Gimme a hand...

... this is of course is the hand to my doll... So far she has only one and without fingers at that... I haven't done much more than this but I am getting there - the thought of the face next is putting me off a bit... But press on I will... You should see the dining room - looks like a whirlwind has gone through - pieces of fabric adorn chairs table and probably every other flat surface... One could wonder how such a small project could cause so much mess - but at least I found some bits that I had been looking for...

My latest project...

In case you are having trouble guess what it is - she is a doll... I found her in the Winter issue of Cloth paper scissors - an American mixed media publication. Her designer is Katie Kendrick and she has lots of interesting things to look at on her site...

I have produced mine slightly differently to the original design as I wanted to also embroider her... I still have a way to go - I was so engrossed 'playing' that I failed to notice it was one o'clock in this morning - the time just seemed to vanish... LOL that surely must say something... The red band across her middle section is causing a little corncern as it 'drags' the eye right to it and cuts her in half... The plan is to do more involved stitching over the red satin - I love the stripy material which make up her trousers - that will also be her back panel... I can see myself making another trip to Spotlight to buy more... The creating of face area is intimidating me somewhat... The ones in the magazine had gone through quite a process and are perhaps more 'interesting' than 'pretty'... I shall press onwards and perhaps let her 'talk' to me...The head scarf I want perhaps bead... She has arms and rather large hands which I intend to sleeve in some loosely woven lace which G gave me a couple of years ago...

Unfortunately she is quite neat and not quite as naive as the one in the magazine... It is as though I can't help myself I have to be coordinated I must have this inbuilt gene which won't allow me to 'colour outside the lines'... I would like to make another one - but with work again next week the chances are slim... I am definetely going to finish this one... It has been a fun process taking each little bit and making decisions with each step of the way... I can already 'see' all the different applications I could use to make each one interesting and unique...

LOL...

... like the zen saying I have ended up back where I started from and seeing it for the first time... Hmmm... I think it is too close to Christmas to try and make more changes - however I have thought about a new blog - but it will be a New Year thing I think...

As you can see...

...I have 'switched'...

Thankfully I shall never ever be put in charge of 'THAT BUTTON' as I am just too curious...

I have thought for a while now that the old blogger needed to undergo a 'facelift' and this change to beta has given me the opportunity to do so...

Perhaps too, this blog reflects my restlessness - a time for casting off from safe and familiar shores and setting sail into unknown waters with the promise of both challenges and discoveries...

At this point I would like to than P for all the work and patience he had wth me in creating the old blogger and may he have as much when I say "P... I have this idea for my blog..." I can see some interesting times ahead...

Now I wonder what happens if I just do this....

All was lost...

... from my daughter's comp when it 'crashed' yesterday... We have managed to 'round up' some 'favorites' but a lot remain floating out there in the ethers... Most of my favorite blogs were NOT listed in my side bar on my blogger page INSTEAD they were listed in my 'favorites'... So please if you are a regular reader and your blogger ISN'T listed in my side bar could you please leave me a short message with your blogger address...

Another flower...

... from the garden... A humble geranium but such a fabulous colour - my sister got it right when she said that the colour was almost luminous... This one sits on the steps outside the kitchen door and it cannot help but cheer me up when I see it... It is the first thing I see when we come home of a night after work - it gives me such a sense of home... These plants seem to survive even the roughest of conditions - I admire their spirit... With our tightening water restrictions this is one of the plants I can depend on to survive..

M's block - CQRR06...

This is the latest block I have worked on as part of the CQRRO6... I did the section with the butterflies... This fan block will look spectacular once it is finished... It has whetted my appetite to have a go at making one for myself next year... Onto the next one now...

Lily...

We bought this lily (not sure of its real name or plant grouping) two years ago... Last year it flowered but not brilliantly - this year we have been blessed with twelve flowers on three stems - it is absolutely stunning... We have watched in amazement as one bud emerged after another... I think that with the very warm spring weather we have experienced down in Melbourne it has promoted this wonderful display. Again a photo doesn't 'tell' the real story but I thought I would share this snippet from our garden...

M's Mermaid...

Here is M's Mermaid framed... The photo doesn't really do it justice - but I thought I would show the finished piece... The mount was exactly the same colour as the mermaid's skirt and same blue/green was repeated in the narrow part of the recessed area of the frame. The frame itself was an old gold and just completed the piece nicely...

Finishing this has now urged me to perhaps get some of my other pieces framed professionally... Especially this Indian I did some years ago....

One ticked off the list - now to contemplate the next - which ever that will be...

Another one...

I have been waiting on this one for a little while now - I ordered it through the shop... I was very excited when it arrived yesterday and probably more than a little overwhelmed when I flicked through it... It contains page after page of stitch combinations... The mind did 'leap frogs' as to the possiblities... Where do I begin???? I think it has arrive right at the right moment as I have one block in the CQRR06 that I am a little stumped for what to do... Surely I can find something in this to help me...

CQRR06 - B's block...

My contribution is the top seam stitched in a combination of blanket stitch and French knots... I added small beads, the gold charm which I also beaded and the dragonflies which were paperclips from a scrapbooking shop... I wanted to suggest a continuous movement and at the same time compliment J's fan and H's flowers (which are out of shot)... I folded the block in order to get a clear picture and unfortunately didn't think to unfold it again for a second shot... H's flowers are Australian wildflowers beautifully stitched complete with tiny bees... J's as you can see is a delicate fan worked in blackwork with a trail of small flowers along the seam line... B has suggested she intends to make this block into a swing purse when it returns home to America... It is amazing how the same shape block has inspired so many different ideas and applications for use...

I am endeavouring to 'catch up' and show the things I did while I was non blogging... There is not much to see mind you...

Its Friday

This book is at the local art supply shop... I have looked at it a few times - I recently discovered it at the library and now that I have had a chance to really sit and read it it is definetely on my 'wish list'...

It has been a little hectic around here with E's final couple of weeks at the art course she has been doing - of course everything has to be handed in - silly me... I have discovered (don't ask) that blue oil paint doesn't dry overnight, with a hairdryer on full heat aimed at it nor sitting in the warmed griller compartment ( stove compartment of the oven is on) - oil paint takes its own sweet time about drying... The painting has more fingerprints than the local police station...

As of today I am working evenings at the bookshop - this means I have nearly all Friday to myself - the mind boggles at the possiblities...It is kind of like having a three day weekend... But if they are like today very little has been achieved...

