Jewells

Nothing new to show?

2012-02-07T22:12:00.000+11:00

I seem to be ~~idle~~ busy all the time, but don't have anything to show for it. So I have decided to take a photo of what I have been doing.

This is a ~~HUGE~~ big quilt I started over in the States and I am nearly finished it. I am doing the last of the hand sewing of the binding. This quilt is to be posted back to the States when I am finished...but I will tell you ALL about it in a later blog:

Then here is another one of my dish cloths on the needles. They sell quicker than I can make them!

and lastly, here is the "Cowgirl" quilt I am sewing

So I really am doing something, just don't have anything to show for it!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Texas Cowboy's Items

2012-02-05T20:29:00.002+11:00

While I was staying at my friend's place in the States, she asked me to make a pair of pillowcases for her grand daughter who followed the football team "Texas Cowboys".

I had a lot of fabric left over and decided to make a quilt, but I needed to raid my friend's stash and patterns and this is what I decided to make.

I didn't end up using the cream star fabric (in picture above), but opted to a dark brown fabric instead and this is how the single bed quilt ended up:

I wish I took a photo of the back as well, as I really scrimped and scraped with all the scraps to make up a "scrappy" back... I even rescued some of the scraps from the bin too!

Hopefully my friend's grand daughter liked her matching quilt & pillowcases!

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

My FAVOURITE Jam

2012-01-29T14:56:00.002+11:00

My boyfriend and I were watching the Tennis on TV Friday night, when he casually mentioned that he was asked to poison some blackberries on a friend's farm.

Now this got my attention, as I just LOVE blackberries and blackberry jam.

So after much tooing and froing, we decided to go blackberry picking BEFORE he did the dastardly deed of killing the shrub. Let's just say, out of the kilo "we" picked, he did most of the picking and has the scratches on his arms and legs to prove it.

I didn't expect to get much jam from a kilo, but was pleasantly surprised to get 6 small jars and 2 tiny jars of jam. I won't be selling any of this jam.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Problems along the way...

2012-01-26T17:05:00.002+11:00

I got a shock when I got out the embroidered squares, and only found I had 10 of them, not the 12 I thought were there... so I tried to rearrange the blocks and realised that I really did want 12 blocks, so I went to my "horse/cowgirl" fabric and came up with this fabric, so I fussy cut it and (I think) it fits in nicely:

Then I realised that I did not have enough of the centre fabric, so off to the horse/cowgirl stash again and came up with this one:

So now I have six of each colour.

It is now past 5pm, I have made the 12 blocks and will stop for now and continue on it another day soon.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

One block made - 11 to go + borders!

2012-01-26T10:28:00.002+11:00

I have finally started on my commission "Cowgirl" quilt.

I was going to have the centre on point inside a star, but when I went to cut it out, I changed my mind... for some reason I thought a Churn Dash would be more fitting than a Star...

Here is the first of 12 blocks. The rust colour has cowgirl boots all over it and the blue fabric is made up of horseshoes.

.. I am winging it as far as a pattern goes.. think I will add borders in between the blocks...don't know.. will have to see when I get to it..

I have to end up with a double bed quilt, as it has to fit a "King Single" bed.

Better get back to the machine....coffee first..

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Today's Doings

2012-01-22T16:44:00.001+11:00

Today I spent a bit of time in the kitchen and made up a batch of "Curry Ketchup" from tomatoes out of my garden

Yesterday, my boyfriend pulled out my Zucchini plants, so we made up the last batch of Zucchini Pickles from the last picking

Then we pickled some of my beetroot

and lastly, I made stewed rhubarb and I add passionfruit NOT apple.. again all from my garden.

Then I walked past the next project I am to make... a commissioned quilt... I usually say no when asked to make a quilt, but I was caught at a weak moment and said yes I would make a "Cowgirl's" doubled bed quilt for someone, so I bought heaps of "horsey" fabric while in the States and then found these adorable embroidered blocks on eBay... now I must get onto making something out of it all...

...but first... I must do the ironing!

Until next post...............

Cheers.......Jewells

Forks with Attitude!

2012-01-17T21:23:00.002+11:00

Remember these spoons I have made in the past?

Well I have tried my hand with a different lot of old silver cutlery:

FORKS WITH ATTITUDE!

The first fork represents : RIGHT ON!

the last fork represents: PEACE

and the middle fork?.......

well let's just say that fork has ATTITUDE!

All forks can be used on a Cheese Platter, to stab cheese, cocktail onions, salami...etc.. well they certainly are a talking piece amongst friends!

Like the spoons, I have put them on the counter at work for sale and they sell like hotcakes at 3 for $10!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

An Aussie at an American Football Game

2012-01-09T21:57:00.002+11:00

While I was in the States, I wanted to go and watch a live football game.

The Indianapolis Colts (19) played North Carolina (27).

When I got there, I saw this guy, so I went up to him and said "Hi, I'm an Aussie and I was wondering if I could have my photo taken with you?".... he smiled, hugged me and said to his mate "I'm being hugged by an Aussie"

.... so his mate had to be photographed with me too!

The stadium holds 75,000 people and I'd say it was 3/4 full. The Super Bowl is being played in this stadium this year.

After the game, I had sort of worked out the rules of play.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

Busy Busy Busy

2012-01-08T18:00:00.001+11:00

After having 8 weeks off work, it was so hard to go back to the daily grind, but last Tuesday I had to face the real world and go back to work!

This weekend I made 3 batches of Zucchini Pickles, this follows 3 batches last weekend, as well as a Zucchini & Cinnamon Cake & a Zucchini Lasagna. My garden had produced lots and lots of zucchinis while I was away, so my boyfriend was handing them out to family & friends, but he kept the recent crops for me to do something with.

As I can't just sit and watch TV without doing something, I am always knitting up these dish cloths. I bought a "Christmas" ball of cotton in the States while I was there and kinitted up the whole huge ball into many cloths (I think it made about 8). I realised after my Quilt/Craft Sale last December, I need to make up a lot more of these cloths as the 35 I had there for $4 each had all sold by 10am with an order for 5 more straight away!

While in the States, one of the MANY things I bought was this cute Teddy Bear... you press his foot and he moves his hands away from his eyes and says "Peek-a-Boo" followed with a childish laugh... he does it 5-6 times in a row....oh so sweet.

My grand daughter had her first visit from the Tooth Fairy last night... she is over 7 years old and she was starting to get upset as all her friends had lost teeth and she hadn't... but thankfully, she has inherited teeth from me and my family and her teeth are healthy and strong!

My, my...the Tooth Fairy certainly has had some increases in prices of teeth... my grand daughter received $5 for her first tooth and will receive $2 for all the following teeth that fall out naturally... I only got 20cents for mine!... inflation I suppose.... how much does the Tooth Fairy pay where you live?

Until next post...

Cheers....Jewells

I'm Back!

2011-12-31T14:59:00.001+11:00

Well Qantas was up and flying by the time I was due to fly out and this was some of the view from my seat out of the window... 16.5 hours to fly from Sydney to Dallas, then a 7 hour wait to catch the next plane to Madison WIS

The next day I was taken shopping and this is what I saw on the way...

After Wisconsin, I flew to Indiana and was taken to Holmes County and saw lots of this:

and these:

and in Amish Villages there were lots of corn stacks like this... all done by hand:

The day after Thanksgiving was called "Black Friday" and that day is "THE" day to go shopping... the same as Australia's Boxing Day Sales.. so I shopped till I dropped at a Factory Outlet Block:

I also went to see many Christmas Light displays...this house had the lights pulsed to music on a FM radio station:

I went to real live American Football game... AWESOME!

Sat on Santa's knee!

Did some sewing for my host... I made this quilt for her while I was there... it was in Texas Cowboys Fabric.

and here is "some" of the fabric I bought while I was there...way over 400 yards!!!

Now I must find somewhere to store it, along with my already over crowded stash...

A bit sad that my 8 weeks off work is nearly over... have to go back on Tuesday 3rd January and to say that I am NOT looking forward to that is an understatement.

So until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

My travel planes to USA in the air!

2011-10-30T13:38:00.003+11:00

I was enjoying my weekend yesterday afternoon, turned the TV on for the news and watched in horror that Qantas has grounded all their flight's, both domestic and international, indefinitely.... I am booked with Qantas to fly to USA on Saturday.

Fun and games now begin to change airlines. Qantas is refunding all "their" tickets (wonder when I will get that money back?), but I will lose the money I paid for the connecting flights with Delta in the States, even thou I am insured...insurance doesn't cover this.

