Embroideroo

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T10:19:00.001+10:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday everyone!

Sandi x

Splayds - Remember these

2011-11-30T16:51:00.000+10:00

Popped in to our local op-shop yesterday and found some great bargains. Still in its original box were a set of 70's ? vintage buffet forks, (Westminster brand). We have another brand of these at home, and use them all the time, so some more will come in handy. Splayds is the name of the original buffet fork and is what most people call them.

And......I also found this lovely italian glass water jug.
I'm sure it will see a lot of use this summer. I can just picture it filled with lots of ice, water and sliced limes, or perhaps some Sangria?......

Cheerio for now
Sandi x

Shortbread Stars

2011-11-21T14:09:00.000+10:00

It's that time of year again..........

Christmas get togethers and parties.......

Rich & buttery
melt in your mouth......

I like to give friends some shortbread stars as a thankyou

for their friendship throughout the year.

Packaged in cellophane bags, tied with a ribbon and miniature christmas decoration.

Of course I do have to try one or two.......(for quality control purposes.... :)
mmmm...... I may have to bake more.

Sandi x

A Cute Coin Purse

2011-11-16T17:42:00.000+10:00

I saw this kit to make a Japanese Coin Purse at the Indigo Niche stand, at the recent Quilt & Craft Expo. (Southbank, Brisbane.)

It was so easy to make.

I will definitely make more of these, I just have to order the special clasp set.

It has a magnetic closure and a slide clasp.

Just a bit different.

I sent the purse to my sister for her birthday.
I hope she likes it....

Cheerio,
Sandi x

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T06:00:00.001+10:00

xxx
Sandi

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000+10:00

Sandi x

B-gerk

2011-10-18T20:01:00.000+10:00

Meet the latest additions to our household, a trio of Rhode Island Red chooks,

Ginger, Marmalade and Lacey.

Quite recently I had arrived home one afternoon to find Cricket (border collie pup) and four of the neighbors chooks in our front yard...........(unharmed and quite happily pecking around).

Other days, when I couldn't find Cricket at home, she would be next door (another neighbor) watching their chooks.

......So now she has her own chooks to look after (and it gives her something to do when we are not home).

She is doing a very good job.

Sandi x

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T08:30:00.000+10:00

Sandi x

Show Off!

2011-10-09T16:55:00.001+10:00

I have had this little non-descript cactus for about 2 years I guess now. It has grown quite a bit since it was a cutting.
It was given to me by a lovely chinese lady. She has an import business in Brisbane. I was admiring her collection of pot plants she displays amongst the pots for sale in the garden section outside. I commented on how pretty they looked, and she gave me some cuttings, how nice!
The cactus didn't have any flowers on it at the time, so I didn't know what to expect.

A few months ago, the little cactus developed some red buds, which slowly got bigger and bigger........

every day, I checked the ever growing buds.......

until one day.......

'It's out, the flower is out at last'!I was excited! I just had to show Mr Roo.

The most spectacular red flower was finally revealed.

It is an orchid cactus or Epiphyllum.

One of Mother Nature's masterpieces!

When it grows bigger, I will be able to share it too.......

Cheerio for now,

Sandi x

Vintage Van Loveliness

2011-09-27T20:38:00.000+10:00

Imagine my surprise this morning happening upon a photo shoot,
just up the road.......

Meet Lisa
and 'Vicky' (the very pink vintage van).
They are going to appear in New Zealand Life & Leisure Magazine.(January issue)
How exciting!!

Lisa was kind enough to let me have a wander through......

Am loving that tea cosy!

I'm glad I stopped by.

What a pleasure to meet Lisa and 'Vicky'.

Spring is Here

2011-09-07T17:55:00.000+10:00

You know that spring is here when the wisteria is in bloom. (Pictured above). This vigorous vine just about covers the entire pergola with it's fragrant clusters of purple flowers.

Glowing in the afternoon sunlight is an abutilon (chinese hat) flower.

Dangling from a fork of a tree, I found an orchid I had planted long ago.....and now it is flowering, what a lovely surprise!

And lastly, a rhondaleisha shrub in bloom, with it's pretty scented pink flowers.

I love this time of year in the garden,
lots of pretty flowers
and lovely fragrance in the air.......

Sandi x

Father's Day

2011-09-04T18:22:00.000+10:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day today.
Pictured here is a much younger me with my dad.
I popped in for a visit and shared a cuppa with mum and dad this afternoon.
You can always find dad tinkering in his shed down the back.

Sandi x

Vintage bits

2011-08-28T16:09:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd show you a few vintage things today. I love this beautifully illustrated label from a packet of red binding.

And from my collection of cottons are these ones on wooden spools. The names of the colours are so imaginative.

Do you collect vintage sewing things too?

Cheerio for now,

Sandi x

Loads 'O Lemons

2011-07-19T10:33:00.001+10:00

A bumper crop of luscious Lisbon lemons this year.

All visitors MUST take home a bag of lemons.........
just think of all the lemony things you can make.......lemon meringue pie, lemon butter, lemon cheesecake, lemon tarts...........

Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Coming up Roses

2011-07-18T16:59:00.000+10:00

A 'rosey' theme today. I thought I'd show you some recent purchases discovered in local op-shops.
The first one is a vintage Royal Doulton plate. I just love the gorgeous cottage roses around the edge.

Oh, and here's another little dish, this one has been hand-painted, there's a signature on the back.
It has a 'shabby chic' feel about it.

And lastly, a bouquet of roses stitched in petit point. (bought for a steal!)
It looks as though it has been washed, - the canvas is slightly out of shape and the red printed border has bled onto the very edge of the cream background. But with some creative framing I might be able to hide that.
I always love to have a browse in op-shops, you never know what treasures you may find.
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Gingerbread Cushion

2011-06-25T14:01:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to show you my latest finish -
the 'Gingerbread Cushion' designed by Ann Ferguson from Quiltopia
(she has patterns available in her shop).

So easy to make using a Clover yo-yo maker (big size) and a pack of five inch charm squares.

A great portable project.

I am so pleased with the way it turned out and will definitely make more of these cushions.

Happy stitching,
Sandi x

Meet 'Sally'

2011-06-22T18:23:00.000+10:00

Sally Singer that is.

She is my newest companion over at the studio.

I found her in a Salvation Army op-shop, catching my eye as I was heading over for a look at the sewing bric-a-brac.

'Take me home with you', she seemed to say......

Circa 1937, Sally is in pretty good condition for her age. She is a Scottish lass, made in the Kilbowie factory.

With a bit of a clean, and a tune up, she will be whirring away in no time.
I even bought her a new leather belt.

My nanna used to have a treadle sewing machine, and I remember as a little girl playing with it making the needle go up and down.........

Happy stitching,
Sandi x

A Surprise

2011-06-21T08:13:00.000+10:00

Look what arrived in the mail.........

