On the Hill

Silence please

2008-02-28T20:04:00.002+11:00

Silence please - I have one last announcement - jump over to my new blog to check out the winner of my quilt give away. Thanks to all those who left a comment.
Kerry

The link is fixed

2008-02-25T06:04:00.001+11:00

Hi all here is the link to my new Typepad home. Don't forget the giveaway in my previous post.

4 Reasons for todays post - 1 of them is a give away

2008-02-21T22:39:00.013+11:00

Well I have 4 reason for todays post
Firstly it is my - or should I say was - my 2nd Blog anniversary this week, I really can't remember what life was like without blogs, thanks to everyone who has visited over the past two years, thanks to all the wonderful friends I have made from all over the world, each day wouldn't be near as good without you all in it.
Secondly - I am up to 170 - posts, I know that might not sound alot for 2 years but I reckon I have done pretty well to squeeze in 170 posts in my busy life.
Thirdly - I would like to celebrate by giving away one of my many quilts to a lucky person who leaves a comment over the next week. I would like all those out there in blog land to leave a comment and I tell me which of their quilts is their favourite.
My very favourite quilt out of all the dozens I have made is my Thimbleberries Pansy Park quilt, I usually have this quilt on my bed and every day I admire how wonderful this quilt is. I love the design, the colours and the fabrics. It suits my bedroom so well, I just love it.
Fourth reason for tonights blog is to share some news with you and let you know that this will be my last posting on blogger, I have a new blog so click on here to take a look.
Thanks once again to everyone for reading about my life and business over the past 2 years, I hope we can spend many more together.
Have a great weekend, I am off to see Rod Stewart in concert.
Kerry
PS blogger will not let me link my typepad site
Try http://kerryswainscottage.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Look at these gorgeous Flannels

2008-02-17T20:59:00.004+11:00

These gorgeous flannels arrived in store a couple of weeks back, I have designed a quilt to make out of them, just have to find some spare time to sew. They are a range of flannels called Sachet Flannels by Faye Burgos for Marcus Brothers Textiles. There are a mixture of large roses, small florals as well as her well know tiny rose bud design, tone on tone prints in greens, pinks, creams and chocolates.
These fabrics will be a must for flannels lovers, like myself.

Those ladies in my flannel club will be receiving samples very soon, so keep an eye on the postie.

Just to wet your appetite

2008-02-12T21:47:00.000+11:00

Just thought I would share with you what I started working on this afternoon. After the success of "Girls Day Out" Libby Richardson's BOM (which is still available if your not already working on it) her new BOM is "Lace & Grace Tea Party. It is made using the Verenda range of Fabrics by Northcott, these are a Quest for a Cure range, with money from their sales going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Libby will also donate part of the sales of the pattern to NBCF.
This quilt will be on sale as a Block of the Month from March/April, using the same fabrics as Libby's original.
Thanks for dropping by
Kerry

My Version of Rhapsody

2008-02-08T12:40:00.000+11:00

Well this week I have pieced together the quilt top for "Rhapsody" a pattern by Natalie Bird from "The Birdhouse". I enjoyed making this fairly simple quilt using a new range of fabrics from Quilting Treasures called "Heirloom Garden". I have cut kits for this quilt, they will sell for $118.

Maybe I might get another quilt top cut up and sewn over the weekend.
Thanks for dropping by,
Kerry

The rain has arrived

2008-02-05T20:08:00.000+11:00

Today was a very eventful day, the return of my Tuesday class and lots of rain.
Early this morning it started raining then by 10am the heavens opened and down came the rain. The Peel river runs through our property, by about 12 the river was in full flood, peaking at 5m's.
This caused heaps of problems, 3 months ago the main bridge into town was pulled down(after damaged substained from the 2000 floods) and work has commenced on replacing it, but mean while there is only a low level river crossing that is closed to vehicles after just a little rain. So this crossing was closed by about 10am, meaning there was only one other road access into town. All my ladies came this way to class, but due to the heavy rain a small bridge on this road was partly washed away leaving no direct access in or out of town. The only way out was a detour up through the forest and down a very steep dirt road, thankfully everyone returned home safely. This will be a Tuesday we will talk about for awhile.
This photo I took late this afternoon looking down onto the river from the side of the bridge in our place, the old bridge here was washed away in the 2000 floods, the marker shows the river at less then 2m's, a huge drop on what it was earlier in the day.
dock
The weather forecast is for more rain, so who knows what morning will bring, there is a heavy storm going around at the moment.
Where ever you may be I hope you are all dry and safe inside.
Kerry

Irish in the Corner - Quilt

2008-02-03T16:21:00.000+11:00

This quilt is one I started last year for a shop sample, for some strange reason I never finished it off but this afternoon I spent just one hour on it and it is ready for the quilters. I have used a combination of the Double Irish Chain block and Puss in the Corner Block and set them all on Diagonal. It is a available it kit form using the exact fabrics.

I have also just about completed another quilt top over the weekend so will post about it another day.
Thanks for dropping by, hope you have had a great weekend where ever you may be in the small world of ours.
Kerry

With less then two hours to go

2008-01-31T22:10:00.001+11:00

Well I just had to sew this evening and this is what I have completed - My version of the "Every Day Angel" quilt, by the Chook Shed Pattern Co, from a few years back. I was lucky enough to be involved in a paper bag quilt (friendship quilt) with Tina and lots of other lovely ladies back in 2005, all of the Appliqued blocks were made for me and I had never got around to putting them all together until tonight.This totals 9 WISP finished for the month of January, at the begining of the month I pulled out 10 unfinished projects and now thanks to May Britts challenge I have completed 9 of them. I really hope this inspires lots of you ladies out there to drag out those old projects and finish them off, its a great feeling. Now I am ready to get stuck into some new shop samples for this years retreats, I'll keep you posted.

PS sorry I can't link, but blogger just won't let me.

2nd Post for the day

2008-01-30T18:58:00.001+11:00

Wisp 7 & 8 completed - well you are all probably thinking I must have done nothing but finish off my projects today but I have. Worked hard in the shop most of the day, then decided it was far too hot to do anything outside this afternoon, I was home alone so decided to sew. This Christmas wall hanger I started a few years back, now I can pack it away ready to hang in my home next Christmas.

"Just Hanging for Christmas" finished - I started him at our Christmas in July last year, Natalie Ross designed him especially for this yearly event.

Only 29 hours left until the end of January and still I have 2 projects on my WISP list, I will see what tomorrows brings.
Thanks for dropping by
Kerry

WISP NUMBER 6 all finsihed

2008-01-30T14:36:00.000+11:00

Just finished off my Christmas Trivet all ready for Christmas 2008 only 11 months away.
I filled it with rice, cloves and cinnamon sticks, should smell yummy. Thanks Tina for the fabric from Canada.

I've finished WISP No. 5

2008-01-29T11:52:00.000+11:00

Ruths Quilt

Well after not feeling well over the weekend, I decided to struggle on with trying to complete my Ruth's Quilt out of "Living the Dream" Book by Leanne Beasley, I started the stitcheries for this quilt back in 2005 and I can now say it is completed, well the quilt top at least. After sewing all of my rows together I decided it looked good on my bed, so instead of leaving it as a topper I added a 3" border in the green polka dot by Moda, then a 10" border using this gorgeous floral. Now it measures roughly 2.5m square. I will package it up today and pop in the mail to my dear friend who will quilt it and send it back completed.
Once again thanks May Britt for the challange.

Wonder of Spring Block of the Month

2008-01-26T16:10:00.000+11:00

This last week has been very hectic in the shop, with lots of customers, most of them visiting the area for the Country Music Festival in Tamworth. This has meant that not much othe work has been done. Monday afternoon I started to cut Block 1 of Natalie Ross's new Block of the Month "Wonder of Spring", well it has taken me all week, but today I can say that they are all packaged and ready to go.
This is Block 1, all the rest can be seen on Natalies site.

If anyone is interested in doing Natalie's quilt as a block of the month, it will begin next week, it will run over 10 months at a cost of $24.50 Aus, per month. Each month you will recieve the pattern, all of the fabrics, pre-cut to size, in very similiar colours to those that Natalie has used, postage is included within Australia so your parcel will be mailed direct to your door for you to being stitching.
Patterns sets are also available if you would like to use your own fabrics from your stash.

If anyone is interested just email me and I can give you more details.
Happy sewing
Kerry

4th WISP finished

2008-01-26T12:51:00.000+11:00

Well I have just spent the morning sewing and have completed the table runner I pieced together 18months ago, I just had to mitre the corners on the main border and then quilt and bind it. I have a big table that is will look great on.

This is a close up of the gorgeous Debbie Mumm fabric I used on the border.
Kerry

2nd Post for the day and 3rd finished WISP

2008-01-22T21:45:00.000+11:00

One half finished stitchery designed turned into a small draw string bag this afternoon, it is amazing how just a few minutes set aside to sew can have wonderful results.

This small bag is an Annie Downs - Hatched & Patched design call Plum Pudding.
Until next time, happy sewing
Kerry

2 WISP completed

2008-01-22T08:01:00.000+11:00

Well January is nearly over and I have only finished 2 of my WISP, better then nothing I suppose, this is the table runner I started far too many years ago, but now it is ready to be used.

item number 2 to cross off my list is the machine mat all finished and in use,

Thanks May Britt for the challenge, I will keep you all posted if I manage to complete any more before the end of the month.
Kerry

Two Quilts finished for the shop

2008-01-17T14:04:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I received two quilts back from my wonderful quilter, that were made as shop samples before Christmas. Just thought I would share them both with you, I am very happy with them both.
The first one is my version of Rosalie Quinlan's "Rebekah Amy's Quilt, I have used a range of Fabrics by Jackie Robinson & Maywood studio's which features a wonderful floral border design which I have added as a border on this quilt, I love the fabrics.

This is my version of Heather Bailey's Freshcut Quilt, the fabrics are great but not everyones choice, Heathers quilt has a large frill around the outside, I decided to just work with plain borders. I was very pleased with the finished quilt.

Do hope everyone is finding a little time to sew, the shop has been busy this week so not much time for me to sew, but maybe tonight.
Kerry

Gutermann Nostalgia Tins

2008-01-15T18:48:00.000+11:00

Today a shippment arrived in of these cute little tins, these Gutermann nostalgia tins come in 3 different designs, all of them have 4 reels of thread, 100m of red, white, black and navy. They will sell for $12.50 each, if anyone would like to order them just email with your details, they won't last long.

