BLESSED SPEEDY

couldnt help myself!

2012-01-31T22:32:00.000+11:00

I couldnt help myself - Ive just finished these socks (ravelry link to a nice ribbed sock). They turned out quite well although the colouring wasnt what I thought it was going to be.
A lovely lady who reads and comments on my blog quite often - Lyn - commented that she always has a pair of socks on the needles so of course I couldnt go against that advise - thanks Lyn!!!!

So I cast on these socks which are serpentine socks and this time they are toe up for a bit of a change. The yarn is knit picks stroll sport so they are thick ones and should be nice and warm for winter.

BUT....because I have got a little bit organised and actually have several projects all bagged up with yarn and pattern and needles I just had to pick one out of that lot and cast it on too! This pattern is holden shawlette and Im using some "holy" wollmeise yarn for it. So I spose not too bad - one finish and two starts and sadly I almost started another project but I controlled myself (for now!)

dusted off

2012-01-30T20:21:00.000+11:00

Well the finishing off continues.........today I dusted off the light box that Gary made for me before we got married (wonder if he would got to so much trouble now! Im sure he would) When I asked him at the time if he would make one for me I was assuming that it would be A4 size, well its not its actually huge and he went to so much trouble to make it for me- getting special fluorescent globes to light it from inside and piano hinges for the lid. It was really a lot of work and I really appreciated it then as I still do.

Ive decided to add some embroidery and possibly a bit more appique onto the round robin mini quilt that I got back recently.

So the light box had to come out so that I could trace the design onto the fabric - one of the ladies in the round robin had kindly included a design in the bag when my block came home so Im using that

Im also enjoying doing some hand work again - and in between stitching on this Ive been also doing a little bit of work on my needleturn block - its almost done - thank goodness!

a chook quilt for mia

2012-01-29T19:33:00.000+11:00

The chook quilt (which Speedy the cat was inspecting on a previous blog post) is now finished and delivered to Mia - of course she loved it - she always loves anything that I make for her which is really gratifying.
Now that is done Im moving on to the "rest"of the pile of stuff to be finished.........sigh.........its huge!
I have a needleturned panel that was from a class a year or two ago which I really must finish as Im not really that in love with it but very determined to finish it!

kids and hoses

2012-01-27T20:34:00.000+11:00

Today I went to Bendigo and brought Mia back with me as she is as her fathers this weekend. As we had a bit of spare time before he came to collect her - she came up to the dairy and helped us with herd testing - herd testing is something we do each 6 weeks or so and a small sample is taken from each cow and sent away for testing - then the litres each cow is producing, the components of their milk, their cell count etc is sent to us in a report. Sound a pain(and it is!) but very necessary for herd management.

Anyways I digress - Mia had time with us in the dairy so of course Gary had to try and squirt her with the hose and of course she didnt like that. So....once Garys back was turned she squirted him and then was
"very helpful" in hosing cow poo off people feet, legs etc. However when I asked her to squirt my feet she misaimed and I ended up with wet knickers - thank goodness its almost 40 degrees celsius so I really didnt mind!

sock knitting

2012-01-25T19:05:00.000+11:00

Ive just cast on a pair of socks to knit - the yarn I got from a swap on ravelry and the pattern was gifted to me also. Ive put 5 or 6 yarns and patterns together in plastic bags so that I pick up one and just go for it - its working so far!
Its funny about knitting socks - when I got back into knitting two years ago I just adored the look of knitting socks but was just too scared to have a go-Id actually knitting some socks on circular needles with that self patterning yarn years and years ago but they quite fitted right.
So once I joined ravelry someone offered to knit me a pair of socks with my yarn - and they were beautfiul and fitted perfectly. The knitter encouraged me to have a go myself - but this time with dpns (double pointed needles). So I did - and loved it!
Since then Ive made six or seven pairs of socks I think or it could be more - they are NOT hard and so easy and portable to knit and you can even knit them when its stinking hot!
Coincidentally as I was getting read to post this blog - I got an email from knitting daily which is a daily email thingy sent from interweave listing - and Ive copied it here cos it is my thoughts exactly

5 Great Things about Knitting Socks (courtesty of interweave)
1. You can make socks fit perfectly.
2. You can use your brightest, most colorful handpainted yarn—or stick with subtle solids.
3. There is always something new to try.
4. They're the ultimate way to pamper yourself.
5. Socks are fun.

some things just never change

2012-01-24T07:45:00.000+11:00

You know some things just never change - last night I was pinning together a quilt top - out of chook fabrics that my mum gave me = and guess who gave me a hand/inspection - speedy!

an oldie but a goodie

2012-01-22T19:55:00.001+11:00

Hows this for an oldie photo?
It was taken in Christmas 2005 before Gary and I were married - look how thin I was then (not now though.....lol)
Megan would have been 11, Aimee 18 and Sarah 14.
My how we change in just a few short years PLUS because we werent married I hadnt taken over the sun room with my sewing stuff and various other bits of furniture so it was just a huge room with a pool table and a table tennis table. The white chairs are the outdoor setting Gary bought me for Christmas that year and we had brought it inside to eat Christmas tea on. Oh the memories............

a day of sewing

2012-01-21T18:10:00.001+11:00

When I had my big clean up/clean out of my sewing and craft area I found that for some reason I had several things that were started and not quite finished off.....so.....today I had an afternoon to myself - Gaz was at lawn bowls and Megan was a friends place and I didnt have to milk or actually do anything........so.........I worked thru some of the abovementioned pile -

Firstly, this panel was gifted to me in a karma swap over on ravelry from msdonna - I received it months ago and thought I would make it up for Aimee's new baby that is not that far away from entering the world so layered it and quilted it with an allover stipple design, bound it and hand sewed down the back of the binding with the hanging sleeve whilst watching lost in austen on dvd.

Next effort was this table runner that was finished ~~ages~~ months ago and just needed the binding handsewn down, so did that too while watching more of the abovementioned dvd. It will probably go in the gift cupboard awaiting its new owner.

Final effort was these 6 tea towels that I actually bought for christmas presents. Had the pictures mostly vliseofixed on and just had to zig zag around them. Obviously they didnt quite get done for christmas but will be handy for NEXT christmas.....lol

washcloth

2012-01-20T18:28:00.000+11:00

I was lucky enough to win two skeins of rowan siena cotton in purple (yes purple!!!!) in a recent karma swap on ravelry.
As soon as it arrived here I just HAD to knit it up - and this is the results of one skein - the pattern is bathtime blossoms (ravelry link) and from the one skein Ive managed to knit a gorgeous washcloth as well as a soap bag (just need to find/get/buy some lovely soap to put in it)
I still have one skein left so Im debating whether to make another set and gift it at some stage.
The colour is truly gorgeous

two finishes and an arrival

2012-01-18T11:34:00.000+11:00

Ive had a bit of a finishing effort - this beret is called Tulipanaros and is a test knit for a fellow member on ravelry - the pattern is yet to be released but it is by Maria Naslund so I suppose you can search for it once its released - the beret will probably be gifted to my daughter sarah as she loves berets like this and I have made her quite a few already.