A wonderful and unexpected parcel from Sarah (If Only I had Chocolate blog)

She had made this gorgeous cushion cover FOR ME! I love it to bits! And in my favourite colour too, red.

I am constantly amazed at the friendships formed through blogging.
What a wonderful world we live in.
Happy days!

Sandi x

Catching up

2011-06-01T10:33:00.003+10:00

Gee it's been ages since I last posted......

I had a health scare earlier in May, which really gave me a bit of a shock. After tests (mammogram and ultrasound) it turned out to be something quite common. (and easily treated that day).It was such a relief!

And now on a lighter note, here are some photos taken just after easter. Mr Roo and I took a little time out and went for a few days away down south to Tenterfield and then on to Byron Bay. On the way down we called in to Suttons Farm.near Stanthorpe. I had read on another blog that you can pick your own apples (which appealed enormously to Mr Roo as he had always wanted to pick apples straight from the tree), AND they have a cafe. I had seen on said blog, photos of gi-normous apple pies made by the lady of the farm, and thought that I would just have to sample a slice for myself.......

Why are the best apples way down the bottom of the orchard?
These ones were 'Pink Lady' apples.

Here 'tis. A big slice of the famous 'Suttons farm' apple pie.
It came with cinamon and cider icecream - it was absolutely delicious!
The apples used for this pie were called 'Pink Kiss'.
This was my lunch by the way - the slices were so big there was no way I was going to fit in anything else :)

I was quite amused by this sign in the cafe shop..... :) hee hee.

Cheerio for now my lovelies,
have a wonderful day,
I have something exciting to show you soon.
Sandi x

A New Blog

2011-03-23T18:14:00.001+10:00

In addition to this blog, I have started another one So I will have two blogs...... The new one will feature native wildlife! - another passion of mine. Have you noticed how much wildlife has appeared on this blog? I was getting worried that it was starting to take over from the sewing side of things. So now the critters will appear on the other blog. I was worried too, that some of the more 'fearsome' creatures might frighten off a few of my fellow sewing bloggers....?
Anyway, if you would like to pop over for a look, here is the link. Oh, and what is it called? I hear you ask......well.......Poke it With a Stick :) of course!

Cheerio,

Sandi x

Marvellous Mauve

2011-03-21T14:05:00.000+10:00

A mauve inspired post today.
Here's a covered coathanger for a wee one. I dabbed some lavender oil onto the wooden coathanger before covering, and it smells lovely!

A mauve plectranthus, one of my favourite shrubs to grow, (and will easily strike from a cutting). This one has a visiting native 'blue banded' bee.

A mauve hydrangea. Hello Mr Mantis.

And lastly, over in the pond garden, a pickerel rush flower (with visiting honey bee).
Little green frogs love hiding amongst these rushes.
I hope you enjoyed my mauve post today.
Have a lovely monday.

Cheerio,
Sandi x

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T09:42:00.000+10:00

Have a wonderful wednesday everyone,

Sandi x

Whiskers

2011-03-09T09:15:00.000+10:00

Cricket, now smile for the camera...... (what a funny look you are giving me)

No! Don't lick the flower! (puppies are so easily distracted)

(the flower is called 'cat's whiskers)

She is a bit muddy and slobbered upon, as she had been playing with next door's golden retreiver.

Cheers,

Sandi x

Something in Common

2011-03-08T08:21:00.000+10:00

Some pretty butterfly photos for you today.

These are all 'common' butterflies. The first one is a 'Common Jezabel', photographed feeding on a red bottlebrush shrub in the Cania National Park.

This one too is a 'Common Jezabel' on a tropical spider lily in my garden.

And lastly a 'Common Aeroplane' butterfly.
Named because of the way it holds it's wings flat when in flight.

We have so lucky to have lots of butterflies visiting our garden. I do have more photos ..... and will post some from time to time.
Do you have butterflies in your garden?

Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Company in the Carriage

2011-03-07T12:54:00.000+10:00

Last week, my friend, Sandrine, came to do some sewing with me. She is learning to sew a quilt. You can see it here. It turned out beautifully. Cricket (pup) was there too....giving cuddles.

Meanwhile I worked on this project.

Another friend, June, had given me some bags of fabric samples. Thanks, June.

I decided I could make a little table runner with these colourful ones. The fabric had a circle pattern woven in the fabric. It shimmered with gold.

I appliqued some circles down the centre of the runner. There was also gold in this fabric too. It was shining in the afternoon sun.

We had a lovely day sewing......chatting ......cups of tea.....

Cheerio,

Sandi x

Blue pretties....

2011-03-04T08:24:00.000+10:00

A few of my little treasures.....
in a blue theme today.
The vintage bluebird is a lucky op-shop find.
I love these old fifties? buttons, I collect them to use in projects.
Do you collect buttons too?

Part of Mr Bowerbird's collection of blue objects......
His bower is tucked away in the corner of our garden.

One of my designs.....

Don't you love this shade of blue?
reminiscent of the beach....

Have a lovely friday everyone.
Cool and foggy here today
perfect for stitching!

Sandi x

Back from break....

2011-02-23T18:05:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone, I'm back blogging again after a break.......
We're still here, safe and well.
Cricket (pup) has grown bigger since you saw her last time on the blog. She is helping me show you something I whipped up recently.
This denim shirt was amongst some shirts that Mr Roo no longer wanted and was destined for the op-shop.
I decided to 'upcycle' the shirt and make him a 'blokey' cushion.

A very easy cushion to make!

An idea for a boy's present.

Mr Roo was very pleased indeed!

Cheers,

Sandi x

Ruff Sewing

2011-01-07T16:36:00.002+10:00

My new assistant.......

Little Cricket was ahem....'helping' me sew the new hessian bag onto Dash's dog bed frame.
......it took a little longer than I thought. ^ ^

Cheers,
Sandi x

A Christmas Surprise

2010-12-29T09:29:00.002+10:00

Introducing 'Cricket', the newest member of our household.
Mr Roo brought her home on christmas eve - a complete surpise to me!

She is a Border Collie pup, born on 23rd October.
A little ball of energy and mischief!
The other day, she worked out how to unzip her dog cushion - there were bits of white stuffing all over the verandah :)

A sheep dog should have a sheep (even if it is a pink fluffy one!)

Dash (12) is being very patient with Cricket.
The dogs were allowed to come in for a while (as long as they stayed on the towel) We have red volcanic soil here, there are muddy footprints right around the verandah.
Their beds are on the verandah.
As you may know, we have had an enormous amount of rain here in south east Queensland (for about three weeks now) and there are lots of flooded areas. We are fine, living on the Blackall Range, and our house is elevated (four steps). Our yard is very waterlogged and quite squishy underfoot. I think the weather is finally clearing up - it will be nice to see the sunshine again.
I haven't done much sewing in the past few days....I've been a little distracted.......

Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Secret Santa Gifts revealed

2010-12-27T17:32:00.000+10:00

I couldn't wait to open my gifts from secret santa Simone on christmas day.
Look at these wonderful goodies.
A lovely placemat and matching coasters in christmas colours; a beautiful christmas wall-hanging;
and a gorgeous pattern to make a table runner.

- look at Simone's fine stitching.......

detail on the coasters,

I love this pattern!

Thankyou so much for making these christmas gifts for me, Simone, I am so lucky for you to be my secret santa.
And a great big thankyou too, to Chookyblue for organising this swap.

Cheerio,
Sandi x

Santa's on his way....

2010-12-24T08:38:00.001+10:00

This year Santa is delivering the presents by boat
in some parts of Australia.......
(many areas are affected by floods)

Have a merry christmas everyone!
Keep warm..... and dry!

Sandi x

White Christmas Slice recipe

2010-12-23T11:17:00.001+10:00

An Aussie favourite at christmastime is 'White Christmas' slice.

This crispy no-cook slice is great to make with kids. A few pieces wrapped in cellophane can make a great christmas present for them to give (that's if the adults haven't eaten them all first).

This recipe is also gluten and dairy free.

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut milk powder

3 cups of rice bubbles

3/4 cup icing sugar

1 cup of dessicated coconut

1 cup of mixed dried fruit

250g Copha, melted and cooled off

2 teaspoons of vanilla essence

****

Mix all the dry ingredients together, then add the melted copha and vanilla, and mix in.

Pour into a lamington tin lined with baking paper. Press the mixture evenly into the tin.

Chill in the refrigerator till set and firm, about 2 hours. Cut into squares to serve.

A gift idea: here I have used a thrifted glass dish and piled on the pieces of slice. Then wrapped it up in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.

Enjoy!

Sandi x

Christmas Cheer

2010-12-23T07:55:00.000+10:00

Come on guys, smile and someone might
just take us home for christmas.

Funny Photo

2010-12-20T16:08:00.000+10:00

Due to spiralling veterinary fees,
Santa was forced to take a Saturday job.

Cheers,
Sandi x

A Package on my Doorstep

2010-12-14T16:33:00.000+10:00

Look what I found on my doorstep today.

Given to me by my lovely neighbor, Sharon, she knows I like vintage things.

The picture on the tin looks like the fifties or sixties?

This is the original label on the back.
I think Bycroft was a New Zealand company.

And inside, wonderful wooden cotton spools, buttons, thimbles and an enormous embroidered linen tea-towel. I think the tea-towel would make a terrific apron!
I love my new treasures!

Happy Stitching,
Sandi x

I'll just open one or two.........

2010-12-14T07:44:00.000+10:00

Fido resolved that next christmas he would definitely ignore the voices in his head.

Cheers,
Sandi x

Ornament revealed

2010-12-12T14:37:00.000+10:00

This is the ornament I sent my swap partner, Nicolette, as part of ChookyBlue's secret santa swap this year.

An 'Aussie Santa' (wearing shorts)

Nicolette lives in the Netherlands. I hope this Santa doesn't get too cold over there.

Cheers,
Sandi x

Christmas Dogs

2010-12-09T14:59:00.000+10:00

Pull over by that tree, Frank. I need to powder my nose.

Cheers,
Sandi x

It's Arrived

2010-12-08T11:01:00.000+10:00

All the way from the Netherlands....... a parcel from my Secret Santa Swap partner.
from Simone at Quilting and Stitchery Diary.

Amongst the prettily wrapped christmas gifts that Simone has sent,

are an advent calender,

some nice tea tied up with a red ribbon and a snowflake button,

And a lovely christmas card.

I am allowed to open the christmas ornament parcel........ the others are to be opened on christmas day.......

I am being very good.

Here is the christmas ornament,
a beautiful redwork stitchery featuring christmas bells.
It will look wonderful hanging on our tree.
Thankyou Simone for making all of those little christmas gifts for me, I can't wait to open them up.......

Many thanks also to ChookyBlue for organising this fabulous swap!

Cheerio,
Sandi x

Funny Christmas Photo

2010-12-03T14:22:00.000+10:00

Geez, how big is the turkey?

Cheers,
Sandi x

Tiny Teddies

2010-12-02T11:57:00.000+10:00

I was over visiting Judy's blog, and she was showing us her little porcelain bear. I have some that are similar.

They are only about three centimetres tall.

These 'bandage bears' are a recent addition, found at an op shop on the Gold Coast. No label underneath, but these bears look similar to the letter-posting bear.

Sailor bear. No label.

My sister bought me this one when she was working in the UK. Label says 'made in England'.

This is one I bought in a local shop. He is a cutie. Label says made and handpainted in Scotland, Lammermuir Designs, 1992.

I hope you enjoyed looking at my collection little bears.

What do you collect?

Sandi x

A BBB in the garden

2010-12-01T19:03:00.000+10:00

Yep, a Big Black Bull!!

Happily munching away on my lemon tree!

C'mon Dash, let's round him up and head him off, back to where he came from.

(the farm down the road, I think).

He wasn't too thrilled with us moving him along.......

Cheers,

Sandi x

Festive Feline

2010-11-28T11:36:00.000+10:00

No, please, not the nose.

not everyone loves christmas.....

Cheers,

Sandi x

Christmas Cheer

2010-11-27T15:22:00.001+10:00

From an early age she suspected men were a bunch of lazy freeloaders.

Cheers,

Sandi x

Quilt Rescue

2010-11-26T10:17:00.000+10:00

I came across this little quilt at the local op-shop on wednesday. It was in with the pet blankets???!!!

I wondered why it had been put there.

Oh dear, there were some black marks (paint or tar?) and some purple paint on another section.

Nevertheless, I bought it anyway.

Once home, I thought 'what are my chances at getting those marks out?'

I was advised to use methylated spirits or mineral turpentine for removal of paint.

I tried methylated spirits on a cotton bud, just dabbing away,

the marks were coming out.

It went a little smudgy, but it was mostly out.

Next, I rubbed on my favourite stain remover - 'Sard Wonder Soap'.

Guess what?

The paint marks vanished!

All of the appliqued bears have been hand done. Just look at those adorable tiny buttons. A lot of work (and love) has gone into the making of this little quilt.

You can see in the picture above that there is no sign of the black paint on the yellow gingham square.

(My winter heater has now become a summer quilt stand.)

I will keep it now for when little ones (grandchildren?) come along. I expect that will happen in the next five years or so. No rush :)

Cheerio,

Sandi x

Meeting the 'Minx'

2010-11-25T17:25:00.001+10:00

This morning, I went to a 'meet the author' event at our local bookstore, Rosetta Books.

Kelly Doust (author of 'Crafty Minx' and more) was launching her new book 'A Life in Frocks'.

