Goodbye Dear Viv

Many of you may know of Viv from Viv's Creations. She sadly passed away last night after battling cancer for some time.  She was a very talented designer and I have sewn many of her patterns and been to many of her classes over the years.  We had lots in common and hit it off straight away, and I was very fortunate to call her a friend - a very special person in my life, who I will sadly miss -

This was the last time I saw her - 12 months ago, although we emailled regularly.

Many of her designs grace my home, especially at this time of the year as we both loved Christmas -

Welcome stitchery in my entrance hall.

Lots of stitchery on this stocking.

Love this naive tree with lots of three dimensional ornaments stitched to it.

Another favorite.

And my tree with all my lovely handmade decorations on it has several of Viv's on it. The cute little reindeer is one from another lovely friend, Keryn. 

I will miss you Viv. Cheryl xx

1 Xmas Item a Month

Phew, that month went quick. I am joining Narelle from Pins and Whiskers and lots of other busy elves for

Lots of xmas sewing at the moment, lots of it secret, but I can show you this little hanging I've just finished, which will be a gift -

A pattern from Cinderberry Stitches. I have done a couple of this design this year in different colorways.  Have a great week. Cheryl

A Lovely Day Out

Last Wednesday a group of us headed off to Melbourne for a lovely, indulgent day.  First stop was a visit to the Johnston Collection.  This is a private museum "Fairhaven" bequeathed to the State of Victoria by William Johnston, which was originally his home and still contains the beautiful antique furniture he loved to collect. Each year in November various artisans and groups (including patchwork, embroidery, beading, decoupage, etc) are invited to decorate one room in the house with Christmas embellishments, but taking their inspiration from the furnishings, china, etc within. Not an easy task.

Decorations made by the various groups included an amazing patchwork quilt on the bed, cushions, tree decorations, presents under the tree, decoupage eggs, beaded decorations, embroidered placemats and the list goes on. Unfortunately no photos were permitted inside, but there were literally hundreds of lovely handmade things.

Next it was lunch at "Gaz"i which is George Columbaris' restaurant of Masterchef fame. Well known for the beautiful souvlakis (which I had), but had to show you the ceiling -

Hundreds and hundreds of terracotta pots. Looked amazing .

Then onto some shopping. What would a day in the city be without some retail therapy.
Myers window was beautiful as always - "Gingerbread Friends" was the book it was based on this year.

And my favorite shop "L'ucello" - full of vintage haberdashery. Do you think I was in my element?  Absolutely!

Lots of trims and braids

And of course I had to buy something, didn't I?

Some fat 1/4s in my favorite colors.

And couldn't resist these gorgeous vintage buttons - may not use them, they look so gorgeous on the card and the reindeer braid - will be handy for some xmas sewing.

Have a lovely weekend. Cheryl

A Quick Post

today. Not a lot I can show - lots of secret sewing happening, but you will all know about that.

We had a lovely weekend camping with one of my daughters and two little granddaughters. This was the bit they enjoyed the most -

toasting marshmellows over the fire.  We had loads of fun. First camping trip for Miss 2 y.o.

And posted these off today - gifts for my Secret Santa swap partner in Chookyblues swap.  One down, mmm a few to go.

Off to Melbourne on the train tomorrow for a fun, indulgent day.  Will show you what I got up to in the next couple of days. Cheryl

Christmas Gathering

Wow what a wonderful day I had on Saturday at a Christmas Gathering with Leanne Beasley and Gail Pan as the tutors. Here are the girls showing the projects we could work on during the day.

It was great to catch up with fellow bloggers Shez, Barb, Melody, Sharon and catch up with Anne and meet some new bloggers Vicki, Sylvia and Fiona. And lovely to have my sister join me.

This was the beautiful display that greeted us - and we got to keep that very cute reindeer and candle jar.

Barb and Shez enjoying xmas lunch

A close-up of Leanne's gorgeous table runner, for which we received the kit, including the Riley Blake charm pack to complete it.  I will show you Gail's lovely wallhanging when I've done a little more stitching on it. Funnily enough I didn't get a lot done on the day, but will look forward to the next one. Cheryl

Let's Celebrate Swap

Firstly I had to show you these two gorgeous little witches who went out "trick and treating" for Halloween -

(my two little granddaughters of course).

For this month's Let's Celebrate swap through Mrs Martins Quilt Shop we were to send a block of our choice for the recipient to make into something as part of "Mrs Martins Quilting Day". . My partner, Julie and I decided we wouldn't make a block but do a finished item related to quilting.  Now my photography skills leave a lot to be desired so when I download the photo of what I had sent to Julie it was way too blurry to use, so I only have a photo of the inside to show you -

Anyway I'm sure you'll get the idea - a sewing folder with lots of pockets. Just what a girl needs for a day of sewing.

And Julie sent me THE most amazing parcel -

This gorgeous sewing pocket, a very cute sewing machine button and a lovely cottage garden thread "Snapdragon", which I am already using.

Isn't it amazing? Just LOVE it Julie, thankyou so much - can't stop looking at it.
Cheryl