This next knitted item is called Palindrome and the ravelry link to the pattern is here I received the yarn and pattern from a fellow ravelry member in a swap called project in a postbag. The idea is that you swap a ready made sort of kit with yarn and pattern. The yarn is soy wool stripes/solids and the resulting scarf will be lovely and warm and soft - just not what you need to wear on a day like today which is looking to be 40 degrees celsius plus!

The third and final piccy today is of my round robin which has finally made it home. It is one I have done with an online group I am a member of called quilt with christ and its on yahoo groups. There were five members in the group and we each did a central block (mine was the embroidered block in the centre) and then it was sent on to each of the other ladies to work a round as described in the quilt "recipe" we were given. Im really happy with my quilt and have some left over fabrics from the work the other ladies have done so may add another round with possibly embroidery on it to compliment the middle.

cleaning........

2012-01-16T23:25:00.000+11:00

Im on a bit of a cleaning and gifting binge - due to the restumping the whole house is even thicker with dust than usual - actually its quite filthy so Ive been doing a huge clean. Todays effort was part of my sewing area - this bookcase was overflowing and a huge pile was in front of it - now its lovely and tidy and I can actually see/find things.
Ive taken several huge lots to the local op shop/trash and treasure as well as gifting some things to a couple of ladies I know and somehow I still have huge amounts of "stuff"
And yes this is only a very small section - but at least its tidy!!!!

baby shower

2012-01-14T16:39:00.000+11:00

Well today I attended my very first baby shower - for my daughter Aimee who is expecting her second child (its a girl!) in 5 weeks time. What did we do? Played baby shower games of course and ate yummy food and chatted .... oh! and I got to hug and play with Mia so all in all a good day

restumping done

2012-01-12T06:37:00.000+11:00

Restumping is done and dusted - well not really dusted as the whole house is truly filthy and full of dust which I think will take me quite some time to get rid of but not complaining. At the worst part the house had to be raised 4 inches which is a lot so shows how bad things had got. We can even shut doors now and even the kitchen cupboards shut - such luxury! As can be seen in the photo of the front of the house its all nice and straight now - at the back door (which is the one we use all the time) two huge pieces had to be cut out of the concrete so that access could be gained to two stumps - wonder how long before Gary gets around to replacing the concrete? Im actually wondering about putting some outdoor tiles there as well - what do you think?

Thank goodness that Red Cross was such a blessing to us and provided most of the $12,500 needed to do the job due to being flooded 12 months ago - now to just talk Gary into renovating - stay tuned!

Stay tuned work in progress

2012-01-10T18:15:00.003+11:00

Stay tuned.... We are getting the house restumped

an outfit each for two girls

2012-01-09T13:33:00.001+11:00

Well with one granddaughter born we are now awaiting the birth of the next one - my daughter Aimee's second and Mia's little sister. so.....whats a nanna to do but make matching outfits for them both all ready for when the baby is born. The pattern is in threes a baby cardigan (ravelry link)

Ive only used acrylic yarn but that is ok as they were made to be used and washed and used and washed......

whats going on and thoughts for 2012

2012-01-07T08:14:00.002+11:00

Im not sure what blogger is doing to my blog - Ive been doing posts and they havent been appearing but they hopefully will show up at some stage.
As its sort of still the start of 2012 Ive been looking at what I hoped to achieve in 2011 - I think I did do some of the goals/resolutions I set but as I think they were really good Im going to try and apply them again THIS year - with the addition of learning to crochet.
in 2012 I will try to......

•Become more self-confident and organised, use my diary and journal
•Lose weight and get fitter
•Become more cost-effective - use what I have FIRST
•Eat much more healthily (but Im NOT giving up chocolate!)
•Save money
•Stop worrying - trust God to supply ALL our needs
•Take a trip
•Learn something new - crocheting????
•Be Less Grumpy

I will definately have to be more organised - this year I am going to be doing the Loddon Murray Community Leaders Program which will be very busy and also I have been asked to join the natural resource management board of north central catchment management authority which will also take up a bit of my time. Im also going to aim to post on my blog each 2 days if possible as I know many people like to read my blog to see whats happening in our lives....so stay tuned...........

yummo!

2012-01-05T07:45:00.002+11:00

We are very blessed at the moment - we have my granddaughter Mia staying with us for a few days while her Mum and husband go to the summer nats in Canberra. She is a pleasure to have here and totally gorgeous (yes Im biased but its true!!!!!)
She loves being here on the farm and doing "farm work" - which usually means riding on the motorbike or helping out Gaz and we have also starting making her treasure maps- which she has to follow and find a treasure at the end

Of course at the end of a busy day there is nothing nicer than a yummy paddle pop (chocolate of course)

mums christmas and birthday present

2012-01-03T06:36:00.000+11:00

Here is what I ~~made~~ finished for my mum as a combined christmas and birthday (30th december) present for her. Unfortunately due to macular degeration her eyesight is failing- she started this quilt at least four years ago maybe more and it had been ~~sitting~~ hanging pinned to another quilt for almost that long.
As there is really not a lot she needs pressie wise I asked if I could finish this off for her - and she was delighted. Most of the embroidery was done - just had to do a few hours worth, then I quilted it - using an allover stippled design and bound it for her. It now has pride of place hanging in her lounge room.

Mum is also trying to clean out some areas of her home so has been giving me some fabrics, books etc. Some of the books and magazines Ive sold for her on ebay and managed to make over $150 for her which is nice. Some cute fabrics that she had Ive appliqued onto tea towels for her and some fabric Ive gifted to a friend who is starting out.

addison joy mclean

2012-01-01T16:21:00.000+11:00

Addison Joy Mclean
Born on 31st December 2011
To Garys daughter Holly and her husband Daryl
She was born several weeks early so only weighed just over 5 lbs and had a tube in her nose for feeding
Very tiny but very cute indeed!

where did christmas (and most of december) go????

2011-12-27T06:40:00.000+11:00

Well Im not sure what has happened Christmas has come and gone as has most of December!

I really dont know what has happened with the days - have been so busy both off and on the farm, that its nice to have a quiet day or two - or has it been quiet?
We were blessed to have all my girls home for christmas (as well as there respective other halves) and had the usual big chrissie lunch - this year at Garys brothers home.

Mia loved everything about Christmas and its lovely to see it all thru a childs eyes - presents were wrapped and opened and admired etc and I think I got everything right as I didnt hear any complaints! And here's the proof of the parcels - Christmas morning before the pressies were attacked.
Hoping that all those who are reading this had a blessed day - and remember the true reason for Christmas - Jesus!

a lovely visit

2011-12-06T08:31:00.000+11:00

On Sunday we had a lovely visit from both my granddaughter Mia and my daughter Sarah - the purpose??? Putting up the christmas tree of course.
BUT other things happened too!

