Daisy Julz

Last one for 2011...

2011-12-30T14:07:00.005+11:00

Again, started many years ago (8 or 9) and again, stitched on Calico! Pattern by Barri of Bareroots. Now finished, but need to find somewhere to hang it!

Weekender bag

2011-12-30T14:04:00.001+11:00

Bag pattern by Viv Robinson - Great bag for the weekend - just chuck everything in. Oh yeah and forget expensive leather bag handles - you can find them on an old bag at your local Op shop!

Oh wait, there's another one..

2011-12-30T13:58:00.003+11:00

Rosie Quinlan's pattern - "Love is". The blocks were stitched several years ago (on Calico!!) and i finally put it together. I did not do the borders as the per the original pattern, opting to do a simple Black, White and Burgundy arrangement.

Log Cabin challenge

2011-12-30T13:52:00.002+11:00

Above: Log cabin blocks purchased from the Mennonite Resource Centre in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, USA on our trip earlier this year. Pieced by me as a mini quilt.

Crazy Log Cabin - Kit purchased from Material Obsession - Sydney. Pieced and hand quilted (simply) by me.

Both were made as part of our Patchwork Group challenge for 2011 - "Any thing/Variation Log Cabin"

Dear Jane.....

2011-12-30T13:46:00.003+11:00

My Dear Jane journey started in 2009 and after abut 18 months I was over it! My patience ran out, so the project was shelved, until mid 2011 Sandra at Foothills - Tecoma showed me a pic of a quilt she saw on her US travels which incorporated a "DJ" style block. After a light bulb moment and some pattern drafting - Jane's School house was born. Each school house incorporates the finished DJ blocks.

Another creation.

2011-12-30T13:41:00.002+11:00

Gorgeous Gingerbread house made by the very clever 5 yo Caitlyn!

Another one...

2011-12-30T13:38:00.001+11:00

I made this one recently for a long time friend of ours.

More finishes......

2011-12-30T12:44:00.004+11:00

Bunches of Origami flowers made from vintage music paper and vintage buttons and knitting needles. I made several bunches as Xmas gifts, but still have to make some for myself!

More finishes for 2011

2011-12-27T09:10:00.007+11:00

I actually made the welcome sign many years ago, but still love it.

Selvedge Quilt. I saw this on a blog and then had to make one. Thanks to all my friends who supplied me with selvedges!!! Very happy with it and I am keen to make another!!!

Thangles quilt - a monthly program run by Mrs Martins a few years ago and I finally got mine finished!!

Cute wall hanging

2011-08-10T22:12:00.005+10:00

This one is a pattern by Cathy Baynes - Willow Valley Store. Cath is an awesome designer and her patterns are so easy to follow.

Some new completions

2011-08-10T21:58:00.004+10:00

The first pic is of a little coaster made for Thomas. I had previously made one for his sister, Caitlyn. Now mummy has asked for her own coaster, so I need to make another one. They are small and fun and don't take long to do.

The 2nd and 3rd pics are from a recently attended workshop with Viv Robinson, where I made this lovely piece for my friend Karen's birthday. Rather than frame it traditionally, I decided to frame it in an embroidery hoop. I was pretty pleased with the final product, as was Karen.

Home at last!

2011-05-10T15:27:00.003+10:00

37 hour marathon trip home!! We left the Philadelphia hotel at 8.30am on Sunday morning and headed to the airport. Lunchtime flight to Chicago where we had 5 hours or so to kill before the connection to LAX. Had a mother's day lunch in the food court at the airport then sat and people watched for a while. Flight then was delayed by 10 minutes and then out to 1 hour, given that we only had an hour to spare once arriving in LAX this was cutting it fine. A visit to customer service proved to no avail and the flight finally left after 8 pm instead of 6.40pm. As we approached LAX we were advised that they were holding our connection flight. So 4.5 hours from Philly to Chicago and then straight on a plane from LAX to Sydney!! Arrived in Sydney 25 minutes early but there were no available gates so we sat on the tarmac for 30 minutes or so!!! Cleared customs etc and Border Security were taping but we won't be featured!!! Picked up a quick coffee and then hopped in the Limo for the return trip home! A wonderful, fun filled adventure was had by all, but we are definately glad to be home and we all admit we are "shopped" out!!

Just wanted to share something strange - at Chicago airport I spied a boy around 14/15 wearing a tshirt with Bin Laden's photo on the front with a "DEAD" stamp printed in red over the top. We all felt that this was not appropriate attire for anywhere, let alone the airport and were surprised that a, his mother allowed him to purchase and wear it and b, that someone has even had the gaul to manufacture them!!

