BLESSED SPEEDY

I finished March but finishing some pretty big projects - firstly the Wensleydale quilt which was foundation pieced - second time I have made this and its such a lovely design by Jenn Kingwell. I used beautiful Japanese fabrics gifted to me by David - a real treat and I hope Ive given justice to the fabrics Next finish was the Advent stitch along by Hugs and Kisses - this one took a lot of stitches but I did enjoy the construction. I also did another card class with my friend Juliana - these were using the sweet treats papers and I love how they turned out Im enjoying new ways to make cards and might try and work out some of my own designs soonish And finally another pair of socks finished - and another green pair! For someone who never used to like green I think Ive really embraced it. The Pattern is called Cirrus Socks by Helen Stewart and I used some Fibre Lily socks Ive had in my stash since last years Bendigo sheep and wool show Now onto reading - Summer Island by Kris...

After finishing nothing last week - this week has been stellar! Firstly a pair of socks - this was a kit I bought a few years ago and was a fundraiser to support breast cancer research and support The pattern is Hope adn Sunsine socks and the yarn is from Louie and Lola yarns. And then another pair of socks as well! These are the Gaiano socks and the yarn I used was Maximoo Yarns Luxury sock and was gifted to me by a fellow knitter from Ravelry who lives in Canada - its a beautiful yarn to work with. And finally - not socks - the Ankers Summer Shirt which I knit for myself Ive made this pattern before and have worn that top (in blue) a lot so wanted a white one as well I used Papyrus yarn and I think Ill get a lot of wear from this. As I said a very successful week - and no I didnt knit everything this week (that would be impossible) they were all at various stages and just happened to all finish in this one week. And I must admit its nice to not have anything on the needles hal...

Well I havent finished a thing - either craftwise or reading! I did however attend a 3 day community health conference that was excellent and Ill copy the CEO's summary here Last week several members of the team attended the ARRCH Conference, and I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contribution we made and the pride we all felt representing the amazing work happening across our organisation. Our team were outstanding ambassadors for NDCH, sharing their expertise and passion with colleagues from across the sector: Emily Wood and Tanya Maher-Toose – Listening Deeply to Community Alex Carter – Helping People Manage Chronic Disease Confidently Ingrid Cultivo – From Turning Point to Future Ready Each presentation highlighted the thoughtful, innovative and community-focused work that happens every day at NDCH. With Yvonne, Arthur, Nilda, Nicci, Di Bowles and I cheering them on, it was impossible not to feel immense pride — both in the quality of their presentations and i...

The months and weeks and days are flying by and here we are in March! Ive got a lot to show you as I think ive forgotten to show you some things! Firstly Ive finished this sashiko table runner that I started when I was in Queensland for over a month awaiting Ollies birth - and that was two years ago. I needed to get this finished and I have. Id also forgotten how soothing it is doing a stitching project like this - it was my early morning hand stitching project and I just loved working on it Ive also completed yet another pair of socks (and is this where I admit that I own way too many skeins of sock yarn and also way too many sock patterns I want to make up) The Pattern is Surprise socks designed Brigit Ka and the yarn I used was Faking Sanity Persuasion sock yarn which was gifted to me by a knitting friend from Canada. I also attended another card making with Juliana and I really enjoyed it - I may have bought some supplies to make some more. Who knew there was a craft I had...

Well the best thing about this week is that we spent it in Queensland! Airlie Beach - my happy place! Visiting Sarah, Kris, Ollie and Jessie the dog is always just so lovely and it was great that this time Gary could come with me. We spoilt ourselves with a night at the Park Royal the night before our flight as we flew out a bit after 7am We even availed ourselves of the gym there and enjoyed a yummy dinner (and breakfast) in our room Yes the weather was a bit hot and humid in queensland - but thats what it is and I think Im "almost" used to it. Ollie is growing in leaps and bounds and its hard to believe he will be 2 next month! He adores Gary (probably more than me) and they had such fun together - mowing lawns, whipper snipping, reading books and just having fun and Sarah is such a great mum and Kris an excellent dad too The time was too short though (as always) but we will be back!

Reading wise - again a few finishes! And Im amazed to realise that Ive read/listened to 12 books this year alread which is apparently 19% of my goal to read 64 books this year The Lucky Sisters by Rachel Johns which I read as a physical book. I loved this book - and its not just because it has a pretty cover (which may be why I bought it) This is the story of Nora and Stevie Lucky, twins who were adopted not long after birth. Their adopted mum dies and they are about to turn 50 so decide to try and find their biological parents. The results of this cause them both to have a serious rethink of their lives - some for good, some not and their lives are thrown into disarray. This is an excellent set in australia book by a great australian author and a definite 5 star read from me. The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak which I listened to as an audiobook via audible This is such a sad book about a time in history when young women were not thought much of except for the convenience o...