Designs By Fee

Weekend Time - YAY !

2012-01-27T19:35:00.000+11:00

The weekend has arrived again - My favourite time of the week. I have a pretty full weekend planned including our wedding anniversary dinner at our favourite italian restaurant. You have to book a few weeks in advance to get in so we have been planning this night out for a little while. It will be nice just to chill out - Just the two of us.

I have a few little projects on my To Do List this weekend including playing with these circles and buttons.

And some paper piecing

I enjoy paper piecing very much and this time I am playing with a new design

In very "Un Fee" Colours but still nice. This will be the pattern that I release at our "Lets Get Stitched in Tassie" weekend this coming March.

I am having lots of fun putting it together. Do you have much planned for the weekend? I hope that whatever you chose to do that you enjoy it.

Love and Hugs,

Fee XX

Australia Day Doings.....

2012-01-26T09:11:00.000+11:00

Happy Australia Day to my fellow Australians.

Do you have much planned today on this Public Holiday to celebrate our nation? Unfortunately Hubs has to work today so we have nothing planned but instead I hope to get into the studio for a few hours.

I have spent a few hours this morning on the computer trying to get things in order for our upcoming Lets Get Stitched Weekend. It is going to be so much fun. Are you planning on joining us for any of the events? If so please ket me know so we can get the final stages of planning finalised. We are closing off bookings on Valentines Day (February 14th).

If you are a newsletter subscriber I have sent this weeks specials out a day earlier. It includes some Honeybuns from the new 3 Sisters range "Papillon" - I think I love this more than Aviary - Is that at all possible? I also have some MODA fabric suitable for a mans quilt or backing fabric at just $8.00 per metre. There are Bargains Galore OVER HERE.

I came home yesterday to 2 delicious parcels in the mail. These little owls flew over the Bass Strait to come and live with me - They are from Amanda - They are just adorable !! The detail is amazing she is one clever girl.

And Look Cori's latest BOM all dressed up in a calendar which steps out each weeks To Do's to be on target to have the quilt finished by the end of the year - I wonder if I can keep up? The fabrics that she has chosen are gorgeous. This is going to be one adorable quilt.

So I am off now to play housekeeper for a little while and then I am going to hide in the studio and play.

Have a wonderful day.

Hugs - Fee XX

MIA

2012-01-24T08:23:00.000+11:00

It has been 8 days since I last blogged - I have been Missing In Action. Sorry about that but we are enjoying such beautiful weather here in Brighton at the moment that the chance to get out in the garden and tidy up and other such things have been too much to pass up. I have even been pottering outside each evening after work once the heat starts to subside.

I have managed to grab a few minutes here and there to work on the little tutorial I am doing for you at the end of the month. Don't forget that you will need a little vintage napkin if you want to play along.

And I have managed a little progress on my newest quilt design but somehow I think this one is going to be awhile..... That's what you get when you keep drawing and forget about how long it's going to take to stitch.

The cats have been loving the warmer weather and make full use of the sun drenched scratch pole. Jack likes to be king of the castle - I did take a lovely photo of all of them sunbaking but the quality was worse than this one - I am still using my Iphone for photographing at the moment. Doesn't he look regal sitting up there?

JT is still recovering from when he was sick so every few days I roast a chicken for them all as it is JT's favourite meal. This is how I have to "Jack" proof the chicken before I serve it to them. He still tries to get to it before it is cool enough to eat.

But not even warm chicken will tempt this lazy fellow from his favourite spot. Dreamer is such a gentleman and waits until everyone has had their fill before he takes his turn. They are all loving the sun drenched/ air conditioned house at the moment - Who wouldn't? It really is a cat's life.

I hope that you are having a lovely week.

Hugs - Fee X

2012-01-16T08:22:00.000+11:00

When I get the bug - I really get it. I painted all of my treasure finds yesterday afternoon and last night was able to scatter them around our home. This is the little terracotta pot on the black metal stand - Now lovely and white and holding a fresh bunch of lavender from the garden.

This previously gold stands has come up a treat in it's new skin. I can see this one being very useful - especially at Christmas.

My 50c Bright Yellow Mug Tree makes a lovely scissor and rotary cutter stand in my little studio.

And my favourtie find this 2 tier wire stand which was originally green. I have to admit that I was very tempted to leave it green but now that it is painted I am very pleased with it's new look.

And it's accompanying basket is pretty cute too

The little frame looks cute in it's new clothes. I printed up a little stitchery to put inside (It is currently my stitching project) and I think that it says it all.

So for such a small $ amount and a little bit of paint and effort I have been able to add 6 new home decor items this weekend and I am feeling pretty pleased with myself.

Did you do anything to your castle this weekend? I would love to see what you have been up to.

Hugs - Fee X

Some Days Are Diamonds ........

2012-01-15T11:25:00.001+11:00

It seems like so long ago that I went on a good treasure hunt but this morning we had a lovely wander around our local trash & treasure market. Some days you find no treasure at all and some days are diamonds....... Like today.

You will have to use your imagination with today's finds as they all need work...... Just as well I am in the painting mood because their transformation will begin today.

A total of $17.50 for this lot - Luckily I had bag carriers with me - LOL

Late last year I discussed with you a Scrap Challenge for 2012. I haven't forgotten about it but things have been so busy that I haven't had a lot of time to get the projects in my head done. I thought that you might like to start with this table topper which was recently published in Patchwork & Stitching Magazine. In the next few days hunt around for a vintage serviette and I will do a tutorial on how to make your own from a pre-loved serviette. It won't be the same as this one but you can get the pattern from P & S.

I am sorry about the quality of the photographs today - I am camera less at the moment and am saving my pennies for a new one so for now my Iphone is standing in.

These are partly the reason why I have been very busy - I have been a very naughty girl and have let the accounts build up since July last year and now I have the task of entering it all in to our accounting programme - I do an hour or two each night and I am slowly making inroads.

It is school holidays here in Tasmania for a few more weeks and Amy was lucky enough to be invited to spend a day with Jo in her craft room. She totally loved the day and look what Jo taught her.

And these gorgeous tags. I think I need to go over to Jo's and get some tips too - She's very clever.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Hugs - Fee XX

A Little Bit Close For Comfort

2012-01-09T20:33:00.000+11:00

It has been a blustery day here today and tonight a grass fire started in the paddock opposite us. It is easy to see how quickly a fire spreads as it was a matter of seconds before it had taken off fuelled by the wind.

Luckily the wind was going in the opposite direction but we hosed our front area just in case there were sparks.

To show you how close the fire was this is taken from my front door...... The firies were wonderful and extinguished it in no time. Well Done Boys !

Hugs - Fee XX

Weekend Doings..... + Christened Names

2012-01-07T19:41:00.000+11:00

How is your weekend going? I had to work today but tonight I spent some time putting together some kits for my Christmas Honour Stitchery featuring simple stitchery and some gorgeous Theodora Cleave and Country Heart Buttons.

If you have already ordered yours they are about to be popped into Australia Post's Big Red Box

They come packaged in a gorgeous Christmas tin and are on sale for just $15 per kit.

Thank You for all of the name suggestions for my mischevious pair. I Love the name "Ollie" as suggested by Linda for the little bird and Gill suggested "Marmalade" for the pussy cat which fits him perfectly. Plese get in touch with your addresses girls. If you are a newsletter subscriber I will be including a little Marmalade and Ollie Stitchery next Friday.

Bye for now

Hugs - Fee XX

Arrivals and a Birth

2012-01-04T20:09:00.000+11:00

Helen, Jo and I had a lovely chatting and stitching session yesterday. We didn't get a lot of stitching done but we did make time for Scones, Jam & Cream. Time spent with stitching friends is wonderful and great for the creative mojo.

Just before they arrived a delivery van pulled up and delivered me a huge box of loveliness for a new quilt design.

7 Bolts of Romantic Florals - Be Still My Beating Heart !!!! I am still working on the design for this one but hope to have it ready for AQC in April.

Recently 2 new characters were born in the studio - A gorgeous 2 toned kitty cat and a sweet little love bird.

Just about all of my designs feature flowers of some sort and this little duo are sitting amongst a bed of assorted blooms. These 2 are featured in a new design but I feel a bit mean not naming them so I am open to suggestions.

I have a skinny quarter bundle of the 7 fabrics above for the best kitty cat name and another for the best love bird name so get your thinking caps on. I will christen them with their names over the weekend so you have until then to think up something lovely.

Hugs - Fee XXX

It's been a hot start to the year......

2012-01-02T17:24:00.000+11:00

For those of you that are used to a warm climate 30 degrees celcius may be on the cool side but things start to really heat up here in Tassie once the thermometer begins to climb on the wrong side of 30 which it has done here in Brighton for the last 2 days.

The first thing we do when the weather heats up is to make sure that the hens are let out early to give them a chance to pick around before it gets too hot and then find a nice cool spot to spend the rest of the day until dinner time when they return to their hen house.

Mother Nature has also been kind this week giving us some lovely pink eye potatoes

And some lovely sweet apricots

I have spent some time making up lots of these Vintage Music Sheet Paper Lavender Sachets for orders because they are on special over in my shop and are floating out the door.....

And I have been packing orders ready to send out

I also picked a bunch of flowers (Agapanthus) and Pepper Corn Tree Branches for a display in our family room.

I never realised how delicately sweet the buds of the agapanthus are - They are very pretty and I can see them featuring in a design in the near future.

I have just one more day of recreational leave left until I return to work so I have a couple of special visitors coming around to sit and stitch tomorrow - I think I will need to make a batch of scones.

I hope you are enjoying the start of 2012.

Hugs - Fee X

Swap Gifts Sent, Getting Organised and an Update on Josh

2011-12-30T20:33:00.002+11:00

After showing you the gorgeous gifts I received in swaps this year I thought I would show you the gifts I made and sent. This lot went to Karol-Ann in the UK in Chooky Blue's SSC Swap.

This is the bag I made for Melody in our online friendship group's 5 things swap.

And because I enjoyed making it so much I made another one for Shez as her final gift in the advent swap. The bag was one featured in Jenny's Elefantz Home Magazine last month and it is a breeze to make. Jenny's step by step tutorial makes it a pleasure to stitch. Because I love this bag so much Jenny made me one too - Check it out on her blog.

I am on leave until the middle of next week so I am taking the opportunity to get a few things made in readiness for some of the plans I have put in place for the coming year. I have made lots of these Lavender Sachets.

And I have been playing around in my Book of Lists again.

Writing myself a January To Do List and doodling ........