Yes the tree was put up and Mia put the star on the top of the Christmas tree (for some reason everyone fights over who gets to put the star on the tree - so when Mia was born we decided that she would put the star on every year - not sure what we will do when grandchild number two comes along next year!)

Mia also had a bath and had a great time being a fool with a sieve on her head!

And finally Sarah painted her toe nails - mainly cos Sarah had just painted mine and Mia wanted to look like Nanna.

Thanks girls for a lovely day that went way too quickly!

new and exciting

2011-11-30T07:24:00.000+11:00

Yesterday our new (yes brand new!!!) tractor arrived. Its a Valtra N101 for the experts. Very new and shiny and red - which means it goes fast.....well Gaz had it going 42 kms down the road and you wouldnt even know it.

Yes Ive had a drive, a short one, and yes it has heaps of gadgets and buttons etc. And yes the bank owns more of it than we do....BUT....we've done the sums and realised that we have spent so much on tractor repairs etc in the past year or two that we just might as well buy it!
Our workers jokes that we will never see Gaz now as he will always be in the tractor!
And what did I get - well half a tractor but also a nice shiny red ride on mower! Yay!!!!! Nice lawns and gardens look out

a heap of finishes - well actually four!

2011-11-13T18:12:00.000+11:00

I've managed to finish four (yes four!!!) things in the one day

Firstly a book that I have been reading the old fashioned way (as in an actual book!) The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini which is about two friends who set up a quilt camp and quite enjoyed and an easy read which I have been reading in bed at night - only a few pages at a time as Gaz doesnt like reading in bed (and I do!)

Next finish - the lingerie socks, By far one of the most tricky and complicated items I have knitted - but very satisfying and they fit great too!

Third finish - binding finally sewn down on this table runner which I think will go into the present box in case I need a nice homemade present for someone - I used up scraps etc so almost a "free" project

Finally and fourthly - this book which I have been listening to on my ipod courtesty of audible - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. A good (and long) family saga spanning several generations. An excellent ~~read~~ listen which I would highly recommend.

So all in all a quite productive day!

a new addition

2011-11-07T18:46:00.000+11:00

A new addition has arrived.....a new fridge!
Our old one was dying a slow death - according to Gaz it could be 30 years old so I think he got his moneys worth!
He still thought the old one was ok - I was worried about it dying on a stinking hot day in summer when I couldnt get the fridge I wanted and would have to buy whatever was in the shop.
So......with the money I have earnt from sitting on a couple of boards.....I proudly introduce the new fridge - its a Kelvinator upside down fridge - looks lovely and clean!
Do I go and put all the pictures etc and magnets back on it as before I wonder?

120 biscuits

2011-11-05T17:09:00.000+11:00

Came across this yummy looking recipe - 120 biscuits and made it up today - ok I only got 108 biscuits but still great - and yum!
120 biscuts

500g butter

1 tin condensed milk

1 cup sugar

5 cups self-raising flour

pkt diced preserved ginger.

mix together well, roll teaspoonful sized amount into balls and flatten with the back of a fork dipped in flour.

cook 10-12 mins on a moderate oven approx. 180C

remove and cool.

then stack back on trays, doubled along is ok and bake again for a further 8mins.

They last forever it seems

you can leave out the ginger and add some vanilla and use a multitude of different topping from hundreds and thousands, to lollies, choc chips, roll in coconut, etc or you can cream 2 together with icing

tired....you better not be!

2011-11-04T21:29:00.000+11:00

Got home after working a huge full busy day at the local Tattslotto agency and Gaz informs me that he needs help?
Will it take long? I ask....no..........sigh.......it took two hours!
Had to drive the truck (big old hino truck) that Im not very good at drivng while Gaz loaded the silage bales on - had to be done so that they could be brought back here to the home farm to be "wrapped in plastic"
So........managed to have a cup of tea at around 9ish.......when I really wanted one at 6ish
Oh well the life of a farmers wife

we have A sock!

2011-11-02T21:12:00.001+11:00

Hooray! Sock one is done and dusted - and it even fits!!!!!
I dont know if Ive mentioned it but this is by far the ~~hardest thing~~ most complicated/complex thing I have ever knitted - and now I have to knit another one or else just one sock is not good for anything at all - wish me luck Ive cast it on.......

a pleasant afternoon

2011-11-01T19:06:00.000+11:00

Well here we are - 1st of November already and Melbourne Cup day to boot!
Im sorry poor blog that you have been neglected again but I have been busy!
Today was a rare day when I (and Gary) had an hour (yes a whole hour!!!) to relax and indulge ourselves - so what did we do - well we both sat outside on our back verandah area - Gary reading a book and me knitting with two dogs and four chooks to keep us company

This is what I was working on lingerie sock which is by far one of the most trickiest things I have yet knitted - but Im getting there - half way thru the foot on the first sock. BTW the wool is gorgeous - Fleece Artist Blue Face Leicester Sock in the colourway amethyst.
Did we listen to the cup? No, in fact neither of us had a clue what was even running - apparently it was horses!
BUT it was lovely to just sit and enjoy each others company (and a cuppa each too!)

a new way in (well sort of)

2011-10-11T06:35:00.000+11:00

Finally! Finally! Finally!

We have our entrance sign! So when you come to visit this is what now will greet you at the top of the driveway. Hopefully the cows will leave the plants alone and they will grow into lovely big plants.
By the way for those that dont know "Marantha" means come Lord Jesus - come and reign on our farm - making a statement here!

busy times

2011-10-08T08:29:00.001+11:00

As this is my birthday month I had grand plans of posting on my blog each day - but of course best laid plans.......
Here on the farm we have been really struggling. Our feed for the cattle has not grown as we expected and Gary has been quite down about it. Its been hard to work out what to do - but finally we ARE doing something. Two paddocks behind the dairy that we laughingly call the "show paddock" (mainly as they are so terrible!) have been disced and lasered and ~~hopefully~~ will have seed (rye grass) spread on them today.
So if you are one of the many that pray for us - please continue to do so - we really need this grass to grow - we dont want to sell up or move away and believe we are meant to be here.
On another note - Ive managed to get the next round done on the friendship medallion quilt - here it is

quilting is a process

2011-09-28T11:18:00.001+10:00

Making a quilt is all about process - so as Ive been working on my next round for the friendship medallion I thought I would document the process....except that I did leave out the first step - pieces of quite lovely fabric!

Next step - cut said lovely fabric up into the required pieces/sizes

Next join these pieces up as stated in the pattern - hopefully you cut out enough to do this - I was 6 x 1 1/2" squares short so had to cut more when I got to that part!