Philadelphia - Sat May 7th, 2011

2011-05-08T05:04:00.002+10:00

Headed out after breakfast and walked to the Old City are where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Constitution Hall are located. Did a tour of Independence Hall, very interesting. Saw the original chair that George Washington sat in. Went to the Liberty Bell centre - much smaller than i had expected and today i felt like I was in Japan with all of the tourists - minus their manners!! We had to go through security bag checks at each of these places and we thought it was because of recent events, but it turns out the Liberty bell used to be in the park surrounded by glass until about 6 months before 9/11 some idiot took to the glass with a hammer. Hence the bell was moved to a new building and security checks introduced!
Went to Betsy Ross house and Elpreth Alley. Both very interesting and very old considering they go back to the 1700's. The history here is everywhere! Back on the bus and Chris and I got off for lunch near the hotel whilst the others continued around the bus route again. After a quick bite to eat Chris and I headed for a look around Macy's - Really elegant building with pipe organ upstairs. Very pretty building compared to Macy's in New York. I'm now heading up to the room for a rest as my throat is quite sore and I don't particularly want to travel home feeling like sh*t.
We head off home tomorrow via Chicago and LA, so I guess there will be no breakfast in bed for mother's day. To my mum Kate, Happy mother's day and I will see you next week. xxxx

Photos

2011-05-07T22:33:00.004+10:00

A couple of photos - that has taken 30 minutes to upload on this PC dinosaur!

Just to prove that this place does exist and I was there!!

Mill Creek Vacation home - Bird In Hand, home built in the 1700's and where we stayed

Covered Bridge in Lancaster County

Goodbye Lancaster County - May 6th, 2011

2011-05-07T09:49:00.003+10:00

Up early, left over fruit, cheese, muffins and fudge for breakfast, car packed! and on the road by 8.30 am this morning. Dropped keys off, and headed back to fabric shop for a second look... and purchase!! yes,we did need more fabric to pad out our cases!!!
On the road for a look at the cute little town of Strasburg and the hope of a coffee! Not here, not one shop could we find, let alone a coffee shop. Onto the town of Christiana where Zercher's hotel stands. This was a "station" on the Underground Railway and also the home of the Christiana Riots. A historic event in US history. On to the small town of Atglen to find coffee. Found a pokey little cafe that only served regular coffee, so this had to do along with a toasted sandwich.
Decided to head early to Philly to drop the car off and then head to the hotel with the insane amount of luggage that we seem to have accumulated. Filled a mini van taxi!!! Negotiated the freeway, again with a limit of 55mph, but even at 60mph I was being passed. The car was definately sluggish now that it was full!
Arrived in Philly at the hotel, checked in, and headed out to take the hop on, hop off bus around the sites. $25 for a 24 hour pass, so it is good for all of tomorrow.
Picked out half a dozen sites that we want to revisit tomorrow. ie: Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross house (Lady who made the first American Flag), Elpreths Alley (the oldest continually inhabited street) and a few other points of interest. Saw Rocky's statue and the steps Sylvester Stallone ran up in the movie.
Lovely dinner at an Italian place called Maggiani's and back to the hotel for the night. One more full day in Philly before we head home on Sunday.
No photos today as this fossil of a PC is taking ages to load anything.

May 5th, 2011

2011-05-06T12:08:00.002+10:00

Breakfast at Miller's, very nice omelets and waffles. Off to Intercourse again for one last visit to a quilt store, then followed some back roads to a couple of farm shops. More quilts were purchased, this time some made by Amish women. Lunch was at a place called Two cousins, where we enjoyed garlic bread, salad and soup all for $4.99. Very nice indeed, A visit to another fabric shop and antique shop then on to a place for a buggy ride. Kate the horse did not seem too impressed at going out again for the 30 min drive. The guide was a very knowledgeable Mennonite man who took us through an Amish farm. When ever a car, bus or buggy arrives at a farm, the children come out to sell their wares. Cookies, pretzels, muffins and the like. We all enjoyed the buggy ride although it was a bit squishy in the back! Stopped at Kaufman's Deli and bought some cheese and fruit to have with wine. Came back to the house, took some photos and went for a walk then settled on the porch sipping wine and eating cheese and fruit. Very enjoyable as it was a lovely sunny day.
Packed our cases tonight as we head for Philadelphia tomorrow!

Lancaster County - May 4, 2011

2011-05-05T11:37:00.002+10:00

Cold and wet today, only about 48F. Up bright and early today so we could be at Ephrata by 8.45 am to attend the Mennonite Relief Centre, wo watch some Mennonite women quilting. Fantastic time here, a huge relief centre that helps aid groups all around the world. Jenny W even stitched a few stitches into a quilt top.
Lunch at Intercourse and a walk around the shops! Even found that there was a place called Virginville, not far from Paradise! Lord knows who invented some of these names!
Off home for a cuppa, show and tell and a little rest. It's tough work shopping and if we don't see another fabric store for a while, it wil be too soon.
Headed off for the tour around the farm where Witness was filmed. I think the driver has seen better days, but off we went on a tour of the countryside and 3 covered bridges. The farm was just like in the film, but 25 years on it is a little worse for wear. We were met by Shannah the golden retriever and 4 Amish children who sold us some rhubarb muffins that mum had made.
Went to plain and fancy farm for dinner for a yum cha style meal. Left there with a full belly and headed home for the night.