I have been cutting, folding and wrapping lots of bundles of Fabric

If you are a newsletter subscriber then you will have heard by now why........

Because I have a stand at AQC in April - Yep Stand No 8 is all mine !! I will be attending a few others and will let you know which ones in the coming weeks.

Thank you once again for all of the thoughts and prayers for Josh. He is doing well. Look at his new leg. Today I took him to another prosthetic fitting and watched him walk. I can't explain how wonderful that felt to see him walk again. His smile says it all.

I want to wish you a Happy New Year. Stay Safe.

Hugs - Fee XX

2011-12-29T22:55:00.000+11:00

The Christmas Decorations in our home have already been packed away but I had to leave these gorgeous birds made for me by Shez in the advent swap up for a little while longer.

They are all so cute and it is very hard to chose a favourite.

Even though christmas is over I have today listed these vintage christmas decorations over in my Ebay shop.

In 2012 I will be parting with lots of my treasures and vintage finds and will be attending a few estate sales to find new pretties to list. I now have a link to my Ebay Store just under my blog banner.

Now here is one treasure I stumbled across today which won't be going anywhere. It is large enough to hold a few of my current projects inside and is perfect to sit beside my chair. I love it !!

I have been very busy cutting fabric. Bolt after Bolt of fabric !!

If you are a newsletter subscriber check your inbox to find out why. It contains a few offers as well as the sharing of a little bit of my news and changes for 2012. You can subscribe FREE at any time using the form at the top right hand corner of my blog.

Hugs - Fee XX

Swap Gifts Received

2011-12-27T21:01:00.001+11:00

Christmas Morning was so much fun in our house. One of the highlights for me was being able to open my swap gift parcels.

Michele was my partner in Chooky Blue's SSC Swap and she spoilt me rotten. I received this gorgoeus hanging crystal.

This sweet little elephant pin cushion

And this divine cat quilt. You all know that I just adore pussy cats and this wall quilt will be hung with pride in my entrance hallway. Thanks so much sweet girl - I feel very spoilt.

And look at the gorgeous label.

My online friendship group that I am a member of had a 5 things christmss swap and this is the table runner that I received from the lovely Jeanette. It was used on Christmas Day on one of our dining tables. Thanks so much Jeanette.

And last but certainly not least is this gorgeous bag from Shez in the Advent Swap. I also received a phone cover and a tissue cover in the days leading up that match perfectly. Shez calls it a Bra Bag. It will be having it's first outing tomorrow.

Next time I will show you some of the gifts I sent.

Hugs - Fee XX

In The Home Straight

2011-12-24T12:03:00.000+11:00

It's Christmas Eve and almost lunch time and I have just stitched the last few binding stitches into this quilt as a gift for my teenage niece.

I am so pleased that I have stuck to my schedule as I wanted this afternoon and tonight to be easy going and not full of deadlines and stress.

All I have to do know is wrap it.

Last night I finished this little baby quilt too for my baby niece.

This will be my final post until new year's eve so I want to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting with me, for your friendship and love throughout the year and for sticking with me through thick and thin.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and I hope that Santa is kind to you.

Love and Hugs,

Fee XX

Some More Gift Ideas

2011-12-22T21:03:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite things about Christmas is the giving and receiving of handmade goodies. I like to think that the time I have taken to make something for someone is appreciated and I in turn am always thrilled and grateful to receive something handmade.

Have you been following along with Kerryanne's Simply Christmas? Putting the handmade back into christmas. If you have then you would have seen these gorgeous little christmas puddings made from Tim Tams and Cream Cheese covered in milk and white chocolate and topped off with a cherry. I made a whole tray full tonight.

Tomorrow is my last day at work before christmas so tonight I put together some gifts for my fellow workers. I bought some gorgeous little christmas coasters and wrapped it up with 2 little puddings.

Wrapped a ribbon around it's middle and tied off with a bow.

They look so cute.

And for the girls in the office I put together a home fragrance pack which consists of a little paper bag full of tea light candles, a ceramic tart burner and 6 scented soy wax tarts hand poured and scented by me.

I tied them up with a bell, some ribbon and a wooden ornament.

And now I am all ready for gift giving tomorrow. I have just 2 gifts left to finish and a mountain of pavlova making to do. I wonder if I will finish in time?

How are you going? Are you getting any closer to being able to relax?

Hugs - Fee XX

Wall Organiser Tutorial

2011-12-21T08:03:00.001+11:00

My Wall Organiser was very easy to make and the inspiration came from some bargain shoe laces from the discount store. They were just gorgeous and 2 pairs for $1.00. I don't often wander the isles of this particular store but these laces jumped out at me and are perfect for the project.

So this is what I purchased that day - Some shoe laces, Some stationary clips in pretty pastel colours and a 2 pack of artists canvases each measures 20cm X 50cm (8" X 20")

You will also need a rectangle of backing fabric - 13" X 24" - or there abouts + a staple gun

Lay your rectangle of fabric right side down onto a hard surface and lay the artist canvas on top centereing it with the right side down.

Starting at one of short ends fold the fabric over to make a nicce neat fold and then attach to the end with staples. Repeat for the second short side but make sure that the fabric is pulled tight but not taut.

This is how it should look from the back

And the front

Fold each corner in as you would when wrapping a gift and put in a staple to hold in place (on all 4 corners)

All of the folded fabric left of the staple on the corner can now be cut away. Then fold the fabric on the long sides over to give a nice neat finish and staple in place all the way along.

This is how it should look from the back.

And the front

Now cut off the plastic tip from one end of a shoelace and attach it to the side of the canvas on the short side about 1/3 down. Repeat on the other side making sure that the lace is pulled taut across the front of the canvas. You can measure and mark this on both sides if you want. I used 3 staples for extra strength. Repeat with the second shoe lace but this time it will be about 2/3rds down. You should now have 2 strips of shoe lace across the front of your canvas.

With the off cut of one of the laces make a hanging loop from the top of the canvas.

Then just simply place your clips along the shoe lace to hold your notes etc. Little pegs would look great too.

You can play around with colour and themes - There are some gorgeous childrens prints out there and some wonderful colourful laces but it had to be pink for me - You do understand don't you LOL

You could of course use any size canvas or even tip this size canvas up the other way and have lots more rows of laces. I hope you enjoy making one - It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and makes a perfect gift.

Hugs - Fee XX

Sharing, More Decorating and Back to Treasure Hunting

2011-12-20T19:24:00.001+11:00

I have to admit that working in the hospitality industry at this time of the year can be challenging but thankfully now we are in the home straight and there is time to sit back and relax a little more each evening. As Sunday draws closer everyone in our household gets a little more excited not only about the day itself, but about the joy of spending time with our loved ones and being able to relax for the extended break and just enjoy being together.

Like other families each year our family grows and 3 of our children now have other families to share their time with too so christmas becomes a spread of get togethers on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day. Is it like that for your family too?

So many of you have kindly said how much you are enjoying seeing my quirky christmas decorating so I thought that I would show you a few more corners of my festive home.

Underneath my little crystal tree is a vintage barber's mirror which I often use to display different vignettes around my home. The little tree catches the light and dances on the ceiling as the afternoon sun plays with it.

My little white christmas tree sits beside it decorated in pink and silver

Our dining table also wears christmas clothes

And a crystal and glitter encrusted christmas tree

Have you met my darling elf from previous years? This year he is perched just inside our front door.

He carries his own bag of toys

And he is always the children's favourite. How could they reist that face?

Before I go I wanted to show you some gorgeous items made from some of my patterns. One of the joys of designing for me is the knowing of the pleasure that someone else gets from creating one of my designs. I love seeing what others have made so please keep the photo's coming.

The gorgeous Jeanette made 2 of these shabby hangers which were featured in Handmade Magazine earlier in the year as a swap gift for Shez.

Look at Carol from Florida's gorgeous version of Lorraine's Flowers. Isn't it stunning?

If you look carefully you can see that it even sparkles. This was published in Patchworking and Stitching a few months ago.

And look what Di made for her friends. 3 of my Christmas Recipe Folders

Thanks girls for sharing your creations.

Next time I'll be back with that tutorial that I promised you and I will show you some of the treasure I found today whilst treasure hunting.

Do you want a little peekat one of my treasures? Oh okay then ...... You twisted my arm !!

Hugs - Fee XX

Gift Idea, Jingle Bells & More Quilts.....

2011-12-18T12:38:00.002+11:00

It's another beautiful day here and I seem to have found my Mojo somewhere late yesterday. I did clean out my wardrobe so it may have been hiding in there amongst all of the cothes which no longer fit me.

Here are this year's jingle bell additions - Each year they seem to come out in prettier colours than the last and the shabby pink and lime are just gorgeus together.

I have finally sewn the binding down on Amy's Sorbet quilt and it is now wrapped and ready for Christmas Morning.

Today has been very productive so far, this morning I whipped up this little cot quilt for my baby niece. I just have to hand applique the butterflies and quilt it before Christmas Eve when I will be seeing her. No pressure - LOL

Also this morning I used those Clips, Artist Canvas and Shoelaces to make this Wall Organiser for my new office area. It is very quick to make and would make a fantastic gift. What you can display on it is endless. Next year I am going to make a little advent calendar similar to this one and hang 25 tiny little wrapped gifts from the clips for the grandbabies.

I had a lot of fun making it. I took some photo's along the way so I will put together a little tutorial for you in the next few days.

Next week I have some photo's of some of my designs that others have made to share with you. As a designer seeing what others do with my patterns is one of the best feelings and to hear how they enjoyed making it is even better.

Try not to get too stressed in the coming week and don't forget to take some time out for "you".

Hugs - Fee X

Is it Really Almost Christmas?

2011-12-17T17:32:00.000+11:00

It is almost Christmas - It is just next weekend. It's hard to believe that it has come upon as again so quickly but it has. I have spent the majority of the morning wrapping gifts. My family grows each year and there are 2 new additions this year to add to the list.

Part of the joy of Christmas for me is the chance to decorate our home in festive clothing. I try to utilise a lot of things I already have like vases and bowls.

And each display is a little vignette. I love to watch the grand babies as they discover a new ornament that they didn't notice before. Quite a few in my collection are musical like this dancing snowman in the background .

Another tradition in our home is our sweets display. I have had it out for quite a few weeks now and I have replenished it many times - They just seem to disappear......

This vase of candy canes are not edible but they have often been picked and mistaken for the real thing. I giggle everytime I catch somebody.

I do get a short break between Christmas and New Year and this year I want to shabby up this table I found a few months ago. It has been awhile since I have had the paint brush out but I have a few things lined up now that need painting.