So now I will have to pay full fare for my flights, as I got "early bird" fares when I booked in June.

At least I am not stranded like the ones who are travelling yesterday and today...I have a few days to rebook.

So much for staying loyal to Australian airlines!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Long time, no post..SORRY!

2011-10-26T18:58:00.002+11:00

I am so sorry that I have not posted a blog for quite a while, but with work commitments and getting everything done and ready before I go to the States, I haven't had time to take photos of something newsworthy for you folks out there!

So here is something I am working on at my boyfriend's place (no sewing machine or computer at his place!)... I am back stitching 12 of these little cuties and then will make up a baby quilt with alternate blocks in between.

Also, I am working on a quilt that I bought as a kit at the Newcastle Craft Show. I only have 3 more borders to add, so hopefully I will finish it and get it to the quilter before I go away.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Guess where I am going?

2011-10-13T23:08:00.002+11:00

For those who don't know me, I live in a small country town in NSW Australia.

At the beginning of next month I am off to revisit some friends where they have these:

and these:

and I absolutely love these:

So have you guessed where I am going???

Until next post....

Cheers...Jewells

Quilts arrive in the Post

2011-10-12T23:01:00.002+11:00

I received 4 registered parcels today from Toni and inside them were these wonderful quilts. They are all folded with the backs showing, so you can't see how nice they really are!
I stacked them on my lounge and will measure and label them ready for my Quilt Sale in December.

They are so cute and bright... I hope they sell for her... along with ALL of mine selling!

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

His and Hers Phone Covers

2011-10-03T12:23:00.001+11:00

Today is a Public Holiday (Labour Day), so I thought I would experiment and make up my own pattern for his Phone Sock and this is what I came up with:

The one with the cute button is for me (thought it was to "girly" for a man), and the other one is for my boyfriend.
I am going to use mine for my camera, as it didn't have a "sock" and I thought it would get cold when I take it with me to the States in November.

Now I must get onto a quilt I want to make up that was one of the kits I bought "on special" at the Newcastle Craft Show in August.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

3rd & final quilt finished

2011-10-02T18:37:00.002+11:00

Two posts in one day!

Yes, I have now finished binding the third quilt, so I can post the 2 smaller quilts off to my daughter for my grand children.

Now I can start onto something else... my boyfriend asked me to make him a "case" for his mobile phone. Must surf the net for a pattern...any ideas out there?

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

RAK received

2011-10-02T18:36:00.002+11:00

I had a lovely surprise on Friday when the postman delivered a parcel to me.
Look what was inside!

I was in a RAK swap (Random Act of Kindness)and this is what I received from Bec. Aren't I a lucky ducky?
The "Fine & Flirty" is not only a pattern, but a kit with all fabric and beads included, the sewing project purse came with the pin cushion, tape measure & tiny cross stitch kit in it, then the box of nice smelly things and bag will certainly be used soon.... THANK YOU Bec!

Until next post..........

Cheers...Jewells

BOM Quilt...2nd one finished

2011-09-27T22:17:00.002+10:00

I finished the binding on my second quilt. (2 down, 1 to go).
This quilt was a BOM, where I made a block for someone each month and they sent me a block in return. My only request was "Blue & Yellow". I arranged them and added a few borders to turn it into a Queen sized quilt and this is what I ended up with:

I really like how it turned out and it will be one of the quilts I will be selling at my Quilt Sale in December.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Rhubarb Jams

2011-09-25T18:31:00.002+10:00

Yesterday, while going to Garage Sales, I saw a sign on a front fence saying "Rhubarb for Sale"... so thinking I would love some stewed rhubarb , passion fruit and custard, I had my boyfriend do a "U Turn" (insert exasperated groan from him) and we went to the front door and knocked loudly.

There wasn't an answer, so we decided to try the back door... we found a VERY old man down the back, pottering around. I asked how much his rhubarb was and he said, "$2, $3, $4". So I gave him $4 and he took us to his rhubarb patch... man those plants were on steroids!!... he kept picking and gave me an armful!

I came home, looked up the computer for "Rhubarb Jam" and found 2 recipes, and here they are:

"Rhubarb, Apple & Passion fruit Jam" & "Rhubarb and Fig Jam". I have tried both on a piece of fresh bread and they are YUMMY.

I didn't end up with any left over for stewing, so I have asked my boyfriend if we could go back to that man's place again next Saturday to buy more (insert another exasperated groan from him here!).

I have also finished binding the queen sized quilt, but it is raining cats and dogs at the moment, so I can't photograph it.. only one quilt to go!

Until next post....
Cheers...Jewells

One done, Two to go

2011-09-18T21:02:00.002+10:00

I just finished the first of three quilts that I have to bind. This one is for my grand daughter.

My daughter bought 2 panels and asked me to make them up as is ("don't add any borders") as she wants them to put on the end of their beds, so they can grab them and sit on them, drag them about or wrap themselves up in them anytime and anywhere and if they get grubby or damaged it won't matter. For this one I found a bright pink backing and used the same fabric for the binding. For the wadding, I cut into an old double bed "Onkaparinga" pure wool blanket (that has been machine washed many times).. perfect for this sort of thing.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

3 Quilts to be Bound

2011-09-14T18:07:00.002+10:00

The quilter dropped the 3 quilts in to me at my work yesterday, so today at lunchtime I trimmed them and tonight I will sew the bindings on the front, then the long slow task of hand sewing the binding to the back:

The blue/yellow/white quilt is from a BOM swap I was in.. I added borders and made it into a queen sized quilt.

The other 2 quilts are 2 cot panels that my daughter bought and sent them down to me to make up for my grandchildren.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

My Garden

2011-09-07T13:36:00.002+10:00

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to add to my blog, but I have been busy making more Lemon Curd and Marmalade, and I am sure you don't need to see more photos of them... I had to make a special BIG batch of Lemon Curd for a local Cafe for a function this weekend... my name is getting out there for my jams!

Anyways... I thought I would go out in my garden and show you some of what is growing:

This is a Bird of Paradise bush... I have been told by the gardeners in my town that I have the largest bush in town... not bad seeing I had my boyfriend CHAINSAW it down to an inch of it's life 3 years ago.

Here is a close up of the beautiful flower on it:

Next is an Azalea.. it is a variegated pink one.

Now here are my passion fruit.. my oh my they are whoppers!.. one passion fruit yields half a cup of pulp... this is the first year since planting it:

Next is my Nasturtiums (I call it Penny Weed, much to my Mum's disgust).. I keep pulling it out by the roots but it just keeps on keeping on!

How do I get such great results?... I have a wonderful boyfriend with a green thumb and loves gardening.... so he looks after my garden and I am meant to water the few pot plants I have near the back door...

Hence this is my Mint:

My idea of plants... if they thrive on neglect, then they are my type of plant!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

RAK received from Maree

2011-08-29T22:15:00.001+10:00

In today's mail I received this lovely parcel from Maree:

and after I ripped it open, look what I found!

2 patterns, fabric and matching thread...THANK YOU for the lovely gift.

This was part of the RAK (Random Act of Kindness) I was in.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

I think I have cracked the code!

2011-08-23T22:17:00.002+10:00

Testing, testing, one, two, three
Will you publish a photo for me?
What is this? a photo appears
Joy oh Joy, no more tears!

Above is a present I received in the mail today... it is from Christine who is in RAK. I opened it and look what I found!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!... the material pieces (esp the cream one) are simply gorgeous, the apple hanger will be so handy and the cottons are great and, well it is ALL great...thanks again.

Now while I am handing out the "thank yous".. a BIG HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Chookyblue who has given me a step by step way to post through email to get my pictures uploaded onto blogger.

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!! YAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So until next post.......

Cheers...Jewells

Still no photo uploads

2011-08-21T17:33:00.002+10:00

THIS IS SOOOOO ANNOYING!!

WHY HASN'T BLOGGER OR GOOGLE FIXED THIS PROBLEM???

IS THERE A PLACE OUT THERE I CAN CONTACT??

I CAN'T EVEN FIND A BLOGGER HELP DESK TO ACTUALLY "TALK" TO.

I KNOW OTHERS ARE ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

ONE VERY ANNOYED JEWELLS

Google Download Problems

2011-08-18T14:21:00.002+10:00

I have been trying for 4 days now to download photos to go with what I wrote, but I keep getting that "error 502" message...so I went looking, and someone said in a comment ages ago to empty your "cookies"... being not real computer gifted I took ages to work that one out (with a phone call to the computer guys here in Hicksville).... made no difference... Back to square one.

