poor girl has broken her ankle, so will be forced to sit at home and stitch furiously.  If you leave her a comment at the SSS blog, I'm sure it will speed along her recovery.

Another thing making me happy, is Sue Spargo's glorious stitching book, mine is already covered in drool.  

Last photo is of my "design wall";), lol,  I don't actually have one.  But what I do have is an a tapestry frame that I throw things over, so you can see a bit of a sneek peak at what is to come.

I hope your run up to Christmas is not too hectic.  Mine is rather busy but includes my DD's birthday and a couple of trips to Castlemaine, too much fun.

Much joy to all

Deb