Happy Birthday!

It was back to school today here in Adelaide. Back to school after 6 weeks of summer holidays. Not enough weeks I think, personally! It was a BIG day for Miss 12. It was not only back to school for her - it was back to a brand new school. Slightly scary! It was also her 13th birthday today. She said that when she had to "borrow" textbooks today the teachers wished her a happy birthday because her details came up on their screen. She was nervous last night and didn't get much sleep so she was tired when she got home. We met all the kids at Fasta Pasta for dinner (Miss 13's request!) and we were surprised to find that we are 14 people now. Mrs 25, her bloke and grandson; Miss 23; Mr 21 and his fiance; Miss 19 and her boyfriend; Miss 17; Mr 15; Miss 13; Mr 9; me and my Bradley. Who would have thought that there would be so many of us! It was a fun night which ended at our place with Miss 13 and I giggling at ANYTHING! Well, not really anything. Miss 19 is pretty hysterical and she kept us in stitches!


Speaking of stitches......... this is what I have been working on this week. It is a raw edge applique centre square for a quilt. It is the first time I have used Kelli's (Don't Look Now) applique technique since I went to her workshop last year. So much fun! And I think I'm even improving! (Which has me flabberghasted! I was not so great at this at the workshop so it was good to be able to see some improvement!) Of course, I am still working on the double Irish chain quilt top. Oh, and the pies and tarts too. I really need several projects on the go to keep my attention and prevent boredom. I have only had one finish for January and would like to get another, but I think everything I am working on at the moment is part of a large project which won't be finished any time soon! I'll have to make sure that I have some quick projects on the go in February otherwise I am going to look like a major slacker next to all those over-achievers doing the 2010 OPAM. Lol! Finishing really does seem to be the buzz word of 2010. I see finishes all over the place in blogland. Hope all your finishes come to you too!

Don't Look Now at Hettie's Patch!

Just setting the scene for you here. While I am writing this post Miss 23 is playing the piano in the background. I love to hear the piano! All of our girls can play (wish I could!) and the boys know the basics too. So I am having a lovely relaxed day which is perfect for this post!

This past weekend I attended a workshop run by Kellie (Don't Look Now) at Hettie's Patch. Kellie does such beautiful work! Go take a look if you are not familiar with it. Everyone had the best time and we all produced some great work! Thanks to Kellie, Lorraine, Leanne, Karen and Kate who worked so hard to give us an excellent workshop. If you ever have an opportunity to do a class with Kellie, don't hesitate. She is a great teacher with so many hints and tips that I found really valuable.

We had the opportunity to watch and listen to Kellie.............

..........and then it was down to work! At some stages during the day it was so quiet in the workroom! Just the hum of sewing machines. Of course, it wasn't that often, but we were all really inspired by Kellie's work!

This was my result. I love it, and whilst my work is not at Kellie's standard, I can see that if I practiced I would improve! I feel like I have the techniques I need to know to be successful. I think I will turn this practise piece into a pillow cover and I am going to practice on a couple of quilts this week to keep my momentum going!