Anzac Day 2014

We will remember them . . .

It has been way too long . . .

Back to blogging after a good break . . . I have read with great interest your blogs and kept up with all the news and wonderful things you have been sewing and life in general.  Life for some of you has been very tough considering the severe droughts and bad floods we have had.

For me I am slowly getting back into sewing again - I have had a problem with my lungs . . . about this time last year I had a cold/virus and I had problems for quite some time . . . many visits to Dr's, chest X-rays and the list goes on until they found virus had affected the alveoli in my lungs - this alveoli communicates with the capillaries - you know I didn't know much about alveoli until now.  So this has impacted on my breathing and I get shortness of breath just by doing the simplest of things. Progress is slow but I am getting there.

I had a "big" birthday last December and I wanted a dog for a pressie . . . well here he is, his name is Yuki and he is a Japanese Spitz, he is 9 months old now and one heck of a dog. His coat is like teflon, if it gets dirty it basically falls off. He has DH and myself around his paw.

I am back into sewing and have signed up for BOM with Lenora of Elmgrove Patchwork for "Gossip in the Garden" which is beautiful - another beautify from Annie Downs.  I did start needle turn, but I am now going to do machine appliqué, I just don't have the patience at the moment.  I have to Rosalie Quinlan's "Simply Blessed" which I receive from Sarah of Patchworks Plus.

Just wanted to say hi and back into it hopefully from now on … enjoy Anzac Day and take time to remember those who have fallen for us to live in this "lucky" country that we have.  Cheers, Suzi x

What's happening at my place . . .

What's in my hoop . . . 

Have been working on this gorgeous design - love red work.  I used one of those pens to trace the design which will disappear in about 14 days - so I have set myself a challenge to beat the disappearing ink!!!  Will keep you posted on this challenge . . .

What's for dinner . . .

I have today off as I am working on Saturday, so I have managed to cook dinner . . . baked chicken breasts with halloumi cheese, thyme and a drizzle of olive oil, honey and lemon - YUM - can't wait to eat this one - the aroma is wonderful too . . .

What's a cat to do on a sunny day . . .

My gorgeous Aleks is sitting right next to me now, so I took this sleepy pic. He is 11 years old and  is one spoilt cat!

Hope your day is filled with wonderful things, until next time. Cheers, SuziQ

Oscar meets French General . . .

Oscar is finished . . . he is a Friendly Owl Bookshelf Pillow

Finally finished Oscar (this week have had the flu, just not motivated at all) . . . I really enjoyed making Oscar.  This pattern is from e-book "Stitch Zakka".  To put my own stamp on Oscar, I didn't use satin stitch around the eyes, I used chain stitch and am quite pleased with the results.  He has been fibre filled and has a small bag of rice inside for stability - don't want him toppling off the shelf!

Went searching for backing fabric and I couldn't resist a little French General (of course) - I selected a piece from the Chateau Rouge layer cake and it has toned in quite well.  There could be many uses for Oscar - huge pincushion, door stop or just a lovely little pillow.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and doing something you enjoy!  Until next time, SuziQ xx

Birds in the Air Blocks . . .

Update . . . thanks for your comments re the French General fabrics . . . I was able to order some on-line and they have arrived. So, cutting and putting together this afternoon. Have completed a few blocks so I am a lot happier now!

I was hoping to get a lot more done tomorrow, but have been called in to work for shift commencing at 05:30am tomorrow morning - it is going to be cold cold cold, but a lovely sunny Sydney day.

Enjoy whatever you are doing and keep warm. Cheer, SuziQ

FNWF Update . . .

Hi there, last night I joined the on-line group Friday Night With Friends . . . my DH was aware that I wanted to do a little stitching, so he said just sit down and I'll fix dinner . . . I didn't say 'no' . . .

So this is a little peak at what I did last night . . . his name is Oscar and I found him in a Zakka book waiting to be stitched! It consists of just three colours, with particular attention to the colours around his eyes and will end up sitting upright . . . any guesses?

Thank you Cheryl for organising FNWF and I can't wait to see what the on-line group got up to last night . . . whatever it is, it is just so wonderful to know this group exists and I look forward to the next FNWF!

Hope you have had a wonderful Saturday, until next time. Cheers, SuziQ

Large Hexagon Purse . . .

Today in Sydney it is a glorious 21 degrees with a little wind now just whipping up - hope wherever you are you are also enjoying fine weather!

I am home on my break before returning to my second half on the buses, so what else does one do but complete a UFO which I realise has been hanging around since our last holiday in November! Oh boy where does the time go!

This pattern is by Brigitte Giblin - one of her downloadable patterns and is called Grand Sac A Hexagones or Large Hexagon Purse. I must admit I had a bit of a challenge sewing on the frame - any hints out there?

I chose a jelly roll "Papillon" by 3 Sisters for Moda and lined the inside of the purse with the left over fabrics. Next purse I do will be more "fussy cut" method. I just love the red in this fabric range.

Until next time, cheers SuziQ