"Bellatrix" doll class

2008-01-15T09:29:00.000+11:00

Saturday saw a dozen ladies gather in the shop to make "Bellatrix" an Annie Smith "Country Keepsakes" pattern. We all had a busy but productive day with lots of chatter and lots of sewing. This is my version of "Bellatrix",I used a new range of fabrics in store by Timeless Treasurers and as usual I didn't add quite as much detail as Annies original doll, but I am very happy with the result. She was fun to make and always fun to share the experience with others. During 2008 we will be running more one day doll classes as well as a mail order doll club, if you would like more details on either of these just let me know. I will post a photo of some of the others once they are completed.
I will be back later to post a photo of my completed WISP.
Happy sewing
Kerry

DRUM ROLL - AND THE WINNERS ARE

2008-01-11T20:56:00.000+11:00

Well thanks heaps to all those that left comments, seeing there was an over whelming number of ladies who left comments I have decided to give away 2 other small prizes. With my husbands help I have completed the draw and the winners are ...............
The winner of the handmade Sewing machine mat goes to comment number 27 - anonymous Chris
The winner of the Kit for the sewing machine mat goes to comment number 30 - anonymous Meredith
and the 2 other winner who will receive a small gift from me are comment number 48 - Mrs Goodneedle and comment number 6 - Pat
Congratulations to those 4 ladies and thanks heaps to everyone else who left a comment. If those 4 ladies could contact me with there postal addresses that would be great.
I hope to be back over the weekend to share some of my now finished WISP.
Happy sewing
Kerry

Works in slow progress - could this be the finishing off month

2008-01-08T21:52:00.000+11:00

Over at May Britts blog she has put out a challange for January to finish off as many WISP as possible. As usual I can't let a challange go by, so the other evening I dragged out just a few projects to finish off. There are actually ten in this photo,
1 - My Angel paper bag quilt from 2006
2 - My Ruths Quilt - Leanne Beasley design
3 - a Christmas trivet - made from fabric Tina gave to me from Canada
4 - a table runner started many years back - just the binding to go
5 - another sewing machine mat which I only cut out before Christmas
6 - My Basket block quilt I started in 2007
7 - A table runner started in 2006 from Debbie Mumm fabrics
8 - A Christmas Plum pudding stitchery to be made into a bag - Hatched and Patched pattern
9 - Just hangin for Christmas - Natalie Ross design from Christmas in July 2007
So sorry about the quality of the photo, who knows what went wrong - it will keep you all guessing as to exactly what all my WISP actually are. I think I will make sure that the photos of the finished projects are very clear so everyone can see what I have achieved. Good luck to all those who are trying to finsih off some WISP, I look forward to seeing what everyone achieves.
Until we meet again happy sewing and don't forget to enter the draw from my last post, I will be back on Friday to announce the winners.
Kerry

150 Posts and a give away or two

2008-01-04T20:29:00.000+11:00

Well after nearly 2 years of blogging I have reached my 150th post, so to celebrate my mile stone I would like to give away a couple of prizes. Before Christmas I made well over a dozen sewing machine mats for friends as Christmas presents, I will be releasing this design as a pattern in the next week. So to 2 lucky blog readers I will give away a completed Sewing Machine Mat, personally made by myself as well as a kit for one lucky reader to make her own. Please leave a comment to go in the draw, I know I have over 60 viewers per day, so if you haven't left me a comment before, be game, don't be shy, just click on the comments section on the bottom of the page and follow the instructions.
I will draw the lucky winners next Friday, so be in it to win.
Happy sewing
Kerry

Words of wisdom

2008-01-02T22:15:00.000+11:00

Over the past few days I have been painting a large pine kitchen dresser that has stood in my kitchen for about 18 years, this morning I was sorting through the 4 draws and getting rid of heaps of rubbish when I came across a scrap of paper with the following written on it, I remember writing this down maybe 10 years ago. So I thought I would share it with you all, just something to ponder over.
5 Simple rules to being Happy
1/ Free your heart from Hatred
2/ Free your mine from worries
3/ Live simply
4/ Give more
5/ Expect less

Sounds like a good way to live my life, what do you think.

Kerry

Christmas Gifts to Cherish

2007-12-27T09:40:00.000+11:00

Christmas Day was a very special day, the weather was only about 24 deg, we had both our children home with us, after opening our presents we all attended our local church before dining out for Christmas Lunch at a local restaurant. The meal was so yummy and the company great, no food to prepare and no cleaning up, what a easy way to spend the day. In the evening we took the jet sky down to the local dam for a quick spin. It was a very relaxing day, spent with my most precious friends, my family, plus lots of phone calls to other family members spread all around Australia.
I was so spoilt receiving some totally beauitful gifts from friends, I will try and share a few with you.
These gifts are from a very special friend, Betty, we have been swapping secret Santa gifts with each other for the past 6 or 7 years, each year we make about 6 small presents for each other. I was lucky enough to receive this stunning 1& 1/2m table runner along with some great other gifts. Usually we make each other a main present ( queen size quilt) but this year we both didn't get around to our challenge of a quilt using 3 dimensional patchwork.

This is the Secret Santa swap I received from Anna Ida from Norway through ChookyBlue, a table runner based on a Viking Ship, its just so special, I will have to find a special spot in my home for it, thank you Anna, I love it.

These are the wonderful gifts I received from Helen,QLD, from our Prim treasures secret Santa from our online chat group, I adore all of them, thanks so much Helen.

Anyway, I really need to sit down and catch up on my journalling on my 365 quilt challenge, my next post will be my 150th post, (can't rush these things) so I think I will have to have a give away, so stayed tuned, until then stay safe.
Kerry

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T22:00:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas to everyone, were ever you maybe around this wonderful world of ours, I do hope you all have a Christmas filled with lots of love and laughter, my Christmas tree has many interesting parcels under it, surprise packages from all over that I am so looking forward to opening first thing in the morning. I will try and remember to take some photos to share with you all after I have opened all of my surprise parcels.
Once again wishes to you all and may God bless and keep you safe and healthy over this Christmas period, may friends and family fill your lives with joy and happiness.
Merry Christmas
Kerry

Another lovely day had by all

2007-12-19T09:50:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was our Christmas party for Tuesday class, what a lovely day we had. This year we ran a secret santa, so we were all blessed to receive a wonderful hand made gift from our secret partner. All the presents were so gorgeous, everyone went to lots of thought and trouble to make something special for their partner. This is a group photo of us all with our gifts, except Maryanne who had to work and Sharon who was determined to make it, but someone else had other plans, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy the day before. We will excuse her for that.
I could share lots of photos of the day, maybe another time.
There are still more Christmas pressies to make and work to be done, so until next time stay safe,
Kerry

The candles on my Mantle

2007-12-17T22:33:00.000+11:00

This is another of my decorated areas in my home, in the dining room we have a fire place and each year I love to decorate the mantle piece, we don't need to use the fire over Christmas as it can be extremely hot at this time of the year in Australia. I have once again used lots of Candles, 5 across the top of the mantle. The mixture of candles and fairy lights makes my home very magical when it is all lit up at night.
Tomorrow is our last weekly class for the year, there should be 17 of us here to celebrate Christmas together and to swap a gift in our secret santa swap, I will try and remember to take lots of photos to share with you all,
Until then
Kerry

Christmas Decorations

2007-12-15T21:52:00.001+11:00

Last week I managed time to decorate my home with all of my Christmas decorations, which add up to a few boxes worth. This is just a simple photo of the hall table near my back entrance, I have an old table runner I made using Debbie Mumm fabrics on the table , with a chain of gold stars over it then the candles on there stand, behind are several wall hangers that have been given to me by friends over the years. It looks great and adds a Christmas welcome to guests as they enter our home. (When you live on a farming property in Australia we usually use the back door as the main entrance to the house) I have other clusters of decorations around our home and will share some more later.
Each year I make lots of handmade gifts to share with frineds, this year is no exception, over the past week I have been on a roll. I decided I would make virtually the same gift for each of my friends, something that they could all use. Once I have completed them ....only the hand sewing to go... I will share some photos.
Until then stay safe
Kerry

Christmas Gathering

2007-12-11T21:22:00.000+11:00

Every year at this time I hold my annual Christmas Gathering in store for any of my customers that would like to spend the day with myself and like minded friends. I supply them with a small kit that they can sit and hand stitch, while chatting, laughing, enjoying yummy food and just relaxing in the company of friends. Numbers were down a bit on last year, but we had 25 wonderful ladies who attended the day. Our project for the day was a cute ginger bread swag that I designed, as well as the stitching we enjoyed lunch in my garden and viewed some of the quilts, bags and dolls that were made by the ladies during the year.
Everyone was asked to bring along a hand made Christmas Decoration to go under the tree as a Christmas swap, there were some absolutey stunning decorations, many of them I have added to my to do list.
It is just my way of saying thank you to my valued customers and at the same time gathering together a wonderful group of ladies. We all had a great day, thanks to all those that visitored for the day, I enjoyed it greatly.
And a huge thank you to my parents who so kindly helped me out in the kitchen.
For all those that didn't make it, sorry you missed a terrific day, maybe we might see you here next year.
Kerry

Church Quilt Finished

2007-12-01T12:52:00.000+11:00

In November the Church I attend here in Nundle turned 100 years old, it is a gorgeous little church in the main street, I decided a few months back that I would like to make a quilt (wallhanging) to celebrate this special occasion, something that depicts Nundle and the surrounding area. Something that can hang in the Church and be admired by locals and visitors, hopefully it will still be hanging for the next 100 years. I am extremely happy with the finished result, photos never do quilts justice. For those of you who have been here probably can see that it does remind you of Nundle, the mountains in the background, the green sloping hills,sheep & cattle grazing the country side,right down to the beautiful coloured leaves that line the main street each Autumn.
God has blessed me to live in this beautiful part of the world so this is a little bit of me in return.
Kerry

I am having fun

2007-11-29T21:48:00.000+11:00

Last weekend saw my last retreat for the year, and with work slowing down I have found some time to sew, garden and scrap this week. I have made 4 sewing machine mats, a couple of these will be in the mail tomorrow one to the USA and oneto the UK. I posted one off yesterday for Peg over at happyinquilting for her 50th Birthday which was today, I think there might be a few more of these made for Christmas presents in the next couple of weeks, I am sure I have some friends that would love one. Then tonight I have just covered 2 note books, one for myself to use as my retreat booking book for 2008 and one for a friend whose birthday it was a couple of days ago.
So all in all I am on a roll, lots more to do and only 26 sleeps until Christmas.
Happy sewing o you all
Ho Ho Ho
Kerry

Pin cushion Swap

2007-11-27T22:20:00.000+11:00

I have written about my annual in store swap previously, so I just thought I would show a photo of most of the pin cushions that are in the swap. I have received nearly 60 pin cushions this year, each year we have a different theme in the swap. This week is the week for me to draw everyones names out and match them with there partner for 2007. There are some great pin cushions, little bags, lamingtons, (Chocolate covered cakes dipped in coconut), chooks, butterfly, lots of embroidered ones, bees hives, rabbit, dolls and the list goes on.
Thanks to everyone who has taken part in this years swap, I will have them all out in the mail to you very soon.
Thanks to all those ladies that have taken part, they all look great, I am sure you all will be happy with which ever one you receive.
Kerry

Welcome sign

2007-11-20T21:29:00.000+11:00

Just a short post to share my new sign which we hung at the front door to the shop yesterday evening. I am really happy with the way the sign came up, this is something I was going to do about 5 years back, better late then never.
Also you can see one of my Hollyhocks that grow in garden in front of the shop, they look beautiful at the moment all out in bloom, standing tall with their crimson flowers, hopefully the cows in the paddock don't decide to have them for dinner again. One morning a few months back I discovered that the cows had eaten the hollyhocks down to ground level, the hollyhocks obviously didn't mind.
Happy sewing
Kerry

Secret Santa Christmas Swap - through Chookyblue

2007-11-19T21:50:00.000+11:00

Just to let my SSCS partner know that I am very happy to keep my gift a secret until Christmas Day, I love surprises and will look forward to sharing my gift after Christmas.