My sewing area looks like a mess... I need to get in there and give it a good round up...

Ok I am off... Have a good weekend everyone...

The kettle is boiling...

...the lights are on and the welcome mat is out on the doorstep of the 'Blank Page'...

After just shy of 3 months of non blogging I thought I would give it another go... Thankfully I am feeling more myself and I am improving in body and spirit as the weeks pass...

'M for Melanie' is finished - after 2 years of stitching it on and off - I finally got myself into gear and finished it in time for her birthday in a couple of weeks... It is off to the framers tomorrow and I have already discussed it with them what I would like - we spent quite a bit of time and a few different looks before settling on a more classical look... I shall post a 'finished' photo once it is framed...

So what to do next - unfortunately my break from blogging didn't decrease my 'to do' stitching stash - so there is still plenty to get on with... Never a dull moment...

The CQO6 RR is still in progress but slowed down somewhat - I am desperate to get up to date with that before Xmas hits in earnest... At the moment I have three blocks to 'add my bit to' before sending them on their way - whilst I know what I am going to add I just haven't had the space of time to actually get 'up close and personal' with them...

This year has been a bit of a blur and it has made me determined to strive towards definite results from now on... I am not waiting until the new year - I have started now... Life is too precious to take for granted or waste a moment of...

But enough... Thanks for stopping by...

Just to say...

I have decided for my own reasons to take indefinite leave from blogging... I will however stay in contact with my CQRR mates via their blog... For anyone else please email me if needed... AnneS and Miss Eagle I have changed my phone number. Please email G @ Patra's Place for it if you need to contact me... So for just awhile 'I'll be seeing you'...

Finally...

...J's block is finished and ready to be on its way again... Unfortunately the photo doesn't show the block at all well... Bur here it is J - dandelions and a butterfly... I have loosely tacked down the wings with a coloured cotton until the block reaches home... J will then be able to untack the 'restraints' and 'shush them' to make the wings stand up a bit...

Another addition/edition...

Firstly I would like to say thankyou to those of you who have left comments on my blog... Unfortunately between working full time, still being not 100% health wise and the general hurly wurly of everyday life I have had little time in which to either contribute to my blogging life or respond to your comments... To those who have asked me questions I will reply in due course - I believe you Calidore wanted some instructions for the Seahorse - I haven't forgotten you and will get there soon...

It seems 'resistance is futile' - to coin a well known saying... This latest find (above) was at the local art shop where it seems of late they are also stocking some needlework books... The designer uses crewel embroidery in less traditional ways and infact I am 'borrowing' one of her ideas to finally complete jam_mam's block... I am itching to have a go at some of the ideas she presents and it is looking good for the CQRR blocks which are 'gliding' through this address...

But funnier still - this book fetish which I seem to have - is was that last weekend I had a call from a friend whose sister had had a 'if I haven't used it in (use your own time frame here) out it goes'. As it turns out she as relieving her craft shelves of numerous books - her sister- my friend saved them all for her friend - me... When K told me she had some books for me she neglected to say she had a lot of books for me... I now have needlework books, soap making books, a clay jewellery book, a felt making book a couple of quilt/patcwork books, general craft books and numerous 'Anne's Glory Box' magazine type editions including a largish book which seems to a collection of her projects and last but not least a collection of various craft magazines... K said she knew that they would be going to a good home when she gave them to me... Please don't get me wrong I am more than pleased to have been given these books/magazines and the majority look like they have just come from a book shop and are in better than new condition - but oh the temptation I have now - all these books just waiting to be explored... P now just nods his head sagely when I announce I am not buying another book!!!! I haven't had a chance to have more than a brief look through them but what I have seen so far doesn't disappoint me... It is suggested that 'money goes to money' I think I might edit that to 'books go to books'... The way I am going I coulds start a second hand craft bookshop be well stocked!!!!! Now there is an idea... Just kidding...

I was more than pleased to find this ( below) amongst the pile it is one in a series I have been endeavouring to collect... Funnily enough it contained a chapter on whitework and its origins... LOL jam_mam the chapter suggests that whitework is to show one's prowess with a needle - I hope my attempt doesn't disappoint you!!!!!! It seems that whitework is more about the actually application of embroidery stitches rather than as I have done used other white bits to fashion the piece... Still I am doing Crazy Quilting and there are no rules in that... Well, that is my excuse anyway... Since having jam_mam's piece I have never had as many cuts etc... I am so careful as it is an all white block, and like with any of other people's work that passes through here, keep it well protected and handle it with the greatest of care... But with it all white I am extra careful to the point of obsessive!!!!! Speaking about jam_mam's piece reminds me its lift off date (well overdue as it is) - is Monday so I had better get to it and finish it!!!! Bye for now...

Jam_mam's block...

Not quite completed - but getting there... I used the dandelion as a symbol of both time and distance... I will give a fuller explanation at what I was trying to achive further on...

An update...

Life, lately has been very busy - I feel like I hit the floor running when I wake up in the morning... I scan the blogs in the morning as I eat my breakfast and that is about as far as it goes for my blogging life - except at the weekends when I d try to fit some time in...

Work has been busy with the stocktake and the sale as well. N has gone down with the flu - only K has managed to 'forgo the pleasure' so far - both their boys are down with it too... Both N and K are the owners and work pretty much full time at the shop so you can imagine that things can go awry when one of them is 'missing in action' for an extended time... It appears to be a nasty strain of virus and I am keeping well clear of anyone that looks remotely off colour... On the home front P too has had some cold/flu type thing and had a couple of days off work... Me - I am just bumping up the dose of vit C keeping warm and hoping for the best...

Yesterday I bought some wool ( see previous post) and last night I sat and 'played' - there is something very comfting about the process of knitting... I am not a very good knitter - scarves are about as complicated as I can do - but I am content to do just that...

J's block is coming along nicely in as much at last I have settled on a theme which I would like to pursue - now down to the real work - putting those ideas onto her block... The trouble is though I get all these ideas I would like to experiment with further - but as usual - not enough hours in the day... After work and once we have eaten and I have done a couple of things I am too tired to think about anything other than my bed. And the weekends seem to be an endless marathon of 'doing'...

The idea of studying this half year has been shelved - I am having trouble just reading what I do so I can not begin to imagine reading anything else re study...