Amish country-Tuesday 3/5/11

2011-05-04T13:02:00.002+10:00

Off to breakfast at Dienner's - $5.95 for breakfast buffet, then off to the Lancaster quilt museum which is currently displaying 15 of 82 Amish quilts from the Esprit collection. Awesome to see and a wonderful guide to explain the quilts and their history. Off to information center and a small Amish exhibition. Quick visit here and over to the farmer's market for coffee and a light lunch. Onto the Mennonite info centre to watch a short movie on the Amish and get some further info.
Jenny W found that part of the underground railroad system had been discovered underneath the Marriott hotel and 2 weeks ago it was confirmed as such. We went to visit this and also the houses that were a part of this system during years gone by. The Marriott also housed an old famous house, but rather than knocking it down to build the hotel, they built the hotel around the house and preserved the house and history.
Over to the DFO outlets for some retail therapy! Some bargains were had here and they weren't fabric! Stopped at the Olive garden for dinner - a lovely Italian restaurant, food was good and I had my daily corona!
Home for show and tell of the days purchases and we are now watching the movie Witness as we have a tour of the farm where it was filmed tomorrow. Up early tomorrow as we are heading to the Mennonite Relief centre at Ephrata to view Mennonite women sewing etc. Should be interesting.
We have quickly realized that we will not have enough time here to see everything.
No photos at the minute as I can't work out how to upload them from my camera to the IPad!
PS - I am getting the hang of this backward driving thing, can't go wrong with Ros navigating and Jenny W telling me to stay right!
Freeway driving yesterday was 55mph, but we were being passed all the time, so clearly that is a suggested speed and they just do what they like!!!!!!

Philadelphia/Bird in Hand - May 2nd 2011

2011-05-03T11:33:00.002+10:00

Ros and I Picked up the car this morning - a Chrysler Town and Country (mini van x Suv) and headed back to the hotel to collect the girls and luggage. It's just not right driving on the wrong side of the car and road! Luggage and passengers on board, we headed off to Longwood Gardens (once owned by Pierre Du Pont). He bought 1077 acres just because he wanted to save the trees. he and his wife had no children, so when they passed they left the property and his estate to the public. Today, there is around 300 acres of beautiful gardens, water features, conservatory and the old home open to the public. There is a wall of plants that contains over 45000 plants and is just spectacular. The conservatory is full of beautiful plants and flowers. Some spectacular Orchids on display. There are also 3 adult size tree houses that you can climb! There was a pipe organ on display and being played that had over 10,000 pipes - just a few pipes less than the one at the Sydney Opera House. We spent a few hours wandering here, amongst a beautiful tulip display before we headed on t Bird in Hand. A nice drive to Bird in hand, we came across a buggy being pulled by 4 Clydesdales. I thought he indicated to pass, but after we had passed him, he turned left! He was in fact indicating! I will be looking out for more hand indicators from now on.
We had a lovely dinner at Dienner's - a Mennonite restaurant where it was all you can eat for $9.95. We had clam chowder, meatloaf and chicken and veggies, followed by dessert! Given that it was so cheap, we are going back for breakfast. ($5.95)
Quick trip to the 24 hour Walmart for tea and coffee supplies and then back home to sew and relax.
Heading to the quilt museum tomorrow in Downtown Lancaster.

Philadelphia - Monday May 2nd, 2011

2011-05-02T21:01:00.003+10:00

Yesterday, was our last day in Paducah. Up bright and early and on the bus at 8am! We drove back to Nashville and our bus driver Pat (aka SweetCheeks) gave us a guided tour of Nashville. Off to Opryworld resort for lunch. This was 400 room hotel, that has been extended 3 times and now has a total of 2989 rooms!!! It is huge and very extravagant, but tasteful. A quick, yummy lunch here and a run around the complex before we were back on the bus and heading for Nashville airport. 2 hour flight to Philly on a little plane that only too 50 passengers, but it was a smooth ride. Arrived at hotel and then popped over the road to Ruby Tuesday's restaurant. Creole Talipia is what I chose for dinner. (Flake type fish with Creole seasoning).
6am Philly time and we have woken to the news that Osama Bin Laden has been killed. Not sure of the footage seen at home, but here in the US, they are celebrating like they won the world cup. I know it means a lot to them, but it is a little unsettling to an Aussie traveler. Que Sera Sera! What will be will be.