Australian Quilt Market - Melbourne

2007-11-18T22:43:00.000+11:00

I have just returned from a few days in Melbourne, a couple of very good friends (none patchworking friends) joined me. We did the tourist bit on Thursday with a cruise along the Yarra River, then a coach trip which included the City highlights then off to the Dandelongs, on our arrival back into the city we found a great little Italian resturant in Liagon Street for dinner, very enjoyable over a few wines. If anyone knows me personally they know I am not realy a shopper but Friday we spent from 10am until 5pm shopping at the DFO shops in Spencer st, I had an absolute ball and the best thing of all, I purchased 5 new pairs of shoes, I love shoes. My DD questioned me about how was I ever going to wear all of the shoes that I have -- how dare she....................
Saturday was spent at the Australia Quilt Market, it was great to catch up with lots of like mined souls as well as meet some others for the first time. There some great new patterns, designs, fabrics, books etc to see, far to much to take in, in a short few hours. I always find I need to come home and gather my thoughts before ordering too much. I will be writing my November Newsletter this week so I will share some of the things that appealed to me, so until my next post, stay safe and happy sewing.
Kerry

Weekend spent with family and friends

2007-11-12T22:33:00.000+11:00

This past weekend we travelled to our best friends home about 4 & 1/2 hours drive away, to attend their daughters 21st birthday party. Sebastian and Nicole met us there for the weekend which was wonderful. Jessica's party was great, the whole weekend was great, it is always fantastic to catch up with our friends and it was extra special for Geoffrey and I to get together with our children as well. I made Jessica this quilt for her birthday, I used the pattern "PS - Don't forget the Chocolate" out of Leanne Beasley's Book - Romancing the Road Trip. It is a great pattern, I just whipped it up last week and my dear friend Betty quilted it urgently for me. I have used a comination of fabrics, some from the Moda range Maderia. Jessica loved it so that was the main thing.
I am off to Melbourne this week to the Australian Quilt Market, so if anyone has any great suggestions on what to see and do in Melbourne I would love to hear from you. I am sure I will have a great time down there but it would be wonderful to hear from some locals on the best way to spend a couple of days.
Must get back to my sewing a few more stitches before bed, I will share the project I am working on very soon.
Take care
Kerry

Annual Art Show

2007-11-09T22:50:00.000+11:00

Every year our small little village runs an annual art show and this year I decided to enter some of my photos in the photography section. Well tonight was the opening night with champange, cheese and biscuits and a yummy supper, great night had by all. I was thrilled with the results, as two of my photos received highly commended. This is one of them - it is a photo I took in Queenstown, New Zealand last year while we were there, the other one was one of my winter snow shots from June this year.It was very exciting having your name read out in a hall full of very talented people.
I will have to get snapping ready for next year,
Take care
Kerry

Busy weekend with Great results

2007-11-04T19:55:00.000+11:00

This weekends group travelled from Queensland to visit me, they have done so for the past few years, it was wonderful to see them all again. I know they were all very happy with their achievements, Marg nearly completing 2 lovely quilt tops, Di J and Nancy were also well on their way. Gail and Jenny both completed "Past Times"and Di created a stunning version of my "Stars & Stripes quilt. Well donre ladies.
It was a great weekend for sewing with some heavy rain falls throught out the two days, I spent the whole time cutting and thinking of all the things I have to make between now and Christmas, I really need to write a list and cross them off one at a time, Believe me it will be a very long list.
Maybe I should make my list public so you can all keep an eye on my progress. Ha Ha
Anyway thanks for dropping by,
Kerry

A little visitor in the garden

2007-10-31T08:10:00.000+11:00

Last night before bed I noticed the green frog outside, it has been years since we have had green frogs in the garden, this drought has been going on for about 6 years and in all that time I don't think I have heard or seen a frog. Welcome Back.

Thanks Leanne for your Thread Holder

2007-10-30T18:32:00.002+11:00

After seeing the tuitorial Leanne has on her blog, www.thestitchingroom.blogspot.com I decided to make one of these little thread holders, after showing it to my Tuesday ladies they decided they would also like to have a go, the photo is of some that were made today by my group. By altering the cutting measurements, we came up with a large and small size, the small is the measurement that Leanne has in her tuitorial.
Thanks so much Leanne for sharing your thread holder with us, it certainly is a great little item that will very handy.

The countdown is on

2007-10-25T19:49:00.001+10:00

Well just finished another 2 day retreat with a lovely group of ladies that have been visiting me for a few years now from Sydney, it was great to have them with me again. Apart from no electricity for a couple of hours this morning the retreat went really well, with them all working very hard on their choosen quilts. I look forward to seeing some photos once completed.
For some un known reason the power went out here at 7.10am and didn't come back on for over 4 hour, we cut and pinned, picked out borders etc to fill in the time, I am sure you can all understand how difficult it is to run a retreat without power, no lights, no sewing machines no irons, no music and no tea or coffee. I am sure there could be worst things to go wrong.
I have only 3 more retreats for the year, then my Christmas gathering on the 8th December, anyone is welcome to come along to this. We always have a great day with lots of yummy food, Christmas swap gifts, small projects to work on as well as a wonderful display of quilts around my garden.
Also a quick mention for anyone who was thinking of joining our instore Pin cushion swap, they need to be to me by the end of the month (or at least your name), at present there are about 45 pincushions that have been sent in from all over Australia, I will post a photo soon of them all.
Also just a quick mention to say that over the past 2 days we have had some absolutely lovely rain, not sure how much but, everything just looks so fresh and alive with the rain.
Until next time, happy sewing
Kerry

Photo but no quilts

2007-10-23T21:37:00.000+10:00

I had a great group of ladies here for a retreat last weekend, they all had a terrific time and achieved heaps, we did manage to get a group photo before they all headed off for their 7 hour drive home,but it is just group shot with no quilts. Believe me they did all make one.
I have another retreat mid week this week so hopefully I take some good photos of there quilts.
I haven't personally had time to sew but with only 2 months left before Christmas I really better get cracking as I have heaps of gifts to make...(I do work very well to a dead line) .....so if anyone out there in blog land is waiting for a gift from me, Christmas is my dead line.
Anyway back to the kitchen to cook up some yummy treats for my retreat tomorrow, happy sewing
Kerry

1/2 Way there - 365 Challenge

2007-10-19T18:01:00.000+10:00

6 Months Down 6 months to go
Just thought I would share my 365 Challenge Quilt with you all, I very pleased with myself for keeping it up to date and I'am very happy with the way it is coming together. After 6 months it already measures 55" across by 74" down, so at this rate it is going to be a large quilt. I do hope someone in the future appreciates all my journaling.
I am loving the whole process, looking forward to seeing everyone elses.
Have a good weekend
Kerry

2007-10-15T14:31:00.000+10:00

Hectic Weekend.................................

After loading my Jeep up with as many kits, fat 1/4's and pattern as it would hold, Vicki and I headed off to Dubbo Friday afternoon, hoping to make it in time to up pack the car and set up the stall, before heading out for dinner with some blogland friends. We made it.

We met, Donna, Gillian and Fiona for a wonderful evening of non stop chatter, this is a photo of us all including Vicki in the red and my SIL Leanne with her arm around me.

Back to the show first thing Saturday to set the stall up probably before the crowds arrived at 10am, it was great to catch up with so many familiar faces, to many to name. Lots of ladies from that area have visited my shop so it was terrific to see them all again.

The committee that organised the show did a wonderful job, everyone was so happy all weekend, nothing was too big a problem, the food was great, the display of new and old quilts was outstanding.
Experiences like this leave me and I am sure everyone else, who visited the show, inspired and eager to squeeze in some time to sew, there are just so many ideas and patterns out there, who knows when I will get time to make them all.

A huge thanks to all those wonderful ladies that helped make the weekend such a success,

I was thrilled to be part of it.

Off to my sewing room for a little of me time.

Until next time happy sewing

Kerry

2007-10-11T20:22:00.000+10:00

An Angel for my very best angel friend

Just a very quick post to share with you the Angel doll I made for my very best friend, Tanya, for her birthday, her special day was last month but I am going to spend the weekend with her in Dubbo so I decided I would share her with you all before I head off in the morning. "Lucinda" the angel is out of Annie Downs book "An Angel Story". I was pleased with the way she turned out, do hope Tanya likes her.

The past few days have been extremely busy in shop, with lots of holiday makers visiting me as well as heaps of preparation getting ready for this weekends show in Dubbo. I am looking forward to the weeknd, hope to see lots of friendly faces there.

I am catching up with some blog friends tomorrow evening for dinner to share some fun and laughter.

I will post some photos of the show next week, until then, take care

Kerry

2007-10-08T20:59:00.000+10:00

Sheep Shearing here in Australia

This long post is especially for all those living in other countries to show you a little bit of what else goes on around our property apart from my Patchwork business. Geoffrey, my DH, works over 4000 arces of land, running Merino sheep for wool and cattle. Last week he finished shearing for the year and these are a few photos I took in the shed.

First up is "Noel" Geoffrey's very faithfulworking dog, enjoying a rest in the comfort of the soft wool under the classing table.

We grow fine merino wool and most of the wool that is grown on our property is sold at Auction and usually goes to Italy to be processed there and made into fabric for mens suits and other garments.

I will run the photos in order to show you the process of shearing a sheep.

This is a photo of the sheep in the yards waiting for their turn to have there coats removed, these are younger sheep called Hoggets, about 12 months old, don't mind there red markings on their noses, that is just paint.

Next they are put into a pen in the shearing shed, then the shearer drags them out and starts shearing, they shear the belly first then the face. This wool goes into a seperate bale. Apart from these two sections, the fleece comes off the sheep in a whole piece.

Once the sheep is shorn ,the shed hand picks up the fleece and throws it carefully onto the classing table, were the fleece is skirted and classed, it then goes into a wool press and is pressed into very large bales that are marked with the property brands and trucked to the wool stores, where it is then sold at auction..Each year Geoffrey ( or should I say the shearers ) shear about 3,500 sheep on our property, each shearer usually shears about 120 sheep per day so the process takes a a few weeks in total to complete.

I am so glad I have my own business to run, a patchwork shop is a much better place for a women then the shearing shed, it is pretty hard work out there and the talk in the shed is not fit for a womens ear alot of the time.

Anyway hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about life on my hill.

Take care

Kerry

2007-10-01T20:55:00.001+10:00

Calling anyone in the Dubbo area....................
Well Friday week, 12th October I will be in Dubbo to set up for the Central West Patchwork & Needlecraft Expo, to be held on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th at the Dubbo Christian school on Sheraton Rd. I will be taking along lots of fat 1/4's, patterns, kits, gift ware etc, I am looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones over the two days.
If you would like to join me for dinner on the Friday evening in Dubbo please contact me and we will arrange a time and a place, it would be great to catch up with any blog watchers out there in central west New South Wales.
Also if anyone would like to receive a 10% discount voucher to be spent at the Expo then leave a message between now and the 10th October and I will have your voucher ready and waiting for you on my stall in Dubbo.
There will be new fabrics and quilts so come along and visit me in Dubbo on the 13th & 14th October. Looking forward to seeing you all there,
Kerry
PS Dubbo holds a special place in my heart as it was my home for the first 21 years of my life, give or take some time spent in New Zealand and Sydney.

2007-09-29T17:38:00.001+10:00

Another chapter in our lives is over.................

