Excuses, excuses...

We had a sermon about 'excuses' a week or so back at our church. Simon and I have since been teasing each other about the excuses we come up with in life. And when you actually stop and think about all the excuses you make - you realise there are alot!

So now that I have come to sit down and quickly write a post for here I was about ready to fire off some excuses for my lack of entries.

They were to go along the long of.... "I have so much to show you all, but my photos are on the camera.....I can't access a computer regularly at the moment....I'm so busy (the usual one...)"

So I won't bore the world with my excuses, but will only say that exciting things are happening in my life at the moment! Apart from the fact that I am now nearly 15 weeks into a wonderful and happy marriage, I have been having a great time running the home. I have really taken to cleaning and cooking and shopping for food. I know that all you older, wiser women will be quick to laugh and tell me that the novelty will wear off soon, and perhaps it will. But for now - I'm really enjoying it! I have also been able to do a lot of sewing lately, and I have quite a few exciting endeavours coming up shortly.

But my main exciting news is that Simon and I have bought our own home! Our very own home! We are incredibly happy and thrilled to bits. It is a lovely little house, and has been very well looked after by the previous owners. We are literally counting down the days till settlement - which is now only 8 days away!!! Once we are moved in and settled, I'll be able to set the computer up and show you lots of goodies!

Till then, my very good friend from work, Mary, and I have set ourselves a challenge. We are going to have a try at completing the 'Sylvias Bridal Sampler" quilt from the Elm Creek Quilts fame. I have not done much hand piecing, but I'm looking forward to learning more and testing myself. We have both decided to use 1930's style fabrics - yum, yum!! I have always been a big 30's fan, so I'm looking forward to playing with it!

I'll keep you posted on how things progress!

I'm back!

*gives shiny new computer a big smacking kiss*

Wow. It really feels so good to be back online! I've been able to use my little laptop for quick checks of emails - but had no access to my photos etc. What a strange generation of people we are - we get so lost without a computer and internet connection!

But at least I've had some quality time for sewing -so that's a good point!

We have been experiencing a lot of rain here lately - and I mean, a lot. It's been such a wonderful blessing and a lot of dams and lakes are now full - or in some cases, overflowing. It's great to see the grass looking so lush and green in the paddocks too.

This photo below is of the Yarra River in Healesville, looking a bit swollen and flooded.

Well, I'm amazed that Christmas is literally next week. Is anyone else scratching their head, wondering, "Where did October go to?"

Thankfully I think I'm somewhat ready for Christmas. I have nearly every present bought and made, and only a few bits to go. That being said - we still don't have the christmas tree up... or a wreath on the door...or lights flashing on the verandah... or table decorations made.... but at least the presents are nearly done!

Anyway - on to the sewing part!

I made the two aprons pictured above for work. A few of us girls like to wear aprons at work, as they protect our clothes, and have handy pockets for random stuff. My previous apron was looking a bit sad and 'well loved,' so it was definately time for an update. The brown apron is made using fabric from the "In the Pink II" range that was also used for the Homespun Breast of Friends quilt. The bright and colourful blue apron is made using the gorgeous fabric from Mellys new range, "Where the wind blows." Love it. Oh, and for inquiring minds - the pattern for the above aprons are from the fantastic book, "A is for Apron."

I made this little blue wallhanging quite a while ago, but have only just got around to taking a good piccy of it. I used the free motion foot on my machine for the flowers, and the stipple quilting. I love the simplicity of this little quilt.

A few weeks ago, my church, St Johns Anglican, held a local fete in town. As usual, I had completely forgotten about it, and left everything to the last minute. So I made these super quick, and rather cute, little bags to sell at the fete. And they are literally super quick. Like, really quick. It was so much fun!

This photo below is of a doily that I turned into a quilt label I made for a recent quilt. I love it! I'll be able to share this quilt with you in May next year - which seems ages away!

So, I have quite alot of other things to show and share, but I'll save it for another post soon. Things that will be coming soon are:

- Info on the Stringybark Farm BOM (finally!!!!)

- Some finished photos of my "For these I give thanks" quilt made by ladies around the world.

- The launch of my first pattern!! Yay!

- A new "Be Creative" challenge.

- Maybe even another "Paper Bag swap."

- And some finished quilts.

- And more. Most of which I can't remember now.

Such exciting stuff!

Now - finally I can go hunting through your blogs!