Just saying .... LOL

It's raining in the Blue Mountains where I am at the moment. Freezing and Misty. I am sitting in front of the television with my youngest grandson watching a children's program (thank you TV programmers). Not something we normally do as we both love to go outside in the fresh air - cool or not. Isn't that what our coats and hats are for? Keeping us warm and comfy. This does come at a small cost though. I am simply unable to get my sewing out as those 20 month old fingers try to help at every turn. :) Not that I mind. I gave him some fabric and a chopstick so he could mimic me. It was successful for a short time, but the lure of what Nan hand in her hands was so tempting, so I gave it up. Sorry to my teacher - I may not have my homework done for Sunday's class. It's been an interesting week and a bit. I have not child proofed my house, choosing to just use the logic of a simple two letter word - NO :)) LOL Another fave is my amazing ability to count - 1 - 2 - 3 !! Usually I get a reaction before three so all it's very good in this household. My grandchildren know that Nan and Pa love them heaps and smile so sweetly at us - like who us??? when they do something they know they maybe should not do.

 

I thought you might like to know how your brain is made up, so have added the following diagram so you can make sense of what happens with the hallowed walls of our heads :)))  I wanted to share this &  thought you could do it in a lovely patchwork cushion for your workspace and take note of it from time to time.. It's great therapy and gives you a good laugh :)))

Aren''t these cute. Just about to make some for pressies :)) Xmas is but months away

This is how I feel about my friends and patchwork buddies. Great Saying :)) It would make a great addition as a label or even within the quilt top itself.,

Enjoy your day, Love your Hubby or Partner & Family, Share with Friends and Just Be !

Quilty Hugs Dee

Friendship Swap 2012

Woohoo !! I have a new friend Illene in the 2012 Friendship Swap run by Sew Phrim Kris :)) Am so looking forward to chatting, swapping emails and little tokens of friendship over the next year. How great is that ? You can check progress on this blog or by going to http://sewprimkhris.blogspot.com.au/

I have some great ideas on what to send in my parcels, but am always happy to receive information on other ideas readers may have - so send via a comment or email me. :))

Today is beautifully sunny and a tad cool to the face - but a wonderful day anyway. Even after inclement weather most of our Great Ocean Road/Victoria trip, nothing could take away the memory of the coastline and the wellbeing we feel.. The weather added to the excitement with Mother Nature crashing waves against the coastline.

To everyone - enjoy your Day - Quilty Hugs Dee

Almost at the End of the GOR Travel

Ballarat to Bendigo via Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Found a motel on the net - again through http://www.booking.com/ - great place to get great deals at the last minute. Pity there was no milk for a cuppa in the room though. No-one at the desk to ask for some - luckily I spot a petrol station next door - not that I like petrol in my tea - but they sell milk in cartons there - funny that . The visitor next door had his car over our car spot so we had to take up number 30's spot - luckily no one was booked in for the night. The motel looked quite different from the photo - in the morning we could see why - the newer suites were at the back . As it was pouring we reversed in to get our stuff out that we needed but didn't see the huge puddle of water laying in wait to get the unseeing. LOL. Wet slippers. Another cold and wet night. His Lordship was overly tired today. Wonder why with all the stopping, walking and playing tourists.

Found a few Patchwork shop addresses in the phone book and just had to go see a couple - or three planned for tomorrow:))

The first one I came to in Victoria Street was closed till 10am - forgot we were in the country, so we head off to the second one on the list, we can always come back later. This one closer to the centre of town in Mair Street.  Sovereign Needlework - Ballarat's largest supplier of 'Fine Needlework' was just opening and Elaine the owner for the past 12 months was checking that the log fire was going - just to keep the customers warm mind you. I was 'warmly' greeted and welcomed to browse around whilst she continued to open up. Lovely wools, fine fabrics and embroidery cottons of every colour imaginable hung on the walls. Great quilters patterns as well as ones for crochet, knitting and tapestries were strewn around the displays. I just happened to purchase a ball of wool for a scarf and another piece of fabric for my GORVQ (Victoria quilt) too.