It is so hard to believe but Sebastian along with his mates finished their school lives yesterday. Schooling in Australia (NSW) goes through to year 12, and yesterday was the final day for all year 12 students, they have a couple of weeks break and study time before returning for there final school exams. Sebastian attends a boys boarding school about 1 hours drive from home.

Geoffrey and I attended the senior sportmans dinner at Sebastian's high school on Thursday evening, Sebastian was lucky enough to be named the Best and Fairest player for the 1st 13's.

Then we attended the Graduation assembly at school yesterday morning before helping to set up the function centre for last night School Formal. This is always a big night on the school calendar and last night was no exception. Sebastian being the out going child he is, decided to wear something a little different then the rest, he worn a baby pink suit with black shirt. Believe me he looked great, he is just one of those kids that can get away with doing something like that and it was good as he was very easy to spot in the room of 450 people, 99% of the blokes worn their black dinner suits. Geoffrey, Alicia ( his partner) and I all colour coordinated especially for the photos and this is the result.
I am sure all the boys had very mixed emotions, it is a big change in their lives, and another chapter of ours over, we shared the last couple of days with Sebastian's mates parents which was a wonderful time for us to remember. Nicole was home on uni holidays so it was special for her to be able to join us also.

Now that our school days are over we look forward to the next chapter in our lives where ever that may take us.
Until next time thanks for dropping by and sharing my life
Kerry

2007-09-24T11:09:00.000+10:00

The Most popular quilt in store at present................

Well what a big weekend we all had, I some how over booked with my retreat this weekend and ended up with 13 in the class, after shuffling around the tables we made room for everyone, I cut all weekend, they all worked very hard and we ended up with lots of gorgeous quilt tops. I didn't manage to snap a photo before they all left so I decided to post a photo of the quilt that has been the most popular over the past few weeks.

The quilt design is called Past Times, by Lyn Wilson, my sample is made using a mixture of fabrics, alot out of the Siennna range. 3 of my group on the weekend made their version of this quilt, while a couple of the other ladies purchased kits to take home and make in their own time.

It was a fun weekend, all the ladies joined us for a local Prawn and Chicken night in the town hall, this is a annual event to raise money for the local pre-school, some of them danced into the wee hours of the morning and still turned up to class bright as buttons.

Melinda, Anne and Kathy stayed an extra night and re visited me this morning to take a trip up to our other property to visit Geoffrey in the shearing shed, as they hadn't had the opportunity to see sheep being shorn before. Shearing is part of running a sheep property but fasinating to the out sider. In my next post I will share some photos of in side the shed.

Until then take care

Kerry

2007-09-21T07:57:00.000+10:00

Spring is in the air...................................

After a burst of cold air yesterday, today is another gorgeous spring morning, as I was walking this morning I just had to stop and listen to the wonderful sound of all the different birds playing in the trees, they sounded very happy that the sun was shining and that there was no wild wind blowing. My garden is also enjoying the spring weather with lots of new shoots and flowers appearing daily, how I love this time of the year. This is a photo of my very first rose for the season, "Pinky" with some of our cattle and their babies in the back ground. Also just behind the rose are evidence that the white cockatoo's have been around before I woke this morning, they take great pleasure in breaking off plants at ground level, bitting off new flower heads and just destroying my garden. I think I will have to built a scarecrow to keep them away.

Anyway thanks for dropping bye, hope it is a beautiful day at your place where ever you are in this wonderful world.

Kerry

2007-09-17T21:47:00.000+10:00

Another batch of happy patchworkers

Just a very short post to say thanks to my lovely ladies that join me this weekend, they all left with big smiles and a new quilt top each, well done, there was lots of sewing as well as lots of chatter and laughter. I look forward to seeing you all again soon, if not before at my Christmas Gathering in December.

Kerry

2007-09-13T07:50:00.000+10:00

Are we mad or what..........Dear Jane here we come

All year a small group of us have been talking about starting the Dear Jane Quilt, so yesterday was the day, Wendy, Vicki and I got together in the shop to start cutting, Helen couldn't make it but I am sure she will catch up. With lots of interuptions we did manage to cut out 13 blocks each, row G. I had decided ages ago that I would make my quilt out of Thimbleberry fabrics, so I pull out a few scraps and started cutting, then last night I just had to sit and stitch one block together. I am please with the result and look forward to adding these blocks to a long list of projects on the go. I will keep you all informed with my progress.

This is a photo of block one completed and the other 12 neatly cut and packaged in their own little plastic bag.

If anyone has any tips or tricks with this quilt that they would like to share I would love to hear from you.

Kerry

2007-09-10T20:20:00.000+10:00

Aren't all these quilts fantastic..................

Just a very short post to share a photo of this weekends retreat ladies, all of their quilts looked great, Megan the little whiz completed two very large quilt tops in the two days, very simple "Le Jardin" Design but hey there was heaps of sewing in both of them. They both looked great and so different, that's Megan standing up behind everyone.

Pam( 2nd from the left) with the Quilt made from Fresh cut fabrics by Heather Bailey, was here with her sisiter, Jan, celebrating her 60th Birthday, what a great way to spend a special birthday. Hope you enjoyed your special weekend away Pam.

Hope you all had a great weekend, looking forward to seeing you all again.

Have a good week

Kerry

2007-09-06T21:16:00.000+10:00

Look who has found some time to sew............................

Well just a couple of quick photos to prove to you all that I have found some sewing time this week.

Spent a few hours Sunday morning working on 3 paper bag quilts that had been sitting around here for a little while, can't share them as it might spoil the surprise for those involved.

Then I managed to write up a couple of weeks on my 365 Challagne quilt and sew on 3 more rows, this is a photo of how it is looking. I am very pleased with the result so far, its not a very good photo but I am sure you can get the idea.

Then last night I made up this flannel quilt using a pattern called Log Cabin Star by Kansas Trouble Quilters, great quilt for a man, and so so easy, from start to finish in less then 2 hours. Thats my type of quilt. I am actually thinking I might put another 6" border around the quilt just to add a bit of size, I will share a finished photos of it soon.

I ve also been working on a doll for my very good friend Tanya for her Birthday that was last Monday, will share a photo as soon as I finish her.

I love weeks like this, when I can sit and stitch, life runs smooth without a hitch.

2007-09-01T08:13:00.000+10:00

A weekend off ------------So what will I do?????

Well after another busy week in the shop I actually have a weekend with no retreat, it is Fathers Day here in Australia tomorrow, so I always keep this as a free weekend.

Wednesday/ Thursday this week I had 10 lovely ladies join me on there first 2 day retreat, they all had a wonderful time and did extremely well with there sewing, this photo was taken just before they departed. I look forward to seeing them all again soon.

It is a really hard decision what to actually do this weekend, I stayed up late last night and finished off the border on a quilt I have been working on for 10 years. It is the 1997 Times and Seasons quilt from Peace Makers, I started it with a group back in 1997, hand appliqued all the blocks, hand painted all the skyes, appliqued the flowers onto all the border panels then came to a stand still. After being inspired by a photo one of my groups showed me a few weeks back I dragged the quilt out and make the other border blocks, then last night whipped up the 4 star blcoks for the corners, they are meant to represent the 4 seaons. So now I will send it off to my lovely friend Betty to quilt so will share a full photo of it completed very soon.

This is just a small section.

The weather here over the last week has been so nice, Spring has sprung, or for a short while anyway, so I might spent some time in the garden as well as try and work on a few more outstanding sewing projects, I will let you all know if I do achieve any sewing.

Have a great weekend, thanks for dropping by

Kerry

2007-08-28T21:43:00.000+10:00

Where do I begin......................
I just can't believe how quickly each week is flying bye at the moment, last week was one of those weeks, Nicole broke her foot, then had her house broken into, everything is fine thankfully, the police acted quickly and recovered all the stolen goods. Sebastian had his knee operated on in Sydney, so another quick trip (5 1/2 hours drive) down, then back the next day, he is back at school now so hopefully it won't take too long to heal. At least he hasn't any more footy for the season, his Farrer 1st 13's lost last Thursday to a very big Sydney team.

Then tomorrow I will have a new group of ladies joining me for a 2 day retreat, that will make 4 in the last two weeks. I must confess that I forgot to take photos of 2 groups, sorry but I look forward to seeing some photos of their finished quilts.

This is a photo of last weekends group, with some of their wonderful work, we all had a great time, those log cabin blocks look terrific, Gai, you must be very pleased with the quilt.
Thanks for including me in your Sunday night swap, I think I will make an Autumn Leaf quilt out of those fabulous charm squares I received. Don't hold your breath waiting, I will add it too the long list, but will make sure I will share the blocks when I do get to make some.

Also this is a photo of Peg and Dale (especially for Chookyblue ) they are both newcomers to blog land so pop over and say hello. They both decided to work on a Pleated Log Cabin quilt, after heaps of sewing they did manage 10 finished blocks each. Both lots of blocks were looking fantastic - don't you all agree.

In between everything last week I did manage to write my August newsletter which can be viewed on my web site for anyone interested.

I think this will have to do for tonight, I am ready for bed and have a couple of big days ahead.

thanks for dropping over, I will post again soon.

Kerry

2007-08-21T18:20:00.000+10:00

Look what the postman delivered----------------
Thanks to Angela for organising the pincushion swap, this is the gorgeous pincushion I received all the way from the USA, thanks heaps Angela, I love it and I look forward to making up the pattern that you sent me as well.
As yet I haven't heard if mine have arrived in the States, to Susan and Angela - do hope they arrive soon.

2007-08-17T07:42:00.000+10:00

Guest Who's coming to Nundle in 2008

May 3rd 2008

Two off Australia's top designers will be right here in Nundle sharing their skills, expertise, knowledge and friendship.

A Girls Day in the Country will be held in the Nundle Memorial Hall, we will have room for up to 100 ladies, join us for a fun day enjoying two new projects, yummy food, lots of laughter, meeting new and old friends, sharing show and tell and best of all getting to know our two guest tutors.

Rosalie Quinlan & Leanne Beasley

Cost for the day hasn't been finalised as yet, bookings are now open, so if you would like to join us in Nundle for a fantastic day of stitching, please email me at kerry@cottageonthehill.com.au and I will send you further details.

I hate to wish the year away but I can't wait for May next year it should be such a fun day.
Kerry

2007-08-15T20:36:00.000+10:00

I have been tagged
I have been tagged by the lovely Leanne at Leannes House - 8 random things about meme - thanks Leanne I have had to put my thinging cap on with this one.

RULES - Post rules before giving the facts - Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves - People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules - At the end of the your blog you need to tag eight people and list their names - Leave them a comment on their blog, telling them they have been tagged and not to forget to read your blog.

1 - I hate eating any foods such as Banana's or avocado's because of the texture of them, all slippery and slimey.

2 -I don't drink tea or coffee, never had and never will. An old lady, actually a friend of my Nanna's said to me when I was about 15, "isn't it time you learnt how to drink tea of coffee" so from that day on I have never. I drink lots of water.

3 - I love counting things, whether it be patchwork squares as I am cutting up a quilt, or picking up twigs to start the fire, I seem to always find myself counting, even if I know what the end number is going to be.

4 - When I hang the washing on the line I always hang larger items such as jeans, shirts etc on the line closest to the house so that anyone who comes can not see the underwear hanging on the line.

