Apple Cottage Designs

JOSEPH

2011-04-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Introducing Joseph. He's the newest member of our family and so named because he was born on Christmas Day. He's pretty cute, always smoochy, quite playful and often naughty. I'm not sure why we needed a cat, but now that he's here he's been able to quite successfully wangle his way into our hearts and we love him to bits.

SOFT GREENS

2011-03-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Another rag rug in lovely soft greens that I will find hard to part with. I'm on a roll now that the weather has cooled off a little.

NEW PATTERNS FROM RIVENDALE

2011-03-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Some lovely new patterns from The Riverndale Collection by Sally Giblin arrived today

Button Your Heart is such a fun little decorative hanging

Cute little Dilly Dally Daisy Bag

EARTHY TONES

2011-03-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

I've made my latest rag rug using my favourite earthy colours. I really like this one.

PALE BLUE RAG RUG

2011-03-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

We're still picking flowers every day, but thankfully the weather has cooled off a little and it's now so much more pleasant to be outdoors. Since I had a huge stock pile of rag balls already made up, I've been able to sit and do a little rag rugging in the evenings. This pale blue one is the latest edition.

FLOWERS

2011-02-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

My life has been taken up with picking proteas these last few weeks. Beautiful as they are I'm beginning to see them as just plain hard work rather than the beautiful blooms that they are. Why is it that outdoor work always seems to happen in the heat. I wish I could organise for them to bloom in the cooler months. I'm sunburned, hot, dirty and exhausted and I think the only crafty thing about them is what the florists do with them long after we've put them on a truck to the southern states. Never mind, I'm sure if we keep plodding along we will finally get to the end and we'll be proud of what we've achieved.

I managed to sneak a few photos the other day when my "boss" didn't notice that I'd slacked off a little.

First we have to cut them off the bushes. They're not as easy to find as you might think.

We load them into the trailer.

There's plenty of company, but we ~~think~~ hope they're scared of us too. We have learned not to work after dark as that's when the toads come out. When I found that out, I got REALLY scared.

Please Armstrong, we really could do with some help and there you are being lazy in the shade.

This is the really tedious part where we trim off all the excess growth. At least we can work in the shed out of the sun.

Trimming done and into the bucket.

The cold room fills up pretty quickly and then they're off to Melbourne. No longer our problem.

Now that's about the story of my life right now and will be more of the same for a few more weeks.

I have to tell you though, that the house is all painted and FINISHED. YAY!!! I had to cheat just a little and get help for the high walls at the back where I wasn't game to go. I have to paint the fence yet, but at least it's ground level. Will get some photos when it's done.

CELEBRATE

2011-01-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

Have a great Australia Day

LIBRARY BAG PROJECT

2011-01-23T23:04:00.000-08:00

Sam's Library Bag Project complete with wise old owl is featured in this edition of Homespun. It was released during the huge rain event a few weeks ago just prior to the serious flooding we experienced, so I expect that many subscribers had more important issues on their mind at the time. Our school year started in Queensland today so while it might be a little late to get started on that Library Bag to catch the start of the year, I really think that Library Bags are not just for kids. I would love one of these bags to carry my own library books or even as storage for any magazine I'm currently reading.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

2011-01-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

I know I'm not alone when I struggle doing "normal" stuff with all the flood devastation happening all around the state. We all long for some normality again in our lives but I know that it will be a long time before many flood affected people feel any sense of getting back to normal. The amazing stories we're hearing of survival with a happy outcome and the sad stories we're hearing of loss and grief will continue and in an effort for everyone to eventually recover they need to be told over and over.

The storms hovering around this last week and the sound of yet more rain on our roof is putting us all on edge. It makes me wonder if drought is not so bad after all, but of course the balance somewhere in the middle is where we would all choose to be.

My effort to get back to normal this week involved another rag rug. This one has a red theme. It's a little bigger now than it was when I took this photo, but it's not quite done yet. I think I'm liking the brighter colours I've been using lately. Could well have something to do with the gloom we see every time the TV is turned on. There's cricket on again today and that usually means I get a few more rows finished. Unfortunately there's been a little gloom there too this summer, but we're not talking too much about that at the moment.

FLASH FLOODING

2011-01-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

Down town Toowoomba on Monday 10th January looked like this. Yes, there are streets under all that water and I drove along that street 5 minutes before this happened. One of those submerged cars you see there would have been mine had I been there just a few minutes later. There is no way I can understand why I was spared and the owners of these cars weren't, but I do know it was scary and I do know that I am forever grateful that for some reason I left before the flash flood hit.

Queensland is still in heaps of trouble. We own a property with the crops severely damaged, but my family members are safe. The hundreds of people who have suffered grief and loss are in our hearts and prayers right now. There are communities that are devastated. People have not only lost their homes and their possessions but loved ones. I cannot imagine what it is like for those who have loved ones still missing in flood waters. The heartbreak is enormous and the amount of damage is incomprehensible.

Brisbane's turn is next with record flood heights predicted for the next few days. There are already homes under water with many more to be completely submerged. Queensland needs serious prayers right now. Thankyou to all my blogging friends for your concern.

FABRIC BASKET

2011-01-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

Another day of torrential rain here at my place yesterday definitely meant I was destined to be indoors, so I decided it was time to explore my latest fascination with fabric baskets. Like my rag rugs, there was a surprise element between the original fabric and the way it looked at the end of the project. I was pleasantly surprised by my first attempt and I had this cute little basket to show for it. It's basically clothesline wrapped in fabric and then zig zagged together. So Woolies, here I come to get another 15m of clothesline to see what I can produce today.

CUTTING STRIPS

2011-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

It feel like the tropics here today with high humidity and showers. If you look closely you can just see my huge basket full of rag balls but none of them seem right for me today so I'm back to cutting strips. Think we need something a little bit more colourful. The cricket is on TV and it's just about as depressing as the weather. Remember when our cricket team was just about invincible? Not any more.

LIME GREEN THEME

2011-01-03T22:50:00.000-08:00

Can I please, please, I promise my paws are clean.
No sorry Dermott, this one is not yours.
He's a huge fan of my rag rugs. He would do almost anything to get to sleep on one.

I think this is the biggest one I've ever made. I had the fabric to make it this big, so I just kept on going and it's ended up measuring 37"x29". Must say it was beginning to take a very long time to work my way around the rows.
Think I'll get away from lime green for a bit and see what other colour rag balls I have made that might just work for my next one.

RAG BALLS

2011-01-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

l always try to have a selection of rag balls ready for the next rug. The way I expect it to look is often quite different from the way it turns out so a change of plan is often on the agenda. This combination is very similiar to the last rug I made, so I'm confident about this one. Usually I find if I have a common colour running through all the different fabrics I'm happy with the end result. It's a bit tedious getting the fabric to the rag ball stage, but after that is all good fun.

Armstrong has come to visit for just a few days while his mother takes a break. He's a gorgeous black labrador with the most adorable nature. Dermott is trying very hard not to be jealous. It's not easy when you feel just a little threatened for attention but so far he's doing well.

