A finished project

Finished projects have been few and far between for several months, but hopefully will happen more now!  My top is finished, if you wear glasses you might want to make sure they are adjusted properly.  The fabric is a bit eye-popping......but rather gorgeous.

The front, it's a bit hard to see but the centre front is gathered to make a sweetheart neckline - pattern is Jalie's "Sweetheart Top".

The back, and as the print is asymmetric it was a wee bit tricky deciding where to place the various pieces so the pattern didn't form headlights on the front.  A viscose-blend knit in green, yellow and blue, and the green is much prettier than it looks here.  Green doesn't always photograph well, sadly.  The print design is bugs, moths, wings, and feelers; it looks as though the images were played with on a computer and this is the result.

Finished is a good feeling.

Now the project being worked on is the monthly block for my quilt group, last month's was a cutesy-poo owl appliqué and this month's is a cutesy-poo and fiddly-diddly pieced dog.  Fabric is supplied and we are asked to make two, one each with a red and a green background.  I don't mind making the blocks as they end up in charity quilts, but oh dear - cutesy-poo is difficult for me, and cutesy-poo and fiddly-diddly is even worse.  The fabric supplied is not good quality and one of them is a poly-cotton blend, so let's hope it doesn't melt when ironed.  Ah well, sewing it will keep me off the streets tomorrow, won't it?

The uke group had its moment of fame and glory a couple of days ago, and we even made the local TV news that night, and the front page of yesterday's paper, in all our glory.  For some reason I was the one the camera lovingly lingered on, double chins and all.......not a pretty sight, folks.......my fingers (and my gorgeous and somewhat expensive uke) were filmed in close-up while I was just noodling round on some chords, perhaps because no one else was playing at the time.  It's probably like many other skills - I know I'm not a marvellous player, but to someone who can't play a note it may have looked very impressive.

It's the same with sewing and quilting, isn't it?  We are critical of our own work, but when someone who doesn't sew sees a quilt we have made they are gobsmacked.  Blown away sometimes, even.  Does wonders for one's self-confidence, doesn't it?

This weekend is a long weekend for the Queen's Birthday, and I hope she is suitably impressed that her subjects on the far side of the world are having a holiday.  The monarch's birthday has been celebrated in Australia since the arrival of the first white settlers on the east coast in 1788.  Perhaps one day we will decide that we are a mature enough country to celebrate on our own behalf, and not on someone else's.

The following excerpt from my etiquette book shows how such matters stood in 1885.

"In Australia we have no titled or hereditary aristocracy.  The Australia colonies are, however, "Crown Colonies" at the present time, and will probably ere long be "confederated", and when that event occurs the title suggested by Sir Henry Parkes, late Colonial Secretary of N.S. Wales, may serve to bind them before the world still closer to the parent country, Great Britain, namely "The British Confederated States of Australia".  As colonists are constantly, to use an everyday expression, "going home" to England and visiting European countries, it is well to understand something of Regal and noble ranks and titles, and the order of precedence of the Royal family and of the nobility and gentry, etc., etc., etc."

Australia achieved Federation in 1901.  My paternal grandmother who never visited England in her life - indeed, who never left Australia's shores (although my paternal grandfather had migrated from England as a young man, and lived the rest of his life in Australia) used to talk about "home" - meaning England.  She may not have liked it much if she had visited, as England has long had the reputation of looking down its nose at 'Colonials'.

Enjoy your days!

Stitches are being made!

The top cut out last week is being assembled, now that I have worked out why my overlocker wasn't making a proper stitch.  Nothing to do with the overlocker, you know......it was operator error, pure and simple.  Early this year it was used to make a wrap to match my Mother of the Groom skirt, and as I hadn't previously used it to make a rolled hem the assistant at the local Bernina shop showed me how.  One has to move a couple of things, the cutting blade width and a little 'finger' which wraps the fabric round, to make the rolled hem.  One has had an overlocker since 1992 so of course one didn't look at the manual to go back to a regular stitch, did one?  Nooooo, one didn't.........I couldn't work out why the stitch was so odd, I had moved the cutting blade back but had forgotten about the little 'finger', which was still happily rolling fabric round.  Now it has been rectified  with the help of the lovely woman at the aforesaid shop, it is back to stitching like a dream.  The older Elna machine changed sole plates to make a rolled hem, this Bernina doesn't - different method, same result.

