And so.. it begins

Hope it brings all you could wish for!

Season's greetings

Ah... summer

It's cloudy and muggy at the moment, but I want to share some of my favourite things about summer in Queensland.

Poinciana in bloom

Ah.. frangipani.

Summer stone fruit.

Mangoes...yum!

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 What would summer be without chilled watermelon to help beat the heat! And of course... there's Christmas.

Tuesday treasures

In the spirit of the season, my treasure today is from my doily stash. Actually, this came from my Granny's house, as did many of the other treasures I have shared.

This is an embroidered breakfast set with a Christmas theme, although I'm not quite sure of the purpose for the narrow little piece. So cute!

This is a selection from my collection of sandwich tray doilies. I just love them and buy them whenever I find them, although really pretty ones are becoming harder to find.

Don't forget to pop over to Melody's and see who else is sharing today.

No, it can't be..

.. December already, can it? I know that it must be however, as today was my first Christmas function of the season.

This is Cafe 4342 at Forest Hill, a tiny town in the Lockyer Valley, about half an hour's drive from Ipswich. It is also a gift shop and the local Post Office. The food is delicious and I was lunching with friends from the Ipswich group of the National Trust. Just  lovely!
Across the road from the cafe is Mimmi's, a cute shop full of hand-crafted goodies made by local artisans. I got an early start on Christmas shopping (I know, I know, lots of you are way ahead of me! but I'm in denial) and picked up these journals made by the talented Janie from Handmade at Woolshed Creek (which I actually crossed on my way to Forest Hill. The creek that is).

I guess I should have realised it was getting on for Christmas as the temperatures are rising. 32 degrees today! What will they be by the end of the month!!

Playing around..

... with some chintz furnishing samples.

I'll probably turn these into cushions to sell at Wolston House. Speaking of which, we are having our annual Christmas Craft Fair this coming Sunday from 11am to 4 pm. Hope the weather is kind to us.

Making a mark

I have been browsing the Internet looking for ideas for signature quilts. Next year is the 50th anniversary of the National Trust in Queensland, and the 160th birthday of the Trust property, Wolston House, where I regularly volunteer. I have been asked to make something for these celebrations on behalf of the volunteers, so I thought that a quilt incorporating all our names would be good.
I found a few ideas...

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... but I thought I would like to include a picture of the house or in some way make it not just about the names. I suppose it would end up as a wall hanging; we have about twenty-five regular volunteers.

 Has anyone made something like this and have some suggestions for me? I need to make a decision about the signature block at least before we finish for the year as our Christmas get together would be a good opportunity to gather signatures.

Tuesday treasures

When my daughter was younger I was really certain that, even if she had inherited the crafting gene that runs in my family, she was never going to exercise it. I have been proven wrong of course, as those of you who visit her blog would know.

The first indication I had that my predictions were wrong was when she began cross-stitching. This is one of her gifts to me (she knows my weakness for old houses) and it is my treasure for today.
Don't forget to pop over to visit Melody and see who else is sharing today.

Progress

Although I have been rather busy with other things this past week, I did manage to find some time to spend in my craft room. Mainly I was just getting things on to the new shelves and out of the boxes and bags where I had temporarily stored them. Some furniture was moved out also to make more room.
At the moment there is not a great deal of organisation... but at least I don't avert my eyes as I pass the open door!

Now I hope to sort things gradually and maybe actually create something, now that I can find my way to the sewing machine!

A day at the coast

I spent today at the Gold Coast for this year's National Trust of Queensland Conference. We were at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (owned & operated by the National Trust in case you didn't know) for the two morning sessions and got to eat morning tea and lunch very close to these cuties.

After lunch we moved on to the Kirra Hill Community Centre which is in the former Coolangatta State School.

I wonder if this view was one of the reasons the school was relocated to the bottom of the hill?

A bit distracting for the students perhaps?

Changes

The craft room makeover is under way!
Going from this...

... to this...

Very poor photos I'm afraid... the room doesn't get a lot of natural light, I have to make do with a daylight globe. (that's my excuse for not noticing the dust in the pigeon holes... they are cute but not practical)

Now, let the sorting begin!!!

Tuesday treasures

Joining in a little late today I know. My treasures today are part of  a small collection of vintage glass, but these are special because they were my mother's.

They remind me of afternoon teas with the family and any visitors who happened to drop by for a cuppa. My Mum could always rustle up something out of nothing... pikelets, Sao biscuits with tomato and cheese, rolled oat bikkies... yum!
Be sure to pop over to Melody's to see who else shared today.

A bit of culture

Boy, I sure have missed a few days! As the saying goes.. 'life is what happens when you are planning something else'. I spent most of last week feeling very off colour with a nasty tummy bug. So.. the craft room deadline is looming with not much progress to show.
On a brighter note, I spent part of today in Brisbane at the Art Gallery for this exhibition.