And tomorrow I am going to make a christmas gift from this little bundle. I'll be back to show you - It may help to solve a gift giving idea for you.

Hugs - Fee X

Out of Hospital.....

2011-12-16T16:26:00.000+11:00

Now that Josh is out of hospital we were hoping that life would go back to sort of "normal" but our new kitty "JT" was admitted to hospital early yesterday morning as he was very unwell. He came out of hospital this afternoon.

It has been a worrying time for us as our pets are also our babies and very much an important part of our home and lives and even though JT has only been with us a short time he has fitted in really well with his new "brothers"

He is very proud of his little bandaged arm where his IV was and now he has a lovely shaved neck from all of the blood testing.

Toby checked to make sure he was okay.

As did Dreamer

And both brothers gave him the going over to make doubley sure that everything was going to be okay.

Dreamer decided that he needed a bath to get rid of the hospital germs

And

Toby agreed. He is very happy to be home and we are very pleased that he is too. Hopefully now he is on the road to recovery.

Hugs,

Fee XX

Christmas Decorating

2011-12-15T20:28:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite things about christmas is decorating our home each year and being inspired by the photographs of other people's homes throughout blogland. Each year I buy and make a few new additions to my christmas decorating stash. These glass angels and jingle bells in a vintage glass ice bucket look gorgeous in the late afternoon sunlight.

There is just something about jingle bells - I have lots :)

Thank you for the lovely comments about my twig vase with holly which hangs some of my favourite hand made decorations. Throughout the year it is just twigs but at christmas time I add the holly to make it a little more festive.

The ornie that Michele made me catches the afternoon sun beautifully and catches little shards of light as the sun goes down.

And it seems my vase of baubles has been a hit. I used them for the first time last year but this year have a few more displays of them which I will show you over the next few days.

With everything that has been going on I seemed to have lost my mojo a little but I did manage to stitch this little bunch of flowers for an upcoming project to be released in 2012.

It had better return in the next few days as I still have 4 projects to complete before Christmas - I had beter get a wriggle on hadn't I ??

In case you are wondering the EXIT soap did remove those little brown splatters from my iron. So that project is patiently waiting to be finished too....

Hugs,

Fee XX

After A Bad Day ......................

2011-12-13T19:13:00.000+11:00

Isn't it funny how some days just go from bad to worse? It all started with me getting a call from Josh today to pick him up as the hospital was being evacuated because of a gas leak. The streets around the hospital were shut down in a traffic jam and gridlock and I needed an escort from the boys in blue to get through to the ambulance bay to collect him.

The day just went down hill from there ......

When I finally got home I was greeted by 3 parcels from 3 of my pals. It did make me smile.

Look what sweet Vicki sent me - She's such a darling - She will be coming down for our bloggers weekend in March - I can't wait !!

And my gorgeous pal Maree sent me this adorable little ornament and a lovely embroidered waffle cloth - They are both perfect and your card brought a tear to my eye Maree XXXXXX

My final parcel for today was from the lovely Kerryanne who I guest posted for in her Simply Christmas which is still running over on her blog. There will be another guest poster tomorrow too - Don't miss it. She is a very talented girl and I just love my little ornie Kerryanne.

Aren't my new ornies just gorgeous?

My parcels couldn't have been better timed - They sure did brighten my day

I have them hanging on my vase of twigs

And mistletoe which is in my newly created office corner

Which is where I sit when I come and visit with you.

And work on my news designs.

After opening my gifts and visiting some blogs the bad stuff from today seems to be so far away - Isn't blogland wonderful?

Hugs - Fee XX

Oh Bugger !!

2011-12-11T20:53:00.001+11:00

Or words to that effect. That's what I said as I was ironing a christmas gift this afternoon and the iron had been mistakenly set to steam and...... it spat out brown gunk all over the white hanky linen of someone's gift I have to get in the mail this week ! I wasn't very lady like that's for sure.

I had to get out my trusty EXIT soap - I think it has removed the stains (fingers crossed) but I won't know until has dried.

While I was scrubbing away I wondered if you had heard of EXIT soap before? It is sold on-line in a few places and also Howard's Storage World - It is Made in Australia and is fabulous for removing stains.

And wasn't I a lucky ducky this week? My SCCS gift arrived and I was very pleased to see that the sender was my friend Miche'le from NZ. I was only chatting to her on face book the day before - She's a sneaky one that's for sure - LOL

And look at the gorgeous ornament she made for me.

Isn't it special ?

And beautifully beaded as well.

I thought I might share a little corner of my garden near my front door with you. The fairy is one of Maddie's favourites and she often chats with her.

And my new personal challenge. I am going to try to weed 1 wheel barrow's worth of weeds every week next year. That will be 52 barrow loads for the year. That should make a big dent in it.

I thought I would start early. So far so good.

Hugs - Fee XX

It's Been A Chilly Weekend

2011-12-04T14:56:00.001+11:00

You could be excused if you were thinking that we were on the tail end of winter here in Tasmania - It has been a blustery, showery cold weekend. I did manage to spring clean my stock room yesterday which was way overdue and also get a little stitching done.

The garden desperately needs attention but it will have to wait until the sun begins to shine again. These are my first 3 completed blocks of "Some Kind Of Wonderful" a gorgeous quilt designed by Annie Downs of Hatched & Patched. I am using Cabbage and Roses which uses lovely tones of Blue, Pink, Red, Cream & Green.

This morning on the way to the hospital to visit with Josh we stopped at the local market looking for some treasure ( I didn't find any) but I did find a lovely lady who was selling handmade children's clothing. The business is called Ashton Wear and is based in Cambridge here in Tasmania. The prices are really reasonable and I found the perfect little dress for Madeliene for Christmas for just $14.00.

The lady was telling me how difficult it was to sell her wares. She has registered as an "Australian Made" business but finds it really tough - As we all do. I wish that other Australians would see the value in buying locally handmade goods instead of cheap imported second rate rubbish. I try to support other artists as much as I can in the hope that they don't give up.

There was also a lady there selling gorgeous little hair acessories which her mother makes. I found the perfect clip to go with Maddie's new dress and some baby bands for the littlies on my christmas list.

I am a true believer that we are in control of our own destiny to a certain extent. We only get one life and it is up to us how we choose to spend it. 2012/2013 was marked out quite some time ago for a few major changes to happen in our lives.

You may remember a little counter I had on my blog up until recently which counted down to a major event for us? I have removed it now and just have a personal one but the days have clicked below 400 now and it is time for me to begin to make a move towards our goals.

So today I took a visit to Office Works - That place is amazing !!! We purchased a lot of office supplies for our new adventure and ordered some office furniture and equipment. If a gal's going to be chained to the desk more than usual she wants it to be a pretty one - right ??

I am very much a plotter and planner and this Book of Lists I started when we first dreamed up our new way of life has been steadily filling. We still have quite a way to go before we can make the big changes but each day we are moving closer and closer.

If you have ever wanted something so much that it is just about all you can think about then you will know how hard it is not to just dive in and do it now - We want to succeed so it is important that we do it right.

I hope to be able to share some news about some happenings for us in early 2012 very soon.

For those of you interested in booking for "Lets Get Stitched in Tassie" the form will be available for download tomorrow. I am sorry that it is a little late - It's almost done now.

Hugs - Fee XX

Thank You Doesn't Seem Enough .....

2011-12-01T12:26:00.000+11:00

Thank You just doesn't seem enough for the phone calls, emails and prayers from you all. I feel truly humbled. I cannot explain how sharing our woes of the last 18 months was like a weight lifted from my shoulders. Thank You for that.

I am pleased to report that Josh is doing well. He had his dressings changed this morning and will have his prosthetic fitted next week. Here he is enjoying some of my homemade pavlova with home grown fresh raspberries.

Fingers crossed that it heals this time and that he can get on with his life. He is searching for a new career at the moment as being a roof tiler may be a little dangerous now :) He is highly motivated to provide for his little family so watch out world - Here comes Josh.

Hugs - Fee XX

Crossing The Line

2011-11-28T11:32:00.001+11:00

I have spoken many times about what this on-line blogging journal means to me. It has become a very important part of my life. I love talking to you all and I love the fact that it is there for ever as a record of my life - What I am doing, What I am Feeling, Where I have been and most importantly How much my Family and Friends mean to me. It is safe to say that 2011 has been a horrid year for us in a number of ways. Some of you that e-mail me regularly are aware of a few of our ups and downs but some aren't. To be quiet honest I can't remember who I've told what.

I had a few phone calls over the weekend from dear friends who I have met through my blog ( and a little visit from my darling Jo) and some of them had no idea what was going on and it made me feel really bad.....

It has always been a bit of a problem for me about how much of my life to share on this blog. I have been reluctant to share our problems of the last year but have decided to cross that invisible line I had in place and share a few things with you.

Mainly because I feel bad that I haven't answered many comments and e-mails lately and because sometimes when I do get time to answer it is a rushed answer and I feel bad. I know that none of us should feel obligated to comment or respond - BUT it always weighs heavily on me when I don't answer. I want you to know that I do always read your e-mails and comments and I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to do so.

Many of you would know that I have 4 children. Samantha, Joshua, Kaitlin and Amy.

Josh my son who turned 20 in September has had a rough couple of years. He developed a blood clot in his leg last year which stopped the main arterial root of blood to his foot which began to break down. In May this year he was hospitalised with gangerene in 1 toe.

A stent (artificial vein) was put in to assist the blood flow to his foot however the gangerene spread to 4 toes on his foot. During testing he was found to have hole in his heart. After many doctors visits and months and the vascular team trying to let his toes self amputate as it was considered too dangerous to fix his heart or surgically amputate, we finally found a surgeon willing to fix his heart which happened a few months ago.

The pain that Josh has been in has been incredible and heart breaking as his mother to watch. As parents we want the best for our children and seeing them in agony constantly is just the worst feeling. In late August, Josh was hospitalised due to the pain and infection and also the fact that his stent was blocked it was decided to amputate so he lost all 5 of his toes.

Here he is with his childhood sweetheart Bec and their baby Mia just after the surgery.

To call Josh a very brave young man is an understatement. He is one of the most positive and brave people I know. Everytime I ask him how he is he always puts a smile on his face and says "I'm ok mum" Since the amputation he has tried to get on with his life but the pain levels hadn't really changed and his stump just wouldn't heal.

