Orphan Block

After reading an article on Orphan Blocks by Allison Aller I tried out her idea of creating a

Jewllery pouch and Im very pleased with the results. Thanks Allison for the idea. The article was published in CQMagonline.com. For anyone interested in Crazy Quilts I thoroughly recommend putting the website in your favs.

Tassel and Orchids

Just a few more things Ive made over the years. The orchids are some that my loverleey man grows. This past season we had heaps of spikes but since we moved the orchids have survived the trip but seem to be a bit slow at producing spikes for this year.Hopefully it doesnt take them too long to adjust to the new altitude and climate

A T C. Crazy quilted

My first try at ATC's. Certainly satisfies the urge to see something finished.

Progress of the Pastel

This set of pics show the progress from unembellished block though to about the half way point. I still have more of everything to add yet. As I've mentioned before ,I'm not usually a pastel person and I find alot of brighter colours creeping their way in. You may be able to pick out some of the crocheted doilies and pieces of recycled embroidery in some of the blocks.
I dont tend to work in any particular order. I skip around all over the place until I think it looks right.
These blocks will eventually be made into a small lap quilt size throw for draping.

End Of March Already

Where does the time go?? And as for my postings.I spend toooo much time reading other peoples blogs.I just love seeing what other people have created.

And finally here is a pic of the back of my jacket.
It came out of storage a couple of weeks ago when I did a small talk for a group of lovely ladies in Feilding.They were machine knitters, but seeing other types of work is always inspirational and they seemed to enjoy themselves.
I introduced them to the idea of ATC's.A great way to use some of their smaller samples.

Jacobean Embroidery

One of my small projects into the world of Jacobean embroidery.
Needless to say I love doing embroidery.
I am getting along quite nicely with the pastel Crazy Quilt I am doing at the moment.
Im not usually a pastel person. I prefer bright,strong colours.So this quilt is a new territory for me.

'Piece de Resistance'

About time i put a photo up of my Biggest folly so far.
A mans suit jacket from an op-shop.Covered in fabric in the crazy quilt mode and then embellished with junk jewellery from my huge collection of the time.All the beading is hand sewin as was the fabric covering beneath.
Took me 3 years on- n- off to complete.
Needless to say it is very heavy but is still wearable. :)
Will find a photo of the back to put up soon.

Nearly Xmas

Well this has got to be the most changeable spring ever weatherwise.Mother nature sure has a bad case of PMS. :). every day is different.
So when the day has allowed it I have scooted out into the garden to weed weed weed prune prune prune.Only one large flower bed to go.thank goodness most of the plants in this one are higher than the weeds..:).
In other areas of the garden i have found more rhodos and azaleas and other small speciman plants hidden away.Its like a treasure hunt wondering what i would find next.
My wonderful B has put in the vege garden but the only thing really doing well is the potatoes. This changeable spring has really slowed down the growth rate.Mind you we did have 2 days of brilliant sun last week and wouldnt ya know i got a bad case of sunburn. I definately under estimated the power of the sun here.Grilled would be an appropriate word here. ;) lol.
The orchids travelled well and have continued flowering beautifully this year. Masses of blooms in vases around the house.Only 5 spikes left now. will see if i can put up a pic of some soon.
Xmas is here soon and weve both been creative for the 1st Xmas of Harrison. Our first grandchild. B made him a truck with a huge load of blocks and i made him a quilt from appliqued blocks I stitched back in 1996.

The view from the back garden.The Ruahines in the background.Where the long grass is the back garden drops away and under the wilderness there we found the remnants of terracing and an old pathway down to a flat area just to the left of the photo.We have removed most of the rubbishy stuff and can nearly make out all the hard landscaping..What a find!!! Will be a great little spot to retreat and absorb the view.

Well we,ve been here 2 weeks now and a very busy time has been had in the garden.We have 2/3 of an acre and alot of that is borders and trees.
A huge compost heap has been made from the prunings and trimmings and weeds from the property..The place hasnt been maintained for a number of years now and the growth was phenomenal.:)
The soil is wonderful and the millions of bulbs popping their heads up is fabulous.Every day something new is appearing.
The lady owner of the place a while back was an avid gardener and a collector of plants.
B has decided that the lean-to off the back of the garage will be the new home for his orchids.This weekend (labour weekend) will be their shifting time.Hopefully they dont mind too much as many are in bloom.

Getting the hang of this :)

Im also an artist.I work in 2 main areas. Fibreart and paintings. Both styles/types use layers and textures.I recycle whatever takes my fancy and incorporate into works.This particular piece used recycled paints and wallboard.

From time to time i will post others i have done and works in progress.

Trying to Find my way around my blog..sheesh..

This setting up is all new to me..Taking more time than expected.