YEAR OF THE GARDEN

2010-12-30T23:39:00.000-08:00

I spent a few hours in the garden this afternoon, but the main discovery is just how unfit I've become. I've exhausted all my energy supplies and realise that I have perfect New Year's resolution material. Not so sure that I should put it in print, or even verbalise what I need to do, but one thing is for sure, I really do need to get myself back into shape. It's a couple of years since I chased that little black ball around the squash court and was several kilos lighter, but I know it would be good to regain just a little of that fitness I once had.

I'm thinking I should make 2011 the YEAR OF THE GARDEN. Of course, not to the degree that I totally neglect rag rugs. They still need to happen.

When my energy levels dropped to zero after chopping and digging, I got my camera out. This little fellow does a great job of guarding my old wheelbarrow planted up with Dianthus.

I adore Zinnias. They always look so bright and cheerful.

I'm happy to share my figs with the possums, but I really hope they feel the same way about sharing with me.

Our agapanthus were late this year. This one is still coming out.

I have very few memories of my Grandmother, but Hydrangeas always remind me of her.

I don't know what it's called, but this ground cover has pretty furry fox tails. They're gorgeous.

Just one of many Salvia. Love these plants. They just do their own thing and when they get out of control I chop them back. The only thing is they don't smell so good for cut flowers.

That concludes my little tour of my garden this afternoon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FLOOD DISASTER

2010-12-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a wet soggy Christmas here in Queensland. We lived for many years in this farm house and in our memory the Condamine River has never before been so high. The water needed to rise only another 2" or so before it would have come right into the house, but thankfully it stopped rising just in time. You can see some of our cotton crop, and while cotton doesn't mind good soaking rain it really doesn't like having it's feet quite this wet.
Some of the neighbouring homes weren't quite so lucky and the SES were kept busy with evacuations.

This photo shows our water storage dam entirely surrounded by water. The buildings and sheds you can see are inundated with water and the little bit of green at the top of the photo is more cotton just poking it's head out of the water. When I first moved to our farm, we lived in one of those buildings. I'm pretty happy that I don't live there right now. I'm so thankful that where we live now is high and dry.
The waiting game to see just how much of our cotton has survived not only the water logging, but many days of cool and cloudy weather is about to begin. The season which looked so promising a month ago has deteriorated rapidly.
Our hearts and prayers are with those in other areas as well who have lost much and who are dealing with the devastation.

JIGSAW PUZZLE CHRISTMAS WREATH

2010-12-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

Now that it's holidays AND endless wet weather in Queensland this year, this little Jigsaw Puzzle Christmas Wreath is a great little project. I think it's simple enough for the kids to get involved in.

I had this one given to me, so I don't know where the original idea came from, but I will be gathering supplies so the grandkids can enjoy making their own next time they visit.

Another Rag Rug

2010-12-16T23:38:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the lookout for big volumes of fabric for making my rag rugs. My daughter came along with me to my favourite Vinnies Shop recently and when she spotted fabric with lime green highlights she was convinced that it was the perfect ingredients for my next one. Of course I'm always looking for more earthy colours, but she insisted and so another rag rug was born. Even my camera balked at photographing these unfamiliar colours, but you know maybe I could get to like bright colours..........

AUSTRALIAN HOME JOURNAL

2010-11-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

I remember my mum had a drawer full of Australian Home Journals when I was a kid and she'd get them out from time to time and go through them to see what she could make. The other day my friend Janet from Gottabee Country at Abbie Lane in Highfields gave me this one from August 1950. Janet had rescued it from her MIL's possessions after cleaning out some of her things. What a treasure and many thanks to Janet. By the way if you're unable to get to Highfields to visit Gottabee Country (my absolutely favourite shop) click on the link and take a visit through their online store.

CHOCOLATE CAKE

2010-10-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

You've got to try this chocolate cake recipe. You'll find it here on Jackie's blog. She's from The Back Shed and when I saw her recipe there I thought I'd try it. I'm seriously embarrassed to tell you how much of that cake just two of us ate in one day and even on the next day it still tastes as fresh and delicious as when it first came out of my oven. It's just as easy as any packet cake and twice as yum. Thankyou Jackie.

LITTLE PRINCESS

2010-10-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Little Princess" one of Sally Giblin's patterns. She's from The Rivendale Collection and she has gorgeous designs which incorporate the cutest stitcheries. I have quite a selection of her patterns which you can check out here, but I'll be offering this bag as a kit at the upcoming Christmas In The Country Craft Show at Gatton early next month. After that I'll put it on my website. At $10.00 each, her patterns are really good value.

ROLLING PINS

2010-09-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

You know a function has been well organised and planned to perfection when it all appears to run smoothly and everybody is happy and friendly and it all looks too easy. That is how Spring Into The Country at Geham was over the week end. The girls did an amazing job and it was an excellent market. I loved being there and being part of it and meeting and talking to people who have similar interests. Even the rain held off for us - well it did until it was time to pack up! But it wouldn't have mattered as that is why undercover markets have so much to offer.

I was ecstatic to find some old rolling pins there and this was my "big" purchase for the weekend (we won't talk about the fudge). I already had a few, so only 2 of these are my new ones. The ones I love most are the ones with the green and red handles. Gorgeous aren't they, and how she could part with them for just $5.00 is a mystery to me. Thankyou Sharon if you happen to read this. They will be well loved in my home.

BED TIME ON MY DRESSER

2010-09-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of having little people coming to visit on a regular basis is finding little surprises like this after they have gone home. I'm not sure why this little floppy eared dog is such a favourite, but it made me smile when I found him so carefully put to bed on the shelf of the dresser that decorates our hallway entrance. The doiley that's being used as his doona is one of the nice things my mother in law hand embroidered and gave me a very long time ago. A perfectly good use for it don't you think?

LOOK WHAT I FOUND AT LINCRAFT

2010-09-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Much as I love the "men" in my life, I get very upset when my tools disappear on a regular basis. But today I realised there is a solution and I think it might just work. I don't have a problem with my sewing tape measure which is regarded as second class by all but me, but I do have a problem with the other type of tape measure which you buy at the hardware shop. I use that type too, as we do quite a lot of house renovating, so I'm always measuring something or other. That's where Lincraft comes in. Do you think he'll be "brave" enough to claim this one for himself?

It's not quite perfect in that it only has centimeter measurements, but I think I can cope with that.

An other problem area is my stapler. I lose track of how many I buy, so where they disappear to is a complete mystery to me.

Lincraft have a variety of tools - all very pretty and girly. So I may just have just have to pay them another visit and expand my range. (I'm sure you'll find them places other than Lincraft, but I just happened to find them there)

SELINAS DATE CAKE

2010-08-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

There's a bit of a fresh breeze at my place this morning which means everyone seems to be looking for something delicious and warm to have with coffee. If you go on over to
Selinas Vintage Blog (just a couple of posts back) and try out her recipe for Date Cake, you'll find the perfect complement to your morning cuppa. It is disappearing very quickly at my place and already I've been asked for the recipe. I must say I think the lashings of butter that she recommends are decidedly wicked, but seriously scrumptious.