So I then decided to "defrag" my computer.. another phone call to the computer guys... all done and still no difference.... another phone call to computer guys and they told me to put the photos onto a thumb drive and bring it down to the shop and they would see if they could do my blog there..

So off I trotted to the computer shop with thumb drive in hand, and they sat down with me and tried to add the photos to my blog... no luck.

They then went into different screens and saw that my photos were compatible to the blog and all sorts of things, then they went somewhere else and found a lot of comments "all over the world" that people are currently having trouble downloading photos.

So it is a GOOGLE problem.... about time they fixed it as it has been at least 4 days that I know this is happening!

Until next post..

Cheers..Jewells

Can't upload photos

2011-08-17T10:51:00.004+10:00

Here we go again... I have been trying for 3 days now to post something with 4 photos..no can do..I even tried just one photo...still nothing..

It comes up with

"502. That’s an error.

The server encountered a temporary error and could not complete your request."

Can anyone help me??? PLEASE!!

...getting mighty upset

Jewells

Oranges and Lemons

2011-07-31T18:35:00.003+10:00

On Friday night I sat down and wrote out a heap of Jam labels for the cooking I was going to do on this Monday's Public Holiday and dated all the labels 1/8/11 (1st August).

My boyfriend picked ALL the fruit off my lemon tree and my navel orange tree on Saturday morning, so armed with clean bottles, cooking ingredients and utensils, we ended up spending yesterday afternoon and all day today in his kitchen.

We made over 30 bottles of Orange Marmalade:

4 bottles and 2 half cup containers of Lemon & Lime Butter:
Over 12 bottles & containers of Lemon Curd (Butter):
And when I came home from his place late this afternoon (Sunday), I made the last of the lemons into Lemon Cordial... it is soaking now to be bottled tomorrow.

I was sooooo pleased with myself, knowing I had used all my fruit, no waste.

I was just finishing the washing up from the cordial making, when there was a knock on my door. It was my neighbour and she presented me these 2 bags:

OH NO!!!!

Until next post...

Cheers.....Jewells

My daughter's new Luggage Label

2011-07-27T18:14:00.006+10:00

My daughter is "RM Williams Mad".

She has RM Williams jeans, tops, jumpers, car seat covers, steering wheel cover, car mats, key ring... got the idea?, as I said, RM Williams mad.

So for a bit of fun, I bought a pair of shabby RM Williams moleskin jeans from the local Op-Shop for $5, cut off the leg (to make the label out of it) and unpicked the leather badge, sewed it onto the made label, then....

downloaded the logo from the net, printed her name (blanked out here) and viola! a one of a kind luggage label.

I posted it to her and she received it today. One VERY excited nearly 30 year old daughter... now she wants more, one each for my 2 grand children and also my son in law... but due to the fact I don't have anymore of these jeans and I am sure copyright would kick in if I made more than one.

Until next post..
Cheers...Jewells

Random Act of Kindness (RAK)

2011-07-26T22:06:00.003+10:00

I dragged myself out of bed today, feeling miserable and snuffly with a head cold, debating whether to go to work or not, then I thought of my desk full of work, so off I trudged that weary way to work (you know the song, I owe, I owe, it's off to work I go)... and look what the post LADY had already delivered for me!!

(The photo I took of the gifts BEFORE I unwrapped them has disappeared, never to find again!).

There was a great book on stitchery, a GORGEOUS seam ripper, stranded thread, a chocolate (already eaten) and a simply BEAUT-I-FUL needle holder.

I am in a swap called, RAK (Random Act of Kindness), were there is 17 names and every month some of us sends a gift to either one or many of the other names on the list, then the receiver of the gift repays the RAK within a month to the person who sent it to you.

Just take a look at the stitchery! It is soooo cute!

and then when you open it up, there is this irresistible owl fabric. I am so happy.

Who was the sender?, I hear you ask...well it was Sandy and I want to THANK her for such a wonderful surprise and gift.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

Tea Towels Galore

2011-07-25T17:35:00.004+10:00

Here are 18 of the tea towels I made over the weekend.

The piece of fabric I had, yielded 23 tea towels, and I finished making 19 (gave one to my boyfriend to keep) and have 4 more to make into Christmas tea towels. I couldn't make the last 4 as I was at my boyfriend's place for the weekend and I hadn't taken out any Christmas fabric for the decoration.

I might get in and make the Christmas ones tonight, then I put them all away for my Quilting Sale in December.

Until next post...

Cheers..Jewells

PS: 10pm tonight... got the last 4 made!

Christmas Apron I made

2011-07-24T17:21:00.003+10:00

While I was at the Darling Harbour Quilt Show in June, I bought a kit for an apron. I just fell in love with it and the simplicity of the pattern.

The whole apron is made up of a fat quarter (the red fabric) and a metre of contrast fabric (the bone with candy cane fabric), and it didn't take that long to make... well I did start it after dinner on Friday night and finished it before going to bed.

I bought the pattern from Tirau Quilt Cottage in New Zealand and the kit cost NZ$15.

Must admit that I cheated a bit by not mitering the bottom (seam is on the side, not down the middle), and when I turned it inside out I didn't hand sew the gap closed, (I top stitched all the way around instead).. but I am VERY happy with the way it has turned out.

Over the weekend I have been making heaps of tea towels... with the help of my boyfriend... he cut, and pressed while I sewed... and if he knew I have told anyone he helped me... well...... you know!!!....... I have to give them a final press and photograph them for a later post.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Luggage Labels

2011-07-21T18:31:00.002+10:00

Way over a month ago, (or was it over 2 months ago?), I used up the last of some Winnie the Pooh fabric I had, by cutting it into pieces to make up some luggage labels.

Well last night and tonight I managed to sit down and make them.

I can now cross them off the list and start on something else.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Old Magazines

2011-07-20T21:03:00.002+10:00

My daughter sent me a parcel today and in it was these 2 magazines:

The ENGLISH WOMAN is dated 1st April, 1961 and the WOMAN'S OWN is dated 31st October 1959... certainly proves that fashions come back as there is a knitting lift out that I could knit and wear today!

Must go and curl up in front of the fire and read yesterdays news!

Until next post...
..Cheers...Jewells

Knitted Teddy Bear

2011-07-13T19:49:00.002+10:00

I have been thinking about knitting a teddy bear for a while, and when the lady who relieves me at work when I go on holidays, told me she is having another baby and it was a girl, (which is quite a surprise after having 2 boys), I decided that it was time to find the pattern amongst my patterns/material/wool etc.

I finished it yesterday and here it is!

I had knitted this pattern before and I now remember how difficult it was using such thin needles and the unusual way to increase stitches, but it was worth it in the end.

It is going to be so hard to part with it.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Cute Bags

2011-07-11T22:19:00.005+10:00

I logged on this morning before going to work and tried again..and it worked!!...the joys of new technology eh?

Anyway...............

I managed to do a bit of sewing the other day and made these bags.

I haven't made little bags before and was quite impressed how these turned out. I made the first one by itself, then made the other 3 at the same time.

They are 5" wide and 7" tall. I was thinking of filling them with individually wrapped chocolates, or soap and give them as gifts at Christmas time.

Will do another post tonight to show you something else I have just finished... I'm on a roll!

Until next post........

Cheers.......Jewells

Not much craft being done because....

2011-07-06T19:03:00.006+10:00

I am a fairly slow reader, I read every word and I do 99% of my reading in bed before turning the light out. A friend of mine in the States often recommends books to me, and I just "have to" buy them.

The last 3 nights I have been reading past midnight to finish this book:
A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick.

This book is the first of a set.... the next two are: A Thread of Truth & A Thread so Thin...apparently there is now a 4th book out.... as you can see, I have the books all ready for me to read.

PLUS.. there is another set of books that I have been reading (I have read the first 2) ...they are by Kate Jacobs and the 4 books I have (in order): The Friday Night Knitting Club, Knit Two, Knit the Season & Comfort Food.
The first book was given to me by a friend who ran a secondhand bookshop here...she knew I would like the story... I LOVED it...cried my eyes out and was VERY surprised that she brought out a second book.... didn't think she could by the way she ended the first book...but she did!
Then my friend in the States told me about the same book...

I will get around to reading all of them...one day....

The little bit of sewing I have done is this Pinwheel Block for Larissa who was my swap partner in a block swap I am in. I ended up making 2 of these for her.

and this is the block I received from Larissa...it is called "Lady of the Lake 2"

I have to make another block this month for another swap partner, a Log Cabin this time...must get onto that.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Darling Harbour Craft Show & Musicals

2011-06-27T14:55:00.002+10:00

Oh what a weekend I have just had!!
Every June, my mother comes to my place to stay and while she is here we always go to the Craft & Quilt Fair in Darling Harbour.. we call it our "Annual Pilgrimage" and have done so for about the last 15 years.