I do not ever never recommend unpicking a four-thread stitch on four-way stretch fabric ever but it was done without snipping holes in the fabric, which is a great relief.  The top is now proceeding along quite nicely and should be finished before too long.

On our visit last month to an open garden I was very taken with one of the plants for sale, an Australian native called Correa 'Dusky Bells', but didn't buy it as we weren't leaving for home for several days yet and home was a two-day drive away, quite a trek for a little plant.  After arriving home we ordered two plants from a local nursery and will collect them tomorrow.  I'm not a great lover of pink but this plant is pretty and delicate and native birds love it , so I am making an exception for it.

We already have two different correas - a white one, 'Alba', and a light red and cream one, 'Canberra Bells' - in the garden and both are growing really well, so we are going with the principle "if it works, stick to it".

One will be planted by the front steps replacing a banksia which has turned up its toes, and the other will probably go in the garden where our big tree was.  I miss that tree.  The roses don't miss it, ever since it was removed they have been growing like weeds; one of them was beheaded when the tree came down but you would not know it today.  Truly, I would rather have the tree than the roses - but when the blokes were removing its sad remains the boss said to me "lucky your roses didn't go, eh!"  Little did he know......the tree gave us welcome summer afternoon shade, the roses don't do anything useful.

Because of the current drought conditions we are only allowed to water our gardens with a hose for two hours a day, between 5 and 7pm.  It's getting quite cool now by 5 o'clock and is quite dark by 5.30pm so it's not great to be outside, but we do keep the bird baths in the back yard topped up as the birds enjoy the water and we enjoy watching the birds.  The front yard is having to fend for itself, although I am watering our lilli pilli every few days as it's still fairly new and needs water while it's getting established.  Once it's a little more mature it will be able to cope with dry weather.  There is rain forecast for this coming weekend and it will be very welcome, as our total rainfall for the year is way down on the usual average.  Local rivers and storage dams are quite low.

"Boating.
Where there is a sufficiently large body or stream of water to admit of it, boating is a very enjoyable recreation which may be pursued by ladies and gentlemen.  There is much danger in sailing, and the proper management of a sail-boat requires considerable tact and experience.  Rowing is safer, but caution should be observed in not overloading the boat.  A gentleman should not invite ladies to sail on the water unless he is thoroughly capable of managing the oat.  Rowing is a healthful and delightful recreation, and many ladies become expert and skilful at it.  Every gentleman should have some knowledge of rowing, as it is easily acquired.  If a gentleman who is inexperienced in rowing, goes out with another gentleman in a boat, he should refrain from any attempt to row, as he will only display his awkwardness, and render the row uncomfortable to his companions."

Not much chance of enough water in the local river to enjoy a pleasant sail these days, sadly.

Enjoy your days!

Eggs and omelettes

Wouldn't you like an omelette made from eggs in this nest?

   Might be a bit hard on the teeth, though.

It's an interesting artwork called 'Nest III' (I don't know where I and II are, or if indeed they exist at all) and is perched on a hill at the Arboretum, which we visited for the first time on our recent visit to Canberra.  It's made of discarded tools and pieces of farm machinery; I admire people who can see ways to use old stuff that might otherwise be discarded.  Size - it's big, much taller than I am.......which is not hard, I'm only five feet two inches. Or thereabouts.