On Thursday of last week he was hospitalised due to the infection and the fact that his foot was dying. On Saturday his leg was amputated to just below the knee. He went through a 4 - 5 hour surgery and after being out for just 1/2 hour told me how fantastic he felt. That kid just amazes me. He now tells me that one of the fastest runners in the world only has 1 leg and that he can't wait to get out of hospital and get on with his life.

It has been a horrendous time - I've told him that he owns most of the grey hairs in my head - LOL. I hope and pray that this amputation heals and that he can indeed get on with his life.

Throughout all of this I have also battled a few health issues of my own which includes a lesion growing at the base of my spine which was detected during an MRI for a collapsed disc in my back. The stress and worry throughout the testing processes to find out if the growth was in or on my bone was incredible. My family and friends were amazing throughout this time and I am not sure what I would have done without their support.

The great news is that it is not in my bone so I am "elated" about that - I still have a few processes to go through with it but I feel much more confident now that it's not going to bowl me over.

So all in all I won't be sorry to see the back of 2011 and look forward to a great 2012. It has to be onwards and upwards from here that's for sure.

If you have read this far into my post - Thank you for letting me share some of the more trying moments of our lives this year. Just know that "Blogland" has been a wonderful sanctuary for me and that being able to pick up my stitching and forget about our troubles has been a blessing.

Being a part of the Stitch A Long and Swaps and friendship groups has been wonderful and I really don't know if I would have coped as well without you all.

So from me to you "Thank You"

Hugs - Fee XX

Lavender Heart Tutorial

2011-11-23T14:53:00.000+11:00

I am guest posting over at Shabby Art Boutique today making my Lavender Heart.

Pop over and take a look they are super easy to make and make wonderful gifts all year round.

Hugs - Fee X

Thoughts ......

2011-11-22T12:38:00.000+11:00

The events in my personal life that have transpired over the past few weeks has forced me to question everything, the little things that don't matter in the scale of things, and the things that do matter and just the blessing of being able to wake each morning and be surrounded by those people I love.

I am very sentimental and just adore quotes that actually mean something. I think the above quote sums it all up really...... By Marcus Aurelius

Feel free to use it anyway you wish and know that I created it for you with love.

Fee X

Finally Finished Tis The Season

2011-11-19T09:38:00.001+11:00

Finally last night I stitched the final few binding stitches in my Tis The Season Quilt. I think the deadline was tomorrow so I just scraped through.

I had to wait almost 6 weeks for a parcel of fabric to come from the USA which contained the french red border and binding fabric. I auditioned many other fabrics whilst waiting but it just had to be the french red.

But I did have a helper in finishing the quilt. Jack offered his expertise on more than one occassion.

And I have been working on this lovely design by my friend Jenny. It is the front panel of a bag pattern in her latest magazine. It really is gorgeous and a pleasure to stitch. The sun is shining here today but I have some swap gift wrapping to do before I can venture outside. I hope you are having a lovely start to your weekend?

Hugs - Fee XX

Side Affects

2011-11-09T14:14:00.000+11:00

One of my favourite things to do after dinner of an evening is to sit in my recliner with my feet up and with my stitching on my lap. My kitty cats like to share my lap which is fine as they haven't seen me all day and I get to catch up on cuddles. But

there is a side affect - Can you see it?

Yep kitty cat hair - LOL Luckily I have a great sticky lint brush just perfect for the job of removing it.

Do your pets want your lap when you are stitching?

Hugs - Fee X

Springtime Sunday

2011-11-06T16:02:00.001+11:00

What a glorious day we have enjoyed here in Brighton today. Unfortunately I haven't ben able to do very much but have managed a little bit of machine stitching for a project which will be featured in an upcoming edition of Elefantz Home Magazine. Just the pattern writing to go now - YUK !!

My Larry Lamb Pincushions are all finished now and have been filled with crushed walnuts (Thanks Jo). They are sitting in the gift giving cupboard ready for christmas.

I have also been doing a little secret sewing for some upcoming swaps so can't show you the fruits of my labour yet. Time is ticking away so hopefully I am still on schedule.

Have you heard about Shabby Art Boutique's "Simply Christmas"? Kerry Anne is again this year hosting lots of freebies, giveaways and tutorials between now and christmas. I am doing a guest spot in the coming weeks too. Do yourself a favour and become a follower of her blog so you don't miss out on anything.

Bye for now.

Hugs - Fee X

MIA

2011-11-04T10:17:00.000+11:00

How has your week been? Sorry I have been Missing In Action - My workplace has been extremely busy and I have had a bit of a dip in health this past 10 days or so but Hopefully I am now on the up and can get stuck back into things. I have been making a few smaller gift items though to add to my christmas gift giving pile. I adore this little pin cushion by Anni Downs.

It uses just a few scraps and 2 X 5" Circles of wool. I was lucky enough to find the Check wool on a treasure hunt a few months back. I am really pleased that I am finally using some of it.

I have also been using quite a few scraps in a few other little projects - Some of which I will share with you next year when we begin to play scrapbusters.

These little scissor fobs were fun to make.

And perfect for using up little 2 " Squares of my favourite fabrics.

And just a gentle reminder about our Tassie Weekend which is just 124 days away. Lots of girls including the New Zealand girls have already booked their flights. Are you coming too? Don't forget that it's a long weekend here so book early to avoid disappointment or paying too much in airfares.

Hopefully I'll be back over the weekend to show you some progress on my brick quilt and maybe even a few sneak peeks of what I have planned for 2012.

Hugs - Fee X

Paper Piecing, New Quilt & Frosts

2011-10-27T10:00:00.002+11:00

I am really enjoying paper piecing at the moment - It makes a nice change to sit in my chair at night and whip stitch away mindlessly. I have made another 5 hexagons for my "This Goes With That Quilt"

So that makes 8 all up this month. A number of friends are doing this quilt too - How would you feel about a "This Goes With That" Stitchalong ? If there are enough interested girls out there I would be happy to start a blog for a paper piecing Stichalong - Sounds like fun doesn't it?

Remember all of thise cut pieces for my new Strawberry Fields Brick Quilt? Here they are sewn into partner blocks sunbaking in the afternoon sun.

They looked so pretty with the dappled sun on them that I just had to take some pics...

All up there are over 380 of them...... Well over 750 pieces to this quilt

And I am loving it with white. Do you sometimes look at fabric and the inspiration comes to you immediately? Mine was - "Gee that would look lovely with white on our bed......"

A Pattern was decided on and then the process of cutting away for hours

And then stitching together for hours began......

Until the first few rows started to come together only for Miss K to say - "Gee that would look lovely on MY bed - Can I have it when you're done?

Hmmmmm - Am I ever going to get a quilt on my bed??? In all fairness to her she has a lap quilt and a single bed quilt that I have made for her in the past but she now has a queen sized bed so Santa will be bringing her a new quilt once I get it finished !!

My time is never lonely in the studio - Toby lays on the mat and keeps me company the whole time.

The tomato's that I have in our breeze through are growing really well.

They now have flowers so fruit will not be too far away.

Luckily I have kept them in their pots under cover along with some other seedlings that I am nursing along. Not so the last batch I put in the garden on Sunday - A big frost landed on Monday night and wiped them out !! Ho hum now I have to start some more off - That will teach me to be impatient.

I hope you are having a lovely week - I'll chat to you on Friday when the next newsletter comes out.

Hugs - Fee XX

It's All About Me .....

2011-10-25T14:18:00.000+11:00

A friend e-mailed me a little quiz and I thought it might be fun to do it on my blog. Do you want to play too? If so leave a comment and I will pop by for a visit to find out all about you.

a. age : 41

b. bed size : Queen

c. chore that you hate : Ironing – Unless it is Fabric in the Studio

d. dogs : 15 Year Old Trousers (Heeler/Shepherd Cross) and 3 Year old Toby (Shitzu/Maltese Cross)

f. favorite color : Always Soft Pink……….

g. gold or silver : Gold

h. height : 5 Foot 6 Inches

i. instruments you play : I play the Janome ……..

j. job title : Function Centre Manager (Day Job) + Chief Cook, Bottle Washer & Chauffer

k. kids : Four – Sam (22), Josh (20), Kaitlin (17) & Amy (12)

l. live : Beautiful rural Brighton in Tasmania

m. mother’s name : Carlyne

n. nicknames : Fee

o. overnight hospital stays : 4 Births, Appendix, Gall Bladder & Women’s Bits

p. pet peeves : drivers who think I own a crystal ball…..

q. quote from a movie : Life Is Like A Box of Chocolates ……….

r. right or left handed : Right

s. siblings : 2 sisters and a brother – I am the oldest

t. time you wake up : 6.20am

u. underwear : What’s that ???? Only Joshin – Of Course !!! I am a lady .....

v. vegetable you hate : The Green Ones – Love the Orange ones though

w. what makes you run late : My hubby…....

x. x-rays you’ve had : Lots…..

y. yummy food that you make : Anything sweet – I make a mean Pavlova….

z. zoo animal : The Monkeys – I could stand and watch them for hours…..

Hugs - Fee XX

Weekend Catch Up

2011-10-23T13:17:00.001+11:00

Gosh it's been a busy weekend. I thought I'd pop in before I head out into the garden to pot up some seedlings. The sun is shining and all is beautiful in our little world here in Brighton.

So I have gone and done it again - Signed up for another BOM - This time it is paper piecing - Something that I love...... It is Sue Daley's - This Goes With That and the first parcel arrived this week from Sarah at Patchworks Plus.

The clincher was when Sarah offered it in "Ruby" - How could I resist?

And I have been making some already - Can't wait to see what comes next month.

I have been doing a little stitching too for a few different projects

And I decided on a quilt using my Strawberry Fields stash.

It's all cut out and sitting beside the sewing machine just waiting for the mood to strike for it to be stitched together.

I have got to the stage where I won't even throw out my tiniest of scraps.... Do you do that too? I am especially bad when it is one of my favourite ranges - I often wish that the off cuts where like dough and that you could squeeze it altogether and make something else which got me to thinking........

What could I do with theses tiny scraps and then an idea struck. A new Club in 2012 called "Scrapbusters" will be launched on 1st January 2012.

Each month I will provide you with a "free" scrapbusters challenge pattern using your tiny scraps. Each month all of the participants that make the previous month's challenge pattern will go into a prize draw. Sounds like fun doesn't it?

And the best part is that you won't have to go out and buy anything to play - Just start keeping those tiny scraps between now and the 1st January.

I love the sound of no waste - Don't you?

Anyway the sunshine is beckoning me out so I am going to do some potting.

Hugs - Fee XX

Want to come to Tassie ????

2011-10-21T19:17:00.000+11:00

Do you want to ?