Next join these "bits" into blocks and then into rows and then onto the centre block

Easy!

free friendship medallion quilt

2011-09-24T14:45:00.000+10:00

Thanks to flourishing palms I have started making this free medallion quilt from patchwork pumpkin

It came with a few strings attached. They are:

1. You are not allowed to purchase any fabrics for the quilt top. You must use your stash!

2. You may swap fabrics with your friends.

3. Show us your quilt centre to get the next border instructions. No proof? No pattern. No exceptions!

Here's my centre block - have emailed them my "proof" will now await the next round of instructions!

meet 2149

2011-08-16T10:48:00.000+10:00

Please welcome 2149 (also known as Dora according to Mia) to our herd.
First calf of the season and its a girl! Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.
Thankfully I am all but finished with the census and am actually enjoying a day at home doing farm work. Spent time walking thru the calving cows and teaching this little one to drink from a feeder.
Didnt realise how much I missed it all as Ive hardly been home lately. Mind you ask me the same thing in a few days and I might not have the same answer!

the census

2011-08-11T06:55:00.000+10:00

Tuesday night saw the night all in Australia were to fill out there census. Me??? Yes mine is done but Ive been really busy delivering census forms prior to the census and since then collecting them. I have a HUGE area as its a rural one and covered 690kms delivering the forms! Hopefully I will not have to travel quite as far to collect them as some have done them by e-census (online) so need to go back to them as the census unit already have their data. So.... not much productive stuff at home but lots of "quality" time in the car. Hopefully this caper will be all worthwhile though - I have plans of spending the pay I get for it on either a new oven or fridge

catch up

2011-08-07T16:00:00.000+10:00

In case you have been worried- I havent fallen off the perch or anything- just been incredibly busy. Garys leg is a little better but he is now paying the price for getting back to things much sooner than he should have. Im often needed to help out and of course Im happy to do so - it just doesnt always seem to be at a convenient time!
Also the last week we have had a student from Japan staying with us- her name is Risa and she has (hopefully) had a great time here with us -

milking and doing farm work etc and Megan and I took her to Murrabit market yesterday(Saturday) to do some shopping.

Megan drove and she is getting quite good!

all for a good cause

2011-07-28T13:48:00.001+10:00

Gary is on the way to mending but needs to take it slowly and carefully (easier said than done!) How on earth you keep an active man who is used to doing everything himself to rest is impossible!
This morning he was back milking - although slowly he got the job done. He is finding the hardest things to do involve using the clutch on the tractor as he damaged his left leg - and of course you need that to depress the clutch pedal!
Ive actually managed to have an hour or so to myself so decided to make up some snowball blocks for a christian online quilting group that I belong to. We are each to make blocks and send them to one lady who is going to make them into quilts to be send to an orphanage in Zimbabwe that another lady in the group is involved in. Here are mine - lovely and bright (as requested) and so nice to have some quiet me time.

life has got in the way

2011-07-26T05:47:00.000+10:00

Sorry I was trying to be good about posting to my blog and would have hoped to post some photos of a quilt top Ive been working at .... BUT.... as they say - life has got in the way!
My lovely husband Gary has managed to tear a muscle in his upper leg.
Caused by an incident with a neighbours sons absolutely mad yearling bull calf - but I wont bore you with the details. I will just say that it was a genuine accident and the calf is gone.
Spent yesterday going to Bendigo for an ultrasound on his leg as it was the closest place we could get in. Managed to quickly see Sarah for maybe 10 minutes tops.
So here I am at 5.43 am writing lists on jobs that have to be done today - and already Im daunted.
Some of the jobs I can do myself - I already have a whole list of my own stuff that needs to be done (and sadly no quilting and knitting are NOT on it)
Gary is on crutches and can barely walk - so therefore cant really do much - hopefully I can somehow if not do the rest - at least organise/contract someone to do it
Prayer for healing would be great please (and for me to be able to cope with all of this)

but wait there's more!

2011-07-16T08:50:00.000+10:00

And the finishing off continues! This is a felted cushion cover that I got in a kit - started it in September last year so its just about my oldest knitting item that was on the go - I changed the pattern just to get it finished - its felted beautifully so just now need to get an insert to go in it!

These gorgeous socks are watermelon socks and I was gifted the yarn in a swap from a fellow raveler. Turned out gorgeous and fit well and Im wearing them today! Can't believe how much finishing off Im getting done!

even more finishing!

2011-07-14T11:30:00.001+10:00

WOW now that Ive got the hang of this finishing off caper - Im on a roll!

Firstly on the knitting front - February Lady Sweater made from Nashua Handknits Desert Flower - not that old a ufo as its only been on the needles for a month and a half - but its done! Next Knitting item- this one was a test knit - falling knots wrap made from Wollmeise (yes I used some Wollmeise!) Once again only on the needles for a bit over a month - but it too is finished!

On the quilting front - two finishes here too! The first is a table runner I made from two lovely blocks I found whilst cleaning up - a quick and easy make and finish! The second is a dresden plate that I had almost finished except for the binding - so that too is now done! Its lovely to finish off so much "stuff" and to have offloaded/sold/sent on so much of my things - it makes you feel great! Must admit that the lure of starting something new is really starting to bite but Im still standing strong (hopefully until ALL ufos are done!)

a whole lot of finishing going on

2011-07-11T16:06:00.001+10:00

If you are reading this blog and you are a quilter/knitter/or any sort of crafter at all - I am sure you will understand what I am about to tell you. I knit, sew, quilt etc and I have heaps of ~~projects and bits and pieces~~ stuff that I dont think I will ever use/make. So.....in the interests of making more room and also boosting my bank balance, I have just listed and sold some items on ebay - for a ripping profit of $700 plus dollars. Dont know what I will do with this princely sum - but a new oven is looking good! Anyways I digress. The items I sold where kits, books etc that I bought AGES ago and have never quite got round to using/starting so thought someone else might as well have the pleasure - and of course I get the $$$$. I also have (in the course of finding said items) found many things that I have started but not yet finished. These that I still like I am aiming to finish BEFORE I start anything else (can I hear cries of famous last words????)

Here's the first two finished things - a chinese coins quilt that I actually started not that long ago - I used a charm pack of sorrento fabric. Also the infamous rivulet socks that I made and where too big so I frogged and now they are done! Ive also managed to almost finish a table runner and a table topper but will post photos when they are actually finished - just the hand sewing on the binding to go so not far.

Also I have completely cleaned out my scraps and spare quilt squares - the square etc and some fabrics I have sent to Jan Mac - a lady I know who makes quilts for charity. As for the scraps - the bigger pieces I have cut into 2 1/2" strips and have made one quilt top in greens that I am quilting at the moment. The bulk of the scraps (and huge garbage bag full!) I have given to a local girl who is starting out on the quilting trail.

more deb photos

2011-07-05T07:36:00.000+10:00

two presentations

2011-07-03T08:10:00.000+10:00

What an exciting week here - first Megan's deb ball on Friday night - here is one photo but will post a copy of the professional ones when they arrive. Doesnt she look gorgeous and also Gary proudly presenting her. Where have those 16 years gone?