Off to pick up the car this morning and head out to Lancaster County.

Rotunda at Paducah with Jazz band.

The Aussie group on the steps of one of the Opryworld hotel Lobbys.

Di from Melton is on the front right.

One of the views inside Opryworld. A skywalk meanders through the rainforest. There are millions of dollars worth of plants here and the floods last year caused $250 million damage!!!

The old glass jars that our drinks were served in at dinner at Mr. bills the night before (Waiter didn't get it when Jenny Mc asked where the tadpoles were!!)

Good bye Paducah

2011-05-01T21:34:00.003+10:00

This is one of the dresses on display in the "Haunted" Belle Louise home. I might add that I do believe there is spirit activity as I actually felt a presence before the guide told us that there had been ghost sightings!! Believe it or not!!

This house was called the Mary Jane, absolutely beautiful - on the outside. Now owned by an artist who had painted all of the walls Bright Hot Pink etc.. An injustice to this piece of beauty.

The token photo of me - with Ricky Timms. A very talented and funny man.

Well, we are pulling out at 8.00 am today and our bags have to be packed and outside our room door by 7am. Mission achieved, but I'm telling you - that case of mine has definately put on weight!!!!

Last night in Paducah - 30/4/11

2011-05-01T12:27:00.002+10:00

Well what a day today! Everyones legs are just about to give up!! Last minute shopping this morning, lunch at Kirchoff's deli - great Rueben sandwiches (Corn Beef, Cheese and Sauerkraut on dark rye) I loved these sandwiches last time and they are still good this time.
At 2pm we went on a walking tour of the historic homes in downtown Paducah. Some great apartment type blocks, some beautiful old homes. The favourite was the Belle Louise, which is now just a show home but is full of history. The library has all the old civil war memorabilia, medals, flags, pictures etc. I literally could not breathe in this home. There was 2 guides in this home that were dressed in civil war uniforms. Turns out this house was once a funeral home and there is a spirit of an 8 yo girl who died of Scarlet Fever. I think maybe the spirits made a connection with me. It was the only house that I could not breathe in, but it was the most beautiful home. All in all we took in about 9 houses and you could actually go in each of them, and meet the owners etc who showed you around, told you history of the home etc.
On the way back to the hotel I saw a sign that said 2005 home for $89,950. I would rather one of the old ones with character. (That reverse mortgage is getting bigger!)
Picked up by the bus and back to the hotel for a quick rest, then off to dinner. A place called Mr Bills where we had BBQ pork for dinner and I had Pecan Pie with cream and bananas. Very rich. This place was right out of the 1800's - old log cabins with shops in them as well as the restaurants. Very different. The waiter recited 17 different desserts to us and told us that they have 9 days of training and if they can't recite the whole menu after 9 days they are not allowed to serve tables and can only work in the kitchen.
Back home to the hotel but first a tour via the dam, where they are letting water out to try and alleviate some of the problems. Raining again tonight for the next few days and they are expecting peak flooding by mid next week.
We are off to Nashville tomorrow and fly out to Philadelphia and drive on to Lancaster County!

Paducah - Sat 30/4/11

2011-04-30T22:24:00.002+10:00

Good morning You'all,

I seemed to have picked up a southern accent!! Around here everyone is called Miss Julie or Miss Jenny, but we are just referred to as Miss Australia!! That will be the only time in my lifetime someone calls me that!!!!!

I forgot to mention yesterday that we caught the shuttle into Downtown after waiting 45 minutes for it and going around every stop. It terminated at the Pavillion and we asked "are you going to the visitor centre" No, the bus stops here!! We were pretty shitty by this stage as a 10 minute trip had taken over an hour and eaten into "our" shopping time!!! We all got off the bus in a huff, had a heated conversation with the Bus co ordinator and stormed off to walk to our destination. As we were walking along, a fellow called out and said "I've got room for 5". I turned around and it was a golf buggy with a pick up tray on the back! I yelled to the others, come one and we raced over. As we got to the buggy, I thought you is going to be in the tray!! Noone was the answer, 2 of us squeezed in with the driver and the other 3 were in the back. He the proceeded to drive us what would have taken us 5 minutes to walk! It was so funny and he said I'm just going to be a little illegal now and he drove on the wrong side of the road (our right side) and as he did, there was a bloke in a motorised scooter coming towards us. Imagine that on the news! Golf buggy head on with motorised scooter - Driver and passengers saved by bags of fabric!!!!! We do have photos to prove it too!

We started the Aussie chant yesterday and they definately think we are mad. In fact the girls from Brazil said that the Americans think them and us are from another planet. As we say, we didn't pay all that money not to enjoy ourselves.