The Tassie Blog is now up - Become A Follower so you don't miss out on any news. HERE

Hugs - Fee

Every Now and Again

2011-10-20T17:43:00.001+11:00

Every now and again something happens in your life to change it forever and making the decision almost 3 years ago to blog was one of those for me.

I was a "lurker" for almost a year and then finally took the plunge.

Why ??

I wanted to surround myself with like minded people, I wanted to meet new friends and I wanted to be creative and to share my creativity in an on-line journal and hopefully inspire others to create.

One thing in life usually leads to another and now 3 years down the track I am a designer, I am also a published designer and I feel very blessed to of achieved both. Blogging has opened up many doors for me and many lasting strong friendships have evolved .

But the dreams....... Oh the dreams of where I could take my creative pursuits..... Wondering if I could make it in a fully fledged business of my own and for it to be sustainable ???? and the fear..... the fear of the unknown and knowing what to do next.....

Well a very dear blogging buddy of mine has taken away all of the wondering and has answered all of my questions ....

The gorgeous creative and very talented Kerryanne of Shabby Art Boutique and Woodberry Designs has written a book....... Not just any book BUT a book which covers everything you need to know to make a successful creative business called "The Creative Mumpreneur".

I feel truly honoured to have been asked to review it and I am ecstatic that it is everything I hoped it would be - I couldn't stop reading.

It covers such things as :-

Business Basics - Including legalities, business names and copyright.

Brand, Logo & Product - Including Photography, Logo, Pricing etc

All Types of Selling - Including Online, At Markets and even Party Plan

Marketing - Including Social Media, Publishing, Publicity and Much much more....

For just a $29 investment the e-book is yours to read and refer to forever. Not much of an investment in your dreams is it?

You can purchase it at Kerry's lovely web-site Woodberry Designs

Whilst you are there take a look at all of her gorgeous "stuff" too.

Hugs - Fee XX

To Juice or Not To Juice

2011-10-19T11:51:00.000+11:00

Like most Australians these days I one day dream of being self sufficient in many ways - We grow fruit and vegetables in our home garden, I bake from scratch and I do my best to feed my family good wholesome meals and healthy food. Little did I know that the expensive "Pure Orange Juice" that I buy for my family is not what it is made out to be...... Did you see Today Tonight's article on so called Australian Juice ??? If not you can see it HERE.

I feel very ripped off - Even the 2 litre bottle of Orange Juice that is made by a local company here in Tasmania is from "Imported and Local Products" If you believe the local growers they say that the only local component is the bottle and the water. Well they have lost me !! I am disgusted that yet another food product that we feed our children is not all it is cracked up to be. !!

So off I went and bought myself an electric citrus juicer. - I cannot seem to get all of the juice out with my manual version so for an investment of $29 I now have a machine which gets all of the juice out.

And it is delicious !! For just a little bit of effort every second day we now have "fresh" juice and I know exactly what's in it and where it came from.

In January of this year I promised myself that I would eat healthy, lose weight and excercise - You know one of those new year's resolutions that went haywire after the second week. Instead I have comfort ate my way through the year. I have had a very emotional year with sickness, my son's amputation and illness and much much more ... so much so that my motivation levels hit rock bottom and my wardrobe become increasingly boring as I grew out of clothes. Last week I decided to give it another go. So far so good - But I am not promising anything just trying extra hard.

I am a huge fan of Annette Sym's books - Symply Too Good To Be True. The recipes are delicious and you really don't think that you are dieting - Just making a few better choices and baking from scratch all of the time - This of course takes time and effort but I am determined to try harder this time. This is a Semi Sun Dried Tomato and Olive Loaf. Very tasty and very nice.

Her latest Book - No 6 is full of diet tips along with a 28 menu plan which is fantastic - It is real food for real women cooking for a family.

Her books are at most newsagents - Next time you are there pick one up and have a browse - You will see how lovely her recipes are and how simple they are to cook.

On the sewing front I have been working on a few different projects and recently finished this little baby quilt - This one is for new niece. I also have to make a similar one by Saturday night for a charity quiz night I am going to - I offered to donate one to auction off.

The Go Baby makes the applique super easy.

Luckily tomorrow is a public holiday in Southern Tasmania so I will be able to work on the second one.

I have a bit of reading to do too and then I will be back to show you something special that a friend of mine has written - Believe me you are going to love it.

Until then,

Love and Hugs - Fee XX

Paper Crafting

2011-10-12T09:04:00.001+11:00

We are supposed to be 6 weeks into spring but the weather here in Southern Tasmania has been very winter like. We have had to light a fire 3 nights in a row and the mountain (Wellington) had a big layer of snow on it yesterday morning. Despite the cold snap the garden is still looking very pretty and when the sun does shine the bees are going about their spring time work. I am very pleased that I still have my tomato's under cover as Sunday we experienced a massive hail storm at Brighton. Fingers crossed that we get some more spring weather soon.

One of our favourite weekend treats is fresh bread from our local bakery. An extra special treat is curried egg and chive sandwiches which is what we had last weekend.

Have you ever tried them? I use fresh chives, butter, curry powder and a small squirt of mayonnaise in mine.

It is delicious - Especially on freshly baked bread.

With the weather so bad over the weekend I decided that it was time that I had another play with my paper craft supplies. They usually live packed away in these 6 striped boxes so when I get them all out I usually like to leave them out for a week or so to make the most of it. They are still out but I can assure you that my work space does not look this tidy anymore.

I have collected lots of nice supplies over the years - I have some nice stamps and some lovely punches.

I have never taken a paper crafting class but prefer just to dabble away in a decoupage type of way.... My best friend is Modge Podge - I use it on just about everything.....

My notebook supplies in my gift box were very low so I had fun putting some more together - I think I have finally mastered the art of making it all stick properly to the plastic notebook fronts. I like to have lots of little gifts like these on hand all of the time to pop into gift parcels.

If you get my newsletter I have shared some lovely sites to download these types of images free over the past few issues - You can just print them out as you need them. I have also just about finished some large note books which look really cool - I am just waiting for the modge podge to dry. I will be giving one away in my newsletter this week as well as some more free sites to download some gorgeous images.

I have a lovely collection of old music paper which I have found on my treasure hunting days - It is great for paper crafting and I am even covering an old frame with some at the moment.

It is my current work in progress. What about you, Do you dabble in paper crafting too?

Hugs - Fee XX

Blog Name, Stitchery Needlebook & Tassie Stitching Weekend

2011-10-07T12:20:00.002+11:00

Plans are progressing very well for "Let's Get Stitched" in Tassie in March next year. Over the weekend I will be developing a seperate blog with all of the details so keep an eye out for it if you are interested in coming. I know that a few of the New Zealand girls have started packing their bags already.

The 3 day programme includes a shop hop, stitching day with "Live" tutorials from 5 designers, Trip to Cadbury Chocolate Factory and a trip to Salamanca Market. The tour bus has been booked, the accomodation found so all we need now is for you girls to pack your bags and join us.

If you are a newsletter subscriber you would have received this week's newsletter already which gives you this "free" stitchery to go with yesterday's tutorial. Last night I stitched this lovely pastel version

And I also did this version using my friend Helen's Colorque Technique. She has a special at the moment on her Faux Applique book which tells you everyhting you need to know about this technique. Go HERE if you are interested in taking a look at it.

My friend Dawn is having a little competition on her blog about how your blog got it's name.

Mine is pretty simple really my darling dad (who passed away a number of years ago) always called me "Fee" as does my hubby. My grandchildren now call me "Nanny Fee", so "Designs by Fee" was a natural progression I suppose. I designed my own Logo as I love swirly romantic Fonts and pink flowers so that too was pretty easy. I have loved hopping around blog land hearing about how everyone got their name - One of my favourites so far is Peg's - Such a sweet little story.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs - Fee XX

Hexagon Needle Book Tutorial

2011-10-06T09:54:00.001+11:00

It is less than 12 weeks to Christmas - Sorry for reminding you but I am starting to get a bit worried and need to start crossing off some handmade gifts from my list. I thought today I would show you how to make a simple little Hexagon needle book that would make a great stocking filler for a fellow sewer or even a tiny little gift to send inside a card for one of your sewing buddies.

If you are a newsletter subscriber I will be giving you the pattern sheet for a stitchery version of this same needle book in tomorrow's newsletter. It is free to subscribe so if you don't already receive it, just sign up in the top right hand corner of my blog.

To make this little needle book you will require the following :-

2 X 5" Charm Squares of Patterned Fabric

Scrap of Wadding

2 X 4" Charm Squares of Wool Felt

Cardboard

50cm Co-ordinating Ribbon

Glue Stick, Craft Glue or Spray Adhesive.

Needle and Thread

You can download the pattern sheet HERE.

Follow the cutting directions from the pattern sheet by cutting

2 Patterned Fabric Hexagons

2 Wool Felt Hexagons

2 Wadding Hexagons

2 Cardboard Hexagons

I prefer to use spray adhesive for part of the gluing in this project and use a cardboard box to spray inside - This stops the spray from going everywhere and keeps your work area clean. Spray one side of both cardboard hexagons.

Place the wadding hexagons over the sprayed side and smooth to adhere.

Spray with glue again on the wadding side.

Place the patterned fabric on top of the wadding centering it, with the right side facing up. When you turn it over it will look like this - A nice 1/4' of fabric left on all sides.

Using the craft glue or a glue stick, glue the fabric down over each side of the hexagon.

Glue opposite sides as you go. This helps get the right tension of the fabric

Next cut the ribbon in half so that you have 2 X 25cm pieces. Glue at least 5cm of one end to one side of the hexagon. Repeat for the other hexagon.

With your glue stick or craft glue make a line of adhesive around the edge of the felt hexagon and place down over the folded edges of the fabric and the glued ribbon. Repeat for the other hexagon.

Place both hexagons together so that the ribbon on each is placed like the photograph above (on outer edges)

Take your Needle and Thread - I use Bottom Line Thread because of it's strength and get mine from HERE

And with the felt sides of both hexagons facing out start stitching the 2 hexagons together along the opposite side to the ribbon.

With whip stitch

Until you have it all stitched together like this.

Place some needles and/or pins inside

Tie up the ribbon in a pretty bow for a sweet little quick gift.

Pretty easy isn't it?

Don't forget that if you are a newsletter subscriber you will receive a pattern for a stitched front version tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy making them.

Hugs - Fee XX

I am so ashamed.........

