Six months ago today........

..........we moved here. Doesn't seem like half a year, does it? But it must be, because the calendar says so. That's the neighbour's house in the top pic, ours in the bottom pic, but the garden is ours.

It seems that every time we turn around there are more discoveries to be made in the garden. An uninspiring shrub (of which there are six, in different parts of the garden) turned out to be Brunfelsia - you can see one just coming into bloom. We might let them stay because the flowers are so pretty, even though they are very blah when not in flower. The previous owner seems to have gone in for multiples of things she liked, perhaps plants which were easy to grow? The bright green plant is nandina, one of which we have removed already but there are six or so still to go. Don't like them.

Today I delved into my dressmaking fabric stash and found a piece of mustard gold solid knit I had forgotten was there, then went shopping for a contrasting fabric to make some new pyjamas. Found an interesting small print knit in navy and white which, as luck would have it, was on special so I will have me some tres stylish jim-jams for not much moolah. Most ready-made pjs are pink and I don't wear pink...if you saw me wearing pink you would understand why, it's not a pretty sight. Kevin, bless him, has been known to occasionally look askance at the amount of fabrics I have, but I told him it was for my retirement. Now I'm retired and I am using my stash even if occasionally I need extra fabric. It's a good feeling. And he is happy.

That fabric, plus some other I want to use, is pre-washing as we speak. When I was young and slender - a thousand years ago - had only been sewing for a couple of years, I bought a pretty piece of yellow printed cotton and made a dress, there was only just enough fabric, I had to use lawn for the facings and turn up the teeniest hem - wore it, it was so pretty - washed it - and it shrank. I could still wear it but it was a snug fit. While I think fabrics have improved since then and shrinkage isn't the problem it used to be, I don't take any chances. Everything I buy is pre-washed before I cut into it. Lesson learnt.

No doubt about it, my new Sew-Ezi table takes some of the pain out of machine quilting. The challenge quilt is partly done, the yellow (sand) middle section is done, the blue (water) bottom section is done - not very perfectly as the fabrics seem to have stretched as it was going through the machine and there are puckers, but it is done - now to do the top blue (sky) section. Then the borders. Then the binding. Mustn't forget the label too. All to be done in three weeks.........I think I can, I think I can.......queen of procrastination speaking here.......

Yesterday we went to a quilt and collectibles exhibition put on by a local organisation which raises funds to help people living with cancer, in memory of a local woman who passed away from cancer some years ago. What gorgeous quilts there were! I didn't take pics because the hall was a less than ideal photograph-taking place and it was difficult to get far enough away. Even a few of my modest efforts were on display.

"Flattery.

Do not be guilty of flattery. The flattery of those richer than ourselves or better born is vulgar, and born of rudeness, and is sure to be received as emanating from unworthy motives. Testify your respect, your admiration, and your gratitude by deeds more than words. Words are easy but deeds are difficult. Few will believe the former, but the latter will carry confirmation with them."

Now it's time to perhaps have a go at more quilting, or I might cut out some fabrics for a change.

Enjoy your days!