
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THOSE WE CARE ABOUT
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
VENUS BAY - January 2010

Sunday, May 24, 2009
...... until May 30th
30th May: Melbourne Town
This weekend was a really quiet one as 'Husband Dear' and I wandered around the city and took in the atmosphere and charm of the Victoria Market. As usual, the food court kept us happy and we had bags full of goodies within a short space of time. While we were enjoying our time, Babe attended some tutorials at Melbourne University. The stoic charm of the 'Old' Uni buildings always fascinates me. Although the sun was shining, it was cool and clear which added to the enjoyment of wandering through the streets.
23rd May: Bonfire
Last weekend we spent at 'The Kids' participating in another Bonfire Party. Great fun and again, the weather was clear and cool. A great night for star gazing. We caught up with people we'd not seen for some time and enjoyed another great night of good food, great company and the crackle and smell of the bonfire. Thanks Kiddo.
Not a bad way to celebrate an 18th.
The label, which I was stitching on five minutes before the reception, was a stroke of sheer genious from my girlfriend who printed a photo of Denise and Mallick at the wedding along with the poem that was read by the celebrant. How about that for technology! This photo is showing it unquilted and I had Cheryl quilt it and then bound it with the same turquise boarder fabric. It is one of those quilts that I loved making and enjoyed giving it away. I hope it gets them through all the ups and downs that life throws them.Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Amazing Butterfly - Tess Blackburn
Following this we were entertained by a 'Wil-E' fashion parade featuring this seasons fabulous new ranges, ate nibbles supplied by Doyle's, battled for a silent auction win, stood in line for Henna hand painting and generally had a great night. We hope that Tess and her mother Larraine raised heaps for a worthy cause and thank them both for sharing the word. This night was especially important for Chloe and I. Jump into the links here and also research The Butterfly Foundations great work.
http://mordialloc-chelsea-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/real-women-strut-stuff-on-catwalk/
http://mordialloc-chelsea-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/the-butterfly-emerges/
Friday, March 27, 2009
MARCH UPDATE
Well, it has been simply ages since I have updated this and I have so much to tell you that I really do not know where to start. It may be best to start today and work backwards. Strange? True. But then you all know me.
Remember, this is all in summary.
2009 FORMAL:
Last night was 'Babes' School Formal and it was a wonderful success. It was a whirl of dress, shoe and bag shopping, hair and beauty appointments, ending up with our girls looking beautiful. The guys did themselves proud as well. Ben flew in from Canberra and although his flight was late and he was the last to arrive, he received an award for the privilege and enjoyed the celebrations. The Brighton International was again a great venue having been renovated since last year. A number of Year 12's wore long dresses, looking elegant and way beyond their years. There were some stunning short dresses with Mel P' taking out the 'Best Dressed' award.
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This is it! Year 12 and no more Formals. It has been fun and these photos will remind the girls of their school years.
LATEST QUILT:
Last year our Tuesday night Patchwork Group were lucky enough to meet Amy Butler, an American fabric designer and author. She held a promotional evening at the Sofital which showcased her fabrics, books and patterns.

