Droughtbreaker

It seems the creating drought has broken.. all it took was a few days away at my favourite retreat - Stacey's at the Gap. The weather even cooperated by being drizzly and damp, perfect sewing weather!

My main project was a quilt for my son.. the last one I gave him is now thirteen years old. Although, when I told him I was making it he said, "But you already made me one".

I chose most of the fabrics when I visited the Australian Quilt Convention, a year or so ago, and decided simple was best (my son is very down to earth) and went with a disappearing nine patch.
This is the original block..

And here it is, sliced, diced and reassembled..

Borders still to come. I also made a start on a quilt for my son-in-law. Apparently his old one has been almost worn to tatters. This is a scrappy one from Bonnie Hunter - Strip Twist.

On my way back down the range, I stopped to have a closer look at the cairn commemorating the discovery of the Gap by Alan Cunningham in 1827. When you drive towards the range you wonder how on earth he spotted it, let alone found his way to it!

The nicest thing about the retreat (apart from finding my sewjo)... the constant sound of bell-birds, broken occasionally by the crack of whip birds... magic!

On retreat

In my last post I was looking for my sewjo.. and I am pleased to report it was waiting for me at Stacey's at the Gap. I got heaps done and the only thing I'm not sure about is whether the sewjo came back home with me or has stayed on to inspire someone else. Only time will tell.
So... I finished this..

... made good progress on this...

... pieced this top (a bit of a cheat really as I used a panel) ..

Don't you just love Eric Carle's illustrations!

... and made this little table mat.

I also started making a sewing machine cover for myself, so when I post finished pictures, that will probably be a good indication of whether or not the sewjo is still on vacation! 

Be on the lookout

Things have been very quiet on the crafting front here at the cottage. My sewjo has been missing in action for quite some time now.. packed its bags and taken off for parts unknown. I'm thinking extended world cruise would explain things nicely; I just wish it were me.
I'm hoping it returns very soon as I am heading to Cunningham's Gap this weekend for a retreat and could really use the help getting stuff organised to take.

So far I have this quilt to bind (I finished the top at last year's retreat)

These blocks to turn into.. something?

This quilt to work on (yes, it's a carryover from last year too!)

And some fabric for a quilt for a friend's new grandson.
Enough for three days? Not sure about that.

Busy weekend!

I had a wonderful time at my retreat last weekend; also very productive. I made progress on my "Heart & Home" top...added the first border as well as piecing some more houses and adding more applique to other bits. 

I also made a top using my pretty floral fat quarters. Not sure if I want to add a border to this.

 This is not a good photo... it's taken with my phone and doesn't do the fabrics justice. Here is a close-up.

Stacey's at the Gap is a serene and peaceful place.. lovely ladies for company. I'm going back in November! 

Ready to go...

... off to my retreat tomorrow.

Compared to what some women take this is small potatoes but I think it should be enough. Maybe? I struggled to make decisions about these projects, let alone any more! Hmmm...

After the rain...

... comes the sun? Afraid not.. just more rain and clouds it seems.
During the recent heavier rain my roses have been busy (and the weeds too of course).

I would like to say I have been as busy as my roses, but alas, not the case. I know that the rainy weather should be an incentive to do crafty things... lots of others are inspired.. but for me rainy days = reading.

I have stirred myself slightly in the craft department however. My March retreat is looming and I need to get organised. Last year I began a small quilt by Anni Downs from an old Homespun magazine, but when I had got to the point of adding the first row of houses to the centre I discovered (shock, horror) that I had cut a nine inch square instead of a nine and a half inch square. And I had already appliqued the hearts! Of course it went to live in the 'I'll get around to that later' basket (sigh).
So I decided that I should at least rectify that mistake so I can continue at retreat.

 As for a decision on other projects to take? Still procrastinating!

Decisions, decisions...

I have booked myself into a quilting retreat in the middle of March hoping to revive my ailing sewjo. It is the same place I went to last year. Of course, the best way to make the most of the weekend is to be well prepared with projects, so I have been reviewing fabric and books for some inspiration. This bundle of fat quarters has been lurking in my stash for a while now and I have at least decided that now is the time to turn them into something... now the question is ... what?

Given my general state of indecision lately I figured I'd better start thinking about it now!

On retreat

A while back I mentioned that I had booked into a quilting retreat in an effort to get back on track with some crafting. Last weekend was 'it' and I have to say I had a lovely time. I even managed to get some work done!
This quilt top had been languishing for sometime, only lacking borders. It turned out nicely I think and now is ready to be sent off for machine quilting.

I then made a start on this Anni Downs pattern and made quite a bit of progress since I hadn't done any cutting beforehand.

The retreat was held here, at Cunningham's Gap not far from home, and this is the cottage I stayed in. Rather apt I think. The weather was a bit drizzly and cool, but the bell birds didn't stop all weekend. Good weather to be inside crafting anyway! 

They have regular retreats so I think I may be booking in again, later in the year.