ANGELS CUSHION

2010-08-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sally Giblin from The Rivendale Collection has some beautiful new designs. I've made up this cushion pattern that she's called "Angels", and I'm really loving it in country fabrics. I'll have it for sale as a kit at the "Spring Into The Country" Geham Market on 18th & 19th September. If you're in the Toowoomba region that week end for the Carnival of Flowers, come for a drive out to Geham and visit the market at the Geham School. Be prepared though, to spend a day in our area as we're spoilt here, and I promise you you'll be renewing your list of favourite coffee shops and special places to visit.

CUMQUAT JAM & PATTY CAKES

2010-08-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

I noticed 2 of my grandsons using the fruit off my cumquat tree for target practise the other day, so I decided there would have to be a much better use for them. After rescuing the ones they didn't completely demolish, I decided that the only thing I'd heard of using them for is jam. Now, I have tried on many occasions to like marmalade, but I just don't. Whether it was the tedious cutting up these tiny little fruit or the copious amounts of sugar that I used, I'm not sure, but I actually quite liked the end result. As you can see by the photo, I even gave my jar a little bonnet, just like Grandma would have. My half kilo of fruit made up 2 jars, but my son in law got the other one. I think he'll like it too.

And while we're spending time in the kitchen, I want to show you this gorgeous cushion. It's one of Sally Giblin's (from The Rivendale Collection) patterns. I've just added quite a few of her new patterns (and some not so new) to my website. You'll find them on this link. I'd much rather stitch a recipe that cook it, so I think this would suit me very well. I can even see it looking equally as gorgeous in country colours.

HARVEST MOON & ITSY BITS

2010-07-26T02:09:00.000-07:00

Fabric from Harvest Moon by Buggy Barn and Itsy Bits arrived last week. Finally I have some gorgeous country checks. It's embarrassing to have country fabrics, but hardly any checks. But no more. Itsy Bits is a lovely range too. Tone on tone with just a little pattern. Nice.

While I spent an afternoon photographing them to list on my website, my little shadow opened his eyes and looked back at me. "How come you're taking all these photos and NONE of me" he said. So just to make him happy...............

I've also listed some of my fabrics on sale. They're a good price and I'll be adding more as they sell.

There's a few changes happening on my website. I've added a few buttons and rearranged others. I've still got a way to go, but it will be easier to navigate your way around when I'm eventually done.

Be Creative Country

2010-07-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'm off to "Be Creative Country" in Dalby which is a women's camp organised by the church. There are several enticing workshops on offer, but my little group of ladies are going to make our Kindred Spirits bag. I have a feeling we're going to have a great week end.

MY VISITOR

2010-07-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Love to have the King Parrots pop in for a visit. He wasn't at all keen to have his photo taken, so we had to be really quick. I'm not sure what he was chasing, but he quite liked my camelia bush.

OOPS!!!

2010-07-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

Not just my jeans, but the entire load of washing came out of the washing machine looking like this. It happened because a complete notebook got recycled through the wash. Not only did Mr Apple lose the precious contents of his book, somehow I have to find a way to clean off paper pulp from my washing. It's not exactly what I had in mind for the day. I don't know why I washed anyway - it was raining! The black socks are going to be a challenge.

FOLK ART FROM BUGGY BARN

2010-07-05T00:24:00.000-07:00

When I think of Buggy Barn, I always think of gorgeous rich colours that say "buy me I'm irresistible". The folk art range that has just arrived is no exception along with some blacks which I adore. These two I've photographed here are just a sample of the 19 I've got in, so if you want to have a look at them I've put them on my website here. If you'd like samples, just let me know and I can pop them in the post for you. They're just $12.00m or $4.00 for a fat qtr so once again, a good price.

My house painting is still coming along. The man from the paint shop tells me I should not paint unless I know we'll have 24 hours of over 10 degrees. That's absolutely not happening, so I try to give it a couple of hours at least before the temperature drops in the evening and some days we've been lucky to even reach 10. I love the cooler weather, so no complaints there. I wonder how painters operate in cold countries or do they have some magic paint that doesn't need higher temperatures to dry.

SOME MORE RAG RUGS

2010-05-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with photos for an upcoming advertisement in Country Threads. The dog was in the running to get in the photo, but after the showers of rain we've had, his paws weren't exactly in an acceptable state, so I decided the bear was the way to go. She was also much more co-operative.

GRANDPARENTS DAY

2010-05-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun this morning for Grandparent's Day at school. Grade 1 students have been studying farm animals and this little clay model turned out to be a farm donkey. It was supposed to be a horse, but "donkey" seemed to be more appropriate by the time it was finished. Mr Apple was very impressed by how the lovely the teacher was to the students. Certainly different from the teachers he remembers from a bygone era.

OWL FAMILY

2010-05-19T01:17:00.000-07:00

This is the little quilt I've been working on, inspired, obviously by the owl family that moved into our big old pine tree last summer. They seem to have taken up permanent residence in our garden, so this quilt was designed in their honour. I hope they like it too!! I haven't written the pattern up yet, but it's not too far away.

I managed to overcome my fear of heights and got the little high section in the front of our house painted. I don't have a photo to prove it, but that bit is definitely all completed. Today's challenge though was to get up on the roof to paint the section between the verandah roof and the main house roof. Must say that gathering courage is very time consuming. I was afraid that after I climbed the ladder, it might accidentally become dislodged while getting off the ladder and on to the roof, and as I was home by myself the idea of spending the rest of the day on the roof unable to get back down, held little appeal. I tried to get a helper to hold the ladder in place, but my only hope was Dermott, who quickly reminded me he has a sore leg.

Bonny of course was nowhere to be found, but I know she would have let me know that she is, in fact, quite a lot older (in dog years) than even I am, so there wasn't much chance there.

The solution was to provide an alternate route just in case the ladder plan failed. With stools on top of stools, it was actually the way I used because it felt safer than the ladder. I somehow think it might have failed all Work Place Health & Safety regulations, but it worked for me and I live to tell the tale. Once I'd been up and down a few times, I felt like I've done it all my life. I will be very pleased though when this next section is finished and I can say good bye to roof climbing.

SCAREDY CAT

2010-05-14T00:36:00.000-07:00

It doesn't look so high in the photo does it, but somehow I'm not sure if I've got what it takes to climb up to paint those high bits in the front of our house. I was thinking that the plank on the top rung of the trestle was scary enough, but hey I'm still too short. I've solved the problem, but I've still got to gather the courage to actually get up there. Tomorrow will be the test.
I've had a sewing frenzy happening too. I've got an advertising deadline with Country Threads soon, and I'm trying to get a new design finished in time to get it photographed for the ad. Thank goodness Master Chef is on nearly every night, as that's been my stitching time these last few weeks. Must admit though that my blanket stitch seems to be getting a bit bigger every night as I'm rushing to get it finished. Hopefully it won't show too much in the photo. Will let you have a look when I'm finished.

LEFT OVERS

2010-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

This Vegetable Lasagne is one of my all time favourite recipes, and I love it. I love it even more when there's plenty left over for dinner the following evening, especially as it tastes even better the next day. I'll share the recipe with you.