2011-10-03T18:49:00.001+11:00

A few years ago hubs and I bought some second hand picket fence panels and slapped them all together and made ourselves a fenced vegie patch. We carted besser blocks by the thousand ( well tens - almost 100) and made raised garden beds, we carted trailer load after trailer load of soil and shovelled away until we had blisters on our hands and for the last 3 years have enjoyed the fruits of our labour.

But .........

This winter we let it all go to rack and ruin. All of our hard work has been covered in an abundance of weeds and looks like a very unloved patch. Despite our neglect the 2 black currant bushes and the pair of gooseberry bushes are still alive in amongst all of that mess.

The rhubarb too has flourished despite the neglect. We were able to harvest an abundance of stems for cooking. It was time that we made a stand and this weekend we rolled our sleeves up and gave our little patch some TLC.

I am now very proud to be able to show you the fruits of our labour. My tired aching muscles can attest to the hard labour we both put in with the help of Amy and the the grandies. We managed to get it all cleaned up and even planted out some Lettuce & Black Zucchini along with "pink eye" potatoes.

The rhubarb bed is now much more loved

And they have some little golden zucchini cousins sharing their bed.

The gooseberries have forgiven us and are looking great this year.

And the Black Currant Bushes already have a visitor - Mr Bumble Bee

And Mr Wasp ! We still have 2 beds to weed and re-plant but we both need to recover now - LOL

Now that daylight savings is here it gives us the opportunity to potter around a little more when we get home from work. This afternoon I checked out my Stella Cherry Tree which is in it's 3rd year. It is planted next to the cat's outdoor garden run and it has lots of blossom which will mean lots of yummy fruit.

So whilst the sun was beating down this afternoon I thought I would take advantage of it and do a little potting. I read somewhere once that you could grow potatoes in a container so as I had some seed potatoes left and this great big container I thought that I would experiment a little bit. I drilled some holes in the bottom for drainage.

Put some soil in the bottom and then the seed potatoes.

And then topped it off with soil. So now we will wait and see if we can get a nice crop out of this container.

I also potted up some baby tomato plants and some remaining lettuce seedlings from our planting day yesterday. I like to plant my tomatoes in stages so that we don't have all of the produce at once. These ones will be our late planting as I purchased 2 plants a few weeks ago which I have potted up in our back breeze through.

It is not safe to put tomatoes out here in Brighton until late October because of late frosts but our breeze through gets lots of sunshine and provides a nice safe warm growing spot for them.

And they are both loving it ! These will give us some nice early tomato's this year hopefully.

And just so that you don't think I have neglected everything - Remember when I showed you this poor dying creeper? Well it has been saved from certain death.

I am very proud that I have been able to save him. He is looking very healthy and is even sending off new tendrils.

I did get some time to stitch over the weekend too. I am currently working on a new design for release in 2012.

I thought that you might enjoy a little peek at it.

Oh BTW the Cats won !! I was one very happy girl on Saturday afternoon.

I will be back later in the week.

Hugs - Fee X

Over The Hump .....

2011-09-29T11:22:00.001+10:00

The hump in the week (Wednesday) has been and gone and now we are on the down hill slide to the weekend which is wonderful news. Even better news is all of this loveliness has arrived in time for me to play with over the weekend.

Most of you would know by now that I am a huge "roses" fan and when I heard that Cabbages & Roses were bringing out a fabric range with "Moda" I was one very happy gal and have a quilt planned for "Me".

If you are one of my newsletter subscribers you will receive a newsletter tomorrow which will have a special Cabbages & Roses Offer in it along with some other wonderful offers, recipes and more. If you aren't a subscriber and would like to be, simply enter your name and e-mail address in the boxes on the top right hand side of this blog - It's Free.

It must have been the week for spoiling myself as look what else arrived for me this week. My friend Cherie blogged about her new 2012 diary which she purchased from Rebound Books.

They make Diaries and lots of other things from Vintage Books. The diaries are Little Golden Books and each page from the book is incorporated into the diary.

They are printed in Melbourne by a carbon neutral printer and using vegetable based inks on Australian 100% recycled paper. What more could you want?

The hardest part is trying to choose which one to buy - I finally settled on this one.

It is going to bring me a lot of Joy in 2012 and it will be something that I will put away as a keepsake for my children along with my blogging journals for the future generations of my family to read. It has become very important to me to make a permanent record of my life. I want the future generations of my familyto get to know who I really was and am saddened that I have nothing like that from my ancestors.

This weekend we have some serious home decorating to attend to. It is AFL Grand Final day on Saturday and my beloved football team the Geelong Cats are a finalist and I am super excited. My middle daughter Kaitlin is also an avid fan and together we will decorate our home on Saturday morning before we sit down to watch the big game. I don't talk about football a lot but I am a HUGE fan and watch it every weekend with my stitching on my lap. Go The Cats !!!!!!

And on Sunday I will be playing in the veggie patch and planting these baby seedlings - So my weekend is sort of mapped out - Footy, Sewing and Gardening = Bliss.

Before I go I had best announce the winner of my Go Baby ! from Accuquilt Go Cutter.

This morning I printed out all of the comments, numbered them and then inserted the start and finish numbers into Random.Org. It Came up with No 8 - Which is "Melody". Congratulations Melody - You are going to have hours of fun with your new baby. Please POP over to ACCUQUILT & Choose 3 dies and E-Mail me your details and your 3 choices and it will be delivered to your door in no time at all.

Thank you to everyone that entered - It was a massive response - I know of a few other Australian ladies that will be giving them away so stay tuned for some other links to giveaways coming up in the next few weeks.

Hugs,

Fee XX

Weekend Baking

2011-09-25T09:56:00.000+10:00

I don't know about you but I love to bake but I have to be in the mood for it and usually bake when a recipe inspires me or the lunch box filler tins are empty. This weekend I flicked through my Donna Hay Magazine and came across a recipe for Raspberry Upside Down Cakes.

I love anything that is "Raspberry" so knew that this recipe would be lovely. It is a White Wings "Donna Hay" Recipe and can be found HERE.

Mine look a little different from hers

But taste delicious

Now this picture is quite misleading because there is only 2 of these little cakes left - They were a real hit !

Whilst I was in the mood and with an abundance of fresh lemons given to me by friends I decided to make a Lemon Curd Cake.

This is a wonderful little cake and very easy to make. I will share the recipe in my next newsletter. We have just planted our own lemon tree so I am looking forward to having a nice supply of lemons of our own in the coming years.

It is another beautiful day in paradise here today but as much as I want to get out in the garden this little bundle of loveliness is calling my name. I must of course OBEY.

I hope you too are having a wonderful weekend.

Hugs - Fee XX

TGIF

2011-09-23T18:09:00.000+10:00

I know that you shouldn't wish you're life away as life itself is so precious but this week I am not sorry it's Friday - Actually I am quiet relieved. I am looking forward to a little R & R this weekend. I seem to be tiring much quicker these days - Must be an age thing - LOL

I recently ordered some new books on-line and they arrived this week. I am not sure which one to start first ?? My favourite author "Tess Gerritsen" has a new one so I suppose that will win the battle and will be the first one read. If it's anything like her others I won't be able to put it down until it is finished.

The books may have to compete with the new Donna Hay Magazine I purchased at the supermarket tonight.

How could I resist this Caramel Vanilla Cheesecake on the front cover ? I will have to check to see if I have all of the ingredients to make it - Baking is definetely on the agenda this weekend. There is nothing better than the smell of baking - It gets me every time.

I hope that you have a lovely relaxing weekend and make some time for yourself.

Before I go I wanted to tell you about a "Celebrrating Friday" give away my lovely friend Jo is having - Hurry though it will be drawn on Monday she has some Lovely Australian Designers goodies to give away. Visit her HERE.

Hugs,

Fee XX

PS. If you are a newsletter subscriber I hope you enjoyed your freebie stitchery in this week's addition.

Sunshine Beautiful Sunshine.................................

2011-09-22T09:53:00.000+10:00

It is hard not to smile when the spring sunshine is breaking through the clouds. It is such a lovely time of year and makes you feel alive and ready to tackle anything. Unfortunately that for me will be a vegie patch overgrown with weeds this weekend but the promise of fresh vegies in a few months time will spur me along. Can you see my little rainbow of stitchery above? This will be a new BOM due for release in 2012 - I am working on it each evening and am loving it - I hope you do too.

I have also been working on some new projects using appliques cut from my Go Cutter - It is hard not to be motivated when you have this little miracle worker which takes the hard work out of cutting. Thanks to Sandy I now have a link to a retailer who sells them here in Australia for just $169.00 - Are you tempted? If so go HERE.

I am still searching for a name for my new "BOM" but I decided that this one will be made from Stash - I have chosen a lovely eclectic mix of Pastel Blues, Pinks & Greens. I am having so much fun putting it together.

Even the cutting table scraps are pretty. I am thinking that these scraps would look lovely suspended in a glass jar - It seems such a shame to waste them.

Talking about "pretty" look what my friend Jenny sent me last week. It was such a lovely surprise to receive this in the mail. It is a pattern in Jenny's Monthly Magazine that she writes "Elefantz Home". You can subscribe to it each month or even just buy the individual patterns. Go and visit her and take a look at her Etsy shop she has lots of nice patterns there for you to purchase.

I will be finally making my Soy Candles and Melts this weekend and will share with you the process - I am starting to worry about my Christmas list and need to make some inroads to crossing off a few gifts. In the next few weeks I will also be arranging the Advent Swap for 2011 so all of those "Advent" girls get ready and watch your inbox for further info.

Finally I thought I would show you the finished circles adorned quilt from a few weeks ago.

I hope wherever you are that you are having a happy Thursday and have an action packed weekend planned full of sewing, baking, home making and "me time".

Love and Hugs,

Fee XX

It's Time .........

2011-09-21T09:51:00.000+10:00

I am thrilled to host a giveaway for a Go! Baby Fabric Cutter by Accuquilt. Thanks to the generosity of Accuquilt, I am able to offer one of my faithful readers the opportunity to win their own Go! Baby Cutter and a choice of three dies. This competition is open to all my readers - both Australian and International.

To enter, simply leave a comment below. If you would like an extra entry, simply be a follower of my blog. The entries will close on Wednesday 28th September 9pm EST. Good luck to you all.

Be sure to check out the 22 Free Quilt Patterns at Accuquilt and dream about which dies you would chose.

I have been very busy playing with my new toy and have lots to show you over the coming weeks.

For those ladies that have contacted me wanting to purchase one I am currently trying to find you a retailer that sells them at a good price here in Australia. I have been having trouble with my e-mails too so if you have e-mailed me in the past couple of weeks and haven't had a response to a question or e-mail please bear with me as my aging laptop copes with an upgrade.

