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!

What's this strange wet stuff falling on my head?

Well, I had some good news that my two little monsters from my previous post found a home! Two children found them (a boy and a girl - just like I had hoped,) and took them home. Their parents decided to donate the two toys to the Healesville Relief Centre for the fire victims. So I'm hoping some lucky child will find them and look after them.

Well, the new Homespun magazine came out this week, and inside were the two new blocks for the "Breast of Friends," mystery BOM. The third block in the series is a gorgeous applique by Natalie Bird, and the fourth one is a simple and pretty block by Rosalie Quinlan.

I have just completed the third block, and had a great time stitching it.

I did the wording part on mine slightly different to how the pattern suggested. I wasn't happy with the fabric I had chosen for the border originally, but I quite like it now. When you see it in person it really gives the block a pretty and refreshing look.

Check out Homespun Magazines website, as they have a blog that is updated every monday. This week they interview Rosalie Quinlan.

I have also been working on the quilt for my Omi. Yes, you remember that one that I had so much trouble with, right? Well I am pleased to announce that it is finally quilted!! And I stipple quilted the whole thing! I'm quite stunned with myself as this is the largest quilt I have stipple quilted other than a wallhanging. It's not perfect and there are quite a few mistakes, but I don't really care. And I don't think my Omi will either. Considering where I have come with this quilt and what we have been through, I'm so happy with it!

This morning I am pleased to report that we had a few sprinkles of rain! Praise God! We haven't had rain here for litterally months, and everything is dying. The beautiful hedge that we have around the back fence on our property is dropping it's leaves and looking miserable.
As it was drizzling this morning, I turned around and saw this rainbow, with the end of it sitting directly in the township of Healesville. It gave me a nice safe and secure feeling that Healesville was saved from all the desctruction of the bushfires, and the promise of rain is coming.