VEGETABLE LASAGNE

1 Large Eggplant

1 Butternut Pumpkin

2 Large Red Capsicums

Packet Lasagne Sheets

2 Jars Leggos Pasta Sauce

Fresh Garlic

1/2 Tsp Oregano

1/2 Tsp Basil

CHEESE SAUCE

600ml Milk

2 Tbsp Butter

2 Tbsp Flour

Parmesan Cheese

1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

Prepare Eggplant & Pumpkin by chopping into slices, brush with olive oil and roast in oven 200 degrees for 1/2 hour. Put the Capsicum in the oven whole and when it is cooked put it into a plastic bag for 10mts and the skin will come off easily. Slice it into strips.

Prepare cheese sauce and set aside while vegetables are cooking. Add 2 Tbsps Parmesan Cheese and 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg.

Add garlic, oregano and basil to tomato sauce mixture.

Arrange in baking dish in the following order. (It's a large mixture so get a large dish)

Tomato Sauce

Lasagne Sheets

Tomato Sauce

Pumpkin

Lasagne Sheets

Tomato Sauce

Egg Plant

Extra Parmesan Cheese

Lasagne sheets

Tomato Sauce

Capsicum

All the cheese sauce on top

Bake 190 degrees for 35mts.

We have vegetarians in our family, so we often have meals without meat. If you have someone in your family who can't live without meat, you could easily add some mince or chicken to keep them happy. We usually eat it with salad. It's a perfect meal for me at the moment when I'm spending most days painting. I can prepare it early in the morning when it's too damp outside for me to start, and then in the evenings when I'm ready, dinner is ready too.

SHOW TIME

2010-04-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

I found myself minding this little man in my life yesterday, and as it was the Toowoomba Show holiday, we decided to take some time out and brave the show with a 4 year old. Now, I do know there were quilts there because I caught a glimpse of them in the distance, and I'm sure there were other crafts there too, but must say I didn't actually see any of it. It didn't take me long to realise that 4 year olds aren't really very interested in the more cultured side of the local show. I soon learned to interpret "Now, let's do something fun, Mum-ma" as "I want to go to sideshow alley and have some more rides". Along with the dodgem cars, jumping castle, chips and balloons he did have a lot of fun and his mum tells me he's talked about nothing else since. I think Grandad was secretly very excited to have a good excuse for this dodgem car experience without looking totally like an old man trying to recapture his youth.

Must say that we thoroughly enjoyed John Williamson's Great Australian Muster, despite being just about frozen solid because we hadn't planned to stay for the evening programme and had neglected to bring enough warm clothing. We came home feeling very proud to be Australian.

A DAY OF REST

2010-03-28T01:36:00.000-07:00

I know I created this blog to be a crafting blog, but really there's not much crafting happening at my place lately. I'm spending all my spare time painting and hoping like crazy that the painter will still make a miraculous appearance. I don't hold out too much hope, but maybe.............
As I walked out the door on my way to church this Sunday morning, I had a timely reminder that today is indeed a day of rest. There was certainly one person member of our household who was intent on holding to that belief and had himself very comfy on our couch. I'm going to be a dog next time - in fact I'm going to be MY dog next time............

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

2010-03-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

When you get to have a 70th wedding anniversary, you receive letters of congratulations from all manner of important people. That is exactly what my parents have achieved this month, and Prime Minister Kevin and his wife Therese were amongst quite a few who sent their well wishes. Others included the Queen, the Premier of Queensland, the Governor of Queensland right down to our Mayor and our Local Member of Parliament. I do think though that staying married for 70 years is definitely quite an achievement and deserves sincere congratulations.

WASHPOOL FARM

2010-03-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

I just want to tell you about Washpool Farm. I bought this soap for my dog from them at Stanthorpe . His skin is quite sensitive and I thought I'd give this soap a try. I found it works beautifully and since I gave him a bath with it yesterday - no scratching - YAY - he's much happier. They don't just make animal soaps, but they make them for people too, but I've not tried mine out yet. Melissa & Juanita make their own soaps, and the ones I really liked were wrapped in wool that they'd felted themselves. Very nice. By the way, I have no connection with them, but they were such friendly bubbly girls who believe so totally in their product, that I just knew it was going to work for me.

BACK FROM APPLE AND GRAPE

2010-03-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

I'm back from a wonderful weekend at Stanthorpe's Apple & Grape Festival. Visitors loved Chloe's lavender owls and they sold well. Her little "owl" purse is bulging as her funds towards her trip to Italy next month have increased enormously.
She is now working on increasing Chlo-Bo Designs range of products. She's got chickens and now owls and we're waiting to see what's next.

This is my table of rag rugs that I had at the Civic Center for the week end. I took this photo just as we set up. There were lots of visitors to the market and I didn't get a chance to get another photo of the crowd. I talked to lots of lovely people and heard many stories as early childhood memories were jolted. Rag rugs certainly played a part in many people's lives. One man had tears in his eyes as he told me about his Grandmother teaching him to crochet a rag rug back in England when he was a child. He was quite moved by a memory he'd completely forgotten about and thanked me for bringing it back. I know rag rugs were made in America and Australia, but obviously they were made in other parts of the world too. I loved that I could play a small part in helping people recall a little bit of their family history. I listened too, as Grandmothers explained to their grand daughters a little bit of what their lives were like when they were young. What a wonderful experience.

I'll be updating my rag rugs section of my website now that I know which ones I have left over. Just got to get a few things organised and find a little bit of time. Should get to it in the next day or so.

APPLE AND GRAPE

2010-03-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

I wonder what a group of rag rugs is called. Maybe it's a pile, or a stack, or a heap, but in my case it's more like a mountain. These are a few of the rag rugs that I'll be taking to Stanthorpe next week end as I have a stall at their Apple & Grape Festival. It's in the civic center, and if you can possibly make the trek to the little border town, I promise you there's lots to see and do and loads of fun to be had. It will be well worth the drive from where you live. My two grand daughters who live there will be in the Grand Parade. It's one of Chloe's duties in her newly acquired position as School Captain. I am of course a very proud Mum-ma.

This was the view of my drive way this morning. You can see the fog, but fortunately you can't feel the wet and the wind in this photo. I think Toowoomba has just about been blown off the top of the hill today. I've been listening to ABC local radio and feel for all the people in Charleville and Roma who have flood waters through their properties. Even good things have a down side. I'm hoping the weather will have enough time to fine up and be perfect for the Apple & Grape on the week end.

SCHOOL CAPTAIN

2010-02-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

Well done Chloe

PAINTING IN PROGRESS

2010-02-23T22:33:00.000-08:00

Slowly, very slowly this railing is getting painted. Not the most exciting job I've ever had, but I will get there eventually. I so wish the dowels were flat, and I so wish we didn't have so much verandah.

Bonny says she'd love to help, but she just needs a little bit more rest in her favourite spot under the hedge and amongst the violets. On a hot day it's a pretty good choice too.