Although on a more positive note I have nearly weaned myself off those dreaded tablets - only two more weeks to go - three at the outside... I have felt quite weird at times as I have lowered the dose - I can understand why one cannot just give them up cold turkey... At times I do see a light at the end of the tunnel and I appreciate being able to breathe again although my asthma has worsened a little as I have come down off the tablet - but the doctor warned me this may happen... Once I am off the tablets completely my weight need to be addressed as it has ballooned while I have been taking the tablets - the added weight makes me feel quite unwell at times - if that makes sense.. And while I am certainly no athlete I would like to be able to gain some strength and wellness in my body again... Perhaps I have really begun to see the sense in looking after one's self properly and keeping as fit as one can... Just walking to work everyday ( about a 20/25 minute walk) has given me a sense of wellbeing - I arrive at work ready to start the day... Plus there are the added bonus of perhaps seeing things others don't... The other morning I was lucky enough to see three hot air balloons making their way across to the landing point about 2 kilometres further away... As I walked the second ballon decended slightly as it moved overhead - I stopped to watch and as I did someone from the balloon waved to me... That thrilled me as I have a bit of a thing about hot air balloons - I waved back and they waved again... Just that small incident kept me smiling for the rest of the day and I am so glad that I had the opportunity of adding to some unknown person's day as they did mine... I guess life throws us curve balls at times - and to a degree it is what we chose to do next with them that can make all the difference... I am endeavouring to stay positive and enjoy those little things in life that count for me... Of late I have started to see the world a little differently - perhaps that comes with age or just experience I don't know which - but it has certainly made a difference to the way I have previously thought...

E has her interview for her course this Wednesday so we all have our fingers crossed for a positive outcome....

Well that is about all I can think of at this point... Take care all where ever you are and I hope that whatever you are doing you enjoy it...

And...

... I have been bitten by the knitting bug again... This is fairly true to the colour of E's new winter scarf... I have the idea I might knit in my lunch break... Well - that is the plan anyway...

Yep...

You guessed it - another book... This one I am buying as a bit of a mystery... I haven't actually seen the book but it was on the book rep's list and I just couldn't resist... I have read a little about it on the net and it sounds pretty good... And it will fit nicely into my bookshelf - with a bit of a shove...

CQO6...

This is a hint for you J... This is my contribution to your CQO6 block... Of course it is in keeping with your 'white on white' theme.... Can you guess J????

Yet another new book..

added to the bookshelf... I found this one in a second hand bookshop... It has quite a few projects to create... But I must admit ( as always) it is the illustrations which get me... Well. at least I know my weakness...

I won't bore you...

but here is one more.... In the little time I have played with this I have learnt lots... Yep definitely heaps of potential - now I just need some time...

More Flower Power...

I could find this very addictive... Plus it has re generated my interest in mandalas... This one - which I have called Purple Haze - yes, I know, more lame names, reminds me of Judith Cornell's Mandala book. I bought this book years ago with the idea of creating mandalas os my own... I did 'play' for quite sometime and I can understand why and how creating mandalas can make an impact of the person who is creating them... My interest lay more in how I could translate mandalas into other mediums eg. stitching and/or fabric... I guess I put it in the 'too hard basket' but since I have 'played' over on this site the original ideas have risen to the fore again... There is something very pleasing about creating these flower images...

Flower Power...

I found this link over on sharonb's blog... Of course it isn't a time waster for someone like me... No - NEVER!!!!! LOL - but it is a lot of fun and I can see that it has a great deal of potential... I created this one and called it Passionate - I know - feeble name - but I have run out of 'instant' interesting names... I could imagine all sorts of applications - printing, painting, stitching and a combination of a few others... Now when I have more time...

H's block Mk2...

After an overnight pause and then viewing the block via the scanned image I decided that it needed some 'tweaking'... Firstly, I felt that the first wing 'disappeared' when compared to the second larger wing and because of the stitching lines the stitched wing made the crown also disappear - the eye followed all the lines and saw them all as the same if you can follow my drift... So to remedy both 'problems' I created another tulle wing -only smaller- the same as the larger one... I then double threaded the crown to give it more definenition... I also added some french knots in the variegated thread on the stomach to give eye interest and a 'challenge' ... I felt that the area behind the seahorse was a little empty and that the bubbles were just 'floating' without 'an anchor'... I added a single thread feather stitch seaweed trail to bring that portion of the block together... I am still unsure whether to add another starfish to the top of the block so that the eye is 'caught' on the colour and 'observes' and moves around the block rather than just gliding down the seaweed to the seahorse...

I made the choice not to add a seam treatment as I didn't want to separate the seahorse section from the rest of the block... I felt that if any of the other stitchers involved wanted to continue on with the scene then it would give some sort of continuation... Perhaps even roaming over the seam line would keep it all together - but of course it is up to each individual to make their own choices and stitch their bits... I only hope that the rest of the stitchers have as much fun as I have had... :-)))

H's underwater block...

My part of H's block completed... I really had fun doing this - and while I wouldn't strictly call it crazy quilting - more texttile art perhaps it has opened up all sorts of possibilities for me...

Progress thus far...

I thought that I had better post some evidence that I am actually doing something with the CQRR I am currently participating in... Now while this photo looks like I have done scant little - the brain cells have been working overtime... To be honest I had started something else on the block and as it progressed I just knew 'it' just wasn't the right 'it' - if you follow my drift... So... I unpulled it all... I know, I know time is of the essence but I just wasn't happy with what I had done... H, pleased don't be concerned I have found the perfect thing and hopefully this afternoon (or what is left of it !!!) I will be able to get on with it... This IT is just the right IT and I will post progress photos soonish!!!!! And the 'blobs' in the photo actually look rather nice in real time... I have just found something else that will (in my mind) just be lend itself perfectly... Bliss :-)))

Purple heart...

Have a heart...

One of two hearts I have made... They are both destine for a special cause...

A new blogger on the block...

While blog browsing I came across a new blogger via yarnstorm's blog - Getting Stitched On the Farm I just love the interior shots of her house - they are full of colour and expression... If I wasn't so much a nit-picky 'everything in its place' and muted, matching colour schemes Virgo - the 'wild' side of myself just loves these sorts of interiors...

Both these ladies have wonderful blogs - showcases for their lives... And when I see their knitting - I do wish that I could... I am a hopeless case regarding knitting - just hopeless.. Anyway for those of you who do (knit) please look at these blogs - the inspiration is maximum... Plus there are other delightful 'doings' as well... Some people are just born multi - talented...

Thinking aloud...

