POSTCARD SWAP

I really enjoy reading everyone's blogs. I came across Sheila's quilt world blog.

http://sheilasquiltworld.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/are-you-ready-for-another-postcard-swap.html

She has organised a Postcard swap. I have not seen this before so I signed up and joined in.

My first time ever and I really enjoyed making them.

It was a SPRING and EASTER theme... Northern Hemisphere.

I had 2 partners and this is what I have sent....

I am not sure if they have been received so I will not mention which one is for who.

When they get them and I get mine I will post names and blogs. 

I loved making them and hope to do it again.

Thanks Sheila....

( I had forgotten that this post was scheduled with everything that has been going on. I will get to doing an update soon. My 2 partners have received them and I have mine. Won't be doing a post for a few days though)
Thanks again everyone for your support.....

MY SADNESS CONTINUES

A continuation of the last post is that we had the funeral for my nephew on Friday. It went as good as possible in these circumstances. Thank you every one for your comments, thoughts and support.

BUT.

as you might be aware of my mum has been unwell. I went to visit her on Tuesday and she wasn't very good. We called the district nurse, then the ambulance. Off to the hospital we went. But we forgot to pack the " New idea magazine".  I was with my mum and  her husband til very late. They transferred mum to another hospital during the night. The following day her vitals were not good. Her meds were increased and we were told to call in the family to see her. One brother was down from Darwin, My eldest brother was near by, My poor brother, already mourning his son, had to make a long trip to see mum. All the family visited.  Mum talked with them all. It was lovely. In a way happy but very sad too.

Off home we went late at night.

When I went back in on Thursday mum wasn't in her room, she had been moved. She made sure her "New Idea"  went with her. In a way we got a laugh. If you knew mum you would know why..

I was with her an hour with 5 other members of the family. She talked occasionally with us but sadly took her last breath with us holding her hand.

I am fortunate to have spent so much time with her over the past few months.

The pain has gone now and we will farewell mum on Tuesday. (with her New Idea)

Mum is reunited with my dad and her 3 grandsons.

I know she will look after them and slowly the rest of her family will join her.

RIP MUM

We all love you

Oh no, not again

I am writing this post with so much sadness. For the people that have been following me since I started blogging and know me personally they will understand so much of my pain.
On Friday morning I got a phone call with the most horrible news. It was my brother who had been in Melbourne for the night. I had only spoken to him the night before.
His news was that there had been a fatal car crash in his home town and that it was his 24year old son.😭😭😪😪  My brother and his wife had the most traumatic train trip home that morning. I immediately got in the car and travelled the 2 1/2 hours to be with him.
As tragic as this is it was only just over 2 years that this happened to me with my son. To have to relive this week is so unbelievable and painful. I still cry everyday for my son but now I know he will be showing and helping his cousin the way. I know what my brother and his wife are going through. They are apologetic to me for having to go through it again. This week is so hard.
My mum is not well enough to travel and this is the third grand child she has now lost. Yes, my 2 brothers and I have now all lost a son.
Understandably I am not sewing, posting or commenting on blogs. I have read the odd few. I am not sure what will happen this week or where I will be but I know I do have everyone's support.

I am so sorry to make such a sad post but I need to express myself somewhere. Thanks everyone for the calls and texts so far.

Hope to be back onboard soon.

MY HONOUR quilt is finished

I have spent a great deal of time finishing this quilt.

I have my sick grandson, NICHOLAS,  here for a few days and he was being a great helper.

Getting some fresh air before more medicine and a nap. 

He always wants to help so here he is showing off the POPPY backing.  Very suitable for this ANZAC honour quilt. Read more about the story of this quilt by clicking on the tab "HONOUR QUILT 2014" at the top of the page.

I have quilted starting in the centre with a star and working my way out. Boy, did it take ages. I think it was worth it though. I am happy with the finish.

I'm off to the Kilmore Quilters tonight to show it off.

Now to link up with NTT over at

http://myquiltinfatuation.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/spring-break-ntt.html

My Honour, I think I've done it....

For the past year I have been working on 6.5" blocks using up my blue scraps. The patterns were organised by a member of the Kilmore Quilters. Maree has been doing some research about soldiers in the area. Some were part of her family. Coming up to the 100 years there is a lot going on. We will be having a display of our quilts. This is the reason it is named the HONOUR QUILT. To remember the ones that fought for us.

Well, after a lot of work and support of friends, I have the top done.

I am very happy how it has come together.

