HAS IT REALLY BEEN NEARLY 2 YEARS

I can't believe its been nearly 2 years (well only 1 year & 10 months really) since by last post however life has gotten in the way & that's my only excuse as well as the birth of another granddaughter & travels in the caravan, our Coastal Crafters Carnival this year & I could go on & on & on with excuses  .......

So many projects completed in this time slot so I will begin with what's been finished this week.

Last week we spent a most enjoyable week at Noosa in the sunshine & my sister Jennifer joined us for the week & came home for a couple of days.  So we made a cushion for her neighbour's new baby boy "Hugo" which has gone back to Brisbane with her.  Working on a zillion other projects right now including a black, white & grey quilt for my son's 40th birthday.  Only the binding & label to sew on & it will be completed.  Two more cushions for 2 baby boy's both born yesterday to sew & applique/embroidery on a baby blanket for a friend's new grandson.

Enjoyable Visit To Another DJ'er

Last Saturday whilst staying at Monduran Dam for a Fishing Competition, a friend & I spent a most enjoyable morning with Lynette Day from Gin Gin. I'm now suffering from a major case of "Shed Envy" as Lyn showed us through her huge sewing/hobby space. I felt privileged to see Lyn's lovely "Show & Tell" items including Row A of her "Dear Jane" quilt which is completed & hanging on her design wall. Thanks for your hospitality Lyn & the delicious home baked morning tea. Unfortunately my camera batteries were flat so could not take any photo's. Next time !!

Australian Parrots

This beautiful photo of native Australian parrots was taken recently at Lamington National Park which is located west of the Gold Coast, Queensland. The red and blue parrots are Crimson Rosella's and the red and green are King Parrots. They are feeding on sunflower seeds. I couldn't resist adding this photo to my blog as it is just so beautiful .. enjoy !!

Craft Retreat & Luggage Tag Challenge

Sugar Shack Crafters - 2010 Gympie Retreat

2nd prize in Luggage Tag Challenge

Dear Jane .. I have been very slack of late & have neglected you terribly however I'm sure you'll forgive me when you read what I've been up to. My sister had emergency surgery for her appendix so I rushed to Brisbane to make her cups of tea etc & give her lots of moral support whilst she recovered. As I was on the organising committee for our craft retreat which was held at Gympie last weekend I was extremely busy getting ready for same after "losing" a week in Brisbane however the weekend went off well & the group of 20 ladies from Sugar Shack Crafters in Maryborough had a wonderful laughter filled, fun weekend. We had a Luggage Tag challenge which was judged at the retreat & .. guess what .. I won 2nd prize with my red shoe tag & was thrilled with my prize of a lovely wooden storage box. With a new grandchild due in December I concentrated on finishing a bunny rug .. however with all retreats my expectations before I went were that I would get two done .. I'll just have to burn the midnight oil !! On arriving home from retreat we have taken the caravan out of the shed & getting ready to head off for a few days with friends. I promise I will get back to my DJ blocks soon.

Blocks 8-9

A-7 Dad's Plaids

A-3 Hunter's Moon

Alexandra - my gorgeous granddaughter

Alexandra's first quilt - "Expect a Miracle"

Alexandra's Naming Day - she is sitting on the quilt I made for her before she was born. It's been loved to death already & I'm one very happy Grandi. Yes .. it has a twin .. her little friend Sienna has one too & it's lying on the floor next to hers.

Blocks 6 & 7

Not very happy with B-2 (one on left) .. a little bit wonky however it's finished. Onwards & upwards .. only 218 blocks to go.