Anyway off for brekky - toast and vegemite (thanks to Chris)

xx

Paducah - Friday 29th April 2011

2011-04-30T12:23:00.003+10:00

Firstly, Happy 20th birthday to my son, Matthew!

Today we got up for brekky and caught the tail end of Wills and Kate. When we went Downtown Ros and Jenny Mc found an op shop and purchased some hats to wear for the day!!!

We went shopping this morning...... again!!!

Then at 11.15 we went to the Episcopal church for a luncheon. Sandwiches, Salad, Cup cakes and ice tea in a lovely church with quilts adorning the walls.. All for $8.95. It was really nice and a true indication of the southern hospitality. We even met the mayor of Paducah!!!

After lunch, onto the 1st Baptist church to view more of the AQS quilts and listen to a talk on New York Beauty quilts!

After lunch, back down town for more browsing and shopping (Honey, I got the pie bird!!!).

Early dinner at Max's restaurant - awesome meals all round! I even had a Corona with dinner. A corona a day has become my thing!!!! Probably won't touch another one when I get home.

After dinner, we went to the Ricky Timms revue, not only is this man an amazing quilter but he sings and plays piano and boy, does he know how to tell a story.

Tomorrow we are off for those last minute things that we must have!! and we are also taking a walking tour of Paducah's historic houses.

Jenny from Oregon and her mum Lynn from Wyoming

100 year old Court House steps quilt - only $900 but beautiful!

Mint quilt bought yesterday by one of the

USA girls.

Jenny Mc and her $15 hat!!!

Paducah - Wednesday 27th April, 2011

2011-04-28T22:18:00.006+10:00

Well another jam packed day today. Visited Circuit City and Staples (Don't ask about the names!) to check out more vendors and some of the winning quilts from Lancaster Show back in March. (Jenny Bacon (Vic Quilter's President had a quilt on display). Some awesome quilts to see and tooooooooo many things to buy!!!! That reverse mortgage is looking good!!

All of our Melbourne group went to the Quilt museum yesterday and said it was fabulous (I'm going today). The other lady from Melbourne that we have met (Di) picked up a feedsack antique quilt yesterday for $20!!!! Bargain of the day!

Ros and I walked along the flood wall taking in all of the murals and we went up on the observation deck to see what the river was doing as we could hear it lapping at the wall! This is one of the murals.

This is the river, let me tell you it is no Yarra River. At the bottom of the picture is the top of the flood wall!!! The wall is around 4 metres tall and the river is lapping the bottom! It is expected to near the top of the wall by next Wednesday - we will be gone by then. Apparently it is normally around 46 feet down to the river on a 10% gradient, so this is a lot of water and not seen since the floods of 1937!!

Having our photo taken with one of Paducah's fire fighters. Our Ros even got to sit in the truck!!!

Anyway, need to head off for breakfast now, but if you couldn't read the number plate in yesterday's photo of Chris it said "Warning Quilter on the move".

Love to all

Paducah - Day 2

2011-04-27T23:07:00.006+10:00

A quick post as we are headed back downtown to re-survey the shops and the quilt displays.

Here's a few photos of the trip so far.... Day 1 - The Limo and 5 excited travellers!

Capitol Building in Nashville, Tennessee

After a drink in a Nashville Saloon!

Chris modelling a number plate every quilter's car should have.

Paducah, KY, USA

2011-04-27T08:51:00.002+10:00

Well, after a sleepless night waiting for the alarm to go off at 6am, we headed off on the bus for Paducah, KY. After a rest stop at Whitehaven and a beautiful old white house, we arrived in Paducah about 2.5 hours. First stop was a drive around Paducah - a quaint little town - just like Stars Hollow (Gilmour Girls), then we were let loose for 2 hours. The whole town turns out for the quilt show, every shop regardless of what they are selling has quilts on display in the window. Antique quilts and blocks have been purchased (not by our group yet). Let's just say we are all overwhelmed with the country let alone the quilting stuff!!!

After this stop, we headed on to Hancocks of Paducah - Let's see, how to describe it!! Bunnings for quilters. For those who know Gail B's this is 20 times the size!!!!!!!Huge place with fabric everywhere. US$5.98 per yard for some of the fabric that we can pay $20 for back home. The prices and choice is so overwhelming. OMG - we all purchased something!!!!

On to the hotel to settle in, we are now having happy hour and will meet in Ros' room (the common room for this leg of the journey) and have a quick bite to eat before we head off to the preview of the quilt show.

I have seen plenty of Mustangs and Chargers on the journey so far and the girls told me I couldn't bring one home. But I reckon if I put it in a shipping container I could surround it with fabric to cushion it! I've seen an ad on tv for a reverse mortgage and wonder if I could get one while I am here!! (only joking honey).