'In A Life in Frocks, Kelly takes us through her wardrobe of memories exploring the many facets of the fickle world of fashion'.

Kelly gave a delightful presentation and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

Kelly (on left), and myself

She even signed my book for me.

Lovely!

.......and the morning tea was scrumptious, especially the passionfruit slice.

Sandi x

Pottering around.....

2010-11-22T15:57:00.000+10:00

Let's go over to the pond..........

My fragrant waterlillies are starting to bloom.
This lovely lilac one has a little visitor, can you see it?
It is a hover fly.

A sedge frog keeping watch.
There are a few frogs in the pond today. This little chap seemed to like having his photo taken.
They chirp when the rain is on its way.

A Cape York lily - a spectacular member of the ginger family. It is related to tumeric (the spice).
The pink flower spike emerges first, followed by the big leaves.

Part of my 'white' garden. The agapanthus are out at the moment. I have the blue ones as well in other parts of the garden.
It is a busy time of year in the garden.
Cutting back, weeding, mulching....
We've got thirty bales of sugar cane mulch coming this week. We get it delivered straight from the farmer.
Cheerio for now,
Back to the garden.......

Sandi x

On its way

2010-11-22T11:45:00.000+10:00

Wrapped and ready to go.
Posted friday.
Secret Santa Swap presents
Are winging their way around the world.

A swap organised by the lovely Chookyblue

I wonder who my secret santa is?.......

Cheerio,
Sandi x

2010-11-18T08:56:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, thanks for all the lovely comments I received for my birthday, they were much appreciated!
I made this little fabric basket recently, for my sister's birthday. I thought she might like the fabric - she has two border collie dogs.
For the batting, I used up some purple felt (goodness knows why I had bought it in the first place). I will have to make some more of these useful baskets. Today I am getting my parcel ready to send to my secret partner in Chookyblue's Secret Santa Swap. I can't wait to show you what I have made, I can show you after christmas.
Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

A Sign

2010-11-04T11:31:00.001+10:00

A sign that christmas is nearly here.
The arrival of christmas beetles. This is the first one of the season.
He looks like he is about to wave. ^ ^

These beetles eat mainly eucalypt leaves.

We get a few different species of 'chrismas beetles' here in Australia. We most often see the green beetle (pictured above) and there is also a gold one. You usually find them buzzing around the outside lights at night time. I will have to show you a gold christmas beetle (for my overseas visitors), when they arrive.

Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Pink Post

2010-11-02T14:27:00.001+10:00

I made these little cupcakes over the weekend, as we often have friends drop by, and I like to have some sweet treats to have with coffee.
Son, David, took the remainder with him to work on monday. Can you imagine four blokes sitting down to eat these (pretty) cakes with heart sprinkles on top? :)

A hot pink ruellia flower.
(Ruellia macrantha, from Brazil)
Once picked, they will happily sit in a bowl for a few days - without water!
I put them in the soap dish in the bathroom - they look quite tropical.

Pink Galahs!
Chatting around the birdbath.......
A common visitor to our garden.

A honeybee sipping nectar from a pink(ish) salvia.

Last Weekend, friends and food

2010-10-29T10:09:00.000+10:00

Goodness, it's friday again.....but I would like to show you what we got up to last weekend.
On saturday evening, we had friends and family over for one of Mr Roo's camp oven dinners.
Can you see the camp oven in the fire pit?
He cooked a fantastic roast beef. I made some roast veggies in the kitchen oven, and an apple and currant slice for dessert.
We showed outdoor movies on the carriage platform. It was a great night.

On sunday afternoon, we were invited over to Sandrine's for traditional Paella.
It was superb!!!

Yum! It was sooooo delicious and full of succulent seafood.
(I think Cookie was hoping that Sandrine might drop a piece of food.....)
I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Cheers!
Sandi x

In My Garden....Spring blooms

2010-10-22T10:14:00.000+10:00

Come for a walk with me around the garden...... let's see what's in bloom at the moment.
I love this old fashioned rose, don't know the name of it, the perfume is glorious!

Here are some more rosebuds (of the rose above) nearly opening.....

A native fan flower..... love this colour! This one grows in a sunny spot out near my letterbox.

and lastly, some golden blooms on this little cactus.

I have a few pots of succulents on the back verandah and this cactus is amongst them.

Hope you enjoyed looking around my garden.

Come back soon!

Sandi x

Shhh.....It's Secret

2010-10-19T09:25:00.000+10:00

A sneak peek at one of the little things I'm working on for the Chooky Blue Secret Santa Swap. Shhh don't tell anyone.......
Happy Stitching,
Sandi x

Make a Teapot Mat

2010-10-13T09:17:00.001+10:00

Here is a great project to make with french knitting
- a teapot mat.
(See this earlier post on french knitting.)
Use wool for this project, as it is going to be felted.
Make a length of french knitting. Coil it into a circle. You may have to try this a few times till you get the desired size. Mine is approx 6 1/2 inches across.
Take a needle and length of wool, and starting from one end, curl the french knitting into a circle and continue to stitch the coils together till you get to the end. Hide the tail end of the wool in the mat.

The next step is to felt the wool.
In a basin of hot soapy water, gently rub the mat till it felts up. Rinse. Give it a quick spin. Then dry the mat, keeping it flat. I gave it a day to dry.
You can see by the picture that your mat is looking a bit different now, the colours have blended together a little, and it has flattened out.
Now to add on the felt base.
Place the mat on piece of coordinating felt and cut around it.
Place some safety pins in to keep it all together.

Stitch the felt base on. I used six strands of embroidery cotton.
I also stitched in the centre between the coils to secure the felt.

Project finished! A nice cosy mat to put your teapot on.

I hope you enjoyed this fun tutorial. Let me know if you make one, I'd love to see it.

Happy stitching,

Sandi x

It's Kinda Wet

2010-10-11T14:51:00.000+10:00

[Dash] 'Mmm......I'm not going out there!'

Very rainy for the last few days here on the 'Sunshine Coast'. We have had nearly 400mm of rain on the range, since it started. It is very squishy underfoot, gumboots definately needed! Our pet ducks have found some really big puddles in the neighbor's driveway, and are actually swimming!
The weather bureau predicts that we will have a fine day .......on thursday.

Great weather for sewing tho' :)
You'll find me out in the railway carriage studio - I've got the heater on, so it's warm and cosy. I'll put the kettle on!
Happy stitching,
Sandi x

A Spot of Irish Tea

2010-10-08T14:33:00.002+10:00

When visiting 'The Rocks Markets' in Sydney last month, we happened upon the delightful Tara Tea Rooms. They specialise in Irish tea and scones.
Mr Roo noticed they had a blackboard informing customers when the next batch of scones were ready - straight from the oven.
The scones were lovely!!!! Big and crusty and soft and fluffy on the inside. Plus there was loads of jam and cream. Delicious! I would definately go back again.