... about the CQRR I am currently in... I would like to keep some sort of log about the work which I do on other people's blocks as they pass through my hands... This way it gives me a record of what I have done... I am looking forward to doing some on the blue/green block of H's... She has suggested in her log book that she would like to explore an underwater theme... Yesterday without me really thinking about the block this idea began to form... sharonb's stitch dictionary shall come in very handy I believe... I have also thought about the DMC linen thread and how it would lend itself beautifully to H's other block - which of course led me off on another tangent... I think this 'thinking' is the root of all my problems it is not that I procrastinate it is that I have too many ideas running all at the same time and I find it difficult to settle down and just do ONE!!!!!! I can see with the quite quick 'turn around' that these blocks have I will need to think on my feet - challenging - but inspiring...

I bought the latest copy of 'Inspiration' magazine yesterday- it is their birthday issue - some very nice projects to do... Included was a little booklet called 'Fabulous Insects'... There is a cute little snail that I thought I would like to try... LOL more hunting and gathering for this latest craze... Up until recently I never use to buy this magazine as I always felt slightly intimidated by its content... I never thought that I would ever do that 'kind of stuff'... Little did I know what was ahead of me... While I see can't see myself doing a lot of what this magazine offers it does have some fabulous ideas... See - there I go again thinking too much... So many ideas - so little time to do

Another book...

I have added a new book to my collection of needlework books - I actually saw it at an art supply shop... I ordered it through work and should have it within a few days hopefully... It contained so many good things that I couldn't visually take it all in... I am looking forward to a l-o-n-g afternoon just pouring over the photos...

First CQRR blocks...

H's blocks arrived today... They both look interesting and I wonder which one I will work on... I am leaning towards the blue/green one - but then again I do like the cream one :-))) I will have to make a decision and just get 'on with it'... We have a fairly tight turn around time so I will have to get the needle working...

Mother's Day...

...in Melbourne is a wet and grey one... That sort of damp, drizzly weather that keeps everyone home in the warm... I am no different although we plan to go out later this afternoon for a little while...

Hmmm... not much to say really... Life is slowly returning to some routine now that I am working full time again... Would you believe I have been at my new job just shy of a month - how time flies when you are having fun!!!! But in fact time seems to have become lightening speed - we seem to be rushing through this year - it is nearly tax time again - that always tends to mark the middle of the year. Again I feel a little frustrated as I feel like I have been walking around in circles really not achieving as much as I would have liked to by now... Yes, I can hear you say that my year up until six weeks ago has been a bit of a waiting game because of my op etc...

I have decided that a physical list may be in order - there is nothing more satisfying than being able to cross something off a list and declare it 'a done deal'... At the moment everything seems to just whirl around in my mind with no end result...

I think also now that I am part of the CQRR over in a craft forum I need to 'have my wits about me and organize my time a little more effectively as to get these done as they arrive... I am expecting the first block to arrive any day now - mine have reached their first port of call in Queensland - I didn't realise that by the end of this RR my blocks will have traveled to New Zealand, England and America... I knew that they were going overseas but I didn't realise they were about to circumnavigate the globe. Now I wish... If wishes were horses beggars would ride my mother used to say...

On a similar note I have noticed that some of my regular blog reads have taken 'a leave of absences' citing in most cases similar reasons as I have just said - that time seems to have got away from them and there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything and that it was time for a breather from the blogging world until they sort out their real life...

I wonder whether it is 'a chicken or the egg' type thing - less time or just more to do in the same time frame... Unfortunately whatever it is - it seems to have the same effect for most people - it brings everything to a standstill - nothing then, of course, is achieved... We live in such a fast paced world where one has to be constantly 'in the race' - but I do wonder at times if we are like the mythical lemmings blindly racing to the cliff's edge... We are such a consumer driven society where we are constantly bombarded with images of 'the perfect life' providing we subscribe to whatever is being flogged at the times...

I don't know whether it is because I am the age I am or whether I am having some epiphany, but as I look around I question why I have collected the things I have over my life... Does it give one some sort of security or does it give one a sense of self - a bench mark to who one is in the world... I have noticed over the last 12 months or so that the urge to 'must have' is lessening... Yes, of course there are things that I would like to have but the urge to 'have them now' is all but gone... I have started to cull things that I have held onto for years - I look at them and I know that it is time for them to go to a new home... In an odd way as I do this I have the image of a snake shedding its skin - something that no longer 'fits' and has to be shed...

I sense wanting more from my life, but not in the material sense - but as yet I haven't an answer to what I do want. I learnt a very long time ago that we tend to distract ourselves with various means - addictions can at times come under this heading- rather than face what we need to... Is this - blogging- in some ways just another distraction... Yes, I agree that the comp is a wonderful tool - but I wonder, do we at times allow it to become 'the master' instead of 'the servant' it should be...

I am not sure why I am going down this path - it has been something that I have pondered about over the last few months - no, I haven't an answer to it all but I think that since I have noticed the number of people opting out of blogging land lately I wonder if it isn't all connected somehow... I would be interested in 'hearing' what others think...

They are out!!!!!!

I have just seen those two guys WALK unassisted out of their underground prison after 14 days... They both went straight into the open arms of family and friends... For everyone involved in their rescue - congraulations on a job well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Naked...

Here are my two CQRR blocks ready to begin their travels... They were created from a furnishing fabric sample that I bought at an op shop last year... I wanted to give a graduated colour effect... I will interested to see how they will return... One I have 'christened' Earth to Sea' the other is open to interpretation...

Another book, more threads...

...some beads and one lone button... More bits and pieces I have 'hunted and collected'... I actually picked up a needle for the first time yesterday and while I only did a few french knots it was good to be 'just doing'... This, I thought felt like a step in the right stitching direction again...

I must admit I am starting to feel more like my old self again... I went to see the guy who did my nose yesterday and he was very pleased with what he saw... There is no guarantee that while the nasal polyps won't grow back- there is less likely they will get to the way they were as now I shall be more aware of what they feel like - if that makes any sense... It seems like I shall be on a steroid spray long term as a preventive measure which doesn't excite me however it shall be a small price to pay if it can keep the polyps at bay... He doesn't want to see me for 12 months which I took to be a good sign... Next thing to do is wean myself off the medication I have been on for over 12 months - my doc. said it would take up to three months to come completely off it... Once I have achieved that there will be no stopping me...

The book wasn't 'one of mine' - as in from the bookshop I work in - but rather, from ebay... The seller had sent it sea mail at the end of January and I had all but given it up for lost - but to both mine and her delight it turned up yesterday. It is a really nice cross stitch book with some different bits and pieces in it... So I am really pleased to add it to my collection...

