A Late May Round-Up

Trust me, I've been blogging in my head, just not getting it in the computer and out there. May disappeared in a blur and it looks like June is doing the same.
I have achieved some things, though.

 I finished my first block for Anni Downs's Gossip in the Garden quilt, and started on the next block.

I went on a fun day out with Lynda, Deb, Alison and De to 3 shops on the Sunshine Coast. I think the only other photos taken were of Deb and the famous 'Hugo' of Lynette Anderson fame. I was laughing too much to get one of them playing.

 I worked on our group quilt for Tatyana. It was presented to her along with a baby basket and a nappy cake at our May Sunday Stitchers meet. I hope the smile means she liked her presents.

DH and I went for a drive to Peachester for the Mountain Quilters' 2014 Show.

The hall was decorated beautifully. DH is getting quite knowledgeable about quilts now. He carefully picked his Viewer's Choice entry.
There was also the Queensland Quilters Annual Picnic. So it was a busy month.

Take care,
Cheryl

Outings

I've been out and about lately.
We bought a new car -  a Subaru XV, a bright green one. I had photos but I don't seem to be able to find them. Ah well another photo shoot for Bubaloo ( a play on its number plate).
We just had to get some kilometers up before her first check up. LOL

 DH and I went to Murwillumbah  to the Tweed Regional Gallery. This is a first class gallery with a wide selection of paintings, sculptures and other installations. Some of the finalists' works from the 2013 NSW HSC Art Studies course were also there. These are only 18 year old students. Their works are incredible. This link might get you to some of their work.
The main reason for the trip was to see the  new Margaret Olley Art Centre. The gallery was the main beneficiary of Margaret Olley's will. As well as being able to extend the gallery, they have also been able to have an artist-in-residence studio, a  new research library and a multi-media drawing activity. They have recreated part of Margaret Olley's home, particularly the Yellow Room and the Hat Factory (where she lived and painted). The main part of her home was rented out. Everything was bought up from Sydney, except the dust. The curator said they did dust. While we were there, I overheard some elderly ladies who had been in the actual house; they were very impressed with the overall effect. Of course, there were numerous still life  paintings of hers on display.

Mum, Dad and I went for one of our day trip - to the Maleny Botanic Gardens. This is actually a private garden, despite the name. It's huge and a delightful day out if you like gardens. Just a couple of notes. The driveway is VERY steep. The gardens flow down the side of a mountain. There are only 2 toilets and they at the top of walks. So don't get to the bottom and want to go, especially if your mother is 80. The views are stunning. Take a picnic; you are encouraged to stay. The devonshire tea was the best one I've had for a long time.

We went to Hervey Bay for Easter, but I'll save that for next time.

Take care,
Cheryl (aka Kayly)

Tote Bags

Phew...I've just finished the household accounts...I've been slack at keeping those up to date just like I've been slack with this blog.
I have been sewing...no Dawnie not In My Garden...no fellow Sunday Stitchers not Gossip in the Garden...but tote bags for my sister and mother.

 This purple and yellow number is for my sister.

 This orangy one is for my mother. The bottom does sit squarer. I just didn't check how it was hanging on the tree. I quilted the outside in a diamond pattern and it has an outside pocket - you can make out the decorative flap.

Inside you can see the pockets including the zipped one. Don't why I procrastinate so badly about having a go at new things. It was nowhere near as hard as I thought it was going to be.

Speaking of bag making, my copy of Nicole Mallalieu's new book arrived yesterday.

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Just a bit of light reading and inspiration.
Take care,
Cheryl  (aka Kayly)

Things You Learn

Just a quick post from my sewing room.
At the ripe old age of..mumble...years, I've just put in my first zip pocket. I'm making a tote bag for my mother and I decided to do a few things I've never done before.
Ta dah...

I have no idea if that ta dah is in the right place, but you get the idea.
Cheryl
sent from my Telstra NEXTG™ handset

GDITC 2014

I can't believe it's 2 whole weeks since Lynda and I drove home from another fun Girls Day in the Country at Nundle, hosted by Kerry Swain from The Cottage on the Hill.
We started down on the Thursday and this time shared a cabin with Maree and Alison at the Armidale Tourist Park. The cabin was a lovely big 3 bedroom, 2 toilets, large living area one. The park was very pretty and clean, and I would stay there again.
Lunch on Friday was on the Peel Inn's side verandah again.