We travelled by train (3.5 hours) to Sydney on Friday (I took the day off work), then got the light rail (tram) to Darling Harbour, booked into the Holiday Inn, then high tailed it to the "Craft & Quilt Fair", got a 3 day pass and started "shopping".

At 5pm, they threw/pushed us out the door and we went back to our Hotel, got changed, went down to the Bistro part of the hotel, had something to eat and of course washed it down with a bottle of wine.... then we walked to The Capital Theatre in time to watch the live performance of Mary Poppins.

WOW!!! IT WAS GREAT!!! certainly brought back childhood memories of being taken to the "Pictures" at the local theatre.... I silently sang along (in my mind) and tapped my feet with the songs. .... fell into bed just after midnight.

Next day, we went back to the Craft Show, spent the day looking, buying and attending workshops, and was again shown the door at 5pm. Same procedure as the night before, we went to our room, changed, went down to the Bistro to eat and wash the food down with another bottle of wine. We then got the light rail to the Lyric Theatre (which happens to be in the Casino) to see the live show "Hairspray".

WOW AGAIN!! Even though none of the songs were familiar, it was my type of music as the songs were written to sound like the music in the '60s.... and the person who played the mother was a man (like John Travolta was in the movie)..... I had to borrow a programme to convince myself it was a man, as he took the part well....

After the show, Mum and I went for a flutter on the pokies. I am convinced Casinos pump oxygen into the air conditioning, as we didn't feel one bit tired. We got a shock when we realised it was 1.45am... caught the light rail back to the Hotel and fell into bed just after 2.30am.

The next day (Sunday), again we went to the Craft Show, bought those last minute "must haves", then went back to the Hotel, had a leisurely lunch, but instead of wine we had a "Pimms". We just lounged in the lounge and then made our way to the train station to catch the XPT back home... arriving home at 7.45pm. My boyfriend picked us up, took us back to my home, made coffee for us and left us as he saw we were VERY tired.

I fell into bed, and was not impressed when the alarm went off this morning for me to go back to work.... I AM EXHAUSTED... so if I am so tired, wonder how my 79 year old mother feels and she was with me every step of the way on the 3 day trip to Sydney.

The 3 images I have used has been borrowed from the net by googling the show's name with the word "image".... I hope I haven't broken copyright by doing this... but I am advertising for them with VERY POSITIVE words.

Until next post...

Cheers....Jewells

Final BOM made

2011-06-21T22:14:00.003+10:00

Last weekend I manage to make the 12th and final block in the Fat Quarter Shop BOM.

Luckily I had purchased the sashing & border kit and the backing fabric at the beginning, otherwise I might have missed out on matching the fabrics. Now I must make time to put it all together.

My Mum arrived here for a 3 weeks stay last week and we have had a good time chatting, sewing, chatting, knitting, chatting, reading and chatting some more. We will be going to the Sydney Quilting Show at Darling Harbour this weekend. We go every year and stay for 2 nights. We have booked the tickets to see the live stage shows of "Mary Poppins" and also "Hairspray" while we are there, along with going to the Craft Show for 3 days. I always have a great time.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

A Different Read

2011-06-11T20:35:00.002+10:00

I was sent this book from a friend in the States. It is The Lover's Knot by Clare O'Donohue - A Someday Quilt Mystery.

This is the author's first book which involves mystery, romance and of course quilting!

I finished it last night and was wondering if anyone else has read this book...

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Red Grapefruit Marmalade

2011-05-31T22:06:00.002+10:00

I was given some Red Grapefruit and limes, so I decided to make some marmalade.
The computer is a wonderful source of information when it comes to looking up recipes, then sifting thru them to find an easy recipe. This one was soooo easy:

Cut 5 grapefruit in half. Cover with water and boil gently for 2 hours.
Drain off water and mulch cooked grapefruit (skins and all) in a food processor.
Put mulched grapefruit, juice of 4 lemons (or limes) and 8 cups of sugar in boiler.
Bring to boil stirring the whole time and then simmer for nearly 20 mins.
Pour into sterilised bottles, put on lids straight away.

A real marmalade taste, sweet but tangy.

I was also given this "Buddha's Hand" to place in a bowl in a room. It sends out a citrus smell. The person who gave it to me said it is all skin and she only uses it to freshen a room, but she said that someone else cut it up and made a marmalade.

I have made about 25 bottles of the grapefruit marmalade so far and still have more to make...hope I can sell heaps to customers at work!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Sad ending to Jewells 2011 Easter Swap

2011-05-25T22:16:00.003+10:00

It is sad to say that not everyone of the 24 ladies who participated, received their Easter Gifts.

Unfortunately the three ladies that never received their gifts all live in Australia and they were:
Jodie in NSW
Sheryl in Vic
and Me, Julie in NSW

The ladies who were to send to the above three have all sent their parcels, so looks like snail post has let us down... maybe next time (if I do a next time) I will ask that ALL parcels be REGISTERED, and that way they can all be tracked.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Garage Sale Buy

2011-05-22T19:58:00.003+10:00

Most Saturday mornings, my boyfriend and I go to Garage Sales and look at some of the things I bought this week:

I just fell in love with these framed prints and had to buy them at $2 each. They are 31 x 37cm each and I just LOVE them!

I bought this magazine carry all full of "craft" items for $4. I haven't had a good look yet, but there is quilling, sewing, knitting, jewellery making,............... to say a few!

I also bought a brand new pair of Italian Leather shoes for $5

and a pair of double bed flat sheets and matching pillowcases for $5 as well. The sheets are going to be put away to use as a quilt backing as they are 100% cotton... I often turn quilt tops into doona covers and flat sheets make a perfect backing.

Must go and have a good look at that carry all full of craft items.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

Knitted Scarf or Two

2011-05-11T13:07:00.003+10:00

I have been knitting scarfs lately and decided to knit 2 from the same wool but change needles for the second one.
This is the first scarf and it is knitted with a 200gm ball of 8ply wool and on 4.5mm needles and 40 stitches wide.

I am now knitting the second one and it is the same wool, same amount of stitches but this time on 5mm needles... it is 1" wider that the other scarf!

At home today.. as I had a fall at work yesterday and had a bad night as I was aching all over. (landed heavily on my right hand and knee, no visual damage) As it is windy and cold today, I called in sick and stayed in bed till 10.30am, then got up, put the heater on and am staying inside next to the computer and TV... I think my body just went into shock and told me to take it easy for 24 hours.... as my daughter said..."old age Mum"...good on her!

Until next post...

Cheers...........Jewells

Block 11 Finished & Chokos

2011-05-08T15:16:00.003+10:00

Today I managed to sit down and sew block 11 from The Fat Quarter Shop. It arrived late last month, and I only had time to sew it today.

It is called "The Basket of Good Cheer" and I really like this one!

I also have been busy making Choko Mustard Pickles. I was given a heap of chokos last week, as my choko vine isn't producing anything but leaves, so I made up 2 batches of pickles.

Then look what I found on my vine this morning....my first choko!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Another Quilt Finished

2011-05-02T17:45:00.002+10:00

I have just finished another quilt for my Quilt Sale in December. It is called "Stack of Coins" and it is large enough for a double bed.

I have to hand bind another Flintstones quilt and then I have to start from scratch again to make more quilts.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

A VERY productive Day

2011-04-26T10:43:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I had both my embroidery and sewing machines going.

First I made these luggage labels for my Mum for part of her Mother's Day gift. I changed the "name & address" paper with her actual name and address which I printed out on the computer with a picture as well.
While I was sewing the labels, I embroidered these 2 towels:

I also embroidered 4 tea towels and 4 matching dish cloths:

Then I cut up a BRAND NEW bath robe made out of the cotton waffle like fabric I bought at a garage sale for $5 (it was still sealed in the packaging with labels) and made 4 tea towels and 4 dish cloths out of it with 4 little pieces left over which I put with my "dusters"... (well I didn't need a bath robe!... I bought it to cut up and make these)....actually my boyfriend picked up the robe and I said I didn't want it..and he just looked at me strangely and whispered "tea towels"... had to smile...he's learning quickly!

Today I will be sewing more towels, but will also be spending time with my boyfriend.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

ANZAC Day in Australia

2011-04-25T10:09:00.001+10:00

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM

2 Quilts Finished for Quilt Sale

2011-04-24T14:08:00.003+10:00

I have now just finished 2 quilts for my quilt sale day in December.
The first is a Flintstones single bed quilt made from a panel, which I cut up and added borders and used a co-ordinated fabric in one of the borders.

