Donations and Devils Marbles

 I had a lovely friend visit me today and I passed on some beautiful quilts and knitted beanies for charity. Barb will pass them on to a couple of places. Just a couple named are KOGO & The Northern Hospital. 

All my donations get passed on to depts and not just charity bins in parking lots. They all are cherished.

Thanks to Barb for passing the following on.

So today’s lots are…..

Lots of baby beanies made by Jenni have been passed on to the hospital.

Crochet blankets & jumpers made by me have been passed on to KOGO.

Quilts & receiving blankets made by Margaret have been passed on to St Kilda Mums and the Northern Hospital

Thanks for everyone’s donations for me to pass onto charities I support.

NOW MORE ON MY  TRIP 

The Devil’s Marbles.

These are just amazing rock formations by the side of the road.

They are huge round rocks, stacked on top of one another…

Look at the red colour. Just amazing.

These remind me of the rock formations that were near where I used to live. Tooborac, Victoria, Australia 

Donations to the nursing home in Gisborne

My friend from my Monday Gisborne group came for a visit. Barb was raised here in Mildura and her parents still live here. Since I have spent some time basting a few quilts and have always joined in with our groups donations what was I to do. Her visit was quick and unexpected so I gave Barb 2 quilts to take home and quilt. They were basted so half the job was done.... here are the ones I sent back.
Good night Irene

Good night Irene

And the story of where it began.

https://jobutterfield.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/fnsimy-test-pattern-quilt.html

Then there was my Hunters Star quilt.

https://jobutterfield.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/what-have-i-been-up-to-hunters-star.html

Hunters Star

I'm sure the nursing home will appreciate the kindness of our little group.

I think they have between 15 - 20 quilts so far.

Not bad for a group of 4...

My day in the city.

what a great day we had.....
We walked, shopped, talked, ate and had fun.
We visited and geocached. Now that was a learning curve . Thanks to Sue & Mel...
Thanks to my driver for getting me there. She knew exactly where we were going. I had no idea. I did have a gift in hand....
This is what I gave.....

My stitched journal cover. I just love the pen holder. I did put in a pen instead of the pencil.

I also added some thread, some flavoured tea, a latte sachet and a knitted dishcloth.

I hope it was well received by Barb.

http://barbscreations.blogspot.com.au

And what I received..... From Marg.

http://willsquiltnsew.blogspot.com.au

It is so lovely. Thank you.....

If you want to see what we got up to then have a look here for some great photos.

I didn't take my camera...

SHEZ,  Shez,  MEL  & SUE.

There are some great photos on these blogs. 

We even got to visit with the QUEEN.

We had so much fun...

My  SLOW STITCHING SUNDAY  day was spent doing some x stitching and joining in here.

Well, I am so new to this cross stitch scene. I have finally tried something little. Nothing like the beautiful work I have seen here but none the less I have done something.
I made a little design in 2 sizes.  One in 18 count and the other might be 14 but I'm not too sure.
I can't believe everyone else's beautiful work in such a finer count of canvas.. They are all so inspiring.
Anyway here is what I have done..... It has taken me quite a while...
Thanks to Kaye for setting up this SAL
http://christmasorniesal2015.blogspot.com.au

Thanks Narelle for pushing us along to make 

1XMAS ITEM A MONTH

More for the AUSSIE HEROES

My friends and I have been making quilts for the great AUSSIE HEROES...
http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com.au

Here are the next ones that have been sent off.

From Barb

For the cricketer

 And the back

 From Rhonda

And the one Jo made......

All have been posted. These will be the last ones for the year.

Millrosie Retreat at Ballan

Well, I arrived excited and early at my Ballan destination.
http://www.millrosecottage.com.au

Mill Rose Retreat with the Millrosie group.
http://millrosiefriends.blogspot.com.au

I was a late comer and filled in the spot of Shez. She was enjoying a fantastic holiday in Thailand.
http://shez-enjoyinglife.blogspot.com.au
Here is the beautiful Mill rose Quilt Shop and Retreat House.

 Mill Rose retreat

 Through the RED DOOR if you dare

 The bedroom I shared with Lyn from
http://oldburycottage.blogspot.com.au

The beautiful work room, lounge room and dining room

 The relaxing dining room

Our work area

 Here is the group saying HI
There is Anne,
 Melody from
http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com.au
Anne &
Barb from
http://barbscreations.blogspot.com.au
Lyn from
http://oldburycottage.blogspot.com.au
There was Linda and Judy &
Kerryn from
http://christmascreationsbykeryn.blogspot.com.au
& Sue from
http://curlyquesue.blogspot.com.au

 Here was Melody, Anne, Anne & myself sitting down for our joint luncheon. Cheese, fruit, dips, paste &  cracker lunch. Oh so yummy......

 Here are the sewing machine girls with their pedals to the metal. Very productive group.

Sue and Liz did a fantastic job of looking after us. The food was fantastic, the accomodation was the best. I just loved the beds, room & shower. It was so relaxing.

The whole venue was such a treat for all of us. 

It was amazing and I hope to get the chance to do this again with the special friends that I have made this weekend.

Thankyou Millrosie group.

And a special thankyou goes to SHARON from 

http://lilabellelane.blogspot.com.au

SHARON was the lovely lady who organised this wonderful weekend for all of us. Yes she was supposed to be there to share it wit us but unfortunately had some health issues. If there is another one, I'm sure she will make sure she will be there. And so you should.

Thankyou for giving me the opportunity to have a great weekend......

A little Xmas gift

I received a beautiful hand stitched pot mat today. It's just what I need. I have had a good clean up at home and threw out a lot of damaged goods.

A new gift is always welcome.

Thanks Barb....