Each teapot had its own individual tea cosy. It added a nice homey touch.
Don't you love discovering these hidden gems?
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Family Wedding

2010-10-07T12:19:00.001+10:00

Hello dear readers,
I'd like to show you a few photos from our eldest son's (Matthew) wedding. The weather forecast for that saturday (18th September) was a bit doubtful, but in the end, we were blessed with a beautiful day. The showers held off until later that evening.

The first photo 'Waiting for the Bride'
Matthew (Groom), Tim (best man), Joel (bride's brother), David (Matt's brother, our second son)

The beachside wedding was held in a park at Moffat Beach, Caloundra.

Halley and Matthew.
Halley looked absoultely gorgeous in her bridal gown. Her bouquet featured tropical orchids. The bridesmaids wore full length strapless sage green dresses, and carried lillies.

The happy couple,
officially married now!

After the ceremony,
the champagne was flowing
as everyone congratulated the newlyweds.

Photos were taken with the wedding party,
........ then onto the reception!

The reception was at Saltwater restaurant, also in Caloundra, at Kings Beach, a beautiful location.
More champagne, beautiful food, music and .........dancing the night away.

***

The day after the wedding, Mr Roo and I went camping for six days on Fraser Island with friends (I forgot to take the camera, sorry no photos).
So with the trip away to Sydney, the wedding and the camping, there wasn't any time to fit in a post.
When we returned, my computer started playing up.........and not allowing me to connect to the internet, and doing other annoying things. I now have a new computer. Yay! Am still getting used to the new program.

Cheerio,
Sandi x

Catching Up

2010-10-07T08:44:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone, gee it's been a while since I have blogged. My apologies.
September seemed to fly by. Earlier in the month, we were down in Sydney, where Mr Roo attended a conference. I went along too, and did some sightseeing. The first photo is a market at The Rocks. Can you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background?

I visited my Grandmother whilst there. It is easy to get to Mardie's from the city (where we were staying). I jumped on board a Sydney ferry, and headed accross the harbour to Greenwich Point. It is always an interesting trip on the ferry, stopping off at various wharves, and the ferry captain manouvreing the ferry into the right spot. That day it was particulary blustery too, making it a bit more of a challenge.

Here is Mardie's little house. (she was checking her letterbox when I took this photo). She has lived there ever since she was married (she is 92 now).
You used to be able to see the Harbour Bridge from the verandah, but alas now there is a big house across the road, blocking the view.

On our first night in Sydney, we boarded the 'Sydney Showboat' - an old fashioned paddlewheeler boat, for dinner and a show, it was fantastic! I took this fountain photo (at Darling Harbour) on the way back to our hotel after the show. The harbour is in the background.

We had a lovely time visiting bustling Sydney - shopping, sightseeing, dining out, markets.......glad to get home though........
Cheers,
Sandi x

Remember These?

2010-09-07T16:46:00.001+10:00

I recently bought this 'Knitting Nancy' at our local op-shop. It makes a circular cord of knitting. (French knitting)
I had a knitting nancy as a small girl; Dad made me one from a wooden cotton spool with four nails in the top. Mine wasn't as fancy as this one! :)
I might make a coaster or pot stand by coiling the cord and stitching it together, and have felt on the base. Did you have one of these? And what did you make?
Happy stitching!
Sandi x

Having a Ball

2010-09-03T11:10:00.001+10:00

Do you remember the felt balls I made? (see previous post) I have been having a play.
And this is what I made. A decoration for a keychain perhaps?
The hardest part was threading them on the string - a sturdy mattress needle does the trick.
I think next time, after making the hole, that I would embroider them first, before threading.

You could have fun making a whole necklace with embroidered felt balls......
Happy sewing,
Sandi x

Fun with Felt

2010-08-28T15:37:00.000+10:00

I had a fun day this week making these felt balls with Sandrine. It was hard to make them all the same size, so there are some big ones, some little ones and some in-between.

What's blooming in my garden now? It is nearly springtime here.

This one is a viburnum. It is a great filler in bouquets, with it's frothy white and pink flowers and dark green foliage.

Jasmine - she is very fragrant. And is a mad rampant vine that tries to climb up everything. (and all through a nearby hedge too!)

Cream freesias. They are my only 'spring bulb' that will grow successfully here in sub-tropical Queensland. A wonderful perfume too. I look forward to them popping up along the hedge every year.

I must go now, as I have some cake baking to do.
Tomorrow will be exciting - we are taking the MIL whalewatching out from Mooloolaba.
Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Daffodil Day

2010-08-27T16:08:00.000+10:00

Today is Daffodil Day here in Australia,
it's a day for us all to give hope for a brighter cancer-free future for ourselves, and for those we love.
Established as an Australia-wide event in 1992, Daffodil Day has become the largest fundraising event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Cancer Council now raises around eight million dollars each Daffodil Day, providing vital funds for research, education and support services.
take care,
Sandi x

Latest Project

2010-08-16T14:40:00.000+10:00

Do you like my latest project for Creating Country Threads magazine? It is a needlebook to hold packets of needles and sewing essentials. The design features two whimsical birds stitched in red, and a lovely verse reading, 'Thread your day with smiles and laughter'.

And this is the inside of the needlebook..... Ta dah!!

Out now in the lastest issue of 'Creating Country Threads' Stitchery Edition, Volume 11, Number 1.
Happy Stitching everyone!
Sandi x

Snowball Block progress

2010-08-10T16:16:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, quite rainy and foggy here today - a great day for sewing.
I have been making a few more red and white blocks for the snowball quilt. Karen, from Sew Many Ways, is hosting a 'Snowball Night'- where you pick a time each week to make a few blocks.
Don't you love the 'beater' fabric I found? I am still collecting more red and white fabric for this project.
With the snowball block, you get little triangle off-cuts from the corners, that you can use to make little pinwheel blocks for another project. Aren't they the cutest?
Happy stitching,
Sandi x

The Ekka

2010-08-09T14:12:00.000+10:00

We decided to go to the Brisbane 'Ekka' (Exhibition) Show this year, as we haven't been in years.
We went by car most of the way. Then rode the train in to the showgrounds.
I had to have look at all of the wonderful decorated cakes, cooking and sewing entries. This dragon cake was fantastic!

Imagine finding this frog in your garden!
Here was a wonderful display of bromeliad plants, I have a few different ones in my garden.

Lots of colourful, noisy, (and some fast) rides.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of these bobbing ducks in sideshow alley.
We had a lovely time at the show. Our feet were very tired by the time we got home.
Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Christmas Sewing

2010-08-09T13:11:00.000+10:00

Making a start on some christmas projects.
This redwork stitchery didn't take very long to do.
The pattern is by Julie Lembit, called 'Little Lovebirds'. I just happened to have the right sized frame put away in my cupboard to finish it off.
Happy Stitching,
Sandi .