I recently quilted some quilts with a spiral effect and I have decided to give this a go again but starting with a STAR in the centre instead. I will draw a star in the centre then just keep going round and round. Let's hope it gets the effect I want. It will all be FMQ. So there will be a few wonky lines. At least it will match the Wonky Stars.....

If you click on the HONOUR QUILT 2014 page tab at the top of the blog it will take you to the link with all the stories about the names Maree has chosen. Some are very sad. There were a lot of boys that lied about their age so they could enlist.

Linking up with others at
http://www.freshlypieced.com/2015/03/wip-wednesday-for-starters.html

And don't forget to sign up with WENDY for

http://sugarlanequilts.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/friday-night-sew-in-sign-ups.html

Another AUSSIE HERO QUILT on its way

I have had fun designing and making this quilt. I saw a photo on Pinterest and took the idea and made it fit the size required. This is for a special person on deployment. Thanks to Jan-Maree from
http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com.au
for all the organising she does. There is a lot of work to coordinate this group. So many quilts have been made and donated by all over AUSTRALIA. Well done everyone.
Here are mine....

LEGO MAN QUILT.

The laundry bag.

Quilts in the Garden finished

I have just finished my next 2 blocks for Deana's mystery quilt.
http://dodmystery.blogspot.com.au
I made the little quilts out of orphan blocks I had stored away. They only measure about 4".
I have added a twisted cord for the line and real wooden pegs too. Very cute.

In the mail yesterday was my first little pin cushion block and spacer from Ann. It didn't take very long at all from the States.. Thankyou Ann. Lovely colours.
This was Februarys design in the mystery.

QUILTS IN THE GARDEN with Deana

Here are the blocks I have done so far for my blocks in the 

http://dodmystery.blogspot.com.au

I have been doing these blocks every month. If you sign up and make a block this month you get next months block free. We have been making blocks for a few months now. 

This month is Quilters in the garden.

Here are the blocks I have made. Some are to swap some are to keep. 

I am not stitching the clothes lines to Hang the quilts on because when they are joined with other blocks they may not match. Instead I will make a twisted cord to use for the line and the lucky winner can place it in the correct spot. There will be some clothes pegs sent too.

XMAS Slow Stitching Sunday

I am so proud of myself for getting some hand stitching completed. I don't do a lot of stitching but this year I plan to do more.

I am making this for my grandsons to hang in their new home this XMAS. 

Just so SANTA doesn't miss them.

Here is where I am at so far.

So today I am linking up with Kathy at
http://kathysquilts.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/international-womens-day.html
For SLOW SUNDAY STITCHING

FNWF & SCRAP HAPPY SATURDAY & PET PROJECT SHOW

My Friday night was spent with my daughter doing a little machine & hand stitching. Spending time together was the best and more important.
We were celebrating my anniversary on Thursday and my birthday on Saturday. It was a good time spent together....

http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/fnwf.html

And this is what I got finished on Saturday for

Scrap Happy Saturday

My curved LOG CABIN

My Yellow casserole carrier
And a coaster made from the centre circle. These might go to the trade table or kept for gifts.

I am also linking up with the PINK DOXIES for their PET PROJECT SHOW

http://pinkdoxies.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/pet-project-show-10.html

Mail, dinner, FNWF sign ups

I am enjoying a lovely home cooked meal for my Anniversary.

Garlic prawns, rice and salad. Of course some bubbly to go with it in my special glasses from a special friend.

I have received some great mail this week. My QUILT SHOPS blocks as part of a row by row swap by DEANA from..
http://dodmystery.blogspot.com.au

Here is my block from Daryl. I love her little quilt, on point. All I need to do is add a button on the door.

And then from the great designer and organiser DEANA

I have just linked up with CHERYL from 

http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/fnwf.html 

 For FNWF.

Go on over the weekend for a look at what everyone has been working on.

I'll be stitching along with my daughter...

PIF WINNER, item sent and received

Terry was my winner with PIF.

TERRY's BLOG

Here is what I made and sent.

A folder cover made with lots of 1" finished half square triangles.

And on the inside you can put your patterns, WIP in plastic sleeves, pens.... Whatever you like.

I know Terry was happy with it             BUT

Mmmmm the postage.... $30.... that is what you have to accept when you take part in overseas giveaways and swaps. It is a pleasure to share our craft....

These were the rules

http://jobutterfield.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/pif-pay-it-forward.html

Here is the story of the Half square triangles..
http://jobutterfield.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/where-my-winnings-came-from.html