I made another one the same, using a bright yellow co-ordinated fabric, but it is still waiting for me the hand sew the binding down.

This is a cheats quilt. I just had the panel quilted and I bound it.

I send ALL my quilts away to be quilted, as I don't have the expertise to do mine on a machine and I don't enjoy hand quilting one bit.

Well that is 2 quilts down and many more to make and finish.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

2 Books I Just Read

2011-04-18T22:38:00.002+10:00

A friend from the States sent me these 2 books to read:

They are true stories written by Jeannette Walls. The first book she wrote was The Glass Castle, which is her life story so far, then her second book was Half Broke Horses, which is her Maternal Grandmother's life which the author wrote in the first person.

My friend suggested that I read the second book first, which I did. I absolutely LOVED Half Broke Horses, couldn't put it down.

I then read The Glass Castle. Yes it was very good, but it upset me greatly... how could parents be like that?... this book reminded me of "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt.. another book that upset me.

Have you read either of these books? if so, what did you think?

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

Lovely Parcel

2011-04-17T20:13:00.002+10:00

The mail person delivered a parcel from my friend Jane (no blog) and look what she sent me.

She made me a pair of pillowcases, wash cloth, tea towel and also sent a packet of Easter eggs.

The pillowcases and tea towel will be used this Easter along with the other pillowcases I received last week, as my daughter and family will be staying for a few days.

Until next post...

Cheers......Jewells

Finished THAT scarf and new fabric arrived

2011-04-13T19:17:00.002+10:00

HAPPY DANCE!!
At long last I finished the pure wool scarf. I can now send a photo of the finished item to the lady whom I bought the spun wool from to prove I did actually knit half of it up.

I got a friend in the States to buy a yard of as much of the range of "Tweet Others with Kindness" by Kelly Mueller she could find. I saw a quilt made up from it in an American magazine and knew I just HAD to have it in my stash. I looked up the Australian shops I buy from and they didn't have it, so I asked a friend who lives in the States to buy it for me. With the Australian dollar so strong against the American dollar, I was able to get quite a lot.

After playing with the fabric, I will have to make something out of it.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Parcels arrived today

2011-04-11T22:46:00.003+10:00

I received a box from my friend Toni, and in it was many parcels for me. They were for 3 different occasions.
Firstly there was this parcel... it was a belated Birthday present... can you work out what it is?

I was very amused when I laid out the letters to spell my name!

I received another little gift for my Birthday, which I haven't photographed, as it is a self inking stamp that says ONE word...I can't write the word, but it is along the lines of a "male cow's excrement".....

Then I opened this parcel, which is another Easter swap we are in (off blog land)...we had to make a pair of pillowcases, cloth and chocolate:

Then there was this gift, which is yet another swap we are in... we had to send a magazine, drink mixture & scarf.. I was a bit naughty opening it, as Toni is VERY organised and sent this parcel a couple of months early!

Lastly, this is a block I received from Sylvia in the Quilting Block Swaps group I am in.

I wonder what the postman will bring tomorrow?? (probably bills!)

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Zucchini Pickles and that Scarf!!

2011-04-07T21:50:00.003+10:00

I managed to upload the photo of the scarf in progress... 130 grams knitted, another 70 grams to go...just don't like it!

Tonight, after coming home from work, I made 10 bottles of Zucchini Pickles. I poured most into small bottles, as I will be giving a few away.

Until next post..
cheers..Jewells

Block Swap and Knitted Scarf

2011-04-06T22:04:00.005+10:00

This month my swap partner wanted a block in yellow and blue.

As I have a lot of juvenile fabrics in my stash, I pulled out the Snoopy print and made this block.

I am still knitting the scarf from the homespun wool, and not enjoying it one bit. I was making it as part of a swap I am in, but I don't think I will end up sending it, as I am one who won't send something I wouldn't like to receive...so I think I will just finish it using 200 grams of the wool and maybe sell it, along with the other 200 grams of spun wool on eBay. (I can't add the photo, because for some reason the image button won't let me add the second photo!)... the beginning of the scarf is only a couple of entries back.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Pickles and Parcel

2011-03-30T19:27:00.002+11:00

I stayed at home today (took an "annual leave day") and sewed a long sleeve/long to the ankles nightie for my Mum, then I made some zucchini pickles.
I substituted red chillies for the red capsicum... oh man is it hot tasting now!

Here is a parcel I received recently from Leona. At the very beginning of the year, Leona wrote on her blog that she would send a birthday gift to whoever sent her a private email with our name, address and birthday...I thought "what have I got to loose?", so I sent her an email and forgot about it.
BUT LOOK WHAT ARRIVED IN THE MAIL FOR ME!

Goes to prove that there are very generous people out there!

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

This last week...

2011-03-27T22:13:00.002+11:00

My boyfriend grows roses and this is what he had sitting on the breakfast table for me this morning when I woke up. They came home with me this afternoon!

A girlfriend of mine has a few sheep which she keeps for their fleece. She had them shorn and then carded and spun the fleece, so I bought some off her. I started knitting it up during the week, but I don't know if I am happy with it or not. Yes, my hands feel the lanolin in the fleece, but it just isn't knitting up "soft" like commercial wool does.. is this normal with homespun wool?

I also machine embroidered cloths with black & white cows, now I have to hem them.

Until next post..
Cheers...Jewells

Block 10...oops!!!

2011-03-23T15:48:00.002+11:00

I took a day off work today (as "annual leave") so I could do some sewing. I started the day by making 2 pairs of pillowcases for a personal swap with two dear friends, so I can't show you them yet, but I also made Block 10 from the Fat Quarter Shop's BOM.

BUT!! I didn't realise that I had cut the 2 big rectangles 1/2" short... and this would have to be from a fabric that hasn't been in any blocks before, so I couldn't re cut it from the extras, so I decided to cut another 1/2" off the bottom and add a red bottom. The block is called "All wrapped up in tinsel"...so mine has tinsel on the bottom too! LOL!

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

March Block Received

2011-03-16T20:04:00.003+11:00

I received my March block from Quilting Block Swaps coordinator Sue... I asked for a blue and yellow block, and I am very happy with the above block that arrived today.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Birthday Fat Quarter Gift

2011-03-03T20:37:00.002+11:00

Today I received the last of my Birthday Fat Quarter gifts from Christine in NSW.

I just love the dragonfly piece.

Thank you to all of my group for sending me lovely packages.

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Easter Swap Closed and Names Sent

2011-03-02T19:12:00.003+11:00

Phew!!! I have just finished emailing all of the 2011 Easter Swap partner's name and address to all participating in my swap... hopefully you all received them...if not, let me know.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

2011 Easter Swap Closes TODAY

2011-02-28T13:57:00.002+11:00

My Easter Swap closes today... I will allow the extra hours for the rest of the world who are behind Australia in the time...

Just leave me a message and/or better still, send me an email with your snail mail and blog address (if you have one) and I will send you a lovely lady's name for you to send too....

You will NOT be sending to the person who is sending to you... you can be anonymous until they receive your gift, or you can contact them beforehand IF YOU WANT TO...

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Another Fat Quarter and February's BOM

2011-02-27T19:35:00.002+11:00

On Friday I received another fat quarter for my Birthday, this time it was from Sylvia of Vic:

I also made February's BOM from the Fat Quarter Shop:

Until next post..
Cheers..Jewells

It's starting to look a bit like.....

2011-02-23T19:33:00.004+11:00

MY BIRTHDAY!!!... this Saturday...

The postman brought 3 packages from a Birthday Fat Quarter Swap I am in:

Deb from Christchurch NZ..(hope you are alreight Deb after the earthquake):

Maria from WA:

Lyn from QLD:

I'm as happy as a pig in mud!... THANK YOU to all of you!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Colour Swap received

2011-02-23T18:48:00.003+11:00

Remember me showing you this box all ready to go to my Colour Swap Partner in a previous blog?

Well, my partner Anita received her package from me, and this is what she found in the box:

This is a better view of the 6 cloths I knitted; (The set is called "Spring Cloths"):
The Sun:

A Bumble Bee:
A Butterfly:
A Tree:
Flowers:
An Umbrella:
Thank you to On My Verandah for hosting this swap.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

Colour Swap Parcel Received

2011-02-17T20:15:00.002+11:00

It was only yesterday when I blogged that I had made my colour swap and was all ready to send in a couple of weeks and look what arrived for me in the mail today!!

My favourite colour is Blue and look what my swap partner Gai sent me!