I was not sure what to expect but was impressed with her outlook on life and thoroughly enjoyed listening to her and her experiences. Her love of the garden and of life seems to flow through her fabric designs. Babe loved the fabrics I arrived home with and I agreed to make her this quilt. I had seen a quilt hanging at Amittee some time ago which suited this fabric and so raced in to collect a few more peices of Amy's fabrics and the pattern. Cheryl (C.A Quilter) quilted it and although the two week project blew out to a four month project I am happy with the result. What do you think?
OUR HOLIDAY TO NEW ZEALAND:
On January 10th we flew into Wellington to start two weeks well earned holiday. The last six months of 2008 were so bad that any holiday would have been great, but this was fantastic.
Well guys, this update will have to do for the moment. I hope you are all well and happy. I am off to start my new quilt, hopefully getting it ready for one very special bride and groom.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bushfires - Thank you for your concern
Thank you all for your phone calls and emails of concern and we, unlike many other, are safe and well. Unfortunately the newspaper headlines and the lead stories on the TV tell of a completely different situation for many hundreds of people. It has been heartbreaking to listen to the 24 hour reports that have been flooding our airways and one feels frustrated and useless when others are so desperate. We have been able to donate to the Fire Fund being run by the Red Cross and I guess every little bit helps.
It is wonderful to see Amitee, Blake Dawson, Mentone Girls Grammar and many other companies and individuals getting in and raising funds to support those who don't have their own beds to sleep in any more. I watch Babe sit down to her studies and feel a deep pain for the kids facing Year 12 exams at the end of the year without schools, homes, books, pens or calculators. Their parents hearts must be breaking. I think of the elderly in these areas who have lost their everything and are too old or frail to start again. We all feel for those who are disadvantaged and even more so with the sheer numbers involved with these bush fires.
Check out this link: http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/
We all need to look at our loved ones and count our blessings.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year !!!!
It has been two months since I have had a moment to do an update and for those of you who visit, I apologise for the long silence. You must have thought I had dropped off the planet. I will be able to do better in 2009 as we will be a very well organised at Number 15 with nothing but routine in it. I can just hear some of you out there saying "Yeah, yeah!" Seriously, it is Babes VCE year and I can assure you that routine is the name of the game and it will happen.
The other good thing that is happening this year is that we have a new starter at work. Eliza starts on the 5th January and the relief is enormous. I feel as though I have been holding this place together with only the skin on my teeth. I will be working 4 days with Mondays off, Eliza will be working 5 days and Danielle 1 day. One thing I have realised over the past few months is that I do not want to work full time. Four days will hopefully be a good balance and I may as well do it while I can as once retired there is no going back.
Babe has been down at Philip Island enjoying time with her friends and Husband Dear has been hard at work around the house. We are having a new back yard fence put up at the beginning of February but the contractor wants the old fence and the ivy which has been holding it up for more years than it should have, removed. HD and neighbour Russell have been building up a sweat and taking trips to the tip. It is hard work but all should be ready before we leave on our well earned holidays. The only one who is not looking forward to the holiday is Cuddles who has a miserable time at the Cattery and puts herself on a diet through nothing else but worry.
OK. I will update this with the exciting photos of my Amy Butler 'almost finished' project and some extras.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
'BIG BLISTERS' EUROPEAN TRIP
She and two Friends itinerary was laid out in such detail that the travel bug clicked in by just picking it up for a quick perusal. They landed in Rome and toured the South, tripped over to Greece, back to Italy before departing to Croatia, Austria and back down through the depths of Italy. Her last week was to be spent on her own savouring the sea air before heading back to Auckland and the every day mediocrity of life. I simply cannot wait to find out all the details and will keep you posted.
THE MAGIC OF ITALY, FRANCE & LONDON
The photographs are numerous and spectacular. The places, sights and sounds will be memories for ever. Maybe the memory of eating pasta every day will wain even though at this stage she has sworn off it for life. We still have to create a photo album capturing the best of them but that will take place at a later stage. I received a beautiful Italian leather handbag which I have proudly used almost every day since receiving it.
Trying to catch up with our Miss Germany's in London was apparently a bit of a trial as their trusty mobile phones played up. Logic, cunning, guess work and good timing then became the name of the game and when they finally got together there was much hilarity as Babe sneaked them into her room. Miss Germany x 2 hid (giggling) in the small wardrobe to avoid being sprung by a roving teacher. As much as we love our teachers the novelty of having them breathing down the girls backs had worn off by the time they hit 'ol London town.
Babes favourite spot?
Orvieto in Italy. Orvieto is a city in southwestern Umbria, Italy situated on the flat summit of a large butte of volcanic tuff. The site of the city is among the most dramatic in Europe, rising above the almost-vertical faces of tuff cliffs that are completed by defensive walls built of the same stone. The girls stayed at Fattoria La Cacciata, a farm where Nonna taught them how to make fresh pasta. Nonna also had a cat which Babe was able to stroke. I think she missed Cuddles as much as Cuddles missed her. Thank you Nonna for leaving such a lasting impression on our little darling.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
BONFIRE NIGHT