Hugs - Fee XXX

A New Love .......

2011-09-10T12:19:00.000+10:00

It is a nice fresh drizzly spring morning here today. Nice you say? Well yes as it is wet I HAVE to stay inside..... And just as well because guess what arrived on my door step yesterday?

Yes my new baby...... My Go Baby ! from Accuquilt - http://www.accuquilt.com/. How exciting is that?

I have been patiently waiting for it's arrival so that I can finish this baby quilt I have had in the unfinished pile for awhile.

As it is Boy colours I decided that circles would be perfect and I can NEVER cut a nice neat circle for applique. The Go Baby ! Circle Die is perfect. It has 3 size circles and so that you don't waste too much fabric you can just cut what you need.

I needed just one of the 5" circles so cut a 5 1/2" square. Fused some Easy Fix onto the back of it and popped it on top of the die and placed the mat over the top. Note - Easy Fix is similar to Vliesofix and is used for easy iron-on applique.

Put it on the bed of the Accuquilt Go baby! and started to turn the handle - Surely that is not all you do ?????

Ummmm Yes - It comes out the other side and then .......

Voila - A circle..... I am so in love..... My head is brimming with ideas and I can't wait to get started on them.

Next I thought that I would try the little 2" Circle with 3 layers.

And look 3 gorgeous little circles...... Even the waste could be applique with a little stitchery inside - Ooohhh I love it when there is no waste.

And just to test how versatile it really is - I tried 2 different fabrics and 2 different sizes at once.

Easy Peasy !! Whoever thought up this machine is a genius !! I am so in love and am now off to HERE to see what other dies I will buy. Are you just as impresed as me?

Now I am off to play with the other 2 dies that they sent me - Bugs and Hearts - The possibilities are going to be endless !!

And I think I can feel a giveaway coming on - Stay Tuned.

Hugs - Fee XX

Changes.....

2011-09-09T11:10:00.000+10:00

Thank you for all of your good wishes on the changes about to happen for me in 2012. Like anything that is a little different it is very scary and I keep second guessing myself but I have to keep reminding myself that it is for the best long term. Slowly as the weeks pass I will reveal a bit more as each page of our new book opens. I would tell you now but I just don't want to jinx myself. I am taking baby steps before I take the giant leap.

I am going to have to think outside the square in all aspects of my life including in my designs which will need to adapt a little. I am currently paper piecing a new project in colours that are not my usual choices but my style is still very evident. It is a slow process and I just do a little each evening. Hopefully I will have more to show you really soon.

So what have you got planned for the weekend? My plans include sorting some fabric and making some more of these wax tarts. I burn these in my oil burner to make the house smell delicious and homely but I also store them in little organza bags and hide them amongst my fabric. All of my stash has a lovely aroma which is even more gorgeous when it comes time to press it. A cheap and easy way for a nice fragrance.

I will share with you my candle and wax tart making process by taking a few photographs. I am working through my christmas list and a number of my friends and family will be receiving smellies this year. I can't believe that we are into the second week of September already so it is time that I make a dent in that list.

I have been having some fun fussy cutting some hexagons for an upcoming project. Are you really into paper piecing too at the moment?

If you are a newsletter subscriber you will be receiving this weeks newsletter very soon which will include this week's bargain buys including packs of 100 X 1" hexagon papers (Card) for just $4.50 and of course that Berry & Apple Slice Recipe. If you aren't already a subscriber you can join up in the top right hand corner of my blog. It's free.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs - Fee XX

August - The month that was ...................

2011-09-03T14:16:00.002+10:00

August is the last month of winter here in Australia and it was bitterly cold and wet here at Brighton. I am not sorry to welcome Spring. The garden is beginning to come alive with colour and each day I can see more blooms opening their eyes looking for the glorious sunshine.

The daffodils have managed to poke their heads through the weeds and open their beautiful petals to reveal their hearts and scent. Just looking at them makes me smile.

Even some of the succulent and waiting to burst out in flower. Spring is a month of changes and all for the better I believe !!

The same can be said for our home. There are lots and lots of changes happening. Most of which I am unable to reveal to you until next year once everything is in place and I am sure it is going to happen but 2012 is going to be a life changing year for us.

Lots of purchases and plans have been made in readiness...... Contracts have been signed and now there is no turning back.....

I didn't achieve nearly as much as I would have liked in August but I did still manage to make some progress on some things so here is my show and tell for the month. Here is Block 3 of Berries and Bluebirds. Almost finished.

A hexagon flower for a new project.

The last block of Tis The Season is almost finished - Just a few more stitches are required.

A new sewing bag design

And a casual bag

I managed to make 5 of these little wall hangings - They just need their binding now.

A gorgeous Friendship Wall Hanging

And lastly a new pincushion and scissor keeps design.

So that is the end of my August Show N Tell. I did also managed to take up a few hems and to do a bit of pattern writing.

************************************************

Is the sun shining where you are? If so forget about the chores, the garden and everything else that requires your attention and spend a little time walking around your little plot in the world and really look at it and appreciate it for what it is "yours". Sometimes we spend far too much time wishing for what we don't have but instead we should be appreciating what we already do have.

I have been very guilty of this but keep reminding myself to be thankful. It really does help your head space when you can just learn to stop wishing and hoping so much for things that may never happen. Live for today and pray that there is a tomorrow.

All a bit dark and deep from me today isn't it? I have had cause in the past month or so to take a good hard look at my life and to make some changes which I hope are for the better. I am in control and instead of wishing and hoping I am going to make things happen.

Wish me Luck !! I have a feeling I am going to need it.

Love and Hugs,

Fee XX

Citrus Cleaner & Springs New Buds

2011-08-28T09:46:00.000+10:00

There have been so many of you that have e-mailed to say that you have started your own jar of citrus cleaner. I am so pleased that you are all willing to give it a go. Mine has been brewing for 2 weeks so it is time to get it ready to use. Remove all of the peel from the jar. Can you see the citrus oil in the picture above? And the smell is delicious !!

The peel has a kind of grey look to it once it is removed. Just put it in your compost or throw it away.

Next decant it into a spray bottle. I couldn't find a funnel so made one from a soft drink bottle.

Make a nice label for it and then it is ready to use.

Saturday mornings is my big bathroom clean day. The sprays I usually use always give me a headache because they are being used in such a confined space. I sprayed everything down with the citrus spray including the glass in the shower which always has soap build up. Next I used a wet cloth to clean all of the areas.

And voila - Look at that shine !! The glass also came up wonderfully ! No soap scum.... To say that I am impressed is an understatement. Everything smelt lovely and fresh and had a lovely sparkle. I have no idea how long this brew will keep but I only have enough left for another big major clean so I will start off a new brew this week.

I have been very concious of wasteage lately and on Thursday night the fruit in the basket was looking a bit tired (Friday's are shopping days in this house). All I had left was apples and pears so I peeled them and diced them all up and put them in a pot with a little water and sugar to stew.

I kept all of the peels and cores for the hens - They love peelings.

It is a lovely feeling to use up all that you have.

Half of the stew mix was used in the belly of a Berry & Apple (a Pear) Slice.

I always keep frozen berries in the freezer to add to cakes and desserts.

This is the first time that I have made this particular slice.

And it was heavenly. I will be sharing the recipe in my next newsletter so if you haven't signed up for it you can do so at the top right corner of my blog. It's free.

The remainder of the stew mix was used in a fruit crumble with some frozen berries.

Very simple to make but delicious !!

And even nicer served with a scoop of icecream. We were lucky enough to have enough for 2 nights of desserts.

And here is the fruit basket this week - I wonder what I will have left to play with this week? Do you have any great ideas for left over fruit?

My garden is currently bursting with spring colour.

So what is a girl to do but pick some for some sweet spring fragrance in the house.

In my next blog post I will show you all of my August finishes and will write up my September list. Did you have a very productive month?

I am off now to sew and get some more finished.

Hugs - Fee XX

Natural Cleaning and My Little Secret .......................

2011-08-23T13:21:00.001+10:00

I think we would all prefer to use less chemicals in our homes. A blogging friend recently told me about this wonderful citrus cleaner that she uses in her home. It is so easy to make so I thought that I would give it a go.

You need some citrus peel, white vinegar, water, a jar and a bit of scrap fabric to pretty up the jar.

Cut the peel up into medium sized chunks.

Place into the bottom of the jar.

1/2 fill with white vinegar and then fill to the top with water. Place onto a window sill for around 2 weeks and let the vinegar and citrus peel work it's magic. I'll be back to show you the next step soon..... Mine is almost ready to use.

Don't waste your oranges either. I chose to juice mine using my lovely Robert Gordon Juicer.

It is one of my favourite pieces of Robert Gordon although it is probably the plainest :)

You truly can't beat freshly squeezed orange juice

And now my little secret. The wonderful people at Accuquilt are giving me a Go! Baby to play with and also another one to give away to one of my lucky readers. Isn't that wonderful? Stay tuned for the give away in the next week or so.

Hugs - Fee XX

A Quick & Easy Meal - Chicken Vol-Au-Vents

2011-08-19T13:47:00.001+10:00

We all seem to be time poor these days and often resort to something quick and easy for dinner sometimes. This doesn't mean that it has to be takeaway. Here is a quick and easy recipe for Chicken Curry which can be served with boiled rice, Put into Vol-Au-Vent Cases or made into little pies. The choice is yours.

This time I decided on Vol-Au-Vent cases. I am a "specials" shopper and when something comes on special that I use, I usually stock up. Coles often have their own brand large vol-au-vent cases (1 is ample if served with vegies) so they were already in the pantry.

When I make chicken curry like this I tend to make a double batch. But here are the ingredients for a single batch which will fill 8 vol-au-vent cases :-

750g Chicken Breast - Diced Small

1 Medium Sized Onion

1 1/2 Cups Mixed Vegetables

2 1/2 Teaspoons of Keens Curry Powder

1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup

Dice the onion and pan fry with a dash of olive oil and the diced chicken breast until brown. Add the rest of the ingredients.

And simmer for 10 - 15 minutes

Fill the cases and sprinkle a little cheese on top.

Pop in the oven for 10 minutes and Hey Presto !! Dinner is served.

And because I made a double batch I now have some to freeze for an even easier dinner somewhere down the track.

I hope you decide to give this hearty recipe a try - It is a firm favourite in our home. Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are in the world.

I will be back next time to let you in on a little secret I am keeping.