 There was a LOT of this....photographs....going on...except from me as usual...too busy soaking up the fun.

Kerry and her team had the hall looking beautiful. Our tutor for the day was Lynette Anderson, so her quilts were hung around the walls.

 These were our goody boxes. No, I didn't take a photo of the interior, too busy checking it out.

 We made use of the well appointed BBQ area at our caravan park - Fossickers Caravan Park.

This year we had 2 swaps. The bloggers had a "Make It, Bake It or Fake It" swap, which was great as time was a bit tight for many. There was another swap with all the ladies in the hall, that used a freebie pattern from Lynette Anderson. I showed what I made a couple of post ago. From Dale in the Bloggers Swap, I got a great "Fake It". Dale gave me the orange mug pincushion. (The photo doesn't show the purple and green flower on top.) It's easy to carry and heavy enough not to fall over. Thanks Dale.
The beautifully embroidered needle case is from Sam. It is a great size, perfect to slip into a small bag for a portable project. Thank you Sam.

Here's the 2014 Bloggers photo. Unfortunately a few people escaped before it was taken.
Our cabin buddy in Nundle was Fairy Floss. Check out her blog. She KNOWS how to take photos - good ones as well. They include some of the show and tell from our very talented bloggers.

I love the power of the internet. Grethe (Norway), I said hello to Lynette for you. She said hello back and is looking forward to meeting you again later this year. She said she runs into you at Birmingham as well. We were supposed to get a photo together waving to you, but the ladies kept her very busy.
Look after yourselves, everyone.
Cheryl

The Games of Bobs

I've been meaning to do this post for awhile. Several people expressed an interest in the game my family played at Christmas.
I did a bit of research. The game of Bobs or Table Bobs has been around for long time. It was also played at fetes.
I found some sets for sale online at the most ridiculous prices, strangely enough on sites selling diversional therapy games for aged care. They are so missing a bigger market. I didn't find this particular brand and this set is quite old, so I don't think I'm doing anything wrong giving sizes.

So I have taken some photos and measurements for anyone interested in making their own set.

The blanket protects my dining table and provides a smooth playing surface. It is not really necessary.

Click on each photo - I've marked lines on them.

A (length of set)= 32 inches/ 81.5cm
B (height) = 2 in/ 5cm

C = 3/8in or 1cm (thickness of dividing pieces)
C1= 4in/10cm  (length of dividing pieces)
D= 1/2in or 12mm (end pieces)

 Two flaps hinge on each side to help guide the balls.
Flap length H = 11 in/28 cm
Flap thickness I = 1/4 in or 6mm

 Hole height F = 1 1/2 in or 4cm
Hole Width G = 1 1/2 in or 4cm

 There are 6 white balls and one black one. They are approximately 1 inch in diameter.
The cue is a piece of dowel about 36inches/91cm long. It tapers from about 7/8in or 2cm down to 3/8 in or 1cm.

You should be able to make out the rules in this photo. Don't forget your family can always have their own 'house rules'.

Have fun,
Cheryl (aka Kayly not Dory.That's another story.)

Busy...Busy....

I leave for Nundle tomorrow for Girls Day in the Country (GDTIC) 2014. I am so not ready.
I have finished and delivered Master G's baby quilt.
It turned out rather well. I didn't get a photo of it in use by G, as his bigger sisters were busy showing me the quilts I made for them. I was pleased to see that they have been well used.

 I am at Sisters of Stitch at our local library and have just finished sewing on the clip to my last swap gift for the weekend and using their wifi to do this post. It's an exercise in time management so I can just go home to pack (ironing first). I surprised myself and got both swaps finished. I don't think they are meant to be a secret.

I made notebook holders for the handbags.
And before I get stirred, no I have not started the dares/challenges from Dawnie or Sunday Stitchers, yet!

Safe driving to all going to GDITC. See you soon.

Cheryl (aka Kayly)