His Lordship was busily checking a store two doors us - just something he had to do as it encompassed all the sports he loves.

Next stop was the store that was closed beforehand. We waited a little longer as it was still before opening time. The window display was very ecletic with Melly and Me patterns and all the latest fabrics. Beautifully done quilts, bags, toys etc around for display. The owner was busily tapping away on her computer. I did feel I was interupting her a bit when I asked questions - there was no-one else in the store so I thought it was okay. Purchased a couple of bits and pieces though I can't say I felt welcomed here.

My next stop was opposite an amazing church built from Ironstone where Lord S dutifully took some photos for me - the tourist thing - while I HAD to go into a store professing a SALE!! My goodness!! A sale!!!!   Isn't that just was a patchworker loves?

Eureka Patchwork :)))

Elizabeth cutting my fabrics

'The Selection!!!!'

Eureka Patchwork at the corner of Victoria Street amd King Street was calling me. I walked into the store and said 'Good Morning' to anyone who was listening as I always do. Alison was busily cutting and sorting fabrics behind one counter and welcomed me in. WOW - a glorious range of fabrics in all sorts of tonings, colourways and beautifully displayed fabrics that said 'pick me' 'pick me'! SO I did. I was told all fabrics were $20 a metre but they were having a sale and everything on display was now $15 a metre. Elizabeth the owner came out to greet me. What a wonderful lady. Showed me the latest collection of fabrics from Jenny Beyer, her secret stashes out back - as there wasn't anywhere else out front to put them, some fabrics in between and more. Elizabeth showed me a catalogue of the Stone Collection of fabrics coming in soon - very very noice :))

Elizabeth is trying to amass 2000 bolts of fabric for her store - and by the look of it is succeeding very well. A few dollars later pffffft, I have added to my Fabric Library some gorgeous things. Toy Fabric, some for my GORVQ and a little more LOL. Both some fabric for a gift too - just know the recipient will love the colours.

Thank you so much Elizabeth & Alison for being so genuine, warm and welcoming to this traveller :)) Check their website -  If you are looking for a particular type of fabric Elizabeth probably has it or knows where you can find it :))
Travel on driver !!!!

Drove on to Creswick where I thought I was going to see a craft store - called Lemon Tree Cafe - ok - some painting and produce on the walls but not quite the craft I was looking to see - by the way - wasn't all fabrics - I do love other crafts and already made ones :)) Right next door was Twin Needles - Embroidery & Patchwork Supplies where  the owner Elaine was telling me they produce their own Crewel Wools, Stranded silks and Organdy ribbons under the name Cascade House. Beautiful. I bought a pattern for embroidering a baby blanket with wools to match. I also got some ribbbon and fabric for the GORVQ.Well worth a visit either in person or on the internet.  http://www.cascadehouse.com.au/

By the way - I did not get anything for FREE at any of the stores I visited - just in case any of you are wondering why I am 'advertisng' for the stores I visit. I AM NOT - I am just passing on where I went on my travels and a personal view to what I see and hear.

Onwards to Daylesford where I had hoped to indulge in 'the waters' to help my ailing bod. But alas time was going quicker than our eyes and car. I perused some stores in Daylesford and found some lovely presies. The Tourist Information Centre was very helpful with their maps and displays. East to see where one should go and see and stay by looking at them. Very well done.

I found Threadneedle Craft in Vincent Street, Daylesford - the main street - where I was invited to look and ask for help should I need it - this gentleman's family lived in Newscastle and we had a quick chat on that topic as well as the type of fabrics he kept as that is what his local customers were after. Got three pieces of fabric for the GORVQ.

Next we stopped at Hepburn Springs - where I did not partake of the waters nor did I 'see' any springs. Might not have been looking in the right place, so next time :))

Up the hill a bit, the journey was starting to take a dark turn. I was laden with enough pills to keep a race horse from the track , that was doing little help to my pain wracked leg and back. Lord S stopped so I could stretch - it was less than 3/4 hour since the last stop - things were looking uncomfortable for the travel ahead.