Next presentation was (finally) Tom receiving his 21st birthday quilt - "Shoofly for Shewie". I made it into a quillo so that there were 21 blocks in the quilt- 20 on the front and the "cushion" block on the back. He loves it (as he should!)

So all in all a full and busy week!

a knitting finish too

2011-06-29T13:39:00.000+10:00

And a knitting finish as well - this is this shawl called latice and lace that I test knitted for a fellow member on ravelry
I used three irish girls westerly sea sock in the colourway grace kelly (hence the elegance!)
The shawl turned out beautifully and I only had just under 5 yards of yarn left, so a close call!

finished~!

2011-06-28T07:03:00.000+10:00

Phew! Tom's quilt is finished- of course I cant show you a full photo YET as Tom hasnt been "presented" with it - that is still to come. Spent most of my free time in the last few days handstitching down the binding - all 8 metres of it.
Listened to a great audiobook while I was doing it though - Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Worth a listen/read I reckon.
I do hope Tom likes the quilt - Im sure he will!

a frogging we will go

2011-06-19T10:46:00.000+10:00

A month or so ago I finished these socks. They looked lovely but sadly they are too big for me :(
I received the yarn and pattern in a great swap on ravelry called magic yarn ball. You swap with a partner and you send them a pattern and a ball of yarn BUT inside the ball of yarn are lots of little treasures to be found - of course you only find them as you knit.
As this yarn and pattern were sent to me, I do think its only fair that the actual socks are mine....so.....decided today to frog (i.e. unravel) the socks that I had made and use a smaller size needle (2.00mm) and make the size small - think that should all be good!

from my nans sewing stash

2011-06-16T09:43:00.001+10:00

I was at my Mum's home today and was on the "scrounge". I needed some blue cotton for a quilt I am making for a certain someone (lol Tom) and asked Mum what she had in her pile(s) of goodies. It is so good to have a Mum who is a quilter too. Sadly she cant sew like she used to due to poor eye sight but she is still happy to share with me!
Anyway while looking through her HUGE jars of blue thread (yes jars!!!) I came across this cute tiny reel of blue. Its teeny tiny - Ive photographed it beside a bobbin just so you can see just how small it is. Asked Mum where it came from and she said from her Mum (ie my Nan). Nan was a dressmaker - infact I think she might well have been a dressmaker extraordinaire - she is the one who taught me to sew and to knit (Mum did a bit too but it was mostly Nan).
Nan always had the most amazing scraps - silks etc as she used to make wedding gowns and evening dresses. Mostly not from actual patterns but "made up" by her. Hopefully I have inherited SOME of those genes!
Of course I asked Mum if I could have the reel - and of course she said yes! So its going to sit on a little shelf above my sewing machine - no Im not going to use it - just look at it for inspiration from my Nan - how good is that?

who would be a dairy farmer?

2011-06-13T07:33:00.001+10:00

Who would be a dairy farmer? I just took this photo and its 7.30am. Its now a toasty warm 5 degrees and Gary has been up since 5.30 to milk.
Is foggy and icy outside and freeeeeeeeeezing!!!!
Being the good wife that I am - I took him up a nice warm cup of tea (actually I do that every morning - rain, hail or shine).
Thank goodness my calves are now all weaned so I no longer have to go up and do those duties early in the morning.
And yes I do milk - just not this morning!
SO -
The next time you make a cuppa and add milk, or actually use milk, cheese, butter etc at all - think of the process that it took to get to your kitchen - and the cold man/woman who started the chain rolling!

I think she likes it

2011-06-09T06:56:00.000+10:00

Ive just finished knitting this vest for Mia. Used Bendigo woollen mills silk supreme yarn in the colourway petal pink (pink of course!) It was a test knit for a fellow raveller. I THINK she likes it......lol

I think I remember how to make a quilt!!!!!

2011-06-08T08:01:00.000+10:00

Well goodness me! I think I have remembered how to make a quilt (well its actually TWO quilts now). Sarah's boyfriend is turning 21 soon and has asked for a quilt for his birthday - yes he asked, isnt he wonderful. Something with 21 on it he said....bit tricky but I think Ive worked out what to do - cant say too much here as Tom might read it - except that I am making shoo-fly blocks as his surname is Shewen (get it?)

Well I have managed to make 12 blocks so far and was mindlessly making half square triangle blocks for it and .... well..... it got a bit boring and also my machine kept wanting to "eat" the ears of the triangles. So what is a girl to do?

I had a look on the moda bake shop site and found this quilt so managed to find some charm squares and have been sort of sewing both at the same time.

So... how productive am I?

rip lassie

2011-06-07T12:38:00.001+10:00

One of our dogs, the lovely Lassie has gone over the rainbow bridge. Unfortunately she went under the tractor wheel. When I first came to Gary's home, Gary warned me that he had this really nasty, vicious dog called Lass and that I had to be careful of her. When I got here, Lass came straight up to me and sat on my feet. We have loved each other ever since. We will miss her ways, her funny noises, her wiggly squiggly body that she wriggled to greet you. You have been a very good dog Lass and very sadly missed.

how blessed am I?

2011-05-31T14:38:00.000+10:00

How truly blessed am I? Ive had a quilt made for me - yes me a quilter has had a quilt made Just For Me. A lovely lady (who I have not met) from Benalla whose name is Jenny, made 8 quilts for families affected by the January floods. I was blessed to be able to go out with our shire Flood Recovery Officer and deliver these quilts to deserving families. I was blown away to be told "this one is for you!". It is gorgeous, huge and so totally me. So thankyou so much Jenny from Benalla, I love it!

P.S. I should also mention that she drove all the way from Benalla to hand deliver these quilts to our shire offices.

Dinner with the Governor General (and her husband!)

2011-05-25T07:24:00.001+10:00

Last night Gary, Megan and I were very honored to attend a dinner in Kerang for people that had been affected by the floods - and the guest of honour was none less than the Governor General Quentin Bryce and her husband Michael. I was blessed and honoured to be asked to be Mr Bryces dinner companion, so we had nearly half an hour of "quality" time with him. What a lovely and intelligent man - someone you could sit down and talk with for hours and hours and hours. The Governor General was quite lovely as well and in her short "speech" (loose word as it was definately NOT prepared) she spoke of how touched and moved she was visiting our area and even had a tear in her eye as she spoken. Truly a remarkable evening and one we will remember for a long time to come!

floods receding (finally!!!!!)

2011-02-25T07:33:00.000+11:00

Well after what has seemed a very long time (well at least five weeks) it looks like the flood waters are receding. We had actually got to the point of thinking that we would not be able to access our land that is under water this year for sowing crops etc but we have finally had some good news! Goulburn Murray Water has approved us to pull out our re-use plug so water from the flooded farm can run off and into the drains - hopefully a large amount of it will so that we can get onto the land and start cleaning up the mess, otherwise we will have nowhere to put our calving cows and young stock over winter.

