Last Day of Summer Break

Just pottering around on the last day of my summer break. I was going to say it is too hot to do any gardening, but I have just seen photos and the temps from down south. I don't have anything to complain about the weather here today. My heart and best wishes are with anyone affected by the high temperature, bushfires and the drought. 

I 've been tidying...the house...sewing area...the camera SD card...finished items on blog sidebar...etc.
I realised I forgot to show Master H1's quilt. He arrived back in June.(Slack blogger, I am.) My sister had her 3rd and 4th grandchildren arrive last year. We are up to our 12th grandniece/nephew, with the 13th to arrive shortly. So forgive me if a baby quilt slipped my mind. By the way, did you know there is no collective noun for nieces and nephews. Please correct me, if I'm wrong.

I made 2 Paddington Bear tops awhile ago, this one and a green version.All I had to do was quilt it. We added a Paddington Bear book to the present. It went down well, as the new Mum turned out to be a huge Paddington fan.

These are the swap presents I made for our Bloggers Meet and Chookyblue's SSCS. I did make similar presents. The bags have different linings, but they are made of fabric I just love. Had them in the stash for awhile and thought this was the perfect time to finally use them. They are stylised chooks on the red fabric.You can see that better a few photos down. The bags are large and the idea is to use them instead of plastic bags when grocery shopping.

I did 2 plum pudding ornaments. I loved doing them. Marilyn also got a crocheted and embroidered hanky.

Marilyn with her bag

My SSCS went all the way to Martine in Belgium. It is exciting to send a parcel to the other side of the world.

 Martine got the bag, and the pudding ornament, as well as a copy of Natalie Bird's new book, a tea cup shaped thread organiser and a covered shopping list notebook.
 

This week I went back to work on something for me - Sue Daley's Square Dance. I have been dragging the chain on it. It is my take out project as it is so portable. I have finished appliqueing all the rings and have made a start on the borders. The best bit has been auditioning the colour combinations.It won't take long to put it together once all the hand sewing is finished.

So that means, Dawnie, I'll be freer to start that challenge. I have gathered my background fabrics and have been looking through stash and the scrap box for suitable applique pieces. ;-)  Not a time wasting activity at all!  LOL

Next week, I'm back trying to get reluctant sweaty teenagers fitted into  school uniforms and remembering what subjects they choose so they get the right books. (Note to self - just remember it pays for your  obsession hobby!)

Do take care everyone.
Till next time,
Cheryl (aka Kayly)

PS- Sorry about those unsolicited emails, if they are still arriving.

Christmas Day and SSCS

 My sister came down from Gympie to join us for Christmas Day. Her sons and grandchildren were all visiting their in-laws.

Here she is on the left with our parents in the middle.

 My son was able to take a break at lunchtime to join us. Even taxi drivers work on Christmas Day, but there wasn't much work around for him unfortunately.

We did a jigsaw and played 'Bobs'. Haven't had this game out for awhile. It's one I used to play with all my Mother's rellies at my great grandmother's home many, many years ago. Competition was serious.

 After they went home, I quietly sat and opened my SSCS present. The lovely Tonje from Norway sent me a wall hanging with a very suitable saying embroidered on it.

There were postcards picked out by her little son. He selected very good ones. There was also a Troll calendar with clever illustrations and a reflector, which will be good when out walking at night.

Thank you Chookyblue and Googy-Girl for running SSCS 2014.

We are off now to my cousin's home to catch with some of my Father's nieces and nephews.

Take care everyone,

Cheryl (aka Kayly)

Santa Touch Down

I think the postal services outdid themselves this year with their delivery times. My SSCS parcel took less than 6 days to get all the way to Belgium.

I received my parcel in just over a week from Norway.

I'm not sure who my Secret Santa is. There was a deceptive return address and a very small signature on the custom declaration. Looks like I'll have to wait until I open my present.

So
Thank you
to my Secret Santa.
I did open my ornament or I should say ornaments as there were 3.

I have to say goodbye to old friends, my quilting gloves. I just wore them out. They did a good job putting up with me trying to do my own quilting.

Off to craft group now.
Take care everyone,
Cheryl

SSCS 2013

 Wrapped and posted and...

....hopefully winging its way to.......hmmm, I wonder who?

Thanks to Chookyblue and her apprentice Googy Girl for all their hard work.

Cheryl