I received not one but 2 reels of cotton, a fat quarter, menthos sweets, nut bar and Gai made this beautiful blue bracelet.

Naughty me has already eaten the nut bar!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Colour Swap ready to send

2011-02-15T23:08:00.004+11:00

I am in Maree's Colour Swap (now closed) and we had to make & buy items in the one colour your secret partner said was her favourite colour.

I had fun in doing it and have got it all ready to post in a couple of weeks. I know I am early, but I tend to worry if I am not organised BEFORE the due date.

Here is a sneak peek!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Coin Quilt Top Finished

2011-02-15T17:58:00.003+11:00

Last December, I had a Quilt Sale at the local CWA Hall and it was so successful, the ladies asked me to do it again, "same time next year", so that means I have to get some more quilts made. I decided to take a day off a week for the next 5 weeks from work, as part of my annual leave, and spend those days sitting at the sewing machine.

It is now 6pm and I have just finished this "Stack of Coins" quilt top to send off to the quilter. It is quite large, measuring 75" x 91".

I did have the 8 rows of "coins" sewn together before I started today and I also had all the 2.5" squares cut, but not sewn. ALL of the coloured fabric in the quilt were scraps, including 5" squares we received years ago in fabric clubs.

Now I must hit the stash and find an appropriate backing, and also some sort of multi coloured fabric for the binding.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Easter Sewing, Knitting and Fig Jam

2011-02-06T17:55:00.002+11:00

After yesterday's mess was cleaned up, I did manage to get to sit in front of my sewing machine and started making my Easter Tea Towels for swaps and gifts. (My Easter Swap is still open to enrol) I have also been knitting cloths during the week when I came home from work for lunch:

I continued sewing when I got up this morning......

...and I made MORE of that fig jam.....and it behaved itself today... this is this weekends bottled Fig Jam:

Now I am off to have Chinese for dinner..

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

What a mess!

2011-02-05T16:16:00.002+11:00

With the temperature of 43C outside, I decided to lock myself inside with my airconditioning and make up another batch of fig jam from my over burdened tree.

BIG MISTAKE!... I have NEVER EVER EVER had jam play up and make such a mess... it just "blopped" and "blopped" from the start to the end, and I am talking a FEW hours... I nearly threw the lot in the bin as it was going everywhere and I was getting VERY upset and extremely annoyed. I did have to throw one lot out as I divided it into a few pans and one pan just burnt the bottom straight away.

All over the stove:

all over the wall and cupboard:

reaching the top of the 10foot walls and even hitting the ceiling:

and all over ME!... (I even have some in my hair):

...all for this:

A friend told me that you shouldn't bake cakes on a hot day, maybe it is the same for jam.

I have just spent 2 hours washing down the kitchen, and now I am going for a shower and a change of clothes... so much for sewing today..it is now 4.30pm!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

I've been busy..Honest..I HAVE!!

2011-01-30T20:04:00.004+11:00

I decided to get out ALL my scrap pieces of fabric, and all those 5" square fabric pieces from those 5" fabric clubs we all joined years ago (I can see you nodding your heads).. and I cut them up into different sizes and bagged them to make 3 different quilts.

The first quilt I started was a quilt with strips of 2.5 x 5" rectangles all joined together... I made 8 strips of 36 rectangles. Now I have to cut white fabric strips 3.5" wide by the length of the strips and join them together:

I have also been cutting up the waffle type cotton fabric to make tea towels for the Jewells 2011 Easter Swap and getting out the fabric to decorate the tea towels with:

...and I have been busy knitting wash cloths. One is to go with a matching tea towel:

I am still taking names for the Jewells 2011 Easter Swap, so don't be shy...jump in and register by leaving a comment...open to bloggers AND people who don't have blogs (contact me by email with your email address).

Until next post...
cheers...Jewells

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY! and Block 8 Finished

2011-01-26T12:55:00.003+11:00

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY...to my fellow Aussies!

The eighth block for Fat Quarter Shop's BOM arrived yesterday, just in time for me to sew today.

It is Australia Day today, and VERY hot, so sewing inside with my air conditioning on, with the TV tuned to the One Day Cricket is a wonderful way to while the day away. I had the traditional Bar-B-Q last night with my boyfriend as I knew it would be way to hot today.

Keep cool and safe.

Until next post...
Cheers...Jewells

Auction CLOSED

2011-01-25T14:54:00.002+11:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! to Kate, who has won my set of Herb Marker Spoons for $20.

I have emailed Kate and am awaiting her reply.

Thank you to all who participated in this and every auction held over blog land for donations to the Qld Flood appeal.

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Queensland Flood Appeal Auction

2011-01-12T20:40:00.006+11:00

As I sit here in my dry home on dry land, I am watching and listening with horror of the devastation that is happening, due to flooding,to Queensland and now the northern part of my state NSW.
My daughter, son in law (SIL), and 2 small grandchildren live in Toowoomba where the giant 8 metre tsunami wave hit without warning. Luckily my daughter and grandchildren where home in a higher part of the city, but my SIL, who is a tow truck driver was actually on a call out, assisting a lady who's car had stalled in the CBD (Central Business District), when it struck. He managed to keep out of harms way and was sending photos via iPhone to my daughter and me long before it made the national news. Thankfully, after many hours, he arrived home safely.
The trouble now is lack of food, fuel and staples of life as the shops and supermarkets are all empty, due to panic buying.

Anyhow, with saying that, I am happy to join Make it Perfect's Toni's QLD Flood Appeal Auctions, I am auctioning a set of my HERB SPOON MARKERS, and ALL the money will go towards the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

Ok. This is how it works:

1. Bidding starts now, with the starting price of AU$10. You are
bidding for the set of 5 Herb Spoon Markers They aren't being
auctioned separately.
2. You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post.
Please include your email address! Please make sure that
your bid is higher than the previous bidder.
3. Your bid must be in full dollar increments... no cents please.
4. The auction is open to everyone.
5. Postage is FREE for Australian and overseas residents.
6. The auction will end at Midnight on Monday, 24th January 2011.
(Australian Eastern Standard Daylight Time).
7. At the close of the auction I will contact the winner (please
make sure that your bid comment includes your email
address). The winner will pay the winning amount
DIRECTLY into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal Fund.
Once you have donated the amount to the Relief Fund please
send me a copy of the receipt and receipt number (for proof of
donation) via email. Once proof of payment has been received
I will post the set of Herb Spoon Markers to you.
8. Thank you for participating and happy bidding!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

2011 Easter Swap

2011-01-05T19:00:00.006+11:00

I know it is only the New Year, but I thought I would call for interest in an Easter swap (open to all countries) and that way we can leisurely make or buy the items and post them all in good time, without a last minute rush.

Here is how the swap will work:

You are to send the following 4 items to your partner who will NOT be the same person who sends to you:

1) Craft Magazine
2) Easter themed Tea-Towel (made or bought)
3) Chocolate/Candy
4) Easter themed Wash Cloth (made or bought)

All parcels are to be posted on or before 7th April in time for Easter (24th April).

Collecting names for this swap will close on 28th February.

Please leave me a comment or email me if you are interested. Open to people who do not have a blog as well as those who do have a blog. Remember to leave me an email address if you don't have a blog link, so I can contact you with your partner's details.

PLEASE pass the word about this swap, the more, the merrier... you can use my Easter button if you like.

Until next post...

Cheers.... Jewells

I can show you now

2011-01-03T20:58:00.004+11:00

As part of my Christmas presents to my daughter and grand daughter, I made aprons and chef's hats for them both. It started with a kit I bought at the Darling Harbour Quilt Show a few years ago.

I made up the kit a few months ago and here is the finished apron that was made for my grand daughter:

I then went looking for a pattern for a child's chef hat and made one up, and had fabric left over, so I made a second one. Then I decided to adapt an apron I had won in a competition for my daughter to go with the hat:

My Mum was here and I conned her into modelling them for me.... here is my grand daughter's set:

...and here is my daughter's set:

My daughter wasn't thrilled with that part of her gift, but my grand daughter loved it, as I also included a cook book, wooden spoons, small rolling pin, measuring cups and spoons, cookie cutters and other kitchen items...

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Sewing 2 BOM's

2011-01-03T13:31:00.003+11:00

This morning I managed to make block 6 and block 7 BOM from The Fat Quarter Shop, and now they are done. I am really liking how these blocks are coming along, and the fabric supplied for each month is VERY generous, so much so, I think there would be enough to make a second lot of blocks!