The threads I bought last Friday and today along with the heart shaped button and the beads...

Tomorrow I shall organise my 'naked blocks' for the start of their world wide trip... This is going to be an interesting time with half dressed blocks turning up in my letter box every couple of weeks or so... I will have to have my needle constantly 'at the ready' to keep the whole process flowing... I am looking forward to seeing each and every one as it 'filters' through here bringing with it others work to study and gain inspiration from...

Ok I am off - my computer hours are measured now that I am working full time. I thought while the washing was on I would 'pull up a chair' and blog...

Spare a thought and prayer for those two Tasmania miners and little Sophie Delezio and her family... Words are just not adequate to express what they and their families have suffered over these last days and hours...

Take care and enjoy whatever you are doing in the world this weekend...

Sunday night...

I can't believe it is Sunday night already - the weekend has flown... The time between Friday night to now has had the wings of speed... There was so much I wanted to do but unfortunately I haven't even got close... I think that is part of the downside of working full time - no time!!!!! I think I am going to have to re think about what and how I spend my time...

I was meant to do my block for the CQRR I am involved in but already I am off to a bad start as I didn't get within a bull's roar of finishing it... It will be posted off late... I managed to get the journal part sorted out - which of course is not the important part of it per say... So the task for the next couple of days is to get it ALL organised - I do dislike letting people down or holding up things like this... This is the first round robin I have been involved in since one I was in about three years ago where I got badly 'burnt' and I vowed and declared I would never participate in one again - but of course, 'never' is a very long time, and here I am again... Hmmm... I am looking forward to this one though as I am keen to see other people's work...

Well I am going to head off again and I wil see you all next week... Please all have a safe week and enjoy what ever you are doing...

Life is...

...very hectic at the moment as you can imagine... My life seem to be a whirl of learning a new system, a new work place, meeting new people and getting into a new routine...

My stitching is looking quite sad but I hope to get back into the swing of things when I feel a little less tired. Although, I have joined a CQRR over on the craft forum. I feel like I need to have the motivation to 'keep at it' otherwise I will grind to a stop and this RR sounded just the shot. It is fairly small by comparison to the block we did for sharonb's classes - it is a naked block measuring 4.5 by 8.5 inches (this includes a quarter inch seam allowance.) The completed block can then be turned into a) a needlecase b) a Swing purse for a mobile phone/whatever,or c) Mounted and framed as an art work. I have choosen to make a needlecase as I feel that it is more likely to end up as that but as an artwork it could very well languish with all my other bits and bobs... Because it will only have small patches to embellish it won't be as time consuming and because we are stitching to a deadline it will be more incentive to get on with it - it will also be interesting to see other people's work as theirs does a 'round robin' to me...

I still have M's block to have a 'play with' too and have had it out looking at it... I believe I have made my choice of patch to embellish - hopefully it too will be on its way within the next couple of weeks... With these chilly nights it is more appealing to sit and stitch for an hour or so...

Well that is all from me for the moment... Take care where ever you are in the world... :-)

Well...

...my first working week is over... I am exhausted both mentally and physically but it feels good to be working regular hours again and being able to plan my life again more than a week in advance. P and I have talked about our first holiday destination in 12 months time... How is that for planning??? I appreciate that I can walk to work most days and that I am so local to home... It is all those little unexpected bits that have made this position so sweet...

It has been a lot to take in - new location, new people and a new system. Even though I am still working for the same company because it is a franchise they have their own computer system at the point of sale, etc. It has taken a bit of getting my head around it and I still have a very long way to go - but I am getting there slowly. With this store however because I was always in there browsing and buying I was pretty offay with the book categories - especially the craft section - so that has helped me find most books reasonably easy. I love having a bit of a wander tidying and straightening in fact yesterday I had to remind myself that they are paying me to be there I am just not there visiting!!!!! But so far I have enjoyed myself immensly and I look forward to settling in more...

On my arrival home after my first day P had a present (the book above) for me... Although, as he said it doesn't directly deal with my sewing interests he thought that it might 'translate' into my CQ as far as ideas or designs went. I can see that it will be helpful with just the quick glance I have given itso far...

My stitching has really taken a back seat now - I am hopeful that I might even get to do some today once the 'chores' are out the way...

Well that is all from me at the present... I hope you all enjoy your weekend and have a safe one where ever in the world you may be...

Introducing...

My daugher E and her 'new home'...

Well...

...I am now gainfully employed FULL TIME... Am I surprised??? Yes - although I had some hint of it last week when I touched base with my new employers. When I originally went for the position it was suggested that it would be a 25 - 28 hour position. I was quite happy with that because it was going to be regular hours even though I had wanted a few more. But somewhere between the interview and me starting today it changed. Am I happy with the change??? More than as now I am working within walking distance of home I have only one late night to worry about and rarely a weekend unless I am needed. This is my dream job...

LOL- so it looks like I am going to busy for the next few weeks learning a complete new system and settling into another routine. I am not so sure how much stitching I will get done and I am sure until I get into a regular routine things will go a little pear shaped including my blogging... But bear with me and I shall return to normal sometime in the not so distant future...

The next part of the adventure begins...

Today I start my new job...

Today...

...was a very good day... I had a 'bits to do' kinda day. I made up my mind that I would do all those little bits and pieces which had been hanging around for ages. I walked into BH for the first time in an age and felt so much better for it. I popped into the shop where I start my new position on Tuesday to say hi. I was so warmly welcomed that it straight away made me feel a little less nervous. I met one of the other staff so that also 'broke the ice' so to speak. I find it weird I suppose, that not so long ago, I bought all my books from this store and now I shall be 'that side of the counter'. Looking forward to this 'new doorway' in my life. It is amazing in such a short time life has 'turned around'. I am prepared to embrace this new aspect of life with gusto and do whatever it takes to make it be truely successful...

My stitching still has gone by the way side... I had all good intentions last night but as soon as I sat down I was asleep...

G from Patra's Place came visiting yesterday. She, of course, had some wonderful 'show and tells'... I seriously think she should hold a nominal entrance fee exhibition. I am sure with some co-operation from some of her stitching friends she could have an interactive display of both her linen and people stitching, tatting, or whatever... I think given the right advertising, some thought and planning it could be succesful. There is a little gallery in BH - used to be an church- that might just be the go for something like that.

