The Making Of Memories

As each Christmas day draws to a close special memories are made. Sharing with family

laughing

This year handmade had a strong presence

This gift box was handed to me from my gorgeous sister, I would have been happy if the box was empty, I just loved the hand knitted tag.

this is what was inside.

How divine, handmade by sis

I was overwhelmed to say the least

I was also thoroughly spoiled with these books. I am a book lover, however I also love to cook for my family and friends. Any book relating to cooking from my homeland sparks memories of guidance from my Mum in years gone by. Can't wait to test some of the wonderful cakes and slices featured in here.

The sharing of luscious foods

nothing better than a glass of bubbles to mull over happy times

I hope your day was the making of memories

Until next time enjoy happy times.

j

Christmas Wishes

It won't be too long before the man in the big red suit comes down the chimney. Hard to believe Christmas Day 2009 is only hours away.

Folk on the other side of the world are experiencing record snow falls and below zero temperatures we here in the southern hemisphere are set to enjoy summer, warm sunny days and balmy nights.

Mr L & R and I have come to our holiday home on the coast and we are waiting to be joined by family to share our Christmas day. This place is cosy to say the least so no big Christmas Tree here, however lots of little vignettes, gone are the days of clutter, simplicity rules supreme.

You might recognise these trees from my previous story , they just had to come home with me.

Life was extremely frenetic prior to Christmas breakup from work, I really don't have a lot to show sewing wise. This is a peek at some of our Christmas decorations , as I said, very simple.

I found these tags at EST in Melbourne, couldn't resist

I am lover of all things Blackbird Designs and I was lucky enough to have my name picked in a comment leaving draw that was offered on their blog.

I received their latest cross stitch book, wonderful projects await me, but unfortunately not in time for this Christmas.

I felt I should at least reveal that I did manage to make all the coathangers that I set out to achieve.

They were gifts , and I think they were well received. Nothing nicer than have a lovely hanger to hang that special shirt or jacket.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the bloggers that have made my first year blogging a memorable one.

I have met some amazing people, been inspired, but above all the caring and sharing has been gratifying

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas

Until next time

Much health and Happiness

j

You Can't Beat A Good Trunk Show

I'm sure I have mentioned before that I attend classes at Material Obsession under the expert guidance of Brigitte Giblin.


Brigitte is a well known teacher in Australia and especially here in NSW.


Whilst we always get expert tuition during our class we are often treated to a show and tell from Brigitte's suitcase. I am sure I can safely say Brigitte would have made 100's of quilts but on this particular occasion we were treated to her many versions of Trip around the World.


Very adept at machine construction, Brigitte is always happy to share any tip or technique to make the job easier and more pleasurable.

These quilts are eye candy and it is always interesting to see the pieces of fabric used that often we would classify as 'ugly' but just seem to add that zing or quirkiness that brings a quilt to life.

Something as simple as tumbling blocks but is so effective.

The use of colour that helps one to step outside one's comfort zone, just love the orange.

The bold stripes and spots are extremely eye catching

Brigitte is also well known for her hexagon quilts and this is one of my many favourites.

The use of red is not only eye catching it seems to give the quilt an antique look

Yet again a very traditional block (Doves in the window) Brigitte just seems to have the knack of making quilts have an antique look about them

Here is her Pickle Dish quilt,this was the quilt I originally joined her classes for.

I believe Brigitte is going to be kitting this quilt next year.

This is a top that has been constructed for some time , the applique shapes need to be appliqued and then quilted and voila there will be another added to the pile. Isn't the border effective, I just love the quirky centre applique block (sorry only a sneak peak)

This quilt is known as Indian Summer and featured in an issue of ' Australian Patchwork and Quilting'

Loads of Hexagons to cover for this quilt but also an opportunity to showcase a favourite piece of fabric for a centrepiece.

and yet another Hexagon quilt, I love this one and especially the fabrics Brigitte has used,some gorgeous antique french ones amongst them. This quilt has a lovely soft feel IRL

In this next photo if you look hard enough you will be able to see on the wall in the back room, Brigitte's version of 'Aunty Green'.

This quilt is one Brigitte will be teaching next year, it is truly divine and combines applique and piecing.

Brigitte has a website and I know she intends to have it updated over the Christmas break and you can email her here.

If you are interested in doing a class with her, one of the many places she teaches is at Material Obsession, you could check with Kathy if there are any spaces available.

I hope you have enjoyed this little trunk show from Brigitte's suitcase, Brigitte is a great teacher, always taking her time to help with fabric and colour selection , Brigitte is also extremely generous with her knowledge and her sharing of patterns.

Enjoy this very busy time of year and until next time

Happy sewing

j