Gardener's Journal Sew-along Update.

I'm up to date with my blocks for the Gardener's Journal Sew-along. Phew! Use the icon on my side bar to check out the great work being done by all the other participants.

These blocks contained 'square in a square' blocks. I've never done one of those before, so it was good to learn something new. One in particular is a bit wonky - off centre and points chopped off. I decided against redoing it. I'll just look at it with one eye closed and my head on a slant! But I do want to practise them to get those points right.

Off to trace August's stitcheries.

Take care everyone,
Kayly.

Birthday Boys

Well these are my birthday boys!
My son J turned 21 yesterday. I really would like to know where those 21 years have gone. I know it's cliche, but it really does seem like only last week I held that long baby in my arms.
Yesterday we took J and 10 of his friends out to lunch. The above photo is one my Mum took last Christmas in my sister's lovely garden.

Hubbie and I would like to wish him all the best for his future, whatever he decides it to be. (We just wish he'd hurry up and think about it.)

This is my Dad. He's 79 today.
Happy Birthday Dad.

Kayly

Tuesday's Treasures

This is my Tuesday Treasure... my wedding dress... very 1980s....made beautifully by my late mother-in-law Marjorie.
I still love the flowers and bows in the embroidered organza.
Now if only it still fitted!!!!!!!!!!! Wouldn't that be lovely!!!!!!
Hop over to Clare's to see other Tuesday Treasures.

Kayly

(Make) A Bag Sew Along.

I joined the (Make) a bag sew along some time ago. I started off really well, then fell by the wayside. But tonight... ta dah! I finished the tote bag and the essentials pouch. Sorry about the dud photography, but I wanted to post about it asap.
The fabric is Maypole by Moda. It is really a lot brighter in real life.
Meeting up with patchwork friends tomorrow, so I'll be able to sit and stitch some more Gardener's Journal.
Take care everyone,
Kayly

Not Another Bridge Opening!

Yes! Another one. You're lucky. Hubbie and I missed the opening of the 'Go-Between' or I would have bored you with that one too. This is my Dad and I standing near the obligatory sign. The new 'Ted Smout' bridge is supposed to be the longest bridge in Australia at 2.7 km. Mum, Dad, Hubbie and I walked it both ways and the long walk to get to the beginning- well over 6 km or over 14,000 steps on Mum's pedometer. Dad has an artificial hip. I thought he'd catch the bus back, but no he did really well. It was good training for the 'Bridge to Brisbane' fun run/walk in late August. That will be 10 km and about 40,000 people very early in the morning.
This is my latest book purchase. It's Janelle Wind's first book - Pieces of Me. It is full of very do-able projects. Very colourful - great photography- easy to understand instructions. You never know I may even make something. I'll add it to the list. Boy that list is getting long.
The book is sitting on my favourite doily. I crocheted this one a few years ago.
I have finished the June's Gardener's Journal stitcheries and only have one to do for July. I may make this month's deadline yet.
Keep well everyone,
Kayly

Tuesday's Treasures

I've decided to join in 'Claire's Craftroom' blog's Tuesday Treasures. I have had a lot of fun looking at the things people hold dear. Some I recognise from my own childhood or youth.
This is one of my treasures. Yes I know it's a raincoat. It belonged to my late grandmother Lucy. The raincoat is at least 45 years old now and is in good condition. I stopped wearing it a number of years ago.
Grandma died at 56 years of age - far too young. This comes home to me even more so now as I have just had my 54th birthday. It was only 6 months after her 54th birthday that the signs on Motor Neurone Disease start to show.This is a photo of Lucy and grandad George on one of their very few holidays.

I'm behind in my blogging. I'll have to do a bit of retrospective posting.

Keep well everyone.
Kayly

Bunya Mountains Getaway

Photo from here.

My hubbie has just had holidays, mainly to work at the state titles for the little electric remote controlled cars. We managed to have a few days away at the end of them. We drove up and down the Bunya Mountains in cloud - very scary driving with little visibility. The 2 days in between were absolutely glorious- cold and crisp, but nice for a change for us coastal Queenslanders. We stayed here at Ecos, more by luck than design. We booked very late and I didn't realise just how popular the mountains are.
To say it was lovely is an understatement! It is only about 3 years old and full of really nice touches, like plunger coffee, special jam, an extensive DVD library and a reading floor lamp just perfect to stitch under.
We did four walks of various lengths. We managed to mark off several birds in our bird book. We watched 3 wedge-tailed eagles ride the thermals on the western side and stood very still while a yellow robin hopped around the trees in front of us.

I can recommend the Bunyas and Ecos for a relaxing and romantic getaway.

I spent yesterday afternoon with my little patchwork group, stitching away at the house for Gardener's Journal. I actually achieved quite a bit. I might get it done yet.

Take care everyone,
Kayly