5 - My favourite city in the world is Queenstown in New Zealand, I have been there many times over the past 25 years

6 - I am a five star holiday maker - I love my luxury - I am not a camper

7 - When I was about 18 I could have had the chance to be a professional golf player - now I might have the odd game every now and then.

8 - I am an organised freak, I love to be the leader and the organiser - it works well running my own business not sure I could work for someone else.

Ok well that's 8 random things about me, now I have to tag 8 other lovely bloggers, here goes,

Sarah Leigh Peg Janelle Tina Karol-Ann Juliann Wendy

I look forward to reading 8 random things about all of you.

Have fun
Kerry

2007-08-14T17:13:00.000+10:00

A Special Tuesday class - Happy Birthday Judy

Not just another Tuesday class today - this one was special , it is Judy's birthday at the end of the week so I made her a Birthday Cake which we shared for afternoon tea. Happy Birthday from us all, hope you have a lovely day.

The cake I made was a very easy but yummy Chocolate Brownie cake so I have decided to share the recipe with you all, 2 minutes preparation, 25 minutes cooking time.

200 grams of Self raising flour

200 grams of Castor sugar

pinch of salt

2 heaped tablespoons of Cocoa powder

5 tablespoons of sunflower oil

1 table spoon of malted vingear

1 teaspoon of Vanilla

240mls of cold water

In a bowl combine all ingredients and mix well with a spoon

Grease an 8 inch cake tin and pour mixture in, bake in a moderate oven for 25 minutes, cool in tin for about 10 minutes then turn out on to cake plate, when cool sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with cream.

Enjoy

2007-08-13T18:38:00.000+10:00

Another group of happy customers

Well another weekend has passed with another wonderful group of ladies achieving so much,
as you can see from the photo they all did so well. 10 Quilt tops for 9 ladies.

In the front of the photo is Beulah, who is 84 years young, this was her first visit for a retreat and her first quilt, she did so well and her quilt, "Mary Mary" one of Janelle Winds older designs turned out great. Who said you are never too old to learn, I sure hope I can still make quilts at 84.

2007-08-07T07:58:00.000+10:00

Flannels Flannels and chenille

All my 9 ladies on the weekend all worked with Flannels, the new ones were very well received by the group, with some wonderful quilt tops made by them all. To add a little texture 3 of them included chenille into their quilts which looked great. Once again a great weekend was had by all, Joy kept the fire stoked up as the cold change that was predicted arrived Saturday. This was there 6th year in a row to visit me and they are already looking forward until next year.

This is a photo of them all just as they were about to leave late Sunday. Quilts were already packed in the cars for the journey home.

Great to see you all again I look forward to your return.

2007-08-02T20:10:00.000+10:00

Flannel Fabrics...........................................

How much do I love these fabrics, I usually stock heaps of flannels in the shop but this year there has been a shortage, until now.
Over the past week or so 3 new ranges have arrived in store, and today Judy unpacked this very nice range by Maywood called "Willowberry Winter" they are priced at $24.00 per metre and are just stunning. I have already orders for these so I know they will sell very fast. I will be making kits up in my very old "Flannel Heart Design" Quilt. The colours are just so rich, and the mixture of prints will work so well together.

Also in stock are "Primitive Courtyard" and "Winter Woollies". Those ladies in the flannel club, samples for Primitive Courtyard have been sent out this week, samples for the other two ranges will be sent with my August newsletter which should be out next week.

"Primitive Courtyard"

So if you have been waiting for flannels then they are here now.

Kerry

12 in the group and the middle one said !!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-30T07:22:00.000+10:00

Another very successful retreat and a big thanks to Donna - Chookyblue , for her help with a few things on my blog.

Friday afternoon saw most of my ladies for the weekend arrive to choose their designs and fabrics, ChookyBlue and her friends invited me to dine with them which was very enjoyable.

Just on dark this awful storm rolled in - Gillian had requested snow for the weekend, no snow but a good hail storm.

This is a photo of the storm rolling around the hills to the south of the shop.

This photo is of one half of the group - Jennifer (Empire Bay), Tanya (Jerrys Plains) Jeanie (Warrnambool), Diana (Empire Bay), Doreen (Kincumber), Judy (Barrington) & Kate (Petersham)
The weekend was filled with lots of chatting, laughter and heaps of sewing, all 12 ladies acheived heaps in the two days, even Donna and Gillian, who only had one row made for the photos, but believe me they had all their blocks completed.
This photo is of Janet(Dubbo) Donna - Chookyblue, Gillian, (Coonamble) Bronywn (Dubbo) and Pam also from Coonamble.

All 12 quilts were looking great, I will be looking forward to seeing them all next year for show & tell.Full group shot - you can tell they all had a good time, look at those smiles on their faces.

Thanks for dropping by, hope you enjoy looking at all the wonderful creations created on the Hill.

Kerry

Pay it forward

2007-07-28T17:12:00.000+10:00

I've joined the Pay it Forward challenge. I think it will be fun. I joined over at Donna's blog. She does beautiful work and I can't wait to receive something that she has made.............I love doing things for people and making gifts for my friends. The first three people to join me will receive a handmade gift from me. I have 365 days to make it and send. Hopefully it won't take me that long though.Then each of you three must also put this on your blog and get three people each to sign up. Then you make your three people a handmade gift. I think it sounds great. Hopefully three bloggers out there will want a handmade gift from me.All you have to do is put this fun challenge up on your blog and lets keep it going.So.........do I have three bloggers out there that would like a prezzie from me.............leave a comment but you had better be quick................

2007-07-26T20:22:00.000+10:00

Gosh another week has gone by without a post

I really can't believe just how fast every day, every week, every month is flying by at the moment. Life around here is incredibly busy, last week we celebrated Sebastian 18th Birthday, we had a lovely dinner out with family and friends. I can still remember him as this cute little blonde hair boy. Talking of time flying the years have flown pass so quickly.

Then over the weekend (my only free weekend for weeks) I decided to paint all of my kitchen cupboards, which turned out to be a massive job, I will share a photo of them when i get the kitchen all back into order.

The shop has also been very busy with lots of lovely ladies popping in to purchase fabrics etc, I have just completed another 2 day retreat with a great bunch of ladies from the Hunter Valley and Sydney. Four of them were up for a challange and decided to try their hands at the Double Wedding Ring quilt, while Di & Susan put together all the blocks for "A Family Gathering" by Annie Downs and Jan made this gorgeous old world rose quilt. It was great to have you all join me for the 2 days, looking forward to seeing you all in Nundle again.

I was looking after a neigbours son for a couple of hours as well, Milo just had to join the ladies for the photo, once again smiles all around.Tomorrow I have another group of ladies arriving to spend the weekend with me, Donna - from Chookyblue -will be among this weekends group. So I am spending this evening cooking some yummy cakes and slices for there morning and afternoon teas, and also roasting a pumpkin to make Roasted Pumpkin soup for lunch on Saturday. Gillian has put out a request fro snow, but I don't really think it will, this last week has been considerably warmer.

After 5 weeks holidays Nicole returned to Bathurst to start her final semester of Uni down there, it's always great to have her home and sad to see her leave again. she was very happy last week when she received notice of her exams results, well done she passed everything last semester.

Oh well back to the kitchen for me, hope everyone has had a great week, thanks for dropping by.

Kerry

2007-07-20T13:09:00.000+10:00

And the winners are...................
Sorry for keeping you all waiting, I haven't had time to blog this week, seems like a week away leaves me with 3 weeks work to do.

Anyway the 3 winners of my give away are from comments left on post dated 26th June

comment No 1 anonymous Gai

comment no 8 Leigh

comment no 18 Jewells

If these three ladies could please contact me with there postal details then I will pop their kits in the mail for them. Congratulations to you all, do hope you enjoy making up the projects that we worked on in the Chrissy in July retreat.

Here are the three projects that were made over the retreat, "Nundle Angel" by Rosalie Quinlan, this has been released as a pattern this week, it is also available as a kit.

She is so very cute - every house needs an Angel looking over it at Christmas time.

Here is "Just Hanging with Santa" by Natalie Ross, at the moment this is only available as a kit but the patterns are on there way. Natalie always comes up with a quirky project, isn't he adorable.

And Janelle Winds "Christmas Cheers Bag" this is also available as a kit and the patterns are on there way. Janelle pudding stitchery is just gorgeous and the bag is made to fit a bottle of wine or why not fill it with yummy chocolates.

I must get back to work, lots of kits to cut and orders to post out. Have a great weekend and thanks for dropping by.

For all those in the 365 challange I will be having another give away next week so keep and eye out.

Kerry

2007-07-16T20:43:00.000+10:00

I am back - with so much news to share.
Quick run down on the last two weeks,
Sebastian and the rest of his NSWCHS Rugby League team had a very successful tour of Queensland with a win against QLD in a test match played in Mackay during the first week 18 - 12, then going onto win the Australian Championships in Townsville last Saturday, also against QLD 20 - 18. Well done boys.
Geoffrey, Nicole and I enjoyed some wonderful relaxing time in Queensland, it was great to leave this very cold weather for a short time. We spent 3 brilliant sunny days on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef for all those over seas visitors. Swam, snorkled, ate, sunbaked and just relaxed. That was of course in between footy matches.
But the big news over the last few days was my very successful Christmas in July 2 day retreat.
What a blast, I had 3 guess tutors, Janelle Wind, Rosalie Quinlan and Natalie Ross, they were all brilliant and so much fun, thanks girls for a huge effort, both with the wonderful projects and your very talented teaching skills. There were 24 wonderful students who all had a fantastic time, it was great to meet up with old friends and make new ones. I know every one was so happy with their finished projects, well done to you all.
The room was filled with so much fun and laughter it was a joy to be part of it all.

I will just post one quick group photo tonight and will show so more later.

Thanks for dropping by
Kerry
PS I have drawn the winners of my give away and will post them tomorrow - stayed tuned if you left a message about what you were up to for Black Friday

2007-06-26T20:03:00.000+10:00

Far too busy to blog ---sorry ----Plus Chrissy in July Give Away

I just seem to be far too busy to blog at the moment, had another great retreat last weekend, this group of lovely ladies have been coming for quite some time, each year they make the trip up the New England Hwy to Nundle to spend the weekend with me. This year Tanya had her sister, Tracey, visiting all the way from Finland so she joined the group as well. We had a good weekend with some lovely quilts made as well as a few older ones finished off. Tracey, do hope you enjoyed yourself, and I am sure you will have many fond memories of the weekend when you snuggle up under you quilt back in Finland. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Other news, well the response from the article in Country Threads has been wonderful, lots of phone calls and emails, glad everyone is enjoying it. The kits for the Spinning Pin wheels Quilt which is featured it the magazine have been selling really well, we still have some in stock for anyone wishing to purchase one, its a great quilt for a man.

Thanks to all those who have commented on my article - all your comments are so lovely and encouraging.

The count down is on - There is only a little over two weeks to go until our annual Christmas in July retreat, this year there are over 20 ladies coming to spend 2 days with me in Nundle. This year I have organised 3 guess tutors, Janelle Wind, Natalie Ross and Rosalie Quinlan. Everyone is getting very excited, I have been very busy cooking to feed all of us. Because I am going to be away watching Sebastian play Rugby League up in North Queensland for the week prior I have to be totally organised before leaving, and believe it or not I am getting that way. For those coming the food is looking very yummy, I am sure you won't go home hungry.