Our taste of winter earlier this month was just that, a little taste.  Since then, days have been much milder although it does cool down at night.  No doubt when winter arrives it will hit like a ton of bricks.  Many locals are still in summer clothes, they are braver than I am because out of the sunshine it's not very warm.  Last week we saw a young woman wearing a summer dress with tiny shoulder straps, sandals on her bare tootsies........and a heavy woollen scarf wrapped round her neck and chest.  I felt like tapping her on the shoulder and saying "for goodness' sake, dear, if you are cold put on more clothes......do you know how silly you look?"  I don't think she would have thanked me.  But she did look silly.

Blue skin and goose bumps do not make for a good look in winter.  The same with bare legs.  What's wrong with wearing warm tights in autumn/winter if one wants to wear a skirt?  One can still look attractive while being warm, there is plenty of opportunity in spring and summer for baring one's flesh in public should one wish.  However, just because one can do something doesn't mean that one should.

Yesterday the scissors were wielded in the sewing room and a top was cut out from fabric purchased in Canberra.  Now all one needs is the motivation to sit down at the machine and sew it, but that will come over the next few days.  The fabric is rather yummy, a viscose-blend knit in blue, yellow and green with an interesting print of bugs and moths, but you have to look hard to see them.  The front was (hopefully!) carefully cut out so that the print won't be badly placed. Pattern is Jalie 2794 and this will be the second time I have made it.

Leaves on the we-think-it's-an-apricot tree in our back yard are nearly all yellow now, just a few touches of green are hanging on, and many of those leaves have already fallen.  In another week the tree will be almost bare, and the golden carpet on the ground will be turning brown and dry.  There are some trees in our street right now which are turning a rich dark purple-red but I don't know what they are called - they are really beautiful.

"Morning dress for street.
The morning dress for the street should be quiet in color, plainly made and of serviceable material.  It should be short enough to clear the ground without collecting mud and garbage.  Lisle-thread gloves in mid-summer, thick gloves in mid-winter, are more comfortable for street wear than kid ones.  Linen collars and cuffs are most suitable for morning street dress.  The bonnet and hat should be quiet and inexpressive, matching the dress as nearly as possible.  In stormy weather a large waterproof with hood is more convenient and less troublesome than an umbrella.  The morning dress for visiting or breakfasting in public may be, in winter, of woollen goods, simply made and quietly trimmed, and in summer, of cambric, pique, marseilles or other wash goods, either white or figured.  For morning wear at home the dress may be still simpler.  The hair should be plainly arranged without ornament."

Nothing there about heavy woollen scarves worn with summer sundresses and sandals, you notice.

Enjoy your days!

More autumn gorgeousness

Is there such a word as gorgeousness?  There should be.

 Fallen leaves, before they were walked into mush.

 Lovely red leaves.

Golden leaves.  I love taking pictures of fallen autumn leaves before they turn wet and slimy - the mix of colours is so pretty.  These were all taken at the open garden we attended a few weeks ago.

The current project on the sewing machine is a fiddly diddly applique owl block which will end up in a charity quilt.  It is very cutesy-poo.  I don't do cutesy-poo.  Fortunately it is nearly finished, just the coloured framing strips remain to be done.  It will be handed over at next month's quilt group meeting with a huge sigh of relief.  Hopefully whoever provides the block of the month in June doesn't go in for cutesy-poo applique, but I wouldn't bet on it.  When it's my turn they get a pieced block, with triangles.

Ah well.  The world would be a dull place if we all felt the same, wouldn't it?

Last week the newish car and I made each other's acquaintance, and so far the relationship is proceeding well.  I drive it to uke group on Tuesday evening and home again, and to choir on Thursday night and home again, and I am getting used to the controls being on the other sides because it is European.  Occasionally I turn on the windscreen washers instead of the indicators (probably much to the amusement of other drivers) but that is happening less and less.  So long as my right hand does most of the work and my left hand stays low, all is well......my shoulder is pretty much over its operation but still doesn't like sudden movements.  Any little twinges can probably now be put down to the fact that autumn is here, the weather is cooler, and things hurt more when it's cold.