The weather started out shitty today but once we got to Paducah it was fine. Severe storms are looming but we are all okay and safe.

Day in Nashville

2011-04-26T12:01:00.002+10:00

After brekky this morning we caught a cab into Downtown Nashville and hopped on a tour bus that circulates the sights. We got off at one site that was meant to be antiques but there was none to be found. A well earned coffee was had and we went to wait for the bus again to go on to the next stop. After waiting almost an hour for the bus, it finally arrived and we hopped back on for the rest of the sights. After walking around and exploring, we decided to have a drink in one of the saloons with live bands playing. I even had my first Corona - went down a treat. Mind you, we did have to tell the bar tender how to make a lemon, lime and bitters!!!! We met our Paducah tour hostess at the hotel this morning and she recommended Wild Horse Saloon, so this is where we went for a hurried dinner as we had to be back at the hotel for the Tour meeting. A quick dinner was had, but Jenny and Jennifer managed to fit in some line dancing lessons.

We have just had our tour meeting and met up with Diane from Melton and 2 ladies from NSW. There are 53 on the tour altogether with a party of 14 from Brazil and others from all over the US.

It is now off to one of the rooms for coffee and a chat as we have to be up early in the morning to head to Paducah. We have to have our bags outside the door of our rooms at 7am and the bus leaves at 8.30am!!!!

The tour guide also informed us that Paducah is flooded so the exhibition centre is flooded also. They have a flood wall and the exhibition centre is within the confines of the wall so floods. The hotel and all the shops etc are outside the wall so all is okay from the tour perspective. In fact, it has apparently put us in a better position to visit everything.

Well better go, hope to get some photos up soon.

Nasvhville at last

2011-04-26T00:38:00.002+10:00

Good morning all,

It is 9.30 am Nashville time and we have just eaten brekky. We finally arrived at around midnight last night (3.30 pm Monday Melb time) after almost 36 hours travelling. Very weary travellers.

We had a little Embraier 147 plane from Denver to Nashville with only 3 seats wide and around 58 passengers in total. We flew through some storms but arrived in Nashville without too much hassle. We flew over Aspen and saw the snow covered mountains.

Today it is 85 F and stormy with severe storms over the next few days. We are now just working out what to do in Nashville today despite the rain.

We have already spied some other "quilters" and have spoken to 2 ladies who are part of a 14 group tour from Brazil. Tonight will be interesting when we meet up with the rest of the tour group.

Anway, enough for now, more later.......

Nearly there!!

2011-04-25T09:34:00.002+10:00

We were up around 4.30am Sunday (Melbourne time) it is now 9.30 am Monday morning (Melbourne time) and we are at Denver airport waiting for the connection to Nashville. We are 5 very weary travellers looking forward to a decent nights sleep.

Limo ride to the airport was an awesome way to go!!

No problems so far apart from some shocking turbulence on the Sydney to LA leg of the journey.

Only 1 hiccup at USA customes when the Customs officer told Jenny W after fingerprinting her and taking her photo that he just needed a little blood sample. The look on Jenny's face when he produced the stapler and said it wouldn't hurt much was priceless!!!!!

We all did the right thing too and declared our half eaten Lindt Easter bunnies, much to the amusement of airport staff.

Quilting adventure

2011-04-24T05:31:00.002+10:00

It's 5.30 am and I have been up for over an hour! I woke up earlier than planned and with all the excitement there was no hope of getting back to sleep. I am dressed, packed and ready to go. I have just sent the last of the countdown messages to my fellow travellers, so today we let the fun begin!!! What better way to start the journey than with a limo ride to the airport.

Airport stops for today: Sydney, LAX, Denver and Nashville: it will be long day of travelling but with all the timezone changes we will arrive in Nashville, 12 hours after we left Melbourne! Gotta love the "getting there".

But wait there's more.....

2011-04-23T10:22:00.004+10:00

Quilted Crow kit - Felted wool covered box made for my SIL - Helene's 50th

Christmas Wreath - paper and timber

More Selvedge stuff

2011-04-23T10:19:00.003+10:00

Wee little Christmas tree decorations - gifts to one of my sewing groups.

'Twas the night before Christmas

2011-04-23T10:16:00.001+10:00

Christmas project embarked on by myself and 3 others. Same pattern, 3 different versions of red & white and 1 stitched in varegated Christmas colour thread. Pattern by Helen Stubbings

Some UFO's

2011-04-22T22:17:00.003+10:00

Thangles projects on their way to being finished!

Some finished projects

2011-04-22T22:04:00.006+10:00

My first Selvedge project - A Coaster. Needless to say I have a Selvedge quilt now started which should hopefully be finished later this year!

A 50th Birthday quilt for Ollie.

A little something for Mikayla's birthday.

