Weathering the winter

It is high time I posted - I have been hibernating a bit lately. It has been so cold and wet, and I am not the only one to think that....

Above is Harley, our cat, looking fatter than ever with his long fur fluffed out, and below, some of the neighbourhood topknot pigeons puffed up to counter the weather as they perch on the rooftops.

A couple of weeks back I finished off an old (2006!) Quilt Encounter project from a Beth Miller Topsy Turvy Houses workshop ...

It took me so long I couldn't remember where I was up to, so there was a little bit of restoration/ redevlopment in the end. It was done without the aid of rulers, and fun to do. Then I packed up all the sewing to restore Rachel's bedroom for a few days as she visited before taking off on a grand North American adventure. I am gradually spreading everything about again as I decide what to do next.

Although it is cold and wet there is still a lot of colour about to brighten the dreary scene...

red on the Japanese bamboo

 and delicate mauve on the rosemary.

white snowdrops beside a carpet (just showing) of violets,

 a golden fungus skirt (turned almost inside out) on the bike path

a splendid red hot poker in a garden,

 almond blossom in an old orchard

and,soft pink edges and creamy centres on succulents.

This was our very first prunus blossom and the tree is now a mass of beautiful pink blossoms,

 but highlight of the front garden at the moment are some snowpeas. The flowers are splendid

 though only white, and the handful of peas I pick every day or two, lovely and crisp and crunchy!

stitching a childhood memory

Quilt Encounter? When was that? Well it is over a week ago now. I was trying beforehand to finish a project started at QE 6 years ago, but I didn't make it. I still have the quilting to do. I will photograph it when it is finished. I did enjoy my 3 days this year and having waited a few days now, I can actually post a picture of my completed piece from the 'Stitched in memories' workshop with Michele Eastwood (from WA). It was a really nice way to spend 2 days - fairly relaxed and stress free, breaking lots of rules for quilting and embroidery! Thanks Michele.

It is from 2 photos of my brother, sister and me, and nameless so far. The lace is from the bottom of a petticoat. As well as all our 'top' clothes Mum made us both lawn petticoats and panties. The petticoats were always trimmed with lace, the depth depending on whether they were for everyday use (1-2 inches), for 'good' (4 - 6 inches) or for tennis (about 8 inches).

My second workshop was frustrating for me and for Gina who was teaching. We were trying to do embroidery stitches but my machine was playing up. I threatened to take it for servicing yesterday, but when I tried it a few days ago, it was stitching perfectly. I'll take a chance and try to get the quilting done...  It will be a while before I finish the quilt from that workshop.
Congratulations to the committee for another well run event. After 20 years they are bowing out to take a well deserved rest. My best wishes go to the new committee. I am sure they will do a great job too.
 

We have been having some very cold weather, with a fair bit of rain and a lot of wind lately...

This chap was really making the most of it, and came down quite low over me while I was walking on the beach. Of course I had picked up the old camera on my way out - not the one with the better zoom!

I haven't taken many pictures lately. I am just now having fun with a new tablet - the picture of the quilt above was my first taken on it.

Here are a couple of eucalypt blossoms overhanging the block next door. I probably won't get to see them next year as it looks like the block will finally be built on. It has been vacant beside us for 11 years, but someone was conducting soil tests last week.

I find these strange fingers from which the blossoms open, quite fascinating. Many of them come in shades of red, with some being very, very bright. Some are long and thin like witches talons, and others short and stumpy.