Having shopping fun in Darwin.

 When I was in Darwin at my brother’s there was a fabric shopping day.

I found out that there was a sewing shop 6 minutes from my brothers.

Just Stitchin @ Humpty Doo

Yes, I bought some goodies. I found out that on Fridays they have a sit n sew morning. I just might join in.

Then off to Dragonfly Fabrics. It doesn’t look like much when you drive up. Nearly didn’t go in.

BUT OH BOY, am I glad I did. What an amazing shop. Yes, I bought again.

Third stop was of course, SPOTLIGHT.

There was a sale of 50% off and of course, I bought some more.

Now I just have to use up some of this. It was a busy day and a very hot one too.

My Japan trip. Thanks Graeme…

 I have had the most amazing opportunity to go to Japan for 2 weeks.

My hubby isn’t well and can’t be left by himself. My brother said I couldn’t cancel my 12 month booked holiday to Japan. It was a hard decision. I owe Graeme so much. He gave me the best opportunity to go away while he endured a challenging time booking in appointments for Tony with OT’s, Physio, drs, showering, house cleaning, lawn mowing, scans, hospital visits and many more appointments. 

I had the most amazing time and I still have not unpacked my shopping.Yes, I have done the unpacking of suitcase, washing etc. I have been busy with catching up on appointments , routine and shopping. Also, my daughter’s wedding anniversary was celebrated a week late. So be it, Tony comes first at this point. Sadly no sewing has happened. 

Here is my shopping though. I am a very happy lady.

My shopping haul.

I started unpacking so I needed a drink.

And I added a salami and cheese snack. The best I could find at 7 Eleven.

I had also shopped at Pandora to add to my collection. This was a challenge of a trip. 5 of us wanted Pandora. Our organiser took us there. It was only at the station opposite our motel.Well, what an experience finding the motel.

It took us 45 minutes to find our way out of the station. The stations are multi level shopping centres and are huge. One thing to remember when travelling anywhere is to take lots of photos. So a photo of where to exit the station was well needed. So long as you know where you are headed you will always get there with some help. Anyway, I a few of us bought this beautiful charm. Isn’t she cute… No wondering where I bought it.  Then off to duty free. Well, that was an experience….

While at a special shopping arcade I saw this unusual handbag 45 minutes later I went back and bought it. It can be used as a normal handbag, over the shoulder and around the waist. Hands free. It was designed in Japan and made in Bangladesh. With natural leather. Yes, it cost a lot, but I love it. It holds so much and I have already used it a few times.

My shopping after a day out.

Then, I started to pack my case. Oh wow look at this shopping spree.

I think I have a lot to sew along with once I get home and back to sewing. 

This is been a very treasured trip to Japan. So thanks to Janet for organising, Maxine my roomie, the other ladies that made a fun trip and most of all my brother, Graeme, for offering to care for Tony making it able for me to go. I am so grateful…

Wakierie SA Sew in day

 A few of us went to Waikerie from our Mildura group. I also met up with Judy and Pat from Bordertown.

We had a great day of sewing, chatting, show n tell and lots of shopping too. When we arrived we were greeted with a goodie bag. This was a nice shopping bag, a Riverland tourism book, a great plastic project bag and a wrist strap with a link to attach keys/phone. We were very lucky.

There were about 120 ladies that attended. It was a great day.

Maxine and Helen

I actually did some stitching

There was also a little project that the SA valuation team participated in. They recorded their time and had their 40cm square piece valued by the team. The challenge was also for their 40th Ruby Anniversary .

The members made a piece, had it valued and shared this with us. The results were amazing.

This is a cute one.

I love this one.

Here Judy is with hers. She machine quilted a whole cloth.

And it’s valuation came in at 

Just remember these are only 40cm square……

Absolutely astonishing. This valuation is for replacement value for insurance purposes and not the $ value to sell or buy.

If you are interested in getting your quilts valued the SA quilt team will do for non members for $50.

Please contact me if you want more details or contact Judy

I forgot to get a photo of their raffle quilt but it is valued at $26,000.

Yes that’s right. I haven’t added in extra “0’s”

OUR WORK IS WORTH THAT MUCH.

Just remember this when you gift a quilt. If you want it respected maybe it is worth getting it valued to show how how much you love the recipient. You do get a certificate to pass on with every valuation.

My shopping consisted of a sashiko panel, some pins, small scissors and a needle threader.

Shopping trip and what I'm up too

On a walk one day I saw this shop. The Material Girls. 

Of course I couldn't keep walking so in I went.

And out I came with.... A Christmas pattern and silver thread for my spider webs...

Stop for a drink at the club on the way home... Little Xavier snuck into the photo and Nicholas was good enough to take our photo.

Bad to the unit to continue with my knitting and stitching.
Dishcloths, clam shells and little birdies..... What will they end up as.....

PATCHWORK PLUS in TASMANIA

While I was on holidays in Tasmania we stayed in this little town called George Town. My husband had to go around the block to park his bike in the back of the hotel. I waited out the front while he was doing this. When we had unpacked my husband suggested we go for a walk. He is so lovely.
While parking his bike he noticed this shop.
PATCHWORK PLUS ... http://patchworksplus.com.au

with SARAH.....

of course I bought fabric. Being on a motorbike I didn't have any room for fabric... This is what I came home too... Beautiful XMAS fabric, Ric rac, tape measure trim and a gorgeous cushion pattern. I love this cushion pattern that has a caravan on it. This is a new time in our lives. So much fun...

I'm linking up with MOLLI's STASH....

http://www.mollisparkles.com/2015/05/sunday-stash-125-compliment-or-contrast.html