This is block 6:

This is block 7:

I will have a bite to eat, then I hope to make the block for my swap partner, Alicia, in Quilting Block Swaps. Then I hope to shorten the legs on 2 pairs of jeans and cut off the legs of another pair of jeans to make them into shorts this afternoon.

I also must make some nightwear for my 2 grandchildren, plus make some tomato relish (I made tomato chutney and tomato sauce yesterday) from my ample supply of cherry tomatoes from my garden.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

SSCS 2010 Opened

2011-01-02T21:41:00.003+11:00

I have been away over the Christmas break, so I opened my SSCS gift from Caroline today when I got home, and look what I got!!

I am overwhelmed with the generous gift and the lovely stitching in the wall hanging. I have already hung it in the second bedroom.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T22:07:00.002+11:00

Merry Christmas to all.

Until next post...

...cheers...Jewells

Christmas Cloth Swap

2010-12-19T19:17:00.004+11:00

I was in another swap this month, and that was Jellyware's Christmas Cloth swap, and look what my swap partner, Sharon, sent to me!

Sharon sent one of the stars that Jellywares had shown on her blog, and I now MUST make some for myself.

Thanks Sharon!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

My BOM and Hot Chocolate

2010-12-16T20:39:00.003+11:00

The is my December block to Linda of California. I was starting to panic, as I was running out of time to make it, but I managed to choose the fabric last night, cut the pieces out in my lunchtime (I come home from work for lunch) and then soon as I got home from work this evening, I sat at the machine and sewed the block together. PHEW!!!

I saw this recipe for Hot Chocolate on a blog last week while surfing the net and thought I'd make up a batch for presents. I have also made up a few bottles of Irish Cream and will be giving both as gifts...alcohol for the parents and hot chocolate for the kids.

I have been having trouble with my server the past few days, as I couldn't get onto Blogger...hopefully all is fixed now.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

3 special packages in the mail!

2010-12-09T22:34:00.005+11:00

I had a lovely surprise when the mail was delivered yesterday, the first was this kit that I won on Sheryl's blog, One for a Wish... I can't wait to make it...thank you Sheryl!

The second package was from the same swap, a block from Quilting Block Swaps, and this block came from Marie of Devon Meadows Australia:

and lastly this package came from Linda in Bakersfield USA:

Wonder what will come in the mail tomorrow?

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

SSCS 2010 Received

2010-12-08T17:23:00.004+11:00

Look what I got!.. Chookyblue's SSCS 2010 from Caroline in Netherlands. This is what I pulled out of the posted envelope:

The note told me to open the little package for my ornament and this is what I saw first:

So I opened up the scroll and look at the cute little ornament it unveiled. A cute hand stitched tree with beads sewn on the branches and a star on top.

Now I have to wait till Christmas to open the other package!...

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Green Tomato Pickles and Cloth Swap

2010-12-08T17:02:00.002+11:00

I took today off work to catch up on things at home and one was to make up 4.5 kilos of green tomato pickles!... you see in my vegetable garden I had 3 big tomato plants and the rest were cherry tomato plants. The 3 big tomatoes were hit by fruit fly, so they were pulled out and the tomatoes that weren't affected were kept to make the pickles. I ended up with 18 assorted sized bottle of pickles.

So in the last few days I have made 18 bottles of pickles and 9 bottles of Plum Jam. My fig tree is loaded with figs yet to ripen, so hopefully the fruit fly will stay away from them, as I have sold or given away all but 2 bottles of last year's fig jam, so I have room for this years!

I have learnt to number my bottles and lids before I sterilise them to make it easier to match the correct lid to the bottle, so much easier and quicker!

Also I am packaging up my cloth and tea to my partner in Jellywares Christmas Washer Swap. We had to include the partner's favourite blend of tea (English Breakfast, which is also my favourite tea) and a Christmas cloth. I am sending the Angel cloth that I designed.

Until next post...

cheers...Jewells

Another Christmas Gift...or two

2010-12-02T20:49:00.005+11:00

I received another two Christmas gifts today, and this first one is from another swap I am in, this time it is Coffee Time Stitches, 3-2-1 Tote Bag Swap. My parcel was received from Teresa in California. Teresa went by a theme of winter with blues and greys and includes a little nod to their winter rain...and look what I received!

A wonderful tote bag with an embroidered Sunbonnet Sue holding up an umbrella in the rain with her little dog, plus a crocheted hat,bundle of fabric, a patchwork scarf(well I think it is a scarf with a flannel backing), and a real umbrella! Thank you, thank you, thank you!.

Now the second gift I received today is from my friend of a few years, Vanessa. I sent Vanessa some of my herb spoons a couple of months ago and put a note with them saying "an early Christmas present"...so, she has so kindly sent a gift in return, which included some Gingerbread Buttons and a 5" pack of Moda "12 Days of Christmas". This fabric will come in handy, as I am doing the Fat Quarter Shop's block of the month and it is in this same range of fabric.

Thank you to you too Vanessa... I am certainly blessed with wonderful gifts.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

A gift received from Christine

2010-12-02T20:27:00.002+11:00

The postie brought me a parcel today at work, so I waited IM-patiently to take it home at lunchtime, so I could photograph it as "before" and "after". The sender was Christine. As I have joined a few different Christmas swaps, I had to do some detective work to see which swap this one was from, so I looked up Christine's blog (she mentioned it on her enclosed card), and there it was... On My Verandah's "6 Item Swap".
Here is what I was presented with when I opened the package:

Of course they didn't last that long in the pretty wrapping, and here is what was in the parcels:

They are: 5" Posh Moda squares, Tissues and cover, a book on Quilting Quotations, applique and quilting needles. ric-rak and a Singer tin.... aren't I a lucky ducky?

THANK YOU Christine for such a wonderfull stash of goodies...

...it's starting to look like Christmas!

Until next post...

cheers...Jewells

The Block I made for a Block Swap

2010-11-24T18:04:00.002+11:00

I am a member of an Australian Block Swap and I was asked to make a "Crazy" paper pieced block for a new member who joined earlier this month. My swap partner asked for a certain block, but it was only 7", therefore I had to adapt it into a 12" block. So I reduced the pattern by 91% to make it a 6" block, then made 4 of them, joined them and came up with a 12" block!

Hope my partner likes it... I am posting the block tomorrow to her.

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Angel Wash Cloth

2010-11-22T22:56:00.002+11:00

I have been experimenting with another wash cloth and have designed an ANGEL CLOTH. Here is the same pattern knitted with 2 different sized needles.

When I knitted on 4.5 (7) needles the cloth ended up being 9.5" x 10.5" and the cloth knitted on 4 (8) needles came out at 8.5" x 9.5".

If you click on the photo, it will show you a clearer picture.

I used Canadian "Bernat Handicrafter" Cotton.

If you want a copy of the pattern, let me know and I will email it to you, and if many ask for it, I will post it on my blog.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

I received my 3-2-1 Tote Bag Swap from Peg!

2010-11-21T19:10:00.002+11:00

Look what arrived in the mail for me late last week... a delightful package from one of my swap partners in the 3-2-1 Tote Bag Swap. The parcel arrived at my workplace, I was going to photograph it before I opened it, but I couldn't wait until lunch time for that, (hopeless aren't I?), so each parcel was unwrapped and this is what Peg sent me:

My bag has wooden handles and a delightful wool embroidery, depicting a farm scene with a house, water tank, fruit trees, sheep, fish, birds, flowers and pine trees all being under the glorious sun.

Next is the rotary cutter holder, mug mat and pin cushion, all again beautifully hand embroidered and in antique colours.

Then this black paper bag came with "winter needs" and that included a sachet each of Latte, Chai Latte, Caramel Latte (can't wait to try this one!), a box of Ferrero chocolates and a nice smelling hand cream.

The recipe is a coffee/chocolate/caramel slice that sounds just "yummy"!

Thank you Peg for such a wonderful gift.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Help needed please and another Wood Embroidery

2010-11-10T17:23:00.002+11:00

A friend of mine loves black & white cows and has ornaments of them all over her house, so I embroidered this on wood and framed it. I might keep it for myself!

Now for the help needed.... as mentioned earlier, I have been on annual leave and have had my Mum with me while I was tripping around, as Mum is finding it hard after the passing of my Dad in April,(they were married for 60 years and 1 month!) and now she is by herself again in her hometown, that is 450 kilometres from me. She loved looking over my shoulder while I was on the computer and marveled at the blogs and swaps I am in, but she is not computer minded at all.

What I was hoping to do with your help out there is to surprise her with lovely cards and letters from complete strangers telling her that people do care. As she would freak out if I gave out her snail mail address, I was wondering if you emailed me or left a comment so I could get back to you, I could give you MY snail mail address and I would pass them onto her.