Onwards towards Ballarat is the Chocolate Mill.

The Selection

A well built straw bale building greets the visitor with a pleasant entry garden. Within the garden is metalwork animals - Kangaroos, Echidnas and Emus. Inside there is a chocolate lovers haven. All made within the walls - this hallowed chocolate lovers paradise beckons.....take me home.....eat me now....take me home. Everything chocolate ...... Chilli, Fruit, Nut, Plain, Dark, White, Rum and sooooo many more. His Lordship and I selected a few chocolates and $17.50 later - 10 chocolates. Hot dark chocolate and mudcake we shared then left to venture on.

Looking for a motel room tonight with a bath tub as I really need to soak the bones. First one we found at Kangaroo Flat - his lordship went in to check - nope its already booked even though the computer link says it isn't - so onto look again - yep - found one - lets see. His Lordship comes back with a key - goodness knows what he has found as he isn't the most budget conscious person at times. Driving into a darkened area, reversing up - where the h is he going to I think. Opening the door - I thought - Honeymoon Suite - LOL. Well it is 35 years since we stayed at Bendigo. This time there is a huge king size bed that greets me at the door, with TV and dressing table to the left, a small wood dining table at the back with a kitchenette (no microwave though that's another  $15 for three nights the brochure states lol). I need to refresh myself - and kapow - there is a spa bath - thanks heavens you say - I did ask for a bath if possible -its a DOUBLE spa bath!!!! I hold my stomach and I laugh in hysterics!! Within 15 minutes I had my bag in the room and was sitting in that spa bath with a glass of wine and soft bubbles, blowing my cares away. My body was saying thanks.

Funny 35 years 3 months and 2 weeks ago exactly - our 'Honeymoon' of 3 days - we had $150 left in our bank account after Lord S's truck needed mechanical repairs the week before our wedding, this our livelihood - :( consisted of a caravan somewhere near Sovereign Hill and the cost of 2012's one night accommodation (gonna throttle him) was enough to pay (1977) for the petrol to travel, the caravan park we stayed at and where the heating consisted of a blow heater under the bed and our coats on top of the meagre blanket we were given, the attractions we saw - S.H. and Kryall Castle and the food we ate. But we did enjoy the sights of end of the Begonia Festival, the swans etc and the one small much treasured honeymoon souvenir - a Glass Blown Horse which was done for us whilst we watched and waited the craftsman to do.

Going off to plot the push onwards ....... Dee

Day One of " The Trip"

Leaving Sydney at 8am

Silly really. Fancy leaving from the Sydney end of the expressway at almost peak time. Soooo much traffic boths ways - going up to the expressway to travel toward the City and Coast or southerly to places like Epping  and Parramatta (no way) . Thank goodness we had to turn off onto the M7 to go south after what we saw and sat in below. This, the shortest of trips took over an hour when normally its about 15 minutes travel.

Bumper to bumper, pouring rain. What a way to start a holiday. Figures though for the Lord and I to always pick such glorious weather to travel in. Should we be lucky that the weather would grace us with a peak of sunshine? Maybe.

We luck out most times - Hurricanes in Queensland - Bush Fires in Perth (never got there), chose Hamilton in New Zealand - earthquakes, Kobe in Japan - tsunami and Fiji - flood time but before we could book on our first ever (never gone now) holiday overseas, Mother Nature took her temper tantrums out in mega style. Sigh. Is it our lot in life to stay close to home?

Well not this time! It can rain all it likes. We have umbrellas, warm Ugg boots, jackets, and many layers of clothes to see us through whatever Mother Nature wants to send to NSW and Victoria. We even have a gas stove, kettle and tea bags so we can have a cuppa whenever the time arises that we require one.