Well, again that is all I have... LOL I am rapidly turning into boring but I have a feeling come Tuesday - boring will look good...

Amazing the difference...

...one little X stitch can make... I thought that since my CQ block holds no appeal whatsoever at the moment I would once again have a little stitch on my cross stitch sampler (photo a couple of messages back) Now up until date I have had not one jot of trouble with this one - no misplaced stitches - nothing... Well this morning I really 'excelled' myself - after stitching for about an hour I noticed that one bit just would not work. A check of the same motif higher up revealed why - I had stitched a X in the wrong place. Could I fudge it? Not likely!!!! Of course - the offending stitch had to be at the BEGINNING - so I spent another 20 minutes carefully unpicking back to that point... Grrrrrr!!!!!!! Perhaps I might give up stitch related things altogther for a while... Except reading stitching blogs that is... :-))

It's Friday again...

I am still feeling 'a little average'... And try as I might, my stitching just doesn't hold any appeal. I keep looking at my block and I can't bring myself to do more than move it from one spot to another. I am still feeling very tired - in fact more than I did after the op. itself. Perhaps it is my body 'settling down' but what ever it is I seem to be sleeping a lot and my other favorite pass time is suffering too - I am lucky if I can make it down one page before I am nodding off... I am looking forward to a couple of weeks down the tracks when I am feeling more normal... But looking on the brighter side at least it is all behind me... While I am having all this down time I have become quite reflective in my thinking - it is amazing the thoughts one thinks when doing nothing for long periods of time. Well that is all from me at this stage... Take care until next time. Again, thanks to those of you who have left me messages I will get around to a more personal reply when I am feeling a little more 'with it'... Enjoy your week-end where ever you are...

I'm back....

Well it is all 'done and dusted' so to speak. I am home a little worse for wear, but glad that it is all over. I won't bore you with the gory details but it is suffice to say - I am never having it done again!!!!! In actual fact I am not in any real pain - more tenderness and I show no visuals what I have had done - but boy, I do feel it - a wee bit tender everywhere. I dread to think what they do to you while you are 'out'... Apparently it took about two hours to do. I remember bits and pieces of post op - but I am not trying 'to remember' too hard. All's I want to do is drink cups of tea and sleep. I bought 3 magazines before I went in - splurged on the latest 'Inspirations' - I have read about one whole page and that was this morning at home... I feel quite unsettled and keep wandering around the house...

By comparison to some, I had quite minor surgery although it involved a few risks as they work up close to the front part of the brain and the optic nerve. I think it was that that bothered me the most really. You always hear about that one in a million chance of things going off the board. Poor P I told him that if anything went wrong I didn't want to be revived - this was only a little while before I went in. I think that the 'nearest and dearest' go through their own anxious time when any type of surgery is involved. Between P and my girls I felt very cared for...

I have to say that I was treated very well by all the staff from the surgeons right through to the cleaner - but there is no place like home...

Well, onto the recovery part of the plan and once I am firing on all jets again getting onto the next part - the new job. Right now though my pillow is calling once again... My thanks to all of you who have sent me messages they are most appreciated...

3rd time lucky????

I am cautiously optimistic - the hospital HASN'T rung me so I guess I can count myself in on their 'do list' for today... I may be missing for a few days - so all of you out there take care...

Cross Stitch...

Have done a little more on this in between my CQ block... I actually found this quite relaxing - I did the side panel of the blue flowers... The plan is to stitch this between doing my bits on the block...

Saturday arvo...

Took a very quick trip this morning to Hudson - a shop in Balaclava - to have a look at loobylu's softies. After some mis- directions, grand prix traffic, a 'close encounter' with an accident and the general hustle and bustle of Carlisle street on a Saturday morning we found Hudson. More by accident than design we found that Hudson's was on the corner of the side street we had parked in. I think I only recognised the shop because of miss eagles photos... This was the last weekend so I was pleased we went.

Loobylu's marshmellow bunnies were just lovely and I was so pleased that I had the opportunity to see them 'up close'. E was also impressed with the store and the range which they carried - it has inspired her to get her own creation off the drawing board and into the 3D world. I can see more sewing ahead. Today's trip also bought back lots of memories of for us both- when we would catch the tram from Caulfield to there and browse the shops. As much as I like living over here and it has been good for us - both of us get 'homesick' when we travel down to that neck of the woods. Coupled with my feeling odd ( previous post) it has been a dejvu kinda day...

Saturday...

Today I am feeling a little odd... Last night I finished my last shift in my old position... I don't start my new position until the middle of April and I have my op (hopefully) on Monday... I feel in a bit of a no where place and I guess that is what has promoted this odd feeling. I do feel as though massive change is just a whisper away.

This date 5 years ago we had had just spent our first night here - little did we know what was ahead of us. So much has change - people have come and gone as too, have job changes. But nothing remains constant. I have started to consider that I would like to go back to some form of study - once things have settled down I shall begin that exploration. Something to do with literature I think. And so on it goes...

A few more stitches...

LOL - you will be very bored by the time I have finished this block. But I guess this constant up-date is more for me than you. I want to keep some sort of a pictorial record of my progress...


I decided that the bullion roses looked a bit lost so I decided to add some leaves using a fine fishback stitch. The stitch is really easy but it looks more of a satin stitch on my work than fishback - but the leaves look reasonable so I am not going to re-do them. I have added some curling tendrils to give it a more 'attached' look- now roses don't look like they are free floating. I am still to add a tenderil down at the other end to even it up abit.

To the ric rac I have stitched some softly coloured variegated perle cotton and I have added some predominately mauve beads with one deeper coloured bead to add a little interest as they follow the ric rac curves.

And by sheer accident I have solved what I am going to do with the empy space on the bottom of the cornflower blue section. As I was picking out the darker coloured beads for the ric rac I dropped the packet they were in which was a sort of a 'soup mix' of all different hues and shapes and sizes of blue beads. I actually dropped them onto the block and most of them fell over that section - as I went to pick them up I saw there was a self made bead trail across the bottom of the piece. BINGO!!!! Now that was really exciting to see. Another piece of the jigsaw fallen into place - literally!!!

I have enjoyed doing these extra bits as they have fired my imagination and slowly I can see the embellishment taking place. I have decided that I will make a cushion from this piece and because I am largely a practical person this has given me a goal - and end result- to work towards.

Unfortunately '6x4 lives' has fallen off the stitching line as today is the last day of March and the weekend is not going to have much 'stitching allowance'. And I would imagine after Monday stitching will be the last thing in my thoughts and actions for a few days...