To pull out the plug was difficult and Gary had to swim in and with water well over his head - I watched and prayed that it went well and it did!

something different than floods

2011-01-30T16:08:00.001+11:00

I have been a bit productive while ~~watching~~ ignoring the flood waters around us.
This is neap tide shawlette which I knitted as a test knit for a designer on ravelry.
Quite gorgeous - knitted in three irish girls glenhaven cashmerino and the colour is sedona.
Knitting is a great distraction and calmer I can tell you!
BTW we STILL have water entering that channel outside our home (50 metres away) but I am trying to ignore it, in the hope it will go away.

from the air

2011-01-26T12:47:00.002+11:00

This morning at 7.30 am I was lucky enough to go up in a light plane and fly over the local flood affected areas.
SO much water, destruction and heart ache to be seen, and its still going on.
We now have water coming towards us from another direction, its swirling back on us, so we are by no means out of the woods yet.
This photo is of our farm that is under water, and that is only a small portion of the huge amounts of water that are flooding our land at the moment.

flood update

2011-01-25T06:54:00.001+11:00

Floods, floods, floods - we are sick and tired of them

They are tiring, they are draining, they are extremely annoying and in our case they take a long, long time to come and go - not that I am asking for flash flooding, but I think you know what I mean.
At this stage, our second farm (which is down the end of the road where our main farm is, around 2.5 kms) is completley under water. Completely underwater means nearly 2 metres under water.

The channel bank that is stopping that water from flowing down the hill to not just our farm and home but many others is still holding. Some patching up has been done and the authorities have now changed their thoughts from evacuate! to cautiously optimistic.

SO we are trying to be "normal" - well as normal as one can be a these times.
Ive had my parents living here with me for the last week as they live in Kerang, which was evacuated and surrounded by water. Today they are able to go home, which is fantastic for them.

We wont have to also have the extra worry or worrying about their safety too which will be great!

These photos I took last night, Gary and Megan decided to wade through the waters! Yes I know, shouldnt be done but they couldnt be stopped.
I must say that although everything is surrounded by water, it does look beautiful doesnt it?

floods!

2011-01-21T22:54:00.000+11:00

At the moment Australia is experiencing horrendous floods - and here in Victoria unfortunately we are not untouched. We are on high alert for flooding here and its not looking good. Today we spent the morning moving cattle for Gary's brother thru this water - chest height and scary stuff. I am exhausted and just want to be "normal"

dishcloths

2011-01-09T06:54:00.000+11:00

I've found a new thing that I like to knit!
Dishcloths believe it or not
Made from lovely cotton yarn - quick and easy to do with nice patterns to keep my ross river addled brain interested.
Today I made three - one is for a swap the other two will be for me - or for presents - you never know you might receive one!

mosquitos - I really dont like you (sorry)

2011-01-07T23:39:00.000+11:00

At the moment in our area we have a plague of mosquitos (this is following the plague of locusts - I definately think we are in the end times!)

Mosquitos are nasty - they buzz around and they bite!
And they also can give you Ross River Virus.
I will give you 10 points if you can guess who has it?
If you said "me" you are correct.
Ive copied and pasted from the government website below -
What is the Ross River fever?
Ross River virus is one of a group of viruses called arboviruses (or arthropod-borne viruses), which are spread mainly by blood-sucking insects.

Ross River virus is a germ that infects people, particularly in rural areas, sometimes causing a flu-like illness with joint pains, rash and fever.

Ross River virus is not fatal.

What are the symptoms?

Many people who are infected with the virus will never develop symptoms.

Some people will have flu-like symptoms that include fever, chills, headache and aches and pains in the muscles and joints.

Some joints can become swollen, and joint stiffness may be particularly noticeable in the morning.

Sometimes a rash occurs on the body, arms or legs. The rash usually disappears after seven to 10 days.

A general feeling of being unwell, tired or weak may also occur at times during the illness. This may affect work performance.
Just charming! I have the rash, I alternating between hot and cold and ache in places I didnt even think you can ache. Also hands and feet are swollen and sore.
Oh and just to make my joy complete, last night a nasty mozzie went in my ear while I was sleeping. Ive syringed and syringed it with water and olive oil, its now dead but still in there.....hopefully tomorrow it will be gone.
Cant you tell I just love mozzies?

foreign correspondents scarf

2011-01-06T06:36:00.001+11:00

In an effort to get all my wips (~~works in progress~~ things started and then put aside) Ive been working on just ONE item until its finished. Sometimes its hard but I AM trying hard to achieve this!
Here is foreign correspondents scarf knitted from fleece artist sea wool in the colour snow crocus.
Looks pretty damm good I reckon!

2011-01-05T20:31:00.001+11:00

Today I drove to Bendigo to pick up Megan as she had been at my sisters for a few days but also to do a few jobs (had a pedicure - yay!!!!) and of course to visit Aimee and Mia.
How lovely it is to walk into Aimees home and call out to Mia and she comes a running - so very pleased to see me and presenting me with heaps of hugs and kisses - that is definately what being a Nanna is all about. Of course I produced a colouring book for her - and she produced this gorgeous colouring for me (and Gazzy) to stick on our bedroom wall!

first wooly finish for the year

2011-01-04T07:20:00.000+11:00

Last year I made this beret - which I might add Sarah stole! - and just loved the pattern.

Found out it was a smaller version of the hemlock ring blanket so decided to go the whole hog and make the whole thing!
Hemlock Ring Blanket knitted on 3.75 mm needles
and using Bendigo Woolen Mills Classic 5 ply

in the colour of red berry. Yarn was bought from the infamous back room at the bendigo woolen mills shop and cost the princely sum of $5.00 from memory - from which I made the beret and the blanket and still have a small amount left over!

guess who came to the farm to visit?

2011-01-03T07:13:00.001+11:00

Look who came to the farm for a visit!
And not just Mia - Aimee and Jason too.
And what a lovely day was had by all - "farm work" was done (well being a fence, motor bike riding, checking out chickens, calves etc.) and there was a big challenge of our WII fit to beat the highest score.
And of course hugs and kisses were involved too!

2011-01-02T17:31:00.000+11:00

How yummy does this look?
Ive decided Im going to try some different stuff to cook and this is the start! Recipe from the latest womens weekly and Ive listed it here (mainly so I dont loose it as well when I want to make it again)
Turkey, peach and fetta salad
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tblspn white wine vinegar
1/2 tspn freshly ground black pepper
4 medium peaches sliced (I used tinned ones)
100g baby rocket leaves
2 cups shredded cooked turkey
80g fetta cheese
6 fresh mint leaves, shredded finely

1. Combine oil, vinegar, and pepper in a large bowl. Add peaches and toss lightly to coat.
2. Arrange the rocket leaves on a serving platter or bowl. Add the peach mixutre and turkey. Crumble the fetta over the top then sprinkle with mint.

