A flannel quilt for me

I took my newest quilt and my two youngest offspring to the Botanic Gardens on the weekend. I required said children for this shot:

Children are crouched behind the quilt, one grasping each corner, giggling maniacally about what I'd do if they were to let go. Hmmm ...

The quilt is made predominantly from cuddly Anna Maria Horner flannels and I've made it up in a similar way to my raw-edge layer cake quilt.

The task of clipping all those raw edges was made ever so much easier with the purchase of some Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip scissors.  According to my Sweetness, they are also very good for clipping fingernails. Hmmm ...

I didn't have quite enough fabric, so I've thrown in an occasional nine-patch to use up the smaller pieces.

The Baby Girl was quite happy to swan about the gardens, quilt draped about her shoulders for the sake of an artistic shot.

The Boy's preferred pose was this: 

"How's this Mum? Is this helpful?" Hmmm ...

An unkind mother might say I've captured him at his best!

Snowdrops and (winter) roses

Some cheerfulness from my winter garden on what is otherwise a very dull sort of day.

Hellebores, or winter roses, can always be depended upon to pop up their heads when nothing else is willing. 

This is the third winter for these blooms, and each year they are stronger and more abundant. They were purchased from Post Office Farm Nursery. 

H. x hybridus 'Double Picotee'

 

H. x hybridus 'White spotted'

H. x hybridus 'Primrose yellow spotted'

If I've whetted your appetite for these winter beauties, you can learn a lot more about them in this Gardening Australia interview with Peter Leigh from Post Office Farm.

Or for those not blessed with a green thumb, perhaps this archival botanical print from Australian botanical artist, David Mackay is a more satisfying option!