Saturday, February 16, 2013

January/February Photo a Day

I’ve been diligently snapping away every day for Fat Mum Slim’s Photo a Day Challenge, and enjoying the focus it gives me to be creative, in just a small way, even when my stitching has to be set aside for more important concerns.

Unfortunately I haven’t been so diligent in posting said photos, so here we go, catching up for the last few days of January and the beginning of February.

Day 29 - Grow

Day 29 – Grow

Day 30 - Down

Day 30 – Down

The sea looks a calm azure blue on a sunny day at The Gap, but this Sydney landmark isn’t famous for its beauty. It’s a sad place where hundreds of people have ended their lives in desperation.

Day 31 - Yourself

Day 31 – Yourself

Day 1 - Fork

February

Day 1 – Fork

Day 2 - Pattern

Day 2 – Pattern

The pattern of ‘petals’ on my Daisy a Day quilt.

Day 3 - Earrings

Day 3 – Something beginning with E

Earrings

Day 4 - Hope

Day 4 – Hope

More catching up soon!

Red rose Di

Thursday, February 14, 2013

St Mark’s Quilter, Di C, take a bow!

Christmas this year was extra special for my friend Robbie, who sews with us each month in the English Quilt group.  She welcomed a new little grandson into the world!

A tiny bub, he was 10 and a half weeks early, and in rather a hurry to enjoy his first Christmas, so he timed his entrance for maximum impact, on Christmas Eve, just as the doctors were skipping out the door with visions of champagne and prawns dancing in their heads (hey, that’s how we celebrate here in Australia).

There was no room at the inn in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, so he was transferred to Royal Prince Alfred’s unit, which just happens to be where we in another of my quilt groups, St Mark’s Quilters, send our Blankets of Love. When I heard this I hardly dared hope that he might receive one of our baby quilts, knowing that several other groups also donate quilts – but look, he has!

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I’m glad I have a “gallery” of photos recording our quilts with their makers’ names. [See those tabs up the top of the page?] It was so easy to scroll through and find that this cute owl quilt was #33, made by …. (drumroll) …. Di C!

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We already receive enormous satisfaction just making these Blankets of Love, but it gives us real cause for excitement when we discover that we have a connection with the family of a tiny recipient.

And it’s even more exciting to be able to report that this little fellow is doing so well under the expert care he’s receiving at RPA (and, no doubt, the cheery quilt made by Di C) that he might even go home soon.

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Awww, don’t you just love warm fuzzy stories like this?

 

Red rose Di

Monday, February 4, 2013

A very special gift

Remember last November when I wrote about those sneaky St Mark’s Quilters who, over a couple of months, created a uniquely beautiful keepsake book as a surprise for me?

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At the time I promised to show you more detail, but it’s been so long you’ve probably abandoned all…

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…of ever seeing the deliciousness that lies between the soft covers of this special book.  I hope you’ll agree it was worth the wait.

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I’ll let you have a browse through all 23 pages, pictured here beside their creators – some of the most generous and loving women I know.

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Gillian

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Margaret G

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Cath

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Liz

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Ruth

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Michelle

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Robyn

{Robyn wasn’t going to allow the little matter of a broken arm to prevent her joining in, so she used a ‘stunt quilter’ Winking smile to stitch her nine patch block instead}

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Di B

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Di C

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Barb

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Margaret B

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Margie

Margie works at the KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning & Care Centre, one of the two organisations who receive our quilts.

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Susie

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Maud

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Kirstin

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Coral

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Gail

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Dess

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Perdita

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Moo

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Amanda

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Sue

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Helen

Bible verses, Christian symbolism (butterflies), quilt blocks, cross stitchery, silk ribbon embroidery, clever fabrics that are not always what they seem, tapestry, hexagons, applique, buttons and bling, beading and bullion roses. What a magnificent range of techniques! And so much pink!

What can I say but “thank you, my friends”. I will treasure this little book always.

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Red rose Di

Sunday, February 3, 2013

More Photo A Day shots

Day 22 - Corner

Day 22 – Corner

Moo gave me this fun and funky platter as a ‘just because’ gift this week, and I think it looks fabulous sitting in a corner of my kitchen bench.

Day 23 - Electric

Day 23 – Electric

Three chargers lined up for my Apple devices – iPod, iPad and iPhone.

I’m such an Apple ‘tragic’ LOL.

Day 24 - Stripes

Day 24 – Stripes

A sneaky peek at my entry in the “It’s All about Me” Blog Hop coming up in a few weeks’ time on Sew We Quilt.

It’s only a little piece, but it should give you a giggle. It will be my turn to reveal all (so to speak!) on Tuesday 19 February.

Day 25 - Landscape

Day 25 – Landscape

Apologies for the low resolution of this landscape, the peaceful memorial garden behind St Mark’s shown here in the jacaranda blooming season (November).

Day 26 - Together

Day 26 – Together

This is one of my all-time favourite shots of Mr J who insisted on helping his Daddy with the wheelbarrow.

Father and son working together. Bless them!

Day 27 - Sun

Day 27 – Sun

It was fortunate indeed that I snapped this one on Australia Day, the previous day, since Sydney woke to torrential rain on 27 January and the sun steadfastly refused to show itself for 2 more days.

Day 28 - Through - Montemerano

Day 28 – Through

Let’s face it, Italy is a photographer’s paradise.

I took this photo of houses seen through an archway when we were in Montemerano a few years ago, and I love it.

I’ll be back with more soon.

Red rose Di