Cats or dogs?

I rediscovered this cushion during our move. I stitched it years ago. From memory, I think it is a Bronwyn Hayes design, probably from very old issue of Australian Country Threads. They say the world is divided into cat lovers and dog lovers. I have to admit, I have a strong preference for dogs over cats, but this little slumbering kitty won me over! This cartoon makes me laugh & just sums the whole cat vs dog thing up really - the cheerful playfulness of a puppy vs the nonchalant superiority of a cat! And I found this link on One Little Acorn's blog today for all the dog lovers! "What kitty?"

Town mouse, country mouse!

We had a quick trip 'home' to the farm on the weekend, a month after moving to town. We are in the privileged position of not having to sell our little farm just yet, so we are able to visit from time to time & catch up with family, friends & the 'big garden'. Needless to say we spent a lot of time mowing as we have had a very wet 4 weeks & the garden has gone berserk. Of course, I couldn't visit without returning with some flowers - oh, how I miss my roses! The garden at the 'town house' is non-existent, as posted about previously. The house is very modern & really commands a modern style garden, you know, lots of architectural plantings, cordylines & black mondo etc - but I just don't think I can bring myself to have a rose-less garden.

Quilt infatuation?

I have been completely seduced by the quilt in the background of this photo since I first saw it on Kathrine's Quilte Stue blog ages ago. I love the simplicity of the design, the freshness of the fabrics and the prospect of a quilt that might go together quickly! The pattern is 'Le Jardin' by Australian designer Lynne Wilson of Threads of Time. Thought I would make it up in these luscious fabrics, Shangri La by 3 Sisters for Moda. My partner in fabric addiction, Peg, has made 'Le Jardin' in rich antique florals - you can see her lovely version here.

Quilt-a-long backlog!

I may not have had internet access for a month, but my Mum has been powering on with her quilt-a-long blocks regardless! Just one more block of twelve to go. Her blocks are looking very pretty together, & will coordinate beautifully with the Single Irish Chain quilt she has made.

I am generally considered a mild-mannered woman …

… but if I have to deal with one more Telstra technician, I will not be responsible for my actions! Finally, I am 'connected' with you all again and life is good! I had no idea I had become so reliant on the Internet until I had to live without it for a month. My humble apologies to you again for such an extended absence. I am looking forward to communicating with you again, replying to your kind & lovely emails & catching up with a month's worth of news on all your blogs! Best wishes, Bloom.

From the sublime to the ridiculous!

Hello everyone. My apologies to you for my absence. We have moved house & despite our best efforts, we are having issues with our Internet connection at the new place. In desperation, I am doing a quick post from my husband’s work computer. Please forgive me for not responding to comments in the interim until the Internet issues at home are sorted. I am a little worried about living up to the name of this blog now that we have moved. We have moved from our big, meandering country garden:to a new suburban block:Nothing like a challenge - laugh with me, or I’ll cry! So there may be a distinct lack of ‘bloom’ photos for a while. The good news is that the Botanic Gardens are close by, so I may have to visit there for my flower ‘fix’ for now. Hope to be back stitching soon. Love to everyone, Bloom.

The blessing of friends ... especially friends who stitch!

This lovely thing arrived for me yesterday from a special friend. It was stitched for me as a most thoughtful gift in sympathy for the passing of my Dad last year. The sentiment, "Flowers for pleasure, memories to treasure" is just perfect. Thank you Wendy - I just love it. I especially love all those tiny french knots on the ric rac - very impressive! I am wondering whether it is as obvious to others as it is to me that Wendy has Dutch heritage. Perhaps it is the blue & white theme, but there is something very dutch about this cushion in my mind. I have several good friends with Dutch parents & The Netherlands has a special spot in my heart.

WIRSP #4

This is my progress on a what will be a particularly slow, but very satisfying project. I am making these blocks at times when I am busy & have little time to sew, but just need a little 'fix' at the sewing machine. The blocks are made entirely from my scraps. I was inspired by this quilt from Crazy Mom Quilts who in turn was inspired by Melly & Me's scrappy cabin challenge. There will be something very satisfying about creating a quilt from 'nothing'.

WIRSP #3

This is block 1 of many of a quilt for the boy in my life! I would like to get it finished before he thinks it is 'uncool' - he is nine, so I don't have too long! The pattern is called 'Tim's Things' and is by Anni Downs of Hatched & Patched. It has very cute stitcheries of 'boy stuff' like frogs & tractors & cricket bats.

WIRSP #2

This little number has been in progress for some time. It is a wonderful design by Carey Golledge and was published in Australian Homespun #36. It is called 'Memories of Heathcliff' and is made from Moda's Wuthering Heights fabric range. Why am I stalling on this one? Those dreaded pinwheel blocks will not behave & I am stumped on borders!