For all those who can't be with us that weekend, if you make a comment on my blog between now and Friday 13th July I will put you in the draw to win one of 3 kits for the projects we will be making over that weekend.

Leave a comment and let me know what you will be up to on Friday 13th July and you will go in the draw to win.

Anyway back to the end of month book work, hope everyone is enjoying this cold wet winter we are having here in Australia, thanks for dropping by

Kerry

2007-06-20T20:06:00.000+10:00

Has anyone seen this months "Australian Country Threads"

Well my exciting news is that I am in this months latest issue of Australian Country Threads Magazine.
I actually have 10 pages devoted to me, can you believe that. There are 6 pages show casing some of my original quilts as well as a profile and story on me, my life and my business. Then my "Spinning Pinwheels" quilt is a project for everyone to have a go at. The phone calls and emails enquiring about the quilts show cased and my business have been overwhelming in the last couple of days. It is a real thrill to have your name in print for all to see, and a great thrill to be recognised and appreciated by so many women.
This isn't my first project or my first profile in a magazine but it always feels great to see your work in print, please let me know if you make my quilt, I always love to see other peoples versions.
Oh and yes it was snowing when we woke this morning, just very lightly, it didn't really settle for very long. It could be around again in the morning by the feel of the freezing cold air tonight.
Winter is certainly here.
Happy sewing
Kerry
PS my Spinning Pinwheels quilt can be seen on my web site
www.cottageonthehill.com.au under quilt patterns if any one would like to look.

2007-06-19T21:48:00.000+10:00

Just a short post - because my office is freezing

Well after about 10days of freezing weather it looks like it will keep up for a few more days, they are predicting snow for tonight, so maybe it will be white again in the morning.

This is a photo of last weekends group just as most of them were about to walk out the door, they headed back home to the central coast just after lunch, hoping to arrive home before dark as the weather down that way has been wild. Glad you all arrived home safely.

It is funny how both Denise and Siona decided to make my very old but very popular Flannel Heart Quilt ( both did it in Cottons) and 4 others all made my Stars & Stripes quilt which is also an older quilt.They all looked great, do hope you all had a great weekend, I am looking forward to seeing the video, I am sure there were lots of laughs on it.

A big thank you to lorraine for organising all your ladies again and I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

I am off to bed to snuggle up under my flannel quilts, I will share some pretty exciting news tomorrow, stay tuned.

Kerry

2007-06-12T21:36:00.000+10:00

A Day to remember - thanks to my wonderful friends

Today started out with an extra early trip to Tamworth, leaving home before 6.30am to drop off a load of wood and drop Sebastian back to school after their leave weekend. Nicole headed back to Bathurst to Uni this morning also, only a couple of weeks and she will be home again for holidays.

On my return from Tamworth my Tuesday ladies were just arriving, apparently they had been planning today for a few weeks and to my surprise they supplied a very yummy lunch with a special Birthday Cake just for me. But to top it all off they had all got together and made me a very special present. They made me this quilt for my birthday (which is actually tomorrow). I was so over the moon with the quilt, the thought of them all sewing it especially for me bought tears to my eyes. I had good intentions of one day making it myself but they all beat me to it. Thanks Heaps girls it is gorgeous and I will always treasure it, I think I have found the right place to hang it.

I LOVE it Thanks

2007-06-09T15:31:00.000+10:00

Oh my Gosh - what an exicting day -- I Love Snow

On waking this morning at 6.45am, we looked out the window to see if the rain had stopped to see everything covered with white wonderful snow. Yesterdays temperature didn't get over 6 degree, so we thought it may have snowed up on the mountain, but no it snowed here at home as well, this is the first snow fall in 23 years that has settled here at home.

At 6.45 am I ran around and got everyone up out of bed to have a look, because I just love snow, Geoffrey and Nicole went back to bed, but Ali, Sebastian, Rachel and i went off exploring the country side to see how heavy it was around.

We couldn't get up to our other property which is just 10minutes up the road, the snow up there was about 6 to 8" deep around the house, so it would have been much heavier up into the hills.

We stopped on the side of the road just 5 minutes from home and made this Snowman and had a good snow fight, what fun at 7.30am on a cold snowy morning.

This is a photo of a paddock just up the road from home.

There have been hundreds of cars passing by today all heading up to the snow, for those who don't live around here, snow doesn't fall very often around this area so when it does, people drive a long way to have a look and a play.

The weather has just closed in again, so maybe we are in for some more snow tonight.

2007-06-06T20:28:00.000+10:00

Sebastian and Ali - Debutant Ball

Just a couple of photos to share with you all of Sebastian & Ali last Friday night when he partnered her for her debut.

She looked gorgeous in a simple satin dress with a cross over wrap of chiffon across the bodest.

The guys all looked very grown up in there black dinner suits.

I can not believe my little boy is only one month of 18, gosh the years fly. For those with younger children make the most of every minute with them because you blink and they are all grown up.

On another note, my thoughts and prays go out to all the families and friends who have any connection with the Kerang Train crash, what a awful thing to happen, it sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. Do hope none of my blogging friends are directly invloved.

Until I post again, stay safe and hold your loved ones close to your heart.

Kerry

2007-06-03T19:22:00.000+10:00

Sunday evening, another week over

Hi there just a short post, great retreat this weekend, we all laughed heaps, I am not sure how long it will take for Nundle to recover from these wonderful women, LOL. Sorry I didn't mean that Jenny. Everyone had a great weekend, all their quilts were looking fantastic, I do hope everyone was happy with their quilts. This is a photo of them all except Ingrid who left earlier. The fire had actually gone out by this stage in the afternoon, but we did need it on earlier, as we had a storm go through mid morning, then it turned cold this afternoon.

This group of ladies always amaze me, as in the group there is June and her 4 daughter, I just think that is terrific to think that Mum and 4 daughters enjoy each others company enough to go away sewing for a weekend together, look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Hope everyone has had a good weekend, I will pop back tomorrow and post some photo's of the Ball on Friday night.

Kerry

2007-06-01T08:23:00.000+10:00

Just Quickly......................

Cold morning here in my office, a small frost outside so I will try and make it quick so my fingers don't get too cold.

Good week so far, I have managed to sqeeze in a little sewing, finished my blocks for 1 paper bag quilt and presently working on another, just have a little stitchery to do for that then I can pass it on.

During the week I have re-written all of my 365 challange quilt as I wasn't happy with the pen I was using, I managed to find this new pen last week while visiting Janelle. Very Happy with it.

I put the borders on a new shop sample last night as well and stitched together my 365 challange quilt, I am doing mine in weeks with small borders around each, it is 2m long and will probably end up about 2.8 to 3m wide. I am using fabrics that have been used in the shop during that week to make all my borders.

This is a close up of part of the quilt, I don't really have plans it will just grow week by week.

Must run fingers are starting to get chilly.

Have a great weekend

Kerry

PS Sebastian is partnering Ali this evening in Tamworth as she makes her debut. Will try and take some good photo's to share.

2007-05-27T17:00:00.000+10:00

Can you believe it's nearly Winter.............

The weather over the past couple of days has been incredible for this time of the year, only a few days off winter and it feels like summer, I am sure all the plants are so mixed up, who knows what will be out in flower next week if this warm weather keeps up.

I've had a great weekend with another group of lovely ladies, they all made gorgeous quilt tops, here are a couple of photos of 4 of them, the others managed to slip out without having to smile for me, I look forward to seeing them all completed and bound on your return next year.

I think I will be off to bed early tonight ready for another busy week in the shop, hopefully I will get some time to sew or scrap or both this week will show you all if I do.

Have a great week,

Kerry

2007-05-25T14:02:00.000+10:00

I am back- anyone miss me..LOL

Well life has been just too busy to find time to blog, not sure where I should start but maybe back a week or so.

I had a great group of ladies here last weekend for their annual retreat, they all made gorgeous quilt tops and I took some great photos without my memory card in my camera, so I am really sorry i can't post a photo of you all, maybe Annie might send me a couple from the weekend to put into my Journal.

Then I Monday I drove down to Toronto which is about 3 & 1/2 hours drive from home to watch Sebastian play in the NSWCHS Rugby League selection trials, he was playing in the Presidents team, which is a team made up of players from all over the state who weren't selected in there regional teams for one reason or the other. The boys jelled well and Monday saw Sebastian have a brillant game, it was one of those days when being a Mum is all worth it, I was so proud of the way he played.

That night I stayed with my very good friend Janelle who lives only a few minutes from the footy oval, we had plans of maybe do some sewing or scrapbooking together but we only managed to chat all evening, which was lovely.

Back to the footy both Tuesday and Wednesday, apart from alot of injuries the boys played really well. - Janelle and I did work on a little scrapbooking Tuesday night, I started a mini album using photos I took at my Christmas Gathering last December, will share it at a later date.

Wednesday afternoon came the announcement of the NSW Open School Boys team to play at the Australian Championships and we were over the moon when Sebastian was selected as number 9 - Hooker for the team. All these years of hard work and the dream to be selected had come true. His best mate and school friend Angus was also named as No.8 along with another school mate Scott as No.14. They are just going to have the best time together, playing the Australian Championships, on their two week tour of Queensland in July.

Here is a photo of the 3 of them just after their selections, Sebastian is the one of the left. Not a very good photo as they could hardly stand still with excitement.

This is a photo of the latest quilt to be added to the shop samples (thanks Kate & Betty), it is made using 16 fat 1/4's of all floral fabrics with 4 different fabrics as the border. I have made up kits for this quilt which have been selling very well.There is also a new flannel quilt on its way back from being quilted so I will share it next week.

Geoffrey and I are off to tamworth tonight to play ten pin bowling with a group , we have a yearly get to gether so to nights the night. Not sure how the bowling skills will go but I am sure we will have fun.

Farrer first 13's played Tamworth High today in the University Sheild they won 74 -1.

I have a group of ladies here for a retreat over the weekend, so I better head up the paddock and find some fire wood, the nights are getting very cold so I think I will need to light the fire in the morning.

If you have made it all this way through this long post, thanks for reading I will try and make time over the next week to blog more often.

Until then thanks for dropping by, have a great weekend

Kerry

2007-05-13T19:30:00.000+10:00

Finishing off and loving the results........................
Well I've been a little slack on the posting side again this week.
No 2 day retreats this week, so have caught up on lots in the shop and beleive it or not have even finsihed some of those unfinished projects in my sewing basket.
My first little project was only started a few weeks back while on our Gold Coast trip, it is a very cute little bag designed by Libby Richardson called "Bearly Cute" the pattern comes with the pre cut handles and is now in stock in the shop.
My second project that I am sharing with you tonight, has been hanging around for just a little longer, (nearly 2 years). During our Christmas in July each year we usually do a stitchery swap, where you trace a stitchery design onto fabric and it is then swaped with someone else. The challange to this swap is that we are meant to bring them back the following year completed, well today I made my stitchery into a Chrissy Cushion, and of course I just had to use pom poms and I backed the cushion with bottle green chenille. Iam really happy with the result, I will have to remember to purchase a cushion insert next time I am shopping, then it will be already for Christmas.Talking of Christmas it is less then 9 weeks until this years Christmas in July - I am so looking forward to it as I love this retreat each year. This year we have Janelle Wind back for the 3rd year in a row, Natalie Ross, we missed you last year, and for her first visit to Nundle we are extremely lucky to have Rosalie Quinlan as our guest tutors. This is always a great weekend, it won't be long and I will be posting photos of it.