Shepparton 2010

2010-11-04T13:48:00.002+11:00

On a girl's weekend away with Nerida, Sonia and Carol, it was decided that upon visiting all of the patchwork shops in the areas that we had to buy 9 fat 1/4's and it had to be fabric that we personally liked so that we could make a quilt for ourselves! We have all made the same quilt pattern with our chosen fabrics with remarkably different results! Of course mine is black and white!!! Off to the quilters shortly for quilting.

Very happy with the result and so are 2 of my boys who would both pinch it if my back was turned!!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-11-04T13:46:00.001+11:00

Pattern by Leanne Beasley and when I saw it I had to make it in the same fabrics as Leanne. In a lovely Melon and green scenario instead of the usual Christmas reds and greens.

Happy birthday Michael!!

2010-11-04T13:44:00.002+11:00

Quilt made in Yellow and Black fabrics for Richmond supporter and close friend, Michael, to celebrate his 50th birthday.

Long time no post!!!!

2010-11-04T13:32:00.004+11:00

I started this quilt in 2006 after being diagnosed with Melanoma and after seeing my friend Michelle's interpretation of the same quilt. All the Drunkards path blocks reminded me of Melanomas. All different shapes, colours and sizes. I really struggled with piecing the drunkards path blocks and this sat as a UFO for the last couple of years. My friendship group challenge this year was to complete a UFO that was started more than 12 months prior. This was the obvious candidate! The Melanoma was not going to beat me and neither was this quilt!! I adapted the DP blocks by appliqueing a circle to a square then slicing it into 4 then sewing 4 pieces of different colours back together. The outer border is supposed to consist of 2 rows of the DP blocks, but I was so over making them, that I deciding to finish it here!! Now to get it off to the quilters for basting so I can do some hand quilting. I am happy with the result thus far and even happier with my regular Melanoma tests. Currently 6 monthly and so far all clear. This is one quilter who is happy to stay indoors and out of the sun!!!!

But wait there's more........

2010-05-06T08:55:00.003+10:00

1. Saltbox House Table centre for Moi - Pattern by Viv Robinson

2 & 3. Christmas wallhangings - Pattern by Gail Pan

4. Table topper for Karen

Long Time between posts

2010-05-06T08:28:00.005+10:00

Well, it was pointed out to me that I have not blogged for a while. Did this mean that I had not sewn anything to show?? Never fear - I have been stitching, I just couldn't find the camera cords to upload photos. Found 'em now!!

Firstly - Quilt made for my buddy Kaz for her 40th birthday.

Another quilt for a special friend, Lynda for her 50th birthday

Tree of Life

2010-02-03T11:16:00.003+11:00

This is a pattern by Viv Robinson. I actually completed this quilt some time ago, but have just managed to take pics. So here they are: The top

A close up of the top

The back

Coaster for a special little girl

2010-01-31T20:23:00.002+11:00

I made this little coaster for my friend Karen's daughter, Caitlyn. To have on her bedside table to hold her bottle of water, in case she is thirsty during sleep time. It is adapted from a Cathy Bayne's pattern that was featured in Homespun a couple of issues back. You can see Cath's other great stuff over here. http://willowvalleystore.typepad.com/

M.I.A!!! Dear Jane - A10 - Which points West?

2010-01-30T19:20:00.004+11:00

It's been a while since I blogged but here is my last DJ block - A10. Not my best work, fiddly needle turn pieces, but none the less, another one complete.

Couple of other pics of 2009 projects. First a disappearing 9 patch (top only).
Wall hanging made for my friend Juli for her new home.

Dear Jane - G4 - Shutter Bug

2009-11-12T09:50:00.000+11:00

Went to the monthly Dear Jane class on Saturday http://foothillsfabricandthreads.typepad.com and came home with a completed G4 block (aka Shutter Bug). This one was machine foundation pieced and very enjoyable. I feel quite confident now with my newly learned foundation piecing knowledge. I love how foundation piecing is so precise. This block is turning out to be one of my favourites.

Amish Thangles Quilt - Finished!

2009-11-12T09:37:00.000+11:00

For the past couple of years I have been taking part in the Thangles program run by Karen at Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop in Monbulk http://www.mrsmartinsquiltshop.typepad.com/ and last year I chose to do the "Amish" theme. Bold coloured blocks contrast with black and then I chose purple to complete the top. All over quilting by Chris Calherios. Quite happy with the finished result and so was my 10 year old son as he has asked if he can have the quilt for his bed!!

Dear Jane - G8 - Justin's Comet - Machine Pieced

2009-10-04T07:57:00.003+11:00

Went to my Dear Jane class yesterday, was a bit of a struggle after a late night previously followed by an early morning - but this is the result. I learnt to do Y seams - not as scary as first thought! Very happy with the end result. Just needs a proper pressing.