A New Use

2010-08-06T10:35:00.001+10:00

A new use for a barbeque cutlery holder. There are compartments for various cutlery or bottles of sauce, and serviettes (on the sides). It didn't get used much, and was gathering dust.
A quick dust-off and a rub with some lavender beeswax polish, and.......

Out to the studio to become a handy caddy for my sewing things. Now everything has a place and is easy to find.
I love that I could re-purpose the cutlery holder. And now it will be used.
Happy Stitching,
Sandi x

Web Cam

2010-07-19T13:39:00.000+10:00

A misty morning greeted us today.
The spider's webs were capturing the moisture.
and lighting up in the sunshine.

The webs look like they are made with tiny crystal beads.

Clever spiders!

Sandi x

A Birthday Gift

2010-07-15T13:26:00.000+10:00

I made this fabric basket for a very special lady - my grandmother! She has come up from Sydney to visit with family.

It was Mardie's (grandmother) 92nd birthday on Friday, so I took her out for a special birthday lunch at Flaxton Gardens. It is a very pretty drive along the Blackall Range to Flaxton, and down to the coast (where she is staying at my parent's house).

A photo with some of the great-grandchildren on Sunday.
(Our son is the one in the khaki and black striped top, in the left-hand side of the photo). The children helped her blow out the candles.
Mardie enjoyed her party very much!
Cheers,
Sandi x

Woof

2010-07-13T15:02:00.000+10:00

Ad seen in our local paper.
My dog could apply for that job!

Cheers,
Sandi x

Winter Crafting

2010-07-13T12:11:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone, (waving), I'm still here.
I haven't blogged for a little while, so I am just catching up. Went to the Textile Expo at the Southbank Convention Centre in Brisbane, last month with friends, Sandrine and Laetitia. We had a great day there looking at all the different stalls. We were still there at closing time, and the security guys were reminding us it was time to go. I bought a few bits and pieces there, a bundle of hand-dyed woven felt in lovely chocolates, creams, latte and red; a couple of fat quarters of fabric; some interesting yarn; blades for my rotary cutter and some fabric glue.

Clickety-click go the knitting needles..........
This is what I am making with the yarn
- a scarf.
The yarn comes from Japan and is sold by a Melbourne based company called Dairing. To make this scarf, you knit two yarns together in garter stitch, forty stitches across, and knit till the yarn runs out, easy-peasy! The cream yarn is made of 100% cotton, and the brown is silk 69% with a stainless steel core 31%, so you can crinkle and scrunch it, and it will stay like that. It feels nice and soft......interesting and a bit different. I will have to show it to you when it is finished.
Happy Crafting,
Sandi x

Winter Garden

2010-06-22T17:15:00.000+10:00

We have had some brilliant winter weather lately, with crisp, cool days and clear nights. Today has been rather colder and the skies are grey. We had our usual winter load of wood delivered yesterday, just in time too. Nothing better to sit by a warm, toasty fire when it is cold outside.
The top photo is of a pair of Tawny Frogmouths perching in a liquidamber tree (next to our house). They are a night bird, like owls.

The lovely winter foliage on our Nashi Pear tree, I am enjoying the reds, yellows and orange colours, the leaves will be gone soon........We do get fruit on this tree, but those cheeky parrots usually beat us to them.

A golden yellow Abutilon flower, or 'chinese lantern', glowing in the morning sun.

I love the berries on this Ardisia, slowly they are all turning red.

Well my dears, time to light the fire and cook a family dinner.
Cheerio for now, do drop by later, I'll put the kettle on.
Sandi x

Swaps

2010-06-17T15:28:00.003+10:00

Isn't blogging so much fun? I recently did two swaps with two of my dear blogger friends, for one of my strawberry pincushions. The top photo is the swap received from Sarah from 'If Only I Had Chocolate' blog (in Tasmania). Sarah made some fabulous pushpins and magnets for her market stall. I was admiring them, and asked if she'd like to do a swap. She also added a bundle of assorted red ribbons. I do love red! Lovely!
We caught up recently, when she was here in Queensland. We had a morning shopping at the bustling Eumundi Markets.

The next swap is from Amanda of the 'Krafty Panda' blog (Queensland). Amanda made these gorgeous owl pin toppers, don't you just love them.....each one is different. They are made from polymer clay. Amanda has a tutorial on how to make the cutest little mushroom pin toppers - do have a look.

I am one happy girl.....
Cheerio,
Sandi x

P.S. If anyone would like to do a swap for a strawberry pincushion (see sidebar for photo), let me know......

Snowball Projects

2010-06-16T10:31:00.000+10:00

Karen over at Sew Many Ways, is hosting a snowball block sewing night. I thought I'd join in too (won't you join us?). Amongst my stash is a collection of sixteen charm squares (given to me) in mauve and pastel green - not really my colours, but pretty. I thought I would make a snowball cushion for my MIL's birthday, to try out the block.

Here it is finished.......ta-dah!

The cushion is quite a big one. It is sitting on one of the old painted wooden chairs that came with the railway carriage - another project to do. It will get sanded back and repainted (one day....lol!)

Hee hee, a little green sedge frog next to the sliding door latch on my studio. Can you see in the window? Some more snowball blocks on the go........
Cheerio,
Sandi xx

Cania Gorge part two

2010-06-07T11:42:00.000+10:00

Four more photos from the camping weekend at Cania Gorge. The nectar-rich callistemon (bottlebrush) shrub next to where we were camped, attracted many different butterflies and birds.
A beautiful 'Common Jezebel' butterfly, came for a sip. Their caterpillars feed on mistletoes.

A little red ant......I wonder where it is going?

An unusual butterfly that looks like a leaf, when sitting still on the forest floor.

And lastly, a pair of curious looking fungi. I like their orange netted 'skirts'.
Looks like they are about to whistle a tune....... perhaps when there is nobody about?
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Cania Gorge Weekend

2010-06-04T09:44:00.000+10:00

Last weekend, we went camping with friends at Cania Gorge,(Queensland). It is about four and a half hours from home.
We did lots of bushwalking. The first photo is a rock formation we walked to called 'Big Foot'.. obviously... the brochure says 'it features a mysterious large brown image of a four-toed foot on the white sandstone cliff.'

Trailing vines hanging over the sandstone cliffs... we also saw many ferns and orchids growing up high.

We had a snack break here in the shady gorge.

Treeferns (next photo) and rainforest plants growing along the waterline.

A lovely break away. The weather was kind to us (there was rain at home) we only had a little rain one time overnight. At the campground we had a campfire to sit around at night time. It did get quite chilly late afternoon and in the morning. It was nice to warm your hands around a lovely hot cup of coffee.

I took some handstitching with me to do, but not a lot got done.....

