I'm back ...

... from a four week break at our farm, away from telephones & computers - so nice for a change! News soon.

Lazy days of summer

A very happy New Year to you. Our January is lazily lolling on by, with lots of tennis, swimming and gardening, late nights playing cards, and sleep-ins. So lovely to draw breath before the school term starts up again.

And lovely to have time to smell the roses ....

... to drink in the heady summer fragrance of orange jessamine ...

... to help the kids with some cute stitching ...

... and to play new games made in the shed with Dad ...

Our 11-year-old son loves to dream up woodworking projects to make with his Dad. The project these holidays was this Mancala board. Apparently, Mancala is one of the oldest of all strategy games, played in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, and now in a little house in country Australia!

I hope you are enjoying your lazy January days as much as we are. Bloom x

Peace on Earth

As a child, Silent Night was my favourite Christmas carol. When I was growing up, I would walk around the farm (probably while I was chipping Bathurst burrs for $1/hour!), singing it to myself, trying to hit every note perfectly. It remains one of my all-time favourites, and this version is delightful!

A very blessed Christmas to each and every one of you, as we celebrate our Savious Jesus' birth. Lots of love & Christmas cheer from my family to yours, and peace, health and happiness to you for 2010. Bloom xxx

Travelling north

We are just home from a 2400km round trip to a hot and humid Brisbane for a family wedding. And that's a relatively short trip in Australia! Here are some of my favourite images from the wedding, which incidentally was held at a golf course!

The nieces & nephews had a front row seat, but were more interested in each other than the nuptials!

Cousins, from eldest to youngest - a rare gathering.

Playing with rose petals after the ceremony.

At the end of the night - all that dancing wears a girl out!

I did manage to get a little 'something blue' finished (in the car on the way!) for the bride.

The pattern is one of Marg Low's latest releases, the delightful 'Sweet Heart Birdies'. It was a perfect gift for the bride - she wore it tied to her wrist at the reception - special!

The timber embellishment is one of many gorgeous designs by Barb of Theodora Cleave Designs.

Brisbane was hot, and since our accommodation was basic and pool-less, we spent a lot of time at South Bank keeping cool:

Of course, travelling north afforded me the luxury of taking photos of all sorts of exotic blooms that I never usually see.

I can't tell you what these blooms are. They are completely beyond my limited botanical expertise - feel free to educate me!

A long trip, but a truly brilliant one! Now, to get organised for Christmas?!

Teacher gifts? Tick!

Yes, I did make the Friday afternoon deadline for our teacher gifts. I just haven't had a moment to post since!

The inspiration for these pencil rolls came originally from this post by Kathy at Pink Chalk Studio.

I used some gorgeous 'Follow Your Imagination' by Prints Charming for the outside of one of the rolls.

And some black & white 'Trio' by Timeless Treasures on the other. I love the little yellow birds on this print. This is one of the beautiful prints that my fellow fabric-holic friend Janelle has sent me this year. It was perfect for this project.

Next on the 'to do' list? A little 'something blue' for a wedding next weekend. Back with news on that front soon I hope!

Have a great week. Bloom x

Fabric rainbows

Have made some progress with my pencil rolls. The tedious (but pretty!) part is done:

Last day of school for us today. It has been another huge year that has simply flown by. Looking forward to having time to chill out with my 'babies'.

It's that time of year again ...

... when I lose my grip on reality & decide that something handmade MUST be produced as gifts for the teachers of my children! Why can't I just buy a box of chocolates like normal, sensible parents?

For the last two years (here and here) I have made pencil rolls for our teachers. They have been received with sufficient enthusiasm that I am sticking with basic idea. I have made a start - stationery purchased and fabrics selected. I bought felt tip pens this year rather than pencils (Staedtler Triplus Fineliners from Officeworks if you're interested). I have 24 hours to come up with two rolls. Could be a late night!

Settle petal!

In amongst the madness that is December & the last few days of our school year, there is just a little time for some stitching self-indulgence!

One of my 14 year old daughter's favourite sayings at the moment, in response to any family member who is feeling a tad frazzled & impatient, is "Settle petal"! Goes down a treat when the said frazzled & impatient one is me!! So in an attempt to 'settle' myself, I have my own strategy. When my day is manic, I take a couple of minutes & go sit & stare at these little buttons & muted colours, & calm is usually restored! (More of this project to be revealed soon).

How to cut Dresden plate wedges from 5" charm squares

Thank you for your interest in my tutorial for cutting wedges from 5 inch charm squares. The tutorial has moved and is available in its entirety at this link. Best wishes, Bloom.

Moda Bakeshop journal cover tutorial

Just popping in briefly to let you know that my next tutorial for Moda Bakeshop is finished & posted. You can find it here.

I have made two different journal covers, each using Moda honey bun strips. The range I have used is Minick & Simpson's 'Wiscasset'. I can really see these in 'Rouenneries' too, especially with the linen. Of course, they can be constructed with 1.5" strips of any fabrics. You don't have to use a honey bun.

These would make really quick & easy Christmas gifts or teacher presents. Have fun, & send me photos if you make one!