It is still warm here for the middle of May, no rain over the past week, I was very lucky today - Mother Day - to be able to watch Sebastian play football, thanks Emily for minding the shop. He played for Werris Creek in the group 4 comp today, they won 40-22.
Nicole spent last week on prac at Bathurst Hospital and is back there again this week before returning to her studies next week.
Oh well I better head back to that sewing basket and have a look what else is in there half started, kepp an eye out I might even finish off something else this week.
Have a good week
Kerry

2007-05-05T15:33:00.000+10:00

Some what productive day

It's the most glorious day outside today, I love this time of the year. I've been busy working in the shop, washing, packing away cloths, but I have found alittle time to make this recipe book cover for a friend for her Birthday. She loves cup cakes so decided to applique one on the front cover, I am very pleased with how it has turned out, I am sure she will love it.

Thanks for dropping by

Kerry

2007-05-04T07:44:00.000+10:00

Can't believe it's Friday again.................

There were a dozen ladies at class on Tuesday, all working on some lovely projects, here is a photo of a quilt that Gai started in a retreat last year, I so want to make this quilt, just another to add to the list. The autumn colours look brilliant, well done Gai.

Wednesday/Thursday I had a new group called the Lily Hill Quilters from Nelson Bay, they were such a lovely group of ladies, here is a photo of them all with their quilt tops, Thanks Jan for all your organising, your group were a pleasure to have in my shop. Just like all the groups I have. So glad you all enjoyed your first retreat with me, do hope there are many more to come.

I worked until late last night in the shop so that I could have part of today off, heading in to Tamworth, we desperately need food, then I am going to watch Sebastian play football again, they are playing Inverell High in the Regional Final of the Arrive Alive Cup, will post the results later.

Have a good day

Kerry

Ps Farrer won 54-0 today in the Arrive Alive Cup. Well done boys.

2007-04-29T19:22:00.000+10:00

What a blessing - Rain glorious rain
We woke on Friday morning to the sound of rain on the roof, what a wonderful sound, those of you that live else where might find it hard that we here in the Australian inland get so excited about rain, but we have been in drought for 6 years so when it rains all day and then all of that night, it puts smiles on our faces. We were very lucky and have had over 2" in the past couple of days. Do hope you have had some where ever you may be.
I took this photo of one of my Claret Ash trees yesterday morning, the rain had helped it to loose it's leaves, they looked so nice sitting on the table and chairs that I just had to take a photo. I love this time of the year when all the leaves are turning, the mornings and evenings are cooling down. Winter won't be too far away.This weekend was one of only a hand full over the next 5 months that I didn't have a retreat on. I was still working in the shop but at a slower pace then usual. Last night while watching the footy on the TV, I sat on the lounge and cut out 64 - 6" basket blocks for a quilt I have had the pattern for nearly 10 years. I was using my new round cutting mat that was fantastic, it made the job so much easier. Here is a photo of the pile of blocks with a couple completed. I will keep you posted on my progress.

A few other interesting things that have been going on in our lives - Sebastian was Captain of the Farrer first 13's for their Arrive Alive Cup match which they won on Friday, he scored 2 tries and topped the tackle count. Nicole washed down her first Corpse while doing work placement in a Sydney Hospital on Friday. Today Sebastian, Ali, Geoffrey and I ate out for lunch at the Jenkins St guest house, it was truly yummy.

For all those ladies waiting by the letter box for there first block for "Girls Day Out", hopefully I will cut them and have them in the mail this week. I will try and show you a preview of my block one soon. If anyone is interested in doing this gorgeous Block of the Month quilt, there are still places available.

Until my next post, thanks for dropping by and putting up with my ramble.

Kerry

2007-04-25T22:06:00.000+10:00

ANZAC Day in Australia & New Zealand

Today we as Australians remember those men & women who fought to keep our nation a free country. Sebastian was marching with his school in the parade in Tamworth so Geoffrey and I changed our yearly rountine and headed into Tamworth to join in the service. Hundred of people marched while thousands lined the main street to remember those war veterans who gave their lives to make our country a better place to live. It really is a day that makes in proud to be an Australian.

As I mentioned yesterday I did find sometime to fiddle around, just for myself, I made this ribbon box and nearly completed a scrapbooking layout. I also decorated a couple of tea towels and made a very cute draw string bag. I will pop the last 2 items away in my gift draw ready for someones birthday. I also tidied up my scrapbooking area, it looks all very neat and tidy now.

So all in all I had a very enjoyable day.

Kerry

2007-04-24T20:09:00.000+10:00

I am an extremely slack blogger------please forgive me.

Well since my last posting 2 whole weeks ago, lots has been going on in my life, just not enough time to sit and blog.

After getting the store back into order after the Easter festival, Geoffrey and I along with our very close friends Tanya & Gary headed up to the Gold Coast for a very well earnt few days.

It was just so nice to get away from work, and the drought and be surrounded in great company, the sound of the surf rolling onto the shore, eating our for every meal, sitting back and relaxing and playing the tourist.

We swam in the surf each morning before breakfast, hits the shops, went to the RM Williams Australian Outback Spectacular, Sea World, where I fell in love the with Polar Bear, caught up with friends, Hi Phil & Tracy and believe it or not, Tanya and I spent a few hours at the Stitches and Craft show that just happened....... to be on up there the same weekend.

This photo is of the view I had each morning as I lay in bed, I could see the waves rolling into the beach just 100m away. I really enjoyed falling asleep with the sound of the ocean each night. A change to the silence home here on the farm.

After 5 nights away it was back home and back to reality.

There was no rain while we were away so the country side has dryed off a little more and the water storage dropped even further, not sure the men were happy to return.

Last weekend saw another of my retreats with a lovely group of ladies that join me each year about now. 3 of them were game enough to work on a new quilt project, I have pictured Wanda and Margaret with their versions, two totally different quilts, just by using very different fabrics.

Also here is a group photo of them all, part way through Sunday afternoon. Pam was the expert machine appliquer, looking forward to seeing your Angel quilt finished.

Its a Public holiday here tomorrow, ANZAC Day , I have plans of locking myself inside and trying to complete some small porjects, I will post some photos tomorrow night if my day pans out as planned.

Thanks for dropping by

Kerry

2007-04-09T22:07:00.000+10:00

It's all over for another year.......................

After lots of preparation and anticipation, Nundle's annual Go for Gold Chinese Easter Festival was once again a huge success. It may seem like a strange combination, but Nundle was settled as a gold mining town with lots of chinese working the gold fields, so that is the theme of our annual festival.

The streets come alive with lots of market stalls, there is gold panning for those wishing to try there luck at finding some gold, live music around the village, lots of asian influenced food, a village quilt hanging and some wonderful chinese street preformances.

Because of road closures in the village I move alot of the shop into the school for the 2 days of the festival, thanks to all those who called into say hello, do hope you enjoyed your visit to Nundle. I always organise a village quilt hanging and with the wonderful response from students I had more then enough quilts for the hanging this year so I decided to display alot of them in a class room in the school. This worked really well and was heaps easier then having to hang them all around town. There were about 20 quilts hanging in various places around the village, which adds great colour to the festival. A big thank you to everyone who lent me quilts for the weekend, we had many wonderful comments from the public on just how terrific they looked.

This is a photo of some hanging off the art gallery balcony.I spent most of today trying to put the shop back into some type of order, a spring clean was needed so things look nice a fresh in there now.

A big thank you to Vicki, Kirsten, Judy and Emily for all there help over the weekend, I couldn't have managed without you all.

Hope everyone had a happy Easter.

Kerry

2007-04-04T22:14:00.000+10:00

Yummy Yummy Chocolate Chenille!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As you do, when the cats away the mouse will play - Monday evening after I cooked myself a very enjoyable meal, Geoffrey was at a meeting, so I decided to head out to the shop and cut up a new flannel quilt with the flannels that arrived in store on Thursday last week. Using 14 fat 1/4's I had them cut into squares and rectangles in no time, then back to the dining room table to sit and sew while I listened to the footy. In a couple of hours I had the quilt top nearly pieced together. Then last night I sewed on the borders using the very yummy new chocolate chenille. Lots of ladies have been using the chenilles laterly. Judy packed kits today so tonight I have typed up and printed off the instructions, so my new flannel quilt "Rum & Raisin" is ready for sale, ready for the festival this weekend. I will have it quilted next week.

It's a great size just under 2m square, so would make a great throw quilt for the hubby or the teenage kids. I so enjoyed sewing this quilt, I just love working with flannels.

Here is a photo of the quilt.

Only 3 sleeps to go until Nundles Annual Easter Chinese go for Gold Festival. More about it tomorrow.

Until then sleep tight.

Kerry

2007-04-01T21:36:00.000+10:00

I am Buggered but loving every minute of my life

It's past my bed time, but I just had to post this photo, just to prove that I wasn't slack this weekend and did take a photo of my lovely group for this weekend. A couple had already left but here we have Sonia, Mary, Liz, Kim, Leanne, Bonita and Carnie with their quilts that they made over the past two days, well done ladies they all looked great. Do hope you all had safe trips home and thanks for spending the weekend with me. I thrive on seeing you all achieve, every quilt that is made here gives me inspiration, I keep saying it but I truly am blessed to be doing what I do.

I remember saying to a friend back about 20 years ago, how my dream would be to own my own Patchwork shop, how very lucky I am to be living my dream.

Good night, stay safe

Kerry

2007-03-30T22:59:00.000+10:00

Small towns are great places to live !!!!!!!!!

After a very busy day cooking for my weekend retreat, cutting lots of orders and generally being run off my feet, Geoffrey and I slipped over to Wallabadbah, just 1/2 hour from home, for an evening at the local Pub. Vicki who is part of the local team entered in the up coming Relay for Life invited us over there to join in with their fund raiser, they were raising money for Cancer. It was a good night , with great music, yummy food and good company, small communties really know how to entertain. I wish I had have taken my camera, a local identity raised over $1000 to shave off his beard, which he has had for 33 years, his children had never seen him without it, so as the crowd sang "Click Goes the Shears" the local hairdresser shaved it off . The night raised over $2000 which will go towards there team effort for the relay, well done to all involved.

My photo today is off 8 books that have arrived in the post over the last couple of weeks, Thanks Leanne for those little words of advise, (just buy the lot), so I did. I have read some of the Elm Creek Quilt books, borrowed from the local library, but now I have my own, they will find pride and place on a shelf or a dresser somewhere in my home, and I will read them all again. If anyone hasn't read them they are great reading.

2007-03-29T19:24:00.000+10:00

Thursday - lots of little cabins

Today I spent in the company of 10 lovely ladies who now and then join me for a one day workshop, it was great to see you all again, do hope you all enjoyed your visit to the Cottage on the Hill. Our workshop to day was on pleated log cabins, simple quilt as you go blocks using 2 1/2" strips, they all completed 4 blocks, here is a group photo taken with all the blocks laid out together. Well done ladies all your blocks looked great.

I already have tomorrows photo planned - I think???? Thanks for dropping in by

Kerry

2007-03-28T23:12:00.000+10:00

Wednesday Photo - meeting my challange so far.