Hugs - Fee XX

Do you live in Western Australia

2011-08-15T18:24:00.000+10:00

Do you live in Western Australia? Do you have room in your heart and home for a rescue cat in need of a home?

The lovely Pamela over HERE has just assisted a major cattery rescue and there are lots of British Shorthair cats requiring loving homes. It disgusts me that these animals have been treated this way thankgoodness for Pamela and her merry band of helpers at SAFE. If you can.... please help.

Hugs - Fee XX

A Tutorial, Candles, Making Croutons + A Decison

2011-08-15T14:15:00.000+10:00

I love candles. I love the warm glow they give and I love the smell the scented ones leave. Last night while preparing dinner I turned off all of the lights except for the kitchen light (so I could cook - LOL) and lit some candles. In the coming weeks I will be making some candles, just as soon as my supplies arrive. I will take lots of photographs so that you can make them along with me.

I have blogged once before about the ease of making croutons at home. Last night I had some stale foccacia's and decided to replenish my crouton stockpile. I just cut them all up into small cubes placed on baking paper on an oven tray and sprayed them with olive oil.

And baked in a moderate oven until they have dried out and are crisp and golden.

Once they have cooled place them in an air tight container for future use in soups and salads etc. They are delicious and is a much better way to use stale bread rather than throw it out.

You would all know by now that I am kitty crazy. I adore my feline babies and have much fun playing with them. It always amuses me the things that they will play with.

I have for quite awhile made little toys which I often donate to cat organisations. I thought that you might like to make some too? The first ones I call Kitty Twirls. You need pipe cleaners and little jingle bells (not to small).

Thread a jingle bell onto a pipe cleaner and centre it. Bend over the ends so that they are not sharp.

Next wrap the bell and pipe cleaner around a pencil to give it a spiral shape.

Remove the pencil and Voila !! A Kitty Twirl Toy.

They are such fun to make and the cats will adore them. My fridge has a lovely collection under it.

I also recycle the plastic rings on the top of plastic jars and milk bottles. They are easily removed in 1 piece.

First wrap a pipe cleaner around the ring leaving a gap for another colour. Make a loop at the top if you wish to hang it later.

A cute little kitty wreath from a milk ring.

The larger rings will take 3 to 4 pipe cleaners.

But are heaps of fun to play with - Want to see how much fun?

Dreamer gives it a tap to see if it moves........

Jack gets in on the action......

Oops I think they fell off.....

Which way did they go ?

Down there Jack.......

Okay I'll go get it shall I? They play with them for ages. Give them a go they are cheap to make and will provide hours of fun for your kitty cat.

I have been thinking for awhile that I might like to buy a little hot house. Do you have one? Any tips on what I should be looking for? We live in quite a cold area in winter so I would be able to grow a few different things all year round. What do you think? All help gratefully received.

Hugs - Fee XX

A Thankyou, Gardening, First Sign of Spring & New Design Inspirations

2011-08-13T14:30:00.000+10:00

It seems that there are plenty of us that are feeling the same about today's world. It is nice to know that there are lots of kindred spirits.

I have been given lots and lots of ideas and will work on some tutorials and blogs about them.

The lovely Miche'le sent me a really easy lovely way to scent your home with a vanilla chocolate smell. Place equal parts of water and vanilla essence into the top of an oil burner and light a candle underneath. This smells lovely. Try it for a really cheap alternative.

I took a wander around our garden today and I am ashamed to say that it is much neglected. I feel really sad that it has got to this point. A health issue that I regularly battle prevents me from doing anything too active and gardening just hasn't hit the radar for me in recent months (many months).

So today I gave myself 1 hour. Just 1 hour of tidying and I will see how I go and hopefully I can continue doing little bits at a time - Baby Steps......... The wine barrel looks much nicer now that it is weeded and has a new inhabitant.

Mr & Mrs Kiwi Fruit are hardly recognisable in this mess

And the Passionfruit looks unkept

But after being weeded and tidied they look more respectable

And the passionfruit has been clipped back up to resume it's happy wandering. The first signs of spring are around the garden and I had enough spring bulbs to pick a bunch for my home. There is nothing nicer than a lovely vase of fresh flowers to beautify the home.

The vase lasted on the bench for 5 minutes......... Until it was knocked over and smashed. I wonder who could of done that?

Here they are in a new vase. There maybe a little clue to the culprit in this shot......

Do you think he looks guilty? He's lucky that we have a cat show tomorrow or he would have been grounded for his efforts. I think his sprinkle of cheese on tonight's dinner is in serious jeopardy.

I am going to spend the remainder of this afternoon in my studio playing with these fabrics for a new quilt design.

And with this a table runner in the making

And some pretties requested by a magazine who asked for more of my "pretty shabby things" - I think that sums my style up to a "T" don't you think??

I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend and have a little time to appreciate the beauty around you and be thankful for some of the small pleasures of life.

Hugs - Fee XX

Home Is Where My Heart Is ................

2011-08-11T22:19:00.000+10:00

Life wasn't meant to be easy. Who said that? Well it's true. Life throws us lots of curved balls as we travel down it's path. Some we manouver around with ease others we don't.

Sometimes it is hard to decide which path to take in life. Some decisions we make are good, some bad but usually we just deal with whatever life dishes up.

And oh boy - I have had a fairly large helping lately. Facing regular battles and challenges whether they be personal or on behalf of those you love, makes you stop and wonder.

What is important in your life and what's not? Have you had some moments in your life when you sit and ponder that question?

I never meant for this post to become all deep and meaningful but with a handful of people I care about facing different types of battles, the people of the world facing various disasters this year, the economy, the world in general really facing some major battles - I have been thinking about it a lot and I think it's time to get back to basics.

I often wonder what life was like back in the pioneer days when people were grateful for a full belly and a warm bed. Society has changed so much and we have so much but quite often we don't realise it.

For those of you that know me you already know that my home is where my heart is. My castle and the centre of my family. I want to build on that and try to be more grateful for what we have, try to appreciate the glories of making our house our home and be thankful for small mercies.

Will you join me? I intend to post a few suggestions each week about making our houses our homes from crafty ideas, to money saving ideas to just feel good ideas. Learning to appreciate what we have and to stop wishing for what we don't......

I would love for you to post some of your own ideas, recipes and tips to make our homes our castles, to fill our bellies with good wholesome food and to warm the hearts of those around us. It might just be a recipe that you share or a housekeeping tip.

Grab the logo above and leave me a message once you have it on your blog and I will pop a link to your blog in my side bar - Each week I will share some of your ideas on my blog.

Hugs - Fee XX

Rain Rain Go Away.......

2011-08-07T22:09:00.000+10:00

Would you believe it is still raining here? It has rained almost all weekend. But it was a fabulous excuse to sit down with my stitching and to snuggle with Neddy. For those of you that asked he is a Cream Burmese. As you can see from the photograph he has settled in well.

Congratulations Maria you are the winner of the PIF Book. Please get in touch with your address details so that I can send it to you.

Hugs - Fee XX

A Swap, A PIF and A New Addition.......

2011-08-06T16:26:00.001+10:00

I am in a lovely on-line group of friends who recently had a Christmas in July stocking swap. I was pleased to find out that my partner was Jeanette.

I know that Jeanette loves pretties so using some of my treasured Grand Revival stash I came up with this crazy patched stocking for her.

I adorned it with a gorgeous sparkly button and a tag with her name on it.

I also sent her some christmas buttons and a lovely little shabby keepsake tin. I find nice buttons hard to come by so I usually grab them when I see them. I know that Jeanette will put them to good use. My stocking hasn't arrived yet but I will show you just as soon as it does.

Recently I participated in a PIF on Wendy's blog. I was luckly enough to have my name drawn out to receive this book. I have now read it and loved it !! A great light hearted read. This book started out with Dawn and is being sent on until 25 people have read it and then it will go back home to Dawn.

If you think that you would like to be next to read it and are prepared to do the same on your blog and send it on to another lucky winner then leave a message that you would like to go in the draw. I will draw a winner tomorrow night.

Look who arrived at my place today? Meet Neddy who flew all the way from Sydney this morning. Take my word for it that he is a purring machine. His 2 adoptive brothers aren't as thrilled as me but I am sure that they will grow to love him soon enough - Who could resist that cute little face for too long?

I have spent the afternoon preparing Block 3 of Berries and Bluebirds and will hopefully get a couple of hours of stiching in tonight. It is wet and miserable here today so a perfect afternoon to spend in the sewing room. I am off now to prepare dinner. I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.

Hugs - Fee XX

So Inspiring.....

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Jo and I had an awesome time in Melbourne last week. We spent the entire day on Friday at the Quilt Show. It was so much fun catching up with other bloggers - I don't have a lot of pics of the meet up but some of the others do. Pictured here are Christine, Jo, Kez, Kathy & Me.

That is one of the joys of blogging - making new friendships and finding soul sisters. Kez, Jo & I spent the entire afternoon becoming so inspired and making lots of purchases. We encouraged one another to spend our $$ and were all weighed down with our bags at the end of the day.

Somewhere at the quilt show on Friday I found my mojo - Being around so many beautiful inspiring things helps no end. Fabric is always a huge inspirtion to me and I purchased a bundle of fat quarters from the lovely Nicole at Patchwork Online - Who I might add is a lovely gal along with her hubby who helps her out in the business.

I subscribe to my Berries and Bluebirds with her and she provides an economical and efficient service. Anyway I digress I was telling you about the fat quarters that I bought from her in totally not "Fee" colours - I chose Blacks and Whites, Reds and Lime Greens. I just picked them up and fell in love .... as you do..... so much so that I have already began a project with them which I will hopefully get finished over the weekend. But for now here is a sneak peek of a dresden made from some of the fabric..... I wonder what it will all become?

After completing the new wall hanging last weekend of Home Is Where My Heart Is I decided to utilise the other 5 house buttons that I have from the lovely Barb over at Theodora Cleave. So I reduced the pattern and have made 5 identical wall hangings to be sold later in 2012 at a show I will be attending. I would like to be able to contribute a few things to my pile of finishes each week even if they are only small ones - I will see how I go.

When I got home from Melbourne I also had the cooking bug - I bought some nice fresh strawberries and decided that meringues for dessert would be nice. I love making meringues !!

I usually put hundreds and thousands on them - the kids like them more with them on.

They even look delicious unbaked

But are mouth watering material once they come out of the oven

But are even better served with strawberries and cream - There were no left overs.

Does your family like meringues and pavlova's? They are a real aussie tradition aren't they? What are your families favourite desserts? I would love to know.

Hugs - Fee XX