Last Friday evening we had a lovely dinner at a (the) local French restaurant, and it was worth every penny.  It isn't the amount you pay, but the value you get for what you pay, isn't it?  The restaurant isn't open every night which is why we haven't been for a couple of years, as our 'occasions' - birthdays, anniversary - have been happening on their closed nights.  I had salmon and it was really yummy, Kevin had steak, and of course we had dessert, raspberry roulade for me and strawberry cream cake for him.

Another nine months until the next birthday in our household.......I'll be hanging out for that, you know.  I always enjoy a meal I haven't had to cook.  Not that I mind cooking, but as one has been cooking nearly every night for well over 40 years - the novelty of cooking wore off a very very long time ago.

"The table appointments.
A snow-white cloth of the finest damask, beautiful china, glistening or finely-engraved glass, and polished plate are considered essential to a grand dinner.  Choice flowers, ferns and mosses tastefully arranged, add much to the beauty of the table.  A salt-cellar should be within the reach of every guest.  Napkins should be folded square and placed with a roll of bread upon each plate.  The dessert is placed on the table amidst the flowers.  An epergne, or a low dish of flowers, graces the centre ; stands of bon-bons and confectionery are ranged on both sides of the table, which completes the decorations of the table.  The name of each guest, written upon a card and placed one on each plate, marks the seat assigned."

Does that sound like dinner at your house?  Because it certainly doesn't sound like mine.......

Enjoy your days!

Happy birthday to me.......

.........Happy birthday to me,

Happy birthday, happy birthday -

Happy birthday to meeeeee!

The brain is back in gear now

Our three weeks away flew by, it only seemed that we were away for half that time!  Although we have been to Canberra many time before we still found new - to us - places to visit.  We spent some time with our son and his wife before and after they headed off on their delayed honeymoon, and they are so happy together.  The folk festival was excellent, catching up with friends we see only once or twice a year was great fun, and there were lots of singing and uke playing to make me happy too.

One day I read online about a local garden which was open for a weekend, so we followed directions (it was 40 minutes or so away) and found "Woowoolahra" in all its autumn glory.

First, some glorious orange dahlias in the 'cafe' area - one could (and we did) buy coffee and/or lunch.

 The owners have border collie dogs, these plants are along one side of their kennel enclosure.

 The owners have built a long trellis along one side of the dam, and the entire length is planted with Nahema roses - pretty to look at, with the most heavenly scent.

 The dam - you can tell by the lack of shadows that it was not a sunny day, in fact it was quite cool, but all the better for taking photos.

 Under some trees was a grove of mushrooms, including some startling orange/red ones.

We have had an early taste of winter here, although it's still only autumn!  The weekend just past was very very cold, in fact snow fell just an hour away, and although today is sunnier it is still quite cool.  Last night was only a few degrees above freezing.

We are slowly getting used to the fact that Binky has gone.  When we first adopted her she had a little kitten mew - she was only eight weeks old, after all - as she grew older the miaow grew louder, and she was a very vocal cat for 17 years, so the silence is quite deafening.  A blood test showed that she had advanced kidney disease, she had been off her food for a while and was losing weight, so we made the sad decision that it was time for her to go.  Bianca has very quickly adjusted to life as The Only Cat In The Household.

"Funerals.
The saddest of all ceremonies is that attendant upon the death of relatives and friends, and it becomes us to show, in every possible way, the utmost consideration for the feelings of the bereaved, and the deepest respect for the melancholy occasion.  Of late the forms of ostentation at funerals are gradually diminishing, and by some people of intelligence even mourning habiliments are rejected in whole or in part."   

Thank you to those who wrote when Binky died, your kind words made a very sad occasion a little more bearable.  Losing a loved pet who has been part of the family for a long time is very difficult.

Enjoy your days!

We're home again!

When my brain gets back into "being home" mode I will write about our holiday.

The house is very quiet without Binky........