KINDRED SPIRITS BAG

2010-02-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to take a bag workshop at a craft week end later in the year, so I've decided our Kindred Spirits Bag will do nicely. I've made it up including some of my new fabrics, and I really like the way it looks. I've made up some extra kits, so at the moment I'm offering it as a kit on my website. I always make sure my kit fabrics are the same as the photographed item, so it will look the same as mine. This is a simple and satisfying pattern to make up and doesn't take too long. Lots of fun really. Click on the link to find it on my website. Contact me for more information or extra photos sales@applecottagedesigns.com.au

RAG BALLS TAKING OVER

2010-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

Rag balls really were taking over my house until I had a big tidy up this morning. Truly, they had got scattered in just about every room. They're now under control and sitting on my old miner's couch ready for more rag rugging this evening. I've got several new rag rugs ready to list on my website too, but I need to get a few spare minutes to do that.
My rag rugging has slowed down this last week or so because of our decision to paint our house. The tradesman we'd chosen to do the job and who also assured us it would be finished by Christmas, just hasn't showed, so in a moment of weakness, I decided that I could do it myself. Must admit he didn't say exactly WHICH Christmas. Why is it that we always choose the wrong tradesmen. Obviously, we still haven't learned the art of recognising the reliable ones. Anyway, I'm now very skilled at scraping old paint of steps, and my trusty sander is doing a supurb job. Luckily the rest of the house isn't in need of very much scraping, so it will be much easier when I get to the walls. I can see I'm going to have to overcome my fear of heights unless I can talk some kind person into doing the high bits for me.

WORN AND LOVED

2010-01-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

The name describes them beautifully. You'll now find the Hedgerow fabrics are listed on my website along with these ones called Worn and Loved. I've still got a few from Mollys Meadow to list yet, but they might have to wait until tomorrow.

I'm also still rag rugging along trying to get a stockpile in readiness for upcoming markets. A big thankyou to my friend Jenny who rescued some of the fabrics I used in this one. The old sheets were destined to become rags and I'm so glad she thought of me and grabbed them in the nick of time. I'm not sure that I would sleep too well between black or purple sheets, but obviously a preference for some. Maybe I've been missing out on something! Still, I think I'll stick to my boring white ones that I love. My favourite rag rugging time is early morning before the rest of the world at my place start to look for breakfast. I'm noticing though that I'm getting up in the dark now. The days are certainly becoming shorter. A good sign indeed if you're like me and really struggle with the heat.

HEDGEROW

2010-01-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

Two big boxes of fabrics arrived this morning, and these are the ones by Hedgerow. I'll be listing them on the website as I get time. There's still some to unpack, but no more Hedgerow. These will all be $12.00m, so I've kept my promise of a good price. I'm cutting up samples to post out too, so if your name is on my list you'll be getting them in the next week or so. If you live within Australia, and want to be included in my "free sample" list, just send me an email with your postal address. I'll show you the other fabrics when I get them unpacked and photographed. If you want more photos of any of them, let me know and I would love to do send you some.

sales@applecottagedesigns.com.au

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

2010-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

SO PROUD TO BE AUSTRALIAN

CHLOE'S MRS OWL

2010-01-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned Chloe in earlier posts. She's my 12 year old grand daughter. I made up the original owl pattern for her, and from that first design of mine, she played around with it until she had her wings, eyes and face just right, and Mrs Owl evolved into what we see here. Chloe fills them with lavender and sells them at a shop in Stanthorpe called Pure heaven. Justin & Maria from Pure Heaven sell irresistible body care products and make the best coffee you'll ever find. Absolutely YUM. Pure Heaven have developed their own range of skin care products and I was recently given some of their soap. It came housed in this gorgeous little box. It's now minus it's pretty green ribbon, but I love the way their products are not only scrumptious to use, they are presented beautifully as well.

NEW FABRICS COMING

2010-01-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

No pictures today, but I want to tell you that I ordered some new fabrics this morning. Country - of course. If you're not on my mail out list of people to whom I send free fabric samples every time I get some new ones, and you'd like to be, just send me an email with your address and I'll pop them in the mail for you too. That way you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when I start raving about new fabrics. And if there are other fabrics on my website site that you want to see in "real life" don't hesitate to ask for samples of those too. It's just what I'm happy to do - don't mind at all.

I'm only buying "specials" off the rep these days, and I love passing the savings on, so they will be a really good price.

Just in case you don't want to spend the time looking up my email address - sales@applecottagedesigns.com.au

MISS THOMPSON'S DRESSMAKING CLASS

2010-01-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

I had an email forwarded on to me today and amongst the other old photos was this one of Miss Thompson's dressmaking class way back in 1925. If Miss Thompson was around today I would be the first to sign up for her class. I wonder what they're making. Don't you just love those shoes.

RAG RUG

2010-01-07T01:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.applecottagedesigns.com.au/?mi=ReadyMade&origin=Rag+Rugs&page_num=2&product_id=

Some late nights and a few early mornings and I have this rag rug finished. The stronger colours work well I think. You'll find it here

WE'VE BEEN PAINTING

2010-01-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

I've had a lovely time helping to paint two young girls bedrooms this week. They chose their own colours, so we've got one pretty blue room - very girly for Chloe.

And of course Naomi chose a soft pink. She's a pink girl and she is going to LOVE her new room. All gorgeous and fresh and oh so pretty.

I can't forget that I've got a market coming up, so I went all prepared to do some rag rugging in the evening while we watched a movie. This one is pastels and pretty. They know I like "nice" movies, so we watched "The Life of Dan". Chloe made us lunch of pasta salad followed by her carrot cake. She's just 12 and more than capable in the kitchen. My son in law cooked us roast chicken for dinner, so I enjoyed every moment. Even the painting is fun when everyone lends a hand.

LOOK WHO'S MOVED INTO MY BIRDHOUSE

2009-12-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

Now I know who ate all the peaches on our tree - and I blamed the King Parrots!! This little cutie has come to live in the birdhouse I have hanging in my big old pine tree. He loved the Sao bikkies and the nectarine I fed him this afternoon. The hole in the front used to be round and I've watched it get bigger and bigger over the last few weeks. I just knew somebody was preparing to move in. I think he's found a very good home and because he's adorable and we're prepared to share our garden goodies with him, he's a very lucky possum.

MY PURCHASES AT IPSWICH HANDMADE EXPO

2009-12-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

One of my purchases at yesterday's market was this gorgeous fabric covered container. It's the perfect size to hold all my scissors and rotary cutters. I bought it from Janie from Handmade at Woolshed Creek. Just love it to bits. To make it even better, Janie has used some of my favourite Buggy Barn fabrics.
I'll show you my other beautiful purchase if I can get Milly to sit still long enough to model the skirt I bought from Miriam at Bubba Chenille. Milly turns 6 just after Christmas and she loved it so much she surely wore it to bed last night. I'll get a photo of it when I can. Mind you I think it will be nigh on impossible to remove it from her to get it washed, so it might not be looking as clean as when I bought it yesterday.

HANDMADE EXPO

2009-12-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

I've been looking at the weather forecast for Ipswich tomorrow where we'll be at the HANDMADE EXPO and YAY!!!! we're going to be blessed with a much cooler day. How good is that. The weather says 36 for Ipswich today and only 30 for tomorrow. Still come with your hat, sunscreen lotion and plenty of water, but outside sounds like it will be a much more pleasant place to be than it has been all this week.

