Busy ... busy ... busy!

I've been such an absent blogger of late - two reasons really. Firstly - life has been crazy busy lately, and secondly - when I do have a few quiet moments, I've been collapsing on the couch and not really feeling like blogging. I'm sure this will pass, and I'll be back to more regular posts before long :-)

Of course I'm still hand quilting away on my Nearly Insane quilt - I think I've done around 40 blocks or so now - I've actually lost count! I'm still loving it, and that's a good thing, because there is a LOT to go! I'm so pleased I purchased that extra thread a little while back, I'm definitely going to need it.

Do you see the green masking tape on there? I'm using it to mark my shapes for quilting. I like the green painters tape better than the regular stuff - it just seems to stick better and for a little longer :-)

Also in recent news, my tiny man turned 9. Where did those years go?? We had his family party on the day of his birthday, the 20th, and his kiddy friend party on the 25th. Kids are such changeable creatures - first we were all go for a Lego party, and then a few weeks out he decided he'd rather do indoor rock climbing with his friends, so fortunately we were able to change plans to accommodate him.

Here he is half way up the wall (actually I think he's on the way down!). The kids scampered up the wall so easily - they had a great time. A lot of the Dads stayed too, and they had a blast once the kids had worn themselves out :-)

I love to have fun with the 'lolly bags' and here are this years efforts. Under the squishy monsters are milk shake cups filled with chocolates and treats.

And here they are all cello-wrapped up for a fun surprise :-)

The last picture for today is a nice treat that arrived this week - they're the latest thing that everyone is working on right now - paper piecing shapes from Patchwork with Busyfingers. I have no idea when I'll have a chance to play with them, but at least I'm ready!

Miss Amy is in the midst of exams right now, so think positive thoughts for her. She's chosen some tough subjects this year, and seems to be doing very well, really makes a parent proud :-)

Well, I better run - so much to do - chatter soon! xox

More Masons Vista

And so my Masons Vista collection continues to grow ...

I just love the shape of the jug on the left - it's a recent addition.

In other news - Happy Birthday to my dear little man Camo. I just can't believe he's 9 years old today. Time certainly flies! xox

And it's done ...

Just last night I put the last stitches in the binding of the cot quilt. This was really fun to put together - a treat after working with such small pieces for such a long time.

Such large strips meant I could go to town with the quilting. So of course I got busy with my favourite thing - feathers ... with a few swirly tendrils thrown in for good measure.

I have missed working on my NI quilt though - so I'm looking forward to getting some more hand quilting done soon. Perhaps tonight while I'm checking in on the next installment of Downton Abbey - how I love that show! Chatter soon :-)

Simple Sample :-)

I just wasn't feeling like hand quilting tonight - first time in a long time! So I decided to put together a little shop sample I kitted up today.

It's a very simple strippy cot quilt - 6.5" strips. It went together so quickly, and the fabrics are very sweet. Of course Holly had to get in on the act - check out the devilish eyes!

I've done a little of the quilting - and I'll finish it up tomorrow evening. Hopefully I'll have this project bound and done by the weekend :-)

And still quilting ...

I'm continuing to plug away at the hand quilting on my NI. Not so much achieved this week, and I've forgotten how many blocks are done now. I think it's in the 20's.

In one area I'm out to the border, and just for fun I decided to quilt a little of the zig-zag area after our guests left last night.

I'll do a little more shortly before I head to the grocery store ... Ughhhhh, I really don't enjoy grocery shopping!

'Tiffany' Love

Another trip into the city today, this time with my dear friend Kath. A little retail therapy followed by a light lunch ensured this darling light fitting came into my home.

Lucky for me my DH has his electrical ticket, no waiting for tradesmen in this house. After dinner he busied himself getting the light fitting in place - clever man, I'm just thrilled!

I'll keep you posted as to whether we get an additional one for the lounge room - we'd like to live with the new 'mood lighting' for a little while first :-)