So many photos to share but thought you would like to see what happened when we stopped at a little town called Jugiong in NSW. There had obviously been a flood in the township in the prior few weeks. The barrier rails had been lowered. This is to facilitate any debri being able to float across the bridge without etting stuck on it and the railing that normally protects cars from driving off it!

Bridge to Jugiong.

Before we actually got to the bridge we happened on a man riding an unusual mount !!!!!

Jack on A Roo :)

A rather old rusty man and his mount - a very large red kangaroo. The original Jack on a Roo..... a pun here ok??? Jack a roo.. Okay some won't understand but those who do should have a great laugh.

Happy Oxen :))

You can see the grass on the legs of these 'oxen' how far the water rose from the river to the old Truck Service Station.



I am sitting in a motel room at the mo, with the air conditioner on warm - actually very warm. The dial says 30 degrees celcius. Methinx not. We also have the advantage of electric blankets - something I normally don't use. Overheats moi and his Lordship. So I may have to turn it on to warm those blinking cold cotton sheets as the temperature is supposed to be zero tonight. But as the ever so bright and cheerful if somewhat unhelpful (Paris Hilton type) weather girl stated tonight - bright and sunny tomorrow at 17 degrees. Haha. Thanks for that - we are travelling farther south tomorrow.

I had to go out from the motel to purchase a meal. Round and round a growing city - that is Albury.

As I was driving I happened to glance to the left - a sign said PATCHWORK !!!! My 4WD took itself around the road to the left and then up Macauley Street, Albury to the patchwork shop - Avonleigh Country Quilting.

I just happened to 'require' some fabric to do some hexagons with while I am away - uh huh - and purchased three fat eighths of pink and rose print type quilting fabrics for $9.00. Served by a lovely lady who gave me their business card. 

If you would like to see more have a read of their BLOG at http://www.avonleighcountryquilting.com.au/

Had to add the following pic for all to see. This is the Albury Information Centre. Very helpful staff :)

And the very beautiful and well looked after Albury Train Station in its sunny glory. Gorgeous huh.

Now this weary traveller is off to shower and have a well deserved rest. Goodnight and Adious till the moro my friends - Dee

Swaps - For Friendship and Kinship Patchwork

I have always wanted to be involved in a swap with someone else. Maybe even become great penpals or rather emailbesties :)
One I have been reading quite a lot about is Sew Phrim Khris.
Khristina - Khris has been doing this for some time coming up with words which initials are used as things to swap.

For example :-
C - Chocolate - this can be chocolate coloured fabric, chocolates themselves,  always appreciated by patchworkers/quilters alike, chicken - a pattern perhaps
B - bag pattern, blue fabric, bugs

You must be vigilant though - because YOU chose to join a group means YOU must follow through. Swap packages must be sent by the dates given, Packages themselves to include useful and thoughtful things that YOU yourself may like to receive from someone.

I can't wait to 'meet' my swap partner and have already got great ideas for this years SWAP :)) So excited

You can follow Khris's great blog for yourself even if you don't wish to join a Swap Group - you might like to purchase one of her patterns, read her blogs or just write a note and say Hi!

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I am off to Victoria's Great Ocean Road tomorrow - we have waited so long to visit. After cancelling a time or two, we get to actually travel together. So close before yet so far .... could have travelled by myself but what fun would that be when two people have been waiting to do this trip for quite some time to do this together. Would be a little cruel to blab about the great time one's had - would it not?

Great Ocean Road - towards Lorne

Aerial View - Great Ocean Road

Hope I can get some great photos like the above ones from Victoria Tourism :))) Looking forward to seeing whats left of the Twelve Apostles before there isn;t any left to see.

And whilst travelling, t'would be a true shame not to stop and peruse some Patchwork shops - now wouldn't it? LOL. I beleive there is 180 shops throughout Victoria.  Threadneedle Craft at Daylesford,  The Patchwork TeaHouse at Warburton,  South Fabrics at Euchua, Riviera Patchwork at Bairnsdale, and any others I am almost driving past - watch out - I'll be visiting :)))))

Till I'm back to you - Cheers Dee