IPSWICH TURF CLUB
BRISBANE ROAD
BUNDAMBA
From 8am til 2pm
FREE ENTRY AND FREE PARKING
SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER

CRICKET

2009-12-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

I think cricket was invented especially for craft people who only want to "half watch" the game but still keep following what's going on. If you do happen to miss a crucial run out or classic catch they'll replay it over and over just for those people who were counting stitches or following a pattern and just couldn't look up at the TV just at that exact time. How considerate is that. As far as I was concerned yesterday, there was only one place to be. It was HOT, HOT HOT outside, so my air-con was on full blast and I managed to get a whole heap of this rag rug done while "half watching" the cricket.

BLUE AND BEIGE RAG RUG

2009-12-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

I started this one at the beach on the week end and I think I must have been inspired by the sand and the water to choose these blue and beige colours.
I'll be at the Handmade Expo in Ipswich on Saturday. I'm sharing with Tanya from Tanya's Prim Thyme Designs and you'll find us at the Ipswich Turf Club, Brisbane Road, Bundamba. We'll be there from 8am until 2pm. There's free admittance, so bring all your family and friends. You'll love it and you might even get your Chrissy shopping finished.

A BEACH WEEK END

2009-12-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

We've just spent a weekend at the beach to celebrate a couple of significant birthdays in our family (not mine) and so we've eaten lots of icecream, seen lots of sun and surf, got a little sunburn - oops (not too much fortunately), gone for long walks, and had a lovely relaxing time. I was even given the beautiful red rose one evening when we went out for dinner. It's perfume is divine.
The best part (for me) was that I was able to get lots of rag rugging done. Not having to cook and clean certainly makes a big difference. The two grandkids that were with us were more than happy to spend their time swimming, reading and watching movies. It's so much easier when they get a bit bigger.

OUR GARAGE SALE

2009-11-27T23:34:00.000-08:00

The garage sale we had today was the best thing we've done for a very long time. I've realised that having a garage sale is a very social thing to do. You know, we got to meet some lovely people. We got to meet people who told us all about their children, people who told us about their dog, their neighbourhood, their garden, their hobbies, their collections, their love of old furniture and all sorts of other things. We had people who wanted to smell my roses and people who wanted to pat my dogs. We had neighbours who popped in for a chat. If you've never had a garage sale, clean out some cupboards, put out a sign and enjoy the day. At the end of the day you'll be tired but happy. You'll also have a little bit extra cash to enjoy something just a tiny bit special.

HOW DOES HE KNOW

2009-11-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

How does this little fellow know it's almost Christmas time. You know, left up to me I'd never realise Christmas has come around again so soon if I didn't have a calender. But these little fellows turn up faithfully every year around this time. They're so pretty aren't they. Have they arrived at your place too?

ANOTHER RAG RUG

2009-11-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

This is my latest rag rug made up from my big basket of rag balls. There's not too much of a dent in the stockpile yet, so that's good. I must say I'm not really an apricot/orange person, but this one I don't mind at all. I'll put it on my website later after I try to get a better photo. Tomorrow we're having a huge garage sale, so today will be mainly sorting and organising for that event. Hopefully our junk will become somebody's goodies in the morning, and we'll have a little more room in our lawn locker. Our mower might even be able to squeeze back in there.

ALL READY FOR MORE RAG RUGS

2009-11-25T02:09:00.000-08:00

This is a HUGE basket and I have it full of rag balls. I've done little else every evening for the last 3 weeks other than cut up old sheets, doona covers or whatever I can lay my hands on, and make up rag balls. Must say I could have found much better things to do, but other things don't eventuate into rag rugs. Now I can start the crocheting and that's the best part. And what's more I'm going to show you here every time I get one finished. The basket full of balls looks like it will make dozens of rag rugs, but unfortunately it won't go nearly as far as it looks like it should. They eat up the fabric at an amazing rate. But it's all good because it's all part of my effort to save our planet by recycling and make something good out of something that somebody thought was past its used by date.

I came home from the Gatton Craft show with next to none left, so I've got to get my supply happening again.

MY AFTERNOON VISITORS

2009-11-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

This family of owls came to visit and found refuge in our big pine tree this afternoon. They looked perfectly at home sitting up in the tree looking down at me and my dogs and weren't in the least bit worried sitting up high. I often have one come to visit, but having a family of 6 was such a treat. It wasn't a real easy photo shoot, but I managed to get some of them in the picture.

JOURNEY FROM RED ROOSTER FABRICS

2009-11-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

These fabrics from Red Rooster Fabrics are just new in and belong to a range called "Journey". I love the tone on tone ones and of course the florals co-ordinate beautifully. Also love the stripe that's part of the range too. You'll find them here and for $12.00m they are excellent value.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

2009-11-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

Remembering today the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month.

It's good to remember.

I'm going out later to see if I can find a poppy.

HOMESPUN VOL#10.11

2009-11-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

Homespun 10.11 came out last week and on page 79 you'll find Sam's project for Happy Sacks. How I wish now that I had taken photos of them before they went to Homespun because let me tell you they are gorgeous and the photos (even in Homespun) don't do them justice. They are 3 gift bags and while they are designed to hold a gift, they are a complete gift in themselves. There are three in all - Birthday, New Baby and Christmas. I love all three. She is such a clever girl and having her for a daughter-in-law is simply the best.

OPENING NIGHT

2009-11-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

We had a wet night tonight for the opening of Christmas in the Country craft show, but let me tell you nobody was complaining about the rain. We drove through a pretty scary downpour on the way there with huge flashes of lightening, and I must admit I did wonder for a while if we'd done the right thing to venture out on such a wild night. The cucumber sandwiches we were served on arrival were very yum and very welcome and although I was tempted with the wine to settle me down, the punch did the trick.

I think everybody enjoyed the evening and most shopping baskets I spotted were filled to overflowing. I know some lucky people will be opening some very special gifts this Christmas.

As usual with our summer storms, not everybody had a lucky spot under a rain cloud. It was disappointing to come home and find that we'd had very little at our place, but I'm sure that those people who got some rain tonight will be very happy and feel very blessed.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

2009-11-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

Gatton was 37 °C today, but fortunately the Shire Hall, where you'll find "Christmas in the Country" over the next few days, was air conditioned and a very pleasant place to be. Do you like the Apple Cottage bunting I made this week. The last few letters are hiding a little behind my hangers, but it couldn't be helped. It's a bit of a challenge to get everything displayed on 2 tables, but we did OK. I'm really looking forward to the craft show, and hope to get started on my Christmas shopping.

A REALLY BAD IDEA

2009-11-02T00:33:00.000-08:00

We all know what a good idea it is to mulch the garden, especially here in Queensland when we've had such a dry winter and now coming into a dry summer as well. So - my good idea has turned into a really bad idea because I used barley straw. I now have a barley crop over almost my entire garden. I wasn't too worried at first because barley is a winter crop and I thought surely it wouldn't come to anything so late in the season - but I'm seriously wrong. A lot of it is now in shotblade and if I don't get rid of it before it comes into head, I will have barley coming up for many years to come. I'm going to have to resort to Roundup for the bigger areas, but most of it is going to have to come out by hand. Where are those grandkids when you need them...................