Cheerio,

Sandi x

Macaron Morning

2010-05-25T12:00:00.001+10:00

Mmmmm..... macarons (French for macaroon).
I had the most wonderful day baking with this lovely lady Sandrine.

Bonjour!

One of the fillings for the mararons was this chocolate macadamia spread, made right here on the sunshine coast. The other filling was a yummy chocolate ganache that Sandrine whipped up.

Voila!

They were delicious! I'm afraid there are no more left.....

It was lovely catching up, chatting, laughing, and baking, thankyou Sandrine.

Sandi x

A Helping Hand

2010-05-19T11:21:00.000+10:00

On sunday, I found an injured native Bar Shouldered Dove in our garden.
It couldn't balance very well. I didn't find any obvious injuries. Poor little thing.
So the dove spent the night in a small basket by the fireside. It was drinking sips of water, so that was a good sign. The next day, I took it in to the vets. The dove overnighted there in good hands. I rang them the next day to see how the dove was doing. They said it had improved slightly and a carer was going to take it to the nearby Australia Zoo's hospital for recovery.

So I hope to see the little dove again. If all goes well, it will be released back here, to be reunited with all it's little mates. I often see a gang of them in our leafy driveway.
Sandi x

Snow?

2010-05-12T18:49:00.000+10:00

Looks a little like snow.??

No, I am just dreaming.
It is a hedge of lovely white camelias.
One of the beautiful gardens that we pass by on our morning walk.
(Dash is waiting patiently for me to take the photo)

Don't you just love their white gate?

A close-up of one of the camelia flowers. Lots of beautiful yellow stamens in the centre.There are always honeyeater birds in this hedge.

Sandi x

Don't Throw it Away

2010-05-10T14:07:00.002+10:00

Is your favourite scented candle nearly finished? :(
Here is an idea to use up that last bit in the bottom of the container - make a scented sachet.
(I have one of those lovely candles from Village Candles (America), pure linen fragrance).

Carefully remove the wax bits from the container, and chop them up finely.
Using two small squares of leftover batting (for that padded look), sew around three sides, put your wax bits inside, sew shut.
With some fabric scraps, make a cover.
Add a button.

An easy project to make that costs next to nothing.
And you get to enjoy your scented candle a while longer!
Happy Stitching,
Sandi x

A Little Garden Friend

2010-05-04T15:34:00.000+10:00

Isn't he cute?
A little 'emerald spotted tree frog' was spied in a garden pot.
These frogs are more often heard than seen. Their sound is very rapid and loud, 'reminiscent of a jackhammer or machine gun' (according to the book). He is doing his very best to blend in with the colour of the pot.
Sandi x

Looks like a Leaf

2010-04-22T14:44:00.000+10:00

An unusual olive green rainforest moth. It looks a bit like a rolled up leaf don't you think?
The moth was very patient with me and just sat on my finger while I took it's photo.

It even has green eyes.
.........and has a rather comical face, cute!

Can you see the green katydid?
(run for cover! quick hide! Sandi's coming with her camera! :)

Here is the katydid again, I moved it over to another coleus plant so you could see it better.
Katydids are more closely related to crickets than grasshoppers. I sometimes find them eating my mint leaves.
Living near rainforest, we find lots of interesting wildlife in the garden. I enjoy sharing the photos with you.

Well my dears, I must get myself organised as DH and I are heading down to Brisbane to a 'Black Tie' dinner tonight. A very swanky affair by the sounds of the invitation. We will be going here: Cloudland.
Cheerio for now,
Sandi x

Birds, bees 'n woolly things

2010-04-16T10:32:00.000+10:00

A line up :)
Our ducks often sit here on the back lawn in the afternoons, and have a little snooze. They wait for me, because they know it will be dinner time soon.

Now let me show you something in the garden,

A native 'teddy bear' bee, sipping nectar from a coleus flower,

........and a 'blue banded' native bee. These bees are a bit bigger and fatter than honey bees. It is difficult to take a good photo of them, as they are so busy!

And the last photo, is of some goodies brought back from our little easter holiday.

DH bought me this lovely soft throw blanket for an easter present. It is so snuggly and warm.
At a market in Stanthorpe, I bought a knitted tea cosy (does my teapot look a bit like a tomato now? :)
and a cute little knitted bear. From a shop in Tenterfield, I bought the colourful necklace made with felt balls. It is made by Tibeten ladies from Australian merino wool.

Cheerio,
Sandi x

Easter Trip (part two)

2010-04-13T10:18:00.000+10:00

Beautiful scented roses in the gardens of the 'Bramble Patch'.

Seen whilst out walking.........

Sign at the Wallangarra Pub, just had to take a photo.

A field of wonderful pink and white cosmos flowers, Stanthorpe, and it's for sale too!
Hope you enjoyed the photos,
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Easter Trip

2010-04-13T10:11:00.000+10:00

Just a few quick snapshots of our easter weekend away. We just had to stop at this cute little craft shop at Wallangarra, just near the border between New South Wales and Queensland.

An orchard butterfly in the gardens of the 'Jamworks' at Glen Aplin. Bought some lovely berry jam and some of my favourite - fig and ginger jam, there.

The famous 'Bramble Patch' shop at Glen Aplin where you can buy 'everything berry',

....including luscious berry icecreams.....
Sandi x

Easter Sewing

2010-04-06T07:31:00.000+10:00

Happy easter everyone!
This post is a little late as we had a short break away from home, more about that soon.
I thought I'd show you some recent sewing. These cute carrots I made following Clare's tutorial (thanks Clare), and are super easy to make.

The old scales made a perfect place to display the carrots.

And I finished making a big, soft cushion featuring whirligig blocks.

The fabric around the edge of the cushion is called 'make life..... ' I bought it from Ann's shop, Quiltopia.
I hope you had a lovely easter time,
Hoppy Stitching,
Sandi x

A Frog Theme

2010-03-26T10:28:00.003+10:00

A frog theme today. Do you like my frog purse? It is made from Japanese kimono fabric (I bought it at a gallery in Noosa). Inside, the lining fabric has frogs on it. The mouth is a red zipper...fun!

During the recent wet weather, I have been hanging the doormat (over at the studio) on the railing to dry out.
I had a surprise when I lifted it up! What could be under it?.......

Could it be..............

You guessed it!

Frogs!

A 'collection' of 'bleating tree frogs'. Sometimes they are in my milkcan letterbox too! .... lol! They have a 'bleating' call, which can be quite loud for such a small frog. Funny little things. Here is a link to the Frogs Australia website for more info. You can even listen to their call. (Thanks, Jo)

http://www.frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=147

You can see the pads on his feet, to help him climb. Cute!
He and his mates will have to move off, so I can put my doormat back. I'm sure there are lots of hiding places under the deck!
I hope you don't mind me showing you some wildlife photos. I seem to have lots on my 'sewing' blog.