 I remembered yesterday that it is almost ready to close and, since I very much doubt I'll ever get to Madrid, I decided I'd better make the most of the opportunity.
A late lunch at the new (to me as I haven't visited for a while) Museum Cafe and the company of my son... very nice.

 It was also nice to see some rain clouds looming over the city. It's been so dry.

Blogtoberfest 2012 - Day 19

One of the things I love most about this time of year. The Jacarandas are in bloom!

This one is right next door, so I can enjoy it every time I step outside. Beautiful!

Blogtoberfest 2012 - Day 15

One of the things I love about living in Ipswich is the amount of lovely parks provided by the City Council. Not long after I moved here they developed parkland along the bank of the Bremer River in the city centre and named it (very appropriately) Riverheart Parklands. There are boardwalks, rainforest walks, ponds and lawns which wend their way along the river. After being devastated by flood they have been repaired and recently extended further down the river.

Today I went for a walk to see the new part and was most impressed. Since the Bremer has high banks in parts, it feels as if the city and traffic are far away.

This board has pictures showing the history of the river, including its early years as the head of navigation when goods were loaded here to travel down to Brisbane.

This picture is not very clear but it shows the flood marker on one of the supports for the main traffic bridge over the Bremer. In 2011 the water went over the marker, peaking at around 18 metres. Seems incredible doesn't it? Across the river is the Riverlink shopping centre and you can just make out the framework for the gasometer which used to be there when the site was used for industrial purposes.

It was a lovely walk and I think it may become a regular one.

Blogtoberfest - Day 13

I'm not doing so well with the posting this Blogtober. As I am in de-cluttering and sorting mode at the moment, there is not much happening to blog about. I have been fairly good about getting rid of rather than acquiring stuff but...
The other day when I was at Lifeline, depositing stuff in the bin (being good), I just couldn't resist going into the actual store (being naughty) and of course I found something that just had to come home with me.

I have a few vintage evening bags and just couldn't resist this little peach satin one. Hopeless case aren't I?

Blogtoberfest - Day 9 - Tuesday treasures

One of the things I most treasure is time with my family. Last week my daughter, grand daughter and I had a lovely 'girls' day out' at Mt Tambourine.

Yummy morning tea, visit to the glow worm cave and a fossick through a vintage shop. What more could you wish for!

Don't forget to pop over to Melody's blog to see who else is sharing today.

Blogtoberfest 2012 - Day 8

My niece's birthday party in Bundaberg yesterday was a most elegant occasion. High tea at the croquet club with food provided by my my sister who is a talented chef. Macarons, cupcakes, lamingtons, pinwheel and ribbon sandwiches just a few of the delectable offerings as well as pink champagne and cranberry punch. Oh... and a chance to play croquet too!

I'm back..

...sort of. Just to let you know the new computer is here and I'm spending time checking links, updating favourites that seem to have got lost in the data transfer and downloading programs that weren't included in the data transfer. Exhausting!!! Won't be back till Monday as I'm off to Bundaberg this weekend for a niece's birthday party. Sorry to miss the fun of Blogtoberfest!

Still waiting...

For my new computer to be ready. I am getting bit impatient. There is some progress on the craft room, I have made some decisions about shelving. Always the hardest part I think; making decisions that is. Perhaps my goal could be to have it up and running by the end of October?? I am wondering what happened to my post from yesterday.. It's not showing up.

Waiting...

For my new computer to be ready with all my data transferred across (I hope). Back tomorrow all being well.
PS. Does this count as a post for Blogtoberfest?

Oh no...

My computer is having issues at the moment. Just when I sign up for Blogtoberfest too. My iPad is ok but I don't have access to photos. Hoping to sort out the issues soon. Grr... Just when I'm ready to blog again!

Blogtoberfest 2012 - #1

Well, here we are, October 1st already, and the beginning of Blogtoberfest. My aim this month is to blog more as an incentive to craft more, but I realised that my craft room needs its makeover first.

No, I'm not going to share pictures of the shameful state of the room at present, but I will share pictures of inspirational ones I found here.

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I love the cosy chair and the eclectic mix of crafts in this one. I looks like it has lovely light coming in as well.

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So pretty but somehow looks like it's more for show. 

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Oh to have this much space to play around with. My room is only three metres square and a bit cramped. I am looking for shelving that is attractive yet practical and a way to have all my bits and bobs handy when the urge to craft hits. 

But don't we all?

Vintage Singer

Recently I posted about the restored Singer treadle machine at Wolston House and I got curious about the one I have in my sewing room. When I bought it originally, I intended to have it fixed to use, but over the years it became more of a decorator item and has ended up being used as a table for my modern Pfaff.

So I dusted it off and investigated the serial number. Apparently it was made in 1941 which surprised me , as I thought manufacture of sewing machines may have halted during the war. This particular site doesn't give corresponding Model numbers but I think it could be a 201. Does anyone know? As you can see it needs some TLC, so I may have send it off to the hospital!
PS Just did some more Internet searching and found this website which says that the model is a 201K. This site matches serial numbers with model numbers and date of manufacture.