NOVEMBER LILLIES

2009-10-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

My November Lillies know that November will be here tomorrow and are looking their best for the occasion. They're gorgeous this year, and along with the Jacarandas that are all over town looking magnificent with their purple canopy I'm reminded that the year is coming to a close. I always think of exam time at this time of the year when the Jacarandas flower, but it's nice not to feel the pressure of exams any more.

I know the girls from Gatton are busy, busy, busy preparing for another great craft show. Do try to make it if you can. I'm sure you'll not be disappointed. It's on Friday 6th & Saturday 7th November which is only next week. The weather has been lovely too, so I'm hoping it will stay that way. The venue is air-conditioned though, so just in case the hot weather sets in, it will still be comfortable inside.

SUPPORTING "CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY"

2009-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

What is it about TV reality shows that makes it compulsive viewing for me. I hate them and love them all at the same time. Last night it was "Survivor" and the only good thing I can say is that I had another rag rug finished at the end of it. This one is like Joseph's Coat of Many Colours, but I sure hope I don't end up down a well over it! It will be at "Christmas in the Country" in Gatton on 6th & 7th November. Admission is only $6.00 and if you go, you'll not only be supporting Peace Lutheran Primary School, you'll have a great time and most likely get a good start on your Christmas shopping.

2009-10-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know what kind of lillies these are, but they are gorgeous. Sam brought them for me last week and when she gave them to me they were just buds. Every day we've had another beautiful bloom open up. I love fresh flowers in the house.

MY BROWN RAG RUG STORY

2009-10-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

I don't show you every rag rug that I make or boredom would set in pretty quickly, however this is one I particularly want to share. As you know I love the earthy country colours, but each rag rug takes a massive amount of fabric, so just to get the quantity I need, I have to source it from Op Shops or wherever I can find large volumes of fabric for as little cost as possible. It didn't take me long to discover that not too many people buy lovely earthy coloured sheets or doona covers or at least if they do they don't very often donate them to Op Shops when they're finished with them. When I decided to make a brown one, I went through my ever growing basket of fabric scraps and put aside all the ones that had brown tonings, and proceeded to rip them into narrow strips before joining them all together. Now let me tell you this job sounds easy (and it is) and fun, and it is fun too at least for the first half hour, or maybe even for the first 2 hours. Some of them were very small lengths, so I spent a whole day just making my big rag ball before I could even begin the crochet process. I really want to make another rag rug out of my red scraps, but I suspect I'm going to have to do a whole lot of forgetting about how long it takes before I tackle that one. I am going to part with my lovely brown one, (unless of course I get lucky and no one wants to buy it) but this is one that I'm going to have to say a very special good bye to when the time comes.

JUST TESTING

2009-10-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Caught in the act this morning. I know he's been desperately wanting to test out my latest pile of rag rugs, and this morning he couldn't resist any longer. He thinks I've employed him to be my quality control person (yes he thinks he's a person). Lucky for me they passed his inspection, and he assures me he had four clean feet.

I've been rag rugging along every chance I get so I've got some to take to Christmas in the Country Market in Gatton on November 6th & 7th. Liesa from Handmade Heaven in Ipswich also has some for sale in her shop.

THE RIVENDALE COLLECTION

2009-10-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

Sally Giblin from The Rivendale Collection has some gorgeous designs and I now have her patterns available on my website. Not only are the designs just adorable she has given them really cool names too. These three are called Flowers & Me, Sugar & Spice and Ric Rac & Blooms. Along with her cushions, I'm having trouble deciding what I want to make first. They'd make excellent gifts with Christmas time not too far away. Check them out here.

DUST

2009-09-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

I wonder why I thought that after a dust storm I could simply wipe the dust off all surfaces and that would be the end of all dust in sight. Now I know I thought very wrong. I have wiped with all the latest "you beaut dust clinging" expensive super market wipes you can get only to find that they are next to useless. Obviously they only test them in super clean environments. I have wiped with damp wipes, and rewiped with damp wipes and mopped floors and remopped floors. It seems that every time I dust and wipe and mop that no sooner do I turn around and it's all back again. I do believe that my place would put even Shannon Lush to the test. I don't have her books, but I do hear her on ABC Radio at times, and she makes cleaning actually sound like fun. The fun has worn a bit thin with me at the moment. I'm hoping that the weather man knows what he's talking about when he says there might be a shower of rain later in the week. I'm thinking it might be the only solution.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

2009-09-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

I had 2 willing workers turn up at my place this morning. It's quite amazing how highly motivated you can be to do jobs for cash when you have your sights set on Playstation 3. I stupidly thought at first they wanted to help just 'cause they love their Grandma!!! I should have known!! Anyway, they helped me load 7 bales of barley mulch for the garden and Mr Apple now has a very clean and highly polished ute. Maybe next time I'll get lucky and I'll have a clean and polished vehicle as well.

IRIS IN BLOOM

2009-09-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

I love it when the irises come out in bloom. This one was waiting for me this morning looking so beautiful and and so proud to be the first of many more. It didn't seem to mind at all that we've had terrible dust and wind this last week. It's like it's just waited for the right moment to display it's gorgeous deep purple apparel.

GEHAM MARKET WEEKEND

2009-09-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

My camera was never in the right place at the right time on the weekend, so there's no pictures. I do need to tell you though that the Geham market was excellent. It was a credit to the girls on the organising committee, right through to the young school students who served the coffee and did endless errands so cheerfully. I decided I could use a few of them at my place! Everyone was friendly and helpful, and I'm sure all who went thoroughly enjoyed it.

A very big THANKYOU to everyone who supported me, from those who wished me "good luck" to those who purchased from my stall. I can hardly wait for next year.

SETTING UP FOR THE WEEK END MARKET

2009-09-17T02:12:00.000-07:00

This is our little corner of the shed for the weekend market at Geham. I always find setting up a little daunting, but having Sam come and help this morning actually made it quite fun.

MY ESCAPING MRS CLYDE

2009-09-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mrs Clyde took it into her head to explore the world a little bit further than she should have on Sunday morning. It seemed at one stage the whole neighbourhood was out searching for one elusive cockatiel, but it was several hours later we heard the familiar chirping in a tree across the road. She obviously realised her escapade was a little more daunting than she'd anticipated and I think she was more than happy to retreat back to the more familiar surroundings of her cage. I decided I'd have to cut her wing in case she tried her tricks again, but I don't really know if what I've done is the right thing or not. I just cut the long feathers of one wing, so I'm hoping it will prevent it happening again. She's used to coming and going in and out of her cage as she pleases, but we were a little careless with leaving the doors open now the warmer weather has arrived.

FAMILY OF DOLLS

2009-09-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Sam has been making rag dolls to send to an orphanage in Indonesia but they're so cute, I've persuaded her to bring them to the Geham market first. She will have to top up her supply for the orphanage after the market, but she's stuffed so many legs, arms and bodies, I think she'll be able to make them in her sleep now. She couldn't find a pattern she was happy with, so she just made one up. Milly helped her name each doll and they all have their own individual name tag. If some of the names are a little bizarre, it's because Milly, who is 5, has a fairly vivid imagination.