Saturday, October 18, 2008
An Evening with AMY BUTLER
STAR OF THE SEA - Fashion Parade
On the subject of inspirational nights we recently attended the Star of the Sea's Fashion Parade and Art Exhibition. The standard of work presented by the students across all levels was very high but the creativity displayed on the cat-walk by the senior girls was exceptional. The girls and parents put this down to the skill of their teacher Mrs F'. Are we surprised? Not to those who know her. Well done Mrs F'.
'Miss Italys' Shoulder Bag
Miss Italy was due to go home after 3 months with us and I wanted a little piece of Australia to go with her. As one of her great loves is ice-skating I was thrilled to discover some fabric on the bus trip, featuring ice-skates. This fabric was a 'must have' and Myrane and I spent a relaxing day making shoulder bags. Miss Italy loved hers and used it when she flew up to explore the delights of Sydney. The hope is that when using it back in Italy she will remember us and the great time she had here.Thursday, September 18, 2008
Last Saturday (13th September) the more adventuresome Bay Quilters joined in for a day of fun on the "Mystery Bus Tour". This is the third year we have done this and it did not fail to impress. Our driver John, took us up to 'Craftpaks' in Heathmont, 'Patchwork with Gail B' in Bayswater, 'StitchnPatch' in Lilydale and 'Mrs Martin's Quilt Shop' in Monbulk. We also managed to fit in a few extras which added to a wonderful day of browsing and purchasing through aisles and aisles of fabric, novelties, books and all inspiring ideas. Too many ideas! Stop! Having purchased a magic book on strips 'n circles and also a new bag pattern I have already had the sewing machine out. Yep, I know....UFO's awaintin'. Hmmm perhaps some of them can wait a little longer.
BABE - Europe:
'Babe' has taken of for Europe with the school.
Travelling with Emirates to Rome and then exploring Italy, France and London. I have placed large maps on the wall and used ribbon, as any patchworker would use, to map out her route. The world is a big place when you see how few places they travel to and yet are able to see so much in only a few weeks. The exciting thing is that she has a lifetime to see the rest. So exciting! Rome, Orvieto, Florence, Venice, Milan, 5 days in Paris including Eurodisney then onto London. Of course all the main features of these great cities will be visited. Judging by the phone call wer received it is going well but she could barely get the words out with excitement. Betty and Lorena will be meeting Chloe in London for a few days. What a trip!
DAY OF DYING:
Bay Quilters organised a Dying Workshop and as I have never done any dying at all, thought it may be something to try. I was not expecting to enjoy myself at all but was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the day and its results immensely. I am now looking forward to trying another workshop but with good quality white cotton fabric giving me fabrics more to my liking.


'MISS ITALY':
Two days after Miss Germany arrived we were back at the airport meeting Miss Italy who will be with us for three months while studying. Sarah fitted straight into our house and the three girls kept the house buzzing. 'Sandy' has been a different experience for Sarah but she took it in her stride and accepted everything that was strange, weird or unknown. We are so proud of the way she has accepted and learnt, made friends and explored Melbourne. She has made the most of her short time here by always seeking new experiences and challenges. We have enjoyed her company and will miss her very much when she leaves us in a few days but she will always be part of our family and welcomed back any time.

'MISS GERMANY':
Great excitement in the household as we prepared for the arrival of our 'Miss Germany'. Betty stayed with us for 10 days before travelling up to Sydney to meet her parents. Sydney was awash with sunshine and thousand upon thousand catholic devotees hoping for a glimpse of the Pope on his first visit to Australia. What a sensational time to be in Sydney. Then off to Perth which was understandably quieter and unfortunately very wet. Perth is a beautiful city but the rain dampened their spirits for a few days. On arrival into Melbourne the mood lifted again and a good time was had by all. We were lucky enough to share more time with Betty while her parents explored our wonderful state.
The time went far too quickly but a family dinner and breakfast in the city helped to make the most of our time together. It is so much quieter now that she has flown home and we will miss her again, perhaps a little more this time.