P.S. And dessert is trifle!

2011 - here I come!

2011-01-01T17:32:00.000+11:00

OK out with 2010 and bring on 2011 - at our church our theme for 2011 is "Get Ready for Heaven in 2011"
Its that time of the year when we look back at the year before - realise we cant change anything that has happened and then hopefully learn from what DID happen.
Its also the time when we ~~make~~ try to make new years resolutions - of course Im an overachiever so Ive made a list!

List of New Year Resolutions

•Become more self-confident and organised, use my diary and journal

•Lose weight and get fitter

•Become more cost-effective - use what I have FIRST

•Eat much more healthily (but Im NOT giving up chocolate!)

•Save money

•Stop worrying - trust God to supply ALL our needs

•Take a trip

•Learn something new

•Be Less Grumpy

2010-12-26T16:58:00.000+11:00

Well Christmas has come and all - all that worry and stress over "will they like that present" and also "is there enough food?" of course happened and really we didnt have to worry (but you always do dont you?)

Oh the joy to share Christmas with my 3 year old granddaughter Mia - Nan you HAVE to bake cookies to leave out for Santa or else he wont come!

a christmas blessing

2010-12-18T08:49:00.000+11:00

Extremely Blessed - courtesy of Gloria Copeland

"A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth." (Proverbs 17:8)

If I could give you a gift this Christmas, the Word is what I'd give you. I'd rather give it to you than a check for a million dollars. Because you can run through a million dollars real quick, but the truth of God's Word never quits--and it will get you out of situations a million dollars can't get you out of.

Gary and I are just ordinary people. But when we latched onto God's Word, we latched onto something out of the ordinary, something that changed our lives. Every area of our lives.

Nothing that's happened to us has happened because of us. It's happened because of God's Word. In fact, I don't even have to know you to promise you this: If you'll give God's Word your full attention--and not be afraid of His will for your life--you're going to be happier and more prosperous than anything you could ever dream up.

Of course, if you do that, people may call you extreme. They say that about us all the time. But we don't mind. We are extreme. And if you'll set your faith on the Word of God, you can be extreme too. Extremely well. Extremely prosperous. And extremely blessed. Merry Christmas.

quilts for others - snuggle quilts

2010-12-13T08:55:00.000+11:00

Ive been busy joining blocks and making small "snuggle" quilts for sick children and babies with blocks donated to my local patchwork group. Ive made 6 and they are quilted and bound and ready to go. Great way to use up scraps of binding, batting and even thread! And all for a good cause.

summer in australia??????

2010-12-11T06:45:00.001+11:00

This is summer in Australia, a friend reminded me of the well known poem by Dorethea McKeller -
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of drought and flooding rains,
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me.

Yes this is our farm on Thursday morning, mud, slush and fog and its December!

a finish!!!!

2010-12-02T08:28:00.000+11:00

Well as I suspected - my quilting genes have returned - see previous posts! As I have not been having the best of times lately, Ive been feeling I need to get back to what I used to love doing - and one of those things is quilting. So.....to cut a long story short, dug out this quilt top that I hate to think how long ago was made and proceeded to machine quilt, bind and label it. Yes the purists would say it should have been handquilted but I dont care! Its a lovely quilt and I just wanted it done. It looks lovely hung over my sewing machine. And the roll on continues - found a table runner that just needs some blanket stitch embroidery on some flowers and leaves and binding and then it is done! For your knitters dont despair - knitting is STILL being done as well.

hello mrs rivett!

2010-11-28T07:02:00.000+11:00

Well after weeks of on and off rain saturday 20th november was a lovely (although a bit hot) day for my oldest daughter Aimees wedding to the man of her dreams Jason. My other two daughters Sarah and Megan got to play bridesmaids and Aimees daughter Mia (and my fabulous granddaughter) was flower girl. I got to do a reading too!
Dont they all look gorgeous?

has the quilter returned?

2010-11-13T09:10:00.000+11:00

After a week that I wish I had never experienced, during which time I had hours and hours of knitting time - I came home Thursday and actually felt the urge to ~~sew~~ quilt something. Thankfully Mum had given me two little quilts of hers to finish - well to tell the truth I was at Mum's home and we were having lunch. While I was eating I was looking at two little quilt tops that were pinned to her curtain - I think they had been there for quite some time - years in fact. I said to Mum "would you like me to finish these for you?" Of course she jumped at the chance as her eyesight is pretty dodgy now.

So......got out the tops, found some wadding and back etc and quilted them. I had forgotten how relaxing quilting is when its all going according to plan (which it was). Bound them and even labelled them. Dropped them off to Mum last night and she was amazed - thought I was quilting them for her for a Christmas present!

SO I gather Im in Mum's Good Books. And she has a new quilt for Christmas decorating and a sewing themed one to hang on the wall too!

So while Im feeling sewing like - today I hunted out some charm squares I had (cute pink ones) and a cream jelly roll and am making a quick and easy top - wish me luck.

Oh!!! and for the knitters out there - do not fear!

Whipped up this ipod cover for Megan and she loves it!

a sock fairy tale

2010-11-04T11:39:00.000+11:00

Once upon a time there was a ~~knitter~~ reasonably new knitter who could knit shawls and jumpers but had never knitted socks.....so.....she joined a group on ravelry where someone would knit an item for you and you paid them in yarn for their trouble.....so.....said knitter asked for these socks called monkey to be made for her by drbones. Arent they fabulous.

A strange thing happened though. As the ~~knitter~~ trying to stretch herself knitter watched via email the progress of these socks she thought to herself - I think I can do that!!! So what happened....

She did this, which resulted in this

And now she is making this!!

So in the tradition of all good fairy tales - have a go, you never know what great things can happen for those who actually have a go and a try and who progress from being a ~~beginner knitter~~ to a sock knitter~!

I CAN knit socks!

2010-10-23T08:57:00.000+11:00

Have a look at this! First sock done and second one cast on! And yes I CAN knit socks - it fits perfectly and everything. Am I impressed with myself? Of course I Am

feeling brave and knitting socks on dpns

2010-10-16T22:30:00.000+11:00

Ive finally taken the plunge and cast on a pair of socks, knitted on dpns (double pointed needles - 5 of them for the uninitiated). Its my birthday tomorrow so I had some birthday money given to me, so splurged and bought a set of the lovely Knitpro wooden needles. The yarn is colinette jitterbug in blue and is a joy to knit with. The pattern is peacock rib socks and I got it from Ravelry. Looking good so far I think!

a lovely day in the garden

2010-10-02T18:13:00.000+10:00

Well with a lovely day today of around 24 degrees, and a grandfinal on the tv that I didnt want to watch (btw Collingwood won) I decided to spend it in the garden. Pulled a heap of plants out, put in a few new ones and generally did a rearrange - and it looks pretty good now I think!

things that make gary happy

2010-09-29T15:04:00.002+10:00

Sorry for the sideways picture but it just wont load properly!!!! This has made Gary (hubby) very happy - here he is cutting hay (while the sun is shining) and its going to be fabulous hay - its been a long time since he's done something like this and he is quite impressed!

yay a visit from mia and aimee

2010-09-24T07:40:00.000+10:00

Hooray - Aimee and Mia came for a visit today - I dont see them enough but when they do come its fabulous. Of course the calves had to be inspected and Mia even had a ride on one!