Blogtoberfest 2012

Joining again this year in the the hope that committing to more blogging = having to have more to blog about = having to do more stuff to blog about = more crafting. Impeccable logic wouldn't you say? Let's see how it pans out. Last year I did blog every day in October... just can't remember whether there was more crafting.

Sew beautiful

At Wolston House we are always getting people wanting to donate things to the house. Although some of the things are not appropriate or acceptable, occasionally we get offered beautiful items like this treadle sewing machine.

When it came it wasn't in working order and was also a bit on the shabby side. One of our volunteers had recently had her mother's treadle restored and gave us the name of the restorer. This is the result and I'm pleased to say that the lovely gentleman didn't charge us a cent. Some people are very generous aren't they!

Apparently this model was made in the early 1920s and I'm hoping to use it to demonstrate to our visitors (particularly the school children) how our mothers and grandmothers made things for their families and their homes. Shouldn't be too hard as I learned to sew on a very similar machine. 

Tuesday treasures

In this day and age people may think it strange that a child's first watch was a very big deal. They are now so cheap and almost disposable. When I finished Primary school (in those days it was Grade 8) my parents bought me my first watch. It came from Wallace Bishop's (before it was a franchise) and was dainty and delicate in marcasite.
It disappeared some time in the 70s when I was living in Melbourne and I mourned its loss.

Many years later my daughter gave me this one she found at Cash Converters. It's not exactly the same, but it is dainty and delicate. It doesn't work but I don't care. I treasure it because my daughter took the time to find it and give me a reminder of something special.
Don't forget to pop over to Melody's and see who else is sharing today.

Tuesday treasures

Since I have now finished my stint of full-time work (seven weeks!!!) today I am treasuring TIME!

 Time to relax.. time to read.. time to meet my daughter for coffee... time to plan some crafting.. (and time to do some spring cleaning but, shhh.. we won't speak of that!). Ahhh.. bliss!
Don't forget to pop over to Melody's to see who else is sharing today.

Spring is on its way..

What a glorious day it is today here in South-east Queensland. I was tempted to wander in my yard, trying to ignore how neglected it looks and pretending it is just as fabulous as the gardens featured in this month's Country Style magazine (swoon).

Photo courtesy Country Style

Sadly, my imagination is not that good, but I was cheered up by the sight of my jasmine flowering its little heart out and smelling just divine.

I was also cheered up by the thought that someone is coming this week to tame the wilderness for me. Maybe then I will be able to focus on making improvements, rather than maintaining the status quo. One lives in hope!

Garden bounty

I've been a bit quiet on the blog front in recent weeks because I am enjoying a short stint of full time work. Although I'm not enjoying getting up early to the frosty mornings we have had lately, I do like the work I'm doing.

My garden is very neglected as a result but these beauties have looked after themselves. There is still lots of fruit ripening and I have some pulp in the freezer to turn into more passion-fruit butter when I have time. I have also given some away.
Lucky I love passionfruit!

Lovely quilts..

... in Bundaberg. Travelling north for the weekend I stayed in Bundaberg on Friday night. Up town Saturday morning noticed a sign for the Bundaberg Quilt Show. It is held biennially and I have been before but hadn't realised it was on last weekend. Only half an hour to spare before heading to Gladstone for a function, but my sister and I made every minute count.

The stand out for me was the number of beautiful applique/Baltimore style quilts. I do so admire anyone who takes the time to complete one of these.

I was also rather taken with this one. I'm rather partial to the snail trail block and this colour combination is stunning,

Nice little bit of applique there too. A very talented bunch of quilters in Bundaberg!

Tuesday Treasures

My treasure today isn't exactly mine. I have been (selfishly) keeping it in trust for my daughter, as it belonged to her grandmother (not my mum) who passed away when Selina was only ten years old. I decided that it's really time should hand it over but first I wanted to share it here.

I'm sure you all understand my reluctance to part with it. Perhaps I can hang on to it a bit longer with the excuse that I want to have it restored properly? No?
I want one!!!
Don't forget to pop over and visit Melody to see who else is sharing today.

Tuesday treasures

I was hoping to join in earlier today but I was unexpectedly called in to work. A bit of a surprise on day 2 of the school term, but... anyway, that's how it goes sometimes.

My treasures today are fairly recent acquisitions, but special nonetheless. This lovely plate was a gift from my sister.. just because! She saw it on  a white elephant stall at a church fete and immediately thought of me. aren't I lucky to have a sister who knows me so well. The tray-cloth and salad servers were picked up in a local vintage shop.

I have a small collection of vintage kitchenalia which includes a few rolling pins and have been on the lookout for a glass one. Any I found were always more than I was willing to pay, so I was thrilled to receive this beauty from my beautiful daughter. Apparently it was a very good price (she's thrifty too), so that makes it special too.
Don't forget to pop over to visit Melody and see who else is sharing today.