Blogtoberfest starts tomorrow so that means I’m saying my words and getting my thoughts together and working on projects to show and wondering when I will fit in reading everyone’s posts (and doing my own)!  Last year was lots of fun and really go me into the swing of blogging – that’s when I reached 100 posts.  And there was lots of giveaways, as I’m sure there will be this year also…..am planning one myself so keep coming to visit regularly.   The very creative Tinniegirl is in the driver’s seat so visit her for more details. Enjoy!

It’s sunny and we are on holidays at Sewjourn…….yay!

…….And it’s only the girls and I so I guess that’s a lot of projects for just a couple of days! Oh well!

Some time ago I joined up for Around the Block swap  and have finally gotten around to doing the first of my September blocks.  Like Lara I decided that I would make each block for myself first (as a practise!!) and then I’d have another quilt at the end of it as well.  These are my choice of fabrics – all from my stash.

I started with Midwest Modern sent from Janelle and just added bits and pieces.   I’m making a big effort to  work with what I have – hopefully it will look OK.  (And I hope my DH is reading this – I’m NOT buying any more fabric……but yes there is enough in the stash to pull together a quilt….or two!)

Anyway, Kate asked for Wonky Log Cabins and sent out some gorgeous fabrics in blue and oranges.  Here’s my first block for her…..

And here’s my ‘practise’ one for me…..

And then another block to use up all of Kate’s scraps……

….inside at least with these gorgeous daffodils. 

Outside the weather has not been ideal for school holidays but at least the tanks are filling up and the gardens are looking revived!  This afternoon the sun has poked through the clouds and it does feel like spring after all. Today has been an ‘at home’ day and everyone has had lots of fun – the girls just ‘playing’ and me just sewing…….some goodies to show you soon.

We’d booked this weekend up at Sewjourn for ourselves at the start of the year as it is Budburst Wine Festival around the region but something has come up (something else exciting) and we won’t be able to go to Lancefield so the weekend is now free…..if you are thinking a nice relaxing weekend of creating could be in store for you before the Christmas rush begins then email me ASAP!    (And if there are no takers then my husband will be more than happy to go up to the Wine Festival without me….)

It’s cold and wet and windy in Melbourne but that didn’t stop us from taking a trip into the city on Friday and visiting the Art Gallery (it DID mean everyone was a little bit tired and cranky by the time we got home though).

But Saturday I was glad that we were watching the Grand Final on TV not sitting in the hail and wind at the MCG!  (Although not everyone was interested in staying inside for the afternoon)

It also meant we could all get to cuddle a gorgeous little girl.

Daisy Bouquet from the Vanity Fair collection by Denyse Schmidt.  Heavy weight and perfect for a cushion.  Bought recently on sale at Amitie

For many years Somerset Patchwork, formerly known as Craft Cottage, has been in the one location.  But yesterday current owner Karen Styles opened the doors to her new store. 

And it’s great.  Nearby to the original location and easily accessible with loads of parking the new store is light and airy and sure to inspire.

Somerset Patchwork specialises in reproduction fabrics and the staff are amazingly knowledgable – it’s well worth a visit!

Somerset Patchwork and Quilting, Hamilton Place, Mount Waverley, 3149 Ph: 9807 3399

Last Saturday morning a friend and I went to Quilts in the Barn, an annual event run by a group of Melbourne ladies to raise money for Breast Cancer.  As always the setting was just beautiful. 

Quilts exhibited this year were made by Margaret McDonald and a stall was run by Threadbear of Castlemaine.  These were a few of my favorites:

This quilt amazed me because it was all made from the one fabric – the border fabric was ‘fussy cut’ to make each of the stars.  Very clever!

I’m rejoining Sunday Stash today because

a) I’ve actually got 5 minutes to think &

b) I’ve a few recent purchases to show.

This is a piece from ‘The Morris Workshop’ collection by Barbara Brackman.  I’ve loved William Morris designs since we lived in the UK over 10 years ago.

Purchased from Somerset Patchwork at the Craft and Quilt Fair.  It’s destined to become part of this quilt.