This is a photo of the couch companion I completed tonight, the pin cushion has a felt flower on the top, I have actually designed a series of projects with felt flowers on them, the felt is easy to work with,hope to have them finished soon

Good night, off to bed, I have a one day workshop tomorrow so better get some beauty sleep .

Kerry

2007-03-27T21:27:00.000+10:00

Tuesdays Photo

Today was a fun day in the shop with 9 ladies at our weekly class, today was project day and we all made couch companions. Thanks to Leanne I just about completed 2 of them, so maybe when I finish mine I will use it for one of my photos for the week. I am going to add the other one to a friends birthday present.

This afternoon I decided to walk down to the front gate of our property and take a photo of Geoffrey's oats paddock down towards the river, I love the way paddocks are ploughed up, then sewn, and thanks to the little bits of rain we have had laterly his crop is now a few inches out of the ground. I will keep my fingers crossed that the end of the drought is insight and that his crop continues to grow, so he can use it for cattle feed. A happy farmer makes a much happier husband.

I wander what tomorrow will bring.

Kerry

2007-03-26T18:14:00.000+10:00

Photo a Day

I really must appologise to my gorgeous group of ladies from this weekend, for not taking a group photo of you all with your lovely quilts to post here. I truly am sorry so I hope you all send me a photo of you and your finished quilt, for my 2007 group book. This group were another new group to visit me for a two day retreat, they were all working with some lovely fabrics and most of them completed their quilt tops that all looked great.

So because I was so slack, or should I say busy, and didn't get the camera out I have punished myself and set a task for myself of taking at least one photo a day for the next week and posting it here on my blog.

So todays photo is of one of my roses which is flowering so beautifully at the moment, actually nearly all the roses in my garden are flowering at the moment, porbably their last bloom before winter. This rose is called "Pinkie" it flowers for at least 6 months of the year, it is a not so rampit rambler, one of my favourites.

I have a very busy week ahead, our monthly project tomorrow in the Tuesday class, we are making a couch companion, a one day workshop on Thursday and another retreat next weekend.

I have soooooooooooooooooo much I want to create at the moment just not enough hours in every day, do hope your week is full of happy times, stay posted for tomorrows photo.

Kerry

2007-03-20T07:36:00.000+11:00

Let's try again

Thanks to blogger I've been having trouble posting this post, so I'll keep my fingers crossed it's going to work this time.

Friday afternoon saw the arrival of my ladies for their weekend retreat, pictured is a photo of Suzanne, Rebecca, Val, Cathy, Jill, Renee, Sandra, Maureen, Marilyn all from Newcastle area plus Carol and Dianne who both live within a couple of hours drive.

The ladies from Newcastle joined me for the first time last October, they couldn't wait 12 months so they booked in to come back sooner. I am sure from all the laughs, they had another great time. Well done to Renee and Marilyn on completing their quilt tops, this was their first visit to me, and I know it is a bit overwhelming, both of you must be very pleased with your achievements. Everyone did very well, I look forward to seeing some photos of the finished quilts. Maureen your quilt looks great in the photo.

This years Paper Bag Quilt was due to start last week, there are 12 ladies in the group and they were all ready, I think, except myself. I just couldn't decide what quilt I wanted everyone to work on for me. Yesterday was the day, I finally made my decision and started on my journal, here is a photo of the journal cover - big thanks to Leanne Beasley for the idea, straight from Leannes DVD that came out last year. I am really pleased with the cover, just have to finish off the inside ready to pass on. I have called my quilt "Friends from Mistletoe Manor", I am using fabrics from 3 Sisters called Mistletoe Manor and have decided to let the ladies choose a friendship stitchery block of their choice,so I look forward to receiving my bag back in 11 months time to work out how I am going to put the whole thing together.

Onto the footy tipping - if anyone joined the online tipping could you please let me know so I can make sure you are in our competition. Great win the the Sharks!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time, thanks for dropping by and have a great week were ever you may be.

Kerry

2007-03-15T20:44:00.000+11:00

Pin Cushions, Pin Cushions, don't forget your Pin Cushion

Over yesterday and today I had my first mid week retreat for the year, and slack me forgot to take a photo of my lovely group, so instead I decided to take a photo of the pin cushions they have made to be part of my annual friendship swap. How cute are they, I would love to receive any of these. If you would like to part of my annual swap, just send in a pin cushion along with a short letter about yourself and a pre paid 500gram postal sachet and I will add you to the swap, no need to panic they don't need to be with me until October, Robyn, Lyn and Noelene are just very organised. If there is a few of you in a group, who wish to be involved you can post them all together and I will post your swapped ones back all together.

I better get back to the kitchen, busy cooking up so yummy treats for my ladies in my retreat this weekend.

Have a great weekend

Kerry

PS thr NRL (Rugby league comp) starts tomorrow, if anyone would like to join my footy tipping comp contact me before about 5pm tomorrow afternoon. Go the Sharks

2007-03-08T13:42:00.000+11:00

I nearly made the dead line

As I mentioned previously I had a project to finish off, well last year I was part of a group of ladies who participated in a paper bag quilt or Friendship quilt, there were 8 of us and I set a dead line that our quilt tops had to be finished by march 1st 2007. I know everyone has tryed hard to complete their quilt tops and I was a little late but managed to finish mine off on Tuesday evening this week which was the 6th March, how about that not even a week over due.

Here is a photo of my quilt top, all the Kimono ladies are made from fabrics I purchased a few years back on one of my trips to Japan, they are all foundation pieced which was a challenge for some of the ladies, but they all did a great job, I just had to make one more block so decided to make the back view of a lady. I am thrilled with the way it has turned out and I have decided to hand quilt it using a Japanese fan design, maybe in navy thread.

A big thank you to those involved with our group, look forward to receiving a photo from you all, of your finished quilt tops to add to my journal. I will post one off to everone next week.

Until I post again, stay safe

Kerry

2007-03-06T08:29:00.000+11:00

from the coast to the country/ footy season

Over the weekend I had another new group of ladies join me for a 2 day retreat, these great bunch of ladies travelled from the coast to spend the weekend in my shop, sewing, laughing and most of all sharing a common interest. I do hope they all enjoyed themselves and were happy with their quilts, they were all looking fantastic. Sorry the quilts aren't in the photo, but they had the cars all packed ready for home before I remembered to bring the camera out, they have promised me that they will all send me a photo when the quilts are completed.

Also there is only 10 days before the NRL comp starts for this year, (Go the Sharks) last year I was part of an online footy tipping comp, so this year I have decided to start one of my own, if anyone would like to be part just let me know in the next week. It is so easy you just have to go online once a week and put on your tips for that weekend, there is no cost involved and I will put up a prize at the end of the comp for the winning tipper.

I still haven't finished the quilt I had to have finished by last Thursday but maybe I will find time today to get back to it, then I will post about it.

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by

Kerry

2007-02-27T21:58:00.000+11:00

Another Bag day....this time with friends
Once a month with my Tuesday class we have a set project that is achievable in the day and today we made bags. There were a dozen ladies at class today and they all made this very simple but effective bag using 17 squares for the outside. Here is a photo of half the bags, the others were still finishing off theirs when I took the photo, and sorry ladies I know I promised not to take your photo, thats why none of them are smiling at the camera.

I know there will be a few more of these made, especially with Mothers day not too far away.

I have a project I have to work on tomorrow evening so will be back to post a picture if......I get it made, the dead line for this project is, 1st March, lucky I work well to deadlines. ( I actually set the deadline for the group) will explain more later,

Good night and thanks for popping by.

Kerry

2007-02-26T07:45:00.000+11:00

Retreats commenced for 2007

Its been a week since I posted and all though I have been busy with my business I haven't really achieved a great deal otherwise. It was back into routine preparing for my first of many 2 day retreats that commenced on Saturday.

A big warm welcome to Daneille, Paula, Natalie, Pam, Rene, Julie, Helen and Annie who all joined me for the first time, do hope you all enjoyed your retreat and are all happy with the quilts you made. Annie and Paula are hiding their more difficult design in the photo. All the quilts looked great and well done to Julie who hadn't sewn for many years and to Pam on making their first quilts I am sure it won't be your last.

Some of the ladies added ric rac, braids and gorgeous pom poms to their quilts to add extra texture, and Pam I love your idea of the bows, looking forward to seeing them attached.

I am sure they will all be back to visit me next year as they have already started their saving funds. I look forward to your return.

Kerry

2007-02-19T17:20:00.000+11:00

And..................the winner is!!!!!!!!

For all those eager blog watchers waiting for me to draw the winner of the bag, Geoffrey and I did it at breakfast this morning and the winner is Chris Gracias (Australia) and the second winner, who will receive a Cottage on the Hill bag is Julia (Wales). I will email both of you, so you can give me your postal addresses. Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who left a comment on my blog to go in the draw. I will do something like that again someday.

Today has been a bag day, Monday is my day off so I spent the day making 3 bags, the first 2 are out of Leanne Bealsey's new book "Romancing the Road Trip". I picked the fabrics out for the first one the day I received the book back before Christmas, I have been looking for a red Buckle for it ever since, then this morning I decided I would cover one I had with red fabric, then coated it with PVA glue. I am really pleased with the outcome.

The second bag is so simple, it takes about 1/2 hour to make and by using the bamboo handles you could have a dozen different bags. The pattern is also in Leannes book or go to her blog for a free pattern www.leanneshouse.typepad.com The third bag is one that Faye from Sydney showed me how to make back in January, easy, easy, just 17 squares of your favourite fabrics, I have used a Moda charm pack of Bound to the Pairie 2, which I just love. We will be making this bag next week in the Tuesday Class.I also managed to do a double scrapbooking layout using 2 photos from Nicoles year 12 Formal back in 2003, along with Crate papers out of the Feburary passion pack from www.apassion4scrapin.com.au I thought I might enter them in Feburary's competition, if you want to vote for me jump over to her web site. I love days like this when I actually achieve what I have set out to do, I feel very inspired to keep sewing but there is a pile of ironing waiting for me and lots of book work.

Once again thanks for dropping by and sorry I could give you all a bag.

Kerry

2007-02-16T18:24:00.000+11:00

Happy Birthday to my Blog ---hip hip horay

Hard to believe one year has passed since I first set up my blog, it was after I was speaking to Janelle one day and she told me to check out her new blog, I was amazed at how easy it all was, even for me who new very little about computers and the world wide web, boy I have learnt heaps and now feel confident to try most things on the web. The past year has been an amazing journey, and what a great way to keep track of my life. I have been flicking through some of my old postings, remembering different things that have gone on in our lives and the thought of sharing them with friends new and old brings me a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. Thank you to all those who have taken time out of their own lives to keep a watchful eye on mine, and to all those people from around the world that I have met through my blog thanks for your friendship and being part of my life.

I look forward to being able to continue my blog for a long time yet, so keep popping over and remember I would love to hear from you all, so post a comment and go in the draw for the bag plus I have decided to add another prize to my give away, so that means there will be 2 lucky winner. I will draw the names out of a hat on Monday, so stay tuned to see if you are one of the lucky 2.

I will leave you with a couple of my favourite photos that I have taken in the past 12 months, both were taken in New Zealand, on our weeks holiday in September.

Until my next post - the big draw, stay safe and well.

Kerry