Imagine her surprise and tears over strangers contacting her... this might even inspire her to join some of the swaps I am in as she is a patch worker (quilter) as well as me...who do you think I learnt it from?

This is Mum:

Until next post.

Cheers...Jewells

Learnt at Sewing Retreat

2010-11-01T19:28:00.002+11:00

Well I am home... for 2 days, then off again, but here is what I learnt and made:
Believe it or not, this is machine embroidery on WOOD....

This is embroidery with a twin needle and ordinary needle.. great for making napkins:

and now here is applique with an embroidery design:

This can be turned into a doily or a Christmas ornament... I just have to place it into a tub of cold water and the plastic stuff will melt away and just leave the thread in that design:

We embroidered on a towel:

and I also embroidered 20 x 12" blocks "on point" and now I have to sew another 20 patchwork blocks to make into a queen sized quilt... it is a quilt as you go ....

So, as you can see, I was quite busy while I was away... I have learnt a lot and hopefully haven't forgotten all of it!!

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Block Swap and Sewing Retreat

2010-10-24T12:52:00.003+11:00

I am in the Quilting Block Swap - Australia, and this month it was my turn to make a block for Leona with some flying geese in the block.. I "sort of" followed a pattern, then added my own touch to it and came up with this block... I like it so much, I think I might make more of these blocks to make a quilt.

Tomorrow, Mum and I are going to a sewing retreat for a week and this is just my "sewing" pile (machine included)....

and here is Mum's neat pile to go...

I have started getting a few more "supplies" out to take too....

Sorry I haven't been posting much, but I am in the middle of 5 week's annual leave and I don't own a lap top, so I can only post on the few days I am home.

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Quilting I have Done in the Past

2010-10-08T20:48:00.002+11:00

As I can't show you what I am making at the moment as it is for my Secret Santa Swaps, I thought I would show you a few things I have made.
The following is a dog quilt I saw in an American magazine, fell in love with it and made it much bigger that the pattern designed... it even got published in their letters to the editor ...was quite chuffed!
My daughter wanted me to make a wall hanging for my grand daughter's wall in Winnie the Pooh... I decided to make a set of three:

and here is my swag I made for the top of a bamboo ladder that displays a couple of my quilts... the words "My Quilts" is done in wooden buttons.

Today was my last day at work for 5 weeks...YAH!!!... I am now on annual leave.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

I'm reading and sewing

2010-09-30T19:11:00.002+10:00

I googled "Secret Santa" a few weeks ago, looking to see if there were more swaps out there in blogland, and up came many finds about the Secret Santa of USA... and there is a book written about him. He has also been interviewed (in disguise) on the Oprah Show... I was fascinated, so found the book in Amazon Books...none here in Australia for sale, and read it as soon as I got it....

This man gives away $100 notes around Christmas time and it has run into over one million dollars he has given away.... a story that makes you realise there is good out there in this world... the book was written in 2007, so I don't know if he is still doing it, as he was fighting cancer and would be in his sixties.

A "good feeling" book.... Santa's Secret - A Story of Hope... written by Donna McGuire.

...and yes, I am doing some sewing, but as it is my Secret Santa gifts to my swap partners, I can't show it to you, but here is a little peek!

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Look what wandered into my office... an echidna!

2010-09-24T17:44:00.002+10:00

Yesterday afternoon, while typing away on my computer, inputting invoices, something caught my attention from my left side, I looked down and there was this echidna waddling past my left foot...missing me by inches... it was making a bee line for under my desk, and into the corner... I pushed my chair which is on wheels to my right and watched it snuggle into the corner.

I shouted for one of the boys to come up and get the wildlife out of my office... I have had mice, rats, lizards, harmless spiders, wasps, hornets, (need I go on???) use my office as a refuge... anyways one dawdled up and said "what now?" in an annoyed tone...I pointed, he laughed, and he went off and came back with a pair of welders gloves and the whole staff. The little fellow really didn't want to come out...

Here "it" is (wasn't going to touch those spikes to see what gender it was!)...it curled up into a tight ball, and put it's paws over it's eyes...if you click on the photo and look closely you can see it doing that)...it was so cute...as if to say, "if I can't see you, then you can't see me".

We all went out the back of the workshop and released it in the paddock near a river... where it stayed burrowed down for about 30 mins, then disappeared when no one was looking.

It was not a full grown echidna, nor a baby... but it was so cute and fairly rare to see.

Until next post..

...cheers...Jewells

My computer's back!!

2010-09-23T20:52:00.002+10:00

YAH!!! I picked up my computer on the way home from work today, and gee it feels good to play with it again!

First of all, here is what I received from Sue who was my swap partner from Jelly Wares Cloth Swap... I had to laugh when I received the cloth, as it was the same pattern I used in one of the clothes I made and sent... now I have one for myself!

Next is the 4th block in the Fat Quarters Shop BOM... the patterns are certainly easy to follow and fun to make.

Now my last photo is part of Chooky Blue's SSCS 2010... those knitted things are bells and they do have a metal bell with donger in them!

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Not Happy Jan! :-(

2010-09-21T15:33:00.003+10:00

On Friday morning my home computer beeped, screeched and then went quiet..... too quiet.

I shut it down and then tried to start again.... "no server found"..... this does not look good.

I had to wait until this morning (Tuesday) to take my "tower" to the computer Mr Fix-it Shop... things aren't open all day, every day here in "Hicksville"....

Just got the call from Mr Fix-it...my mother board is no more... have to order one in, and as mine is an old computer, they will have to upgrade it to be "just like new".... this will take a few days... again, things aren't quick here in Hicksville!

The mother board alone is $230, then you have to add labour and of course they will probably find something else that "has" to done... GROAN!

So, until I get "my" computer back, I can only sneak onto "my" sites in between jobs while I am at work...SOB!!

(For those who aren't in Australia... "not happy Jan" is a TV commercial that has ran here on and off for a few years .. the person was not happy with "Jan" as Jan forgot to place an add in the Yellow Pages phone book.)

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Mum is coming again!

2010-09-15T21:23:00.002+10:00

This photo was taken while Mum was here in June, (that's Mum at the machine) and in a few week's time I will be spending some time with her again.

I am taking annual leave and we will be visiting my daughter, a friend and also we will be spending a week at a retreat learning how to use our sewing machines... Berinia Artista. Mum got hers years ago, but has forgotten how to use most of the features, and I loved her machine so much I bought one too.

I now have 3 sewing machines... the Bernina, a Pfaff and an "old" Singer.

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells

Books read & to read

2010-09-09T19:48:00.002+10:00

First of all I will say that I NEVER read as a child or young adult, but have enjoyed books from about the age of 30... however I am a VERY SLOW reader and only read when I go to bed... sometimes I find it is 3am and I HAVE to put the book down as I have to get some sleep before going to work that morning!

I just finished reading this book: "These Is My Words" by Nancy E Turner... an interesting story that is what I call a "Factional Book"... a fiction based on fact... the book is a diary written by Sarah Prine, a woman full of spirit. The diary is in her words as she travels with her family across the Arizona Territories in 1881 to claim land and settle on that new land... a very entertaining book indeed...

I have been slowly reading Janet Evanovich's numbered books. I bought a set of 10 while in the States a couple of years ago and have been slowly getting the newer ones in the same form to keep the set in uniform.. I am up to number 13... a very funny and good read...for those who have read these books, you will understand when I say, I just "love" the grandmother!

I also have read all of the Jennifer Chiaverini "Elm Creek" books... I buy the new ones when they come out and have to read these yet...

Then I have this set of Amish books and also another 3 sets to read... I bought these while I was in States as well... yes my baggage was over weight and VERY overflowing, with books and over 400 YARDS of fabric... the American economy was boosted while I was there!

I also have this set of books that everyone read when they were young, but not me....

So little time, so much to read.

Until next post...

Cheers...Jewells

Swaps

2010-09-05T22:13:00.003+10:00

This weekend I took all this with me to my boyfriend's place and started turning it into the Christmas Ornament part of Chookyblue's SSCS. Ever seen a grown man with calloused hands from being a dairy farmer for the last 40 years sit there with pieces of material and glue???... should have taken a photo of him helping me, but I'm sure I would not have got out of there with a photo like that!

I also finished knitting these cloths last week and now have to work out which one or two (maybe three?) will I send to my swap partner in the Jellywares cloth swap.

I can't show the finished photos as it will spoil it for the swap partners who will receive them.

Until next post..

Cheers...Jewells