A little explanation...

On Tuesday I was offered a permanet part time job in a local bookstore - infact it is the store which I used to 'haunt' before I became employed in a bookshop myself. I have been looking for part time work since starting last July and this position sounded perfect... But they wanted someone ASAP - there lay the problem

Yesterday I went and met with the couple who own the store and we hit it off really well -after a lengthy chat we came to the business end when everyone lays their cards on the table... I then told them about my impending op - expecting the job offer to vanish infront of me. Instead, they said that they would wait until after my op, for me to commence the position with them. I was struck speechless - which if you knew me - that is some feat. I felt like I had won the lottery - only better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now just to get this op out the way...

Guess what!!!!!

I got the job and the op...

More additions...

I have made a little more progress on my block... I have added the ric rac to the cornflower blue section, some half wheels with beads to the multi colored section, french knots onto the lace section, sequins and french knots to the chain stitch and the some bullion roses and beads to the floral section... The bullion roses are my first attempt so are a little rustic - I kinda got the hang of them by about the third flower - it is all in the way you hold your MOUTH!!!!!!

I seem to have lost momentum with this block but I am determined to complete it... The french knots to the lace section don't thrill me and I have some beads to add there which I hope will lift it... I have removed the other lace for the moment but will add it towards the end... The peacock green section at the back of the block has me stumped I have been through my bits and bobs and I may have something, but it would be a complete departure from the floral theme - plus it would have the eye romping off 'the path' and trespassing on the grass... Hmmm...

I have also received J's daughter M's block- this has only had one section done so I am looking at a great expanse of block... I have read M's log book and apparently cats, butterflies and the colour purple are the orders of the day... I am looking forward to putting my new found skills into practise...Busy, busy,busy...

The next couple of days are going to be interesting - I have some decisions to make... More about that later...

Op shop...

A find yesterday... Made a quick and unexpected visit to the op shop and found all this - there was actually a stack of it but it was about 10 minutes to closing time and I didn't have time to pull it all out. This was what was on top of the box. Most of it apart from the floral in the top corner was furnishing fabric there was also a swatch of colour samples... I made sure that all of it would be reasonably easy to sew. Best of all it was only $5.00. The whole lot were quite large pieces so I can see a lot of CQ blocks 'happening' from here - well, that is the plan anyway... :-))

The latest gossip...

It has been a full on few days...

Thursday - M & D returned home so there was all that catching up to do - photos to look at and gossip to exchange. They both had a wonderful time with lots of stories to tell. They even managed to stay awake all day as to try and help their body clocks to adjust by going to bed at the right time. It was really good to have them home again. Miss Yookie was as predicted giving them the cold shoulder and it took a piece of fish from the fish and chip shop to 'smooth over the waters' so to speak. We had fish and chips from M & D's favorite shop for lunch and Miss Yookie only lasted a few minutes when she knew what was on offer for lunch. I really don't know who was bluffing who though...

Friday - Unexpected shift change at work means that I was there all day instead of 1/2 day...

Saturday - P took me to a wonderful embroidery and needlework shop quite near us called Bustle and Bows. As I said this morning I felt like I had died and gone to heaven - it is a truly beautiful shop that is just perfect to accommodate for my new found CQ passion. The bits I bought are at the top of the page. I can see I shall go there again soon... It may be a little more expensive - but the customer service is just great, so helpful and patient with someone like myself. One of the other customers even commented on my block which I thought was lovely... The sun definitely shone brighter this morning. P and I finished up the morning with a coffee and cake - what a nice way to spend a Saturday morning...

When P and I got home we decided to attack the bookcase we have in our hall. We have a problem in so much as we have far too many books for the amount of space we have. So today we had a culling. We both decided to keep only the books we haven't read or that are favorites. What it amounted to have a very large pile in the middle of the floor. Then begun the task of putting the remainder back into the shelves. We did as humanly possible put 99% of them into alphabetical order by authors name. At this writing we have managed to get the largest majority back into the shelves with only the kids books to go. Mind you this is only one bookshelf and the novels and non fiction - not any other books or magazines else - that is still to come. I have made a promise to myself come the end of the year the house will have had an entire 'spring clean' from top to toe. There won't be anything that won't be accounted for, no corner which won't have been peered into, nor cupboard that won't have seen the light of day. But of course with all this tidying up and one tends to makes messes in other areas - but I have the rest of the year to get it just right!!!!!

M & D are home...

As we speak, M & D are home... After six weeks of wandering aound Paris, Spain, London and Poland on their belated honeymoon - they are Aussie side again. It was a wonderfully romantic way of celebrating their first anniversary together and I know they have only been away for 6 weeks but I have missed them. Not that we live in one and other pockets so to speak but I think knowing they were so far away played a big part in it. If I sound like an overprotective mother I am not, but this time (2nd) they went away I felt quite odd about them going. Perhaps if I had to be honest, a lot has happened in the world since they went away last time and I was a little concerned. But they are home again - travel weary I expect- looking forward to their own bed and those little comforts that make up home. I can imagine that there is one four footed creature who will be purrrfectedly happy to see them. Yookie (sp may be off here) is a bit of a sook and dislikes being babysat - ask P and I - we know only too well about her antics!!!! Now when they get home it will either be to an ecstatic reunion or the ' Well, your home are you? See if I care!' accompained by a tail up - glance over a departing shoulder, coolest of looks... Those of you who are cat owners can probably relate to that one. Mind you from all accounts she has been treated like a princess by the friends they have had housesitting. M & D may well have to put up with a snub or two for a few days until things return to 'Yookie normal'.

I spent yesterday cleaning - well partially... Let me explain I am a Virgo, but please don't hold that against me. Since I have begun my latest passion of CQ parts of the house have gone to pieces. Now while I can live in a chaotic state while I am creating - it wears thin when I am not... I don't possess a sewing room or nook or even a cupboard which makes it worse so I have bits all over the place but mainly in the lounge room. And at the rate those bits were 'growing' you would have thought I was feeding them - no comment here from anywhere!!!! I digress - so yesterday I started by 'just moving one little pile' which lead to another little pile and so the story goes... By yesterday afternoon I was cursing about the mess I had made... But at least I have a 'tidied' shambles as opposed to an untidy shambles. Strangely all that sorting helped me in some sort of way 'clear a path' about my block for sharonb's classes... I think that I know what I want to do on it but am a little afraid just to 'let it rip so to speak'... I am sure I have a split personality in regards to my crafting... One side of me like to do little tiny stitches well executed and dainty - the other side wants to have bold swirls and curls that leap off the (what ever I am doing) saying 'Look at me!!!!!' I tussle with this conflict of interests all the time... But at least my block is 'speaking' to me again so now that I have tidied it all up - I am going to pull it all out again... But isn't that just what Life is about...