Fig Tree

2009-09-12T08:34:00.004+10:00

Just dropped by Fig Tree blog http://figtreequilts.typepad.com/ I love the fresh colours that Joanna uses. They are so so yummy. Anyway Joanna mentions a new club that the Fat quarter shop is running, so i scooted on over there and of course just had to enter their giveway competition. For your chance to win the great prize on offer, get yourself over to here:
http://www.fatquartershop.com/Fig-Tree-Quilts-Fabric-Moda-Fabrics.asp

Dear Jane or should that be Dear Me???

2009-09-09T15:28:00.002+10:00

I recently embarked on my very own Dear Jane journey. Attending class once a month at Foothills Fabric and Threads in Tecoma. Here's my first 4 blocks. Not bad if I do say so myself. This is one journey that won't be finished in a hurry.

09/09/09

2009-09-09T15:23:00.002+10:00

Table topper completed. Present for Moi! Pattern by Viv Robinson

Mikayla & Danielle

2009-07-26T16:57:00.003+10:00

Mikayla and Danielle (my God daughters) have recently embarked on their "patchwork journey". They have traced and stitched several designs and we have "converted" the completed pieces into beautiful cushions. The girls have selected their fabrics and we have spent a couple of days together to complete these beautiful works of art. With 3 sons of my own, it is nice to be able to share my passion with the girls. Yesterday I took them on their first trip to the Melbourne Quilt show at "Jeff's Shed". We had a ball, sitting in on "how to" workshops, some hands on work shops - plenty of shopping and of course admiring all of the beautiful quilts. Both girls are already showing a keen interest to move into making their first quilts and we have already chosen a simple yet effective design. Well done Mikayla and Danielle - "AJ" is very proud of you both.

This time it's birthday cakes

2009-07-04T17:22:00.003+10:00

Cake made for Thomas' 1st birthday.
Cake made for Caitlyn's 3rd birthday.

About time!

2009-07-04T16:54:00.008+10:00

Well here I am at last. I have been rather slack with the blog and have been meaning to upload some new shots for a while. No excuse really other than life has just been busy. So here's some photos.

Saltbox houses. A BOM that I bought years ago and finally decided to prep it. I am not sure if I still like it and I have had to find some backing fabric for the missing block as there wasn't enough in that part of the kit. There is a lot of applique followed by a lot of stitching the leaves on the trees. All the houses need to have windows and doors appliqued on too. The jury is out at the moment as to whether I continue with it.

I love this table topper. Very easy pattern, however can be quite wasteful with fabric.

This is a cute design "Poire Sampler" by Cath at Willow Valley Store. A lot of fun to stitch and includes some colouring in! Check out Cath's blog! She has some great designs and writes so well. Always worth a read! http://www.willowvalleystore.typepad.com/

This is another of Cath's great designs.

Another one of Cath's designs. I stitched this one for my friend Jenny's birthday.

Cute purses

2009-02-22T18:56:00.003+11:00

I whipped up these cute little coin purses over the past week. They are by Marg Low and are featured in the current issue of Homespun Magazine. Marg has some really other great designs. Check out her blog - http://www.marglowdesigns.typepad.com/

Happy Birthday Kim

2009-02-19T21:30:00.005+11:00

A few weeks back I was invited to an "0" birthday celebration for a girl I used to work with. Jokes had been had between birthday girl (Kim) and another colleague about making Kim a red and white quilt for her birthday. Well as the quilt had already been made I decided to make a doll for Kim in her fav colours of Red and White.

Pattern for the doll is from Rosie Quinlan's book "The Gift" http://rosaliequinlandesigns.typepad.com/

and I had a heap of fun making her. Her dress is a red spot and her bloomers were red and white Toile.

Quilt for Dad

2009-02-19T21:15:00.005+11:00

Just thought I would post a pic of the quilt I finally made for my dad. It was his birthday yesterday and if the photo doesn't give it away - he loves horses.

I'm sooooo excited!!

2009-02-18T21:04:00.003+11:00

Now that I have a blog, I need to learn how to drive it. There is so much to learn about blogging. Whilst blog surfing the other day I stumbled across Jackie's blog http://bwquiltchallenge.blogspot.com/, and guess what?! Jackie is running a Black and White quilt challenge. Now for all of you out there who know me, you know I just love anything Black and White. So after approaching Jackie about the challenge, I was very excited to be asked to join. I just have to now get myself sorted and get some pics and links up onto my blog - I just wish I had more hours in the day.

Here I am!

2009-02-15T09:33:00.000+11:00

After surfing in blog land for many months now and yes, becoming quite addicted, i decided to create my own. This blog will be a place for me to post pics of my quilts and other creations.