As Betty has become Daughter No. 3 I decided to make a quilt for her to take home. Hopefully she will wrap herself in it when she feels the need and know that her Australian family love her.BAY QUILTERS IN JULY:
Well, we had yet another truly enjoyable day at Bay Quilters this month with the focus being on FUN. Myrane and I were on the setup team, throwing tables and chairs around at 8am in readiness for a 9 am start. The early start was arranged to take advantage of our guest trader selling his beautiful cotton fabrics and then travelling through to the Geelong Quilters Retreat.

Saturday, August 23, 2008
Hello.....I am still here!!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
2008 BERNINA BLANKETS OF LOVE
The Postman delivered my Fat Quarter fabric from the 'Williams Inn' Flannels range by Nancy Halverson and it is lovely. The challenge now is to create a small quilt for the Australia-wide Blankets of Love program running to provide comfort for a grieving family. Along with putting in for a worthy cause, the challenge winner can also recieve a Bernina Avtiva 240 sewing machine which I am desperate for. Just being in it will be fun and as there are so many wonderful quilters in Australia the chances of winning are negligable but hey, whats to lose.The Blankets of Love program
Started in 1992 by Shirley Zions and Jan Polverino, the Blankets of Love program distributes small quilts to the families of babies who die around the time of birth. Not only does the program assist the grieving families by providing a memento and celebration of their babies, but it also provides an opportunity for people to speak out about the loss of a baby.
Each year, at the completion of the Bernina Blankets of love Challenge, the quilts are sent to the Blankets of Love Challenge, the quilts are sent to the Blankets of Love program coordinator and then distributed through State quilt groups to Australian hospitals in the program.
Monday, June 23, 2008
'JET JET'
and and her clogs keep on clacking. 'Babe' is enjoying her driving lessons and is handling her well. 'Jet Jet' is so easy to drive, can turn on a coin and has the same familiarity as my dear old Mondeo. I am a very happy litt
le vegemite.Thursday, June 19, 2008
JUNE UPDATE
I could not resist taking the camera out of my bag this morning and taking these photos of our glorious city. Some mornings we see the golden sun-rise and the hot- air balloons gliding past and on other mornings a storm racing across the city and hitting the windows with pure vengeance. No matter what day of the week it is truly spectacular.Tuesday, June 3, 2008
SYDNEY and AEROBICS COMPETITION

Saturday, May 17, 2008
HANDBAG MAKING DAY
Today Myrane and I spent a wonderful day creating handbags with Nicole Mallalieu . This was a course offered through Kimono House, a fabulous fabric shop tucked away in Nicholas House on the Corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane, Melbourne. They specialise in Japanese fabrics and run a variety of classes promoting the many talents of external and inhouse tutors.
I managed to finish this gorgeous clutch purse by the end of the day having used Nicoles excellent teaching style to achieve what I thought would be the impossible. She has years of experience and numerous tips to share which resulted in a surprisingly professional finish. I feel that this photo does not do it justice.Friday, April 25, 2008
QUILTS
Hi there,
This is the latest quilt or should I say quilts I have been
working on. I am using the range of fabrics from 'Maywood Studio' Romance Flannel - 33 Sweet sixteen fabric. My friend Myrane and I each purchased the range at Caulfield Stitches and Craft Show. Myrane is making a 75th birthday lap quilt for her mother and I am making three lap quilts for Mothers Day. One for my mother Lorraine, one for my mother-in-law Rosa and the other for my special mother Annie Burns. The label on each will show three hearts alongside their names. I hope they will appreciate how much they are loved and that they are three very special ladies.The quilt I have just finished was made for my brother-in-laws 60th birthday. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland and also has a chalet in the mountains where I can visualise this quilt living.
I finished it one hour before cutoff for the quilt hanging our local group put on which is where this photo was taken with Husband Dear. I hope Reudi thinks of us when he uses it even though we are on the other side of the world.I am a proud member of Bay Quilters, a local group with over 120 members. We meet once a month at the Library Complex in Reserve Road, Beaumaris and have a wonderful day enjoying the company of like-minded women. We all enjoy 'Show and Tell', guest speakers, a wonderful library, a Trading Table, morning teas and lunches.
I should be stitching now instead of setting up this blog. Oooops.
Well, I hear Husband Dear tromping around having just come in from the garden so I had better get off this and throw the stove into action.
Keep smiling