A little bit more...

...but not much... I have added some more of G's lace to the top right and some yellow arrow stitching to the peacock green chain stitch on the floral seam. I have also 'tweaked' the agapanthus flowers on the blue section but I seem to have hit a slump with this block. I think that it is because I seem to want to put the 'cart in front of the horse' by starting with the buttons and bits and working outwards. I am trying to contain myself and do it in the correct order of things... I can see where sharonb is leading by starting and progressing in a logical order rather than my haphazard 'bumble bee' way of doing things by flitting from one bit to another. I understand that there is a the logical progression of 'building up' the block but I am itching to sew on 'some bits'. It seems that I gather my inspiration from these bits as they 'build form' in front of me. Now what might that suggest about my personality. LOL - That I might like to get to the 'good stuff' rather than lay proper foundations???? Me - Never!!!!!

AGAPANTHUS - Agapanthus orientalis...

Another update on my block... The dawn of realization hit me somewhere between my last posting and this entry. This 'bolt of enlightenment' illuminated my mind for a just fleeting nano second. 'Yes,' you say, 'and...'

I realized that this block will not be finished by the time the classes have completed... 'Oh, is that all...' you say.

You see somewhere in my mind I thought that I had to have this ready to 'hand in' on some yet to be announced date. Ready for inspection and to be marked... Did I really think that? LOL - I think I might be in need some serious therapy - my late 1950's/60's school years have a lot to answer for... Perhaps I didn't consciously think that - but somewhere in my subconscious I believe I did - and I think it started to take the fun out of why I am doing this class.

I felt like I was falling behind and that troubled me. Yes, I have fallen behind in a sense that I haven't done ALL the seam treatments and ALL the motif embellishments , but through my 'playing around' with what I have done I have learnt heaps. Some of it I have removed and some I have retained. What have I learnt??? That a line of chain stitch along a seam 'moves' the eye quicker than the words 'huntsman sider' does. But I have also learnt to do reverse chain stitch - so there is the bonus. I have learnt to look and look again.

I dug out a of stitching book I have had for years - Embroidered Garden Flowers - Diana Lampe - ISBN 1 86351 0435 1. This book has always been a favorite of mine as I have often 'wandered' in her embroidered gardens - mind you - never done anything from it, but up until now 'the wandering' had been fine. I flicked through it and came across the AGAPANTHUS and thought they would look 'just the thing' on the cornflower blue area. So I took up my needle and began -the flower heads were a blend of two DMC single threads 340, 341 and the stems and leaves were 3346 - whilst they weren't hard to do they took some doing. More going a round in a continuious circle using a fly stitch with a long tail - the stems and leaves were done in whipped stem stitch. Whilst they aren't the best executed flowers in the world the sense of accomplishment I felt was well worth it. They aren't finished as there is a white one to go up behind the blue ones - I have created the white flower with a blended DMC white and 341 thread.

I looked at the block as a whole and saw lots of stop/start traffic areas - but having read sharonb's fourth lesson I can already see possibliities of 'untangling' the snarls and get them flowing... As this - at this point- will be a stand alone block I have made the descision not to give it a 'right side up' - maybe it will evolve - but I wanted people when they looked at it to naturally turn it around discovering bits as they go...

The piece of white lace (yes, G - a piece of yours) will be dyed to blend in and not be so stark but it will act as 'a path' and lead to a button or bead trail which will cross from the cornflower blue section into the floral section and over the chain stitch therefore avoiding an 'intersection' of seams and hopefully creating more of a 'roundabout'. Well, that is the plan to date -but then again you know what happens to the best laid plans. So I guess getting back to my opening line - I can see that this block may be a 'work in progress' for many weeks to come with me adding and subtracting until I get the mix 'just right'. My angel block is hovering just on the outskirts of my brain and so I have begun the 'hunting and gathering' process for that...

Meanwhile the house looks like a multi coloured bomb has exploded... Not having 'a room of one's own' I tend to have bits all over the house. The next house a sewing room for me is a must!!!!!!

Only six more sleeps until M & D are home...

Briar roses...

Well, here are my efforts that took me into the wee small hours - not a lot to show for it- except my sleep depraved eyes. I sat yesterday looking at my block and my block looking back at me. We both knew - my block and I - that if I didn't make a start - it would be unlikely that I would. So my block said to me - "Let's just get on with it!!!!!!" And so I did...

A glimmer of an idea grew... I remembered that I had some flower threads in a couple of kits I had so I went on a mission and unearthed them. Between the three kits I had quite a selection of the colours that toned with my block. Flower threads are lovely and soft and I have enjoyed working with them before. I wondered how best I could utilize the threads and thought that they would lend themselves quite nicely to outline stitch roses - which as the name suggests is just outline stitch going around in a circle. While mine aren't the best example you can get the idea what they should look like. Like when making up a CQ block - you have to travel in the same direction otherwise you can get yourself in a bit of a pickle. At first the roses sat above the seam line like birds on a fence and so I thought about what I could use to connect the flowers - leaves just didn't do it for me - believe me I tried- so I fell back on the tried and true feather stitch - now I am a fussy Virgo - and go to great pains to make things nice and neat. This time I wanted the feather stitch to ramble and be a little untidy and not stay within the boundaries of the tan/gold section. As you can see I have managed to connect the flowers and ramble just a wee bit - I am going to extend the 'rambling' - over the seam line- into the floral section, the red section below and perhaps into the multi coloured section at the other end. I already have bought a couple of buttons and some other bits to go into this section so the rambling should 'travel' the eye just nicely to them. As I stitched kept getting the words 'briar roses' - so much for my tree block!!!! I have a feeling with what I thought I was going to have is not what I will end up with. But in saying that I am positive that the block will undergo many changes before it is completed. I do feel a little better this morning having made a start.

I perceive part of my difficulty is that it is a strong block and not pretty, therefore I am needing some strong stitch elements so that they doesn't get lost in the fabrics - I think the flower threads helped start this process - however I won't be using just flower threads - but they were a great way to start 'the ball rolling' so to speak...