And she was quite impressed with the hat I knitted for her as well!

suprise suprise Ive actually done some quilting!!!

2010-09-11T16:24:00.000+10:00

For those of you who follow this blog - you may have noticed that I havent really done anything quiltwise since March - yes March!!! I had to do a tidy up as we had visitors coming at Easter time and the result was that everything got shoved into huge plastic tubs, and to be honest it was too hard to unpack it.
However I had signed up at material obsession to join in their next block of the month for the Sue Ross blocks - they describe it as Twisted tradition - A quilt of traditional blocks in modern fabrics!

Pattern, fabric and templates included for a queen size quilt. I had seen a few blocks done by others on their blogs and they are fabulous. Well.....the first block arrived about three weeks ago, I glanced at it and put it aside. On Thursday I had an email from material obsession (sneaky, very sneaky) telling me that block 2 was due to be sent very soon! Of course that MADE me get block one out and yes (suprise suprise) I started it today...and its tricky!!!! Here is my progress so far- and handpieced I might add!

my quilt in japan

2010-09-09T10:47:00.000+10:00

Isn't this lovely? Saeka sent me this photo of the quilt I gave her - and how she now has it hanging in her bedroom. So nice to know it was appreciated and will be loved! BTW the pattern for this quilt was a free block of the month I got from the internet - from The Rabbit Factory if memory serves me correctly. Different patterns for each month and for the changing seasons.

more knitting finishes

2010-09-04T07:45:00.001+10:00

A few more knitting finishes - airy hat using Smooshy - it was a kit from Yay for Yarn! Gathered Pullover using the lovely and yummy Bendigo Woolen Mills Allegro and....

February Lady sweater using Debbie Bliss Cashmero - ran out of wool hence the shorter sleeves

Please note all items are for me!!!!!

some finishes

2010-08-16T08:03:00.000+10:00

Ive just been checking over my blog and noticed I havent finished anything quilt related since March- I actually dont think Ive even SEWN anything quilt related since then! What have I been doing you ask??? Knitting! Ive rediscovered my love of knitting - thanks mainly to http://www.ravelry.com/

Firstly is the Irish Hiking Shawl which I made for Megan and on then the Summer Flies Shawl - not sure who will score this one at this stage, maybe myself!

sayona saeka

2010-08-14T06:36:00.000+10:00

Well we had a fabulous time with Saeka staying with us, but all too soon the week was up and she was on her way home. Ive been too busy since then to load this, but am doing it now.
I gave her a small quilt to take home with her to remember us by - Im sure she loved it!

sushi

2010-08-08T08:14:00.002+10:00

Last night Saeka made us dinner - it was sushi and it was delicious! Saeka tells me that she has never made it before but we think she did a fabulous job.

fishing

2010-08-08T07:19:00.000+10:00

What a lovely way to spend a sunny winters Sunday - fishing. Unfortunately no fish were caught but Saeka did get a bite - but the fish got away!

speedy has a new friend

2010-08-06T07:24:00.000+10:00

Saeka loves our cat Speedy, and Speedy loves her. Especially as she is getting lots of pats, cuddles and being brushed!

milking and a thankyou

2010-08-04T17:48:00.000+10:00

Saeka had and I quote "the most fantastic experience of her life" helping Gary milk tonight. She enjoyed herself so much and quickly the hang of how to milk!
Also a thankyou to Saeka and her family for the lovely gifts she gave us last night - here is what she gave Gary and I, Megan has her gifts in her room.

more saeka

2010-08-04T08:08:00.000+10:00

Saeka is really enjoying being here! Here she is ready to go to school and with Megan before they head off on the school bus.

2010-08-03T07:02:00.005+10:00

2010-08-03T07:02:00.002+10:00

Saeka

2010-08-03T07:01:00.000+10:00

We are blessed to have a student from Japan come and live with us for a week. Her name is Saeka and she arrived yesterday. She quickly fitted into our family and soon was outside meeting all our animals- with Megan's help.

I can knit lace!

2010-06-10T09:18:00.000+10:00

I wasn't sure how I would go knitting this - Ive never knitted lace before- but Ive done it! Its forest canopy shawl and it was heaps easier to knit that what I thought it would be. Yes I did a bit of frogging here and there but nothing too terrible.
Here it is blocked and drying - cant wait to wear it!

look what lives at our home now!!!!

2010-05-26T17:27:00.002+10:00

Look what lives at our home now!!! A brand new (yes brand new!!!!!!) 2010 Ford Territory TS Mark II - how cool is that??????

2010-05-23T15:36:00.003+10:00

2010-05-23T15:36:00.001+10:00

Ive been knitting

2010-05-23T15:34:00.000+10:00

I havent been quilting/sewing at all - but I have been knitting.

Finished these three lovelies this week - yes I know it sounds impressive but really there was only ends to sew in on two!

my girls

2010-05-12T18:58:00.000+10:00

fun of two different kinds

2010-04-14T08:09:00.000+10:00

Had fun yesterday - two types of fun

Firstly "burning off" - there was a dead willow tree that had managed to fall into the channel that Gary wants to water today, so it had to go! And go it did - here's the proof.

Not sure if you can see it but the cows were in the next paddock and didnt pay the slightest bit of interest!

Next bit of fun - our one chook had been missing for a while and then reappeared and then disappeared again. Seems she has been sitting on some eggs - and the result - 11 chickens. Gary and I managed to catch them all and put them and mum in the chook house. Dont know how long they will last there as the chickens go straight thru the wire they are so small and the chook can fly out. But they are safe for now! And quite cute too.

Happy Birthday Mia

2010-04-12T19:30:00.002+10:00

Hard to believe but three years ago this happened - and now three years later my lovely granddaughter Mia is 3!!!! I bought her this fabulous keyboard thingy that you stand on and it plays music - its actually even better than I thought it would be and she was most impressed! I also gave her her "grown up" quilt which I made for her before she was born I think but only managed to give it to her now! After all whats a birthday without a quilt.

moving

2010-04-08T18:34:00.000+10:00

Well we are now officially a family with only one child living at home (Megan). Sarah has now officially moved to Bendigo to her new home - we helped her on Monday.

Here she is opening the door!!! And for those that know Sarah well here is a "shocking" box - only ONE box for shoes and handbags???????????????????????????