Sam has also made up some gorgeous aprons for the market. I don't have a photo of those ones, so you'll just have to come to Geham to see them. It's really close now. Not much more than a week away on 19th & 20th September, and it's just a short drive north of Toowoomba on the road to Crow's Nest.

CHLOE'S CHICKENS

2009-09-07T23:20:00.001-07:00

The chickens in this nest are all made by Chloe and they're going to the market at Geham on 19th & 20th September. Chloe is my 11 year old grand daughter and she's such a clever little crafter. She's filled them with lavender so the perfume is divine. I can highly recommend the market at Geham if you can possibly get there. You'll find it at the school about 20 minutes drive north of Toowoomba. It's on Carnival of Flowers weekend, so there's heaps of other things to do and see around the area that weekend.

NEW RASANT THREADS

2009-09-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

My range of Rasant Threads has grown with the addition of dark grey. It's so good to add to the colour range, be it all so slowly, but we're getting there. I now have natural, beige, brown, dark blue, yellow, black, light and dark grey, dark red and forest green. I love Rasant thread and my machine loves it too. It comes in 1000m spools, so it lasts for such a long time. I had my sewing machine serviced not so long ago and the repair man confirmed my belief that this thread is one of the best. He loves it too. I was so pleased to hear it come from someone who works with machines all the time. You'll find them here under "Needful Things" if you look on my website.

A NOT SO GOOD HAIRCUT

2009-08-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

The hot weather has arrived early, so it was time to get rid of all that hair. The clippers went flat before we were quite finished, so tomorrow we'll have another go to finish it off. He doesn't mind that he looks quite odd, and he loves it that he's nice and cool.

STOCKED UP ON QUILT HANGERS

2009-08-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have just unpacked a supply of quilt hangers. These are so good for smaller projects and are such an affordable and effective way to display projects. The wire slides out of the end so you can slip the dowel into a rod pocket on the back of your work. You'll find them here on my website.

RECYCLED FABRIC BAG

2009-08-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Just take a look at this gorgeous bag that my sister has made. She took my crochet rag rug idea and adapted it into a bag and then she added the gorgeous fabric flowers that she made. I love it but I know I'd have to stand in the queue to get her to make one for me, so I might just have to make one for myself.

COUNTRY CHECKS

2009-08-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

I finally found some gorgeous country check fabrics and they arrived yesterday. These traditional basic country checks seem to be getting harder to find every day. At the moment I've just got these three, but because I love them so much, I'll be getting more of their range in future. You'll find them here on my website.

RAG RUGS IN COUNTRY SAMPLER MAGAZINE

2009-08-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

Country Sampler is one of my "must have" magazines. I love all the decorating ideas and tips, and confirms my belief that country decorating is still my absolute favourite. I think the anticipation of reading it cover to cover is just as much fun for me as the actual reading of it. I love to have some leisurely time along with a coffee to enjoy it. I've had the latest edition for a few weeks now, but because I hadn't found the time I like to enjoy it, it's been waiting patiently unopened for me. I was so excited last night when I took it to bed with me to find crocheted rag rugs featured for having "that true country look and vintage appeal". I know I've been "on about" my rag rugs a bit lately, but just had to share what I had found. Since we lost Rick Rutherford's magazine some time ago, I don't know of another Australian equivalent to this American magazine. Hopefully one day we'll have as much Australian patriotism found in an Australian magazine as we find American patriotism in Country Sampler.

RAG RUGS AT HANDMADE HEAVEN

2009-07-31T01:17:00.000-07:00

My Rag Rugs now have a new home. You'll find them in a little corner to the entrance of Handmade Heaven in Ipswich. Liesa's shop is looking gorgeous as she has a range of beautiful handmade items in there. It's a lovely visit if you're looking for a gift for a special person or just to want to appreciate all the different works of many talented crafters. Liesa is such a sweetie too, so pop in and say Hi to her.

FRESH BROCCOLI

2009-07-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

We'll be having fresh broccoli straight from my vege garden for dinner tonight. Seems like it's dead easy to grow, so next year I'll be making sure I plant heaps more.

SALE FABRICS

2009-07-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

These fabrics are not new, but they are so pretty aren't they. I am still finding fabrics that have never been listed on my website, and these were a few I found yesterday. Some are from Poetry Collection and some are Faded Memories. They were originally used when I made my first Milly's Quilt. They're now in my "Sale Fabric" section if you want to have a look.

THE DREADED EXERCISE MACHINE

2009-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

At the moment this "thing" is totally alien to me, but in time it is going to become my friend.

It's supposed to be able to do something about the overeating and underexercising that has been happening at my place over the last few months when food has become my close companion while the weather has been cooler. At the moment, I HATE this "thing", otherwise known as a Crosstrainer, but I know in time I will LOVE it. I don't like exercise, but I also don't like being fat and if anyone has a better solution to the 3 letter "F" word, please let me know. This morning, I had my appointment with my daughter and owner of the dreaded machine and she is going to be my taskmaster and keep me on the straight and narrow. All I managed was 8 minutes and here I am 2 hours later and I'm still trying to stand upright on my legs. How embarrassing!! I will let you know how I progress. Anyone care to join me?

CABIN IN THE WOODS

2009-07-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know who designed this quilt pattern. I just remember that it came out of a book I borrowed from my daughter some time ago and the pattern is called "Cabin in the Woods". Scrappy quilts are my favourite, and I made this one entirely from my scrap pile. I had it quilted by Rosalie from Rose Quilting on her amazing quilting machine, and this morning I took some time to bind it. It's going to replace the existing quilt on our bed which is (was) a one piece cloth all hand quilted. I'm afraid that one is going to have to go to the happy place where worn out quilts have to go. I'm not even game to wash it one more time as I know it just wouldn't survive. Maybe Bonny might like it in her kennel?

CARAMEL SHORTBREAD

2009-07-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

I've been eyeing off this Caramel Shortbread recipe from Lucy's blog at Attic24 for the last few days and this morning my sweet tooth got the better of me. I just had to try out the recipe, and our morning tea was all I hoped it would be (except of course for the calories, but we won't spoil it by talking about them). If you want to make it too, go to Lucy's blog, Attic24 and follow her recipe from a few posts back. She's also got some gorgeous granny squares so it's worth going there just to have a look at them.

ALL ABOUT FLOWERS

2009-07-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't it nearly always the way that things take longer to do than you expect? Writing patterns is certainly no exception, but it's done. Sam has finished the pattern for "All About Flowers" and it's now available. It's on our website and you'll find it here. Sam has used needle turn applique, but when I make mine I'm going to blanket stitch the applique by hand. The first quilt I ever made was entirely needle turn applique and I think I did enough needle turn to last me for the rest of my life, and besides that I'm totally addicted to blanket stitch applique. I love it and I can do it at night when I'm watching TV - that is, of course, when I'm not crocheting rag rugs.

JUMPERS AND JAZZ FESTIVAL

2009-07-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have been all consumed these last few weeks making up rag rugs to take to Jumpers and Jazz on Saturday. The weather man is predicting a frosty morning, but looks like the day will warm up nicely to a high of 17 degrees. That sounds like a perfect day to me.