I have been sewing some eastery things and a patchwork cushion too! I will show you soon!
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Sandi x

Fabric Heaven

2010-03-16T16:10:00.000+10:00

Had a lovely visit with a friend, Ann Ferguson, yesterday. Ann has a wonderful quilt shop called Quiltopia, located in Maleny. Just up from the famous Colin James icecream shop and the Sweets on Maple shop.

Her little shop is jam packed with gorgeous bolts of fabric. She also has lots of precuts, kits and patterns.

Just lovely!
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Cool chick!

2010-03-11T09:50:00.000+10:00

I found this fluffy little chickie pecking around in the duck's pen yesterday afternoon. Looking for any grain the ducks may have left, it is welcome to it. The chick is a young brush turkey. They are quite independant from the time they hatch, fending for themselves.

A pretty moth (in our shed).
The rainy weather is back again, which is good in a way, - it will top up our remaining water tank. And it is nice to sit and stitch, and have a big cup of hot tea to sip on.......might even light up the wood heater to dry the house out a bit. With all this wet weather, there is a lot of humid air about.
Sandi x

My Quiltgroup

2010-03-08T16:22:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd show you a few photos from my quiltgroup today. We meet at the Arts & Crafts building at our local showgrounds. Our group has over 50 members now.
*notice that no-one parks under the bunya nut trees at this time of the year - bunya nuts are a big native pine tree with huge pine cones (bigger than a football) and if it lands on your car, it will leave a huge dent.

Show and tell. A beautiful quilt! Look at all that work.

A butterfly quilt in pretty pastels. Made by Judy (on right).

This quilt made by Pam (on right) is to take camping.
Our group are organising our first quilt show in september this year. Exciting!
I didn't get any actual sewing done there today, as it was my turn, with a partner, to do the morning teas.
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Movie Treat

2010-03-06T16:48:00.001+10:00

Still raining quite heavily today on the 'Sunshine Coast', so DH and I treated ourselves to a movie. We saw 'Alice in Wonderland' in 3D (hence the groovy glasses).The movie was fabulous and the 3D effects were magical. I loved when they were walking through the forest with all those huge mushrooms, and the Cheshire cat is gorgeous with his big eyes. The costumes too, are amazing. I would definately recommend this movie.
Hope you are all having a great weekend too,
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Great weather for ducks......

2010-03-05T09:50:00.001+10:00

Even though it's been raining (a lot) for almost a week now, we still like to do our regular walks. I'm pictured here (rainbow umbrella) with Cilla (on right) and her border collie Billy (behind Dash). The dogs really look forward to going (even in the rain) and get quite excited if they spot a hare, brush turkey or a wallaby.

According to the weather bureau, the weekly rainfall tally is 297mm but we have had more since that reading was taken. So it is kinda sqishy underfoot. When we started out it was quite foggy, and feeling quite 'wintery'.

I just love all of these lichens growing along this fence. They seemed to be only growing along the bottom rail.
The weekend's forecast is for more rain.......
Good weather too, for sewing :)
Have a great weekend everyone!
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Flowers are open....

2010-03-02T10:17:00.002+10:00

The geranium (Pelargonium) flowers are open today (see previous post), I thought I'd show you how pretty they are. They do look a little rose-like. I love the raspberry colour of the stamens against the white of the petals. Do you have geraniums growing too?
Very rainy here again today. A good day for sewing :)
Cheerio,
Sandi x

Take one Geranium cutting....

2010-03-01T12:05:00.000+10:00

Geraniums are one of the easiest plants to grow, and will readily take root when placed in some potting mix.
And today this pretty white one is flowering for the first time.

The pot (or should I say potty), I found in the shed.....goodness knows where it came from. It already had a (rust) hole underneath, so David (son) drilled some more holes for better drainage. Do you like my little frog ornament?

Add three bamboo stakes for support, and tie with garden twine.
Voila!, one rustic (or rusty?) pot plant!
Cheers,
Sandi x

The Weird and the Wonderful

2010-02-17T10:12:00.001+10:00

Weird!!! (but beautiful)
Look what I discovered dangling over the edge of a pot of succulent plants - this huge dark purple flower!
Looks like something Morticia Addams would grow in her garden.

You wouldn't imagine a big flower like that growing from a spindly little stick of a plant. Very unexpected! There is another flower in the photo that hasn't opened yet. A very unusual flower indeed!

And now the wonderful:
A beautiful pale triangle butterfly visiting my garden. I haven't seen a triangle butterfly that is pale yellow before, the triangle butterflies are usually blue.
The shrub is a white buddleia, commonly called the 'butterfly bush' (I wonder why :) It's flowers are full of nectar. Do you have butterflies too?
Sandi x

Valentine's Day Lunch

2010-02-15T11:33:00.000+10:00

We are so lucky here on the Sunshine Coast, to have many lovely restaurants. About a half hour drive from home, heading north along the Blackall Range, is Flaxton Gardens restaurant.

It is here where we went for Valentine's day for lunch yesterday.

Hubby waiting for me to take the photo, so he can start. The lunch was delicious! Wonderful views of the coast too.

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's day.
Cheers,
Sandi x

Mystery Sewing Object

2010-02-03T17:07:00.001+10:00

Can you guess what this is? ........ you may have seen these before.

It is an automatic needle threader. Made in Italy.
I couldn't go past this bargain, purchased from a hospital op-shop for sixty cents.
You just place your needle according to size in one of the tubes, eye end down, lay your thread in the gap, slide the little black knob across, and this pushes the thread through the eye. Easy!!
Happy stitching,
Sandi x

Picnic Quilt progress

2010-01-23T18:32:00.000+10:00

I've been busy completing the blanket-stitching on each of the basket blocks for the picnic quilt. (something to stitch at night whilst 'watching' the tv.) There are fifteen basket blocks in total. Now that I have finished all of the hand-stitching, it was time to machine stitch them into the quilt top. Here in this photo, I am adding the inner border of red and white check fabric.

It is very colourful don't you think? (and I've used up lots of odd bod bits of tartan/plaid fabrics that I had for ages) I'm not sure what fabric I'll use for the backing yet, probably a dark fabric.
I think it will be just the thing to take along on picnics and family gatherings.
Happy stitching,
Sandi x

Coming for a Walk?

2010-01-13T16:00:00.000+10:00

Put on your joggers and come with me for a walk. Up the big hill and across to the old dairy. Everything is so lush and green again since we have had rain. Don't you love the old cart? I think they have recycled an old iron bed to make this beauty.

Further over in the field, the farmer has recycled an old bath to use as a cow trough. A friend of mine retreived one from the father-in-law's farm, and had it restored. It looked fabulous in her bathroom!

Come on, Dash, we've got a way to go yet! :) (mostly downhill now).
See you next time!
Cheerio,
Sandi x